Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026
15:19
Effect of Male Accessory Gland Products on Egg Laying in Gastropod Molluscs
Published on: June 22, 2014
11.2K
ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF SEX IN A FRESHWATER SNAIL
Curtis M Lively1, Emily J Lyons1, A D Peters1
1Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 47405.
Summary
Sexual reproduction
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Reproductive strategies
Background:
- Synergism among mutations can favor sexual reproduction under high mutation rates (mutational deterministic hypothesis).
- Competition, such as for food, might enhance mutation synergism, potentially increasing the advantage of sex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if food competition amplifies the advantage of sexual reproduction.
- To test the hypothesis that increased mutation synergism under starvation favors sexual reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of survivorship between sexual and asexual snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum).
- Experimental treatments included both starved and fed conditions.
Main Results:
- Both sexual and asexual snails exhibited similar survival rates.
- Survival rates were independent of the feeding treatment (starved vs. fed).
Conclusions:
- Food competition does not appear to explain the prevalence of sexual reproduction in this snail species.
- The distribution of sexual reproduction in Potamopyrgus antipodarum may not be driven by inter-population competition levels.
Keywords:
CompetitionPotamopyrgus antipodarumenvironmental stressgeographic parthenogenesismutational deterministic hypothesissexual reproductionMore Related Videos
07:22Standardizing a Non-Lethal Method for Characterizing the Reproductive Status and Larval Development of Freshwater Mussels Bivalvia: Unionida
Published on: October 4, 2019
8.3K
07:53Bioindication Testing of Stream Environment Suitability for Young Freshwater Pearl Mussels Using In Situ Exposure Methods
Published on: September 5, 2018
7.8K
Related Concept Videos
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
7.9K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
7.9K
01:06Fixed Action Patterns
17.8K
A fixed action pattern (FAP) is a specific, hard-wired sequence of behaviors that occurs in response to an external stimulus, called a sign stimulus. The behavior is “fixed” because it is essentially unchangeable—proceeding similarly across individuals of a species every time it occurs.
17.8K