| Title | Rainfall-driven sex-ratio genes in African buffalo suggested by correlations between Y-chromosomal haplotype frequencies and foetal sex ratio. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | van Hooft, P, Prins, HHT, Getz, WM, Jolles, AE, van Wieren, SE, Greyling, BJ, van Helden, PD, Bastos, ADS |
| Journal | BMC evolutionary biology |
| Volume | 10 |
| Pagination | 106 |
| Date Published | 2010 |
| Keywords | Y Chromosome |
| Abstract | The Y-chromosomal diversity in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population of Kruger National Park (KNP) is characterized by rainfall-driven haplotype frequency shifts between year cohorts. Stable Y-chromosomal polymorphism is difficult to reconcile with haplotype frequency variations without assuming frequency-dependent selection or specific interactions in the population dynamics of X- and Y-chromosomal genes, since otherwise the fittest haplotype would inevitably sweep to fixation. Stable Y-chromosomal polymorphism due one of these factors only seems possible when there are Y-chromosomal distorters of an equal sex ratio, which act by negatively affecting X-gametes, or Y-chromosomal suppressors of a female-biased sex ratio. These sex-ratio (SR) genes modify (suppress) gamete transmission in their own favour at a fitness cost, allowing for stable polymorphism.
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OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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