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80 results for “mate signal”

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Data from: Speciation is not necessarily easier in species with sexually monomorphic mating signals

Should we have different expectations regarding the likelihood and pace of speciation by sexual selection when considering species with sexually monomorphic mating signals? Two conditions that can facilitate rapid species divergence are Felsenstein's one-allele mechanism and a genetic architecture that includes a genetic association between signal and preference loci. In sexually monomorphic species, the former can manifest in the form of mate choice based on phenotype matching. The latter can be promoted by selection acting upon genetic loci for divergent signals and preferences expressed simultaneously in each individual rather than separately, on signal loci in males and preference loci in females. Both sexes in the Chrysoperla carnea-group of green lacewings (Insecta, Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) produce sexually monomorphic species-specific mating signals. We hybridized the two species C. agilis and C. carnea to test for evidence of these speciation-facilitating conditions. Hybrid signals were more complex than the parents and we observed a dominant influence of C. carnea. We found a dominant influence of C. agilis on preferences in the form of hybrid discrimination against C. carnea. Preferences in hybrids followed patterns predicting preference loci that determine mate choice rather than a one-allele mechanism. The genetic association between signal and preference we detected in the segregating hybrid crosses indicate that speciation in these species with sexually monomorphic mating signals can have occurred rapidly. However, we need additional evidence to determine whether such genetic associations form more readily in sexually monomorphic species compared to dimorphic species and consequently facilitate speciation.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

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Data from: The influence of geographic heterogeneity in predation pressure on mating signal divergence in an Amazonian frog species complex

Sexual section plays an important role in mating signal divergence, but geographic variation in ecological factors can also contribute to divergent signal evolution. We tested the hypothesis that geographic heterogeneity in predation causes divergent selection on advertisement call complexity within the Engystomops petersi frog species complex. We conducted predator phonotaxis experiments at two sites where female choice is consistent with call trait divergence. Engystomops at one site produces complex calls, while the closely related species at the other site produces simple calls. Bats approached complex calls more than simple calls at both sites, suggesting selection against complex calls. Moreover, bat predation pressure was greater at the site with simple calls, suggesting stronger selection against complex calls and potentially precluding evolution of complex calls at this site. Our results show that geographic variation in predation may play an important role in the evolution and maintenance of mating signal divergence.

opencc-zeroDec 2011View details →

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Data from: Insect mating signal and mate preference phenotypes covary among host plant genotypes

Sexual selection acting on small initial differences in mating signals and mate preferences can enhance signal-preference co-divergence and reproductive isolation during speciation. However, the origin of initial differences in sexual traits remains unclear. We asked whether biotic environments, a source of variation in sexual traits, may provide a general solution to this problem. Specifically, we asked whether genetic variation in biotic environments provided by host plants can result in signal-preference phenotypic covariance in a host-specific, plant-feeding insect. We used a member of the Enchenopa binotata species complex of treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) to assess patterns of variation in male mating signals and female mate preferences induced by genetic variation in host plants. We employed a novel implementation of a quantitative genetics method, rearing field-collected treehoppers on a sample of naturally-occurring replicated host plant clone lines. We found remarkably high signal-preference covariance among host plant genotypes. Thus, genetic variation in biotic environments influences the sexual phenotypes of organisms living on those environment in a way that promotes assortative mating among environments. This consequence arises from conditions likely to be common in nature (phenotypic plasticity and variation in biotic environments). It therefore offers a general answer to how divergent sexual selection may begin.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

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Data from: Introduced parasite changes host phenotype, mating signal and hybridisation risk: Philornis downsi effects on Darwin's finch song

Introduced parasites that alter their host's mating signal can change the evolutionary trajectory of a species through sexual selection. Darwin's Camarhynchus finches are threatened by the introduced fly Philornis downsi that is thought to have accidentally arrived on the Galapagos Islands during the 1960s. The P. downsi larvae feed on the blood and tissue of developing finches causing on average ~55 % in-nest mortality and enlarged naris size in survivors. Here we test if enlarged naris size is associated with song characteristics and vocal deviation in the small tree finch (Camarhynchus parvulus), the critically endangered medium tree finch (C. pauper), and the recently observed hybrid tree finch group (Camarhynchus hybrids). Male C. parvulus and C. pauper with enlarged naris size produced song with lower maximum frequency and greater vocal deviation, but there was no significant association in hybrids. Less vocal deviation predicted faster pairing success in both parental species. Finally, C. pauper males with normal naris size produced species-specific song, but male C. pauper with enlarged naris size had song that was indistinguishable from other tree finches. When parasites disrupt host mating signal, they may also facilitate hybridisation. Here we show how parasite-induced naris enlargement affects vocal quality resulting in blurred species mating signals.

opencc-zeroMay 2019View details →

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Data from: Strategic pheromone signalling by mate searching females of the sexually cannibalistic spider Argiope bruennichi

Reproduction often requires finding a mating partner. To this end, females of many arthropods advertise their presence to searching males via volatile chemical signals. Such pheromones are considered low-cost signals, although this notion is based on little evidence and has recently been challenged. Even when utilizing comparatively low-cost signals, females should signal as little as possible to minimize costs while still ensuring mate attraction. Here we test the strategic-signalling hypothesis using Argiope bruennichi. In this orb-weaving spider, egg maturation commences with adult moult and females that do not attract a male in time will lay a large batch of unfertilized eggs approximately three weeks after maturation. Using GC-MS analyses, we show that virgin females enhance their signalling effort, i.e. pheromone quantity per unit body weight, with increasing age and approaching oviposition. We further demonstrate that pheromone release is condition dependent, suggesting the occurrence of physiological costs. Mate choice assays revealed that pheromone quantity is the only predictor of female attractiveness for males. In support of the strategic- signalling hypothesis, pheromone signals by female A. bruennichi become stronger with increased need as well as body weight, and might thus also qualify as an honest signal of female quality.

opencc-zeroOct 2021View details →

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