Genetic Mate Choice—Quality Matters

Abstract

AbstractWe have described badger sociology, and the ethology of their mating—in effect most badgers in a group mate with most other badgers in a group, and plenty beyond. But what of the genetics? Ten generations of genealogical detail allow us to answer the question of which individuals win and lose in the competition for progeny. There are many surprises, and the first is that many youngsters, about half, are sired by the next-door neighbour. We know so much detail about these badgers that we can ask probing questions. For example, do badgers select for quality traits in their mates? Is there a direct relationship between each badger’s genetic traits and its fitness? Could it be that opposing evolutionary forces balance out different strategies according to annual circumstances and the extent to which the population benefited from optimal conditions? How can evident heterozygosity advantages of the father be visited upon offspring if said cub does not itself inherit that same high extent of heterozygosity? This exploration of the badger’s mating system leads us deep into genetics: was an amorous badger sniffing gustily at potential mates really eyeing up whether that mating would be major histocompatibility complex (MHC) assortative or MHC disassortative? In short, we explore how badgers tackle the question of with whom to mate, and why; the balance between optimality and opportunity.