Parental effects on offspring sex ratio in the Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus): does captivity influence paternal sex allocation?

ABSTRACT: Sex allocation theories predict that under different ecological conditions the production of sons and daughters will affect parental fitness differently. Skewed offspring sex ratios often occur under captive conditions where individuals are exposed to nutritional and social conditions that differ from nature. Here, we analyzed 29 years of offspring sex ratio data from a captive population of an endangered marsupial, the Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). We partitioned variation in offspring sex ratio based on parental origin (captive- vs. wild-bred), parental weight, maternal age, and maternal reproductive history. Our analyses revealed no effect of parental weight or maternal origin on offspring sex ratio-however, there was a significant effect of paternal origin. Data visualization

SUBMITTER: Firman RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10682968 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature