Natural Selection and Postmating Isolation in Neurospora
Author Information
Author(s): Elizabeth Turner, David J. Jacobson, John W. Taylor
Primary Institution: University of California Berkeley
Hypothesis
Does abortion of hybrid fruitbodies by N. crassa make subsequent reproduction possible for the maternal colony, thereby conferring a fitness advantage?
Conclusion
The study shows that selective abortion of hybrid fruitbodies by N. crassa increases maternal fitness and evolved via natural selection.
Supporting Evidence
- Reinforced postmating isolation markedly increases maternal fitness in Neurospora crassa.
- Hybrid progeny of N. crassa and N. intermedia are highly inviable.
- Abortion of hybrid fruitbodies is adaptive because it preserves the fertility of maternal N. crassa.
Takeaway
This study found that when two types of mold mate, one type can choose to abort the babies that aren't going to survive, which helps the parent mold have more babies later.
Methodology
The study used sequential mating experiments and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to assess the effects of hybridization on reproductive success.
Participant Demographics
The study involved Neurospora strains collected from various geographic locations, including India and the Caribbean.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0028
Statistical Significance
p<0.0028
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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