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Rossi M, Hausmann AE, Alcami P, Moest M, Roussou R, Van Belleghem SM, Wright DS, Kuo CY, Lozano-Urrego D, Maulana A, Melo-Flórez L, Rueda-Muñoz G, McMahon S, Linares M, Osman C, McMillan WO, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Merrill RM. Adaptive introgression of a visual preference gene. Science 2024; 383:1368-1373. [PMID: 38513020 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj9201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Visual preferences are important drivers of mate choice and sexual selection, but little is known of how they evolve at the genetic level. In this study, we took advantage of the diversity of bright warning patterns displayed by Heliconius butterflies, which are also used during mate choice. Combining behavioral, population genomic, and expression analyses, we show that two Heliconius species have evolved the same preferences for red patterns by exchanging genetic material through hybridization. Neural expression of regucalcin1 correlates with visual preference across populations, and disruption of regucalcin1 with CRISPR-Cas9 impairs courtship toward conspecific females, providing a direct link between gene and behavior. Our results support a role for hybridization during behavioral evolution and show how visually guided behaviors contributing to adaptation and speciation are encoded within the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Faculty of Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama
| | | | | | - Markus Moest
- Department of Ecology and Research Department for Limnology, Mondsee, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Faculty of Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama
| | - Daniela Lozano-Urrego
- Faculty of Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Lina Melo-Flórez
- Faculty of Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Geraldine Rueda-Muñoz
- Faculty of Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Mauricio Linares
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Camilo Salazar
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Faculty of Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panama
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2
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Kuo CY, Melo-Flóres L, Aragón A, Oberweiser MM, McMillan WO, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Merrill RM. Divergent warning patterns influence male and female mating behaviours in a tropical butterfly. J Evol Biol 2024; 37:267-273. [PMID: 38306464 DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Traits under divergent ecological selection that also function during mating can be important in maintaining species boundaries. Few studies have considered mutual mate choice, where both males and females base mating decisions on the same trait. Wing colouration in Heliconius butterflies evolved as a warning signal but also functions as a mating cue. We investigated the contribution of visual preference to assortative mating in an aposematic butterfly Heliconius cydno in the context of reproductive isolation with its sympatric, visually distinct relative Heliconius melpomene. Heliconius cydno have conspicuous white bands on their forewings, whereas those of H. melpomene are red in colour. We predicted that both sexes of H. cydno contributed to assortative mating by exhibiting visual preference towards conspecific wing colouration. We analysed published and new data from preference experiments, in which males were presented with conspecific and H. melpomene females. We also recorded female responses and mating outcomes in choice experiments, involving conspecific males with either the original white or artificially painted red forewing bands. Both sexes of H. cydno responded more positively towards the conspecific colouration, and males strongly preferred females of its own colours. In contrast, male colouration did not predict mating outcomes in female choice experiments. As courtships are initiated by males in butterflies, our findings suggest that female visual preference might be of secondary importance in H. cydno. Our data also suggest that the contribution of visual preference to reproductive isolation might be unequal between H. cydno and its sympatric relative H. melpomene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yun Kuo
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panamá
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Lina Melo-Flóres
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrea Aragón
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Morgan M Oberweiser
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panamá
| | | | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa, Panamá
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3
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Merrill RM, Arenas-Castro H, Feller AF, Harenčár J, Rossi M, Streisfeld MA, Kay KM. Genetics and the Evolution of Prezygotic Isolation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041439. [PMID: 37848246 PMCID: PMC10835618 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The significance of prezygotic isolation for speciation has been recognized at least since the Modern Synthesis. However, fundamental questions remain. For example, how are genetic associations between traits that contribute to prezygotic isolation maintained? What is the source of genetic variation underlying the evolution of these traits? And how do prezygotic barriers affect patterns of gene flow? We address these questions by reviewing genetic features shared across plants and animals that influence prezygotic isolation. Emerging technologies increasingly enable the identification and functional characterization of the genes involved, allowing us to test established theoretical expectations. Embedding these genes in their developmental context will allow further predictions about what constrains the evolution of prezygotic isolation. Ongoing improvements in statistical and computational tools will reveal how pre- and postzygotic isolation may differ in how they influence gene flow across the genome. Finally, we highlight opportunities for progress by combining theory with appropriate data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Merrill
- Faculty of Biology, Division of Evolutionary Biology, LMU Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Henry Arenas-Castro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anna F Feller
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02131, USA
| | - Julia Harenčár
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Matteo Rossi
- Faculty of Biology, Division of Evolutionary Biology, LMU Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Matthew A Streisfeld
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-5289, USA
| | - Kathleen M Kay
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
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4
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Rivas-Sánchez DF, Gantiva-Q CH, Pardo-Díaz C, Salazar C, Montgomery SH, Merrill RM. Parallel shifts in flight-height associated with altitude across incipient Heliconius species. J Evol Biol 2024; 37:123-129. [PMID: 38285663 DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Vertical gradients in microclimate, resource availability, and interspecific interactions are thought to underly stratification patterns in tropical insect communities. However, only a few studies have explored the adaptive significance of vertical space use during the early stages of reproductive isolation. We analysed flight-height variation across speciation events in Heliconius butterflies, representing parallel colonizations of high-altitude forest. We measured flight-height in wild H. erato venus and H. chestertonii, parapatric lowland and mountain specialists, respectively, and found that H. chestertonii consistently flies at a lower height. By comparing our data to previously published results for the ecologically equivalent H. e. cyrbia (lowland) and H. himera (high altitude), we found that the species flying closest to the ground are those that recently colonized high-altitude forests. We show that these repeated trends largely result from shared patterns of ecological selection producing parallel trait-shifts in H. himera and H. chestertonii. Although our results imply a signature of local adaptation, we did not find an association between resource distribution and flight-height in H. e. venus and H. chestertonii. We discuss how this pattern may be explained by variations in forest structure and microclimate. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of behavioural adjustments during early divergence mediated by altitude-shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Rivas-Sánchez
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Carlos H Gantiva-Q
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Díaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Dalbosco Dell'Aglio D, Rivas-Sánchez DF, Wright DS, Merrill RM, Montgomery SH. The Sensory Ecology of Speciation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041428. [PMID: 38052495 PMCID: PMC10759811 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we explore the potential influence of sensory ecology on speciation, including but not limited to the concept of sensory drive, which concerns the coevolution of signals and sensory systems with the local environment. The sensory environment can influence individual fitness in a variety of ways, thereby affecting the evolution of both pre- and postmating reproductive isolation. Previous work focused on sensory drive has undoubtedly advanced the field, but we argue that it may have also narrowed our understanding of the broader influence of the sensory ecology on speciation. Moreover, the clearest examples of sensory drive are largely limited to aquatic organisms, which may skew the influence of contributing factors. We review the evidence for sensory drive across environmental conditions, and in this context discuss the importance of more generalized effects of sensory ecology on adaptive behavioral divergence. Finally, we consider the potential of rapid environmental change to influence reproductive barriers related to sensory ecologies. Our synthesis shows the importance of sensory conditions for local adaptation and divergence in a range of behavioral contexts and extends our understanding of the interplay between sensory ecology and speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Dalbosco Dell'Aglio
- School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
| | - David F Rivas-Sánchez
- School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Shane Wright
- Faculty of Biology, Division of Evolutionary Biology, LMU Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
