scholarly journals How does breeding system variation modulate sexual antagonism?

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 717-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Bedhomme ◽  
Giorgina Bernasconi ◽  
Joris M. Koene ◽  
Åsa Lankinen ◽  
H. S. Arathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Breeding System ◽  
Sex Allocation ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Sexual Antagonism ◽  
Sexual Conflicts ◽  
Empirical Tests

The study of sexually antagonistic (SA) traits remains largely limited to dioecious (separate sex), mobile animals. However, the occurrence of sexual conflict is restricted neither by breeding system (the mode of sexual reproduction, e.g. dioecy or hermaphroditism) nor by sessility. Here, we synthesize how variation in breeding system can affect the evolution and expression of intra- and inter-locus sexual conflicts in plants and animals. We predict that, in hermaphrodites, SA traits will (i) display lower levels of polymorphism; (ii) respond more quickly to selection; and (iii) involve unique forms of interlocus conflict over sex allocation, mating roles and selfing rates. Explicit modelling and empirical tests in a broader range of breeding systems are necessary to obtain a general understanding of the evolution of SA traits.

scholarly journals Intra-locus sexual conflict and sexually antagonistic genetic variation in hermaphroditic animals

2010 ◽  
Vol 278 (1703) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica K. Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Sex Allocation ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Antagonistic Pleiotropy ◽  
Sexual Antagonism ◽  
Unique Form ◽  
Asymmetric Effects ◽  
Simultaneous Hermaphrodites

Intra-locus sexual conflict results when sex-specific selection pressures for a given trait act against the intra-sexual genetic correlation for that trait. It has been found in a wide variety of taxa in both laboratory and natural populations, but the importance of intra-locus sexual conflict and sexually antagonistic genetic variation in hermaphroditic organisms has rarely been considered. This is not so surprising given the conceptual and theoretical association of intra-locus sexual conflict with sexual dimorphism, but there is no a priori reason why intra-locus sexual conflict cannot occur in hermaphroditic organisms as well. Here, I discuss the potential for intra-locus sexual conflict in hermaphroditic animals and review the available evidence for such conflict, and for the existence of sexually antagonistic genetic variation in hermaphrodites. I argue that mutations with asymmetric effects are particularly likely to be important in mediating sexual antagonism in hermaphroditic organisms. Moreover, sexually antagonistic genetic variation is likely to play an important role in inter-individual variation in sex allocation and in transitions to and from gonochorism (separate sexes) in simultaneous hermaphrodites. I also describe how sequential hermaphrodites may experience a unique form of intra-locus sexual conflict via antagonistic pleiotropy. Finally, I conclude with some suggestions for further research.

Effects of mating, breeding system and parasites on reproduction in hermaphrodites: pulmonate gastropods (Mollusca)

2007 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Backeljau ◽  
Kurt Jordaens ◽  
Lobke Dillen
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Breeding System ◽  
Social Facilitation ◽  
Sex Allocation ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Multiple Mating ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Life History Variation ◽  
Female Fitness

AbstractThere are approximately 20 000 pulmonate gastropod species that are all hermaphroditic and (with a few exceptions) can act in both (i.e., male and female) sexual roles. Life history traits such as growth (rate), age at first reproduction, fecundity, fertility, future survival and offspring survival are highly variable within pulmonate species, even among individuals of the same population. Here, we review some aspects of reproduction (availability of partners, size-dependent sex allocation, courtship, (multiple) mating, sperm longevity/viability, social facilitation), breeding system (self-fertilisation, outcrossing or mixed) and parasitism that may influence an individual's reproductive success and therefore account for part of the intraspecific variation in life history traits. A literature study showed that fecundity, fertility and/or growth are significantly affected by: i) the mating group size through changes in interference competition (e.g., crowding), breeding system and sex allocation; ii) individual body size with larger individuals producing more eggs than smaller individuals; iii) mating whereby female fitness may be positively or negatively affected; iv) social facilitation whereby female fitness is positively affected by the presence of conspecifics; v) the breeding system including the phenomena of inbreeding and outbreeding depression; and vi) parasites that may suppress or stimulate reproduction, especially egg-laying, in parasitised individuals. Moreover, multiple mating and multiple paternity seem very common in pulmonates. Interestingly, several of the above-mentioned aspects seem to interact or even act synergetically. Although many aspects of life history variation in pulmonate gastropods are still poorly understood which makes it difficult to draw general conclusions, pulmonates offer ample opportunities to study the evolution of major topics in evolution and life history strategies. Indeed, there is a growing number of basommatophoran and stylommatophoran model species, experimental setups and molecular, histological and histochemical techniques that are used to test current hypothesis on sex allocation, sexual selection (sexual conflict, sperm competition or cryptic female choice), the evolution of breeding systems and host-parasite interactions which will yield much information for the study of life history strategies as well.

scholarly journals The kin structure of sexual interactions

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 689-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. G. Bourke
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Kin Selection ◽  
Sex Allocation ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Diploid Genome ◽  
Kin Structure

The origin of sexual reproduction involved the evolution of zygotes from separate genomes and, like other social processes, should therefore be amenable to analysis using kin selection theory. I consider how kin structure affects sexual interactions in three contexts—the evolution of sexual reproduction, sex allocation and sexual conflict. Kin structure helps explain the even-handed replication of paternal and maternal genes under outbreeding. Under inbreeding, it predicts altruistic failure to replicate by one half of the diploid genome. Kin structure predicts optimal sex ratios and potential conflicts over sex ratio within social groups and individuals. Sexual conflict predictably occurs as a function of (i) the probability that current sexual partners will reproduce together in future and (ii) between-partner relatedness. I conclude that systematically analysing the kin structure of sexual interactions helps illuminate their evolution.

