Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is important in the evolution of traits and facilitates adaptation to rapid environmental changes. However, variation in plasticity at the individual level, and the heritable basis underlying this plasticity is rarely quantified for behavioral traits. Alternative behavioral reproductive tactics are key components of mating systems but are not often considered within a phenotypic plasticity framework (i.e., as reaction norms). Here, using lines artificially selected for repeated mating rate, we test for genetic (G × E) sources of variation in reproductive behavior of male Nicrophorus vespilloides burying beetles (including signaling behavior), as well as the role of individual body size, in responsiveness to changes in social environment. The results show that body size influences the response of individuals’ signaling behavior to changes in the social environment. Moreover, there was G × E underlying the responses of males to variation in the quality of social environment experienced (relative size of focal male compared to his rival). This shows that individual variation in plasticity and social sensitivity of signaling behavior can evolve in response to selection on investment in mating behavior, with males selected for high mating investment having greater social sensitivity.
Highlights
COPYRIGHT AND REUSE Open Research Exeter makes this work available in accordance with publisher policies
Using lines artificially selected for repeated mating rate, we test for genetic (G × E) sources of variation in reproductive behavior of male Nicrophorus vespilloides burying beetles, as well as the role of individual body size, in responsiveness to changes in social environment
There was a G × E underlying the responses of males to variation in the quality of the social environment that they experienced: males from lines selected for high mating rates did not differ from low line males in either the proportion of time spent signaling on- or off-carcass, but they were more sensitive to variation in the quality of the social environment when signaling on the carcass and less sensitive when signaling off the carcass
Summary
COPYRIGHT AND REUSE Open Research Exeter makes this work available in accordance with publisher policies. There was G × E underlying the responses of males to variation in the quality of social environment experienced (relative size of focal male compared to his rival). This shows that individual variation in plasticity and social sensitivity of signaling behavior can evolve in response to selection on investment in mating behavior, with males selected for high mating investment having greater social sensitivity. Population responses to environmental variation will depend upon plasticity at the level of the individual (Nussey et al 2007; Han and Brooks 2014) and a behavioral response is usually the first response of organisms to a rapid change in their environment (Mayr 1963). Despite its potential importance individual-level plasticity of behavioral traits, and, more
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call