1
|
Ebrahim SA, Dweck HK, Weiss BL, Carlson JR. A volatile sex attractant of tsetse flies. Science 2023; 379:eade1877. [PMID: 36795837 PMCID: PMC10204727 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade1877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomes-parasites that cause devastating diseases in humans and livestock-across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Chemical communication through volatile pheromones is common among insects; however, it remains unknown if and how such chemical communication occurs in tsetse flies. We identified methyl palmitoleate (MPO), methyl oleate, and methyl palmitate as compounds that are produced by the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans and elicit strong behavioral responses. MPO evoked a behavioral response in male-but not virgin female-G. morsitans. G. morsitans males mounted females of another species, Glossina fuscipes, when they were treated with MPO. We further identified a subpopulation of olfactory neurons in G. morsitans that increase their firing rate in response to MPO and showed that infecting flies with African trypanosomes alters the flies' chemical profile and mating behavior. The identification of volatile attractants in tsetse flies may be useful for reducing disease spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A.M. Ebrahim
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hany K.M. Dweck
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brian L. Weiss
- Dept. of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - John R. Carlson
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kula C, Amendt J, Drijfhout FP, Moore HE. Geographical Variation of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles of Adult Flies and Empty Puparia Amongst Three Populations of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:14-23. [PMID: 36373612 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are of great importance in forensic entomology and in determining the minimum post-mortem interval, as they may be the first group of insects to colonize decomposing remains. Reliable species identification is an essential prerequisite. Classically, morphological characters or DNA sequences are used for this purpose. However, depending on the species and the condition of the specimen, this can be difficult, e.g., in the case of empty fly puparia. Recent studies have shown that cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles are species-specific in necrophagous taxa and represent another promising tool for identification. However, the population-specific variability of these substances as a function of e.g., local climatic parameters has not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the geographical variation of CHC profiles of the blowfly Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) depending on different countries of origin. Flies were reared in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey in common garden experiments under ambient conditions. CHC profiles of the resulting adult flies and their empty puparia were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were visualized by principal component analysis and clustered by population. The populations of the United Kingdom and Germany, both having similar climates and being geographically close to each other, showed greater similarities in CHC profiles. However, the CHC profile of the Turkish population, whose climate is significantly different from the other two populations, was very different. Our study confirms the high potential of CHC analysis in forensic entomology but highlights the need to investigate geographical variability in chemical profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Canan Kula
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Goethe-University, 60323 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- Chemical Ecology Group, School of Chemical and Physical Science, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Hannah E Moore
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hare RM, Larsdotter-Mellström H, Simmons LW. Sexual dimorphism in cuticular hydrocarbons and their potential use in mating in a bushcricket with dynamic sex roles. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
4
|
Perdigón Ferreira J, Lüpold S. Condition- and context-dependent alternative reproductive tactic in Drosophila prolongata. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Species with intense male–male competition for access to females often show alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) where males of lower competitive ability adopt a sneaky behavior to gain access to mates. These ARTs are usually associated with intrasexual dimorphisms, in that males with distinct morphologies show different tactics. In some cases, however, males adopt different tactics without being dimorphic. Male Drosophila prolongata exhibit continuous variation in body size and shape, with enlarged forelegs that they use in male-male contests and in courtship, including stimulation of the female’s abdomen. During this “leg vibration,” however, nearby males can intercept the courted female and mate without their own courtship. Here, we studied the causes and consequences of these different mating tactics in competitive mating trials between males varying in their size and shape. We found that male mating tactics were condition-dependent. Whereas large, high-condition males were more likely to show leg vibration in their courtship, smaller, lower-condition males were more likely to intercept. However, the number of offspring produced was independent of male condition and reproductive tactic. We discuss possible scenarios for the evolution and maintenance of the ARTs and some future directions for the study of ARTs in this species and in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jhoniel Perdigón Ferreira
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Lüpold
