Mate choice for neutral and MHC genetic characteristics in Alpine marmots: different targets in different contexts?

ABSTRACT: Sexual selection through female mate choice for genetic characteristics has been suggested to be an important evolutionary force maintaining genetic variation in animal populations. However, the genetic targets of female mate choice are not clearly identified and whether female mate choice is based on neutral genetic characteristics or on particular functional loci remains an open question. Here, we investigated the genetic targets of female mate choice in Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota), a socially monogamous mammal where extra-pair paternity (EPP) occurs. We used 16 microsatellites to describe neutral genetic characteristics and two MHC loci belonging to MHC class I and II as functional genetic characteristics. Our results reveal that (1) neutral and MHC genetic characteristics convey d

SUBMITTER: Ferrandiz-Rovira M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4930977 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature