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Simultaneous hermaphroditism and sexual selection
Author(s) -
Eric L. Charnov
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.76.5.2480
Subject(s) - biology , sperm competition , sperm , reproduction , sexual selection , sexual conflict , true hermaphroditism , female sperm storage , sexual reproduction , selection (genetic algorithm) , competition (biology) , zoology , evolutionary biology , ecology , genetics , gene , artificial intelligence , computer science , karyotype , chromosome
Theory about the evolution of sexual behavior in dioecious species is based on the general assumption that egg production is limited by a female's ability to garner resources to make eggs, not by a lack of sperm to fertilize them. Reproductive success for males is thus limited by access to females (and their eggs). I suggest that egg production by simultaneous hermaphrodites also obeys this principle-that fertilized egg production by an individual is not limited by sperm availability, but by resources allocated to eggs. If true, this suggests that sperm competition (reproduction success through male function) and a form of male-female conflict have played important roles in the evolution of hermaphroditism.

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