Data from: Experimental confirmation that body size determines mate preference via phenotype matching in a stickleback species pair

In this case, assortative mating should readily evolve as a by-product of divergent selection on the trait. Previous observational studies of assortative mating between sympatric, hybridizing threespine stickleback species (Gasterosteus aculeatus complex) suggested that phenotype matching might occur by body size, a trait under divergent natural selection. To test this we used experimental manipulation of body size to rule out the effects of confounding variables.

We found that size-manipulated benthic and limnetic stickleback females prefer mates whose body size more closely matches their own. It is thus likely that assortative mating by phenotype matching has facilitated the origin and persistence of benthic and limnetic threespine sticklebacks in the face of gene flow. Usage notes mate choice trial data All data recorded from 57 mate choice trails, reported and analyzed in the referenced article.

(See ReadMe file for guide to column headings and classifications). Conte and Schluter - phenotype matching data.xlsx