Reproductive evolution
Image adapted from Lüpold, S., M.K. Manier, N. Puniamoorthy, C. Schoff, W.T. Starmer, S.H. Lüpold, J.M. Belote and S. Pitnick. 2016. How sexual selection can drive the evolution of costly sperm ornamentation. Nature 533: 535–538.
Numerous studies have established the important role of sexual selection in the rapid diversification of sexual traits such as ornaments, armaments and courtship behavior. These traits also tend to be energetically costly to develop and maintain. Theory predicts that the strength of sexual selection increases, males (in particular) are predicted to disproportionally invest in such traits. As a consequence, expression of such sexual traits tends to depend on male physiological condition, and likewise may reliably serve as an index of relative male genetic quality.
Using comparative phylogenetic analyses alongside experimental and functional approaches, we ask how selection acts on males and females, how reproductive traits diversify rapidly and why closely related species often differ most strongly in reproductive characters.
Using comparative phylogenetic analyses alongside experimental and functional approaches, we ask how selection acts on males and females, how reproductive traits diversify rapidly and why closely related species often differ most strongly in reproductive characters.
Evolutionary analysis of closely and distantly related insect genomes suggests rapid genomic expansion and contraction drives reproductive gene evolution in dung beetles.
Mrinalini et al. 2021 Genome Biology and Evolution
Lee et al. 2024 Behavioural Processes
Experimental evolution in dung flies suggests that conspicuous courtship behaviour under sexual selection can persist even in the face of strong predation pressure.
Cost of mating on adult longevity varies: Males generally outlive females but mating increases female but reduces male lifespan in captial breeding black soldier flies.
Harjoko et al. 2023 Animal Behaviour
Insect photos credit: Tiffany Lum