EDITOR EMMA CRAWFORD THE DAILY VOICE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 5 Picky women may be on to something UBC zoologists say female mating preferences can result in the evolution of whole new animal species By BRANDON REID mal kingdom who insist on wait- ing for the right guy are promot- ing the survival of their species, according to UBC zoologists. The new study details how selective mating maintains the long-term coexis- tence of different species. “The thing about different species is people think about them as having adapted to the environment,” said Lei- then M’Gonigle, a UBC zoologist. But he says this theory doesn’t ex- plain how species coexist with other species that have similar behaviors and diets. “We've moved sexual selection... from a backseat role to a driver’s seat role as a possible explanation for the diversity in the world,” he said. “Picky females...prevent mixing of the differ- ent species, so you end up with these nice mating groups.” He added that new species will form out of mating preferences. For exam- ple, a new species could be created out of male purple fish and the females who find them attractive. “In and around Africa, you have these cichlids, which are these fish that are extremely diverse; there are thou- sands of species that seem to be doing exactly the same _ thing,” said M’Gonigle. “The main thing that seems to be different is their mating traits, so the colours of the males and the prefer- ences of those females.” He says two conditions have to be met for this theory to be true. First, environmental resources — food and nesting sites — must be clumped and spread out so animals can form groups around these “hotspots.” Second, females must pay a cost for being picky such as by wasting energy by avoiding undesirable males. These conditions occur in most habi- tats, says M’Gonigle. As a result, groups of animals with similar sexual preferences form a spe- cies overtime. He predicts this theory will be rele- vant to many species. “Tt’s definitely plausible to think that sexual selection, the evolution that oc- curs through mate choice, is happening in humans,” he said. “I wouldn’t go as far to say that our model would explain the maintenance of diversity in hu- mans though.” “Tm picky with things like where I live, products I buy, who I’m friends with,” said Julia Hughes, an arts and science transfer student, agreeing that females are picky. “I think it’s fairly ac- curate.” Pp: females throughout the ani- bis ay Mating habits of picky females can actually lead to new species. © Melani@' Lynne Photography PHOTOS courtesy of www.discardedcouture.org These eco-fashions are from designer Jennifer Bell, whose creations are among those being featured at Eco Fashion Week on April 10. Recycled clothing, new styles Designer Jennifer Bell’s creations showcased at Eco Fashion Week By DANA BOWEN co Fashion Week is less than a week away, and Jennifer Bell is one of several other designers and stylists who will be showcas- ing their original ideas for environ- mentally-friendly fashion. Bell became inspired to officially start her first clothing line three months ago when she received positive comments on her Facebook page for her clothes. The designer takes old dresses that have been torn, stained or have fallen apart and creates new and modern pieces from it. “IMy outfits are] mostly made from anything going to the dump,” said Bell. “T take it apart, revamp and make it more modern for people to wear to- day.” She will be working alongside Nata- lie Strzelecka from Bitru Fariel, a jew- elry designer in Eco Fashion Week. Bell is making the outfits to go along with Strzelecka’s jewelry. Strzelecka’s designs are made out of natural materials such as rocks, pum- ice, coins, cinnamon and more. The 40-year-old designer signed up for Eco Fashion Week as a volunteer with no intention of showcasing, but when she discovered one of the design- ers had dropped out, Bell’s coordinator got her the position to partner with Fariel. “It’s shocking to go from just start- ing out to being a part of Eco Fashion Week,” she said. Bell said she makes clothing on the side, while her regular job is as a swim coach. She said she is going to Eco Fashion Week because she wants to get a taste of what it is like to be a part of the show. Bell was also given the opportunity to showcase at New York Fashion Week as a new designer. She is still consider- ing the offer, however, because in order to be in the fashion show, she will have to make two or three sizes of each out- fit, but she said she wants to keep her designs one-of-a-kind. “It’s an ethical choice for me,” she said. Bell said her favourite designs from her line are the ones made out of paper and the ones that are 100 per cent recy- clable. “It’s the inspiration of it,” said Bell. “Maybe people will think before they throw their [garbage] out.” Eco Fashion Week will be at Robson Square from April 10 to 12. Bell’s show starts at 8 p.m. on the first day. 66 It’s shock- ing to go from just starting out to be- ing a part of Eco Fashion Week. JENNIFER BELL Vancouver designer Poor habits may lead to early demise POOR habits 1 Smoking 2 Alcohol 3 Poor diet 4 Lack of physical activity 5 Stress Source: Study by Doug Manuel Even cutting out one unhealthy choice can lead to a longer life span and better health, says study By CARA McKENNA healthy habits can increase your life span, according to the results of a new Ontario study. These habits include smoking, alco- hol, poor diet, lack of physical activity and stress. Not only do these habits contribute to a shorter life expectancy, they also affect how well people feel, according to the study. It also found that nearly all Ontari- Bests’ just one of five un- ans have at least one of the risk factors that are leading to an early death by seven years or more in some people. Although British Columbians have higher life expectancy rates than the Canadian average, statistics show that roughly one in six British Columbians smokes and only about 60 per cent ex- ercise regularly. According to statistics from the B.C. Healthy Living Alliance, chronic condi- tions affect about one-third of British Columbians, and that 80 per cent of heart disease and half of cancers are preventable. The author of the new study, Doug Manuel, says that if everyone makes one change by reversing any one of these habits, they would live longer. “The impact that modifiable behav- jours have on our health is astound- ing,” said Manuel in a statement. “If we all make one change like smoking less or being more physically active, then collectively we would be significantly healthier and live much longer.” Danielle St. Laurent, a publishing student at Langara, said she thinks the study is interesting and it may be an eye opener for some people. “T think a lot of people out there think they’re fireproof and these things won't affect them,” she said. “Maybe it will motivate people to change their lifestyles around instead of pretending the worst can’t happen to them.” The study was done with research from the Institute for Clinical Evalua- tive Sciences, Public Health Ontario, the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the University of Ottawa.