The role of hermaphrodites in the experimental evolution of increased outcrossing rates in Caenorhabditis elegans

Carvalho, Sara; Chelo, Ivo M; Goy, Christine; Teotónio, Henrique

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.7/325

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Abstract(s)

Why most organisms reproduce via outcrossing rather than selfing is a central question in evolutionary biology. It has long ago been suggested that outcrossing is favoured when it facilitates adaptation to novel environments. We have previously shown that the experimental evolution of increased outcrossing rates in populations of the male-hermaphrodite nematode Caenorhabditis elegans were correlated with the experimental evolution of increased male fitness. However, it is unknown whether outcrossing led to adaptation, and if so, which fitness components can explain the observed increase in outcrossing rates.