10.5061/DRYAD.QRFJ6Q5CN
Perini, Samuel
0000-0001-7524-151X
University of Gothenburg
Rafajlovic, Marina
0000-0003-2177-4622
University of Gothenburg
Westram, Anja
IST Austria
Johannesson, Kerstin
0000-0003-0176-7986
University of Gothenburg
Butlin, Roger
University of Sheffield
Data from: Assortative mating, sexual selection and their consequences for
gene flow in Littorina
Dryad
dataset
2020
Littorina saxatilis
Mating trials
computer modelling and simulation
Mate choice
2020-07-01T00:00:00Z
2020-07-01T00:00:00Z
en
https://github.com/sam0per/L.saxatilis-Mate-choice/tree/master/scripts
1240731 bytes
4
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
When divergent populations are connected by gene flow, the establishment
of complete reproductive isolation usually requires the joint action of
multiple barrier effects. One example where multiple barrier effects are
coupled consists of a single trait that is under divergent natural
selection and also mediates assortative mating. Such multiple-effect
traits can strongly reduce gene flow. However, there are few cases where
patterns of assortative mating have been described quantitatively and
their impact on gene flow has been determined. Two ecotypes of the coastal
marine snail, Littorina saxatilis, occur in North Atlantic rocky-shore
habitats dominated by either crab predation or wave action. There is
evidence for divergent natural selection acting on size, and
size-assortative mating has previously been documented. Here, we analyze
the mating pattern in L. saxatilis with respect to size in
intensively-sampled transects across boundaries between the habitats. We
show that the mating pattern is mostly conserved between ecotypes and that
it generates both assortment and directional sexual selection for small
male size. Using simulations, we show that the mating pattern can
contribute to reproductive isolation between ecotypes but the barrier to
gene flow is likely strengthened more by sexual selection than by
assortment.