Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00536/2
Co-evolutionary interactions between female mating frequency and selfish genetic elements.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor N Wedell, University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor G Hurst, University of Liverpool, Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
- Grant held at:
- University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Conservation Ecology
- Population 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.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/A/S/2003/00536/2
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £159,168
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £7,551 | £82,823 | £23,712 | £38,099 | £6,982 |
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