Scientists studiedthe fruitfly Drosophila pseudoobscura
Liverpool, UK - 26 February 2010: Promiscuous females may be the key to a species¿ survival, according to new research by the Universities of Liverpool and Exeter. Published in Current Biology, the study could solve the mystery of why females of most species have multiple mates, despite this being more risky for the individual. Known as 'polyandry' among scientists, the phenomenon of females having multiple mates is shared across most animal species, from insects to mammals. The study suggests that polyandry reduces the risk of populations becoming extinct because of all-female broods being born. This can sometimes occur as a result of a sex-ratio distortion (SR) chromosome, which results in all of the Y chromosome 'male' sperm being killed before fertilisation. The all-female offspring will carry the SR chromosome, which will be passed on to their sons, in turn resulting in more all-female broods. Eventually there will be no males and the population will die out.
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