Competition for access to mates predicts female-specific ornamentation and male investment in relative testis size.
Evolution
; 74(8): 1741-1754, 2020 08.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32352568
Sexually selected ornaments are highly variable and the factors that drive variation in ornament expression are not always clear. Rare instances of female-specific ornament evolution (such as in some dance fly species) are particularly puzzling. While some evidence suggests that such rare instances represent straightforward reversals of sexual selection intensity, the distinct nature of trade-offs between ornaments and offspring pose special constraints in females. To examine whether competition for access to mates generally favors heightened ornament expression, we built a phylogeny and conducted a comparative analysis of Empidinae dance fly taxa that display female-specific ornaments. We show that species with more female-biased operational sex ratios in lek-like mating swarms have greater female ornamentation, and in taxa with more ornate females, male relative testis investment is increased. These findings support the hypothesis that ornament diversity in dance flies depends on female receptivity to mates, which is associated with contests for nutritious nuptial gifts provided by males. Moreover, our results suggest that increases in female receptivity lead to higher levels of sperm competition among males. The incidence of both heightened premating sexual selection on females and postmating selection on males contradicts assertions that sex roles are straightforwardly reversed in dance flies.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Filogenia
/
Caracteres Sexuales
/
Conducta Competitiva
/
Dípteros
/
Selección Sexual
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Evolution
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos