Pupal period and adult size in Drosophila melanogaster: a cautionary tale of contrasting correlations between two sexually dimorphic traits

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism (SD) is widespread, reflecting a resolution of genetic conflicts arising from sex-specific differences in selection. However, genetic correlations among traits may constrain the evolution of SD. Drosophila melanogaster exhibits SD for pupal period (males longer) and adult weight (females heavier). This negative inter-sex covariance between the traits contrasts with a significant intra-sex positive genetic correlation (r(g) = 0.95) estimated using lines selected for fast larval development. Path analysis indicated that within sexes the selection regime indirectly reduced adult weight which in turn reduced pupal period. A hypothesis is proposed for the evolution of SD whereby the trait 'pupal period' is divided into 'intrinsic' (correlated with body size) and 'ecological' (uncorrelated with body size) components, and (the larger) females eclose earlier than males size via a shortening of the ecological component, thus achieving the advantage of provisioning eggs prior to sexual maturity. This hypothesis avoids invoking successful 'incompatible antagonistic selection'.