Quantitative genetics of breeding coloration in sand lizards; genic capture unlikely to maintain additive genetic variance.

ABSTRACT: Sexual selection on fitness-determining traits should theoretically erode genetic variance and lead to low heritability. However, many sexually selected traits maintain significant phenotypic and additive genetic variance, with explanations for this "lek paradox" including genic capture due to condition-dependence, and breaks on directional selection due to environmental sources of variance including maternal effects. Here we investigate genetic and environmental sources of variance in the intrasexually selected green badge of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). The badge functions as a cue to male fighting ability in this species, and male-male interactions determine mate acquisition. Using animal models on a pedigree including three generations of males measured over an extensive 9-year fi

SUBMITTER: Lindsay WR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10162981 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature