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An examination of genetic variation and selection on condition in Drosophila melanogaster males

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 12:10 authored by Nicolas O Rode, Ted Morrow
According to the genic capture hypothesis, the maintenance of additive genetic variation in fitness-related traits is due to both condition-dependence of these traits and high genetic variation for condition. Evidence supporting this latter assumption is scarce. In this study, we investigated, using hemiclonal analysis, standing genetic variation for condition and relative adult fitness in male Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). The absolute fat and the relative fat content were used as indices of body condition and were measured along with adult relative fitness from males reared in high or low larval densities. The results did not demonstrate genetic variation for condition or adult relative fitness. However, the larval density encountered during development had a strong and significant effect on all traits. Surprisingly, although not significant, negative selection gradients acting on absolute fat and relative fat content were also found in both treatments. These findings challenge one of the main assumptions of the genic capture hypothesis and the use of fat content as an ideal index of condition.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata

ISSN

0013-8703

Publisher

Kluwer

Issue

2

Volume

131

Page range

167-177

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-10-31

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