Positive genetic correlation between female preference and offspring fitness

Hine, Emma, Lachish, Shelly, Higgie, Megan, and Blows, Mark W. (2002) Positive genetic correlation between female preference and offspring fitness. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B, Biological Sciences, 269 (1506). pp. 2215-2219.

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Abstract

In many species, females display preferences for extreme male signal traits, but it has not been determined if such preferences evolve as a consequence of females gaining genetic benefits from exercising choice. If females prefer extreme male traits because they indicate male genetic quality that will enhance the fitness of offspring, a genetic correlation will evolve between female preference genes and genes that confer offspring fitness. We show that females of Drosophila serrata prefer extreme male cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) blends, and that this preference affects offspring fitness. Female preference is positively genetically correlated with offspring fitness, indicating that females have gained genetic benefits from their choice of males. Despite male CHCs experiencing strong sexual selection, the genes underlying attractive CHCs also conferred lower offspring fitness, suggesting a balance between sexual selection and natural selection may have been reached in this population.

Item ID: 24300
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1471-2954
Keywords: female preference, genetic correlation, male genetic quality, sexual selection
Date Deposited: 07 Feb 2013 22:09
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0603 Evolutionary Biology > 060399 Evolutionary Biology not elsewhere classified @ 50%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0604 Genetics > 060412 Quantitative Genetics (incl Disease and Trait Mapping Genetics) @ 50%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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