Temperature fluctuations as universal engine for evolutionary diversification of sex-determination: A theoretical study using mechanistic models

The gender of an individual is determined by a tremendous variety of mechanisms in the plant and animal kingdom, ranging from purely genetic right through to purely ambient mechanisms. The reason for this is still a mystery. Variations in ambient temperature appear to be important, as many genetic development processes are sensitive to variations in temperature. We are going to use theoretical computer models to make predictions of the evolutionary role of temporal and spatial temperature fluctuations in gender determination. We will then collaborate with experimental groups to test these predictions with various animal families including worms, flies, and lizards.