A test of genetic models for the evolutionary maintenance of same-sex sexual behaviour.

ABSTRACT: The evolutionary maintenance of same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) has received increasing attention because it is perceived to be an evolutionary paradox. The genetic basis of SSB is almost wholly unknown in non-human animals, though this is key to understanding its persistence. Recent theoretical work has yielded broadly applicable predictions centred on two genetic models for SSB: overdominance and sexual antagonism. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we assayed natural genetic variation for male SSB and empirically tested predictions about the mode of inheritance and fitness consequences of alleles influencing its expression. We screened 50 inbred lines derived from a wild population for male-male courtship and copulation behaviour, and examined crosses between the lines for evidence of overd

SUBMITTER: Hoskins JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4590448 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature