No evidence for female mate choice based on genetic similarity in the túngara frog Physalaemus pustulosus |
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Authors: | Kathrin P Lampert Ximena E Bernal A Stanley Rand Ulrich G Mueller Michael J Ryan |
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Institution: | (1) Section of Integrative Biology C0930, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA;(2) Present address: Department of Physiological Chemistry I, University of Wuerzburg, Biozentrum, Am Hubland, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany;(3) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apd. 2012 Balboa, Panama |
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Abstract: | In most sexually reproducing animals, the behavior of one or both sexes during courtship critically influences the success
at mating of the opposite sex. This behavior is often interpreted as “mate choice,” and there is great interest in why such
choices are exercised. The explanation for the evolution of mate choice that has received the most attention and generated
the most controversy is based on assumed genetic effects. In this study, we investigated whether female túngara frogs, which
choose mates based on acoustic cues, have a preference for genetically less related males. Specifically, we determine if there
is disassortive mating based on microsatellite markers, if there is information in the advertisement call that could be used
to assess genetic similarity, and if females exhibit acoustic-based mating preferences that would promote choice for genetic
diversity. Using seven microsatellite markers, we found no correlation of male call similarity and male genetic relatedness.
Female choice experiments showed no female preference for calls of less related males, and there was no evidence for inbreeding
avoidance in the field. Our results do not support the hypothesis of mate choice based on information about genetic relatedness
conveyed by acoustic signals in túngara frogs. |
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Keywords: | Animal communication Mate choice Relatedness Microsatellite marker Sexual selection |
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