Imune Function

Immune Function

Signaling and cueing theories suggest that animals are sensitive to morphological features which might provide information about the genetic quality of a potential mate, especially as it pertains to the organism’s health and viability. Indeed, mating with an unhealthy partner confers a number of risks to both the individual and their offspring. Yet surprisingly little empirical evidence currently exists to support the morphology – health link. We are exploring biological immune markers, such as immunoglobulins and lysozymes in order to determine whether they are indeed linked to various morphological features (facial structure, vocal characteristics etc).