The Maintenance of Genetic Variation by Antagonistic Sexual Selection

Theory predicts that persistent directional selection through female choice should deplete additive genetic variation (VA) in preferred male traits - the "lek paradox". Counter to predictions, however, sexual traits under strong directional selection repeatedly exhibit greater levels of VA than do non-sexual traits. A recent hypothesis proposes that the antagonistic forces of sexual selection may maintain VA in male sexual traits. Here, I will combine the modern methods of linear and nonlinear selection analysis, quantitative genetics and sexual selection to empirically test the "antagonistic sexual selection" hypothesis in maintaining VA in male sexual pheromones in the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea.