1
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Orton F, Roberts-Rhodes B, Whatley C, Tyler CR. A review of non-destructive biomonitoring techniques to assess the impacts of pollution on reproductive health in frogs and toads. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115163. [PMID: 37354567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
In anuran amphibians (frogs and toads), evidence linking pollution to population declines is limited, in particular through impaired reproduction. Here we review the evidence for pollutant-induced alterations on reproductive endpoints in wild anurans with a particular focus on the application of non-destructive endpoints including on sex ratios, male reproductive phenotypes (data are too scarce for females) and reproductive outputs (reflective of mating success). Data evidencing alterations in sex ratio in wild anurans are scarce, however, both feminisation and masculinisation in response to pollution have been reported (seven studies). Male nuptial pad morphology and calling behaviour display high sensitivity to pollutant-exposure and are important features determining male breeding success, however there is considerable variation in these endpoints and inconsistencies in the responses of them to pollution are reported in wild anurans. Data for clutch size are insufficient to assess sensitivity to pollutants (five studies only). However, hatch success and offspring fitness (tadpole survival/development) are sensitive to pollution, with clear linkages to population stability. In conclusion, there are a wide range of non destructive measures with good potential for application to assess/monitor reproductive health in wild anurans, however, a greater understanding of pollutant effects on these endpoints is needed. There measures deserve wider application as they are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement, and as they can be applied non-destructively are widely applicable to our declining anuran populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Orton
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK; Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS UK.
| | - Bethany Roberts-Rhodes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Catherine Whatley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Charles R Tyler
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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2
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Cheng YC, Chen YH, Chang C, Chuang MF, Hsu Y. Endurance rivalry and female choice jointly influence male mating success in the emerald treefrog (Zhangixalus prasinatus), a lek-chorusing anuran. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:17. [PMID: 37170165 PMCID: PMC10127438 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00117-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Endurance rivalry and female choice are two important mechanisms of sexual selection in lek-breeding species. Endurance rivalry is when males compete for opportunities to mate by spending more time in leks than others (interaction-independent male-male competition). Because high-quality males can afford to have high lek attendance, females have a higher chance of mating with good-quality males even when they mate randomly. The good gene hypothesis proposes that females can pass good genes on to their offspring by choosing males that display elaborate morphological and/or behavioral traits that reflect the males’ genetic quality. The relative importance of lek attendance and female choice to males’ mating success in anurans is rarely evaluated. In this study, we investigated how these two mechanisms might jointly shape males’ morphological traits in the lek-chorusing emerald treefrog Zhangixalus prasinatus.
Results
Our results show that (1) male lek attendance is positively correlated with body size and condition, and males with higher lek attendance have higher mating success, (2) the dominant frequency of males’ advertisement calls are negatively correlated with body size and males producing lower frequency calls have higher mating success, (3) male body size, but not body condition, has a non-significant positive relationship with mating success and (4) females show preference for calls with lower dominant frequencies in two-choice playback.
Conclusions
Overall, both endurance rivalry and female choice play an important role in the mating success of male emerald treefrogs in the field and both are influenced by male body size/condition. By mating with males that have higher lek attendance and produce lower frequency calls, selection may indirectly favor larger males.
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3
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Beranek CT, Clulow J, Mahony M. Genetic evidence for polyandry in the threatened green and golden bell frog. Genetica 2021; 149:327-333. [PMID: 34655370 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-021-00137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Identifying which species exhibit polyandry may lead to further insights into evolutionary biology and social behaviour. However, confirming polyandry can be difficult. High-resolution genetics provides a useful means to gain evidence. Although the threatened Pelodryadid frog, the green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea, has been subject to numerous ecological studies, there is uncertainty surrounding its reproductive ecology. Polyandry has not been formally identified in L. aurea or any species within the Pelodryadidae family. We aimed to identify if there was genetic evidence of polyandry in a population occurring in a wetland complex on Kooragang Island, New South Wales. To accomplish this, we collected genetic samples of tadpoles within the same size cohort about 20-30 days after explosive breeding events. Genotypes of 14 females, nine males and 70 tadpoles were analysed with COLONY (1988 single nucleotide polymorphisms after filtering) to identify parentage, full-siblings and half-siblings. We found support for the hypothesis that L. aurea is polyandrous. Based on previous observations of multi-male matings and the narrow time periods that breeding occurred in, it is likely this species exhibits simultaneous polyandry. We discuss these results in regards to behavioural adaptive processes and avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad T Beranek
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,FAUNA Research Alliance, PO Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW, 2290, Australia.
