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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00536

Co-evolutionary interactions between female mating frequency and selfish genetic elements.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor N Wedell, University of Leeds, Inst of Integrative & Comparative Biolog
Co-Investigator:
Professor G Hurst, University of Liverpool, Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
Science Area:
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Terrestrial
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Population Genetics/Evolution
Population Ecology
Conservation Ecology
Behavioural Ecology
Abstract:
The reasons why females mate with more than one male (polyandry) are enigmatic. Females may mate multiply in order to avoid using sperm from males carrying selfish genetic elements (SGEs) reducing female fitness. Multiple mating may reduce the risk to females of only mating with males carrying SGEs. Males bearing SGEs often have reduced fertility and hence, by mating multiply, females can swamp sperm carrying selfish genes with sperm from other, normal males. This project seeks to quantify the reciprocal interactions between female mating frequency and a selfish genetic element (X chromosome meiotic drive). Our aims are: (a) to assess the influence of variation in female mating frequency on the dynamics of meiotic drive, and (b) to determine whether meiotic drive affects female mating rate in natural populations. Using selection experiments in the fruitfly Drosophila pseudoobscura, combined with empirical and theoretical approaches, we will (1) quantify the impact of polyandry on the spread of a meiotic driver, (2) test the importance of meiotic drive favouring evolution of polyandry, and (3) investigate the potential for meiotic drive to promote ejaculate evolution (sperm size and number and ejaculate proteins that manipulate female reproduction) to compensate for reduced sperm competitive ability. This provides the first investigation into the potential for co-evolution between female mating behaviour and selfish genetic elements.
Period of Award:
24 May 2004 - 23 Nov 2004
Value:
£177,951
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/A/S/2003/00536
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £177,951  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£94,755£9,407£30,202£43,587

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