Unraveling the Genetic Basis for the Rapid Diversification of Male Genitalia between Drosophila Species.

ABSTRACT: In the last 240,000 years, males of the Drosophila simulans species clade have evolved striking differences in the morphology of their epandrial posterior lobes and claspers (surstyli). These appendages are used for grasping the female during mating and so their divergence is most likely driven by sexual selection. Mapping studies indicate a highly polygenic and generally additive genetic basis for these morphological differences. However, we have limited understanding of the gene regulatory networks that control the development of genital structures and how they evolved to result in this rapid phenotypic diversification. Here, we used new D. simulans/D. mauritiana introgression lines on chromosome arm 3L to generate higher resolution maps of posterior lobe and clasper differences between

SUBMITTER: Hagen JFD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7826188 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature