Behavioural and genetic analyses of mate choice and reproductive success in two Chinook salmon populations

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Evans ◽  
Bryan D. Neff ◽  
Daniel D. Heath
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Mate Choice ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Selection Pressures ◽  
Evolutionary Force

Sexual selection is recognized as an important evolutionary force in salmon. However, relatively little is known about variation in sexual selection pressures across salmon populations or the potential role of natural selection as a driver of adaptive mating patterns. Here, we examine mating behaviour and correlates of reproductive success in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the Quinsam and Little Qualicum rivers in British Columbia, Canada — two populations for which we have previously found evidence of natural selection operating on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. In both populations, males courted females and exhibited dominance behaviour towards other males, and the frequency of each behaviour was positively associated with reproductive success. Males were more aggressive towards females with whom they would produce offspring of low or high MHC class II diversity, and the offspring of males from the Quinsam River exhibited higher diversity at the MHC class I than expected. We discuss our results in relation to local natural selection pressures on the MHC and the potential for MHC-dependent mate choice.

scholarly journals Sexual conflict inhibits female mate choice for major histocompatibility complex dissimilarity in Chinook salmon

2009 ◽  
Vol 277 (1683) ◽  
pp. 885-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn R. Garner ◽  
Romina N. Bortoluzzi ◽  
Daniel D. Heath ◽  
Bryan D. Neff
Keyword(s):  
Major Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Female Mate Choice ◽  
Major Histocompatibility ◽  
Male Harassment ◽  
Histocompatibility Complex

In many species females prefer major histocompatibility complex (MHC) dissimilar mates, which may improve offspring resistance to pathogens. However, sexual conflict may interfere with female preference when males attempt to mate with all females, regardless of compatibility. Here we used semi-natural spawning channels to examine how mating behaviour and genetic similarity at the MHC class II peptide binding region affected parentage patterns in Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ). We found that females directed aggression at more MHC-similar males than expected by chance, providing a possible mechanism of female MHC choice in salmon. Males also directed aggression towards MHC-similar females, which was consistent with males harassing unreceptive mates. Males' aggression was positively correlated with their reproductive success, and it appeared to overcome female aversion to mating with MHC-similar males, as females who were the target of high levels of male aggression had lower than expected MHC divergence in their offspring. Indeed, offspring MHC divergence was highest when the sex ratio was female-biased and male harassment was likely to be less intense. These data suggest that male harassment can reduce female effectiveness in selecting MHC-compatible mates, and sexual conflict can thus have an indirect cost to females.

scholarly journals Endless forms of sexual selection

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willow R Lindsay ◽  
Staffan Andersson ◽  
Badreddine Bererhi ◽  
Jacob Höglund ◽  
Arild Johnsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Mate Choice ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Genetic Architecture ◽  
Mating Systems ◽  
Population Divergence ◽  
Trait Evolution ◽  
Mating Competition ◽  
Mhc Genes

The field of sexual selection has burgeoned with research into trait evolution in the context of ecology, sociality, phylogeny, natural selection, and sexual conflict. This paper is the product of a “stock-taking” workshop; our aim is to stimulate discussion, not to provide an exhaustive review. We identify outstanding questions organized into four thematic sections. 1) Evolution of mate choice and mating systems. Variation in mate quality can generate mating competition and choice in either sex with implications for the evolution of mating systems. Limitations on mate choice may dictate the importance of direct vs. indirect benefits in mating decisions and consequently, mating systems. Specifically, polyandry evolves in response to the strength of pre- vs. post-copulatory selection. The evolution of polyandry may be related to diversity of pathogens and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes. MHC genes are also potential cues of kinship in avoidance of inbreeding. The balance between inbreeding avoidance and inclusive fitness in mating decisions deserves greater attention. 2) Sender and receiver mechanisms shaping signal design. Mediation of honest signal content likely depends on integration of temporally variable social and physiological costs that are a challenge to measure. The neuroethology of sensory and cognitive receiver biases is the main key to signal form and the ‘aesthetic sense’ proposed by Darwin. Since a receiver bias is sufficient to both start and drive ornament or armament exaggeration, without a genetically correlated or even coevolving receiver, this may be the appropriate ‘null model’ of sexual selection. 3) Genetic architecture of sexual selection. Despite advances in modern molecular techniques, the number and identity of genes underlying performance remain largely unknown. A combination of genomic techniques and long-term field studies that reveal ecological correlates of reproductive success is warranted. In-depth investigations into the genetic basis of sexual dimorphism will reveal constraints and trajectories of sexually selected trait evolution. 4) Sexual selection and conflict as drivers of speciation. Population divergence and speciation is often driven by an interplay between sexual and natural selection. To what extent sexual selection promotes or counteracts population divergence may differ depending on the genetic architecture of traits as well as covariance between mating competition and local adaptation, if traits have multiple functions and if sensory systems used in mate choice are locally adapted. Also, post-copulatory processes, e.g. selection against heterospecific sperm, may influence the importance of sexual selection. Sexual conflict can shape speciation processes, since mate choice selection on females can restrict gene flow whereas selection on males is permissive. We propose that efforts to resolve these four themes can catalyze conceptual progress in the field of sexual selection.

