Meiotic drive changes sperm precedence patterns in house mice: potential for male alternative mating tactics?

摘要: With female multiple mating (polyandry), male-male competition extends to after copulation (sperm competition). Males respond this selective pressure through physiological, morphological and behavioural adaptations. Sperm competitiveness is commonly decreased in heterozygote carriers of male meiotic drivers, selfish genetic elements that manipulate the production gametes males. This might give an evolutionary incentive reduce risk sperm competition. Here, we explore possibility house mice. Natural populations frequently harbour a well-characterised driver (t haplotype), which transmitted 90 % heterozygous (+/t) males’ offspring. Previous research demonstrated strong detrimental effects on competitiveness, suggested +/t males are particularly disadvantaged against wild type when first-to-mate. Low paternity success first-to-mate role expected favour adaptations decrease by preventing remating. Genotype-specific patterns precedence) could lead genetically determined alternative reproductive tactics can spread gene level selection. seek confirmation generally address whether different genotypes differ (copulatory morphological) maximise individual or fitness. Finally, attempt explain mechanistic basis for precedence species. We confirmed weak competitors first mate. When two competed, second-to-mate was more successful, contrasts with competed. However, found no differences between behaviour morphology were consistent tactics. +/+ differed respect vitro features. Premature hypermotility potentially why very Our results demonstrate drivers have patterns, may provide heritable motivated reduced competitiveness. discuss how experimental constraints help did not show predicted differences.