An intricate evolutionary connection between meiotic drive and sex

Meiotic drive systems are selfish genetic elements that subvert Mendelian inheritance in favor of their own transmission, often at the expense of host fitness. These elements can lead to profound evolutionary consequences by instigating genetic conflicts, particularly on sex chromosomes, where they frequently reside. Their preferential transmission can distort sex ratios and impact the fertility of carriers, triggering the rapid evolution of suppressor elements, resulting in an evolutionary arms race. This review highlights the dynamic interplay between meiotic drive and sex chromosome evolution, noting that drivers are often linked to recombination-suppressed regions and may catalyze chromosomal divergence and even speciation. Additionally, meiotic drivers can influence reproductive traits and sexual selection. They can reduce male fertility by destroying specific gametes, prompting compensatory adaptations. The reciprocal influence of sexual selection and reproductive behavior on driver frequency underscores the complex nature of this interaction. Though drivers can promote speciation by fixing incompatibilities or facilitating chromosomal rearrangements, they may also act as a stabilizing force, preserving ancestral karyotypes and delaying reproductive isolation. Ultimately, meiotic drive represents a potent evolutionary force shaping genome structure, reproduction, and diversification. Future work integrating molecular, ecological, and evolutionary frameworks is crucial to elucidate the multifaceted roles of meiotic drive across taxa.