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opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Folivory has long-term effects on sexual but not on asexual reproduction in woodland strawberry

1. Plant fitness is often a result of both sexual and asexual reproductive success and, in perennial plants, over several years. Folivory can affect both modes of reproduction. However, little is known about the effects of folivory on resource allocation to the two modes of reproduction simultaneously and across years. 2. In a two-year common garden experiment we examined the effects of different levels of folivory by the strawberry leaf beetle, Galerucella tenella, on current growth, as well as current and future sexual and asexual reproduction (runners) of perennial woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca. In addition, we measured the chlorophyll content in leaves in the year of experimental damage to determine whether there was increased photosynthetic activity, and, thus, a compensatory response to herbivory. 3. In the year of experimental damage, plants that were exposed to moderate and high levels of folivory (25% and 50 % leaf area consumed, respectively) increased their photosynthetic activity compared to control plants. However, only plants exposed to high folivory exhibited negative effects, with a lower probability of flowering compared to control plants, indicating that plants exposed to low or moderate folivory were able to compensate for the damage. Negative effects of folivory were carried over to the subsequent year. Plants that were exposed to moderate folivory (25 % leaf area consumed) during one year produced fewest flowers and fruits in the subsequent year. Runner production was consistently unaffected by folivory. 4. Synthesis. Our results show that the negative effects of folivory only influence sexual reproduction in woodland strawberry. Furthermore, even though woodland strawberry can tolerate moderate amounts of folivory in the short term, the negative effects on fitness appear later; this highlights the importance of studying the effects of herbivory over consecutive years in perennial plants.

opencc-zeroJul 2019View details →

Data from: Loss and gain of sexual reproduction in the same stick insect

The outcome of competition between different reproductive strategies within a single species can be used to infer selective advantage of the winning strategy. Where multiple populations have independently lost or gained sexual reproduction it is possible to investigate whether the advantage is contingent on local conditions. In the New Zealand stick insect Clitarchus hookeri, three populations are distinguished by recent change in reproductive strategy and we determine their likely origins. One parthenogenetic population has established in the United Kingdom and we provide evidence that sexual reproduction has been lost in this population. We identify the sexual population from which the parthenogenetic population was derived, but show that the UK females have a post-mating barrier to fertilisation. We also demonstrate that two sexual populations have recently arisen in New Zealand within the natural range of the mtDNA lineage that otherwise characterizes parthenogenesis in this species. We infer independent origins of males at these two locations using microsatellite genotypes. In one population, a mixture of local and non-local alleles suggested males were the result of invasion. Males in another population were most likely the result of loss of an X chromosome that produced a male phenotype in situ. Two successful switches in reproductive strategy suggest local competitive advantage for outcrossing over parthenogenetic reproduction. Clitarchus hookeri provides remarkable evidence of repeated and rapid changes in reproductive strategy, with competitive outcomes dependent on local conditions.

opencc-zeroDec 2016View details →

Data from: Co-occurrence of related asexual, but not sexual, lineages suggests that reproductive interference limits coexistence

We used randomizations to analyse patterns of co-occurrence of sexual and apomictic (asexual) members of the North American Crepis agamic complex (Asteraceae). We expect strong asymmetry in reproductive interactions in Crepis: apomicts produce clonal seeds with no need for pollination and are not subject to reproductive interference from co-occurring relatives. However, because they still produce some viable pollen, apomicts can reduce reproductive success of nearby sexual relatives, potentially leading to eventual local exclusion of sexuals. Consistent with this, randomizations reveal that sexuals are over-represented in isolated sites, while apomicts freely co-occur. Incorporation of taxonomic and phylogenetic evidence indicates that this pattern is not driven by local origins of asexuals. Our evidence that patterns of local co-occurrence are structured by reproductive interference suggests an underappreciated role for these interactions in community assembly, and highlights the need for explicit tests of the relative contributions of ecological and reproductive interactions in generating patterns of limiting similarity.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: De novo transcriptome analysis of the common New Zealand stick insect Clitarchus hookeri (Phasmatodea) reveals genes involved in olfaction, digestion and sexual reproduction

