The genetic basis of female mate preferences

Author: Bakker, T.C.M.; Pomiankowski, A.

Description: We review the evidence for genetic variation in female and male mate preferences. Genetic differences between species and partially isolated races show that preferences can evolve and were genetically variable in the past. Within populations there is good evidence of genetic variation, both of discrete genetic effects (8 cases) and quantitative genetic effects (17 cases), from a diverse range of taxa. We also review evidence for the presence of genetic covariance between mate preferences and sexual traits in the other sex. The 11 studies go a long way to validating the theoretical prediction of positive genetic covariance. The few negative results are best explained by a lack of appropriate experimental design. One unresolved question is whether genetic covariance is due to linkage disequilibrium between unlinked genes or physical linkage. Some evidence points to linkage disequilibrium but this is not yet conclusive.

Subject headings: Callosobruchus maculatus; Genetic variation; Mate preferences; Female; Male; Beetle

Publication year: 1995

Journal or book title: Journal of Evolutionary Biology

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: 129-171

Find the full text : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1420-9101.1995.8020129.x

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 1694