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Serrato-Capuchina A, Schwochert TD, Zhang S, Roy B, Peede D, Koppelman C, Matute DR. Pure species discriminate against hybrids in the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup. Evolution 2021; 75:1753-1774. [PMID: 34043234 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introgression, the exchange of alleles between species, is a common event in nature. This transfer of alleles between species must happen through fertile hybrids. Characterizing the traits that cause defects in hybrids illuminates how and when gene flow is expected to occur. Inviability and sterility are extreme examples of fitness reductions but are not the only type of defects in hybrids. Some traits specific to hybrids are more subtle but are important to determine their fitness. In this report, we study whether F1 hybrids between two species pairs of Drosophila are as attractive as the parental species. We find that in both species pairs, the sexual attractiveness of the F1 hybrids is reduced and that pure species discriminate strongly against them. We also find that the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile of the female hybrids is intermediate between the parental species. Perfuming experiments show that modifying the CHC profile of the female hybrids to resemble pure species improves their chances of mating. Our results show that behavioral discrimination against hybrids might be an important component of the persistence of species that can hybridize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Serrato-Capuchina
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Timothy D Schwochert
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Stephania Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Baylee Roy
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - David Peede
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Caleigh Koppelman
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Walsh J, Pontieri L, d'Ettorre P, Linksvayer TA. Ant cuticular hydrocarbons are heritable and associated with variation in colony productivity. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201029. [PMID: 32517627 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In social insects, cuticular hydrocarbons function in nest-mate recognition and also provide a waxy barrier against desiccation, but basic evolutionary features, including the heritability of hydrocarbon profiles and how they are shaped by natural selection are largely unknown. We used a new pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) laboratory mapping population to estimate the heritability of individual cuticular hydrocarbons, genetic correlations between hydrocarbons, and fitness consequences of phenotypic variation in the hydrocarbons. Individual hydrocarbons had low to moderate estimated heritability, indicating that some compounds provide more information about genetic relatedness and can also better respond to natural selection. Strong genetic correlations between compounds are likely to constrain independent evolutionary trajectories, which is expected, given that many hydrocarbons share biosynthetic pathways. Variation in cuticular hydrocarbons was associated with variation in colony productivity, with some hydrocarbons experiencing strong directional selection. Altogether, this study builds on our knowledge of the genetic architecture of the social insect hydrocarbon profile and indicates that hydrocarbon variation is shaped by natural selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Walsh
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Luigi Pontieri
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrizia d'Ettorre
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology (LEEC), University of Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Howie JM, Dawson HAC, Pomiankowski A, Fowler K. Limits to environmental masking of genetic quality in sexual signals. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:868-877. [PMID: 31134703 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable debate over the value of male sexual ornaments as signals of genetic quality. Studies alternately report that environmental variation enhances or diminishes the genetic signal, or leads to crossover where genotypes perform well in one environment but poorly in another. A unified understanding is lacking. We conduct a novel experimental test examining the dual effects of distinct categories of genetic (inbred vs. crossed parental lines) and environmental quality (low, through high to extreme larval food stress) on a condition-dependent male ornament. We find that differences in genetic quality signalled by the ornament (male eyespan in Diasemopsis meigenii stalk-eyed flies) become visible and are amplified under high stress but are overwhelmed in extreme-stress environments. Variance among independent genetic lines increases with environmental stress in both genetic quality classes, but at a slower rate in high quality outcrossed flies. Individual genetic lines generally maintain their ranks across environments, except among high quality lines under low environmental stress, where low genetic variance among lines precludes differentiation between ranks. Our results provide a conceptual advance, demonstrating a unified pattern for how genetic and environmental quality interact. They show when environmental conditions lead to the amplification of differences in signals of genetic quality and thereby enhance the potential indirect genetic benefits gained by female mate choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Malcolm Howie
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK.,Institute of Population Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrew Pomiankowski
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK.,CoMPLEX, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin Fowler
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hawkes MF, Duffy E, Joag R, Skeats A, Radwan J, Wedell N, Sharma MD, Hosken DJ, Troscianko J. Sexual selection drives the evolution of male wing interference patterns. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182850. [PMID: 31138076 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The seemingly transparent wings of many insects have recently been found to display unexpected structural coloration. These structural colours (wing interference patterns: WIPs) may be involved in species recognition and mate choice, yet little is known about the evolutionary processes that shape them. Furthermore, to date investigations of WIPs have not fully considered how they are actually perceived by the viewers' colour vision. Here, we use multispectral digital imaging and a model of Drosophila vision to compare WIPs of male and female Drosophila simulans from replicate populations forced to evolve with or without sexual selection for 68 generations. We show that WIPs modelled in Drosophila vision evolve in response to sexual selection and provide evidence that WIPs correlate with male sexual attractiveness. These findings add a new element to the otherwise well-described Drosophila courtship display and confirm that wing colours evolve through sexual selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M F Hawkes
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK
| | - E Duffy
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK.,2 Institute of Environmental Science, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow , Poland
