Abstract
Mate choice has the potential to act on the evolution of motor performance via its direct influence on motor sexual signals. However, studies demonstrating this are rare. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of Drosophila pseudoobscura courtship song rate, a motor signal under mate choice in this species, and analysed the response of this signal to sexual selection manipulation using experimental evolution. We show that manipulating the opportunity for sexual selection led to changes in song production rate and singing endurance, with males from the polyandrous populations producing faster song rates over longer time periods than males from monogamous populations. We also show that song rate was correlated with estimates of overall courtship vigour. Our results suggest that the action of mate choice on a motor signal has affected male motor performance displayed during courtship. We consider potential selective benefits associated with changes in motor performance, including condition-dependent signalling, and discuss the implications of these results for the study of motor signals under sexual selection.
Highlights
HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not
Our results suggest that the action of mate choice on a motor signal has affected male motor performance displayed during courtship
In this study, we examine closely the production of a motor signal involved in mate choice, and quantify how manipulating the opportunity for sexual selection (Jones, 2009) influences the evolution of motor performance that is displayed during courtship
Summary
HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. Sexual selection has the potential to affect the evolution of motor performance, when mate choice or mate competition targets motor signals (i.e. signals involving any kind of sustained muscular activity such as threat displays, courtship displays such as dances, or acoustic and vibratory signals; Bonduriansky, 2011; Husak & Fox, 2008). Because such signals typically require high-speed muscle contractions that are energetically-costly to produce (Lailvaux & Irschick, 2006), they have the potential to be reliable indicators of a signaller’s overall motor capacities, and of the individual’s current condition (Byers et al, 2010; Clark, 2012; Lailvaux & Irschick, 2006; Oufiero & Garland, 2007). Numerous studies have shown that mate choice could drive the evolution of motor signals, but evidence for a correlated effect on overall motor performance is still lacking (Byers et al, 2010; Fusani, Barske, Day, Fuxjager, & Schlinger, 2014; Mowles & Ord, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