| | - John Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,FAUNA Research Alliance, PO Box 5092, Kahibah, NSW, 2290, Australia
| | - Michael Mahony
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Biology Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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4
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Abstract
Abstract
The causes and consequences of interspecific variation in sex-specific contributions to animal parental care are relatively well understood during pregnancy or incubation and during offspring provisioning, but comparative patterns of sex-biased investment during nest-, den-, or other shelter-building have been almost completely overlooked. This is surprising because birthing shelters’ protective properties have important fitness consequences for both parents and offspring. Here, we address this gap in our knowledge by testing predictions concerning sex-specific contributions to avian nest building in more than 500 species of Western Palearctic birds in relation to the time available to breed and sex-specific reproductive effort, while also examining correlates with nesting site and nest structure. Using multivariate phylogenetic comparative and path analysis approaches, we found that, opposite to what had been predicted, species in which females build nests alone have shorter breeding seasons and breed at higher latitudes. In addition, species in which females lay larger clutch sizes and incubate eggs alone are more likely to have nests built by females alone, again countering predictions that reproductive contributions are not traded-off between the sexes. Finally, however, sex-specific nest building contributions were predictably related to nest site and structure, as species in which females built nests alone were more likely to have open cup nests relative to enclosed, domed nests of species in which both parents build. Our study provides important new insights, and generates several new questions for experimental research into the adaptive dynamics of sex-specific contributions prior or at the onset of parental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Mainwaring
- Field Research Station at Fort Missoula, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MTUSA
| | - Jenő Nagy
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1., H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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5
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Liu ZD, Wickham JD, Sun JH. Fighting and aggressive sound determines larger male to win male-male competition in a bark beetle. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:203-214. [PMID: 31944573 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Intrasexual selection occurs in male-male competition over access to females and usually results in the larger male winning. While much research has documented that size matters, little is known about how the larger male wins. Dendroctonus valens is an aggregating monogamous bark beetle in which males have large variation in body size and display intense competition over females. Behavioral observation showed two males fight each other within the gallery by pushing/shoving and stridulated more when two males encountered each other. Experiments using two different-sized males synchronously competing showed that larger males won 95% of contests. Reciprocal displacement experiments using muted and intact males of different or equal size were used to simulate male-male competition. Larger males displaced the smaller resident male in 90% of contests, while smaller males prevailed over larger residents in 6.7% of contests. With both males silenced, larger males displaced smaller males in 80% of contests, while smaller males prevailed in 8% of contests. Further experiments using equal-sized males showed aggressive sound-emitting males displaced muted males in 67% of contests, yet intact males displaced other intact males in only 37.5% of contests. Sound analysis showed sound pressure level is an honest signal of body size and males chose soft sounds over loud aggressive sounds in assays. Therefore, D. valens males have evolved dual behaviors, fighting and aggressive sounds associated with body size, to assess rivals to compete for a partner, gaining insights in male-male competition for this species and for other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Jacob D Wickham
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang-Hua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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6
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The Frog Fauna of Southwestern Australia: Diverse, Bizarre, Old, and Polyandrous. J HERPETOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1670/19-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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7
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Powell EC, Painting CJ, Hickey AJ, Holwell GI. Defining an intrasexual male weapon polymorphism in a New Zealand harvestman (Opiliones: Neopilionidae) using traditional and geometric morphometrics. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In many species, competition for mates has led to exaggerated male sexually-selected traits. Sexually-selected male weapons are used in male-male combat and include structures like horns, antlers and enlarged teeth. Weapons often vary intraspecifically in size, resulting in either a continuum of weapon sizes or in discrete male polymorphisms. More rarely, complex weapon polymorphisms can also include variation in weapon shape; however, these are difficult to quantify. Here we first use traditional linear morphometrics to describe a weapon trimorphism in the endemic New Zealand harvestman, Forsteropsalis pureoraTaylor, 2013. We identified three male morphs: a small-bodied gamma male with reduced chelicera, a large-bodied beta male with long, slender chelicerae, and a large-bodied alpha male with shorter, but very broad, robust chelicerae. Chelicera length alone failed to fully capture the variation in weapon investment. Using geometric morphometrics, we show that alpha males are different in weapon shape, whereas beta and gamma males have similar weapon shape, but vary in their body size and chelicera length. Additionally, we describe how the chelicerae function during male-male combat from observations of contests. This work demonstrates how combining linear and geometric morphometrics can help to elucidate complex polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Powell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christina J Painting
