MATING SYSTEM BETWEEN JAPANESE AND FRENCH GEOGRAPHIC STRAINS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract

Japanese and French D. melanogaster form 2 different geographic races. A study of the mating behavior of these races was undertaken to demonstrate an eventual incipient isolation. Direct observation showed that homogamic, selective and panmictic matings were demonstrated in each of the 2 races as well as between the races. In no case were homogamic or selective tendencies very pronounced. The morphological differentiation of the geographic races does not result in a change of behavior. The distance between the 2 races which prevented hybridization may explain this; the elimination of hybrids would have reinforced the homogamic tendency.