| | - R Joag
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK.,2 Institute of Environmental Science, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow , Poland
| | - A Skeats
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK
| | - J Radwan
- 2 Institute of Environmental Science, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow , Poland.,3 Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University , Umultowska 7, 61-614 Poznan , Poland
| | - N Wedell
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK
| | - M D Sharma
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK
| | - D J Hosken
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK
| | - J Troscianko
- 1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter , Tremough, Penryn TR10 9FE , UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Patlar B, Weber M, Ramm SA. Genetic and environmental variation in transcriptional expression of seminal fluid proteins. Heredity (Edinb) 2019; 122:595-611. [PMID: 30356222 PMCID: PMC6461930 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0160-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are crucial mediators of sexual selection and sexual conflict. Recent studies have chiefly focused on environmentally induced plasticity as one source of variation in SFP expression, particularly in response to differing sperm competition levels. However, understanding the evolution of a trait in heterogenous environments requires estimates of both environmental and genetic sources of variation, as well as their interaction. Therefore, we investigated how environment (specifically mating group size, a good predictor of sperm competition intensity), genotype and genotype-by-environment interactions affect seminal fluid expression. To do so, we reared 12 inbred lines of a simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano in groups of either two or eight worms and measured the expression levels of 58 putative SFP transcripts. We then examined the source of variation in the expression of each transcript individually and for multivariate axes extracted from a principal component analysis. We found that mating group size did not affect expression levels according to the single transcript analyses, nor did it affect the first principal component (presumably representing overall investment in seminal fluid production). However, mating group size did affect the relative expression of different transcripts captured by the second principal component (presumably reflecting variation in seminal fluid composition). Most transcripts were genetically variable in their expression level and several exhibited genotype-by-environment interactions; relative composition also showed high genetic variation. Collectively, our results reveal the tightly integrated nature of the seminal fluid transcriptome and provide new insights into the quantitative genetic basis of seminal fluid investment and composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Patlar
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Michael Weber
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Steven A Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ng'oma E, Fidelis W, Middleton KM, King EG. The evolutionary potential of diet-dependent effects on lifespan and fecundity in a multi-parental population of Drosophila melanogaster. Heredity (Edinb) 2019; 122:582-594. [PMID: 30356225 PMCID: PMC6461879 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-018-0154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutritional conditions experienced by a population have a major role in shaping trait evolution in many taxa. Constraints exerted by nutrient limitation or nutrient imbalance can influence the maximal value that fitness components such as reproduction and lifespan attains, and organisms may shift how resources are allocated to different structures and functions in response to changes in nutrition. Whether the phenotypic changes associated with changes in nutrition represent an adaptive response is largely unknown. Further, it is unclear whether the response of fitness components to diet even has the potential to evolve in most systems. In this study, we use an admixed multi-parental population of Drosophila melanogaster reared in three different diet conditions to estimate quantitative genetic parameters for lifespan and fecundity. We find significant genetic variation for both traits in our population and show that lifespan has moderate to high heritabilities within diets. Genetic correlations for lifespan between diets were significantly less than one, demonstrating a strong genotype by diet interaction. These findings demonstrate substantial standing genetic variation in our population that is comparable to natural populations and highlights the potential for adaptation to changing nutritional environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Ng'oma
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Wilton Fidelis
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Kevin M Middleton
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Elizabeth G King
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fowler-Finn KD, Boutwell B. Using Variation in Heritability Estimates as a Test of G × E in Behavioral Research: A Brief Research Note. Behav Genet 2019; 49:340-346. [PMID: 30739272 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-019-09948-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Better characterization of the sources of phenotypic variation in human behavioural traits-stemming from genetic and environmental influences-will allow for more informed decisions about how to approach a range of challenges arising from variation, ranging from societal issues to the treatment of diseases. In particular, understanding how the environment moderates genetic influence on phenotypes (i.e., genotype-environment interactions, or G × E) is a central component of the behavioral sciences. Yet, understanding of this phenomenon is lagging somewhat, due in part to the difficulties of detecting G × E. We discuss the logic behind one of the primary ways to detect G × E: comparing heritability estimates across environments. Then, we highlight some pitfalls, with an emphasis on how very strong G × E can sometimes be undetectable using this method when high heritability is present in multiple environments. We conclude by forwarding some initial, yet tentative, suggestions for how best to address to the problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasey D Fowler-Finn
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, 3507 Laclede Ave, Saint Louis, MO, 63103, USA.
