Adams, Sally, Pathak, Prachi, Kittelman, Maike, Jones, Alun R. C., Mallon, Eamonn B. and Pires-daSilva, Andre (2022) Sexual morph specialisation in a trioecious nematode balances opposing selective forces. Scientific Reports, 12 . 6402. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-09900-8 ISSN 2045-2322.

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Abstract

The coexistence of different mating strategies, whereby a species can reproduce both by selfing and outcrossing, is an evolutionary enigma that has long intrigued biologists (Darwin, 1877). Theory predicts only two stable mating states : outcrossing with strong inbreeding depression or selfing with weak inbreeding depression. As these two mating strategies are subject to opposing selective forces, mixed breeding systems are thought to be a rare transitory state, yet they have been found to persist even after multiple speciation events. We hypothesise that if each mating strategy plays a distinctive role during the species life history, opposing selective pressures could be balanced, permitting the stable co-existence of selfing and outcrossing sexual morphs. In this scenario, we would expect each sexual morph to be specialised in their respective roles. Here we show, using a combination of behavioural, physiological and gene expression studies, that the selfing (hermaphrodite) and outcrossing (female) sexual morphs of the trioecious nematode Auanema freiburgensis have distinct adaptations optimised for their different roles during the life cycle. A. freiburgensis hermaphrodites are produced under stressful conditions, are specialised for dispersal to new habitat patches and exhibit metabolic and intestinal changes that enable them to meet the energetic cost of dispersal and reproduction. In contrast, A. freiburgensis females are produced in favourable conditions, facilitate rapid population growth and compensate for the lack of reproductive assurance by reallocating resources from intestinal development to robust mate-finding behaviour. The specialisation of each mating system for their role in the life cycle could balance opposing selective forces allowing the stable maintenance of both outcrossing and selfing mating systems in A. freiburgensis.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Life Sciences (2010- )
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Reproduction, Nematodes -- Reproduction, Sexual behavior in animals
Journal or Publication Title:	Scientific Reports
Publisher:	Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:	2045-2322
Official Date:	17 April 2022
Dates:	Date Event 17 April 2022 Published 10 March 2022 Accepted
Volume:	12
Article Number:	6402
DOI:	10.1038/s41598-022-09900-8
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit:	21 March 2022
Date of first compliant Open Access:	20 April 2022
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:	Project/Grant ID RIOXX Funder Name Funder ID BB/L019884/1 [BBSRC] Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000268 NE/N010019/1 [NERC] Natural Environment Research Council http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000270 UNSPECIFIED Leverhulme Trust http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000275 MIBTP DTP studentship [BBSRC] Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000268
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