Abstract
Despite the far‐reaching evolutionary implications of sexual conflict, the effects of metapopulation structure, when populations are subdivided into several demes connected to some degree by migration, on sexual conflict dynamics are unknown. Here, we used experimental evolution in an insect model system, the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, to assess the independent and interacting effects of selection histories associated with mating system (monogamy vs. polygamy) and population subdivision on sexual conflict evolution. We confirm traditional predictions from sexual conflict theory by revealing increased resistance to male harm in females from populations with a history of intense sexual selection (polygamous populations) compared to females from populations with a history of relaxed sexual selection (monogamous populations). However, selection arising from metapopulation structure reversed the classic pattern of sexually antagonistic coevolution and led to reduced resistance in females from polygamous populations. These results underscore that population spatial structure moderates sexual selection and sexual conflict, and more broadly, that the evolution of sexual conflict is contingent on ecological context. The findings also have implications for population dynamics, conservation biology, and biological control.
Highlights
The reproductive interests of the sexes often differ in sexually reproducing species and this sexual conflict pervades the biology and evolution of the interactions between males and females
Despite natural populations being frequently subdivided, the role of metapopulation structure on the dynamics of sexual conflict and sexually antagonistic coevolution is unknown. We address this gap by applying an experimental evolution approach in an insect model system that is characterized by intense sexual conflict
We were able to study for the first time the interaction between selection history associated with mating system and selection history related to metapopulation structure
Summary
Despite the far-reaching evolutionary implications of sexual conflict, the effects of metapopulation structure, when populations are subdivided into several demes connected to some degree by migration, on sexual conflict dynamics are unknown. Selection arising from metapopulation structure reversed the classic pattern of sexually antagonistic coevolution and led to reduced resistance in females from polygamous populations. These results underscore that population spatial structure moderates sexual selection and sexual conflict, and more broadly, that the evolution of sexual conflict is contingent on ecological context. KEYWORDS : Callosobruchus maculatus, ecological context, evolutionary ecology, experimental evolution, female resistance to male harm, metapopulation structure, population subdivision, sexual conflict, sexual selection, sexually antagonistic coevolution
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