Sexual-asexual coexistence in the species complex of the Amazon molly
Poecilia formosa: the role of frequency dependent population dynamics

Katja U. Heubel

Stable coexistence of gynogenetic Amazons and its sexual host species may occur under weak male mate discrimination, density dependent mating, or ecological niche partitioning. In the current project, we study frequency dependent mechanisms that may regulate long-term coexistence of sexual and asexual females. Simulating the colonization of new habitats in a patchy environment, we are testing population regulation and coexistence of sperm-dependent asexual females and sexually reproducing females in a mesocosm experiment.

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