Phasmatodea, more commonly known as stick insects, have been poorly studied at the molecular level for several key traits, such as components of the sensory system and regulators of reproduction and development, impeding a deeper understanding of their functional biology. Here, we employ de novo transcriptome analysis to identify genes with primary functions related to female odour reception, digestion, and male sexual traits in the New Zealand common stick insect Clitarchus hookeri (White). The female olfactory gene repertoire revealed ten odorant binding proteins with three recently duplicated, 12 chemosensory proteins, 16 odorant receptors, and 17 ionotropic receptors. The majority of these olfactory genes were over-expressed in female antennae and have the inferred function of odorant reception. Others that were predominantly expressed in male terminalia (n = 3) and female midgut (n = 1) suggest they have a role in sexual reproduction and digestion, respectively. Over-represented transcripts in the midgut were enriched with digestive enzyme gene families. Clitarchus hookeri is likely to harbour nine members of an endogenous cellulase family (glycoside hydrolase family 9), two of which appear to be specific to the C. hookeri lineage. All of these cellulase sequences fall into four main phasmid clades and show gene duplication events occurred early in the diversification of Phasmatodea. In addition, C. hookeri genome is likely to express γ-proteobacteria pectinase transcripts that have recently been shown to be the result of horizontal transfer. We also predicted 711 male terminalia-enriched transcripts that are candidate accessory gland proteins, 28 of which were annotated to have molecular functions of peptidase activity and peptidase inhibitor activity, two groups being widely reported to regulate female reproduction through proteolytic cascades. Our study has yielded new insights into the genetic basis of odour detection, nutrient digestion, and male sexual traits in stick insects. The C. hookeri reference transcriptome, together with identified gene families, provides a comprehensive resource for studying the evolution of sensory perception, digestive systems, and reproductive success in phasmids.

opencc-zeroDec 2017View details →

Data from: Impact of sexually antagonistic genital morphologies on female reproduction and wild population demography

Sexual conflict is a strong driver of evolution. The evolutionary outcomes of sexual conflict can, in turn, influence ecological processes within populations, e.g., demography. However, evidence for the latter hypothesis is scarce, especially in the wild. Here, we show that sexual conflict is associated with demographic processes determining population size in the ground beetle Carabus insulicola with elaborate male and female genitalia, based on individual- and population-level analyses. We found that sexually antagonistic selection can operate on the genitalia: longer male genitalia can be beneficial in sperm competition but decrease female reproductive success with increased egg dumping, while longer female genitalia are resistant to this male harassment via decreased egg dumping and increased fertilization rate. As expected from sexually antagonistic coevolution due to sexual conflict, we detected coevolutionary divergence between male and female genital sizes among populations. In parallel with decrease in female reproductive success, more harmful males with longer genitalia and less resistant females with shorter genitalia were related to small effective population sizes. Thus, sexual conflict may promote coevolutionary diversification between sexual traits, and this was associated with a demographic process. Our findings provide an insight into sex-driven eco-evolutionary dynamics in the wild.

opencc-zeroMar 2020View details →

The intensity of sexual selection, body size and reproductive success in a mating system with male-male combat: Is bigger better?

Body size is a key selected trait in many animal systems: larger size is sexually selected for in males because it confers a reproductive advantage during contest competition for access to females, and larger females are naturally selected for fecundity. Herein, we used radio-telemetry to gather a large dataset of male-female interactions and DNA paternity analyses to characterize the intensity of sexual selection and the link between two body size metrics (body length and condition, the latter manipulated experimentally for males) and reproductive success in a population of puff adders (Bitis arietans). Our multiple estimates of the intensity of sexual selection generally indicated that males experienced stronger sexual selection than females. However, the Bateman gradients did not differ by sex, despite the fact that males increased reproductive success by mating with multiple females while females did not. We also found no strong evidence that females experienced indirect fitness benefits through multiple matings. Body size was not a key predictor of male reproductive success, and for females, body condition—but not body length—was the critical fecundity trait. Altogether, a combination of factors suggests that post–copulatory mechanisms of sexual selection (e.g., sperm competition, cryptic female choice) may play critical roles in this mating system and perhaps that of other snakes. We interpret our findings in the context of sexual conflict—a ubiquitous and potent driver of mating strategy evolution—to propose a scenario for the evolution of female promiscuity that is applicable to many other animal systems where males roam widely to locate females at high costs.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

Data from: Genetic and morphological variation in sexual and asexual parasitoids of the genus Lysiphlebus: an apparent link between wing shape and reproductive mode

