Evolution of Caenorhabditis elegans host defense under selection by the bacterial parasite Serratia marcescens.

ABSTRACT: Parasites can impose strong selection on hosts. In response, some host populations have adapted via the evolution of defenses that prevent or impede infection by parasites. However, host populations have also evolved life history shifts that maximize host fitness despite infection. Outcrossing and self-fertilization can have contrasting effects on evolutionary trajectories of host populations. While selfing and outcrossing are known to affect the rate at which host populations adapt in response to parasites, these mating systems may also influence the specific traits that underlie adaptation to parasites. Here, we determined the role of evolved host defense versus altered life history,in mixed mating (selfing and outcrossing) and obligately outcrossing C. elegans host populations after exp

SUBMITTER: Penley MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5549931 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature