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A comparative study of virginity in fig wasps

West¹, Herre, Compton

¹Department of Biology and NERC Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College at Silwood Park

Animal Behaviour

|August 1, 1997

Summary

In haplodiploid species, virgin females

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Behavioral Ecology
Genetics

Background:

Haplodiploid species exhibit unique reproductive dynamics where unmated females produce only male offspring.
The prevalence of virgin females can influence reproductive strategies, parasitic chromosome transmission, and the evolution of eusociality.
Conflicting theories exist regarding factors influencing virginity levels, focusing on local mate competition versus brood size.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a model predicting the relationship between local mate competition, brood size, and virginity prevalence in haplodiploid species.
To test theoretical predictions using empirical data from fig wasps.

Main Methods:

Development of a theoretical model incorporating local mate competition and brood size.
Empirical data collection from 53 species of fig wasps across four continents.
Statistical analysis of virginity prevalence against brood size and sex ratio (as an index of local mate competition).
Phylogenetic comparative analysis using a combined morphological and molecular phylogeny.

Main Results:

A significant inverse correlation was found between the estimated prevalence of virginity and brood size across species.
No significant correlation was observed between virginity prevalence and sex ratio, indicating limited local mate competition effects.
Model predictions were supported by empirical data, with brood size being a key factor influencing virginity.

Conclusions:

Brood size, rather than local mate competition, is a significant predictor of virgin female prevalence in haplodiploid species.
Findings support the developed model and offer insights into the evolutionary dynamics of reproductive strategies in haplodiploid systems.
The study highlights the importance of considering brood size in understanding the ecological and evolutionary significance of virginity.

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