Sperm competition and sexual selection
01 Jan 1998-pp 55-90
TL;DR: This chapter discusses Sperm Competition in Birds, Sexual Selection in Spiders and Other Arachnids, and Reproduction, Mating Strategies and Sperm competition in Marsupials and Monotremes.
Abstract: General Themes: G.A. Parker, Sperm Competition and the Evolution of Ejaculates: Towards a Theory Base. A.P. Moller, Sperm Competition and Sexual Selection. W.G. Eberhard, Female Roles in Sperm Competition. J. Wright, Paternity and Paternal Care. Taxonomic Treatments: L.F. Delph and K. Havens, Pollen Competition in Flowering Plants. D.R. Levitan, Sperm Limitation, Gamete Competition and Sexual Selection in External Fertilizers. N.K. Michiels, Mating Conflicts and Sperm Competition in Simultaneous Hermaphrodites. B. Baur, Sperm Competition in Molluscs. M.A. Elgar, Sperm Competition and Sexual Selection in Spiders and Other Arachnids. L.W. Simmons and M.T. Siva-Jothy, Sperm Competition in Insects: Mechanisms and the Potential for Selection. C.W. Petersen and R.R. Warner, Sperm Competition in Fishes. T.R. Halliday, Sperm Competition in Amphibians. M. Olsson and T. Madsen, Sexual Selection and Sperm Competition in Reptiles. T.R. Birkhead, Sperm Competition in Birds: Mechanisms and Function. D.A. Taggart, W.G. Breed, P.D. Temple-Smith, A. Purvis, and G. Shimmin, Reproduction, Mating Strategies and Sperm Competition in Marsupials and Monotremes. M. Gomendio, A.H. Harcourt, and E.R.S. Roldan, Sperm Competition in Mammals. T.R. Birkhead and A.P. Moller, Sperm Competition, Sexual Selection and Different Routes to Fitness. Index.
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TL;DR: It is concluded that post‐copulatory mechanisms provide a more reliable way of selecting a genetically compatible mate than pre-copulatory mate choice and that some of the best evidence for cryptic female choice by sperm selection is due to selection of more compatible sperm.
Abstract: The aim of this review is to consider the potential benefits that females may gain from mating more than once in a single reproductive cycle. The relationship between non-genetic and genetic benefits is briefly explored. We suggest that multiple mating for purely non-genetic benefits is unlikely as it invariably leads to the possibility of genetic benefits as well. We begin by briefly reviewing the main models for genetic benefits to mate choice, and the supporting evidence that choice can increase offspring performance and the sexual attractiveness of sons. We then explain how multiple mating can elevate offspring fitness by increasing the number of potential sires that compete, when this occurs in conjunction with mechanisms of paternity biasing that function in copula or post-copulation. We begin by identifying cases where females use pre-copulatory cues to identify mates prior to remating. In the simplest case, females remate because they identify a superior mate and 'trade up' genetically. The main evidence for this process comes from extra-pair copulation in birds. Second, we note other cases where pre-copulatory cues may be less reliable and females mate with several males to promote post-copulatory mechanisms that bias paternity. Although a distinction is drawn between sperm competition and cryptic female choice, we point out that the genetic benefits to polyandry in terms of producing more viable or sexually attractive offspring do not depend on the exact mechanism that leads to biased paternity. Post-copulatory mechanisms of paternity biasing may: (1) reduce genetic incompatibility between male and female genetic contributions to offspring; (2) increase offspring viability if there is a positive correlation between traits favoured post-copulation and those that improve performance under natural selection; (3) increase the ability of sons to gain paternity when they mate with polyandrous females. A third possibility is that genetic diversity among offspring is directly favoured. This can be due to bet-hedging (due to mate assessment errors or temporal fluctuations in the environment), beneficial interactions between less related siblings or the opportunity to preferentially fertilise eggs with sperm of a specific genotype drawn from a range of stored sperm depending on prevailing environmental conditions. We use case studies from the social insects to provide some concrete examples of the role of genetic diversity among progeny in elevating fitness. We conclude that post-copulatory mechanisms provide a more reliable way of selecting a genetically compatible mate than pre-copulatory mate choice. Some of the best evidence for cryptic female choice by sperm selection is due to selection of more compatible sperm. Two future areas of research seem likely to be profitable. First, more experimental evidence is needed demonstrating that multiple mating increases offspring fitness via genetic gains. Second, the role of multiple mating in promoting assortative fertilization and increasing reproductive isolation between populations may help us to understand sympatric speciation.
1,778 citations
Cites background from "Sperm competition and sexual select..."
...An empirical demonstration of greatly reduced sperm input by second males, because it runs counter to the general pattern in animals (reviews in Birkhead & Møller, 1998), would provide strong evidence that RA and queen-worker conflict are driving factors in the evolution of polyandry in social…...
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...Birkhead & Møller (1998) are correct when they note that cryptic choice occurs if variation among females explains a significant amount of variation in pa- ternity – but we would argue that this is not a necessary criterion for demonstrating cryptic choice....
