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Author Spotlight: Examining Volatile Sex Pheromone Influence on Male C. elegans Behavior
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Rogue sperm indicate sexually antagonistic coevolution in nematodes
Ronald E Ellis1, Lukas Schärer2
1Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan University SOM, Stratford, New Jersey, United States of America.
Plos Biology
|July 30, 2014
Summary
Male nematode sperm compete aggressively, but this can harm females by damaging ovaries. Interspecies crosses reveal mismatches in this sexual arms race, highlighting cryptic female choice and sexually antagonistic coevolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Post-mating reproductive competition, including sperm competition, is common in animals.
- Females can influence fertilization outcomes through cryptic female choice.
- Interactions between male traits and female countermeasures can drive sexually antagonistic coevolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms and consequences of sperm competition in Caenorhabditis nematodes.
- To explore the role of aggressive sperm migration in fertilization success.
- To examine the impact of sperm competition on female reproductive tract and overall fitness, particularly in interspecies crosses.
Main Methods:
- Studied sperm competition in Caenorhabditis nematodes, including same-species and interspecies crosses.
- Observed sperm migration patterns and their interaction with female reproductive tissues.
- Assessed the fitness consequences of sperm competition, focusing on effects like oocyte activation and gonad invasion.
Main Results:
- Male nematodes produce aggressively migrating sperm that gain preferential access to oocytes.
- Aggressive sperm can cause harm to females, including ovarian invasion and premature oocyte activation.
- Harmful effects are exacerbated in interspecies crosses due to mismatched coevolutionary dynamics, especially in androdioecious species.
Conclusions:
- Sperm competition in nematodes demonstrates sexually antagonistic coevolution, where male traits evolve at a cost to female fitness.
- The study highlights the significant impact of post-copulatory sexual selection on reproductive success and species interactions.
- Caenorhabditis nematodes provide a valuable model system for studying the complexities of post-copulatory sexual conflict and coevolution.
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