Fluctuating Asymmetry in Flies, What Does It Mean?

Symmetry

关键词: biomechanics;    chironomid midges;    fluctuating asymmetry;    mating flight;    parasites;    predators;    sexual selection;   

DOI  :  10.3390/sym2021099

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The degree of departure from perfect symmetry in organisms, fluctuating asymmetry (FA), is seen in most populations of animals. It has particular impact on choice of mate which lies within the world of sexual selection. Here I consider a relatively little studied aspect of sexual selection, i.e. the effect of FA on contests between males for mates, based not on display ornament but rather on agility seen in the mating systems of many insects. The model organism considered is the ubiquitous chironomid midge. In these flies, mating takes place in the air, so symmetry in the length of wings bears directly on a male’s aerobatic ability on which successful mating depends. The role of parasites and predators in creating and responding to FA in the host/prey midge is considered.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.