Summary
This paper attempts to explain how the different heterogametic mechanisms of sex determination, such as male and female heterogamety, can arise from a single ancestor. We study this problem by first building and analysing some models and then comparing the models to relevant data from animals. Based on these comparisons, the models appear to be useful for understanding how sex determining mechanisms evolve. Some results of the models include:
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1)
A mutant sex determiner invading a population of male or female heterogamety creates the potential for the evolution of a new heterogametic sex determining mechanism.
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2)
Certain mutants will lead to a new system of male heterogamety whereas others will lead to a new system of female heterogamety.
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These changes take place through an intermediate population characterised by multigenic sex determination. In some cases the multigenic mechanism is stable and will not revert to male or female heterogamety. The success of the invading mutant depends upon both (i) the relative viabilities of the different genotypes, and (ii) the segregation ratio of the X and Y in males; the population primary sex ratio is otherwise maintained at 1/2.
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The models show how the different systems of genic balance arise and how sex determiners can become inherited autosomally.
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Bull, J., Charnov, E. Changes in the heterogametic mechanism of sex determination. Heredity 39, 1–14 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1977.38
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/hdy.1977.38
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