Divergent selection and the evolution of signal traits and mating preferences.

ABSTRACT: Mating preferences are common in natural populations, and their divergence among populations is considered an important source of reproductive isolation during speciation. Although mechanisms for the divergence of mating preferences have received substantial theoretical treatment, complementary experimental tests are lacking. We conducted a laboratory evolution experiment, using the fruit fly Drosophila serrata, to explore the role of divergent selection between environments in the evolution of female mating preferences. Replicate populations of D. serrata were derived from a common ancestor and propagated in one of three resource environments: two novel environments and the ancestral laboratory environment. Adaptation to both novel environments involved changes in cuticular hydrocarbons,

SUBMITTER: Rundle HD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1262626 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature