THE EFFECTS OF SUPERNUMERARY CHROMATIN IN THREE SPECIES OF GRASSHOPPER

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Abstract
The chiasma frequencies in males of three species of grasshopper with and without B-chromosomes and supernumerary segments were scored at diplotene. The partially heterochromatic B's found in some individuals of Chimarocephala pacifica pacifica have no effect on chiasma frequencies. On the other hand, heterochromatic supernumerary segments in Oedaleonotus phryneicus males significantly increase the mean chiasma frequencies over individuals without them but not the between-cell variances. In Camnula pellucida neither the mitotically unstable B's nor supernumerary segments have any apparent effect on chiasma.frequencies. The supernumerary elements in Chimarocephala pacifica and Camnula pellucida may, however, produce other effects during the life cycle These and previous observations suggest that polymorphism involving extra genetic material in grasshoppers can result in increased population variability via two different means: (1) by producing variation in chiasma frequency or (2) through direct effects in the individuals possessing it. The importance of such a mechanism for producing variation is discussed.