First evidence of sexual dimorphism in olfactory organs of deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae).

ABSTRACT: Finding a mate is of the utmost importance for organisms, and the traits associated with successfully finding one can be under strong selective pressures. In habitats where biomass and population density is often low, like the enormous open spaces of the deep sea, animals have evolved many adaptations for finding mates. One convergent adaptation seen in many deep-sea fishes is sexual dimorphism in olfactory organs, where, relative to body size, males have evolved greatly enlarged olfactory organs compared to females. Females are known to give off chemical cues such as pheromones, and these chemical stimuli can traverse long distances in the stable, stratified water of the deep sea and be picked up by the olfactory organs of males. This adaptation is believed to help males in multiple linea

SUBMITTER: Martin RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10941764 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature