Mechanisms underlying the sperm quality advantage in sperm competition and cryptic female choice in Drosophila melanogaster

摘要: Contrary to early predictions of sperm competition theory, postcopulatory sexual selection favoring increased investment per (e.g., size, quality) has been demonstrated in numerous organisms. Recent findings reveal that production strategies are highly variable, with males some species producing relatively few, giant sperm. We empirically demonstrate for Drosophila melanogaster both quality and quantity independently contribute competitive male fertilization success. The interaction between suggests an internal positive reinforcement on quality, predicted intensify as increases the number competing declines. mechanism underlying advantage is elucidated through examination relationship female sperm-storage organ morphology differential organization different length within organ. Our results exemplify primary sex cells can bear secondary straits.