10.5061/DRYAD.R2J05J8
Berson, Jacob D.
University of Western Australia
Zuk, Marlene
University of Minnesota
Simmons, Leigh W.
University of Western Australia
Data from: Natural and sexual selection on cuticular hydrocarbons: a
quantitative genetic analysis
Dryad
dataset
2019
Sexual signals
desiccation
costs
Teleogryllus oceanicus
CHC
2019-04-15T14:40:35Z
2019-04-15T14:40:35Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0677
177050 bytes
1
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
While the reproductive benefits of sexual displays have been widely
studied, we have relatively limited evidence of the fitness costs
associated with most display traits. Insect cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC)
profiles are sexually selected traits that also protect against
desiccation. These two functions are thought to oppose each other, with
investment in particular compounds believed to increase attractiveness at
the expense of compounds that protect against water-loss. We investigated
this potential trade-off in a quantitative genetic framework using the
Australian field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus. Several compounds were
significantly genetically correlated with either attractiveness or
desiccation resistance. Of these compounds, one was negatively genetically
correlated with attractiveness but positively genetically correlated with
desiccation resistance. Furthermore, scoring each individual’s overall CHC
profile for its level of attractiveness and desiccation resistance
indicated a negative genetic correlation between these multivariate
phenotypes. Together, our results provide evidence for a genetic trade-off
between sexually and naturally selected functions of the CHC profile. We
suggest that the production of an attractive CHC profile may be costly for
males, but highlight the need for further work to support this finding
experimentally. Genetic covariation between the CHC profile and
attractiveness suggests that females can gain attractive sons through
female choice.
Data_for_Berson_et_al_2019_Proc_BFile containing the attractiveness,
desiccation resistance and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC)
data.Pedigree_for_Berson_et_al_2019_Proc_BFile containing the pedigree
data.READMEFile describing the data and pedigree.