Evolutionary medicine: semen sampling and seminal plasma hypersensitivity

Abstract

Evidence suggests that each male may have a unique semen signature, and there are reasons to consider the possibility that semen sampling (i.e., being inseminated by different prospective mates during courtship) may be part of an evolved female mate assessment strategy. Here we theorize that seminal plasma hypersensitivity represents the extreme negative end of this continuum and functions as a deterrent to mating with genetically incompatible suitors.