- Faculty of Biology, Division of Evolutionary Biology, LMU Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stephen H Montgomery
- School of Biological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
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6
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Wright DS, Manel AN, Guachamin-Rosero M, Chamba-Vaca P, Bacquet CN, Merrill RM. Quantifying visual acuity in Heliconius butterflies. Biol Lett 2023; 19:20230476. [PMID: 38087940 PMCID: PMC10716659 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heliconius butterflies are well-known for their colourful wing patterns, which advertise distastefulness to potential predators and are used during mate choice. However, the relative importance of different aspects of these signals will depend on the visual abilities of Heliconius and their predators. Previous studies have investigated colour sensitivity and neural anatomy, but visual acuity (the ability to perceive detail) has not been studied in these butterflies. Here, we provide the first estimate of visual acuity in Heliconius: from a behavioural optomotor assay, we found that mean visual acuity = 0.49 cycles-per-degree (cpd), with higher acuity in males than females. We also examined eye morphology and report more ommatidia in male eyes. Finally, we estimated how visual acuity affects Heliconius visual perception compared to a potential avian predator. Whereas the bird predator maintained high resolving power, Heliconius lost the ability to resolve detail at greater distances, though colours may remain salient. These results will inform future studies of Heliconius wing pattern evolution, as well as other aspects in these highly visual butterflies, which have emerged as an important system in studies of adaptation and speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shane Wright
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anupama Nayak Manel
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michelle Guachamin-Rosero
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Pamela Chamba-Vaca
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Tena, Ecuador
| | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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7
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Borrero J, Wright DS, Bacquet CN, Merrill RM. Oviposition behavior is not affected by ultraviolet light in a butterfly with sexually-dimorphic expression of a UV-sensitive opsin. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10243. [PMID: 37408633 PMCID: PMC10318619 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal vision is important for mediating multiple complex behaviors. In Heliconius butterflies, vision guides fundamental behaviors such as oviposition, foraging, and mate choice. Color vision in Heliconius involves ultraviolet (UV), blue and long-wavelength-sensitive photoreceptors (opsins). Additionally, Heliconius possess a duplicated UV opsin, and its expression varies widely within the genus. In Heliconius erato, opsin expression is sexually dimorphic; only females express both UV-sensitive opsins, enabling UV wavelength discrimination. However, the selective pressures responsible for sex-specific differences in opsin expression and visual perception remain unresolved. Female Heliconius invest heavily in finding suitable hostplants for oviposition, a behavior heavily dependent on visual cues. Here, we tested the hypothesis that UV vision is important for oviposition in H. erato and Heliconius himera females by manipulating the availability of UV in behavioral experiments under natural conditions. Our results indicate that UV does not influence the number of oviposition attempts or eggs laid, and the hostplant, Passiflora punctata, does not reflect UV wavelengths. Models of H. erato female vision suggest only minimal stimulation of the UV opsins. Overall, these findings suggest that UV wavelengths do not directly affect the ability of Heliconius females to find suitable oviposition sites. Alternatively, UV discrimination could be used in the context of foraging or mate choice, but this remains to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Borrero
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyLMU MunichMunichGermany
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8
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Rivas-Sánchez DF, Melo-Flórez L, Aragón A, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Montgomery SH, Merrill RM. Parallel evolution of behaviour, physiology and life history associated with altitudinal shifts in forest type in Heliconius butterflies. Evolution 2023:7131190. [PMID: 37075171 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Parallel evolution of morphological traits is widely reported, providing evidence for the role of local conditions in driving adaptive divergence. Comparatively, fewer studies have tested for parallelism in behaviour, and it is less clear to what extent heritable behavioural shifts contribute to adaptive divergence. We exploit repeated incipient speciation across altitudinal gradients to explore behaviour and physiology in Heliconius butterflies adapted to high-elevation. We performed common garden experiments with H. chestertonii, a high-altitude specialist from the Colombian Cordillera Occidental, and H. erato venus, a low-elevation proxy for the ancestral population, and compared our results to existing data for an equivalent Ecuadorian taxa-pair. Using broad-scale climatic data, we show that both pairs diverge across similar ecological gradients, confirmed using localised data loggers in the ranges of H. chestertonii and H. e. venus. We further show that H. chestertonii and H. e. venus have divergent activity patterns, attributable to different responses to microclimate, and life histories. Finally, we provide evidence for parallelism in these traits with H. himera and H. e. cyrbia. We propose that this is a result of selection associated with independent colonisations of high-altitude forests, emphasising the importance of heritable behavioural and physiological adaptations during population divergence and speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Rivas-Sánchez
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lina Melo-Flórez
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63C-69, Bogotá, 111221, Colombia
| | - Andrea Aragón
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63C-69, Bogotá, 111221, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63C-69, Bogotá, 111221, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 # 63C-69, Bogotá, 111221, Colombia
| | - Stephen H Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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9
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Hausmann AE, Freire M, Alfthan SA, Kuo CY, Linares M, McMillan O, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Merrill RM. Does sexual conflict contribute to the evolution of novel warning patterns? J Evol Biol 2023; 36:563-578. [PMID: 36702779 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Why warning patterns are so diverse is an enduring evolutionary puzzle. Because predators associate particular patterns with unpleasant experiences, an individual's predation risk should decrease as the local density of its warning pattern increases, promoting pattern monomorphism. Distasteful Heliconius butterflies are known for their diversity of warning patterns. Here, we explore whether interlocus sexual conflict can contribute to their diversification. Male Heliconius use warning patterns as mating cues, but mated females may suffer costs if this leads to disturbance, favouring novel patterns. Using simulations, we show that under our model conditions drift alone is unlikely to cause pattern diversification, but that sexual conflict can assist such a process. We also find that genetic architecture influences the evolution of male preferences, which track changes in warning pattern due to sexual selection. When male attraction imposes costs on females, this affects the speed at which novel pattern alleles increase. In two experiments, females laid fewer eggs with males present. However, although males in one experiment showed less interest in females with manipulated patterns, we found no evidence that female colouration mitigates sex-specific costs. Overall, male attraction to conspecific warning patterns may impose an unrecognized cost on Heliconius females, but further work is required to determine this experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Hausmann
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marília Freire
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara A Alfthan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
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Schuldiner‐Harpaz T, Merrill RM, Jiggins CD. Evolution of physical linkage between loci controlling ecological traits and mating preferences. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:1537-1547. [PMID: 36196988 PMCID: PMC9827829 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Coupling of multiple barriers to gene-flow, such as divergent local adaptation and reproductive isolation, facilitates speciation. However, alleles at loci that contribute to barrier effects can be dissociated by recombination. Models of linkage between diverging alleles often consider elements that reduce recombination, such as chromosomal inversions and alleles that modify recombination rate between existing loci. In contrast, here, we consider the evolution of linkage due to the close proximity of loci on the same chromosome. Examples of such physical linkage exist in several species, but in other cases, strong associations are maintained without physical linkage. We use an individual-based model to study the conditions under which the physical linkage between loci controlling ecological traits and mating preferences might be expected to evolve. We modelled a single locus controlling an ecological trait that acts also as a mating cue. Mating preferences are controlled by multiple loci, formed by mutations that are randomly placed in the "genome", within varying distances from the ecological trait locus, allowing us to examine which genomic architectures spread across the population. Our model reveals that stronger physical linkage is favoured when mating preferences and selection are weaker. Under such conditions mating among divergent phenotypes is more frequent, and matching ecological trait and mating preference alleles are more likely to become dissociated by recombination, favouring the evolution of genetic linkage. While most theoretical studies on clustering of divergent loci focus on how physical linkage influences speciation, we show how physical linkage itself can arise, establishing conditions that can favour speciation.
