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Evolutionary optimality in sex differences of longevity and athletic performances
Hiromi Asanuma1, Satoshi Kakishima2, Hiromu Ito3
11] Department of Mathematical and Systems Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 432-8561, Japan [2].
Scientific Reports
|June 25, 2014
Summary
Males and females exhibit distinct survival and performance traits due to an evolutionary tradeoff. This involves viability, competitive ability, and reproductive effort, explaining sex differences in longevity and athletic prowess.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Comparative physiology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism is evident in humans and animals, with females generally living longer and males excelling in athletic performance.
- Existing explanations, primarily focusing on the survival-reproduction tradeoff, inadequately account for these specific sex differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying evolutionary mechanisms driving observed sex differences in longevity and athletic performance.
- To propose a revised evolutionary tradeoff model encompassing viability, competitive ability, and reproductive effort.
Main Methods:
- The study conceptualizes an evolutionary tradeoff among three key components: viability, competitive ability, and reproductive effort.
- It analyzes how these components interact to shape sex-specific traits.
Main Results:
- Observed sex differences in longevity and athletic performance are primarily attributed to a tradeoff between viability (survival) and competitive ability.
- This tradeoff is independent of the traditional survival-reproductive effort tradeoff.
Conclusions:
- A novel perspective on sex differences suggests that females' superior longevity and disease recovery stem from a viability advantage.
- Males' superior athletic performance is linked to a higher competitive ability, reflecting a different facet of the evolutionary tradeoff.
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