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Anthony J Hickey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory I Holwell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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8
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Carvajal-Castro JD, López-Aguirre Y, Ospina-L AM, Santos JC, Rojas B, Vargas-Salinas F. Much more than a clasp: evolutionary patterns of amplexus diversity in anurans. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe evolution and diversification of animal reproductive modes have been pivotal questions in behavioural ecology. Amphibians present the highest diversity of reproductive modes among vertebrates, involving various behavioural, physiological and morphological traits. One such feature is the amplexus, which is the clasp or embrace of males on females during reproduction and is found almost universally in anurans. Hypotheses about the origin of amplexus are limited and have not been tested thoroughly, nor have they taken into account evolutionary relationships in most comparative studies. However, these considerations are crucial to an understanding of the evolution of reproductive modes. Here, using an evolutionary framework, we reconstruct the ancestral state of amplexus in 685 anuran species. We investigate whether the type of amplexus has a strong phylogenetic signal and test whether sexual size dimorphism could have influenced amplexus type or male performance while clasping females. Overall, we found evidence of ≥34 evolutionary transitions in amplexus type across anurans. We found that amplexus type exhibits a high phylogenetic signal and that amplexus type does not evolve in association with sexual size dimorphism. We discuss the implications of our findings for the diversity of amplexus types across anurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Carvajal-Castro
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Villa de Leyva and Bogotá DC, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Yelenny López-Aguirre
- Grupo de Investigación en Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Ana María Ospina-L
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Villa de Leyva and Bogotá DC, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Juan C Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Bibiana Rojas
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Fernando Vargas-Salinas
- Grupo de Investigación en Evolución, Ecología y Conservación (EECO), Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
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9
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Brady SP, Zamora‐Camacho FJ, Eriksson FAA, Goedert D, Comas M, Calsbeek R. Fitter frogs from polluted ponds: The complex impacts of human-altered environments. Evol Appl 2019; 12:1360-1370. [PMID: 31417620 PMCID: PMC6691218 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-modified habitats rarely yield outcomes that are aligned with conservation ideals. Landscapes that are subdivided by roads are no exception, precipitating negative impacts on populations due to fragmentation, pollution, and road kill. Although many populations in human-modified habitats show evidence for local adaptation, rarely does environmental change yield outright benefits for populations of conservation interest. Contrary to expectations, we report surprising benefits experienced by amphibian populations breeding and dwelling in proximity to roads. We show that roadside populations of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, exhibit better locomotor performance and higher measures of traits related to fitness compared with frogs from less disturbed environments located further away from roads. These results contrast previous evidence for maladaptation in roadside populations of wood frogs studied elsewhere. Our results indicate that altered habitats might not be unequivocally detrimental and at times might contribute to metapopulation success. While the frequency of such beneficial outcomes remains unknown, their occurrence underscores the complexity of inferring consequences of environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P. Brady
- Biology DepartmentSouthern Connecticut State UniversityNew HavenConnecticut
| | - Francisco J. Zamora‐Camacho
- Department of Biological SciencesDartmouth CollegeHanoverNew Hampshire
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN‐CSIC)MadridSpain
| | | | - Debora Goedert
- Department of Biological SciencesDartmouth CollegeHanoverNew Hampshire
| | - Mar Comas
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC)SevilleSpain
| | - Ryan Calsbeek
- Department of Biological SciencesDartmouth CollegeHanoverNew Hampshire
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10
