Data from: Rapid evolution of sex frequency and dormancy as hydroperiod adaptations

Dormancy can serve as an adaptation to persist in variable habitats, and often is coupled with sex. In cyclically parthenogenetic rotifers an asexual phase enables rapid population growth, whereas sex results in diapausing embryos capable of tolerating desiccation. Few studies have experimentally tested whether sex-dormancy associations in temporary waters reflect evolution in response to the short hydroperiod selecting for diapause ability. Here we demonstrate evolution of higher propensity for sex and dormancy in ephemeral rotifer cultures mimicking temporary ponds, and lower propensity in permanent cultures. Results are consistent with rapid evolution, with evolutionary changes occurring in a short timeframe (385 d, ≤84 generations). We also provide insight into mechanisms for rapid evolution in basal metazoans, discussing potential roles of new mutations, recombination, and clonal selection.休眠可作为生物在多变生境中存续的适应性策略，且常与有性生殖相伴。在周期性孤雌生殖轮虫中，无性阶段可实现种群快速增长，而有性生殖则能产生可耐受干燥的滞育胚胎。目前鲜有实验研究验证，暂时性水域中的性-休眠关联是否因短水文周期对滞育能力的选择而演化形成。本研究在模拟暂时性池塘的短期轮虫培养体系中，证实了更高的性与休眠倾向的演化；而在永久培养体系中，该倾向则显著降低。研究结果支持快速演化假说，相关演化改变发生在较短时间尺度内（385天，≤84代）。此外，本研究还阐明了基础后生动物快速演化的潜在机制，探讨了新突变、重组与克隆选择的潜在作用。