Paper: Does reproductive isolation evolve faster in larger populations via sexually antagonistic coevolution?

Does reproductive isolation evolve faster in larger populations via sexually
antagonistic coevolution?
L. Gay 1,
P.E. Eady 2,
R. Vasudev 2,
D.J. Hosken 1 and
T. Tregenza 1


1 Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter
Cornwall, Tremough Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, UK
2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lincoln
Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
Abstract
Sexual conflict over reproductive investment can lead to sexually
antagonistic coevolution and reproductive isolation. It has been suggested
that, unlike most models of allopatric speciation, the evolution of
reproductive isolation through sexually antagonistic coevolution will occur
faster in large populations as these harbour greater levels of standing
genetic variation, receive larger numbers of mutations and experience more
intense sexual selection. We tested this in bruchid beetle populations
(Callosobruchus maculatus) by manipulating population size and standing
genetic variability in replicated lines derived from founders that had been
released from sexual conflict for 90 generations. We found that after 19
generations of reintroduced sexual conflict, none of our treatments had
evolved significant overall reproductive isolation among replicate lines.
However, as predicted, measures of reproductive isolation tended to be
greater among larger populations. We discuss our methodology, arguing that
reproductive isolation is best examined by performing a matrix of allopatric
and sympatric crosses whereas measurement of divergence requires crosses
with a tester line.

Source: The Royal Society
http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2009/03/31/rsbl.2009.0072.abstract?papetoc

Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek


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