| | - Brian Boutwell
- Criminology and Criminal Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (Secondary Appointment), College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Family & Community Medicine (Secondary Appointment), School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Otte T, Hilker M, Geiselhardt S. Phenotypic Plasticity of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles in Insects. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:235-247. [PMID: 29468480 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The insect integument is covered by cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) which provide protection against environmental stresses, but are also used for communication. Here we review current knowledge on environmental and insect-internal factors which shape phenotypic plasticity of solitary living insects, especially herbivorous ones. We address the dynamics of changes which may occur within minutes, but may also last weeks, depending on the species and conditions. Two different modes of changes are suggested, i.e. stepwise and gradual. A switch between two distinct environments (e.g. host plant switch by phytophagous insects) results in stepwise formation of two distinct adaptive phenotypes, while a gradual environmental change (e.g. temperature gradients) induces a gradual change of numerous adaptive CHC phenotypes. We further discuss the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phenotypic plasticity of insect CHC profiles by addressing the question at which conditions is CHC phenotypic plasticity beneficial. The high plasticity of CHC profiles might be a trade-off for insects using CHCs for communication. We discuss how insects cope with the challenge to produce and "understand" a highly plastic, environmentally dependent CHC pattern that conveys reliable and comprehensible information. Finally, we outline how phenotypic plasticity of CHC profiles may promote speciation in insects that rely on CHCs for mate recognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otte
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geiselhardt
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jensen K, Shearman M, Rapkin J, Carey MR, House CM, Hunt J. Change in sex pheromone expression by nutritional shift in male cockroaches. Behav Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
|
14
|
Kranz W, Carroll C, Dixon DA, Goodpaster JV, Picard CJ. Factors Affecting Species Identifications of Blow Fly Pupae Based upon Chemical Profiles and Multivariate Statistics. INSECTS 2017; 8:E43. [PMID: 28398264 PMCID: PMC5492057 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alternative methods for the identification of species of blow fly pupae have been developed over the years that consist of the analyses of chemical profiles. However, the effect of biotic and abiotic factors that could influence the predictive manner for the tests have not been evaluated. The lipids of blowfly pupae (Cochliomyia macellaria, Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, and Phormia regina) were extracted in pentane, derivatized, and analyzed by total-vaporization solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TV-SPME GC-MS). Peak areas for 26 compounds were analyzed. Here we evaluated one biotic factor (colonization) on four species of blow flies to determine how well a model produced from lipid profiles of colonized flies predicted the species of flies of offspring of wild-caught flies and found very good species identification following 10 generations of inbreeding. When we evaluated four abiotic factors in our fly rearing protocols (temperature, humidity, pupation substrate, and diet), we found that the ability to assign the chemical profile to the correct species was greatly reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Kranz
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Clinton Carroll
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Darren A Dixon
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - John V Goodpaster
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Christine J Picard
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rapkin J, Jensen K, House CM, Sakaluk SK, Sakaluk JK, Hunt J. The complex interplay between macronutrient intake, cuticular hydrocarbon expression and mating success in male decorated crickets. J Evol Biol 2017; 30:711-727. [PMID: 28029711 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The condition dependence of male sexual traits plays a central role in sexual selection theory. Relatively little, however, is known about the condition dependence of chemical signals used in mate choice and their subsequent effects on male mating success. Furthermore, few studies have isolated the specific nutrients responsible for condition-dependent variation in male sexual traits. Here, we used nutritional geometry to determine the effect of protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) intake on male cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) expression and mating success in male decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus). We show that both traits are maximized at a moderate-to-high intake of nutrients in a P:C ratio of 1 : 1.5. We also show that female precopulatory mate choice exerts a complex pattern of linear and quadratic sexual selection on this condition-dependent variation in male CHC expression. Structural equation modelling revealed that although the effect of nutrient intake on mating success is mediated through condition-dependent CHC expression, it is not exclusively so, suggesting that other traits must also play an important role. Collectively, our results suggest that the complex interplay between nutrient intake, CHC expression and mating success plays an important role in the operation of sexual selection in G. sigillatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Rapkin
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - K Jensen
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.,Department of Bioscience, Terrestrial Ecology, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - C M House
