Analysis of the effects of inbreeding on lifespan and starvation resistance in Drosophila melanogaster




Valtonen TM, Roff DA, Rantala MJ

PublisherSPRINGER

2011

Genetica

GENETICA

GENETICA

139

4

525

533

9

0016-6707

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-011-9574-0



Because of their decreased overall fitness and genetic variability inbred individuals are expected to show reduced survival and lifespan under most environmental conditions as compared with outbred individuals. Whereas evidence for the deleterious effects of inbreeding on lifespan has been previously provided, only a few studies have investigated effects of inbreeding on survival under starved conditions. In the present study we compared the abilities of inbred and outbred adult Drosophila melanogaster to survive under starved and fed conditions. We found that inbreeding reduced lifespan but had no effect on starvation resistance. The results indicate highly trait specific consequences of inbreeding. Possible mechanisms behind the observed results are discussed.




Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 21:59