Background Endoparasitoids of aphids belonging to the genus Lysiphlebus Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) comprise over 20 species that exploit over a hundred species of aphid hosts including many important pest aphid species. Within the genus Lysiphlebus two genetically and morphologically well defined species groups are recognized: the "fabarum" and the "testaceipes" group both including taxa with sexual (arrhenotoky) and asexual (thelytoky) reproduction modes. However the diverse patterns of morphological variation which include clearly distinguishable morphotypes and genetic variation within species groups are not yet resolved. To address the relationship between morphological evolution and genetic divergence in Lysiphlebus wasps we explored both genetic differentiation (mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences) and morphological variation (wing size and shape) and the changes in wing size and shape in the phylogenetic context. Results and Discussion Analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences determine the separation of the genus into two species groups ("testaceipes" and "fabarum" groups) revealed three well defined phylogenetic lineages within "fabarum" species group including yet undefined species. Mapping wing shape data onto molecular phylogenetic indicated that the concordance between genetic diversification and divergence in the wing shape results from the deep split between two main species group. No association between pattern of genetic diversification morphotypes and wing shape variation within species groups was observed. The clear association between wing shape and reproductive mode was the most surprising result of our study. We propose two possible mutually non-exclusive mechanisms which may explain the link between reproductive mode and the shape of the wing Conclusions Combining molecular analysis with analysis of wing shape allows us determining existence of one cryptic yet undescribed species. At the same time we determine that Lysiphlebus fabarum group need detailed taxonomic revision because species boundaries as defined cannot be upheld. Mapping wing shape onto independently derived molecular phylogeny revealed that deep genetic divergence is associated with evolutionary changes in wing shape of Lysiphlebus wasps. Among most recently diverged taxa the morphological variation in the wing shape can be explained by the reproduction mode.

opencc-zeroDec 2010View details →

Data from: Macro- and microgeographic genetic structure in an ant species with alternative reproductive tactics in sexuals

The genetic structure of social insect populations is influenced by their social organisation and dispersal modes. The ant Hypoponera opacior shows diverse reproductive behaviours with regular cycles of outbreeding via winged sexuals and inbreeding via within-nest mating wingless sexuals that reproduce by budding. This unusual life cycle should be reflected in the genetic population structure and we studied this on different scales using microsatellites. On a macrogeographic scale, populations were considerably structured and migration rates within the Chiricahuas were higher than those in-between mountain ranges. On a local scale, our analyses revealed population viscosity through dependant colony foundation and a high genetic diversity with a multi-colonial structure. The latter was also evident from recognition trials revealing consistent aggression between non-nestmates. Within-nest matings led to high inbreeding coefficients. Finally, the observed seasonal changes in relatedness can be explained by variation in queen number and differential dispersal of the two reproductive morphs.

opencc-zeroFeb 2020View details →

Sexual signal loss, pleiotropy, and maintenance of a male reproductive polymorphism in crickets

Pleiotropy between male signals and female preferences can facilitate evolution of sexual communication by maintaining coordination between the sexes. Alternatively, it can favor variation in the mating system, such as a reproductive polymorphism. It is unknown how common either of these scenarios are in nature. In Pacific field crickets (Teleogryllus oceanicus) on Kauai, Hawaii, a mutation (flatwing) that segregates as a single locus is responsible for the rapid loss of song production in males. We used outbred cricket colonies fixed for male wing morph to investigate whether homozygous flatwing and normal-wing (wild-type) females differ in responsiveness to male calling song and propensity to mate when paired with either a flatwing or normal-wing male in the presence or absence of courtship song. Flatwing females were less likely to mount a male than normal-wing females. Females of both genotypes showed a preference for normal-wing males and were more likely to mate in the presence of courtship song; normal-wing females were particularly likely to mate with song. Our results show that negative pleiotropy between obligate male silence and female mating behavior can constrain the evolution of sexual signal loss and contribute to the maintenance of a male reproductive polymorphism in the wild.

opencc-zeroApr 2020View details →

Data from: Condition dependent mortality exacerbates male (but not female) reproductive senescence and the potential for sexual conflict