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Hausmann AE, Kuo CY, Freire M, Rueda-M N, Linares M, Pardo-Diaz C, Salazar C, Merrill RM. Light environment influences mating behaviours during the early stages of divergence in tropical butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210157. [PMID: 33757348 PMCID: PMC8059652 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Speciation is facilitated when traits under divergent selection also act as mating cues. Fluctuations in sensory conditions can alter signal perception independently of adaptation to the broader sensory environment, but how this fine-scale variation may constrain or promote behavioural isolation has received little attention. The warning patterns of Heliconius butterflies are under selection for aposematism and act as mating cues. Using computer vision, we extracted behavioural data from 1481 h of video footage, for 387 individuals. We show that the putative hybrid species H. heurippa and its close relative H. timareta linaresi differ in their response to divergent warning patterns, but that these differences are strengthened with increased local illuminance. Trials with live individuals reveal low-level assortative mating that is sufficiently explained by differences in visual attraction. Finally, results from hybrid butterflies are consistent with linkage between a major warning pattern gene and the corresponding behaviour, though the differences in behaviour we observe are unlikely to cause rapid reproductive isolation as predicted under a model of hybrid trait speciation. Overall, our results reveal that the contribution of ecological mating cues to reproductive isolation may depend on the immediate sensory conditions during which they are displayed to conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E. Hausmann
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Gamboa 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Marília Freire
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Nicol Rueda-M
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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12
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Darragh K, Orteu A, Black D, Byers KJRP, Szczerbowski D, Warren IA, Rastas P, Pinharanda A, Davey JW, Fernanda Garza S, Abondano Almeida D, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. A novel terpene synthase controls differences in anti-aphrodisiac pheromone production between closely related Heliconius butterflies. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001022. [PMID: 33465061 PMCID: PMC7815096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants and insects often use the same compounds for chemical communication, but not much is known about the genetics of convergent evolution of chemical signals. The terpene (E)-β-ocimene is a common component of floral scent and is also used by the butterfly Heliconius melpomene as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone. While the biosynthesis of terpenes has been described in plants and microorganisms, few terpene synthases (TPSs) have been identified in insects. Here, we study the recent divergence of 2 species, H. melpomene and Heliconius cydno, which differ in the presence of (E)-β-ocimene; combining linkage mapping, gene expression, and functional analyses, we identify 2 novel TPSs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that one, HmelOS, is able to synthesise (E)-β-ocimene in vitro. We find no evidence for TPS activity in HcydOS (HmelOS ortholog of H. cydno), suggesting that the loss of (E)-β-ocimene in this species is the result of coding, not regulatory, differences. The TPS enzymes we discovered are unrelated to previously described plant and insect TPSs, demonstrating that chemical convergence has independent evolutionary origins. Plants and insects often use the same compounds for chemical communication, but little is known about the convergent evolution of such chemical signals. This study identifies a novel terpene synthase involved in production of an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone by the butterfly Heliconius melpomene. This enzyme is unrelated to other insect terpene synthases, providing evidence that the ability to synthesise terpenes has arisen multiple times independently within the insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Orteu
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniella Black
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Department of Life Sciences, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ian A. Warren
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pasi Rastas
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ana Pinharanda
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John W. Davey
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Department of Life Sciences, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panamá
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13
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Byers KJRP, Darragh K, Fernanda Garza S, Abondano Almeida D, Warren IA, Rastas PMA, Merrill RM, Schulz S, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD. Clustering of loci controlling species differences in male chemical bouquets of sympatric Heliconius butterflies. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:89-107. [PMID: 33437416 PMCID: PMC7790645 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The degree to which loci promoting reproductive isolation cluster in the genome-that is, the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation-can influence the tempo and mode of speciation. Tight linkage between these loci can facilitate speciation in the face of gene flow. Pheromones play a role in reproductive isolation in many Lepidoptera species, and the role of endogenously produced compounds as secondary metabolites decreases the likelihood of pleiotropy associated with many barrier loci. Heliconius butterflies use male sex pheromones to both court females (aphrodisiac wing pheromones) and ward off male courtship (male-transferred antiaphrodisiac genital pheromones), and it is likely that these compounds play a role in reproductive isolation between Heliconius species. Using a set of backcross hybrids between H. melpomene and H. cydno, we investigated the genetic architecture of putative male pheromone compound production. We found a set of 40 significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) representing 33 potential pheromone compounds. QTL clustered significantly on two chromosomes, chromosome 8 for genital compounds and chromosome 20 for wing compounds, and chromosome 20 was enriched for potential pheromone biosynthesis genes. There was minimal overlap between pheromone QTL and known QTL for mate choice and color pattern. Nonetheless, we did detect linkage between a QTL for wing androconial area and optix, a color pattern locus known to play a role in reproductive isolation in these species. This tight clustering of putative pheromone loci might contribute to coincident reproductive isolating barriers, facilitating speciation despite ongoing gene flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyJohn Innes CentreNorwichUK
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Department of Evolution and EcologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Sylvia Fernanda Garza
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Department of Collective BehaviourMax Planck Institute of Animal BehaviourKonstanzGermany
| | - Diana Abondano Almeida
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Present address:
Institute for Ecology, Evolution and DiversityGoethe UniversitätFrankfurtGermany
| | - Ian A. Warren
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic ChemistryDepartment of Life SciencesTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | | | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
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14
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Rossi M, Hausmann AE, Thurman TJ, Montgomery SH, Papa R, Jiggins CD, McMillan WO, Merrill RM. Visual mate preference evolution during butterfly speciation is linked to neural processing genes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4763. [PMID: 32958765 PMCID: PMC7506007 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many animal species remain separate not because their individuals fail to produce viable hybrids but because they "choose" not to mate. However, we still know very little of the genetic mechanisms underlying changes in these mate preference behaviours. Heliconius butterflies display bright warning patterns, which they also use to recognize conspecifics. Here, we couple QTL for divergence in visual preference behaviours with population genomic and gene expression analyses of neural tissue (central brain, optic lobes and ommatidia) across development in two sympatric Heliconius species. Within a region containing 200 genes, we identify five genes that are strongly associated with divergent visual preferences. Three of these have previously been implicated in key components of neural signalling (specifically an ionotropic glutamate receptor and two regucalcins), and overall our candidates suggest shifts in behaviour involve changes in visual integration or processing. This would allow preference evolution without altering perception of the wider environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama.
| | | | - Timothy J Thurman
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Montana, USA
| | | | - Riccardo Papa
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Molecular Sciences and Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - W Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, LMU, Munich, Germany.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama.
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15
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Darragh K, Montejo‐Kovacevich G, Kozak KM, Morrison CR, Figueiredo CME, Ready JS, Salazar C, Linares M, Byers KJRP, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Species specificity and intraspecific variation in the chemical profiles of Heliconius butterflies across a large geographic range. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:3895-3918. [PMID: 32489619 PMCID: PMC7244815 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In many animals, mate choice is important for the maintenance of reproductive isolation between species. Traits important for mate choice and behavioral isolation are predicted to be under strong stabilizing selection within species; however, such traits can also exhibit variation at the population level driven by neutral and adaptive evolutionary processes. Here, we describe patterns of divergence among androconial and genital chemical profiles at inter- and intraspecific levels in mimetic Heliconius butterflies. Most variation in chemical bouquets was found between species, but there were also quantitative differences at the population level. We found a strong correlation between interspecific chemical and genetic divergence, but this correlation varied in intraspecific comparisons. We identified "indicator" compounds characteristic of particular species that included compounds already known to elicit a behavioral response, suggesting an approach for identification of candidate compounds for future behavioral studies in novel systems. Overall, the strong signal of species identity suggests a role for these compounds in species recognition, but with additional potentially neutral variation at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | | | | | - Colin R. Morrison
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTXUSA
| | | | - Jonathan S. Ready
- Institute for Biological SciencesUniversidade Federal do ParáBelémBrazil
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology ProgramFaculty of Natural Sciences and MathematicsUniversidad del RosarioBogotaColombia
| | - Mauricio Linares
- Biology ProgramFaculty of Natural Sciences and MathematicsUniversidad del RosarioBogotaColombia
| | - Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyFaculty of BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
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16
