Metapopulation structure modulates sexual antagonism

Despite the far‐reaching evolutionary implications of sexual conflict, the effects of metapopulation structure, when populations are subdivided into several demes connected to some degree by migration, on sexual conflict dynamics are unknown. Here, we used experimental evolution in an insect model s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evolution letters 2021-08, Vol.5 (4), p.344-358
Main Authors: Rodriguez‐Exposito, E., Garcia‐Gonzalez, F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Animal reproduction
Biological control
Callosobruchus maculatus
Coevolution
Competition
Connectivity
Conservation biology
ecological context
Evolution
evolutionary ecology
experimental evolution
female resistance to male harm
Females
Letter
Letters
Males
metapopulation structure
Metapopulations
Migration
Monogamy
Pest resistance
Polygamy
Population
Population dynamics
population subdivision
Sexes
sexual conflict
Sexual selection
sexually antagonistic coevolution
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Summary:Despite the far‐reaching evolutionary implications of sexual conflict, the effects of metapopulation structure, when populations are subdivided into several demes connected to some degree by migration, on sexual conflict dynamics are unknown. Here, we used experimental evolution in an insect model system, the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, to assess the independent and interacting effects of selection histories associated with mating system (monogamy vs. polygamy) and population subdivision on sexual conflict evolution. We confirm traditional predictions from sexual conflict theory by revealing increased resistance to male harm in females from populations with a history of intense sexual selection (polygamous populations) compared to females from populations with a history of relaxed sexual selection (monogamous populations). However, selection arising from metapopulation structure reversed the classic pattern of sexually antagonistic coevolution and led to reduced resistance in females from polygamous populations. These results underscore that population spatial structure moderates sexual selection and sexual conflict, and more broadly, that the evolution of sexual conflict is contingent on ecological context. The findings also have implications for population dynamics, conservation biology, and biological control.
ISSN:2056-3744
2056-3744
DOI:10.1002/evl3.244