Experimental sexual selection affects the evolution of physiological and life-history traits

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Martin D Garlovsky - , University of Sheffield (Author)
  • Luke Holman - , University of Edinburgh (Author)
  • Andrew L Brooks - , University of Sheffield (Author)
  • Zorana K Novicic - , Uppsala University (Author)
  • Rhonda R Snook - , Stockholm University (Author)

Abstract

Sexual selection and sexual conflict are expected to affect all aspects of the phenotype, not only traits that are directly involved in reproduction. Here, we show coordinated evolution of multiple physiological and life-history traits in response to long-term experimental manipulation of the mating system in populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura. Development time was extended under polyandry relative to monogamy in both sexes, potentially due to higher investment in traits linked to sexual selection and sexual conflict. Individuals (especially males) evolving under polyandry had higher metabolic rates and locomotor activity than those evolving under monogamy. Polyandry individuals also invested more in metabolites associated with increased endurance capacity and efficient energy metabolism and regulation, namely lipids and glycogen. Finally, polyandry males were less desiccation- and starvation resistant than monogamy males, suggesting trade-offs between resistance and sexually selected traits. Our results provide experimental evidence that mating systems can impose selection that influences the evolution of non-sexual phenotypes such as development, activity, metabolism and nutrient homeostasis.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)742-751
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of evolutionary biology
Volume35
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - May 2022
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMedCentral PMC9322299
Scopus 85127780659

Keywords

Keywords

  • Animals, Biological Evolution, Drosophila/genetics, Female, Life History Traits, Male, Reproduction/physiology, Selection, Genetic, Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology, Sexual Selection

Library keywords