A new theory for the evolution of polyandry as a means of inbreeding avoidance.

ABSTRACT: We propose a novel theory for the evolution of polyandry driven by genetic benefits to females whose offspring interbreed. In species with an ecology characterized by frequent colonization of new habitat patches, consanguineous matings may be common during the early stages of colonization, but genetic diversity may grow as new colonizers arrive. We show that with levels of inbreeding depression similar to those found in predominantly inbreeding populations, a polyandrous female can benefit her descendants since matings among her brood are mainly between half siblings rather than full siblings. We examine the invasion by a polyandrous phenotype using explicit genetic models in which costs of inbreeding are themselves subject to selection. In common with other models of inbreeding, we find t

SUBMITTER: Cornell SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2288693 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature