Sex Ratio Evolution in Silene latifolia

Sex ratio is one trait on which patterns of natural selection are often quite complex. Selfish Genetic Elements (e.g. sex-chromosome meiotic drive genes, cytoplasmic elements) often cause a sex ratio bias because it enhances their own transmission. In some circumstances, higher levels of selection can create selection for a sex ratio bias. Often the different levels of selection are in conflict with each other, leading to interesting and complex evolutionary dynamics. We have done a lot of research investigating the factors influencing sex ratio evolution in the plant, Silene latifolia. Sex ratio evolution in this species is controlled by a complex genetic system involving selfish elements and intragenomic conflict. We have used a combination of classical genetics, theory, and molecular markers of sex ratio alleles to reveal the complexities of this genetic system and to understand how important these loci are for the ecology and evolution of the sex ratio in natural populations.

Publications

• G. Bernasconi, T.-L. Ashman, T. R. Birkhead, J.D.D. Bishop, U. Grossniklaus, E. Kubli, D.L. Marshall, B. Schmid, I. Skogsmyr, R.R. Snook, D. TAYLOR, I. Till-Bottraud, P.I. Ward, D. Zeh, B. Hellriegel. Evolutionary ecology of the pre-zygotic stage in animals and flowering plants. Science 303: 971-975.
• TAYLOR, D.R. and P.K. Ingvärsson. 2003. Common features of segregation distortion in plants and animals. Genetica 117: 27-35.
• Taylor, D.R. and P.K. Ingvarsson. 2002. Common features of segregration distortion in plants and animals. Genetica
• Taylor, D.R. 1999. The genetic basis of sex ratio variation among natural populations of a dioecious plant. Evolution 53: 55-62.
• Taylor, D.R., M. Saur and E. Adams. 1999. Pollen performance and sex ratio evolution in a dioecious plant. Evolution 53: 1028-1036.
• Taylor D.R. 1996. Parental expenditure and offspring sex ratios in the dioecious plant, Silene alba (= S. latifolia). American Naturalist 147: 870-879.
• Taylor, D.R. 1994. The genetic basis of sex ratio in Silene alba (=S. latifolia). Genetics 136: 341-351.
• Taylor, D.R. 1994. Sex ratio in hybrids between Silene alba and Silene dioica: evidence for Y- linked restorers. Heredity 74:518-526.
• Taylor, D.R. 1990. Evolutionary consequences of cytoplasmic sex ratio distorters. Evol. Ecol. 4: 235-248.

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