H. E. Hoekstra

Evolution of gene expression across brain regions in behaviorally divergent deer mice

This study examines gene expression differences across brain regions in two deer mouse species and their hybrids, finding widespread interspecific variation and regional modularity in gene regulation.

A single genetic locus lengthens deer mouse burrows via motor pattern evolution

This study identifies a genetic locus that increases burrow length in deer mice by altering specific digging behaviors.

Two pup vocalization types are genetically and functionally separable in deer mice

This study identifies two distinct vocalization types in deer mice, showing they are genetically separable and serve different functions in communication.

Post-mating parental behavior trajectories differ across four species of deer mice

The paper compares parental behavior trajectories across four deer mouse species, finding differences linked to socioecological factors and inclusive fitness theory.

Massive inversion polymorphisms shape the genomic landscape of deer mice

This study identifies 21 polymorphic inversions in deer mice, showing they suppress recombination, are widespread, and contribute to local adaptation.

A novel enhancer of Agouti contributes to parallel evolution of cryptically colored beach mice

The paper identifies an Agouti enhancer that contributes to parallel evolution of light coat color in beach mice through recent positive selection and genetic spread.

Automated tracking reveals the social network of beach mice and their burrows

This study uses RFID tracking to analyze burrow use in beach mice, finding that long burrows offer better thermal stability and that mice use multiple burrows with social relatives.

A chromosomal inversion drives evolution of multiple adaptive traits in deer mice

This study identifies a chromosomal inversion linked to multiple adaptive traits in deer mice and shows its role in maintaining genetic diversity across different habitats.

Behavioural mechanisms underlying the evolution of cooperative burrowing in Peromyscus mice

The paper investigates how Peromyscus mice adapt their burrowing behavior when digging individually versus with partners, finding that cooperative digging results in longer burrows due to increased social cohesion in opposite-sex pairs.

The genetics of morphological and behavioral island traits in deer mice

This study investigates genetic and environmental influences on morphological and behavioral traits in deer mice from Saturna Island and mainland populations, finding heritable and plastic responses.

Diet-based assortative mating through sexual imprinting

The paper shows that sexual imprinting on dietary cues can lead to reproductive isolation in mice, supporting the role of diet as a magic trait in speciation.

Sibling rivalry: Males with more brothers develop larger testes

The paper shows that males with more brothers develop larger testes and higher fertility, suggesting both evolutionary and developmental influences on sperm production.

The evolution of nesting behaviour in Peromyscus mice

This study develops a novel assay to examine nesting behavior in Peromyscus mice, finding that nesting latency varies among species but not with body size or climate, and is associated with mating systems.

The evolutionary history of Nebraska deer mice: local adaptation in the face of strong gene flow

This study examines the demographic and selective history of deer mice in Nebraska, finding that gene flow homogenizes most of the genome but the Agouti locus shows local adaptation due to cryptic coloration.

Sexual Imprinting And Speciation In Two Peromyscus Species

This study shows that sexual imprinting contributes to reproductive isolation between two mouse species, reducing hybridization despite their interfertility.

Evolution and genetics of precocious burrowing behavior in Peromyscus mice

This study identifies a genetic region linked to both juvenile and adult burrowing behavior in Peromyscus mice, suggesting pleiotropy or close linkage of genes affecting behavioral drive across life stages.