Female preference for rare males is maintained by indirect selection in Trinidadian guppies

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Potter, Tomos; Arendt, Jeff; Bassar, Ronald D.; Watson, Beth; Bentzen, Paul; Travis, Joseph; Reznick, David N.
• 署名单位: State University System of Florida; Florida State University; University of California System; University of California Riverside; Auburn University System; Auburn University; Dalhousie University
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-13733
• DOI: 10.1126/science.ade5671
• 发表日期: 2023-04-21
• 页码: 309-312
• 关键词: reticulata-peters pisces; male mating advantage; sexual selection; natural-population; mate preference; CHOICE; familiarity; EVOLUTION; poeciliidae; COMPETITION

摘要

When females prefer mates with rare phenotypes, sexual selection can maintain rather than deplete genetic variation. However, there is no consensus on why this widespread and frequently observed preference might evolve and persist. We examine the fitness consequences of female preference for rare male color patterns in a natural population of Trinidadian guppies, using a pedigree that spans 10 generations. We demonstrate (i) a rare male reproductive advantage, (ii) that females that mate with rare males gain an indirect fitness advantage through the mating success of their sons, and (iii) the fitness benefit that females accrue through their sexy sons evaporates for their grandsons as their phenotype becomes common. Counter to prevailing theory, we show that female preference can be maintained through indirect selection.