The causes of variation in the presence of genetic covariance between sexual traits and preferences

ABSTRACT Mating traits and mate preferences often show patterns of tight correspondence across populations and species. These patterns of apparent coevolution may result from a genetic association between traits and preferences (i.e. trait–preference genetic covariance). We review the literature on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 2016-05, Vol.91 (2), p.498-510
Main Authors: Fowler-Finn, Kasey D, Rodriguez, Rafael L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal reproduction
Animals
Biological Evolution
Evolutionary biology
Female
Fisherian covariance
Fisherian selection
genetic correlation
genetic covariance
Genetic diversity
Genetic Variation
Male
Mating Preference, Animal
runaway
sexual selection
speciation
trait-preference coevolution
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Summary:ABSTRACT Mating traits and mate preferences often show patterns of tight correspondence across populations and species. These patterns of apparent coevolution may result from a genetic association between traits and preferences (i.e. trait–preference genetic covariance). We review the literature on trait–preference covariance to determine its prevalence and potential biological relevance. Of the 43 studies we identified, a surprising 63% detected covariance. We test multiple hypotheses for factors that may influence the likelihood of detecting this covariance. The main predictor was the presence of genetic variation in mate preferences, which is one of the three main conditions required for the establishment of covariance. In fact, 89% of the nine studies where heritability of preference was high detected covariance. Variables pertaining to the experimental methods and type of traits involved in different studies did not greatly influence the detection of trait–preference covariance. Trait–preference genetic covariance appears to be widespread and therefore represents an important and currently underappreciated factor in the coevolution of traits and preferences.
ISSN:1464-7931
1469-185X
DOI:10.1111/brv.12182