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Paternity analysis reveals sexual selection on cognitive performance in mosquitofish
Ivan M Vinogradov1, Rebecca J Fox2, Claudia Fichtel3
1Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. ivan.vinogradov@anu.edu.au.
Nature Ecology & Evolution
|February 25, 2025
Summary
Sexual selection impacts male cognitive evolution. In mosquitofish, enhanced inhibitory control and spatial learning boosted paternity, while impulse control decreased it, showing varied cognitive trait selection.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral ecology
- Cognitive science
Background:
- Cognitive abilities are shaped by natural selection for survival and reproduction.
- Sexual selection, often stronger in males, may also influence cognitive evolution, particularly in mate competition and fertilization success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between male cognitive performance and reproductive success (paternity share) in mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki).
- To determine which specific cognitive traits are under sexual selection.
Main Methods:
- Four cognitive assays were used to measure five cognitive performance metrics in male mosquitofish.
- Males competed for mates in outdoor ponds, and paternity was determined by genotyping 2,430 offspring.
Main Results:
- Males with superior inhibitory control and spatial learning abilities sired significantly more offspring.
- Males exhibiting better initial impulse control sired fewer offspring.
- Associative and reversal learning abilities did not correlate with paternity share.
Conclusions:
- Sexual selection acts on specific cognitive traits in males, favoring those that enhance mating and fertilization success.
- Cognitive performance, particularly inhibitory control and spatial learning, is a significant factor in male reproductive success through sexual selection.
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