Abstract
The mean frequency of chiasmata was analysed in 29 males of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans at three different ages considered representative of the whole adult life in this species. In the factors which could potentially affect the parameter studied—namely age, family, individual and the presence or absence of B chromosomes—significant differences were only observed at the individual level. Aging produces no general effect but interacts strongly with the individuals though the age-induced variations in chiasma frequency are not directional. The fact that the range of chiasma frequency variation found within individuals at different ages is comparable to that existing among individuals indicates that the adaptive role of such variations in natural populations must be taken with caution.
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Henriques-Gil, N., Arana, P. Aging and chiasma frequency in Eyprepocnemis plorans (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Genetica 72, 187–192 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00116222
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00116222