The effect of population density on the elimination dynamics of a recessive lethal mutation l(2)M167 DTS from experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Dynamics of the elimination of the temperature-sensitive lethal mutation l(2)M167 DTS from experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster under permissive conditions (25°C) was studied. We have shown a rapid elimination of the mutation from the populations, selection for fitness of heterozygous individuals, association of the selection with high larval density and with the direction of the cross that had produced the founder males of the l(2)M167 DTS /+ population, and the effect of relative competitive ability of l(2)M167 DTS /+ males on the efficiency of the mutation introduction. Modification systems were shown be involved in fitness selection under conditions of high larval density.