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Mérot C, Debat V, Le Poul Y, Merrill RM, Naisbit RE, Tholance A, Jiggins CD, Joron M. Hybridization and transgressive exploration of colour pattern and wing morphology in Heliconius butterflies. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:942-956. [PMID: 32255231 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hybridization can generate novel phenotypes distinct from those of parental lineages, a phenomenon known as transgressive trait variation. Transgressive phenotypes might negatively or positively affect hybrid fitness, and increase available variation. Closely related species of Heliconius butterflies regularly produce hybrids in nature, and hybridization is thought to play a role in the diversification of novel wing colour patterns despite strong stabilizing selection due to interspecific mimicry. Here, we studied wing phenotypes in first- and second-generation hybrids produced by controlled crosses between either two co-mimetic species of Heliconius or between two nonmimetic species. We quantified wing size, shape and colour pattern variation and asked whether hybrids displayed transgressive wing phenotypes. Discrete traits underlain by major-effect loci, such as the presence or absence of colour patches, generate novel phenotypes. For quantitative traits, such as wing shape or subtle colour pattern characters, hybrids only exceed the parental range in specific dimensions of the morphological space. Overall, our study addresses some of the challenges in defining and measuring phenotypic transgression for multivariate traits and our data suggest that the extent to which transgressive trait variation in hybrids contributes to phenotypic diversity depends on the complexity and the genetic architecture of the traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mérot
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France.,IBIS, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Debat
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Yann Le Poul
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France.,Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Russell E Naisbit
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama.,Institute for Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adélie Tholance
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Mathieu Joron
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France.,UMR 5175, CNRS-Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Montpellier, France
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17
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Byers KJRP, Darragh K, Musgrove J, Almeida DA, Garza SF, Warren IA, Rastas PM, Kučka M, Chan YF, Merrill RM, Schulz S, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD. A major locus controls a biologically active pheromone component in Heliconius melpomene. Evolution 2020; 74:349-364. [PMID: 31913497 PMCID: PMC7027519 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the production, response, and genetics of signals used in mate choice can inform our understanding of the evolution of both intraspecific mate choice and reproductive isolation. Sex pheromones are important for courtship and mate choice in many insects, but we know relatively little of their role in butterflies. The butterfly Heliconius melpomene uses a complex blend of wing androconial compounds during courtship. Electroantennography in H. melpomene and its close relative Heliconius cydno showed that responses to androconial extracts were not species specific. Females of both species responded equally strongly to extracts of both species, suggesting conservation of peripheral nervous system elements across the two species. Individual blend components provoked little to no response, with the exception of octadecanal, a major component of the H. melpomene blend. Supplementing octadecanal on the wings of octadecanal-rich H. melpomene males led to an increase in the time until mating, demonstrating the bioactivity of octadecanal in Heliconius. Using quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, we identified a single locus on chromosome 20 responsible for 41% of the parental species' difference in octadecanal production. This QTL does not overlap with any of the major wing color or mate choice loci, nor does it overlap with known regions of elevated or reduced FST . A set of 16 candidate fatty acid biosynthesis genes lies underneath the QTL. Pheromones in Heliconius carry information relevant for mate choice and are under simple genetic control, suggesting they could be important during speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
| | | | - Diana Abondano Almeida
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Current address: Institute for Ecology, Evolution, and DiversityGoethe Universität60323FrankfurtGermany
| | - Sylvia Fernanda Garza
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
- Current address: Department of Collective BehaviorMax Planck Institute of Animal Behavior78315KonstanzGermany
- Current address: Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective BehaviorUniversity of Konstanz78464KonstanzGermany
| | - Ian A. Warren
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
| | - Pasi M. Rastas
- Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki00014HelsinkiFinland
| | - Marek Kučka
- Friedrich Miescher LaboratoryMax Planck Society72076TübingenGermany
| | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München80539MunichGermany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Department of Life SciencesInstitute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig38106BraunschweigGermany
| | | | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaPanama
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18
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Darragh K, Byers KJRP, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Male pheromone composition depends on larval but not adult diet in Heliconius melpomene. Ecol Entomol 2019; 44:397-405. [PMID: 31217661 PMCID: PMC6563479 DOI: 10.1111/een.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
1. Condition-dependent traits can act as honest signals of mate quality, with fitter individuals being able to display preferred phenotypes. Nutrition is known to be an important determinant of individual condition, with diet known to affect many secondary sexual traits. 2. In Heliconius butterflies, male chemical signalling plays an important role in female mate choice. Potential male sex pheromone components have been identified previously, although it is unclear what information they convey to the female. 3. In the present study, the effect of diet on androconial and genital compound production is tested in male Heliconius melpomene rosina. To manipulate larval diet, larvae are reared on three different Passiflora host plants: Passiflora menispermifolia, the preferred host plant, Passiflora vitifolia and Passiflora platyloba. To manipulate adult diet, adult butterflies are reared with and without access to pollen, a key component of their diet. 4. No evidence is found to suggest that adult pollen consumption affects compound production in the first 10 days after eclosion. There is also a strong overlap in the chemical profiles of individuals reared on different larval host plants. The most abundant compounds produced by the butterflies do not differ between host plant groups. However, some compounds found in small amounts differ both qualitatively and quantitatively. Some of these compounds are predicted to be of plant origin and the others synthesised by the butterfly. Further electrophysiological and behavioural experiments will be needed to determine the biological significance of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeU.K.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
| | - Kelsey J. R. P. Byers
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeU.K.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
- Division of Evolutionary BiologyLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunichGermany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Organic ChemistryTechnische Universität BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeU.K.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama
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19
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Merrill RM, Rastas P, Martin SH, Melo MC, Barker S, Davey J, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD. Genetic dissection of assortative mating behavior. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e2005902. [PMID: 30730873 PMCID: PMC6366751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of new species is made easier when traits under divergent ecological selection are also mating cues. Such ecological mating cues are now considered more common than previously thought, but we still know little about the genetic changes underlying their evolution or more generally about the genetic basis for assortative mating behaviors. Both tight physical linkage and the existence of large-effect preference loci will strengthen genetic associations between behavioral and ecological barriers, promoting the evolution of assortative mating. The warning patterns of Heliconius melpomene and H. cydno are under disruptive selection due to increased predation of nonmimetic hybrids and are used during mate recognition. We carried out a genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of preference behaviors between these species and showed that divergent male preference has a simple genetic basis. We identify three QTLs that together explain a large proportion (approximately 60%) of the difference in preference behavior observed between the parental species. One of these QTLs is just 1.2 (0-4.8) centiMorgans (cM) from the major color pattern gene optix, and, individually, all three have a large effect on the preference phenotype. Genomic divergence between H. cydno and H. melpomene is high but broadly heterogenous, and admixture is reduced at the preference-optix color pattern locus but not the other preference QTLs. The simple genetic architecture we reveal will facilitate the evolution and maintenance of new species despite ongoing gene flow by coupling behavioral and ecological aspects of reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M. Merrill
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Pasi Rastas
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon H. Martin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria C. Melo
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
- IST Austria, Klosterburg, Austria
| | - Sarah Barker
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John Davey
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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20
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Mérot C, Salazar C, Merrill RM, Jiggins CD, Joron M. What shapes the continuum of reproductive isolation? Lessons from Heliconius butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.0335. [PMID: 28592669 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The process by which species evolve can be illuminated by investigating barriers that limit gene flow between taxa. Recent radiations, such as Heliconius butterflies, offer the opportunity to compare isolation between pairs of taxa at different stages of ecological, geographical, and phylogenetic divergence. Here, we report a comparative analysis of existing and novel data in order to quantify the strength and direction of isolating barriers within a well-studied clade of Heliconius Our results highlight that increased divergence is associated with the accumulation of stronger and more numerous barriers to gene flow. Wing pattern is both under natural selection for Müllerian mimicry and involved in mate choice, and therefore underlies several isolating barriers. However, pairs which share a similar wing pattern also display strong reproductive isolation mediated by traits other than wing pattern. This suggests that, while wing pattern is a key factor for early stages of divergence, it may become facultative at later stages of divergence. Additional factors including habitat partitioning, hybrid sterility, and chemically mediated mate choice are associated with complete speciation. Therefore, although most previous work has emphasized the role of wing pattern, our comparative results highlight that speciation is a multi-dimensional process, whose completion is stabilized by many factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mérot
- ISYEB UMR 7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 45 rue Buffon, Paris, France .,IBIS, Université Laval, 1030 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, Canada
| | - C Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera, 24 No 63C-69, Bogota D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - R M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, MRC 0580-12, Unit 9100 Box 0948, DPO AA 34002-9998, Panama
| | - C D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, MRC 0580-12, Unit 9100 Box 0948, DPO AA 34002-9998, Panama
| | - M Joron
- ISYEB UMR 7205, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 45 rue Buffon, Paris, France .,Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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21
