Posted: February 1st, 2023

Effects of Sexual Selection on Signaling Molecules

Effects of Chemical Signaling Molecule for Sexual Selection:
Chemical trait indicating genetic compatibility: In insects, a slight waxy sheet covered on their epicuticle which is then the chemically straight-chain length of approx. 10-40 carbon atoms and cleft hydrocarbons are produced, called cuticular hydrocarbons. The function of these chemicals is in the identification and communication process for sexual selection. It works on two key mechanisms for chemical trait-based genetic compatibility, which can lead to improved progeny strength. It is based on two main factors, i.e. one is females choose males that identify high-quality genes, secondly that support male with genes that are best matched genetically. Example: The traits of odor have to reveal the genetic environment again and again by being proficient to select genetically matched males based on odor traits. It is, therefore, expected that the research studies based on compatibility focus on cuticular hydrocarbons which are chemical traits for communication, and have the prospective to expose the fundamental genetics.

Condition Dependent Sexual Signals
An evident characteristic of a life form that differs in expression depending on the ability to resist the challenges of the environment is defined as condition-dependent sexual signals. Condition dependent behavior differentially presents genetic variation for a condition that is influenced by genes. Generally, three gears contribute to the condition and are linked to each other for variation: (a) Modification of genotype (mutation or genes rearrangement) (b) Somatic modification (stress of environment) (c) Modification in environmental conditions

Modification of genotype: The chemical signaling by modification in genotype contributes to alteration by the presence of “good genes”, heterozygosity, and inbreeding of individual. Example: elevated confrontation to parasites, or high fertility.

Somatic changes play an important role in evolution. Somatic modification is also vital to surviving through any genotype modifications, which mitigates the organism in its resistance to the surrounding environmental condition. A mutational or any other genotypic alteration is definite to require change and evolution in consecutive generations. For example, an imaginary pre-giraffe, which had a mutant gene of “long neck,” and would have to regulate this alteration by complex biological modifications of the circulatory system and heart. Such collateral alterations would have to be accomplished at the somatic state level. The pre-giraffes that are genotypically competent of such somatic modifications can survive.

The changes in environmental condition: The environmental factors act as a catalyst for sexual selection and evolution. It may be negative or positive for sexual communication. Example: In Drosophila, the phenotypes stimulated by the environment that depends on epigenetic regulation engross communication across several generations. The environmental stimuli (such as viral infection, starvation, or increased temperatures) lead to modification of the epigenetic mechanism.