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Sexual conflict and sperm competition
Dominic A Edward1, Paula Stockley1, David J Hosken2
1Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|October 11, 2014
Summary
Male adaptations during sperm competition can harm females, creating sexual conflict. This review explores these adaptations and discusses how females may evolve to mitigate these conflicts and achieve resolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Reproductive strategies
- Sexual selection
Background:
- Sperm competition is a key driver of male reproductive evolution.
- Male adaptations to enhance fertilization success can impose costs on females.
- These costs can lead to sexual conflict, where male and female interests diverge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review male adaptations to sperm competition (MASC) that cause sexual conflict.
- To examine the fitness economics influencing the escalation of these conflicts.
- To discuss potential evolutionary outcomes and conflict resolution strategies for females.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on MASC and sexual conflict.
- Analysis of fitness trade-offs for males and females in the context of sperm competition.
- Theoretical consideration of female counter-adaptations and conflict resolution.
Main Results:
- MASC include mate guarding, prolonged copulation, increased sperm numbers, and ejaculate manipulation.
- Sexual conflict escalates when male adaptations provide greater fitness benefits than the costs imposed on females.
- Females face strong selection to evolve counter-adaptations, but the balance of selection can favor males.
Conclusions:
- Females can evolve traits to mitigate the costs of MASC, potentially resolving sexual conflict.
- The evolutionary outcomes depend on the relative strength of selection on males and females.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the evolution of reproductive traits and mating systems.