Data from: A positive genetic correlation between hypoxia tolerance and heat tolerance supports a controversial theory of heat stress

We used quantitative genetics to test a controversial theory of heat stress, in which animals overheat when the demand for oxygen exceeds the supply. This theory, referred to as oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance, predicts a positive genetic correlation between hypoxia tolerance and heat tolerance. We demonstrate the first genetic correlation of this kind in a model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. Genotypes more likely to fly under hypoxic stress (12% O2) were also more likely to fly under heat stress (39°C). This finding prompts new questions about mechanisms and limits of adaptation to heat stress.

我们采用数量遗传学（quantitative genetics）方法，检验了一项存在争议的热应激（heat stress）理论：该理论指出，当动物的氧需求超出氧供应时，便会出现过热反应。这一被称为氧容量限制热耐受（oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance）的理论预测，低氧耐受（hypoxia tolerance）与热耐受（heat tolerance）之间存在正向遗传相关。我们在模式生物黑腹果蝇（Drosophila melanogaster）中首次证实了这类遗传相关：在低氧应激（hypoxic stress，12%氧气）条件下更易飞行的基因型，在热应激（39℃）条件下同样更易飞行。这一发现为热应激适应的机制与极限研究提出了新的科学问题。