Evolutionary response to sexual selection in male genital morphology. 2009

Leigh W Simmons, and Clarissa M House, and John Hunt, and Francisco García-González
Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology (M092), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia. lsimmons@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

Male genital morphology is characterized by two striking and general patterns of morphological variation: rapid evolutionary divergence in shape and complexity, and relatively low scaling relationships with body size. These patterns of variation have been ascribed to the action of sexual selection. Among species, monogamous taxa tend to have relatively less complex male genital morphology than do polygamous taxa. However, although variation in male genital morphology can be associated with variation in mating and fertilization success, there is no direct evidence that sexual selection generates the evolutionary changes in male genital shape that underlie observed macroevolutionary patterns. Moreover, the hypothesis that sexual selection acts to reduce the scaling relationship between body and genital size is based entirely on the theoretical argument that male genitalia should be selected to provide an appropriate mechanical and/or stimulatory fit to the most commonly encountered female genitalia. Here, using the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus, we combine the power of experimental evolution with multivariate selection and quantitative genetic analyses to provide the most comprehensive evidence available of the form and evolutionary consequences of sexual selection acting on male genital morphology.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D005075 Biological Evolution The process of cumulative change over successive generations through which organisms acquire their distinguishing morphological and physiological characteristics. Evolution, Biological
D005260 Female Females
D005837 Genitalia, Male The male reproductive organs. They are divided into the external organs (PENIS; SCROTUM; and URETHRA) and the internal organs (TESTIS; EPIDIDYMIS; VAS DEFERENS; SEMINAL VESICLES; EJACULATORY DUCTS; PROSTATE; and BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS). Accessory Sex Organs, Male,Genital Organs, Male,Sex Organs, Accessory, Male,Genitals, Male,Reproductive System, Male,Genital, Male,Male Genital,Male Genital Organs,Male Genitalia,Male Genitals,Male Reproductive System,Male Reproductive Systems,Reproductive Systems, Male
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001517 Coleoptera Order of winged insects also known as beetles comprising over 350,000 species in 150 families. They possess hard bodies with mouthparts adapted for chewing. Beetles,Beetle
D052586 Mating Preference, Animal The selection or choice of sexual partner in animals. Often this reproductive preference is based on traits in the potential mate, such as coloration, size, or behavioral boldness. If the chosen ones are genetically different from the rejected ones, then NATURAL SELECTION is occurring. Sexual Selection, Animal,Animal Mating Preference,Animal Sexual Selection

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