Experimental evidence for sexual selection against inbred males when it truly counts

摘要: Although there are many correlational studies, unbiased estimates of inbreeding depression only come from experimental studies that create inbred and outbred individuals. Few such determine the extent to which in males is due natural or sexual selection. Importantly, traits closely related fitness predicted be most strongly affected by depression, so measuring key components, rather than phenotypic traits, necessary estimate accurately. Here, we experimentally created male mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) mating full-sibs (f=0.25). We show this led a 23% reduction genome-wide heterozygosity. Males were then raised on different diets early life. allowed adult compete freely for females test if inbreeding, diet, their interaction affect male's share paternity. Early diet had no effect paternity, but sired almost twice as offspring males. also found with relatively long gonopodium (intromittent organ) greater reproductive success. demonstrate has important consequences because it negatively affects component fitness. Given was difference mortality finding can affecting sexually selected traits.