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Major histocompatibility complex and mate choice in sand lizards.
Mats Olsson1, Thomas Madsen, Jessica Nordby
1Department of Zoology, The University of Göteborg, Division of Animal Ecology, Box 463, SE 413 90 Göteborg, Sweden. mats.olsson@zool.gu.se
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|December 12, 2003
Summary
Female Swedish sand lizards prefer males with dissimilar immune system genes (MHC). This preference for genetically diverse mates was observed in laboratory and wild populations, suggesting benefits for both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Evolutionary biology
- Immunogenetics
Background:
- Female mate choice often favors partners with dissimilar immune system genes, known as the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).
- This preference is well-documented in mammals like mice and humans, but less studied in reptiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if female Swedish sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) exhibit mate preference based on MHC genotype dissimilarity.
- To determine if MHC dissimilarity influences mating associations in both laboratory and wild lizard populations.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments using olfactory cues from males with varying MHC genotypes.
- Field observations of free-ranging lizards to assess non-random mating patterns with respect to MHC.
Main Results:
- Laboratory females showed a preference for odor samples from males with more distantly related MHC class 1 genotypes.
- Wild lizard associations were non-random concerning MHC genotype.
- Male spatial distribution and mobility patterns suggest potential MHC-related benefits for males mating with less related females.
Conclusions:
- Female Swedish sand lizards demonstrate a preference for mates with dissimilar MHC genotypes, aligning with findings in other species.
- MHC-based mate selection appears to be a significant factor in sand lizard mating systems, potentially offering advantages to both sexes.