Opposing effects of sperm viability and velocity on the outcome of sperm competition

38Citations
Citations of this article
61Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Sperm competition is often envisaged as a raffle where differences in sperm quality "load" the raffle in favor of the male with the higher quality sperm. Sperm quality, however, is a complex trait, and the effects of its various components on the outcome of sperm competition are likely to depend upon their role in sperm transport, storage, and fertilization. Here, I use artificial insemination to assess the relationships between sperm viability, velocity, and storage on siring success in the swordtail Xiphophorus nigrensis (Teleostei: Poeciliidae), an internally fertilized fish with alternative reproductive tactics. Males with greater sperm viability sired more offspring than their rival, as predicted if the number of fertilization-capable sperm influences sperm competition in a numerical raffle. In contrast, males with faster swimming sperm sired fewer offspring, but only when sperm were stored prior to fertilization. Faster swimming sperm were thus a liability following sperm storage, suggesting a trade-off between sperm velocity and longevity in vivo. These results provide experimental evidence that the sign and magnitude can differ among components of sperm quality depending upon the mechanisms that mediate their effects. © 2012 The Author.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Smith, C. C. (2012). Opposing effects of sperm viability and velocity on the outcome of sperm competition. Behavioral Ecology, 23(4), 820–826. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ars036

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free