category: Biology
‘Battle of the Sexes’ Offers Evolutionary Insights: Role of Genital Spines in Reproductive Success
Source: Science Daily
In a paper published May 3, in the journal Evolution, University of Cincinnati graduate student Karl Grieshop and Michal Polak, associate professor of biological sciences at UC, examine the role of genital spines in the reproductive success of a species of fruit fly. Their investigation identifies the specific type of advantage these spines bestow in the competition to reproduce.
"The leading hypothesis to explain the remarkable diversification of male genital traits is that such complexity evolves in response to sexual selection," Grieshop said. "Specifically, mechanisms of sexual selection operating during and after mating, such as sperm competition and cryptic female choice, have received the most support."
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