DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Interpopulation Crosses: A Molecular Genetic Analysis of Selection

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Strassmann 9520861 Abstract In species where genetic divergence between populations has occurred, mating across population boundaries may reduce reproductive success. Multiple mating may provide an effective defense against by permitting females to screen out genetically incompatible gametes. This research will test that hypothesis using a species in which pedigree analysis and single locus, minisatellite DNA fingerprinting have detected meiotic drive and female-biased sex ratios. These phenomena are linked to reduced female reproductive success in mice and Drosophila. The hypothesis will be tested by investigation of the reproductive consequences of crosses between populations that have diverged to the point of partial reproductive incompatibility. Hybrids that combine alleles capable of segregation distortion and/or skewing of sex ratios with responder loci lacking coevolved insensitivity to such alleles may produce such incompatibility. Single-locus DNA fingerprinting will determine whether suppressed intragenomic or nucleo cytoplasmic conflict is unleashed in hybrids. It will test the prediction that multiple mating enables females to safeguard their reproductive investment either by shunting resources to viable embryos, or through cryptic choice of genetically compatible sperm.