Sexual and reproductive behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster from a microclimatically interslope differentiated population of 'Evolution Canyon' (Mount Carmel, Israel)

K. Iliadi, N. Iliadi, E. Rashkovetsky, I. Minkov, E. Nevo, A. Korol

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The strong microscale interslope environmental differences in 'Evolution Canyon' provide an excellent natural model for sympatric speciation. Our previous studies revealed significant slope-specific differences for a fitness complex of Drosophila. This complex involved either adaptation traits (tolerance to high temperature, different viability and longevity pattern) or behavioural differentiation, manifested in habitat choice and non-random mating. This remarkable differentiation has evolved despite a very small interslope distance (a few hundred metres only). Our hypothesis is that strong interslope microclimatic contrast caused differential selection for fitness-related traits accompanied by behavioural differentiation and reinforced by some sexual isolation, which started incipient speciation. Here we describe the results of a systematic analysis of sexual behaviour in a non-choice situation and several reproductive parameters of D. melanogaster populations from the opposite slopes of 'Evolution Canyon'. The evidence indicates that: (i) mate choice derives from differences in mating propensity and discrimination; (ii) females from the milder north-facing slope discriminate strongly against males of the opposite slope; (iii) both sexes of the south-facing slope display distinct reproductive and behavioural patterns with females showing increased fecundity, shorter time before remating and relatively higher receptivity, and males showing higher mating propensity. These patterns represent adaptive life strategies contributing to higher fitness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2365-2374
Number of pages10
JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Volume268
Issue number1483
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Nov 2001

Keywords

  • Adaptive life strategy
  • Drosophila
  • Microsite
  • Reproductive behaviour
  • Sexual behaviour

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Environmental Science
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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