"The male versus female arms race (involving physical structures, behaviors, chemicals, etc.) for control over mating may take place over evolutionary time, which in theory can lead to the formation of a new species," explain the authors.
Examining species of diving beetles that have two forms of females – for example, one with a smooth back and another furrowed – the researchers found that this polymorphism is actually a stable state, that is, neither of the forms go extinct.
"The results have implications for the understanding of how genetic diversity is maintained in populations where sexual conflict characterizes the mating system," write the authors. "It also affects our theoretical expectations of sexual conflict as a species creator."
Since its inception in 1867, The American Naturalist has maintained its position as one of the world's most renowned, peer-reviewed publications in ecology, evolution, and population and integrative biology research. AN emphasizes sophisticated methodologies and innovative theoretical syntheses--all in an effort to advance the knowledge of organic evolution and other broad biological principles.
Härdling, Roger, and Johannes Bergsten. "Nonrandom mating preserves intrasexual polymorphism and stops population differentiation in sexual conflict." The American Naturalist 167:2.