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Genetic variation in social influence on mate preferences
Darren Rebar1, Rafael L Rodríguez
1Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Lapham Hall, 3209 N. Maryland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. dwrebar@uwm.edu
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|May 24, 2013
Summary
Genetic variation influences social environments, impacting mate preferences in treehoppers. This study reveals significant genetic variation in how social upbringing shapes mating choices, with evolutionary implications.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Phenotypic variation arises from social plasticity, influencing natural selection.
- Understanding genetic variation in social environments is crucial for evolutionary theory.
- The extent of genetic variation in social influence on traits remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how genetic variation in the social environment influences mate preferences.
- To investigate the proximate-ultimate dynamic between social interactions and evolutionary patterns.
- To quantify genetic variation in social influence on mate preferences in Enchenopa binotata treehoppers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized full-sibling split-families to create distinct 'treatment' social environments.
- Rearing focal females alongside treatment families to observe their mate preferences.
- Studied a member of the Enchenopa binotata species complex (Hemiptera: Membracidae).
Main Results:
- Detected substantial genetic variation in the social influence on mate preferences.
- Focal females exhibited varied mate preferences based on their social upbringing environment.
- Demonstrated a link between genetic variation, social environment, and mate choice.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variation in social influence on mate preferences has significant evolutionary implications.
- This variation may contribute to maintaining genetic diversity within populations.
- Potential for promoting divergence and adaptive evolution of social effects on fitness-related traits.
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