Behavioural axis

 Male and female sticklebacks often differ in colouration during the mating season. While the females retain a dull colouration that provides camouflage from predators during gravidity, males typically develop bright blue eyes and red throats to attract females to lay eggs in their nests. Prof. Chad Brock and Prof. Alison Bell are investigating the variation of cryptic and nuptial colouration of males and females in the experimental lakes, as well as the genetic underpinnings of differences in colouration. 

 Climate change has been shown to impact northern boreal freshwater systems by causing increased browning due to dissolved organic matter. The optical environment of a lake can have significant effects on colour signaling in fish. Prof. Chad Brock is conducting semi-annual measurements of the optical environment by measuring physical parameters to characterize the optical environment of the experimental lakes. Data collected will track potential shifts in the optical characteristics of the lakes, as well as potential changes in how stickleback colouration may respond to changes in the environment. 

 Territorial stickleback males have to balance territory defense, courtship, predator defense and parental care all at the same time. Tina Barbasch, Victoria Abuwa and Alison Bell are studying how individual males balance between competing demands and how those tradeoffs vary across lakes. 

 Variation in dispersal following an introduction event could impact the ecological effects that introduced organisms have on their environments. Many factors can contribute to variation in dispersal, including variation in behaviour, parasitism, and ancestry. Alexis Heckley and Kiyoko Gotanda are studying movement and dispersal of sticklebacks in the destination lakes to gain insights into the early stages of adaptation to new environments.