Sexually Antagonistic “Zygotic Drive” of the Sex Chromosomes
2008

Sexually Antagonistic Zygotic Drive of the Sex Chromosomes

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): William R. Rice, Sergey Gavrilets, Urban Friberg

Primary Institution: University of California Santa Barbara

Hypothesis

Can the unusual characteristics of sex chromosomes lead to a previously unappreciated form of sexual genomic conflict?

Conclusion

The study shows that sexually antagonistic zygotic drive is feasible and likely widespread in nature, influencing evolutionary processes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Sexually antagonistic zygotic drive can promote a genetic arms race between sex chromosomes.
  • This form of genomic conflict can influence fundamental evolutionary processes like speciation.
  • Empirical studies suggest that epigenetic parental effects can lead to sexually antagonistic outcomes.

Takeaway

This study explains how sex chromosomes can create conflicts that affect the survival of male and female offspring, leading to interesting evolutionary outcomes.

Methodology

The study combines mathematical modeling with a survey of empirical studies to explore the concept of sexually antagonistic zygotic drive.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on theoretical modeling and may require empirical validation in natural populations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000313

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