Sexual conflict over remating interval is modulated by the <i>sex peptide</i> pathway.

ABSTRACT: Sexual conflict, in which the evolutionary interests of males and females diverge, shapes the evolution of reproductive systems across diverse taxa. Here, we used the fruit fly to study sexual conflict in natural, three-way interactions comprising a female, her current and previous mates. We manipulated the potential for sexual conflict by using sex peptide receptor (SPR) null females and by varying remating from 3 to 48 h, a period during which natural rematings frequently occur. SPR-lacking females do not respond to sex peptide (SP) transferred during mating and maintain virgin levels of high receptivity and low fecundity. In the absence of SPR, there was a convergence of fitness interests, with all individuals gaining highest productivity at 5 h remating. This sugge

SUBMITTER: Smith DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5360916 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature