Role of Supergenes in Shaping Reproductive Behavior and Survival

Dr. Sarah Flanagan, Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury (UC) is attempting to determine whether super clusters of genes that are inherited together and affect important traits like reproductive behaviors and survival strategies are essential to a species' survival.

Super genes have fascinated scientists for years because of their ability to explain diverse traits within a single species. For example, in some fish species, males exhibit two distinct reproductive tactics: some guard nests and care for offspring, while others, known as ‘sneakers,’ mimic females to fertilize eggs covertly. I wanted to know whether the presence of super genes could explain these behavioral and physical differences.”

Dr. Sarah Flanagan, Senior Lecturer, University of Canterbury

The research revealed that while super genes can drive distinct traits, they are not always essential.

Flanagan said, “Traits shaped by multiple genes, known as polygenic traits, can emerge without the presence of super genes, as long as a sufficient number of contributing genes exist.”

Although the study does not focus on a specific species, it establishes a theoretical framework for predicting the role of super genes in real-world contexts.

The findings also suggest potential applications for studying a wide variety of species, including birds, insects, and mammals. This encompasses ongoing efforts to better understand species with complex reproductive behaviors, such as fish that fan their eggs to ensure an adequate oxygen supply.

Dr. Flanagan’s research challenges prevailing assumptions and paves the way for new insights into evolutionary biology.

This research provides a foundation for understanding how traits evolve and persist. We are now better equipped to identify when and where super genes might play a critical role in the survival and reproductive strategies of a species.”

Dr. Sarah Flanagan, Senior Lecturer, Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, University of Canterbury