No harmful effects of a selfish B chromosome on several morphological and physiological traits in Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera, Acrididae)
1998
Castro, A.J. | Perfectti, F. | Pardo, M.C. | Cabrero, J. | Lopez-Leon, M.D. | Camacho, J.P.M.
Effects of B chromosomes on a number of morphological and physiological traits were analysed in 33 controlled crosses performed with Locusta migratoria specimens collected in a natural population close to Granada (Spain). The results show highly significant differences among families, but the absence of any significant effect of Bs on the individuals carrying them. There was, however, a slightly negative relationship between body size, somatic weight and somatic condition of the progeny and the presence of a high number of Bs in the parents, mostly in the mother. This suggests a possible harmful effect of these B chromosomes on egg allocation of substances regulating the initial stages of development. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the present understanding of the selfish theory of B chromosome evolution. It is proposed that selfishness and parasitism are two different properties of B chromosomes that should be considered separately.
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