Work

Courtship song differs between African and European populations of Drosophila melanogaster and involves a strong effect locus

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The courtship song of Drosophila melanogaster has long served as an excellent model system for studies of animal communication and differences in courtship song have been demonstrated among populations and between species. Here, we report that flies of African and European origin, which diverged ∼13,000 years ago, show significant genetic differentiation in the use of slow vs fast pulse song. Using a combination of quantitative trait mapping and population genetic analysis, we detected a single strong quantitative trait locus underlying this trait and we identified candidate genes that may contribute to the evolution of this trait. Song trait variation between parental strains of our recombinant inbred panel enabled detection of genomic intervals associated with 6 additional song traits, some of which include known courtship-related genes. These findings improve the prospects for further genetic insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior and the biology underlying courtship song.

Source: G3 Genes Genomes Genetics

DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaf050

Authors: Matthew J Lollar, Elizabeth Kim, David L Stern, John E Pool

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,709

Funders: Janelia Research Campus, Norges Idrettshøgskole, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences