Predation affects the evolution of sex-specific longevity
Data files
Dec 09, 2025 version files 48.76 KB
-
All_raw_data_combined.csv
27.24 KB
-
Data_development_time.xlsx
16.88 KB
-
README.md
4.64 KB
Abstract
Predation, a major cause of natural selection, is classically thought to target the weak and sick. However, predators can target animals with condition-dependent sexual traits and therefore high-quality individuals can also be the focus of predation. Thus, it is not always clear which individuals are the foci of predators or how this affects trait evolution. Here we tested for evolutionary effects of sex-specific predation on male and female longevity using replicate populations of the broad-horned flour beetle, Gnatocerus cornutus. We found that male-limited predation resulted in the evolution of reduced male and increased female longevity, while female-limited predation had no effects on the longevity of either sex. We also document costs of reproduction. Coupled with other findings, our results suggest that predation targets high-quality males and, because of negative intersexual genetic correlations, this increases female longevity.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jh9w0vtjb
Description of the data and file structure
Predation affects the evolution of sex-specific longevity.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jh9w0vtjb
Dataset includes measures (raw data) of male and female traits after 9 and 10 generations of experimental evolution under 1) no predation, 2) female-limited predation and 3) male-limited predation. There were 3 replicates (populations) per predation treatment. Population means were used for analyses in the manuscript.
Male traits measured
- Fighting ability (virgins) at generation 9.
- Mandible size (non-virgin), body size (virgin and non-virgin) and lifespan (virgin and non-virgin) at generation 9.
- Body size (non-virgin) and lifespan (non-virgin) at generation 10.
Female traits measured
- Body size (non-virgin and virgin) and lifespan (non-virgin and virgin) at generation 9.
- Body size (non-virgin) and lifespan (non-virgin) at generation 10.
Description of the data and file structure
File: All_raw_data_combined.csv
| Column | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Generation - The experimental evolution generation from which individuals were collected for trait measurement (9 or 10) | |
| B | Status - Mating status of the individual measured (virgin or mated) | |
| C | Selection_regime - The selection regime from which individuals were collected for trait measurement (control, female-predation, or male-predation) | |
| D | Replication - The population from which individuals were collected for trait measurement (1, 2 or 3) | |
| E | Male_mandible_size - Individual measurements of male mandible size (mm) | |
| F | Male_body_size - Individual measurements of male body size (mass: mg) | |
| G | Male_lifespan - Individual measurements of male lifespan (weeks) | |
| H | Female_body_size - Individual measurement of female body size (mass: mg) | |
| I | Female_lifespan - Individual measurement of female lifespan (weeks) | |
| J | Male_fight_winning_rate - Binary outcome for male fighting for each individual (1=win, 0=lose) | |
| K | Female_LRS - Total eggs laid over a 4 week period |
File: Data_development_time.xls
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Generation - The experimental evolution generation from which individuals were collected for trait measurement (9) |
| B | Selection regime - The selection regime from which individuals were collected for trait measurement (control, female-predation, or male-predation) |
| C | Replication - The population from which individuals were collected for trait measurement (1, 2 or 3) |
| D | Sex - Male or Female individuals |
| E | Development time - time taken to develop from egg-adult (days) |
Access information
Other publicly accessible locations of the data:
- NA
- Pennell, Tanya M.; Katsuki, Masako; Archer, C. Ruth et al. (2024). Predation affects the evolution of sex-specific longevity. Biology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0451