RESUMO
The sibling species Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans were collected at Laguna Verde, Veracruz, Mexico. D. melanogaster was found in significantly greater frequency than was D. simulans. Ten isofemale lines of each species were tested for egg to adult viability, desiccation resistance, and vagility. D. melanogaster surpassed D. simulans in all three characteristics. The findings are discussed with reference to the climatic conditions at Laguna Verde and the expected effect of such an environment on the relative frequencies of these species. The dichotomous results in regard to desiccation resistance and vagility that were observed between recently collected D. melanogaster and the Oregon-R laboratory stock of that species are also discussed.
Assuntos
Drosophila melanogaster/genética , Drosophila/genética , Animais , Dessecação , Drosophila/isolamento & purificação , Drosophila/fisiologia , Drosophila melanogaster/isolamento & purificação , Drosophila melanogaster/fisiologia , Feminino , Locomoção , Masculino , México , Densidade Demográfica , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
With the worldwide proliferation of nuclear power plants has come the need to study the biological effects of the operation of the reactors on surrounding populations. We have begun a long-term study of the sibling species Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans in the area of Laguna Verde in the state of Veracruz in Mexico. Laguna Verde, on the Gulf of Mexico about 75 km north of the city of Veracruz, is the location of the country's first nuclear power plant. This plant has not yet gone "on-line." The species have been collected from two sites, one of which is south of the reactor and is in the path of the prevailing north to south wind flow. The other collecting site is west of the plant. The species are being studied for the following: species frequency, desiccation resistance, vagility, proportion of larvae pupating, pupation height, and egg to adult survival after irradiation. To date we have noted both spatial and seasonal differences in a number of these characteristics. The information being gathered will serve as base-line data for monitoring the future operation of the nuclear power plant.
Assuntos
Drosophila/efeitos da radiação , Reatores Nucleares , Centrais Elétricas , Animais , Drosophila/genética , Feminino , Genética Populacional , Masculino , México , Pupa/efeitos da radiaçãoRESUMO
Four new gene arrangements of chromosome 3 of Drosophila pseudoobscura are reported, as well as an updated phylogenetic sequence of the inversion polymorphism in this species. Evidence that the Tree Line gene arrangement of chromosome 3 was the original form in D. pseudoobscura, and that Central Mexico is the center of distribution of this species is discussed.