Speciation by mechanical reproductive isolation: Causes and consequences of genital diversification

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16H04844
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Ecology/Environment
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Takami Yasuoki 神戸大学, 人間発達環境学研究科, 准教授 (60432358)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 交尾器 / 性淘汰 / 形質置換 / 種分化 / エボデボ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to explore the mechanism of speciation via mechanical reproductive isolation, we performed ecological, evolutionary and developmental studies using Ohomopterus ground beetles that possess species-specific genital morphologies. Sexually antagonistic selection was revealed to operate in male and female genitalia, resulting in coevolutionary diversification between sexes. Difference in genital morphology increased at the secondary contact of species, suggesting reproductive character displacement driven by reinforcing selection. Additionally, this process generated further geographical variation in genital morphology within species and resulted in incipient speciation. Morphogenetic processes of male and female genitalia were described, thereby the developmental basis of genital diversification was inferred.

Free Research Field

進化生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

生物多様性を生み出す過程を理解することは，ヒトを含む生物の起源を理解することにつながる点で学術的意義がある．
生物の見せる興味深い生態，行動，進化を学ぶことで，人を取り巻く生物環境に目を向け，興味を持つきっかけを提供しうる点で社会的意義がある．