Disentangling the relationship between age and reproduction is central to understand life-history evolution, and recent evidence shows that considering condition-dependent mortality is a crucial piece of this puzzle. For example, non-random mortality of "low-condition" individuals can lead to an increase in average lifespan. However, selective disappearance of such low-condition individuals may also affect reproductive senescence at the population level due to trade-offs between physiological functions related to survival/lifespan and the maintenance of reproductive functions. Here, we address the idea that condition-dependent extrinsic mortality (i.e. simulated predation) may increase the age-related decline in male reproductive success, and with it the potential for sexual conflict, by comparing reproductive ageing in Drosophila melanogaster male/female cohorts exposed (or not) to condition-dependent simulated predation across time. While female reproductive senescence was not affected by predation, male reproductive senescence was considerably higher under predation, due mainly to an accelerated decline in offspring viability of "surviving" males with age. This sex-specific effect suggests that condition-dependent extrinsic mortality can exacerbate survival-reproductive trade-offs in males, which are typically under stronger condition-dependent selection than females. Interestingly, condition-dependent extrinsic mortality did not affect mating success, hinting that accelerated reproductive senescence is due to a decrease in male post-copulatory fitness components. Our results support the recent proposal that male ageing can be an important source of sexual conflict, further suggesting this effect could be exacerbated under more natural conditions.

opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

Data from: Mating system, reproductive success and sexual selection in bluntnose klipfishes (Clinus cottoides)

A critical part of the sexual selection process in animals is the genetic mating system. Quantifying mating systems, especially in species with cryptic life-histories can be challenging. One approach is to use genotypic markers and accurate parentage analysis, along with methods to account for bias when sampling natural populations, to calculate sexual selection metrics derived from Bateman's principles. In this study, three microsatellites were used to genotype 48 adults (23 female and 25 male) and 342 offspring from known mothers of live-bearing bluntnose klipfish. Parentage analysis was performed to interpret mating and reproductive success for both sexes. Metrics quantified were the opportunity for selection (I), the opportunity for sexual selection (Is), absolute (βss) and standardised (β'ss) Bateman gradients and the maximum intensity of precopulatory sexual selection (s'max). Multiple mating by both sexes were revealed by parentage analysis. However, females did not show significant Bateman gradients or a significant maximum intensity of precopulatory sexual selection (s'max), whereas male sexual selection metrics were all significantly greater than zero. These results suggests a polygynandrous mating system for this species. There is an opportunity for sexual selection to act on males but not females in this population, which is evolutionary tied to anisogamy, parental investment and sex-roles.

Fig. 6 in Reproductive phenology of neotropical leptodactylid frogs (genera Physalaemus and Pseudopaludicola): Integrating gametogenic cycle, sexual maturity and age

Fig. 6. Age distribution frequency for males and females of Physalaemus cuvieri (P. cuvieri), Physalaemus riograndensis (P. riograndensis), and Pseudopaludicola falcipes (P. falcipes). Burgundy bars =Physalaemus cuvieri; orange bars = Physalaemus riograndensis; yellow bars =Pseudopaludicola falcipes.

Fig. 2 in Reproductive phenology of neotropical leptodactylid frogs (genera Physalaemus and Pseudopaludicola): Integrating gametogenic cycle, sexual maturity and age

Fig. 2. Rose diagram representing gonadal parameters from males (a, c, e, g) and females (b, d, f, h) of Physalaemus cuvieri.

Fig. 5 in Reproductive phenology of neotropical leptodactylid frogs (genera Physalaemus and Pseudopaludicola): Integrating gametogenic cycle, sexual maturity and age

Fig. 5. Relation between snout-vent length and gonadosomatic index for males and females of (a, b) Physalaemus cuvieri (c, d) Physalaemus riograndensis, and (f, g) Pseudopaludicola falcipes. The results are expressed in log. Blue dots =males; Orange dots =females.

Fig. 1. A in Reproductive phenology of neotropical leptodactylid frogs (genera Physalaemus and Pseudopaludicola): Integrating gametogenic cycle, sexual maturity and age

Fig. 1. A) Map of Santa Maria municipality, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, showing the geographical localization of Campo de Instruç˜ao de Santa Maria (black star), collection localization of Physalaemus cuvieri (3), Physalaemus riograndensis (2), and Pseudopaludicola falcipes (1). Black bar =scale of 10 mm. The pictures of the specimens are in size scale. B) Monthly mean of rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature of the study area, between the years 1996–1998. Purple line =mean of rainfall; Yellow line =mean of ais humidity; dark orange bar =mean of maximum temperature; beige bar =mean of minimum temperature. ◦C =values from temperature; % =values from air humidity.

Fig. 3 in Reproductive phenology of neotropical leptodactylid frogs (genera Physalaemus and Pseudopaludicola): Integrating gametogenic cycle, sexual maturity and age

Fig. 3. Rose diagram representing gonadal parameters from males (a, c, e, g) and females (b, d, f, h) of Physalaemus riograndensis.