A research programme in fish ecology leads to a supermodel: a tribute to Professor Robert J. Wootton

Abstract

Model organisms, which are tractable and readily accessible species, have become critical tools in biological research including areas of ecology and evolutionary biology. They have helped biologists gain enormous insights into the operation of the natural world. Extensive study of one particular model in the search for knowledge that may apply to other organisms is made possible by the Darwinian phenomenon of descent with modification and the conserved nature of many biological properties. A number of individual species of fishes have become important models for basic research, some of which may potentially provide applied information affecting human health and well-being. One species has been the focus of increasingly intensive basic research by ecologists and evolutionists for the past forty-plus years. The threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus 1758 is receiving attention from a number of subdisciplines in the biological sciences. The strong draw of this finger-size fish to researchers in diverse specialisations is allowing a synthesis of evolutionary knowledge and has led to the threespine stickleback being named a ‘supermodel’ by Gibson (2005). That any organism reaches the point of being designated ‘supermodel’ means it supports a rather large research programme involving many biologists addressing many questions. History is built from the efforts of individuals and thus is a story of individual endeavours and accomplishments. The history of the threespine stickleback as a model organism in biology will include the names of many before the final chapter is written – some perhaps more prominent than others but all of importance to the advancement of the ideas. One person who has contributed broadly to the expanse of modern studies of this model by helping to build the foundation of our knowledge of its natural history – either through his own research or by synthesising the knowledge gained by the efforts of other biologists – is Professor Robert J. Wootton. Professor Wootton has written or edited eight books or monographs concentrated on fish biology, two of which are devoted specifically to the biology of stickleback fishes (Wootton 1976, 1984). His book entitled Ecology of Teleost Fishes (Wootton 1990) has been widely cited and used as a text at many institutions. In addition, he has authored 98 scientific papers or book chapters. Although many of his contributions extend to other teleost fishes and to other taxa, the majority have focused on the threespine stickleback. Among these papers, Wootton (2009) provided an insightful history of evolutionary studies on the threespine stickleback, in which he detailed the contributions of many scientists in broad sweeps of research history. Professor Wootton’s own contributions began as the main themes of research on the threespine stickleback were established in 1970. The foci of Professor Wootton’s research were reproductive behaviour and life history, especially the energetics of reproduction. These studies provided a foundation for and a stimulus to further research in these focal areas. Moreover, the many contributions from Professor Wootton played an important role in the development of the threespine stickleback as a supermodel. Professor Wootton served this journal, Ecology of Freshwater Fish, admirably as a member of the Editorial Board for 20 years. He has retired from full-time