Abstract
“Good genes” are genetic elements that contribute to lifetime reproductive success, regardless of an individual’s additional genotype. Their existence is debated, and most work has targeted their viability benefits to the offspring of choosy females. In the present study, we analyze a case of potential good genes effects in adult male sand lizards (Lacerta agilis). We show that males with a particular RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) MHC genotype (O-males), as opposed to those that lack this genetic element (NO-males), have less ectoparasites under increasing physiological stress (indexed by baseline corticosterone level), and are not constrained by parasites at production of status coloration. Furthermore, O-males are more successful at mate acquisition and guard their partners longer. Ultimately, they have a higher genetic reproductive success as assigned by microsatellites.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the Swedish Science Council (M.O.) for financial support and the Australian Academy of Science (E.W.), and T. Uller and W. Cooper for comments on the manuscript. This work was performed in compliance with ethics regulations at University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Olsson, M., Madsen, T., Wapstra, E. et al. MHC, health, color, and reproductive success in sand lizards. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 58, 289–294 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-005-0921-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-005-0921-y