MHC, health, color, and reproductive success in sand lizards
Författare
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.
Publiceringsår
2005
Språk
Engelska
Sidor
289-294
Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Volym
58
Issue
3
Dokumenttyp
Artikel i tidskrift
Förlag
Springer
Ämne
- Ecology
Status
Published
Forskningsgrupp
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab
ISBN/ISSN/Övrigt
- ISSN: 1432-0762