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...A brief history The increased use of molecular techniques reveals moderate to high levels of multiple paternity in a wide range of animal groups (taxonomic reviews in Birkhead & Møller, 1998)....
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TL;DR: A meta-analysis of 122 experimental studies addressing the direct effects of multiple mating on female fitness in insects shows that females gain directly from multiple matings in terms of increased lifetime offspring production, and supports the existence of an intermediate optimal female mating rate.
1,453 citations
TL;DR: The remaining challenges of understanding the relative roles of genes and ecology in determining variation between taxa in the rate of extra paternity are highlighted, and testing for differences between extra‐pair offspring and those sired within‐pair is highlighted.
Abstract: The application of molecular genetic techniques has revolutionized our view of avian mating systems. Contrary to prior expectations, birds are only very rarely sexually monogamous, with ‘extra-pair offspring’ found in approximately 90% of species. Even among socially monogamous species, over 11% of offspring are, on average, the result of extra-pair paternity (EPP). Based on over 150 molecular genetic studies of EPP in birds, we review two topical areas: (i) ecological explanations for interspecific variation in the rate of EPP; and (ii) evidence bearing on the adaptive function of EPP. We highlight the remaining challenges of understanding the relative roles of genes and ecology in determining variation between taxa in the rate of extra paternity, and testing for differences between extra-pair offspring and those sired within-pair.
1,360 citations
Cites background from "Sperm competition and sexual select..."
...Good examples of Table 1 Hypotheses on the function of EPP in birds (adapted from Birkhead & Møller 1992; Møller 1998)...
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...The main types of explanation for why females may seek EPP for their offspring are summarized in Table 1 (from Birkhead & Møller 1992; Møller 1998)....
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...The question of why females should indulge in extrapair copulations, or seek to mate with more than one male, has received much theoretical treatment and been reviewed thoroughly several times (e.g. Westneat et al. 1990; Birkhead & Møller 1992; Birkhead 1998; Møller 1998; Petrie & Kempenaers 1998; Ligon 1999)....
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Book•
01 Dec 1998
TL;DR: Geary presents a theoretical bridge linking parenting, mate choices, and competition, with children's development and sex differences in brain and cognition, in a lively and nuanced application of Darwin's insight to help explain the authors' heritage and their place in the natural world.
Abstract: Why do girls tend to earn better grades in school than boys? Why are men still far more likely than women to earn degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics? And why are men on average more likely to be injured in accidents and fights than women? These and many other questions are the subject of both informal investigation in the media and formal investigation in academic and scientific circles. In his landmark book "Male, Female: The Evolution of Human Sex Differences", author David Geary provided the first comprehensive evolutionary model to explain human sex differences. Using the principles of sexual selection such as female choice and male-male competition, the author systematically reviewed and discussed the evolution of sex differences and their expression throughout the animal kingdom, as a means of not just describing but explaining the same process in Homo sapiens. Now, over ten years since the first edition, Geary has completed a massive update, expansion and theoretical revision of his classic text. New findings in brain and genetic research inform a wealth of new material, including a new chapter on sex differences in patterns of life history development; expanded coverage of genetic research (e.g. DNA finger printing to determine paternity as related to male-male competition in primates); fatherhood in humans; cross-cultural patterns of sex differences in choosing and competing for mates; and, genetic, hormonal, and socio-cultural influences on the expression of sex differences. Finally, through his motivation to control framework (introduction in the first edition and expanded in "The Origin of Mind", 2005), Geary presents a theoretical bridge linking parenting, mate choices, and competition, with children's development and sex differences in brain and cognition. The result is an even better book than the original - a lively and nuanced application of Darwin's insight to help explain our heritage and our place in the natural world.
1,156 citations
TL;DR: This work identifies where new techniques can help estimate the relative roles of the various selection mechanisms that might work together in the evolution of mating preferences and attractive traits, and in sperm-egg interactions.
Abstract: The past two decades have seen extensive growth of sexual selection research. Theoretical and empirical work has clarified many components of pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection, such as aggressive competition, mate choice, sperm utilization and sexual conflict. Genetic mechanisms of mate choice evolution have been less amenable to empirical testing, but molecular genetic analyses can now be used for incisive experimentation. Here, we highlight some of the currently debated areas in pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection. We identify where new techniques can help estimate the relative roles of the various selection mechanisms that might work together in the evolution of mating preferences and attractive traits, and in sperm‐egg interactions.
1,129 citations
References
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Book•
01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: The genetic constitution of a population: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and changes in gene frequency: migration mutation, changes of variance, and heritability are studied.
Abstract: Part 1 Genetic constitution of a population: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Part 2 Changes in gene frequency: migration mutation. Part 3 Small populations - changes in gene frequency under simplified conditions. Part 4 Small populations - less simplified conditions. Part 5 Small populations - pedigreed populations and close inbreeding. Part 6 Continuous variation. Part 7 Values and means. Part 8 Variance. Part 9 Resemblance between relatives. Part 10 Heritability. Part 11 Selection - the response and its prediction. Part 12 Selection - the results of experiments. Part 13 Selection - information from relatives. Part 14 Inbreeding and crossbreeding - changes of mean value. Part 15 Inbreeding and crossbreeding - changes of variance. Part 16 Inbreeding and crossbreeding - applications. Part 17 Scale. Part 18 Threshold characters. Part 19 Correlated characters. Part 20 Metric characters under natural selection.
