Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A Method to Test the Effect of Environmental Cues on Mating Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: July 17, 2017
Does segregating variation in sexual or microhabitat preferences lead to non-random mating within a population of
Brad R Foley1, Anne Genissel, Harmon L Kristy
1Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, , CA 90089, USA. bradfole@usc.edu
Abstract:
Variation in female choice for mates has implications for the maintenance of genetic variation and the evolution of male traits. Yet, estimates of population-level variation in male mating success owing to female genotype are rare. Here, we used a panel of recombinant inbred lines to estimate the strength of selection at many genetic loci in a single generation and attempt to assess differences between females with respect to the males they mated with. We performed selection assays in a complex environment to allow differences in habitat or social group preference to be expressed. We detected directional selection at loci across the genome, but are unable to provide support for differential male success because of variation in female genotype.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Types of Selection
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
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...
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing, inherently...
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers

