The Role of Similarity Selection in the Evolution of Sex
Author Information
Author(s): Aneil F. Agrawal
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
Does similarity selection, where hosts encounter parasites from their mothers more often than by chance, influence the evolution of sexual reproduction?
Conclusion
Similarity selection is a more potent force in the evolution of sex than previously thought, suggesting that parasites can favor sexual reproduction under certain conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Parasites can select for sex when hosts are biased towards encountering maternal parasites.
- Similarity selection can drive the evolution of sex even if it is weaker than genotypic selection.
- Low virulence parasites are more likely to favor sex than highly virulent ones.
Takeaway
This study shows that when baby hosts are more likely to meet their mother's parasites, it can actually help explain why sexual reproduction evolved.
Methodology
The study uses population genetic models to compare genotypic and similarity selection in the context of host-parasite interactions.
Potential Biases
The assumption of biased encounters may not apply universally across all host-parasite systems.
Limitations
The models assume specific conditions regarding parasite transmission and do not account for all ecological scenarios.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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