Volume 6, Number 4—August 2000
Perspective
Male-Killing Bacteria in Insects: Mechanisms, Incidence, and Implications
Table 3
Population and evolutionary effects of invasion of a host by male-killing bacteria
| Effects on population level | Evolutionary effects |
|---|---|
| Reduced population density at larval level due to death of male embryos | Selection for increased host clutch size |
| Failure of females to find mates where parasite prevalence leads to shortage of males, with potential effects on adult population size | Selection for genes that prevent transmission or action of male-killer |
| Altered epidemiology of sexually transmitted pathogens due to increased reproductive success of males | Alteration in host pattern of sexual selection due to alteration in population sex ratio |
Page created: December 16, 2010
Page updated: December 16, 2010
Page reviewed: December 16, 2010
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.