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80 results for “mating patterns”
Data from: Activity patterns during the mating season predict sex-biased infections in an emerging fungal disease
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Data for: Patterns of extra-territorial nestbox visits in a songbird suggest a role in extra-pair mating
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Mating patterns influence vulnerability to the extinction vortex
<p class="THESIS">Earth's biodiversity is undergoing mass extinction due to anthropogenic compounding of environmental, demographic and genetic stresses. These different stresses can trap populations within a reinforcing feedback loop known as the extinction vortex, in which synergistic pressures build upon one another through time, driving down population viability. Sexual selection, the widespread evolutionary force arising from competition, choice and reproductive variance within animal mating patterns, could have vital consequences for population viability and the extinction vortex: 1) if sexual selection reinforces natural selection to fix 'good genes' and purge 'bad genes', then mating patterns encouraging competition and choice may help protect populations from extinction; 2) by contrast, if mating patterns create load through evolutionary or ecological conflict, then population viability could be further reduced by sexual selection. We test between these opposing theories using replicate populations of the model insect <i>Tribolium castaneum</i> exposed to over ten years of experimental evolution under monogamous versus polyandrous mating patterns. After a 95-generation history of divergence in sexual selection, we compared fitness and extinction of monogamous versus polyandrous populations through an experimental extinction vortex comprising 15 generations of cycling environmental and genetic stresses. Results showed that lineages from monogamous evolutionary backgrounds, with limited opportunities for sexual selection, showed rapid declines in fitness and complete extinction through the vortex. By contrast, fitness of populations from the history of polyandry, with stronger opportunities for sexual selection, declined slowly, with 60% of populations surviving by the study end. The three vortex stresses of i) nutritional deprivation, ii) thermal stress and iii) genetic bottlenecking had similar impacts on fitness declines and extinction risk, with an overall sigmoid decline in survival through time. We therefore reveal sexual selection as an important force behind lineages facing extinction threats, identifying the relevance of natural mating patterns for conservation management.</p>
More than meets the eye: syntopic and morphologically similar mangrove killifish species show different mating systems and patterns of genetic structure along the Brazilian coast
<p><a name="_Hlk40344892">Different mating systems can strongly affect the extent of genetic diversity and population structure among species. Given the increased effects of genetic drift on reduced population size, theory predicts that species undergoing self-fertilization should have greater population structure than outcrossed species, however demographic dynamics may affect this scenario. </a>The mangrove killifish clade is composed of the two only known examples of self-fertilising species among vertebrates (<i>Kryptolebias marmoratus </i>and <i>K</i>. <i>hermaphroditus</i>). A third species in this clade, <i>K. ocellatus, </i>inhabits mangrove forests in southeast Brazil, however its mating system and patterns of genetic structure have been rarely explored. Here, we examined the genetic structure and phylogeographic patterns of <i>K</i>. <i>ocellatus</i> along its distribution, using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites to compare its patterns of genetic structure with the predominantly selfing and often syntopic, <i>K</i>. <i>hermaphroditus.</i> Our results indicate that <i>K</i>. <i>ocellatus</i> reproduces mainly by outcrossing across much of its known range, with no current evidence of selfing, despite being an androdioecious species. Our results also reveal a stronger population subdivision in <i>K</i>. <i>ocellatus </i>compared to <i>K</i>. <i>hermaphroditus</i>, contrary to the theoretical predictions based on reproductive biology of the two species. Our findings indicate that, although morphologically similar, <i>K</i>. <i>ocellatus </i>and <i>K</i>. <i>hermaphroditus</i> had remarkably different evolutionary histories when colonising the same mangrove areas in south-eastern Brazil, with other factors (e. g. time of colonisation, dispersal/establishment capacity) having more profound effects on the current population structuring of those species than differences in mating systems.</p>
Data from: Effects of tree architecture on pollen dispersal and mating patterns in Abies pinsapo Boiss. (Pinaceae)
Plant architecture is crucial to pollination and mating in wind pollinated species. We investigate the effect of crown architecture on pollen dispersal, mating system and offspring quality, combining phenotypic and genotypic analyses in a low-density population of the endangered species Abies pinsapo. A total of 598 embryos from three relative crown height levels (bottom, middle, top) in five mother plants were genotyped using eleven nuclear microsatellite markers (nSSRs). Paternity analysis and mating system models were used to infer mating and pollen dispersal parameters. In addition, seeds were weighed (N = 16,110) and germinated (N = 736), and seedling vigour was measured to assess inbreeding depression. Overall, A. pinsapo shows a fat-tailed dispersal kernel, with an average pollen dispersal distance of 113–227 m, an immigration rate of 0.84–26.92%, and a number of effective pollen donors ranging between 3.5 and 11.9. We found an effect of tree height and relative crown height levels on mating parameters. A higher proportion of seeds with embryo (about 50%) and a higher rate of self-fertilization (about 60%) were found at the bottom level in comparison to the top level. Seed weight and seedling vigour are positively related. Nevertheless, no differences were found in seed weight or in seedling-related variables such as weight and length of aerial and subterranean parts among the different relative crown height levels, suggesting that seeds from the more strongly inbred bottom level are not affected by inbreeding depression. The different relative crown height levels also present a similar effective pollen dispersal distance and number of effective pollen donors, indicating vertical isotropy for outcross pollen. Our results thus suggest that self-pollen may compensate for the shortage of outcross pollen in low density populations.
