Genetics of natural populations, XLIII. Further studies on rates of dispersal of Drosophila pseudoobscura and its relatives

Abstract

The amount of gene flow among local populations of a species is determined by the dispersal capacity of that species. Population samples of Drosophila pseudoobscura, D. persimilis, D. azteca, and D. miranda were collected, marked with ultraviolet fluorescent dusts, and released as soon as possible after capture. One and two days after release, recaptures were made on baits placed at 40-meter intervals in straight lines intersecting the release point. On alternative days, the baits were placed in North-South or in East-West directions. The distribution of the recaptured flies about the release point is very nearly normal. No significant differences between the dispersal rates of the four species are observed; however, males disperse slightly further than females. The variances averaged 50,822 m2 on the first day and 80,048 m2 on the second day and the estimated mean distances from the release point averaged 263 m and 361 m respectively. The genetic implications of the results are discussed.