The comparative biology of second sex ratio evolution within a natural population of a parasitic wasp, Nasonia vitripennis

Genetics. 1990 Feb;124(2):385-96. doi: 10.1093/genetics/124.2.385.

Abstract

Correlation and regression analyses indicate that isofemale strains extracted from a population of the parasitic wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, differ in the fit of their second sex ratios (those produced in previously parasitized hosts) to the predictions of the theory of optimal facultative sex ratio adjustment. Under the theory's simple assumptions about population structure, there is significant heterogeneity of fitnesses among the isofemale strains. The reasons underlying these types of heterogeneity must be understood before we can make statements about the nature of sex ratio evolution in this species. These results suggest that comparative analyses are essential for testing the qualitative predictions of optimality models.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Female
  • Hymenoptera / genetics*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Regression Analysis
  • Reproduction
  • Sex Ratio
  • Wasps / genetics*
  • Wasps / physiology