Back to Search Start Over

No association between sperm competition and sperm length variation across dung flies (Scathophagidae).

Authors :
Sharma, M. D.
Minder, A. M.
Hosken, D. J.
Source :
Journal of Evolutionary Biology. Nov2013, Vol. 26 Issue 11, p2341-2349. 9p.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Sperm length is extremely variable across species, but a general explanation for this variation is lacking. However, when the risk of sperm competition is high, sperm length is predicted to be less variable within species, and there is some evidence for this in birds and social insects. Here, we examined intraspecific variation in sperm length, both within and between males, and its potential associations with sperm competition risk and variation in female reproductive tract morphology across dung flies. We used two measures of variation in sperm size, and testis size was employed as our index of sperm competition risk. We found no evidence of associations between sperm length variation and sperm competition or female reproductive tract variation. These results suggest that variation in sperm competition risk may not always be associated with variation in sperm morphology, and the cause(s) of sperm length variation in dung flies remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1010061X
Volume :
26
Issue :
11
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
91280821
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12232