Data from: Alternative mating tactics in male chameleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) are evident in both long-term body color and short-term courtship pattern
Alternative mating tactics in males of various taxa are associated with body color, body size, and social status. Chameleons are known for their ability to change body color following immediate environmental or social stimuli. In this study, we examined whether the differential appearance of male common chameleon during the breeding season is indeed an expression of alternative mating tactics. We documented body color of males and used computer vision techniques to classify images of individuals into discrete color patterns associated with seasons, individual characteristics, and social contexts. Our findings revealed no differences in body color and color patterns among males during the non-breeding season. However, during the breeding season males appeared in several color displays, which reflected body size, social status, and behavioral patterns. Furthermore, smaller and younger males resembled the appearance of small females. Consequently, we suggest that long-term color change in males during the breeding season reflects male alternative mating tactics. Upon encounter with a receptive female, males rapidly alter their appearance to that of a specific brief courtship display, which reflects their social status. The females, however, copulated indiscriminately in respect to male color patterns. Thus, we suggest that the differential color patterns displayed by males during the breeding season are largely aimed at inter-male signaling.
Data from: Evaluating the influence of different aspects of habitat fragmentation on mating patterns and pollen dispersal in the bird-pollinated Banksia sphaerocarpa var. caesia
Habitat fragmentation can significantly affect mating and pollen dispersal patterns in plant populations, although the differential effects of the various aspects of fragmentation are poorly understood. In this study we used paternity assignment with eight microsatellite loci to investigate the effect of fragmentation on the mating system and pollen dispersal within one large and eight small population remnants of Banksia sphaerocarpa var. caesia, a bird-pollinated shrub in the southern agricultural region of Western Australia. The large population had a much larger neighbourhood size and lower selfing rate, maternal pollen pool differentiation and within-plot mean pollen dispersal distance than the small populations. Outcrossing was consistently high and ranged from 89% ± 0.8 to 98.5% ± 0.3, and mating patterns suggested nearest-neighbour pollination. Pollen immigration into small populations ranged from 6% ± 0.6 to 15% ± 0.6. Using the small populations, we tested for correlations between various fragmentation variables and mating system and pollen dispersal parameters. We found significant positive linear relationships between population size and number of different fathers per seed crop and between population shape and pollen pool differentiation. There were significant negative linear relationships between population isolation and outcrossing rate; population shape and neighbourhood size; and conspecific density and mean pollen dispersal distance. Our results suggest that birds may use a series of fragmented populations as a vegetation corridor while foraging across the landscape and that population connectivity is a critical determinant of pollinator visitation. Our results also suggest that the effect of a linear population shape on the mating system and pollen dispersal is routinely underestimated.
Data from: Patterns of MHC-dependent mate selection in humans and non-human primates: a meta-analysis
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in vertebrates are integral for effective adaptive immune response and are associated with sexual selection. Evidence from a range of vertebrates supports MHC-based preference for diverse and dissimilar mating partners, but evidence from human mate choice studies has been disparate and controversial. Methodologies and sampling peculiarities specific to human studies make it difficult to know whether wide discrepancies in results among human populations are real or artefact. To better understand what processes may affect MHC-mediated mate choice across humans and nonhuman primates, we performed phylogenetically controlled meta-analyses using 58 effect sizes from 30 studies across seven primate species. Primates showed a general trend favouring more MHC-diverse mates, which was statistically significant for humans. In contrast, there was no tendency for MHC-dissimilar mate choice, and for humans, we observed effect sizes indicating selection of both MHC-dissimilar and MHC-similar mates. Focusing on MHC-similar effect sizes only, we found evidence that preference for MHC similarity was an artefact of population ethnic heterogeneity in observational studies but not among experimental studies with more control over sociocultural biases. This suggests that human assortative mating biases may be responsible for some patterns of MHC-based mate choice. Additionally, the overall effect sizes of primate MHC-based mating preferences are relatively weak (Fisher's Z correlation coefficient for dissimilarity Zr = 0.044, diversity Zr = 0.153), calling for careful sampling design in future studies. Overall, our results indicate that preference for more MHC-diverse mates is significant for humans and likely conserved across primates.
