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![]() ![]() The advantage gained by one sex, with any evolutionary exaggeration of arms, is expected to be matched by analogous counteradaptations in the other sex 1, 2. They state that maternal-effect conflict is increased in ZW species (compared with XY species) because the W, unlike the Y in humans, is expressed in both sexes through the maternal transmission to the egg.Ī precedent for another type of sexual conflict is seen in the genetic battle that occurs in the placenta of most mammals and in the endosperm of plants.In coevolutionary ‘arms races’ between the sexes, the outcome of antagonistic interactions may remain at an evolutionary standstill. The scientists explain that the sexually antagonistic maternal-effect genes in ZW species lead to an evolutionary arms race. ‘Son killers' are predicted to accumulate on the W chromosome and ‘daughter killers' to accumulate on the Z." "The mathematical models support this conclusion. "We think that the maternal-effect genes are a new arena for conflict in ZW species," said Rice. The authors explain that maternal-effect genes are those that are expressed in the mother, are packaged in the egg, and influence the development of offspring. Butterflies, birds and snakes are ZW species. In the human female, the sex chromosomes are XX they are homozygous. Unlike mammals, the females are heterozygous they have two different sex chromosomes, Z and W. Rice, co-author and professor in the Department of EEMB at UC Santa Barbara.Ĭhickens serve as model organisms in many areas of research. The recent publication of the chicken genome has sparked new interest in ZW species, explained William R. Miller is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology (EEMB) at the University of California, Santa Barbara. "Genetic conflict is of great interest in evolutionary biology," explained first author Paige M. ![]()
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