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Larval competition in Drosophila melanogaster: effects on development time
F González-Candelas1, J L Ménsua, A Moya
1Departament de Genètica, Universitat de València, Spain.
Genetica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Larval competition stress can pause development, with individuals resuming growth after moving to better conditions. This developmental plasticity impacts development time more quickly than survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Population genetics
- Ecology
Background:
- Larval competition is a key factor influencing insect development and fitness.
- Understanding developmental plasticity under stress is crucial for predicting population dynamics.
- Previous research indicates competition affects fitness components like development time and viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of interrupted larval competition on development time.
- To analyze how varying durations of competition affect developmental plasticity.
- To compare the effects of competition on development time versus viability.
Main Methods:
- Experiment with constant larval density and varying proportions of two competing strains.
- Utilized the overfeeding technique to interrupt competition at different time points.
- Monitored mean development time and within-vial variance of development time.
Main Results:
- Individuals experiencing strong competition stress can arrest development and resume it later.
- Developmental arrest and resumption were observed when larvae were transferred to fresh food.
- Effects on development time were detected earlier than effects on viability.
Conclusions:
- Larval competition can induce a reversible developmental arrest.
- Developmental plasticity allows larvae to cope with temporary adverse conditions.
- Development time is a more sensitive indicator of competition stress than viability.