X-linked meiotic drive can boost population size and persistence

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary genetics
• Population genetics

Background:

• X-linked meiotic drivers bias sperm production, leading to female-biased sex ratios.
• Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of such drivers is crucial for predicting their impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the general conditions for the spread and fixation of X-linked alleles.
• To investigate the demographic consequences of meiotic drive-induced sex ratio bias.

Main Methods:

• Developed and analyzed evolutionary models of X-linked meiotic drive.
• Incorporated factors like sex-specific selection, transmission, sperm competition, and ejaculate compensation.
• Extended models to assess population-level demographic effects.

Main Results:

• Spread of X-linked alleles depends on sex-specific selection and transmission, not time in each sex.
• Sperm competition and ejaculate compensation significantly influence meiotic drive polymorphism.
• Driving X-alleles can increase population size and persistence if not excessively biased.
• Strong drive bias can lead to population extinction, especially with low male mating rates.

Conclusions:

• Selfish genetic elements like meiotic drivers can have complex, context-dependent demographic effects.
• Meiotic drive can potentially move sex ratios toward a population-level optimum, with ecological benefits.
• Careful consideration of mating behavior and drive intensity is needed when evaluating the impact of meiotic drive, particularly for biological control applications.