Analysis of the importance of genotypic variation, metabolic rate, morphology, sex and development time on immune function in the cricket, Gryllus firmus.

摘要: Immune defence is hypothesized to be a trait that bears significant fitness costs as well benefits in mounting depreciates the value of other life-history traits. Thus cost an immune response could affect evolution both system and correlated life history In this study we examined, by means diallel cross four inbred lines, genetic basis two measures function, metabolic rate several traits sand cricket, Gryllus firmus. We specifically addressed following questions: (1) function determined primarily constitution or correlations with phenotypic reduce effectiveness response; (2) do covary; (3) What are contributions additive, nonadditive maternal effects function? As estimates used lytic activity encapsulation rate. found crickets were smaller than individuals from crossed lines took longer develop. However, did not differ nor rates, suggesting increased homozygosity has little no effect on these G. parameters showed variation but consistent relationships (metabolic rate, head width, body mass, development time activity). There was additive only but, exception measure, reciprocal variances all Metabolic heritable, there neither association between function. Further, correlation measures. Females higher males, sex differences activity. Our indicates can very contributor