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Darragh K, Vanjari S, Mann F, Gonzalez-Rojas MF, Morrison CR, Salazar C, Pardo-Diaz C, Merrill RM, McMillan WO, Schulz S, Jiggins CD. Male sex pheromone components in Heliconius butterflies released by the androconia affect female choice. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3953. [PMID: 29134139 PMCID: PMC5680698 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific pheromones are known to play an important role in butterfly courtship, and may influence both individual reproductive success and reproductive isolation between species. Extensive ecological, behavioural and genetic studies of Heliconius butterflies have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of speciation. Male pheromones, although long suspected to play an important role, have received relatively little attention in this genus. Here, we combine morphological, chemical and behavioural analyses of male pheromones in the Neotropical butterfly Heliconius melpomene. First, we identify putative androconia that are specialized brush-like scales that lie within the shiny grey region of the male hindwing. We then describe putative male sex pheromone compounds, which are largely confined to the androconial region of the hindwing of mature males, but are absent in immature males and females. Finally, behavioural choice experiments reveal that females of H. melpomene, H. erato and H. timareta strongly discriminate against conspecific males which have their androconial region experimentally blocked. As well as demonstrating the importance of chemical signalling for female mate choice in Heliconius butterflies, the results describe structures involved in release of the pheromone and a list of potential male sex pheromone compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Darragh
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
| | - Sohini Vanjari
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
| | - Florian Mann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maria F. Gonzalez-Rojas
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Colin R. Morrison
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
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22
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Johnston JD, Kruman BA, Nelson MC, Merrill RM, Graul RJ, Hoybjerg TG, Tuttle SC, Myers SJ, Cook RB, Weber KS. Differential effects of air conditioning type on residential endotoxin levels in a semi-arid climate. Indoor Air 2017; 27:946-954. [PMID: 28141892 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Residential endotoxin exposure is associated with protective and pathogenic health outcomes. Evaporative coolers, an energy-efficient type of air conditioner used in dry climates, are a potential source of indoor endotoxins; however, this association is largely unstudied. We collected settled dust biannually from four locations in homes with evaporative coolers (n=18) and central air conditioners (n=22) in Utah County, Utah (USA), during winter (Jan-Apr) and summer (Aug-Sept), 2014. Dust samples (n=281) were analyzed by the Limulus amebocyte lysate test. Housing factors were measured by survey, and indoor temperature and relative humidity measures were collected during both seasons. Endotoxin concentrations (EU/mg) were significantly higher in homes with evaporative coolers from mattress and bedroom floor samples during both seasons. Endotoxin surface loads (EU/m2 ) were significantly higher in homes with evaporative coolers from mattress and bedroom floor samples during both seasons and in upholstered furniture during winter. For the nine significant season-by-location comparisons, EU/mg and EU/m2 were approximately three to six times greater in homes using evaporative coolers. A plausible explanation for these findings is that evaporative coolers serve as a reservoir and distribution system for Gram-negative bacteria or their cell wall components in homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Johnston
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - B A Kruman
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - M C Nelson
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - R J Graul
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - T G Hoybjerg
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - S C Tuttle
- Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - S J Myers
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - R B Cook
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - K S Weber
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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23
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Davey JW, Barker SL, Rastas PM, Pinharanda A, Martin SH, Durbin R, McMillan WO, Merrill RM, Jiggins CD. No evidence for maintenance of a sympatric Heliconius species barrier by chromosomal inversions. Evol Lett 2017; 1:138-154. [PMID: 30283645 PMCID: PMC6122123 DOI: 10.1002/evl3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms that suppress recombination are known to help maintain species barriers by preventing the breakup of coadapted gene combinations. The sympatric butterfly species Heliconius melpomene and Heliconius cydno are separated by many strong barriers, but the species still hybridize infrequently in the wild, and around 40% of the genome is influenced by introgression. We tested the hypothesis that genetic barriers between the species are maintained by inversions or other mechanisms that reduce between-species recombination rate. We constructed fine-scale recombination maps for Panamanian populations of both species and their hybrids to directly measure recombination rate within and between species, and generated long sequence reads to detect inversions. We find no evidence for a systematic reduction in recombination rates in F1 hybrids, and also no evidence for inversions longer than 50 kb that might be involved in generating or maintaining species barriers. This suggests that mechanisms leading to global or local reduction in recombination do not play a significant role in the maintenance of species barriers between H. melpomene and H. cydno.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Davey
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteGamboaPanama
| | - Sarah L. Barker
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
| | - Pasi M. Rastas
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
| | - Ana Pinharanda
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteGamboaPanama
| | - Simon H. Martin
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
| | - Richard Durbin
- Wellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeCB10 1SAUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Richard M. Merrill
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteGamboaPanama
| | - Chris D. Jiggins
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EJUnited Kingdom
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstituteGamboaPanama
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24
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Nadeau NJ, Pardo-Diaz C, Whibley A, Supple MA, Saenko SV, Wallbank RWR, Wu GC, Maroja L, Ferguson L, Hanly JJ, Hines H, Salazar C, Merrill RM, Dowling AJ, ffrench-Constant RH, Llaurens V, Joron M, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD. The gene cortex controls mimicry and crypsis in butterflies and moths. Nature 2016; 534:106-10. [PMID: 27251285 PMCID: PMC5094491 DOI: 10.1038/nature17961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The wing patterns of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are diverse and striking examples of evolutionary diversification by natural selection1,2. Lepidopteran wing colour patterns are a key innovation, consisting of arrays of coloured scales. We still lack a general understanding of how these patterns are controlled and if there is any commonality across the 160,000 moth and 17,000 butterfly species. Here, we identify a gene, cortex, through fine-scale mapping using population genomics and gene expression analyses, which regulates pattern switches in multiple species across the mimetic radiation in Heliconius butterflies. cortex belongs to a fast evolving subfamily of the otherwise highly conserved fizzy family of cell cycle regulators3, suggesting that it most likely regulates pigmentation patterning through regulation of scale cell development. In parallel with findings in the peppered moth (Biston betularia)4, our results suggest that this mechanism is common within Lepidoptera and that cortex has become a major target for natural selection acting on colour and pattern variation in this group of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Nadeau
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Carolina Pardo-Diaz
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Cra. 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - Annabel Whibley
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution et Biodiversité (UMR 7205 CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Université), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France.,Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Megan A Supple
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá,Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Suzanne V Saenko
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution et Biodiversité (UMR 7205 CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Université), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Richard W R Wallbank
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Grace C Wu
- Energy and Resources Group, University of California at Berkeley, California, 94720, USA
| | - Luana Maroja
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267, USA
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Joseph J Hanly
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Heather Hines
- Penn State University, 517 Mueller, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Cra. 24 No 63C-69, Bogotá D.C., 111221, Colombia
| | - Richard M Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Andrea J Dowling
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter in Cornwall, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | | | - Violaine Llaurens
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution et Biodiversité (UMR 7205 CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Université), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Joron
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution et Biodiversité (UMR 7205 CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Sorbonne Université), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CP50, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France.,Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE, UMR 5175 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE), 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - W Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-00153, Panamá, República de Panamá,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
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25
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Montgomery SH, Merrill RM, Ott SR. Brain composition in Heliconius
butterflies, posteclosion growth and experience-dependent neuropil plasticity. J Comp Neurol 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H. Montgomery
- Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment; University College London; London UK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Panama
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Panama
- Department of Zoology; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | - Swidbert R. Ott
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour; University of Leicester; Leicester UK
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26
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Montgomery SH, Merrill RM, Ott SR. Brain composition inHeliconiusbutterflies, posteclosion growth and experience-dependent neuropil plasticity. J Comp Neurol 2016; 524:1747-69. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H. Montgomery
- Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment; University College London; London UK
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Panama
| | - Richard M. Merrill
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Panama
- Department of Zoology; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | - Swidbert R. Ott
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour; University of Leicester; Leicester UK
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27
