The importance of sperm limitation to the evolution of egg size in marine invertebrates
Article Abstract:
Interspecific variation in marine invertebrate egg size has been explained mainly by a trade-off between gamete quality and quantity, which assumes 100% fertilization of eggs. An alternative hypothesis is proposed in which sperm limitation affects the evolution of egg size. Fewer but larger eggs have a higher probability of getting fertilized, whereas many small eggs have lower probability of fertilization. The hypothesis was tested by examining the fertilization rates of three species of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus which have large differences in egg size. The results showed that sperm limitation could drive the evolution of egg size in marine invertebrates.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1993
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Predicting optimal and unique egg sizes in free-spawning marine invertebrates
Article Abstract:
The suitable strategy for analyzing egg-size selection regarding free spawning marine invertebrates needs to be thoroughly studied. Empirical data on development time and egg size from a study of both the common echinoids at observation sites in British Columbia and a group of echinoids off the subtropical coast of Florida support the theory that sperm limitation likely influences the evolution of egg size. Other studies suggest that subtle variations in gamete attributes can influence rates of fertilization, and these variations are not defeated by environmental conditions.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1996
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Evolution of egg size in free-spawners: consequences of the fertilization-fecundity trade-off
Article Abstract:
A fertilization-kinetics model is used to illustrate a theory that bigger eggs in marine invertebrates are fertilized at a greater rate as they offer a bigger quarry for sperm. Contrary to the theory that zygote output is increased by larger egg size, the model demonstrates that a higher zygote output by Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis in relation to its congeners is due to inter-specific variations in egg fertilizability and sperm half life.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1996
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