Data from: Size-dependent mating pattern in a nuptial gift-giving insect
The reproductive interests of females and males often diverge in terms of the number of mating partners, an individual's phenotype, origin, genes and parental investment. This conflict may lead to a variety of sex-specific adaptations and also affect mate choice in both sexes. We conducted an experiment with the bush-cricket Pholidoptera griseoaptera (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae), a species in which females receive direct nutritional benefits during mating. Mated individuals could be assigned due to the genotype of male spermatodoses, which are stored in the female's spermatheca. After three weeks of possible copulations in established mating groups which were random replications with four females and males we did not find consistent assortative mating preference regarding to body size of mates. However, our results showed that the frequency of within-pair copulations (192 analyzed mating events in 128 possible pair-wise combinations) was positively associated with the body size of both mated individuals with significant interaction between sexes (having one mate very large, association between body size and the number of copulations has weaken). Larger individuals also showed a higher degree of polygamy. This suggests that body size of this nuptial gift-giving insect species is an important sexual trait according to which both sexes choose their optimal mating partner.
Data from: Quantitative genetic analyses of male color pattern and female mate choice in a pair of cichlid fishes of Lake Malawi, East Africa
The traits involved in sexual selection, such as male secondary sexual characteristics and female mate choice, often co-evolve which can promote population differentiation. However, the genetic architecture of these phenotypes can influence their evolvability and thereby affect the divergence of species. The extraordinary diversity of East African cichlid fishes is often attributed to strong sexual selection and thus this system provides an excellent model to test predictions regarding the genetic architecture of sexually selected traits that contribute to reproductive isolation. In particular, theory predicts that rapid speciation is facilitated when male sexual traits and female mating preferences are controlled by a limited number of linked genes. However, few studies have examined the genetic basis of male secondary sexual traits and female mating preferences in cichlids and none have investigated the genetic architecture of both jointly. In this study, we artificially hybridized a pair of behaviorally isolated cichlid fishes from Lake Malawi and quantified both melanistic color pattern and female mate choice. We investigated the genetic architecture of both phenotypes using quantitative genetic analyses. Our results suggest that 1) many non-additively acting genetic factors influence melanistic color patterns, 2) female mate choice may be controlled by a minimum of 1–2 non-additive genetic factors, and 3) F2 female mate choice is not influenced by male courting effort. Furthermore, a joint analysis of color pattern and female mate choice indicates that the genes underlying these two traits are unlikely to be physically linked. These results suggest that reproductive isolation may evolve rapidly owing to the few genetic factors underlying female mate choice. Hence, female mate choice likely played an important role in the unparalleled speciation of East African cichlid fish.
Data from: Patterns of mating and generation of diversity in a Geum hybrid swarm
To understand the evolutionary consequences of hybridization between the outcrossing plant Geum rivale and the selfer G. urbanum we tested the predictions of two simple models which assume either A). low or B). high pollen fitness in hybrids. Model A predicts only four genotypic classes (G. rivale, G. rivale backcross (BCR), F1 and G. urbanum) and asymmetric introgression from inbreeding to outbreeding species. Model B predicts additional genotypic classes and potential generation of novel inbreeding lines in the hybrid swarm. AFLP analysis of adults revealed only the four genotypes predicted by model A. However, microsatellite analysis of parent-progeny arrays demonstrated production of selfed offspring by F1 and BCR maternal parents and contribution of these genotypes to outcross pollen pools, as predicted by model B. Moreover AFLP and morphological analysis showed that the offspring generation comprised genotypes and phenotypes covering the entire spectrum of variation between the two parental species, in line with model B. A common garden experiment indicated no systematic reduction in fitness of offspring derived from hybrid parents. The genetic structure of the adults in the Geum hybrid swarm cannot be explained by restricted mating patterns but may result from ecological selection acting on a diverse offspring population.
