Photobehavioral differentiation in natural populations ofDrosophila pseudoobscura andDrosophila persimilis

Abstract

The photoresponses of natural populations ofD. pseudoobscura andD. persimilis, occurring sympatrically, are measured in two environmental conditions (“at rest” and “disturbed”). Comparisons of the responses, intraspecifically and interspecifically, lead to the following conclusions. These must be considered within the confines of the operational nature of the measurement of laboratory photoresponses. (1) Within each species population, significant nonenvironmental differentiation has been allowed or produced by selection in the “at rest” photoresponse. No significant nonenvironmental differentiation is found in the photoresponse measured in a disturbed condition. (2) Within each species population, a higher mean “disturbed” photoresponse has been favored. The intensities or patterns of selection acting on these two photoresponses have differed such that more intrapopulation differentiation has been allowed or produced in the “at rest” photoresponse. (3) A higher mean photoresponse has been favored inD. persimilis for both conditions. The intensities or patterns of selection acting between these two species populations on the “at rest” photoresponse have differed such that more intrapopulation differentiation has been allowed or produced inD. persimilis. (4) Comparisons of this study with one on intraspecific and interspecific differentiaiton in wing length lead to the conclusion that the selective differences inferred above have acted at a level more specifically attuned to photobehavior.