Potential genetic benefits of mate selection in whitefish

摘要: To test the potential of optimal mate selection with respect to offspring viability, we crossed 10 female and male whitefish in all possible combinations reared resulting 100 sib groups several replicates. We recorded two types egg mortality, one that was correlated developmental problems, a later bacterial infection. found strong maternal paternal effects both mortality. Early mortality also depended on which mated male, suggesting partial incompatibilities. The but not former, could be predicted by breeding ornamentation. More strongly ornamented males sired better survived epidemic during development. This ‘good genes’ effect larger than expected from theory: would have improved survival about 12% (or reduce 66%) as compared random mating.