Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Surveying Low-Cost Methods to Measure Lifespan and Healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: May 18, 2022
Sexual conflict: male control of female longevity
Martyna Zwoinska1, Martin I Lind1, Alexei A Maklakov1
1Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden.
Abstract:
Males and females have different evolutionary interests resulting in sexual conflict over optimal life histories. A new study in Caenorhabditis elegans shows that males hijack female physiology after mating to cause body shrinking and, ultimately, death. But how do males benefit from female demise?
Related Concept Videos
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....
Mate Choice
Infertility in Males
Menopause
Relationship Formation