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.,School of Science and Health, and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - S K Sakaluk
- Behaviour, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - J K Sakaluk
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - J Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.,School of Science and Health, and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schaefer HM, Ruxton GD. Signal Diversity, Sexual Selection, and Speciation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2015. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-112414-054158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Communication is ubiquitous. Developing a framework for the diversity of signals has important consequences for understanding alternative models of sexual selection and the processes contributing to speciation. In this article we review how models of neutral evolution in the perceptual space of signal perceivers provide a first step toward constructing a framework for signal diversity. We discuss how the distinction between additive and multiplicative effects of multimodal signaling represents a second step. We then assess how signal efficiency, reliability, and the aesthetics of perceivers provide distinct mechanisms for signals to be effective, thereby partly explaining signal diversity. Understanding the relative contribution of each of these mechanisms to the effectiveness of mate choice signals unravels the relative importance of alternative models of sexual selection. It can also help to distinguish whether divergence of communication is a driver or a consequence of speciation. Throughout the review we emphasize the importance of verification and learning in repeated interactions for understanding variation in signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H. Martin Schaefer
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Graeme D. Ruxton
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Polak M, Fanson KV, Taylor PW, Yap S. Differential genotypic effects of sexual trait size on offspring mating success and viability. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
18
|
Insect Cuticular Hydrocarbons as Dynamic Traits in Sexual Communication. INSECTS 2015; 6:732-42. [PMID: 26463413 PMCID: PMC4598662 DOI: 10.3390/insects6030732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated extensive within-species variation in pheromone expression in insect species, contrary to the view that pheromones are largely invariant within species. In fact, many studies on insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) show that pheromones can be highly dynamic traits that can express significant short-term plasticity across both abiotic and social environments. It is likely that this variability in CHC expression contributes to their important role in sexual signaling and mate choice. In this review, I discuss CHC plasticity and how this might influence sexual communication. I also highlight two important avenues for future research: examining plasticity in how individuals respond to CHC signals, and testing how sexual communication varies across abiotic and social environments.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Variation in behaviors in natural populations arises from complex networks of multiple segregating polymorphic alleles whose expression can be modulated by the environment. Since behaviors reflect dynamic interactions between organisms and their environments, they are central targets for adaptive evolution. Drosophila melanogaster presents a powerful system for dissecting the genetic basis of behavioral phenotypes, since both the genetic background and environmental conditions can be controlled and behaviors accurately quantified. Single gene mutational analyses can identify the roles of individual genes within cellular pathways, whereas systems genetic approaches that exploit natural variation can construct genetic networks that underlie phenotypic variation. Combining these approaches with emerging technologies, such as genome editing, is likely to yield a comprehensive understanding of the neurogenetic underpinnings that orchestrate the manifestation of behaviors.
Collapse
|
20
|
Berdan EL, Mazzoni CJ, Waurick I, Roehr JT, Mayer F. A population genomic scan in Chorthippus grasshoppers unveils previously unknown phenotypic divergence. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:3918-30. [PMID: 26081018 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genetics of speciation and the processes that drive it is a central goal of evolutionary biology. Grasshoppers of the Chorthippus species group differ strongly in calling song (and corresponding female preferences) but are exceedingly similar in other characteristics such as morphology. Here, we performed a population genomic scan on three Chorthippus species (Chorthippus biguttulus, C. mollis and C. brunneus) to gain insight into the genes and processes involved in divergence and speciation in this group. Using an RNA-seq approach, we examined functional variation between the species by calling SNPs for each of the three species pairs and using FST -based approaches to identify outliers. We found approximately 1% of SNPs in each comparison to be outliers. Between 37% and 40% of these outliers were nonsynonymous SNPs (as opposed to a global level of 17%) indicating that we recovered loci under selection. Among the outliers were several genes that may be involved in song production and hearing as well as genes involved in other traits such as food preferences and metabolism. Differences in food preferences between species were confirmed with a behavioural experiment. This indicates that multiple phenotypic differences implicating multiple evolutionary processes (sexual selection and natural selection) are present between the species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Berdan
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Camila J Mazzoni
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Königin-Luise-Str 6-8, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabelle Waurick
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes T Roehr
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frieder Mayer
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Altensteinstraße 6, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Evans JP, Rahman MM, Gasparini C. Genotype-by-environment interactions underlie the expression of pre- and post-copulatory sexually selected traits in guppies. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:959-72. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Evans
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology; School of Animal Biology (M092); Crawley WA Australia
| | - M. M. Rahman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology; School of Animal Biology (M092); Crawley WA Australia
| | - C. Gasparini
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology; School of Animal Biology (M092); Crawley WA Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wolak ME, Roff DA, Fairbairn DJ. Are we underestimating the genetic variances of dimorphic traits? Ecol Evol 2015; 5:590-7. [PMID: 25691983 PMCID: PMC4328764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations often contain discrete classes or morphs (e.g., sexual dimorphisms, wing dimorphisms, trophic dimorphisms) characterized by distinct patterns of trait expression. In quantitative genetic analyses, the different morphs can be considered as different environments within which traits are expressed. Genetic variances and covariances can then be estimated independently for each morph or in a combined analysis. In the latter case, morphs can be considered as separate environments in a bivariate analysis or entered as fixed effects in a univariate analysis. Although a common approach, we demonstrate that the latter produces downwardly biased estimates of additive genetic variance and heritability unless the quantitative genetic architecture of the traits concerned is perfectly correlated between the morphs. This result is derived for four widely used quantitative genetic variance partitioning methods. Given that theory predicts the evolution of genotype-by-environment (morph) interactions as a consequence of selection favoring different trait combinations in each morph, we argue that perfect correlations between the genetic architectures of the different morphs are unlikely. A sampling of the recent literature indicates that the majority of researchers studying traits expressed in different morphs recognize this and do estimate morph-specific quantitative genetic architecture. However, ca. 16% of the studies in our sample utilized only univariate, fixed-effects models. We caution against this approach and recommend that it be used only if supported by evidence that the genetic architectures of the different morphs do not differ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Wolak
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, California, 92521
| | - Derek A Roff
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, California, 92521
| | - Daphne J Fairbairn
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, California, 92521
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Greenfield MD, Alem S, Limousin D, Bailey NW. The dilemma of Fisherian sexual selection: Mate choice for indirect benefits despite rarity and overall weakness of trait-preference genetic correlation. Evolution 2014; 68:3524-36. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Greenfield
- Institut de recherche sur la biologie de l'insecte (IRBI); CNRS UMR 7261, Université François; Rabelais de Tours, Parc de Grandmont 37200 Tours France
| | - Sylvain Alem
- Research Centre for Psychology; School of Biological and Chemical Sciences; Queen Mary University of London; Mile End Road London E1 4NS United Kingdom
| | - Denis Limousin
- UPMC Univ Paris 06; UMR 1272, Physiologie de l’Insecte Signalisation et Communication; F-78026 Versailles France
- INRA; UMR 1272, Physiologie de l’Insecte Signalisation et Communication, F-78026; Versailles France
| | - Nathan W. Bailey
- Centre for Biological Diversity; School of Biology; University of St. Andrews; Fife KY16 9TH United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Otti O, Johnston PR, Horsburgh GJ, Galindo J, Reinhardt K. Female transcriptomic response to male genetic and nongenetic ejaculate variation. Behav Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/aru209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|
25
|
Ingleby FC, Hosken DJ, Flowers K, Hawkes MF, Lane SM, Rapkin J, House CM, Sharma MD, Hunt J. Environmental heterogeneity, multivariate sexual selection and genetic constraints on cuticular hydrocarbons in Drosophila simulans. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:700-13. [PMID: 24779049 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexual selection is responsible for the evolution of many elaborate traits, but sexual trait evolution could be influenced by opposing natural selection as well as genetic constraints. As such, the evolution of sexual traits could depend heavily on the environment if trait expression and attractiveness vary between environments. Here, male Drosophila simulans were reared across a range of diets and temperatures, and we examined differences between these environments in terms of (i) the expression of male cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) and (ii) which male CHC profiles were most attractive to females. Temperature had a strong effect on male CHC expression, whereas the effect of diet was weaker. Male CHCs were subject to complex patterns of directional, quadratic and correlational sexual selection, and we found differences between environments in the combination of male CHCs that were most attractive to females, with clearer differences between diets than between temperatures. We also show that genetic covariance between environments is likely to cause a constraint on independent CHC evolution between environments. Our results demonstrate that even across the narrow range of environmental variation studied here, predicting the outcome of sexual selection can be extremely complicated, suggesting that studies ignoring multiple traits or environments may provide an over-simplified view of the evolution of sexual traits.
Collapse
|
26
|
Ingleby FC, Innocenti P, Rundle HD, Morrow EH. Between-sex genetic covariance constrains the evolution of sexual dimorphism in Drosophila melanogaster. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:1721-32. [PMID: 24893565 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Males and females share much of their genome, and as a result, intralocus sexual conflict is generated when selection on a shared trait differs between the sexes. This conflict can be partially or entirely resolved via the evolution of sex-specific genetic variation that allows each sex to approach, or possibly achieve, its optimum phenotype, thereby generating sexual dimorphism. However, shared genetic variation between the sexes can impose constraints on the independent expression of a shared trait in males and females, hindering the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Here, we examine genetic constraints on the evolution of sexual dimorphism in Drosophila melanogaster cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) expression. We use the extended G matrix, which includes the between-sex genetic covariances that constitute the B matrix, to compare genetic constraints on two sets of CHC traits that differ in the extent of their sexual dimorphism. We find significant genetic constraints on the evolution of further dimorphism in the least dimorphic traits, but no such constraints for the most dimorphic traits. We also show that the genetic constraints on the least dimorphic CHCs are asymmetrical between the sexes. Our results suggest that there is evidence both for resolved and ongoing sexual conflict in D. melanogaster CHC profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F C Ingleby
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Flaven-Pouchon J, Garcia T, Abed-Vieillard D, Farine JP, Ferveur JF, Everaerts C. Transient and permanent experience with fatty acids changes Drosophila melanogaster preference and fitness. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92352. [PMID: 24667657 PMCID: PMC3965419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Food and host-preference relies on genetic adaptation and sensory experience. In vertebrates, experience with food-related cues during early development can change adult preference. This is also true in holometabolous insects, which undergo a drastic nervous system remodelling during their complete metamorphosis, but remains uncertain in Drosophila melanogaster. We have conditioned D. melanogaster with oleic (C18:1) and stearic (C18:0) acids, two common dietary fatty acids, respectively preferred by larvae and adult. Wild-type individuals exposed either during a transient period of development-from embryo to adult-or more permanently-during one to ten generation cycles-were affected by such conditioning. In particular, the oviposition preference of females exposed to each fatty acid during larval development was affected without cross-effect indicating the specificity of each substance. Permanent exposure to each fatty acid also drastically changed oviposition preference as well as major fitness traits (development duration, sex-ratio, fecundity, adult lethality). This suggests that D. melanogaster ability to adapt to new food sources is determined by its genetic and sensory plasticity both of which may explain the success of this generalist-diet species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Flaven-Pouchon
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Thibault Garcia
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Dehbia Abed-Vieillard
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Farine
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Jean-François Ferveur
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Claude Everaerts
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The heritability of mating behaviour in a fly and its plasticity in response to the threat of sperm competition. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90236. [PMID: 24587294 PMCID: PMC3934992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is a key mechanism by which animals can cope with rapidly changeable environments, but the evolutionary lability of such plasticity remains unclear. The socio-sexual environment can fluctuate very rapidly, affecting both the frequency of mating opportunities and the level of competition males may face. Males of many species show plastic behavioural responses to changes in social environment, in particular the presence of rival males. For example, Drosophila pseudoobscura males respond to rivals by extending mating duration and increasing ejaculate size. Whilst such responses are predicted to be adaptive, the extent to which the magnitude of response is heritable, and hence selectable, is unknown. We investigated this using isofemale lines of the fruit fly D. pseudoobscura, estimating heritability of mating duration in males exposed or not to a rival, and any genetic basis to the change in this trait between these environments (i.e. degree of plasticity). The two populations differed in population sex ratio, and the presence of a sex ratio distorting selfish chromosome. We find that mating duration is heritable, but no evidence of population differences. We find no significant heritability of plasticity in mating duration in one population, but borderline significant heritability of plasticity in the second. This difference between populations might be related to the presence of the sex ratio distorting selfish gene in the latter population, but this will require investigation in additional populations to draw any conclusions. We suggest that there is scope for selection to produce an evolutionary response in the plasticity of mating duration in response to rivals in D. pseudoobscura, at least in some populations.
