Evolution of disassortative and assortative mating preferences based on imprinting.
A two-locus haploid model of sexual selection is investigated to explore evolution of disassortative and assortative mating preferences based on imprinting. In this model, individuals imprint on a genetically transmitted trait during early ontogeny and choosy females later use those parental images as a criterion of mate choice. It is assumed that the presence or absence of the female preference is determined by a genetic locus. In order to incorporate such mechanisms as inbreeding depression and heterozygous advantage into our haploid framework, we assume that same-type matings are less fertile than different-type mating. The model suggests that: if all the females have a disassortative mating preference a viability-reducing trait may be maintained even without the fertility cost of same-type matings; a disassortative mating preference can be established even if it is initially rare, when there is a fertility cost of same-type matings. Further, an assortative mating preference is less likely to evolve than a disassortative mating preference. The model may be applicable to the evolution of MHC-disassortative mating preferences documented in house mice and humans.
Ihara
Yasuo
Y
Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA. iharay@stanford.edu
Feldman
Marcus W
MW
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics; D005824:Genetics, Behavioral; D018392:Genomic Imprinting / Q000235:genetics*; D006238:Haploidy; D007178:Inbreeding; D008297:Male; D008957:Models, Genetic; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal