Effects of Size on Fecundity, Longevity and Viability in Populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura

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Abstract
An experiment was undertaken to investigate the relationship between wing and thorax length and the influence of environmental conditions on component of fitness in Drosophila Pseudoobscura. Two populations homozygous for arrowhead (AR/AR) inversions in the 3rd chromosome were kept for almost 2 years in population cages at 25[degree]C and 15[degree]C. Large females lay significantly more eggs than medium or small females; the latter show the least fecundity. Egg production and longevity but not egg viability are highly correlated with size. Original environmental conditions show great influence on all characters studied. Females which were kept at 25[degree]C show more egg production and longer longevity when maintained experimentally at 25[degree]C than at 15[degree]C. The same situation was found in females kept at 15[degree]C.