动物动态视觉信号在性选择中的功能是当前进化生物学和行为学研究的热点。过去性选择的研究主要基于声音和静态视觉信号。然而大多数物种缺乏艳丽的色斑，在求偶时并不发声，因此动态视觉信号一定起着重要作用。对这类信号研究的缺乏主要是受技术的限制。随着计算机技术，尤其是动画技术的飞速发展，这些限制已被克服。本项目将以沙蜥为对象，研究动态视觉信号在雌性配偶选择中的功能，并检验性选择相关理论。沙蜥动态视觉信号主要表现为不同形式的摆尾和卷尾动作，结构较为简单，易于研究。首先，以青海沙蜥为对象，详细研究信号的结构组成及其影响配偶选择的过程，并检验雌性选择中的相关假说。其次，进一步调查五个近缘沙蜥种，研究与配偶选择相关的动态视觉信号的进化。动态视觉信号量化将采用最新的立体摄像技术和空间运动分析方法。雌性偏好性将采用动画模拟回放来检测。研究动态视觉信号在配偶选择中的功能，对性选择理论和动物信号的进化都具有重要意义。

Females use signals to assess and choose mates. Classical studies on sexual selection have mostly focused on vocal or still visual signals. Nevertheless, many species do not possess colorful spots, and do not make sounds during courtship. Movement-based signals are common among animals and play a crucial role in female mate choice. Largely limited by available technology, however, the function and evolution of motion visual signals in female mate choice are not well understood at present time. Recent developments of computer technology, especially digital animation technology, present an opportunity to examine motion signals. The toad-headed agamas of the genus Phrynocephalus are known for their diverse tail motion signaling, and are excellent systems for such studies. We will first collect the motion signals of Phrynocephalus vlangalii using 3D video recording, and quantify the signal structure by dissecting each signal into its fine elements. Then we will use animation playback to test how females choose mate based on motion signals. To understand the process of female mate choice, the direct benefits hypothesis and indirect benefits hypothesis will be tested, with male fitness being measured using territory size,male condition and offspring fitness. To understand the evolution of female mate choice, signals structures of five more Phrynocephalus species will be quantified, and signals evolution will be traced based on their phylogeny. Meanwhile the sensory exploitation hypothesis will be examined by cross-species playback experiments. Our study will make a significant contribution to the development of sexual selection theory and animal signal evolution.