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Ding GH, Tang Y, Lin ZH, Fan XL, Wei L. Mating pattern, female reproduction and sexual size dimorphism in a narrow-mouthed frog (Microhyla fissipes). ANIM BIOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The difference in body size and/or shape between males and females, called sexual size dimorphism, is widely accepted as the evolutionary consequence of the difference between reproductive roles. To study the mating pattern, female reproduction and sexual size dimorphism in a population of Microhyla fissipes, amplexus pairs were collected, and the snout-vent length of males and females, female reproductive traits and fertilization rate were measured. If the body size of amplexed females is larger than that of amplectant males, this is referred to as a female-larger pair, a phenomenon that was often observed for M. fissipes in this study. Interestingly, snout-vent length of males in male-larger pairs was greater than that in female-larger pairs, however the post-spawning body mass, clutch size, egg dry mass and clutch dry mass did not differ between both types of pairs. Snout-vent length of males was positively related to that of females in each amplexus pair. After accounting for the snout-vent lengths of females, we showed that snout-vent lengths of males in male-larger pairs were greater than those of females in female-larger pairs. The snout-vent length ratio of males and females was not related to fertilization rate in each amplexus pair. The mean fertilization rate was not different between both amplexus pairs. These results suggest that (1) M. fissipes displays female-biased sexual size dimorphism and has two amplexus types with size-assortative mating; (2) the snout-vent length ratio of males and females in each amplexus type was consistent with the inverse of Rensch’s rule, and was driven by the combined effect of sexual selection and fecundity selection; (3) females with a larger body size were preferred by males due to their higher fecundity, while the body size of males was not important for fertilization success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Ding
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Tang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Fan
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wei
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Cai YL, Mai CL, Yu X, Liao WB. Effect of population density on relationship between pre- and postcopulatory sexual traits. ANIM BIOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-20181057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Sexual selection theory states that the premating (ornaments and armaments) sexual traits should trade off with the postmating (testes and ejaculates) sexual traits, assuming that growing and maintaining these traits is expensive and that total reproductive investments are limited. Male-male competition and sperm competition are predicted to affect how males allocate their finite resources to these traits. Here, we studied relative expenditure on pre- and postmating sexual traits among 82 species for three mammalian orders with varying population density using comparative phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that population density affected sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in both Artiodactyla and Carnivora, but not in Primates. However, relative testis mass and sperm size were not affected by population density. Moreover, we did not find associations between the SSD and testis mass or sperm size in three taxonomic groups. The interspecific relationships between pre- and postcopulatory sexual traits did not change with increased population density. Our findings suggest that population density did not affect variation in the relationship between pre- and postcopulatory sexual traits for these three mammalian orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lin Cai
- 1Department of Urology, the Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Chun Lan Mai
- 2Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Xin Yu
- 2Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Wen Bo Liao
- 2Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
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12
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Gould J. Build me up to break me down: frothed spawn in the sandpaper frog, Lechriodus fletcheri, is formed by female parents and later broken down by their offspring. AUST J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/zo20038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Several genera of anuran amphibians deposit their eggs within mucous secretions that have been aerated by the parents to produce a foam or bubble spawn body. This is a dynamic medium for embryo development given that it gradually breaks down over time, and one that has been hypothesised to serve a variety of purposes including protecting embryos from external stresses, such as suboptimal temperatures, desiccation and predation. In this study, I provide additional details of bubble spawn production in the sandpaper frog, Lechriodus fletcheri. Field and laboratory observations showed that females aerate spawn while in inguinal amplexus, using flanged fingers to transport air bubbles into the mucous. While the frothed spawn is initially resistant to breakdown, it gradually loses bubbles and flattens out into a film. This temporal shift in structure is likely to be adaptive, as the resultant increase in surface area allows embryos to come in direct contact with the open water, which may accommodate their increased oxygen demands or ease extrication from the mass. I provide evidence that this process is controlled by the residing embryos, given that spawn in the absence of embryos does not break down, highlighting the ability of offspring to modify their immediate environment even before hatching occurs to ensure conditions remain suitable for their changing needs.
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13
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Supriya K, Price TD, Rowe M. Resource variation generates positive correlations between pre- and postcopulatory sexual traits. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K Supriya
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Trevor D Price
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Melissah Rowe
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Rudin-Bitterli TS, Mitchell NJ, Evans JP. Environmental Stress Increases the Magnitude of Nonadditive Genetic Variation in Offspring Fitness in the Frog Crinia georgiana. Am Nat 2018; 192:461-478. [DOI: 10.1086/699231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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McCullough EL, Buzatto BA, Simmons LW. Population density mediates the interaction between pre‐ and postmating sexual selection. Evolution 2018; 72:893-905. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. McCullough
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092) The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Bruno A. Buzatto
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092) The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Leigh W. Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092) The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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16
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Tang T, Luo Y, Huang CH, Liao WB, Huang WC. Variation in somatic condition and testis mass in Feirana quadranus along an altitudinal gradient. ANIM BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The competition for fertilization among sperm from different males can drive variation in male reproductive investments. However, the mechanisms shaping reproductive allocation and the resulting variations in reproductive investment relative to environmental variables such as resource availability and male-male competition remain poorly known in frogs. Here, we investigated inter-population variation in male somatic condition and testis mass across four populations of the swelled vent frog Feirana quadranus along an altitudinal gradient. We found that relative testis mass did not increase with altitude, which was inconsistent with previous predictions that an increase in latitude and/or altitude should result in decreased sperm production in anurans due to shortened breeding seasons and the decline in resource availability. We also found no increase in somatic condition and male/female operational sex ratio with altitude. However, the somatic condition exhibited a positive correlation with testis mass, which indicated the condition-dependent testis size in F. quadranus. Moreover, an increase of testis mass with increasing male/female operational sex ratio suggest that male-male competition can result in an increased intensity of sperm competition, thereby increasing testis mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tang
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Luo
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Hua Huang
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Bo Liao
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Chao Huang
- 3Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
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Lodi M, Staikou A, Janssen R, Koene JM. High level of sperm competition may increase transfer of accessory gland products carried by the love dart of land snails. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:11148-11156. [PMID: 29299289 PMCID: PMC5743536 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Postcopulatory adaptations that increase reproductive success compared to rivals, like the transfer of accessory gland products that promote paternity, are common when sperm competition occurs among males. In land snails, the dart shooting behavior and its adaptive significance, in promoting individual fitness through enhanced paternity of the successful dart shooter, have been considered such an adaptation. The fitness result gained is mediated by the transfer of mucus components on the love dart capable of altering the physiology of the receiver's reproductive tract. In this context, dart shooting and mucus transfer could be considered as processes targeted by sexual selection. While the effect of dart mucus is beneficial for the dart user, so far it has remained unknown whether its transport is greater when snails experience a higher level of sperm competition. Here, we report results of a study on inter- and intraspecific variations of dart and mucus gland morphometry, considered to be traits reflecting the ability of snails to adjust the production and transfer of mucus under varying sperm competition scenarios. We investigated four populations with different densities from four dart-bearing species, Arianta arbustorum, Cepaea nemoralis, Cornu aspersum, and Helix lucorum. The results indicate that different adaptations of these traits occur among the studied species that all seem to achieve the same goal of transferring more mucus when sperm competition is higher. For example, the presence of longer and more branched mucous glands or an increase in dart surface most likely reflect increased mucus production and enhanced ability of mucus transport, respectively. Interestingly, the species for which the use of the dart is reported to be facultative, A. arbustorum, did not show any variation among the examined traits. To conclude, sexual selection in the form of sperm competition intensity seems to be an important selective force for these simultaneously hermaphroditic dart-bearing snails, driving differences in sexual traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lodi
- Section of Animal Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Staikou
- Department of Zoology School of Biology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Thessaloniki Macedonia Greece
| | - Ruben Janssen
- Section of Conservation Biology Department of Environmental Sciences University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Joris M Koene
- Section of Animal Ecology Department of Ecological Science Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden The Netherlands
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Simmons LW, Lüpold S, Fitzpatrick JL. Evolutionary Trade-Off between Secondary Sexual Traits and Ejaculates. Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 32:964-976. [PMID: 29050795 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent theoretical models predict that the evolutionary diversification of the weapons and ornaments of pre-mating sexual selection should be influenced by trade-offs with male expenditure on ejaculates. However, the patterns of association between secondary sexual traits and ejaculate expenditure are frequently inconsistent in their support of this prediction. We show why consideration of additional life-history, ecological, and mating-system variables is crucial for the interpretation of associations between secondary sexual traits and ejaculate production. Incorporation of these 'missing variables' provides evidence that interactions between pre- and post-mating sexual selection can underlie broad patterns of diversification in male weapons and ornaments. We call for more experimental and genetic approaches to uncover trade-offs, as well as for studies that consider the costs of mate-searching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Australia.
| | - Stefan Lüpold
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John L Fitzpatrick
- Department of Zoology and Ethology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18B, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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