MHC, health, color, and reproductive success in sand lizards

Summary, in English

Good genes" are genetic elements that contribute to lifetime reproductive success, regardless of an individual's 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.

• Författare: M Olsson; Thomas Madsen; E Wapstra; B Silverin; Beata Ujvari; Håkan Wittzell
• Avdelning/ar: Biologiska institutionen; Molekylär ekologi och evolution
• Publiceringsår: 2005
• Språk: Engelska
• Sidor: 289-294
• Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
• Volym: 58
• Issue: 3
• Länkar: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-005-0921-y
• Dokumenttyp: Artikel i tidskrift
• Förlag: Springer
• Ämne: Ecology
• Status: Published
• Forskningsgrupp: Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab
• ISBN/ISSN/Övrigt: ISSN: 1432-0762