Sperm storage reduces the strength of the mate-finding Allee effect.

ABSTRACT: Mate searching is a key component of sexual reproduction that can have important implications for population viability, especially for the mate-finding Allee effect. Interannual sperm storage by females may be an adaptation that potentially attenuates mate limitation, but the demographic consequences of this functional trait have not been studied. Our goal is to assess the effect of female sperm storage durability on the strength of the mate-finding Allee effect and the viability of populations subject to low population density and habitat alteration. We used an individual-based simulation model that incorporates realistic representations of the demographic and spatial processes of our model species, the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca). This allowed for a detailed assessment

SUBMITTER: Jimenez-Franco MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7042743 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature