Function, developmental genetics, and fitness consequences of a sexually antagonistic trait.
Summary of "Function, developmental genetics, and fitness consequences of a sexually antagonistic trait."
Sexual conflict is thought to be a potent force driving the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits. In the water strider Rheumatobates rileyi, we show that elaborated traits on male antennae function to grasp resistant females during premating struggles. Using RNA interference, we uncovered novel roles of the gene distal-less (dll) in generating these male-specific traits. Furthermore, graded reduction of the grasping traits resulted in a graded reduction of mating success in males, thus demonstrating both selection for elaboration of the traits and the role of dll in their evolution. By establishing developmental genetic tools in model systems where sexual selection and conflict are understood, we can begin to reveal how selection can exploit ancient developmental genes to enable the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits.
Affiliation
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Science (New York, N.Y.)
ISSN: 1095-9203
Pages: 585-9
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22556252
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1217258
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Genetic Load
The relative amount by which the average fitness of a POPULATION is lowered, due to the presence of GENES that decrease survival, compared to the GENOTYPE with maximum or optimal fitness. (From Rieger et al., Glossary of Genetics: Classical and Molecular, 5th ed)
Sex Differentiation
The process in developing sex- or gender-specific tissue, organ, or function after SEX DETERMINATION (GENETICS). Major areas of sex differentiation occur in the reproductive tract (GENITALIA) and the brain.
Quantitative Trait Loci
Locations, on the GENOME, of GENES or other genetic elements that encode or control the expression of a quantitative trait (QUANTITATIVE TRAIT, HERITABLE).
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
The consequences of exposing the FETUS in utero to certain factors, such as NUTRITION PHYSIOLOGICAL PHENOMENA; PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS; DRUGS; RADIATION; and other physical or chemical factors. These consequences are observed later in the offspring after BIRTH.
Methemoglobinemia
The presence of methemoglobin in the blood, resulting in cyanosis. A small amount of methemoglobin is present in the blood normally, but injury or toxic agents convert a larger proportion of hemoglobin into methemoglobin, which does not function reversibly as an oxygen carrier. Methemoglobinemia may be due to a defect in the enzyme NADH methemoglobin reductase (an autosomal recessive trait) or to an abnormality in hemoglobin M (an autosomal dominant trait). (Dorland, 27th ed)
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