Making a meal of mother

Article Abstract:

Matriphagy, where the young consume the mother, may be a survival adaptation of the Australian social spider Diaea ergandros. The mother's weight is directly correlated to the number of surviving offspring because the heavier the mother, the longer before the spiderlings turn to cannibalism of siblings. Additionally, the mother spiders appear to have a physiological adaptation to encourage matriphagy because, after the one clutch carried by this species, the ovaries redevelop with nonviable oocytes which may be designed to provide extra nutrients for the offspring.

Physiological aspects, Adaptation (Biology), Evolutionary adaptation, Spiders

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Comparative evidence for the evolution of genitalia by sexual selection

Article Abstract:

There is convincing empirical evidence for a postmating sexual selection mechanism of genital evolution, according to research comparing pairs of related clades of insects that differ in mating system. This research also indicates that sexual selection could be responsible for the evolutionary elaboration of both primary and secondary sexual traits. It is now necessary to try to determine which forms of postmating sexual selection are responsible for genital evolution.

Insects, Anatomy, Sexual selection in animals, Sexual selection (Natural selection)

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Reversal of sex roles in nuptial feeding

Article Abstract:

The chances of nuptial feeding of male to female are identified by analysis on an extraordinary insect Phorecticovelia disparate. The results show that to ensure a regular sperm supply, female gift giving is not necessary.

United States, Science & research, Animal reproduction, Spermatogenesis in animals, Animal spermatogenesis

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