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Merrill RM, Dasmahapatra KK, Davey JW, Dell'Aglio DD, Hanly JJ, Huber B, Jiggins CD, Joron M, Kozak KM, Llaurens V, Martin SH, Montgomery SH, Morris J, Nadeau NJ, Pinharanda AL, Rosser N, Thompson MJ, Vanjari S, Wallbank RWR, Yu Q. The diversification of Heliconius butterflies: what have we learned in 150 years? J Evol Biol 2015; 28:1417-38. [PMID: 26079599 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Research into Heliconius butterflies has made a significant contribution to evolutionary biology. Here, we review our understanding of the diversification of these butterflies, covering recent advances and a vast foundation of earlier work. Whereas no single group of organisms can be sufficient for understanding life's diversity, after years of intensive study, research into Heliconius has addressed a wide variety of evolutionary questions. We first discuss evidence for widespread gene flow between Heliconius species and what this reveals about the nature of species. We then address the evolution and diversity of warning patterns, both as the target of selection and with respect to their underlying genetic basis. The identification of major genes involved in mimetic shifts, and homology at these loci between distantly related taxa, has revealed a surprising predictability in the genetic basis of evolution. In the final sections, we consider the evolution of warning patterns, and Heliconius diversity more generally, within a broader context of ecological and sexual selection. We consider how different traits and modes of selection can interact and influence the evolution of reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | | | - J W Davey
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D D Dell'Aglio
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J J Hanly
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - B Huber
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.,Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - C D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - M Joron
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama.,Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, Montpellier 5, France
| | - K M Kozak
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - V Llaurens
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - S H Martin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - S H Montgomery
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Morris
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - N J Nadeau
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - A L Pinharanda
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - N Rosser
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - M J Thompson
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - S Vanjari
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R W R Wallbank
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Q Yu
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Shapingba District, Chongqing, China
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28
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Merrill RM, Chia A, Nadeau NJ. Divergent warning patterns contribute to assortative mating between incipient Heliconius species. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:911-7. [PMID: 24772270 PMCID: PMC3997309 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretical models suggest that traits under divergent ecological selection, which also contribute to assortative mating, will facilitate speciation with gene flow. Evidence for these so-called "magic traits" now exists across a range of taxa. However, their importance during speciation will depend on the extent to which they contribute to reproductive isolation. Addressing this requires experiments to determine the exact cues involved as well as estimates of assortative mating in the wild. Heliconius butterflies are well known for their diversity of bright warning color patterns, and their amenability to experimental manipulation has provided an excellent opportunity to test their role in reproductive isolation. Here, we reveal that divergent color patterns contribute to mate recognition between the incipient species Heliconius himera and H. erato, a taxon pair for which assortative mating by color pattern has been demonstrated among wild individuals: First, we demonstrate that males are more likely to attempt to mate conspecific females; second, we show that males are more likely to approach pinned females that share their own warning pattern. These data are valuable as these taxa likely represent the early stages of speciation, but unusually also allow comparisons with rates of interbreeding between divergent ecologically relevant phenotypes measured in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Chia
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge Cambridge, U.K
| | - Nicola J Nadeau
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge Cambridge, U.K ; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield Sheffield, U.K
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29
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Merrill RM, Naisbit RE, Mallet J, Jiggins CD. Ecological and genetic factors influencing the transition between host-use strategies in sympatric Heliconius butterflies. J Evol Biol 2013; 26:1959-67. [PMID: 23961921 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Shifts in host-plant use by phytophagous insects have played a central role in their diversification. Evolving host-use strategies will reflect a trade-off between selection pressures. The ecological niche of herbivorous insects is partitioned along several dimensions, and if populations remain in contact, recombination will break down associations between relevant loci. As such, genetic architecture can profoundly affect the coordinated divergence of traits and subsequently the ability to exploit novel habitats. The closely related species Heliconius cydno and H. melpomene differ in mimetic colour pattern, habitat and host-plant use. We investigate the selection pressures and genetic basis underlying host-use differences in these two species. Host-plant surveys reveal that H. melpomene specializes on a single species of Passiflora. This is also true for the majority of other Heliconius species in secondary growth forest at our study site, as expected under a model of interspecific competition. In contrast, H. cydno, which uses closed-forest habitats where both Heliconius and Passiflora are less common, appears not to be restricted by competition and uses a broad selection of the available Passiflora. However, other selection pressures are likely involved, and field experiments reveal that early larval survival of both butterfly species is highest on Passiflora menispermifolia, but most markedly so for H. melpomene, the specialist on that host. Finally, we demonstrate an association between host-plant acceptance and colour pattern amongst interspecific hybrids, suggesting that major loci underlying these important ecological traits are physically linked in the genome. Together, our results reveal ecological and genetic associations between shifts in habitat, host use and mimetic colour pattern that have likely facilitated both speciation and coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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30
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Abstract
Adaptation to divergent ecological niches can result in speciation. Traits subject to disruptive selection that also contribute to non-random mating will facilitate speciation with gene flow. Such 'magic' or 'multiple-effect' traits may be widespread and important for generating biodiversity, but strong empirical evidence is still lacking. Although there is evidence that putative ecological traits are indeed involved in assortative mating, evidence that these same traits are under divergent selection is considerably weaker. Heliconius butterfly wing patterns are subject to positive frequency-dependent selection by predators, owing to aposematism and Müllerian mimicry, and divergent colour patterns are used by closely related species to recognize potential mates. The amenability of colour patterns to experimental manipulation, independent of other traits, presents an excellent opportunity to test their role during speciation. We conducted field experiments with artificial butterflies, designed to match natural butterflies with respect to avian vision. These were complemented with enclosure trials with live birds and real butterflies. Our experiments showed that hybrid colour-pattern phenotypes are attacked more frequently than parental forms. For the first time, we demonstrate disruptive ecological selection on a trait that also acts as a mating cue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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31
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Merrill RM, Gompert Z, Dembeck LM, Kronforst MR, McMillan WO, Jiggins CD. Mate preference across the speciation continuum in a clade of mimetic butterflies. Evolution 2011; 65:1489-500. [PMID: 21521198 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.01216.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Premating behavioral isolation is increasingly recognized as an important part of ecological speciation, where divergent natural selection causes the evolution of reproductive barriers. A number of studies have now demonstrated that traits under divergent natural selection also affect mate preferences. However, studies of single species pairs only capture a snapshot of the speciation process, making it difficult to assess the role of mate preferences throughout the entire process. Heliconius butterflies are well known for their brightly colored mimetic warning patterns, and previous studies have shown that these patterns are also used as mate recognition cues. Here, we present mate preference data for four pairs of sister taxa, representing different stages of divergence, which together allow us to compare diverging mate preferences across the continuum of Heliconius speciation. Using a novel Bayesian approach, our results support a model of ecological speciation in which strong premating isolation arises early, but continues to increase throughout the continuum from polymorphic populations through to "good," sympatric ecologically divergent species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom.
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32
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Merrill RM, Bowden DE, Aldana SG. Factors associated with attrition and success in a worksite wellness telephonic health coaching program. Educ Health (Abingdon) 2010; 23:385. [PMID: 21290356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study identifies factors associated with attrition and improvements in body mass index (BMI) in a telephonic health coaching program. METHODS A cohort study design was used with 6,129 employees aged 21-88 years, enrolled in telephonic health coaching sometime during 2002 through 2008. RESULTS Attrition through 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up was 13%, 17% and 36%, respectively. Those currently making changes in physical activity or nutrition had the highest BMI (kg/m2), lowest levels of exercise and the poorest overall health at baseline. They were also most likely to continue with health coaching through 12 months. Those not ready to make changes at this time or having maintained an appropriate level of physical activity or nutrition for more than six months were least likely to continue with health coaching through 12 months. They also had the lowest BMI, highest levels of exercise and the best overall health. Among those continuing with health coaching through 12 months, the percent decrease in BMI between baseline and 12 months was: 1.5% for normal weight, 2.7% for overweight, 4.1% for class I & II obesity and 7.2% for class III obesity; 4.3% for high confidence to lose weight, 3.5% for medium confidence to lose weight and 3.1% for low confidence to lose weight; and 3.8% for very good or good general health, 4.5% for average general health and 6.8% for poor/very poor general health. CONCLUSIONS Attrition in the telephonic health coaching program is greatest among those least in need of behavior change. Of those who continued in the program, the greatest decrease in BMI occurred in those in greatest need for behavior change. KEYWORDS Behavior change, BMI, interactive health coaching, readiness to change, self-efficacy, weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette companies argue that tobacco control measures will harm the Russian economy. Research in other countries has refuted this claim. OBJECTIVE To identify how current and former smokers would (or did) spend their cigarette money if (or when) they quit smoking. METHODS A nationwide face-to-face survey of 1599 participants aged 18 years and older in 128 cities was conducted in Russia during May 2008 by the Russian Levada Analytical Center. RESULTS In all, 10% of respondents were former smokers and 33% were current smokers. Respondents indicated that they would spend their cigarette money on selected items if they quit. These items, from most to least common are groceries, recreation, housing, clothing, transportation, healthcare and savings. The ways that cigarette money would be spent in the absence of smoking significantly differed according to smoking status, gender, age, education, income, rural versus urban residency and geographic region. CONCLUSIONS Tobacco control may benefit the Russian economy by producing healthier workers and because the money that would have been used for cigarettes would be shifted primarily to groceries, recreation, housing and clothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA.
