BL4284 Breeding systems and sexual conﬂict Organiser: Carl Smith Outline The tradi:onal view of breeding systems in animals as a (mostly) harmonious joint venture by two individuals has been challenged by recent research showing that the interests of males and females over reproduc:on frequently diverge. Sexual conﬂict is an inevitable consequence of sexual reproduc:on and occurs when males and females diﬀer in their reproduc:ve interests. Teaching: Two 1-‐hour weekly seminars/lectures. Assessment: Comprises a 3-‐page PhD proposal on which feedback is provided and to which students can respond with a 1-‐page rebuHal. In addi6on, each student will give a talk on a topical subject of their choice. Studies of the sexual con7lict between male and female bitterling 7ish (Rhodeus spp.) at St Andrews has shown how the breeding system that we see is the outcome of intense sexual con7lict. Learning objec:ves: •  Understanding conﬂict over the outcome of male-‐female interac6ons over ma6ng. •  Conﬂict over parental care. •  Conﬂict over out-‐crossing and selﬁng. •  Conﬂict over male ma6ng polymorphisms. •  Understanding antagonis6c selec6on for traits expressed in both sexes with diﬀerent ﬁtness op6ma. References Arnqvist & Rowe (2005) Sexual conﬂict. Princeton University Press. Keller (1999) Levels of selec2on in evolu2on. Princeton University Press. Westneat & Fox (2010) Evolu2onary Behavioural Ecology. Oxford University Press.