Parent–offspring conflict and the genetic trade-offs shaping parental investment

Mathias Kölliker (), Stefan Boos, Janine W.Y. Wong, Lilian Röllin, Dimitri Stucki, Shirley Raveh, Min Wu and Joël Meunier
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Mathias Kölliker: Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel
Stefan Boos: Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel
Janine W.Y. Wong: Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel
Lilian Röllin: Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel
Dimitri Stucki: Center of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Helsinki
Shirley Raveh: Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel
Min Wu: Zoology and Evolution, University of Basel
Joël Meunier: Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The genetic conflict between parents and their offspring is a cornerstone of kin selection theory and the gene-centred view of evolution, but whether it actually occurs in natural systems remains an open question. Conflict operates only if parenting is driven by genetic trade-offs between offspring performance and the parent’s ability to raise additional offspring, and its expression critically depends on the shape of these trade-offs. Here we investigate the occurrence and nature of genetic conflict in an insect with maternal care, the earwig Forficula auricularia. Specifically, we test for a direct response to experimental selection on female future reproduction and correlated responses in current offspring survival, developmental rate and growth. The results demonstrate genetic trade-offs that differ in shape before and after hatching. Our study not only provides direct evidence for parent–offspring conflict but also highlights that conflict is not inevitable and critically depends on the genetic trade-offs shaping parental investment.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7850

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