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Published on: October 1, 2011
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EXPERIMENTAL EVOLUTION OF ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT IN DROSOPHILA. 1. DEVELOPMENTAL SPEED AND LARVAL SURVIVAL
Adam K Chippindale1, Julie A Alipaz1, Hsiao-Wei Chen1
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, 92717-2525.
Summary
Accelerating development in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) led to faster growth but reduced survival rates. This rapid development syndrome shows a trade-off between speed and viability in ephemeral habitats.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Developmental time significantly impacts organismal fitness, especially in species like Drosophila melanogaster inhabiting ephemeral environments.
- Understanding evolutionary trade-offs related to developmental speed is crucial for predicting adaptation in changing conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary consequences and trade-offs associated with selecting for accelerated development in Drosophila melanogaster.
- To quantify the genetic and phenotypic changes resulting from long-term selection for faster development.
Main Methods:
- Established 10 independent populations of Drosophila melanogaster and subjected them to selection for faster development over 125 generations.
- Monitored changes in developmental time, larval duration, pupation height, feeding rate, viability, and adult size.
- Utilized a diallel cross to assess inbreeding depression in accelerated lines.
Main Results:
- Accelerated populations (ACB and ACO) showed significant reductions in egg-to-adult developmental time (15-17%) and larval duration (25-30%).
- Accelerated lines exhibited reduced pupation height but no change in larval feeding rate.
- A significant decrease in preadult survivorship (over 10%) was observed in accelerated populations, indicating a negative correlation between development time and viability.
Conclusions:
- Selection for rapid development in Drosophila melanogaster results in a 'rapid development syndrome' with trade-offs including reduced preadult survivorship and potentially smaller adult size.
- The observed parallel responses in independently evolved lines suggest convergent evolutionary pathways under strong selection for faster development.
- These findings highlight the complex balance between the benefits of rapid development and associated fitness costs in organisms facing environmental challenges.
