Sperm length variation is linked to sexual ornamentation in male paper wasps
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Data
2022-01-01
Autores
de Souza, André R.
Santos, Eduardo F. [UNESP]
Baptista, Camila F.
Dias, Glenda
Nascimento, Fábio S.
Lino-Neto, José
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Resumo
Diversification of sperm design is a common feature in animals. Considerable intra-individual variation has been detected even in species whose males produce a monomorphic sperm. The evolutionary forces that shape the variation in the gross morphology of these gametic cells are still not completely understood. Previous studies suggest that the intra-individual variation in sperm size reduces as a result of post-copulatory sexual selection. To our knowledge, for the first time, we provide evidence here that pre-copulatory sexual selection can also play a role. By studying the Neotropical paper wasp, Polistes simillimus, a monandrous species, we found reduced variation in sperm length in males bearing sexual ornamentation preferred by females. Besides, the female spermatheca contains a less variable sperm compared to that in the male seminal vesicles. Thus, the scope of selection, acting on this sperm trait, seems broader than previously acknowledged.
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female choice, melanin-based sexual ornamentation, Polistes, pre-copulatory sexual selection, social insect, sperm morphology
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Ethology Ecology and Evolution.