The mechanisms through which a single genotype can give rise to multiple pheno-types are still unknown (7). Ants provide an example of phenotypic plasticity, in which females develop into two highly differentiated castes: reproductive queens and functionally sterile workers (1). Kin selection theory predicts that the differences between castes stem from environmental effects influencing developmental processes (2). We tested whether phenotypic plasticity could also be affected by interactions between parental genomes. We hypothesized that some genetic combinations are more likely to develop into queens, whereas others are more likely to produce workers. If this is true, genetic effects may be maintained over evolutionary time because the fitness of an allele and whether it is associated with the queen or worker phenotype would depend on its genetic background. Although never investigated, genetic compatibility effects may also greatly constrain the evolution and maintenance of plasticity in other polyphenic species. Accordingly, the ability of a given queen to produce workers and new queens should depend on her own genotype and the genotype of the males with which she mates.
展开▼