Collapse
|
29
|
Stojkovi B, Savkovi U, or evi M, Tuci N. Host-shift effects on mating behavior and incipient pre-mating isolation in seed beetle. Behav Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/aru015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
|
30
|
Steiger S, Ower GD, Stökl J, Mitchell C, Hunt J, Sakaluk SK. Sexual selection on cuticular hydrocarbons of male sagebrush crickets in the wild. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20132353. [PMID: 24197415 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play an essential role in mate recognition in insects but the form and intensity of sexual selection on CHCs has only been evaluated in a handful of studies, and never in a natural population. We quantified sexual selection operating on CHCs in a wild population of sagebrush crickets, a species in which nuptial feeding by females imposes an unambiguous phenotypic marker on males. Multivariate selection analysis revealed a saddle-shaped fitness surface, suggesting a complex interplay between the total abundance of CHCs and specific CHC combinations in their influence on female choice. The fitness surface resulting from two axes of disruptive selection reflected a trade-off between short- and long-chained CHCs, suggesting that males may be sacrificing some level of desiccation resistance in favour of increased attractiveness. There was a significant correlation between male body size and total CHC abundance, suggesting that male CHCs provide females with a reliable cue for maximizing benefits obtained from males. Notwithstanding the conspicuousness of males' acoustic signals, our results suggest that selection imposed on males via female mating preferences may be far more complex than previously appreciated and operating in multiple sensory modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Steiger
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, , Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA, Institute of Experimental Ecology, University of Ulm, , Ulm 89081, Germany, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, , Regensburg 93053, Germany, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, , Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Sexual selection has resulted in some of the most captivating features of insects, including flashy colors, bizarre structures, and complex pheromones. These features evolve in dynamic environments, where conditions can change rapidly over space and time. However, only recently has ecological complexity been embraced by theory and practice in sexual selection. We review replicated selection studies as well as studies on variation in the agents of selection to delineate gaps in current knowledge and clarify exciting new directions for research. Existing work suggests that fluctuations in sexual selection may be extremely common, though work on the ecological factors influencing these fluctuations is scarce. We suggest that deeper ecological perspectives on sexual selection may alter some of the fundamental assumptions of sexual selection theory and rapidly lead to new discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine W Miller
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611;
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tan CKW, Løvlie H, Greenway E, Goodwin SF, Pizzari T, Wigby S. Sex-specific responses to sexual familiarity, and the role of olfaction in Drosophila. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20131691. [PMID: 24068355 PMCID: PMC3790479 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of mating preferences have largely neglected the potential effects of individuals encountering their previous mates (‘directly sexually familiar’), or new mates that share similarities to previous mates, e.g. from the same family and/or environment (‘phenotypically sexually familiar’). Here, we show that male and female Drosophila melanogaster respond to the direct and phenotypic sexual familiarity of potential mates in fundamentally different ways. We exposed a single focal male or female to two potential partners. In the first experiment, one potential partner was novel (not previously encountered) and one was directly familiar (their previous mate); in the second experiment, one potential partner was novel (unrelated, and from a different environment from the previous mate) and one was phenotypically familiar (from the same family and rearing environment as the previous mate). We found that males preferentially courted novel females over directly or phenotypically familiar females. By contrast, females displayed a weak preference for directly and phenotypically familiar males over novel males. Sex-specific responses to the familiarity of potential mates were significantly weaker or absent in Orco1 mutants, which lack a co-receptor essential for olfaction, indicating a role for olfactory cues in mate choice over novelty. Collectively, our results show that direct and phenotypic sexual familiarity is detected through olfactory cues and play an important role in sex-specific sexual behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cedric K W Tan
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, , South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Zoology, Linköping University, , 58183 Linköping, Sweden, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, , Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ingleby FC, Hunt J, Hosken DJ. Genotype-by-environment interactions for female mate choice of male cuticular hydrocarbons in Drosophila simulans. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67623. [PMID: 23825675 PMCID: PMC3692475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the potential importance of environmental and genotype-by-environment (G×E) variation in sexual selection, but most studies have focussed on the expression of male sexual traits. Consequently, our understanding of genetic variation for plasticity in female mate choice is extremely poor. In this study we examine the genetics of female mate choice in Drosophila simulans using isolines reared across two post-eclosion temperatures. There was evidence for G×Es in female choosiness and preference, which suggests that the evolution of female mate choice behaviour could differ across environments. However, the ranked order of preferred males was consistent across females and environments, so the same males are favoured by mate choice in spite of G×Es. Our study highlights the importance of taking cross-environment perspectives in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the operation of sexual selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C. Ingleby
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Tremough, Penryn, United Kingdom
- University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - John Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Tremough, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Hosken
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Tremough, Penryn, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ingleby FC, Hunt J, Hosken DJ. Heritability of male attractiveness persists despite evidence for unreliable sexual signals in Drosophila simulans. J Evol Biol 2012. [PMID: 23206188 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual signals can be used to attract mates, but to be honest indicators of signaller quality they need to convey information reliably. However, environmental variation and genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions have the potential to compromise the reliability of sexual signals. Here, we test the reliability of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) as signals of heritable aspects of male attractiveness in Drosophila simulans. We examined the heritability of male attractiveness and a measure of the difference between fathers' and sons' CHC profiles across dietary and temperature environments. Our results show that environmental heterogeneity disrupts the similarity of some components of father and son CHC profile. However, overall male attractiveness is heritable within and across environments, so that sire attractiveness is a good predictor of son attractiveness even with environmental heterogeneity. This suggests that although some male CHC signals are unreliable, attractive genotypes retain their attractiveness across environments on average.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F C Ingleby
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall, Tremough, Penryn, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|