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Sexual selection and speciation: the comparative evidence revisited
Ken Kraaijeveld1, Femmie J L Kraaijeveld-Smit, Martine E Maan
1Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden, The Netherlands. ken@kenkraaijeveld.nl
Summary
Sexual selection, the process driving diverse animal traits, may promote speciation. A meta-analysis reveals a small but significant link between sexual selection and species diversification rates, though methods matter.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Speciation Research
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Diverse sexually selected traits suggest sexual selection drives species divergence.
- Previous studies correlating species richness with sexual selection have produced mixed results.
- The general support for sexual selection promoting speciation remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of comparative evidence on the relationship between sexual selection and speciation.
- To determine if sexual selection generally promotes species divergence.
- To investigate the influence of methodological choices on this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of existing studies correlating species richness with sexual selection proxies.
- Phylogenetic comparative methods were employed.
- Effect sizes were analyzed across different methodological choices and phylogenetic depths.
Main Results:
- A small but significant positive overall correlation was found between sexual selection and speciation rate.
- Methodological choices, including phylogenetic node depth and specific proxies for sexual selection, influenced effect size estimates.
- Analyses using deeper phylogenetic nodes showed weaker correlations.
Conclusions:
- Sexual selection shows a modest but significant positive association with speciation rates.
- Methodological rigor and careful selection of proxies are crucial for accurate assessment.
- Future research should focus on more representative sampling and mechanistic studies to advance understanding.
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