Abstract:
One of the main competing theories to describe the evolution of recombination is the Red Queen
Hypothesis (RQH). Presently, many theoretical analyses of the RQH typically examine fitness
interactions in host-parasite frameworks. Less emphasis has been placed on understanding the
impact of host ploidy in these systems. In this study, we look to investigate the high observed rates
of recombination observed in two common haplodiploid species (Apis mellifera and Bombus
terrestris). We compared haplodiploid to diploid host populations under infection with haploid
asexual parasites, using a Matching Allele (MAM) model. Results from a simulation analysis
showed that the Red Queen does not run in haplodiploid hosts and is therefore, probably not
responsible for the high recombination rates observed so far in haplodiploid hosts.
