The Effect of Adult Social Environment on Drosophila melanogaster Mating Behavior
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Zoology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Social interactions have a significant impact on Drosophila melanogaster's sexual behavior. It is known that density has effects on genotype viability (Lewontin, 1955). During mating, exposure to rival males increases mating duration (Bretman et al., 2009). Therefore, there is a correlation between mating duration and male competition. Several studies have been conducted on the effects of storage density on the mating responses of Drosophila melanogaster, but there has not yet been a concrete explanation as to whether specific adult male densities affect the sexual behavior of male genotypes differently. We asked the following three questions: How does male adult storage density affect mating behavior? Does male genotype influence mating behavior? Are density effects dependent on male genetic background? To test the effects of varying social environments caused by density extremes, we placed the D. melanogaster male populations LHm-GFP and IV in three density treatments (Low - 1 fly, Moderate - 5 flies, and High - 20 flies per vial). We then paired males from different density treatments with IV females and measured their mating behavior. After completing the mating experiments, data was recorded and evaluated. Our findings indicate density treatments affect mating duration and latency to mate, while mating probability was unaffected.
Recommended Citation
Sturkie, Marion, "The Effect of Adult Social Environment on Drosophila melanogaster Mating Behavior" (2024). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 455.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2024/all/455
Location
RITA 283
Start Date
3-23-2024 11:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
The Effect of Adult Social Environment on Drosophila melanogaster Mating Behavior
RITA 283
Social interactions have a significant impact on Drosophila melanogaster's sexual behavior. It is known that density has effects on genotype viability (Lewontin, 1955). During mating, exposure to rival males increases mating duration (Bretman et al., 2009). Therefore, there is a correlation between mating duration and male competition. Several studies have been conducted on the effects of storage density on the mating responses of Drosophila melanogaster, but there has not yet been a concrete explanation as to whether specific adult male densities affect the sexual behavior of male genotypes differently. We asked the following three questions: How does male adult storage density affect mating behavior? Does male genotype influence mating behavior? Are density effects dependent on male genetic background? To test the effects of varying social environments caused by density extremes, we placed the D. melanogaster male populations LHm-GFP and IV in three density treatments (Low - 1 fly, Moderate - 5 flies, and High - 20 flies per vial). We then paired males from different density treatments with IV females and measured their mating behavior. After completing the mating experiments, data was recorded and evaluated. Our findings indicate density treatments affect mating duration and latency to mate, while mating probability was unaffected.
