Sperm competition and the evolution of sperm design in mammals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The influence of sperm competition upon sperm size has been a controversial issue during the last 20 years which remains unresolved for mammals. The hypothesis that, when ejaculates compete with rival males, an increase in sperm size would make sperm more competitive because it would increase sperm swimming speed, has generated contradictory results from both theoretical and empirical studies. In addition, the debate has extended to which sperm components should increase in size: the midpiece to accommodate more mitochondria and produce more energy to fuel motility, or the principal piece to generate greater propulsion forces.

Results

In this study we examined the influence of sperm competition upon sperm design in mammals using a much larger data set (226 species

SUBMITTER: Tourmente M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3030547 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature