Genetic variation in male sexual behaviour in a population of white-footed mice in relation to photoperiod

摘要: In natural populations, genetic variation in seasonal male sexual behaviour could affect behavioural ecology and evolution. a wild-source population of white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus, from Virginia, U.S.A., males experiencing short photoperiod show high levels reproductive organ mass neuroendocrine traits related to fertility. We tested whether two divergent selection lines, one that strongly suppresses fertility under (responder) weakly (nonresponder), also differ photoperiod-dependent responses female olfactory cues. Under short, but not long, photoperiod, there were significant differences between responder nonresponder likelihood inseminating female. Males severely oligospermic or azoospermic failed display response an ovariectomized hormonally primed receptive However, on the day following testing, females positive for spermatozoa only when paired with having sperm count normal range long photoperiod. line showed accelerated development urine-soiled bedding females, did not. The results indicate is expressed potential link heritable behaviour. winter population, this fitness, life history trade-offs growth.