ABS 2023
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Plasticity in signal production directs the evolution of multi-component mating displays
Noah/T Leith1, Jake/P Woods1,2, Kasey/D Fowler-Finn1. 1Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States; 2University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States

Biologists have long recognized that the environment shapes the evolution of complex animal communication by governing signal transmission, signal detection, and the evolution of receiver sensory systems. However, research to date overlooks how the environment alters another key process shaping signal evolution—signal production. Using a combination of experiments and comparative analyses, we show that the evolution of complex courtship and exaggerated sexual ornaments in wolf spiders is shaped by how climate affects covariation between courtship behaviors and sexual ornaments during signal production. Our experiment with Schizocosa ocreata shows that covariation between behavioral and morphological sexual traits is stronger and that male displays have a stronger effect on mating success in hot and wet conditions. In parallel, comparative analyses reveal that Schizocosa species in hot and wet climates are more likely to evolve multi-component displays with additional behaviors and exaggerated ornaments. Environmental effects on signal production may therefore be just as important for signal diversification as effects on signal transmission, detection, or perception.