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Merrill RM, Van Schooten B, Scott JA, Jiggins CD. Pervasive genetic associations between traits causing reproductive isolation in Heliconius butterflies. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 278:511-8. [PMID: 20810445 PMCID: PMC3025683 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological speciation proceeds through the accumulation of divergent traits that contribute to reproductive isolation, but in the face of gene flow traits that characterize incipient species may become disassociated through recombination. Heliconius butterflies are well known for bright mimetic warning patterns that are also used in mate recognition and cause both pre- and post-mating isolation between divergent taxa. Sympatric sister taxa representing the final stages of speciation, such as Heliconius cydno and Heliconius melpomene, also differ in ecology and hybrid fertility. We examine mate preference and sterility among offspring of crosses between these species and demonstrate the clustering of Mendelian colour pattern loci and behavioural loci that contribute to reproductive isolation. In particular, male preference for red patterns is associated with the locus responsible for the red forewing band. Two further colour pattern loci are associated, respectively, with female mating outcome and hybrid sterility. This genetic architecture in which ‘speciation genes’ are clustered in the genome can facilitate two controversial models of speciation, namely divergence in the face of gene flow and hybrid speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Merrill
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, , Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive health coaching intervention at lowering weight. METHODS The study involved 5405 overweight or obese employees aged 18-85, who entered the program sometime during 2001-2008. RESULTS Average body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased from 32.1 at baseline to 31.4 at 3 months, 31.0 at 6 months, and 30.6 at 12 months. Decreasing BMI was more pronounced in older age groups and among women, those using weight loss medication, those with higher BMI, and those with higher motivation and confidence to make behavior changes. When the effects of these variables on the decreasing trend in BMI were simultaneously estimated, only baseline classifications of BMI, health status, and confidence remained significant. Change in BMI through 12 months was -0.7% for those with normal weight, -2.0% for overweight, -3.6% for obese, and -7.1% for morbidly obese individuals at baseline. Among morbidly obese individuals, decrease in BMI through 12 months was -7.6% for those with "high" confidence to lose weight at baseline vs -4.4% for those with low confidence. Better health status at baseline was also related to more pronounced weight loss. CONCLUSION Interactive health coaching significantly lowered BMI among participants through 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, 229-A Richards Building, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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Merrill RM, Madanat HN, Cox E, Merrill JM. Perceived effectiveness of counselling patients about smoking among medical students in Amman, Jordan. East Mediterr Health J 2009; 15:1180-1191. [PMID: 20214132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We identified the prevalence of smoking and perceived effectiveness of physicians counselling patients about smoking among 340 1st and 4th year medical students in Amman, Jordan. Smoking prevalence was 26% for males and 7% for females, similar to that of their peers in the general population. Smokers and male students were less likely to believe it is wrong for physicians to smoke in front of patients or that smoking policy or physician interaction with patients can influence smoking practices. Students believed that physicians can more effectively prevent smoking than influence patients to stop smoking. Student training on how to effectively counsel patients about smoking prevention and cessation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Utah, USA.
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Merrill RM, Gutiérrez D, Lewis OT, Gutiérrez J, Díez SB, Wilson RJ. Combined effects of climate and biotic interactions on the elevational range of a phytophagous insect. J Anim Ecol 2008; 77:145-55. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2007.01303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Merrill RM, Aldana SG, Greenlaw RL, Diehl HA, Salberg A. The effects of an intensive lifestyle modification program on sleep and stress disorders. J Nutr Health Aging 2007; 11:242-8. [PMID: 17508101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine if a lifestyle change program can modify behavior to reduce sleep and stress disorders. METHODS Analyses are based on 2,624 individuals aged 30 to 80 years from the Rockford, Illinois metropolitan area who completed a lifestyle evaluation at baseline and again after four weeks, following participation in a 40-hour educational course given over a four-week period. Participants receive instruction on the importance of making better lifestyle choices related to making long-term improvements in nutrition and physical activity and they learn ways to improve sleep and reduce stress in their lives. RESULTS Significant percent decreases were observed in the number experiencing selected sleep or stress disorders from baseline to four weeks later for "sleeps restlessly" (-59%), "suffers from insomnia" (-64%), "feels under pressure" (-37%), "easily emotionally upset" (-52%), and "feels fearful or depressed" (-61%). Experiencing a selected sleep or stress disorder after four weeks among those who had the disorder at baseline was significantly more likely in those not physically active and/or not having lowered their BMI after four weeks. Changes in alcohol consumption and smoking did not significantly contribute to changes in the disorders. Those who failed to lower their coffee/tea use after four weeks were significantly more likely to have a sleep disorder and be easily emotionally upset. CONCLUSIONS Changes in lifestyle behaviors after attending an educational program significantly reduced sleep and stress disorders in as little as four weeks, primarily explained by decreasing BMI and/or increasing exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602-2214, Italy.
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Merrill RM. Impact of Risk Correction on Race-Specific Rates of Corpus Uterine, Cervix Uterine, and Ovarian Cancers in the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2006. [DOI: 10.1093/aje/163.suppl_11.s114-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the differences in performance variables of the sit to stand transfer (as measured on the NeuroCom Balance Master) in a population of senior athletes. METHOD A convenience sample of 173 subjects aged 50 years and older. Data were obtained from voluntary participation in a health fair offered at the annual Huntsman World Senior Games in St George, Utah, USA. All sit to stand tests were performed on the NeuroCom Balance Master. The measured parameters were weight transfer time (WTT), rising power (force exerted to rise), and centre of gravity sway (COG sway) during the rising phase. RESULTS A significant difference was found between stratified age groups (50-64 and 65+ years) on rising power. There was also a sex difference in rising power. No significant differences were found in weight transfer time or COG sway. CONCLUSION While rising power decreases with increasing age in senior athletes, WTT and COG sway remain similar regardless of age or sex. The maintenance of these other two variables (WTT and COG sway) may be attributable to physical activity and/or participation in sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Feland
- Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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Abstract
To provide information that may promote more effective cancer prevention, we identified factors associated with regular smoking among adolescents in Lyon, France. School grades where these factors began to influence regular smoking were also identified. Seven consecutive cross-sectional anonymous surveys were conducted in three public schools, beginning in grade 6ème (average age 11.5 years) in 1993 and ending in grade Terminale (average age 17.4 years) in 1999. All classes in each respective grade were surveyed, with 3650 completed questionnaires for all years combined. Prevalence of current regular smoking is presented according to school grade for 17 variables identified as significantly related to regular smoking in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Important factors associated with regular smoking were identified as early as grade 6ème and included not viewing the taking care of one's health as important, not eating breakfast regularly, associating with groups where smoking occurs, having a best friend who smokes, and having a brother and/or sister who smokes. Not regularly reading was first associated with an increased risk of regular smoking in grade 5ème. Not living with both parents, alcohol drinking, episodes of drunkenness, illicit drug use, and sexual relationships were positively associated with regular smoking in the middle and later grades, when these questions were first asked. Not playing sports and not playing with computers were initially associated with an increased risk of regular smoking in grade 3ème.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Sasco
- Unit of Epidemiology for Cancer Prevention, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon, France.
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Merrill RM, Hilton SC, Wiggins CL. #16 Prostate cancer incidence rates after removal of incidentally detected cases among lds and non-lds during the era of prostate-specific antigen screening. Ann Epidemiol 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s1047-2797(02)00304-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying who is pursuing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer is prerequisite to effectively influencing participation in PSA screening and educating people about potential screening implications and personal risk. This paper describes the relationship between select demographic and health-related factors with PSA screening. METHODS Analysis was based on 1,293 men age 40 years or older who responded to a cross-sectional random telephone survey involving 12 health districts in the state of Utah from June 1 to August 31, 1996. Independent variables were current age, race, marital status, education, household income, medical insurance, level of physical activity, intake of fruits and vegetables, receipt of psychiatric help, religious preference, church attendance, general health status, and employment. RESULTS Forty-eight percent of respondents reported having had a PSA in the past year. PSA screening in the previous year significantly increased and leveled off with age: 23.9% for ages 40-49, 51.4% for ages 50-59, 67.4% for ages 60-69, and 67.0% for ages 70+. After adjusting for age, only marital status and medical insurance were significantly related to PSA screening, with medical insurance having the largest effect. Approximately 50.6% married men and 33.5% unmarried men had a PSA in the past year. Percentages for insured and uninsured men were 49.4 and 16.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION A substantial portion of elderly men, particularly those who are married and medically insured, have had a PSA test in the past year. This information makes it possible to more effectively influence participation in PSA screening and educate people about potential screening implications and personal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Provo, Utah 84602, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Effects of an aging population in the United States on lifetime and age-conditional risk estimates of developing site-specific cancers are identified and the potential role these statistics play in monitoring disease burden discussed. METHODS Risk estimates were derived by applying cross-sectional population-based incidence rates of cancer and mortality rates from other causes to a hypothetical cohort. The cohort was aged through a double decrement life table to determine the expected proportion of the population that would develop the disease. RESULTS Despite black men having higher invasive cancer incidence rates than white men, and black and white women having similar rates, because of the better life expectancy among whites lifetime risk estimates of developing cancer are higher for whites than blacks: 45.5% in white men, 40.4% in black men, 39.2% in white women, and 32.4% in black women based on 1995-97 data. White men experience higher 10-year cancer risk than black men in only bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), and leukemia. White women tended to show a greater risk than black women for cancers of the breast, corpus uteri, ovary, NHL, and leukemia. For both whites and blacks, the 10-year risk of lung cancer ranks first among men aged 40, ranks second to prostate cancer for men aged 50, 60, and 70, and ranks second to breast cancer for women aged 40, 50, 60, and 70. CONCLUSIONS Lifetime and age-conditional risk measures reflect both changes in the disease incidence rates and age distribution over calendar time such that they are useful for monitoring the disease burden in the population. Even if cancer rates remain stable or fall, it is possible for the cancer burden, as reflected by lifetime and age-conditional risk estimates, to increase due to the aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Utah has the highest percentage of physically active adults in the United States. It also has a high percentage of religiously active people. About 90% of the adult population has a religious preference and 62% of those individuals attend church weekly. This study evaluates the relationship between religious preference, church attendance, and physical activity. METHODS Analysis is based on 6,188 adult respondents ages 18 years and older to a cross-sectional random telephone survey involving 12 health districts in the state of Utah from June 1 to August 31, 1996. RESULTS Within religious groups, those attending church weekly were more likely to exercise than individuals attending church less than weekly. About 70% of Utah consists of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). LDS attending church less than weekly were least physically active in Utah. The percentages of those exercising vigorously at least 20 min three times per week were 52.3% (LDS who attend church weekly), 44.5% (LDS who attend church less than weekly), 57.6% (non-LDS who attend church weekly), 54.3% (non-LDS who attend church less than weekly), and 53.1% (no religious preference) (P = 0.0070). When adjustment was made for age, smoking status, education, marital status, and general health, differences in exercise between church activity levels within religious groups became insignificant. Smoking and general health have the greatest influences on the relationship between religious preference, church attendance, and exercise. LDS were significantly less physically active than non-LDS in the adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS Although differential smoking levels and general health status explained differences between church activity levels within religious groups, lower levels of exercise among LDS versus non-LDS could not be explained and require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Provo, Utah 84602, USA.
