Evolutionary Ecology

Using several insects, we are conducting researches for evolution and ecology. Specifically, we focus on reproductive behavior, learning behavior and life history, and analyze them to clarify their adaptive significance. We are also analyzing the physiological mechanisms gene expression that control these behavioral traits for understanding their proximate factors. In addition, we will apply the experimental results as above to the development of technology for pest control methods and are attempting to expand our research into applied researches.

	Assoc. Prof. OKADA Kensuke E-mail: okaken [at] cc.okayama-u.ac.jp Ecology Directory of Researchers

In animals, reproductive activity and its evolution have attracted attention in studies of evolutionary ecology. Thus, many researchers have constructed theory on reproductive strategy and empirical studies have demonstrated it using multiple technique. I also conduct an evolutionary ecological approach for understanding reproductive dynamics and systems in animals. I use several insects as research materials and mainly focus on their reproductive behaviors as follows: courtship, dispersal, ejaculation, fighting, relocating. Additionally, male morphological characters are in my research area. Typical example of such characters is beetle’s horns and mandibles, and the chracters are exaggerated and are strongly associated with male reproduction.