Data from: Mating patterns and pollinator mobility are critical traits in forest fragmentation genetics
Most woody plants are animal-pollinated, but the global problem of habitat fragmentation is changing the pollination dynamics. Consequently, the genetic diversity and fitness of the progeny of animal-pollinated woody plants sired in fragmented landscapes tend to decline due to shifts in plant-mating patterns (for example, reduced outcrossing rate, pollen diversity). However, the magnitude of this mating-pattern shift should theoretically be a function of pollinator mobility. We first test this hypothesis by exploring the mating patterns of three ecologically divergent eucalypts sampled across a habitat fragmentation gradient in southern Australia. We demonstrate increased selfing and decreased pollen diversity with increased fragmentation for two small-insect-pollinated eucalypts, but no such relationship for the mobile-bird-pollinated eucalypt. In a meta-analysis, we then show that fragmentation generally does increase selfing rates and decrease pollen diversity, and that more mobile pollinators tended to dampen these mating-pattern shifts. Together, our findings support the premise that variation in pollinator form contributes to the diversity of mating-pattern responses to habitat fragmentation.
Data from: Effects of contemporary shifts of range margins on patterns of genetic structure and mating system in two coastal plant species
Species' geographical ranges are often restricted due to niche limitation resulting in geographical isolation and reduced population size at range margins. Under the 'abundant center' paradigm, static marginal populations are thus expected to show higher genetic differentiation and lower genetic diversity than core populations. Low mate availability may also drive shifts towards higher propensity for selfing in geographically marginal populations. However, these predictions remain to be validated for contemporary range shifts occurring under current environmental change. This study is devoted to bridging this gap and assesses the spatial patterns of genetic structure and mating system across the geographical range of two coastal plant species characterized by contrasting contemporary range dynamics: the receding myrmecochorous Dune pansy (Viola tricolor subsp. curtisii) and the widespread expanding hydrochorous Rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum) Both species exhibited high propensity for selfing, with indications of inbreeding depression acting at early life stages. In Dune pansy, a biogeographical break was observed between core and marginal populations, with trailing-edge populations showing higher levels of genetic differentiation, reduced genetic diversity and higher levels of selfing estimated through progeny arrays. In contrast, genetic structuring was weak in Rock samphire and no clear spatial trends were observed in genetic diversity nor in mating system, likely the result of efficient long-distance seed dispersal by sea-surface currents. Our study highlights that key species differences in life-history traits related to dispersal and/or mate limitation modify the expectations of genetic diversity loss and mating system shift in contemporary range-expanding populations, as compared to historical core populations.
Data from: Population density and size influence pollen dispersal pattern and mating system of the predominantly outcrossed Banksia nivea (Proteaceae) in a threatened ecological community
Gene flow is a critical component of plant mating systems and influences population fitness, yet pollen dispersal can be highly variable and influenced by natural and anthropogenic fragmentation. Gene flow through pollen dispersal was investigated in two populations of contrasting size and habitat context in Banksia nivea ssp. uliginosa, a rare species in the Busselton ironstone threatened ecological community with a naturally fragmented distribution. Paternity analysis was conducted with seven microsatellite loci to determine mating system parameters and patterns of pollen dispersal. Outcrossing was high in both populations with a similar level of selfing for both populations despite differences in population size, density and vegetation matrix. Most mating occurred within 10 m of a mother plant in the small, clumped population, while more dispersed mating, up to 50 m from a mother plant, was recorded in the large, less dense population. Our results show that population density and size are important influences on mating system parameters and level of pollen dispersal.
FIG. 1 in Temporal Patterns of Mating Activity in Alpine Newts, Ichthyosaura alpestris
FIG. 1. Number of mating pairs in relation to (A) the time and (B) the day, with 95% credible intervals (dotted lines). The yellow lines show the model prediction for the number of mating pairs while the lights were on; blue lines show the model prediction for lights off. Points show the raw data (yellow: lights on; blue: lights off) and are jittered for better visibility. n = 172 observations on 51 males and 54 females.
