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Sexual selection and population spatial structure interact to shape sex-specific evolutionary responses in
Maider Iglesias-Carrasco1,2, Giulia Tamburrino1,3, Miguel Lozano1
1Evolution and Ecology of Sexual Interactions Group, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Seville, Spain.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Population structure and sexual selection intensity shape sex-specific metabolic rates and oxidative stress in seed beetles. These physiological differences, particularly in males, highlight the influence of ecological factors on trait evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Physiological ecology
- Sexual selection
Background:
- Sexual selection and conflict can drive sex-specific physiological traits.
- Ecological and demographic factors, including population structure, influence sexual selection.
- Standard metabolic rate and oxidative stress are key physiological traits potentially affected by these pressures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how population spatial structure modulates the effects of sexual selection on male and female standard metabolic rates and oxidative stress.
- To examine the impact of divergent sexual selection regimes (high vs. low intensity) and metapopulation structure (present vs. absent) on these physiological traits in seed beetles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized selection lines of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus.
- Applied divergent evolutionary regimes manipulating sexual selection intensity (polygamous vs. monogamous) and population structure (divided vs. undivided).
- Measured standard metabolic rates, antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase - SOD), and oxidative damage to lipids (TBARS levels).
Main Results:
- Evolutionary treatments had complex impacts on physiological traits.
- In divided populations, sexes had similar metabolic rates; in undivided populations, males had lower rates than females.
- Males in polygamous, undivided populations showed the lowest SOD, leading to sexual dimorphism. TBARS levels were highest in monogamous, undivided populations for both sexes.
Conclusions:
- Physiological traits evolve differently in males and females in response to sexual selection intensity and population spatial structure.
- Sex-specific physiological responses are linked to selective pressures primarily acting on males.
- Ecological and demographic factors are crucial for understanding sex-specific trait evolution driven by sexual selection.
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