Shooting darts: co-evolution and counter-adaptation in hermaphroditic snails.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evolutionary conflicts of interest between the sexes often lead to co-evolutionary arms races consisting of repeated arisal of traits advantageous for one sex but harmful to the other sex, and counter-adaptations by the latter. In hermaphrodites, these antagonistic interactions are at least an equally important driving force. Here, we investigate the evolution of one of the most striking examples of sexual conflict in hermaphrodites, the so-called shooting of love-darts in land snails. Stabbing this calcareous dart through the partner's skin ultimately increases paternity. This trait is obviously beneficial for the shooter, but it manipulates sperm storage in the receiver. Hence, an arms race between the love-dart and the spermatophore receiving organs may be expected.

SUBMITTER: Koene JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1080126 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature