Family matters
Haig, D.
Nature 421: 1-2
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-0836 DOI: 10.1002/j.2326-1951.1980.tb01802.xDocument Number: 270970
In this issue, a study by Hager and Johnstone reveals some of the complexities behind how genetic conflicts in families are resolved. The evolution of maternal care involves a complex interplay between the genetic interests of mothers and those of offspring. The researchers compared litter sizes from crosses within and between 2 inbred strains of mice, CBA and C57/B6. Unexpectedly, the father's strain had a highly significant effect on litter size. In contrast, the effect of the mother's strain was nonsignificant; that is, CBA males produced larger litters than did C57/B6 males when mated to females of either strain. Hager and Johnstone postulate that an offspring's paternal genotype affects the proportion of embryos that are implanted in the mother's uterus but are then resorbed.
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