The evolutionary dynamics of haplodiploidy: Genome architecture and haploid viability.

ABSTRACT: Haplodiploid reproduction, in which males are haploid and females are diploid, is widespread among animals, yet we understand little about the forces responsible for its evolution. The current theory is that haplodiploidy has evolved through genetic conflicts, as it provides a transmission advantage to mothers. Male viability is thought to be a major limiting factor; diploid individuals tend to harbor many recessive lethal mutations. This theory predicts that the evolution of haplodiploidy is more likely in male heterogametic lineages with few chromosomes, as genes on the X chromosome are often expressed in a haploid environment, and the fewer the chromosome number, the greater the proportion of the total genome that is X-linked. We test this prediction with comparative phylogenetic analys

SUBMITTER: Blackmon H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4989469 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature