Sperm competition and the evolution of ejaculate composition.
We present a model of sperm competition that incorporates both sperm and nonsperm parts of the ejaculate. Our primary focus is on determining how ejaculate composition and size evolves as a function of the effects of seminal fluid on male reproductive success and as a function of asymmetry in sperm usage by females. The model predicts that different patterns of investment in sperm and seminal products are expected to evolve as a function of the bias in sperm usage by females. It also predicts the evolution of distinct patterns in ejaculate composition depending on the function of seminal fluid. In the discussion, we highlight a number of potential approaches for testing the theory that we develop.
Cameron
Erin
E
Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. erin.cameron@mcgill.ca
Day
Troy
T
Rowe
Locke
L
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004542:Ejaculation; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D013094:Spermatozoa