Mitochondrial polymorphism shapes intrapopulation behavioural variation in wild Drosophila

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Intrapopulation behavioral variation (activity, boldness, aggressiveness) significantly impacts ecological and evolutionary dynamics.
• Previous research focused on nuclear genome variations, potentially overlooking mitochondrial genome contributions to behavior.
• Mitochondrial genes are crucial for cellular energy metabolism and influence life-history and reproductive traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of intrapopulation variation in the mitochondrial genome on activity levels in *Drosophila immigrans*.
• To determine if mitochondrial haplogroups are associated with differences in organismal activity.

Main Methods:

• Established multiple isofemale lines from two wild *Drosophila immigrans* populations.
• Analyzed mitochondrial genome variation to identify distinct haplogroups.
• Quantified and compared activity levels in both larval and adult stages across identified haplogroups.

Main Results:

• Identified two major mitochondrial haplogroups within the studied *Drosophila immigrans* populations.
• Demonstrated significant differences in activity levels between individuals belonging to the two haplogroups.
• Observed variations in activity in both larval and adult stages.

Conclusions:

• Intrapopulation variation in activity level in *Drosophila immigrans* may be partially regulated by mitochondrial genes.
• Highlights the potential interplay between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in shaping behavioral traits.
• Suggests that organismal age may also interact with genetic factors to influence activity levels.