The effect of population density on the elimination dynamics of a recessive lethal mutation from experimental populations

Dynamics of the elimination of the temperature-sensitive lethal mutation l(2)M167DTS from experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster under permissive conditions (25 degrees C) was studied. We have shown a rapid elimination of the mutation from the populations, selection for fitness of heterozygous individuals, association of the selection with high larval density and with the direction of the cross that had produced the founder males of the l(2)M167DTS/+ population, and the effect of relative competitive ability of l(2)M167DTS/+ males on the efficiency of the mutation introduction. Modification systems were shown be involved in fitness selection under conditions of high larval density.