Optimal level of inbreeding in the common lizard

• Published in: Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences Vol. 276; no. 1668; pp. 2779 - 2786
• Main Authors: Richard, M., Losdat, S., Lecomte, J., de Fraipont, M., Clobert, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London The Royal Society 07-08-2009; Royal Society, The
• Subjects: Age; Animals; Ecological genetics; Ecosystem; Evolution; Evolutionary genetics; Female; Female animals; Inbreeding; Inclusive Fitness; Lacerta vivipara; Lacertilia; Life Sciences; Lizards; Lizards - genetics; Lizards - physiology; Local Conditions; Male; Male animals; Mate Choice; Mating behavior; Outbreeding; Population genetics; Sexual Behavior, Animal - physiology
• ISSN: 0962-8452; 1471-2954; 1471-2945
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2009.0319

Mate choice with regard to genetic similarity has been rarely considered as a dynamic process. We examined this possibility in breeding populations of the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) kept for several years in semi-natural conditions. We investigated whether they displayed a pattern of mate choice according to the genetic similarity and whether it was context-dependent. Mate choice depended on genetic similarity with the partner and also on age and condition. There was no systematic avoidance of inbreeding. Females of intermediate ages, more monogamous, did not mate with genetically similar partners, whereas younger and older females, more polyandrous, did but highest clutch proportions were associated with intermediate values of pair-relatedness. These results indicate dynamic mate choice, suggesting that individuals of different phenotypes select their partners in different ways according to their genetic similarity. We consider our results in the light of diverse and apparently contradictory theories concerning genetic compatibility, and particularly, optimal inbreeding and inclusive fitness.