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Mate choice for genetic quality when environments vary: suggestions for empirical progress
Luc F Bussière1, John Hunt, Kai N Stölting
1Zoologisches Museum der Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland. luc.bussiere@stir.ac.uk
Genetica
|November 8, 2007
Summary
Mate choice for good genes is debated due to genetic variation depletion. Genotype by environment interactions (GEIs) may resolve the lek paradox by maintaining genetic variation for quality.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mate choice for good genes is controversial, facing the lek paradox where strong preference depletes genetic variation.
- Assumed small good-genes benefits may not overcome direct selection against female preferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in understanding mate choice for genetic quality.
- To explore how genotype by environment interactions (GEIs) can maintain genetic variation and resolve the lek paradox.
- To propose future research directions by posing key questions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on genotype by environment interactions (GEIs).
- Analysis of theoretical and empirical studies on mate choice and genetic variation.
- Synthesis of current knowledge and identification of research gaps.
Main Results:
- Genotype by environment interactions (GEIs) show potential for rescuing additive genetic variation for quality.
- GEIs can influence condition-dependence and the signalling value of male traits.
- The role of GEIs in the multivariate lek paradox and indirect benefits requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- GEIs are crucial for maintaining genetic variation underlying mate choice for good genes.
- Addressing GEIs is essential for resolving the lek paradox.
- Future research should focus on quantifying GEIs' impact on genetic variation and mating preferences.
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