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Bateman's Principle and Simultaneous Hermaphrodites: A Paradox
1Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
|June 17, 2011
Summary
Bateman's principle, applied to hermaphrodites, yields contradictory predictions regarding reproductive success and sexual conflict. Alternative models focusing on variance reduction and gamete trading better explain hermaphroditic mating systems.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Sexual Selection
- Reproductive Strategies
Background:
- Bateman's principle posits differential reproductive success limits for males and females.
- Its application to hermaphroditism generates predictions on advantages and sexual conflict.
- Empirical data are used to test these predictions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the validity of Bateman's principle in explaining hermaphroditism.
- To assess Charnov's predictions regarding hermaphroditism and Bateman's principle.
- To explore alternative explanations for hermaphroditic mating systems.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of predictions derived from Bateman's principle and Charnov's work against empirical data.
- Examination of reproductive variance and fixed cost hypotheses.
- Evaluation of gamete trading and energy trading models.
Main Results:
- Charnov's prediction on hermaphroditism occurring when Bateman's principle doesn't apply is largely supported.
- Predictions linking hermaphroditism to low fixed costs are inconsistent with data.
- The preferred sexual role in hermaphrodites varies, contradicting Bateman's principle.
- Gamete trading models are more consistent with data than energy trading models.
Conclusions:
- Bateman's principle provides a poor framework for understanding hermaphroditism and sexual selection.
- Reducing variance in reproductive success may be a key advantage of hermaphroditism.
- Gamete trading, not energy trading, better explains role preference in hermaphroditic systems.
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