Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Using the Fluorescent Dye, Rhodamine B, to Study Mating Competitiveness in Male Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Published on: May 7, 2021
Heritability of male morph in the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini (Astigmata, Acaridae)
1Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, Cracow, 30-060, Poland. radwan@eko.uj.edu.pl
Abstract:
In several species of Acaridae (Astigmata), heteromorphic males, possessing a sharply terminated third pair of legs which they use to mortally stab other males, coexist with scrambler males with unmodified legs. Previous research showed that in the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini (Claparède), the male morph is heritable. In this study I used a different population and carried out selection in both downward and upward direction in order to change the proportion of morphs. Starting from the proportion of about 0.2 homeomorphs in the population, I obtained a significant response to 8-10 generations of selection in two repetitions. The response was asymmetrical (stronger in upward direction). Realised heritabilities were in the range of 0.3 (downward) and 0.8 (upward).
Related Concept Videos
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
X-linked Traits
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
X and Y Chromosomes
The germline cells such as egg and sperm cells carry only half the number of chromosomes, i.e., 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome. All eggs have an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry an X or...
Pedigree Analysis
Dihybrid Crosses

