Function, Developmental Genetics, and Fitness Consequences of a Sexually Antagonistic Trait

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1217258
• Publication Date: 2012-05-03T18:11:40Z
• Authors: Abderrahman Khila; Ehab Abouheif; Locke Rowe
• Keywords: Trait; Expression (computer science)

Sexual conflict is thought to be a potent force driving the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits. In water strider Rheumatobates rileyi, we show that elaborated traits on male antennae function grasp resistant females during premating struggles. Using RNA interference, uncovered novel roles gene distal-less (dll) in generating these male-specific Furthermore, graded reduction grasping resulted mating success males, thus demonstrating both selection for elaboration and role dll their evolution. By establishing developmental genetic tools model systems where sexual are understood, can begin reveal how exploit ancient genes enable