Genotype-by-environment Interactions and Sexual Selection

Sexual selection is recognized as being responsible for some of the most extravagant morphologies and behaviors in the natural world, as well as a driver of some of the most rapid evolution. While Charles Darwin’s theory is now a fundamental component of modern evolutionary biology, the impact of genotype-by-environment interactions on sexual selection has thus far received little attention.

This book represents the first comprehensive analysis of the role genotype-by-environment interactions play in sexual selection and the potential implications that they have for the evolutionary process. The Editors have identified 13 topics that currently define the field and shed light on the impacts of these interactions on sexual selection. This includes key topics, such as resolving the lek paradox and how genotype-by-environmental interactions can compromise the honesty of sexual signals. The volume also outlines key questions that remain unanswered and provides a comprehensive guide to analyzing genotype-by-environment interactions.

The mix of theory, empirical studies, and practical instructions from world leading experts make this book a particularly potent and definitive guide on the topic. It will be of interest to evolutionary biologists, spanning from genomicists to behaviorists.

“This is a very timely book, covering a topic that should change the way we think about sexual selection. The contributors are all leaders and the topics should provide guidance to many PhD projects in the years to come. GEI is increasingly shown to be important, and it seems likely that it is critical in species where sexual selection is operating. This book is likely to help revitalize the study of sexual selection.” Professor Allen Moore, The University of Georgia

“GEIs fascinate evolutionary biologists, but the unique consequences for sexually selected traits have been neglected - until now. This multi-authored book comprehensively explains key theoretical concepts, handles practical ‘how to’ issues and uses classic case studies to illustrate the value of studying GEIs. It is a must read for everyone interested in sexual selection.” Professor Michael Jennions, The Australian National University

John Hunt is a Royal Society Research Fellow and Associate Professor in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter.

David J. Hosken is a Professor in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter.

List of Contributors xiii

Preface xv

About the Companion Website xix

Part I INTRODUCTION AND THEORETICAL CONCEPTS 1

1 Genotype-by-Environment Interactions and Sexual Selection: Female Choice in a Complex World 3
Michael J. Wade

2 GEIs when Information Transfer is Uncertain or Incomplete 19
Thomas Getty

3 Local Adaptation and the Evolution of Female Choice 41
Luke Holman and Hanna Kokko

4 Genotype-by-Environment Interactions when the Social Environment Contains Genes 63
Jason B. Wolf, Nick J. Royle, and John Hunt

Part II PRACTICAL ISSUES FOR MEASURING GEIs 99

5 Quantifying Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Laboratory Systems 101
Derek A. Roff and Alastair J. Wilson

6 Influence of the Environment on the Genetic Architecture of Traits Involved in Sexual Selection within Wild Populations 137
Matthew R. Robinson and Anna Qvarnström

7 From Genotype × Environment to Transcriptome × Environment: Identifying and Understanding Environmental Influences in the Gene Expression Underlying Sexually Selected Traits 169
Jennifer C. Perry and Judith E. Mank

Part III EMPIRICAL STUDIES ON GEIs AND SEXUAL SELECTION 189

8 Phenotypic Plasticity and Genotype × Environment Interactions in Animal Communication 191
Michael D. Greenfield

9 The Use of Inbreeding to Assess the Genetic Component of Condition Underlying GEIs in Sexual Traits 213
Lawrence Bellamy, Kevin Fowler, and Andrew Pomiankowski

10 Genotype-by-Environment Interactions and Reliable Signaling of Male Quality in Bank Voles 241
Suzanne C. Mills, Mikael Mokkonen, Esa Koskela, and Tapio Mappes

11 Sexual Selection and Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Drosophila Cuticular Hydrocarbons 265
Fiona C. Ingleby, David J. Hosken, and John Hunt

12 Genotype-by-Environment Interactions and Sexual Selection in Guppies 282
Gita R. Kolluru

13 Signal Reliability, Sex-Specific Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Cuticular Hydrocarbon Expression, and the Maintenance of Polyandry through Chemosensory Self-Referencing in Decorated Crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus 312
Scott K. Sakaluk, Carie Weddle, and John Hunt

Conclusions and Final Thoughts 331

Index 335

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