20,288 citations
12 Jul 2017
TL;DR: The p,cnetics of sex nas now becn clarif ied, and Fishcr ( 1958 ) hrs produccd , n,od"l to cxplarn sex ratios at coDception, a nrodel recently extendcd to include special mccha_ nisms that operate under inbreeding (Hunrilron I96?).
Abstract: There is a tendency among biologists studying social behavior to regard the adult sex ratio as an independent variable to which the species reacts with appropriate adaptations D Lack often interprets social behavior as an adaptation in part to an unbalanced (or balanced) sex ratio, and J Verner has summarized other instances of this tendency The only mechanism that will generate differential mortality independent of sexual differences clearly related to parental investment and sexual selection is the chromosomal mechanism, applied especially to humans and other mammals: the unguarded X chromosome of the male is presumed to predispose him to higher mortality Each offspring can be viewed as an investment independent of other offspring, increasing investment in one offspring tending to decrease investment in others Species can be classified according to the relative parental investment of the sexes in their young In the vast majority of species, the male's only contribution to the survival of his offspring is his sex cells
10,571 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a combination of seven surveys of blood parasites in North American passerines reveals weak, highly significant association over species between incidence of chronic blood infections (five genera of protozoa and one nematode) and striking display (three characters: male "brightness", female "brights", and male song).
Abstract: Combination of seven surveys of blood parasites in North American passerines reveals weak, highly significant association over species between incidence of chronic blood infections (five genera of protozoa and one nematode) and striking display (three characters: male "brightness," female "brightness," and male song). This result conforms to a model of sexual selection in which (i) coadaptational cycles of host and parasites generate consistently positive offspring-on-parent regression of fitness, and (ii) animals choose mates for genetic disease resistance by scrutiny of characters whose full expression is dependent on health and vigor.
3,537 citations
TL;DR: The authors conclude that such associations may be responsible for much of the genetic diversity found within natural populations, from blood group polymorphisms to protein polymorphisms in general.
Abstract: The coevolution of parasites and their hosts has both general biological interest and practical implications in agricultural, veterinary and medical fields Surprisingly, most medical, parasitological and ecological texts dismiss the subject with unsupported statements to the effect that ‘successful’ parasite species evolve to be harmless to their hosts Recently, however, several people have explored theoretical aspects of the population genetics of host-parasite associations; these authors conclude that such associations may be responsible for much of the genetic diversity found within natural populations, from blood group polymorphisms (Haldane, 1949) to protein polymorphisms in general (Clarke, 1975, 1976) and to histocompatibility systems (Duncan, Wakeland & Klein, 1980) It has also been argued that pathogens may constitute the selective force responsible for the evolution and maintenance of sexual reproduction in animal and plant species (Jaenike, 1978; Hamilton, 1980, 1981, 1982; Bremermann, 1980)
1,511 citations
TL;DR: The basic structure of optimization arguments is outlined, and the possibility that some variation may be selectively neutral, and some structures maladaptive is discussed, as well as comment on criticisms made by Lewontin.
Abstract: In recent years there has been a growing attempt to use mathematical methods borrowed from engineering and economics in interpreting the diversity of life. It is assumed that evolution has occurred by natural selection, and hence that complex structures and behaviors are to be interpreted in terms of the contribution they make to the survival and reproduction of their possessors-that is, to Darwinian fitness. There is nothing particularly new in this logic, which is also the basis of functional anatomy, and indeed of much physiology and molecular biology. It was followed by Darwin himself in his studies of climbing and insectivorous plants, of fertilization mechanisms and devices to ensure cross-pollination. What is new is the use of mathematical techniques such as control theory, dynamic programming, and the theory of games to generate a priori hypotheses, and the application of the method to behaviors and life history strategies. This change in method has led to the criticism (e.g. 54, 55) that the basic hypothesis of adaptation is untestable and therefore unscientific, and that the whole program of functional explanation through optimization has become a test of ingenuity rather than an enquiry into truth. Related to this is the criticism that there is no theoretical justification for any maximization principles in biology, and therefore that optimiza tion is no substitute for an adequate genetic model. My aim in this ' review is not to summarize the most important conclusions reached by optimization methods, but to discuss the methodology of the program and the criticisms that have been made of it. In doing so, I have taken as my starting point two articles by Lewontin (54, 55). I disagree with some of the views he expresses, but I believe that the development of evolution theory could benefit if workers in optimization paid serious attention to his criticisms. I first outline the basic structure of optimization arguments, illustrating this with three examples, namely the sex ratio, the locomotion of mammals, and foraging behavior. I then discuss the possibility that some variation may be selectively neutral, and some structures maladaptive. I summarize and comment on criticisms made by Lewontin. The most damaging undoubtedly is the difficulty of testing the
1,045 citations