GEE Seminar - Professor Nina Wedell, University of Exeter

Academic Host: Andrew Pomiankowski
Abstract: Selfish Genetic Elements (SGEs) are genes, organelles or microorganisms present within the genome or cell of an organism that spread by subverting normal patterns of inheritance to increase their representation in the next generation; hence the term ‘selfish’. SGEs such as endosymbionts, transposable elements, and meiotic drive genes are ubiquitous in living organisms and often associated with fitness costs to the bearer. Despite their impact on the reproduction of their host, their potential role in sexual selection and sexual conflict is largely overlooked. I will discuss some recent work examining the impact of a variety of SGEs showing they can affect the behaviour and reproduction of their host, often with sex-specific effects, and argue they are important contributors in shaping sexual selection and sexual conflict.