Sexual Conflict Theory: Concepts and Empirical Tests

2021 ◽  
pp. 241-259
Author(s):  
Wayne G. Rostant ◽  
Emily K. Fowler ◽  
Tracey Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Empirical Tests

Breeding Systems of Spinifex Hopping Mice (Notomys-Alexis) and Plains Rats (Pseudomys-Australis) - a Test for Multiple Paternity Within the Laboratory

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
WG Breed ◽  
M Adams
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Multiple Paternity ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
Laboratory Conditions ◽  
Set Up

This study was carried out as part of a broader investigation into the factors that determine interspecific variation in testis size amongst conilurine rodents. The hypothesis proposed is that the huge differences in absolute and relative testis size between the spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis) and the plains rat (Pseudomys australis) relate to differences in breeding system. One aspect of a species' breeding system, the capacity for multiple paternity, was assessed under laboratory conditions for each species. Allozyme markers were used to set up appropriate trios consisting of one female cohabiting with two mates of different genotypes and to assess the paternity of the resultant pups that were born. Multiple paternity within a single litter was not recorded for hopping mice but was observed occasionally in plains rats, a result consistent with the hypothesis under test.

scholarly journals The health of laboratory mice A comparison of general health in two breeding units where different systems are employed

1959 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 386-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Tuffery
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
General Health ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Sporadic Cases ◽  
Two Populations

Two units, within a mouse-breeding colony, with different breeding systems, have been compared from the point of view of general healthiness of the breeding stock. In one unit the monogamous-pair system, involving post-partum oestrus mating, was employed and in the other the harem system, with isolation of the pregnant females for each litter-down until after the post-partum oestrus. The two units were housed separately and had different staffs. The monogamous-pair unit was accommodated in four small rooms not directly connected; the harem unit in two larger connecting rooms. The methods of cageing, bedding, feeding, watering, care, culling and subsequent procedures were identical for both units and the same system of recording individual detailed information relating to health and breeding was followed for the two units. The size of the two populations studied was 1198 and 1024, respectively, the larger number belonging to the harem unit in which the mice were retained for a significantly longer period. These mice were moved more frequently and handled much more often.Apart from a small outbreak of Tyzzer's disease (in the harem-bred unit) and sporadic cases in both units spread over the whole period of the survey—some 3–4 years—the general health of the two units was good. There were no cases of salmonella infection, mousepox, pasteurellosis or other serious infections. Throughout the period both units maintained a high standard of productivity and there was no evidence that the mating of the monogamous pairs at the post-partum oestrus led to any weakness or ill health. As would be expected, however, the losses from death and culling were greater among the females in both units.The health record of the monogamous-pair bred unit was consistently higher than that of the harem-bred unit. There were more cases of Tyzzer's disease in the harem-bred mice and more evidence generally of ill health in this unit. Infertility was three times greater with the harem-bred mice as compared with those in the monogamous-pair unit.Details of the two systems are discussed and although the records maintained for the two may not be strictly comparable it is concluded that, under the conditions obtaining, the monogamous-pair breeding system yielded a healthier colony of mice than the harem breeding system.I should like to thank Dr J. S. Patterson and Mr R. Cook for placing many of their records at my disposal, Mr S. Peto and his staff for carrying out much of the tedious compilation of data, and Dr D. W. Henderson, F.R.S., for affording me facilities for this work. To these I am especially grateful for their interest, advice and assistance.

The Breeding Systems of Stylidium graminifolium and Stylidium productum (Stylidiaceae)

1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Willis ◽  
JE Ash
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
The South ◽  
Pollination Experiments ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
South West ◽  
Self Pollination ◽  
Incompatibility System ◽  
Close Relationship

The breeding systems of Stylidiurn grarninifolium and S. producturn (= S. grarninifoliurn var. caulescens) were studied by observing the phenology of individual flowers and inflorescences, and relating the data to a series of pollination experiments within and between the species. Inter-specific pollinations yielded similar levels of seed-set to crosses within the species indicating a close relationship between the taxa. Self-pollination of either species is uncommon; however, when it occurs, the majority of selfed ovules are aborted post-zygotically, probably by a system of recessive lethals, as there is no indication of an incompatibility system. It is concluded that the breeding systems of S. grarninifoliurn and S. productum, two of the few eastern Australian species, are similar to those of many Stylidiurn species from the south-west, casting doubt upon hypotheses that the breeding system has led to high rates of speciation in the south-west.

