# Adaptability in the aperiodic Drosophila populations and evolution of the life-history traits

## TL;DR

Drosophila populations under constant light show reduced lifespan and reproduction, but can adapt to light-dark cycles.

## Contribution

The study reveals adaptive evolution in Drosophila under aperiodic conditions and its impact on key life-history traits.

## Key findings

- Constant light exposure reduces longevity and fecundity in Drosophila.
- Populations adapted to constant light can still entrain to light-dark cycles.
- Adaptive evolution under aperiodic conditions compromises key fitness traits.

## Abstract

Exposure of diurnal animals to constant light for extended periods dampens the clock gene circadian rhythms, which in turn affect the life history traits. However, animals are expected to maintain some form of rhythm for the body to function effectively. In this study, we used three populations of
Drosophila melanogaster
that were maintained under constant light for 312 generations. We entrained three other populations (derived from those in constant light for 312 generations) to 12L:12D cycles. The adaptive evolution under aperiodic conditions has compromised on longevity and fecundity- two most important fitness traits for an iteroparous species.