Strong functional integration among multiple parts of the complex male and female genitalia of stink bugs

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 122(4), P. 774 - 786

Published: Aug. 1, 2017

Genitalia are among the most studied phenotypes because they exhibit high anatomical diversity, experience fast evolutionary rates and may be shaped by several mechanisms. A key element to uncover mechanisms behind such impressive diversity is their copulatory function. This topic has been overlooked, especially concerning structures not directly involved in sperm transfer reception. Here, we conduct a hypothesis-driven experimental study elucidate operation of various external genital parts five species stink bugs with differing levels phylogenetic relatedness. These insects unique male female genitalia externally well developed, rigid composed multiple components. In contrast complexity show that work jointly perform single function mechanical stabilization during copula. However, distinct lineages have evolved alternative strategies clasp different opposite sex. spite functional correspondence between traits, overall pattern our data does clearly support an intersexual coevolutionary scenario. We propose extraordinary family probably result process natural selection enhancing morphological accommodation, but consider

Language: Английский

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Predation and Resource Availability Interact to Drive Life-History Evolution in an Adaptive Radiation of Livebearing Fish

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9

Published: April 21, 2021

Predation risk and resource availability are two primary factors predicted by theory to drive the evolution of life histories. Yet, disentangling their roles in life-history wild is challenging because (1) often co-vary across environments, (2) environmental effects on phenotypes can mask patterns genotypic evolution. Here, we use model system post-Pleistocene radiation Bahamas mosquitofish ( Gambusia hubbsi ) inhabiting blue holes provide a strong test predation resources evolution, as do not this attempted minimize raising eight populations under common laboratory conditions. We tested priori predictions predation- resource-driven five traits. found that largely reflected complex interactions availability. High has driven higher fecundity, smaller offspring size, more frequent reproduction, slower growth rate—but predation-driven divergence primarily occurred environments with relatively high availability, was generally greater within having risk. This implies selection histories overrides from predators when particularly scarce. While several results matched predictions, added nuance interdependence among selective agents, some did not. For instance, only levels, risk, explained evolutionary change male age at maturity, rapid sexual maturation higher-resource environments. also faster (not slower) juvenile rates low-resource low-predation probably caused these high-competition scenarios favoring efficiency. Our approach, using common-garden experiments natural low- high-predation span continuum provides powerful way deepen our understanding Overall, it appears adaptive resulted interplay between resources, underscoring need for increased attention sophisticated agents driving phenotypic diversification.

Language: Английский

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The legacy of predator threat shapes prey foraging behaviour

Oecologia, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 198(1), P. 79 - 89

Published: Nov. 24, 2021

Language: Английский

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To complicate or to simplify? Phylogenetic tests of complexity trends and genital evolution in ground spiders (Araneae: Dionycha: Gnaphosidae)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 184(3), P. 673 - 694

Published: March 2, 2018

Spiders may be good models for studying the evolution of genitalia given their peculiar copulatory mechanism. Gnaphosidae, in particular, have remarkable diversity apparatus. The family contains species with bipartite and tripartite palps. Previous studies suggest intermediate palp complexity as ancestral condition, an evolutionary trend to simplification. However, this hypothesis has never been tested on a phylogenetic background. aim study was explore macroevolutionary patterns processes related organs Gnaphosidae. simplicity predictions about genital hypotheses were using comparative methods. A embolus fused tegulum found plesiomorphic but there no towards simplification, nor fusion sclerites. same females. Additionally, we discovered that female male did not coevolve, evolved faster than female, favouring cryptic choice hypothesis. In is general best configuration genitalia, between simple or complex would idiosyncratic predictable by epigynum complexity. Homology genitalic structures are also discussed.

Language: Английский

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Genital morphology and allometry differ by species and sex in Malawi cichlid fishes

Hydrobiologia, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 791(1), P. 127 - 143

Published: July 12, 2016

Language: Английский

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