scholarly journals Inheritance of breeding system in Cakile (Brassicaceae) following hybridization: implications for plant invasions

2019 ◽  
Vol 125 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengjun Li ◽  
Mohsen B Mesgaran ◽  
Peter K Ades ◽  
Roger D Cousens
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Population Model ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Plant Invasions ◽  
Quantitative Agreement ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cakile Maritima ◽  
Cakile Edentula

Abstract Background and Aims Hybridization is commonly assumed to aid invasions through adaptive introgression. In contrast, a recent theoretical model predicted that there can be non-adaptive demographic advantages from hybridization and that the population consequences will depend on the breeding systems of the species and the extent to which subsequent generations are able to interbreed and reproduce. We examined cross-fertilization success and inheritance of breeding systems of two species in order to better assess the plausibility of the theoretical predictions. Methods Reciprocal artificial crosses were made to produce F1, F2 and backcrosses between Cakile maritima (self-incompatible, SI) and Cakile edentula (self-compatible, SC) (Brassicaceae). Flowers were emasculated prior to anther dehiscence and pollen was introduced from donor plants to the recipient’s stigma. Breeding system, pollen viability, pollen germination, pollen tube growth and reproductive output were then determined. The results were used to replace the assumptions made in the original population model and new simulations were made. Key Results The success rate with the SI species as the pollen recipient was lower than when it was the pollen donor, in quantitative agreement with the ‘SI × SC rule’ of unilateral incompatibility. Similar outcomes were found in subsequent generations where fertile hybrids were produced but lower success rates were observed in crosses of SI pollen donors with SC pollen recipients. Much lower proportions of SC hybrids were produced than expected from a single Mendelian allele. When incorporated into a population model, these results predicted an even faster rate of replacement of the SC species by the SI species than previously reported. Conclusions Our study of these two species provides even clearer support for the feasibility of the non-adaptive hybridization hypothesis, whereby the colonization of an SI species can be assisted by transient hybridization with a congener. It also provides novel insight into reproductive biology beyond the F1 generation.

scholarly journals What do men want? Re-examining whether men benefit from higher fertility than is optimal for women

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1692) ◽  
pp. 20150149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Moya ◽  
Kristin Snopkowski ◽  
Rebecca Sear
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Reproductive Decisions ◽  
Reproductive Timing ◽  
Reproductive Autonomy ◽  
Costs Of Reproduction ◽  
Male Preference ◽  
Sexual Conflicts ◽  
Fitness Consequences

Several empirical observations suggest that when women have more autonomy over their reproductive decisions, fertility is lower. Some evolutionary theorists have interpreted this as evidence for sexual conflicts of interest, arguing that higher fertility is more adaptive for men than women. We suggest the assumptions underlying these arguments are problematic: assuming that women suffer higher costs of reproduction than men neglects the (different) costs of reproduction for men; the assumption that men can repartner is often false. We use simple models to illustrate that (i) men or women can prefer longer interbirth intervals (IBIs), (ii) if men can only partner with wives sequentially they may favour shorter IBIs than women, but such a strategy would only be optimal for a few men who can repartner. This suggests that an evolved universal male preference for higher fertility than women prefer is implausible and is unlikely to fully account for the empirical data. This further implies that if women have more reproductive autonomy, populations should grow, not decline. More precise theoretical explanations with clearly stated assumptions, and data that better address both ultimate fitness consequences and proximate psychological motivations, are needed to understand under which conditions sexual conflict over reproductive timing should arise.

scholarly journals Sex-Biased Networks and Nodes of Sexually Antagonistic Conflict in Drosophila

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew E. B. Hansen ◽  
Rob J. Kulathinal
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Protein Interaction Data ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Sexual Antagonism ◽  
Potential Conflict ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Novel Strategy

Sexual antagonism, or conflict, can occur when males and females harbor opposing reproductive strategies. The large fraction of sex-biased genes in genomes present considerable opportunities for conflict to occur, suggesting that sexual antagonism may potentially be a general phenomenon at the molecular level. Here, we employ a novel strategy to identify potential nodes of sexual conflict in Drosophila melanogaster by coupling male, female, and sex-unbiased networks derived from genome-wide expression data with available genetic and protein interaction data. We find that sex-biased networks comprise a large fraction (~1/3) of the total interaction network with the male network possessing nearly twice the number of nodes (genes) relative to the female network. However, there are far less edges or interaction partners among male relative to female subnetworks as seen in their power law distributions. We further identified 598 sex-unbiased genes that can act as indirect nodes of interlocus sexual conflict as well as 271 direct nodal pairs of potential conflict between male- and female-biased genes. The pervasiveness of such potentially conflicting nodes may explain the rapid evolution of sex-biased as well as non-sex-biased genes via this molecular mechanism of sexual selection even among taxa such as Drosophila that are nominally sexually dimorphic.

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