Sperm storage by males causes changes in sperm phenotype and influences the reproductive fitness of males and their sons.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies suggest that environmentally induced effects on sperm phenotype can influence offspring phenotype beyond the classic Mendelian inheritance mechanism. However, establishing whether such effects are conveyed purely through ejaculates, independently of maternal environmental effects, remains a significant challenge. Here, we assess whether environmentally induced effects on sperm phenotype affects male reproductive success and offspring fitness. We experimentally manipulated the duration of sperm storage by males, and thus sperm age, in the internally fertilizing fish Poecilia reticulata. We first confirm that sperm ageing influences sperm quality and consequently males reproductive success. Specifically, we show that aged sperm exhibit impaired velocity and are competit

SUBMITTER: Gasparini C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6121797 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature