0100479026

open access

Accepted Manuscript

Functional, genetic, and structural constraints on the exaggeration and diversification of male genital morphology in Ohomopterus ground beetles

English (英語)

Entomological Science

26(1)

e12538

John Wiley & Sons

2023-03

2024-02-01

The evolution of exaggerated sexual traits may be possible by the relaxation of various constraints on exaggeration. Functional constraints refer to the reduced performance of exaggerated traits per se or increased survival costs by holding the exaggerated traits. Genetic constraints, such as genetic correlations or pleiotropy, may hinder the independent evolution and exaggeration of traits. Structural constraints, such as competition for space and resources among traits, may require the coordination of the exaggerated trait with surrounding structures. The remarkable diversity of male genital morphology provides an ideal opportunity for examining constraints on sexual trait exaggeration. In this study, we addressed the constraints on the evolution of exaggerated male genital morphology based on a comparative analysis of phenotypic covariation between the genitalia and other body parts using Ohomopterus ground beetles. We found that exaggerated male genitalia were related to a relaxation of functional constraint, as revealed by a steeper allometric slope in the species with exaggerated male genitalia. By contrast, genetic constraint based on a shared genetic basis for the male genitalia and other appendages may have little effect on diversification in male genitalia. Structural constraints were strongest in the species with the most exaggerated male genitalia, suggesting that the observed constraint was a result of exaggeration. These findings improve our understanding of sexual trait exaggeration and underlying constraints.

sexual trait

学術雑誌論文

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Terada, K., Takahashi, S. and Takami, Y. (2023), Functional, genetic, and structural constraints on the exaggeration and diversification of male genital morphology in Ohomopterus ground beetles. Entomological Science, 26: e12538.], which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/ens.12538. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.