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Public health burden of disease is often measured using prevalence statistics. Prevalence of invasive prostate cancer in the United States is presented according to age at diagnosis, time from diagnosis, geographical area, and two races (white and black). DESIGN Invasive prostate cancer data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute is used for obtaining prevalence estimates. MAIN RESULTS Despite falling prostate cancer incidence rates, the prevalence of this disease continues to rise for both white and black men. Black men diagnosed at ages 60 years and older experience lower levels of prevalence of prostate cancer than white men because of poorer survival and a smaller proportion of black men living to older ages where the disease becomes common. Black men require fewer years of follow up than white men to capture over 99% of prevalent cases (that is, 14 years versus 16 years, respectively). Prevalence estimates in the United States are traditionally based on Connecticut data. On 1 January 1997, United States prostate cancer prevalence estimates based on Connecticut are overestimated for white men and underestimated for black men. CONCLUSIONS Partitioned prevalence estimates may provide a more meaningful and informative measure of the disease burden than conventional prevalence estimates. Prostate cancer prevalence estimates based on SEER rather than Connecticut data are better representative of the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, USA.
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Merrill RM, Merrill AV, Mayer LS. Factors associated with no surgery or radiation therapy for invasive cervical cancer in Black and White women. Ethn Dis 2001; 10:248-56. [PMID: 10892832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper identifies the proportion of invasive cervical cancer cases that do not receive cancer-directed surgery or radiation; assesses the influence of race, stage, age, grade, nodal status, histology, and co-morbid cancer primaries on receipt of treatment; and considers reasons why cancer-directed therapy is not received. We analyzed data for 8,119 patients with invasive cervical cancer from eleven population-based tumor registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute, 1992-96. Approximately 8.03% of Whites and 11.64% of Blacks did not receive surgery or radiation therapy (no therapy). The percentage of cases receiving no therapy were greatest for unstaged cases, and for cases with unknown grade or unknown lymph node status. Adjusted odds of no therapy significantly increased with distant and unstaged disease (vs local stage) and older age (vs 0-39) at diagnosis; unknown grade (vs well differentiated); or unknown lymph node (vs no lymph node) status. Black cases were more likely to be unstaged and unstaged cases are more likely to not receive therapy. Blacks were more likely than Whites not to receive surgery because it was not recommended, contraindicated due to other conditions, or refused. Of cases refusing radiation, 53.85% of Whites and 83.33% of Blacks refused surgery, and of women refusing surgery, 22.58% of Whites and 50% of Blacks refused radiation. Stage, age, grade, and lymph node status directly influence receipt of treatment. Race influences receipt of treatment indirectly through stage. Reasons why therapy was not received (eg, not recommended, refused) differ according to race and stage at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE A life table method is used for correcting hysterectomy rates and probabilities for prevalent cases of hysterectomies in the population. Both corrected and conventional hysterectomy rates and probabilities are reported. METHODS Hysterectomy prevalence estimates are derived from cross-sectional hysterectomy and mortality using a life table method. Analysis is based on the Utah Hospital Discharge Data Base and State death certificates. RESULTS Hysterectomy rates are strongly influenced by age, reaching 150 per 10,000 for ages 45-49 years. The corresponding corrected hysterectomy rate is 196. Differences between the corrected and uncorrected cause-specific hysterectomy rates tend to be most pronounced at their peaks, particularly later in life where the prevalence of hysterectomy is greatest. Probability of hysterectomy approaches slightly above 35% over the life span, whereas the corrected hysterectomy probability approaches 43%. Probability of hysterectomy in the next 10 years is 12.9% for women aged 35 years and 11.7% for women aged 45 years. Corresponding corrected hysterectomy probabilities are 14.3 and 15.1. Higher prevalence of hysterectomy in later ages explains the reverse in magnitude of the rates when the correction is applied to the hysterectomy rates. CONCLUSIONS Conventional hysterectomy rates are underestimated, particularly in older age groups. A prevalence correction of the rates and probabilities is necessary to fully understand the potential health related consequences and impact of this medical procedure in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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Abstract
The ability of store clerks to estimate the age of their customers is critical in preventing illegal sales of tobacco and alcohol to underage individuals. To avoid illegal sales of tobacco products to minors, the Food and Drug Administration created a policy in 1997 requiring store clerks to request identification of anyone perceived to be underage 27. A similar age standard has not been implemented for alcohol. The purpose of this article is to assess whether age 27 is adequate for minimizing tobacco sales to those under age 18 and whether this age is also a useful standard for minimizing illegal alcohol sales to those under age 21. The analysis is based on age estimates from 49 gas station and convenience store clerks. Each clerk estimated ages of 45 people filmed on video whose actual ages ranged from 15 to 29. T-tests, analysis of variance, contingency tables and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Store clerks found it more difficult to estimate ages of female customers than male customers. In addition, the store clerks significantly underestimated age of male customers under 18 and of female customers under 21. In contrast, the clerks significantly overestimated age of customers 21 years and older. Among underage customers, the store clerks' age, gender, work experience, education, and training in requesting identification had no influence on ability to judge age, nor did it have a strong influence on whether an underage customer was considered 18 or older or 21 or older. The results suggest that age 27 is adequate for minimizing illegal tobacco sales. Adoption of a similar or slightly older age may be appropriate for minimizing illegal alcohol sales.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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Merrill RM. Nonaggressive management of White and Black prostate cancer patients in the United States. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2000; 3:94-99. [PMID: 12497105 DOI: 10.1038/sj.pcan.4500403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2000] [Accepted: 04/27/2000] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate treatment for prostate cancer is controversial because of the lack of information from randomized clinical trials indicating the benefits of one treatment over another. Watchful waiting or conservative management remains an alternative for this disease. This paper assesses the extent to which White and Black prostate cancer patients in the USA choose nonaggressive therapy. Nonaggressive therapy is defined as patients not receiving cancer-directed surgery or radiation, or that undergo a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)/simple prostatectomy but no radiation. Of 112,445 prostate cancer patients diagnosed in 1992-1996, 40% Whites and 46% Blacks were not aggressively treated. Approximately 28% Whites and 33% Blacks did not receive cancer-directed surgery or radiation, and 12% Whites and 13% Blacks underwent a TURP/simple prostatectomy but no radiation. Stage, histologic grade and age at diagnosis, race (White and Black), and number of cancer primaries each significantly influence how patients are managed. Black patients are more likely than White patients to forego aggressive therapy, even after adjusting for less preferential stage and histologic grade at diagnosis, as well as differences in age and number of cancer primaries. Explanations for this result deserve further consideration. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2000) 3, 94-99
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Merrill
- [1] Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA [2] Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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