![]() Both New Zealand Glaucocharis and Izatha show variation in a number of structures associated with the genital capsule and phallus, and closely related species were more likely to share similar traits. By constructing a molecular phylogeny for both genera, the evolutionary relationships between species, patterns of male genital evolution and estimated ancestral state reconstructions of the male genitalia could be determined. Lichen tuft moths of the genus Izatha (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae) and New Zealand Glaucocharis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were excellent candidates for examining the evolution of male genitalia and exploring sexual conflict driving genital evolution. One facet of such selection - sexual conflict - may drive genital evolution through opposing selection on male and female reproductive strategies as genital adaptations that allow males a competitive advantage may consequently reduce female fitness leading to an evolutionary arms race via sexually antagonistic coevolution. Theories behind genital evolution include the lock and key hypothesis (species isolation), pleiotropy and sexual selection, however, recent research has proposed sexual selection to be the most likely driver of rapid and divergent evolution of genitalia. Male genitalia are one of the fastest evolving and most divergent structures in sexually reproducing organisms. Show simple item record dc.contributor.advisor
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