High levels of fitness modifiers induced by hybrid dysgenesis inDrosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Wild-type chromosomes of D. melanogaster mutagenized by passage through a single generation of hybrid dysgenesis have been compared against identical chromosomes passed through a reciprocal, non-dysgenic cross. Fitness of the chromosome in homozygous condition has been examined in population cages using the technique of balancer chromosome equilibration. The results indicate that amongst chromosomes with no lethal or visible mutation, more than 50% have suffered a measurable decline in fitness. The magnitude of this decline is estimated to be in the range 10–20%.