Integrative taxonomic analysis to reveal the species status of Bombus flavidus, combining COI and nuclear sequencing, wing morphometrics and secretions used for mate attraction as well as patterns of color polymorphism
<p>Bumble bees, due to their morphological monotony and color diversity, have presented difficulties with species delimitation. Recent bumble bee declines have made it ever more imperative to resolve the status of species to address conservation concerns. Some of the taxa found to be most threatened are the often-rare socially parasitic bumble bees, which have additional trophic requirements. Among the socially parasitic bumble bees,<i> Bombus flavidus</i> Eversmann has contentious species status. While multiple separate species allied with <i>Bombus flavidus</i> have been suggested, until recently, recognition of two species, a Nearctic <i>Bombus fernaldae</i> (Franklin) and Palearctic <i>B. flavidus,</i> was favoured. Limited genetic data, however, suggested that even these could be a single widespread species, <i>B. flavidus</i>. We addressed the species status of this lineage using an integrative taxonomic approach, combining <i>COI</i> and nuclear sequencing, wing morphometrics and secretions used for mate attraction. We also explore patterns of color polymorphism that have previously confounded taxonomy in this lineage. Our results support the conspecific status of <i>Bombus fernaldae</i> and <i>Bombus flavidus,</i> however, sampling specimens from across the range of these two taxa revealed a distinct population within this broader species confined to eastern North America. This makes the distribution of the social parasite <i>B. flavidus</i> the broadest of any bumble bee, broader than the known distribution of any non-parasitic bumble bee species. Analysis of color phenotypes revealed that color polymorphisms are retained across the range of the species, but may be influenced by local mimicry complexes. Following these results, <i>Bombus flavidus</i> Eversmann, 1852<i> </i>is synonymized with <i>Bombus fernaldae </i>(Franklin, 1911) <b>syn. nov.</b> and a subspecific status, <i>Bombus flavidus </i><i>appalachiensis</i> <b>ssp. nov.</b>, is assigned to the distinct lineage ranging from the Appalachians to the eastern boreal regions of the United States and far southeastern Canada.</p>
Genetic structure and mating patterns in sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.)
<p>Oaks (<em>Quercus</em>) are major components of temperate forest ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere where they form intermediate or climax communities. Sessile oak (<em>Quercus petraea</em>) forests represent the climax vegetation in eastern Germany and western Poland. Here, sessile oak forms pure stands or occurs intermixed with Scots Pine (<em>Pinus sylvestris</em>). A large body of research is available on gene flow, reproduction dynamics, and genetic structure in fragmented landscapes and mixed populations. At the same time, our knowledge regarding large, contiguous and monospecific populations is considerably less well developed. Our study is an attempt to further develop our understanding of the reproduction ecology of sessile oak as an ecologically and economically important forest tree by analyzing mating patterns and genetic structure within adult trees and seedlings originating from one or two reproduction events in an extensive, naturally regenerating sessile oak forest. We detected positive spatial genetic structure up to 30 meters between adult trees and up to 40 meters between seedlings. Seed dispersal distances averaged 8.4 meters. Pollen dispersal distances averaged 22.6 meters. In both cases, the largest proportion of the dispersal occurred over short distances. Dispersal over longer distances was more common for pollen but also appeared regularly for seeds. The reproductive success of individual trees was highly skewed. Only 41 percent of all adult trees produced any offspring while the majority did not participate in reproduction. Among those trees that contributed to the analyzed seedling sample, 80 percent contributed 1-3 gametes. Only 20 percent of all parent trees contributed four or more gametes. However, these relatively few most fertile trees contributed 51 percent of all gametes within the seedling sample. Our study demonstrates that extensive, apparently homogenous oak forests are far from uniform on the genetic level. On the contrary, they form highly complex mosaics of remarkably small local neighborhoods. This counterbalances the levelling effect of long-distance dispersal and may increase the species' adaptive potential. Incorporating these dynamics in the management, conservation and restoration of oak forests can support the conservation of forest genetic diversity and assist those forests in coping with environmental change.</p>
FIG. 4 in Spatial and temporal patterns of territorial mate locating behaviour in Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
FIG. 4. The relationship between counts of territorial males and the minimum vegetative corridor width in 10 m segments along both transect 1 (solid triangles) and transect 2 (open squares).
FIG. 2 in Spatial and temporal patterns of territorial mate locating behaviour in Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
FIG. 2. Diel patterns of territorial male residence along transect 1 (open squares, solid line) and transect 2 (solid squares, dotted line). The error bars represent Ô1 standard error of sample means, and the ®tted lines are weighted least squares approximations calculated by the STATISTICATM computer program. Sample sizes are given above each hourly point.
FIG. 5 in Spatial and temporal patterns of territorial mate locating behaviour in Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
FIG. 5. Representation of hypothetical population-level activity curves derived from simple models of the timing of individual behaviour. Curve A (solid line) represents a population of individuals that arrive at 0900 h and stay for 6 h, curve B (dashed line) represents a population of individuals that arrive at 0900 h and stay for varying times, whilst curve C (dotted line) represents a population of males that arrive at various times but each stay for 3 h.
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