Sperm competition: linking form to function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Using information from physics, biomechanics and evolutionary biology, we explore the implications of physical constraints on sperm performance, and review empirical evidence for links between sperm length and sperm competition (where two or more males compete to fertilize a female's eggs). A common theme in the literature on sperm competition is that selection for increased sperm performance in polyandrous species will favour the evolution of longer, and therefore faster swimming, sperm. This argument is based on the common assumption that sperm swimming velocity is directly related to sperm length, due to the increased thrust produced by longer flagella.

Results

We critically evaluate the evidence for links between sperm morphology and swimming speed, and draw o

SUBMITTER: Humphries S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2632676 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature