MHC, health, color, and reproductive success in sand lizards |
| |
Authors: | Mats Olsson Thomas Madsen Erik Wapstra Bengt Silverin Beata Ujvari Håkan Wittzell |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;(2) Department of Zoology, Animal Ecology, The University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 463, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden;(3) School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001 Hobart, Australia;(4) Ekologihuset, Lund University, Helgonavägen 5, SE 223 62 Lund, Sweden |
| |
Abstract: | Good genes are genetic elements that contribute to lifetime reproductive success, regardless of an individuals additional genotype. Their existence is debated, and most work has targeted their viability benefits to the offspring of choosy females. In the present study, we analyze a case of potential good genes effects in adult male sand lizards (Lacerta agilis). We show that males with a particular RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) MHC genotype (O-males), as opposed to those that lack this genetic element (NO-males), have less ectoparasites under increasing physiological stress (indexed by baseline corticosterone level), and are not constrained by parasites at production of status coloration. Furthermore, O-males are more successful at mate acquisition and guard their partners longer. Ultimately, they have a higher genetic reproductive success as assigned by microsatellites.Communicated by W. Cooper |
| |
Keywords: | MHC Good genesgif" alt="ldquo" align="MIDDLE" BORDER="0">Good genes" target="_blank">gif" alt="rdquo" align="MIDDLE" BORDER="0"> Reproductive success Lacerta agilis |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|