scholarly journals Post-spawning sexual selection in red and white Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Lehnert ◽  
Daniel D. Heath ◽  
Robert H. Devlin ◽  
Trevor E. Pitcher
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Post Spawning

Factors influencing spawner success in a spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) reintroduction program

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
pp. 1390-1397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Sard ◽  
Kathleen G. O’Malley ◽  
Dave P. Jacobson ◽  
Michael J. Hogansen ◽  
Marc A. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Active Transport ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Migratory Fish ◽  
Release Date ◽  
Variation Explained ◽  
Release Location ◽  
Migratory Fishes

Dams have contributed to the decline of migratory fishes by blocking access to historical habitat. The active transport (trap and haul) of migratory fish species above existing dams can sometimes support population recovery when the use of fish ladders or dam removal is infeasible. However, little is known about the efficacy of trap and haul conservation strategies. Here we used genetic parentage assignments to evaluate the efficacy of reintroducing adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) above Cougar Dam on the South Fork McKenzie River, Oregon, USA, from 2008 to 2011. We found that mean reproductive success (RS) declined as adults were released later in the spawning season in 2009 and 2010; however, release location did not affect RS. In 2010 and 2011, we tested for RS differences between hatchery and natural origin (HOR and NOR, respectively) adults. HOR males were consistently less fit than NOR males, but little evidence for fitness differences was apparent between HOR and NOR females. Interestingly, the effect of origin on RS was not significant after accounting for variation explained by body length. Our results indicate that release date and location have inconsistent or no effect on the reproductive success of reintroduced adults when active transport strategies are employed for migratory fishes.

Interactions of natural and sexual selection: damselfish prioritize brood defense with male–male competition or courtship

Behaviour ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Leese ◽  
Jennifer Snekser ◽  
Murray Itzkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Selection Pressure ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Sexual Competition ◽  
Selection Pressures ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Stegastes Leucostictus ◽  
Brood Defense ◽  
Natural And Sexual Selection

AbstractNatural and sexual selection often act in opposing directions, forcing individuals to prioritize activities necessary for survival with those required for reproduction. We examined the interaction of natural and sexual selection pressures on the behaviour of beaugregory damselfish, Stegastes leucostictus, by presenting territorial males with an egg predator and either a male or female conspecific, requiring males to prioritize brood defense with either courtship or intra-sexual competition. By measuring the time spent near stimuli, we examined the influence of several factors, including stimuli type, variation in predator number, and the presence of eggs in a nest site. Generally, males spent more time with conspecific stimuli than egg predators, suggesting that the sexual selection pressures of deterring rivals and attracting mates outweigh the natural selection pressure to engage in brood defense. This decision was affected by the sex of the conspecific presented, the presence of eggs in a male's territory, and a number of interactions of these factors, indicating that male damselfish consider multiple factors before investing in certain types and intensities of behaviours. Furthermore, observations of behaviours associated with courtship and intrasexual aggression show that a natural selection pressure impacts intra- and inter-sexually selected behaviours differently in this system.

scholarly journals Grey zones of sexual selection: why is finding a modern definition so hard?

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1909) ◽  
pp. 20191325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne H. Alonzo ◽  
Maria R. Servedio
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Careful Study ◽  
Grey Zone ◽  
Consensus Definition ◽  
Evolutionary Force ◽  
Definition Of

Sexual selection has long been acknowledged as an important evolutionary force, capable of shaping phenotypes ranging from fascinating and unusual displays to cryptic traits whose function is only uncovered by careful study. Yet, despite decades of research, reaching a consensus definition of the term ‘sexual selection’ has proved difficult. Here we explore why arriving at a unifying definition of sexual selection is so hard. While some researchers have argued about whether sexual selection should be considered a form of natural selection, we concentrate on where the line between sexual selection and other forms of selection falls. We focus on identifying the ‘grey zones’ of sexual selection by illustrating cases in which application of the term ‘sexual selection’ would be considered controversial or ambiguous. We believe that clarifying why sexual selection is so difficult to define is an essential first step forward towards greater clarity, and if possible towards reaching a consensus definition. We suggest that a more nuanced perspective may be necessary, particularly one that specifies for cases of ‘sexual selection’ why the term is used or whether they fall into a grey zone.

Population structure and divergence using microsatellite and gene locus markers in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 1370-1383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel D Heath ◽  
J Mark Shrimpton ◽  
Russell I Hepburn ◽  
Sara K Jamieson ◽  
Sarah K Brode ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Local Adaptation ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Gene Locus ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Population Divergence

Using different classes of genetic markers can provide insight into the role of selection, as well as a broader context for identifying population differentiation. We used nine microsatellite loci and polymorphisms at eight gene loci (major histocompatibility complex (MHC) classes I and II, growth hormones 1 and 2, transferrin, and immunoglobin heavy-chain) to determine population structure in six coastal populations (Vancouver Island, VI) and five interior populations (Fraser River, FR) of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in British Columbia, Canada. FST and [Formula: see text] values for specific VI gene loci were significantly higher than those for the FR and VI microsatellite loci or the FR gene loci. Pairwise microsatellite FST values were correlated with geographic distance across regions, but not using the gene locus marker data. Neighbor-joining cluster analyses showed one VI population as particularly divergent based on the gene locus data, while the VI and FR microsatellite locus and the FR gene locus analyses yielded no anomalous population divergence. The VI MHC class II marker FST values were exceptionally high, indicative of probable directional selection acting on MHC class II. Our results are consistent with local adaptation in Chinook salmon, but the nature of the local adaptation likely differs among regions.

Ecological and genetic risks arising from reproductive interactions between wild and farmed Chinook salmon

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (12) ◽  
pp. 1691-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Lehnert ◽  
John W. Heath ◽  
Daniel D. Heath
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Ecological Risks ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Wild Salmon ◽  
Genetic Risks ◽  
Xx Males

Escapes from aquaculture sites may threaten wild populations through ecological risks such as reproductive interference and genetic risks through successful hybridization. Mating studies examining wild–farmed interactions should quantify fertilization and reproductive success separately through genotyping of eggs and fry, respectively, to estimate ecological and genetic risks. We examined fertilization and reproductive success (fry survival to 158 and 201 days) of farmed (XY and XX males) and wild Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) males in competitive seminatural spawning channels with farmed females. XY and XX farmed males did not differ in fertilization and reproductive success. Farmed and wild males exhibited no difference in fertilization success; however, farmed males experienced significantly lower reproductive success relative to wild owing to differences in egg-to-fry survival because of competition with wild-sired offspring. Therefore, farmed males pose ecological risk to wild populations by removing reproductive opportunities from wild males, potentially reducing wild salmon productivity. However, low survival of farm-sired offspring will reduce further opportunities for interbreeding between wild and farm-raised fish. Nevertheless, research is needed to further quantify these genetic impacts.

Effects of early rearing environment and breeding strategy on social interactions and the hormonal response to stressors in juvenile Chinook salmon

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 673-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry N. Madison ◽  
John W. Heath ◽  
Daniel D. Heath ◽  
Nicholas J. Bernier
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Chinook Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Breeding Strategy ◽  
Rearing Environment ◽  
Juvenile Chinook Salmon ◽  
Hatchery Fish ◽  
The Social ◽  
Juvenile Chinook ◽  
Early Rearing

To determine whether early rearing environment and parental breeding strategy affect the social behaviour and the endocrine response to stressors in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), offspring (1–2 g) from traditional hatchery breeding or parental mate choice breeding were reared in a hatchery setting or in seminatural channels. Once ∼30 g, 9-month-old hatchery and mate choice fish from both rearing environments were exposed to one of four treatments: (i) sampled, (ii) air-exposed (AE) for 60 s and sampled 1 h later, (iii) sampled after 5 days of continuous dyadic social interaction (SI), or (iv) AE and allowed to interact for 5 days (AE/SI). In the hatchery environment, while hatchery fish were dominant in 70% and 80% of the dyadic trials in the SI and AE/SI treatments, respectively, plasma cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I levels did not differ between hatchery and mate choice fish. In contrast, when reared in a seminatural environment, mate choice fish were dominant in 70% of the dyadic trials in the SI and AE/SI treatments, and clear differences in plasma hormone levels emerged between hatchery and mate choice fish. Therefore, while we found no evidence that breeding strategy affects social status, familiarity with the early rearing environment (i.e., from emergence until 1–2 g) enhanced the competitive ability of juvenile Chinook salmon during dyadic interactions. Early rearing environment also affected the endocrine responses to stressors, and freshwater seminatural channel environments were associated with elevated hormonal responsiveness.

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