We have identified several genes associated with variation in male reproductive success (ie ability to sire offspring when in competition with other males). We measured the expression level of over 14,000 genes in the fruit fly and identified 27 that were strongly associated with differences in male reproductive success. One of these genes is known to cause pesticide resistance, and our results suggest that there is a cost to resistance in terms of decreased male success. Genes involved in oxidative stress resistance, energy acquisition and energy storage also are important for male reproductive success.
Contact: Dr Jenny Drnevich, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, 515 Morrill Hall, URBANA, IL 61801, United States
Biology Letters
Generation cycles in Indonesian lady beetle populations may occur as a result of cannibalism by Dr K Nakamura, Dr N Hasan, Dr I Abbas, Professor HCJ Godfray FRS and Dr MB Bonsall
Cannibalism can cause cycles in population numbers of Indonesian lady beetles. We show using a mathematical model and data analysis of a long-term study (over 20 years) how cannibalism may drive the Indonesian lady beetle populations. Particular types of dynamics: generation cycles have been observed in several different field and laboratory populations. These particular cycles are shown to occur in our Indonesian lady beetle populations and are consistent with the natural history of the beetles which are highly cannibalistic. This is one of the very few studies to show generation cycles due to cannibalism in a natural population.
Contact: Dr Mike Bonsall, Department of Biology and NERC Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College at Silwood Park, Ascot, BERKSHIRE, SL5 7PY
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Contact: Tim Watson
press@royalsoc.ac.uk
44-207-451-2508
Royal Society
12-Oct-2004