Sexual conflict over mating and fertilization: an overview

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Sexual Selection

Background:

• Sexual conflict occurs when the evolutionary interests of males and females differ.
• Conflict arises during interactions (e.g., mating, parental care) where simultaneous optimal outcomes for both sexes are impossible.
• Distinction between battleground models (defining conflict parameters) and resolution models (seeking solutions) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the concept of sexual conflict and its underlying evolutionary principles.
• To examine evidence supporting sexual conflict in various biological contexts.
• To discuss the resolution of sexual conflicts and associated features.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical review of evolutionary principles and models of sexual conflict.
• Synthesis of empirical evidence from diverse biological systems.
• Analysis of specific conflict types: mate quality, population divergence, mating rate, inbreeding, and post-copulatory conflict.

Main Results:

• Sexual conflict is a pervasive evolutionary force driven by differing male and female optima.
• Evidence supports sexual conflict in numerous cases, challenging alternative explanations like female concurrence.
• Specific areas of conflict include mate choice, reproductive rates, and post-mating interactions.

Conclusions:

• Sexual conflict is a significant driver of evolutionary change, shaping traits and behaviors in both sexes.
• Understanding conflict resolution mechanisms is key to comprehending sexual selection dynamics.
• Further research integrating theoretical and empirical approaches is needed to fully elucidate sexual conflict.