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Within-population variation in ejaculate characteristics in a prolonged breeder, Peron's tree frog, Litoria peronii

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posted on 2023-05-16, 22:22 authored by Sherman, CDH, Uller, T, Erik WapstraErik Wapstra, Olsson, M
Sperm number is often a good predictor of success in sperm competition; however, it has become increasingly clear that, for some species, variation in probability of paternity cannot be explained by sperm number alone. Intraspecific variation in ejaculate characteristics, such as the number of viable sperm and sperm longevity, may play an equally important role in determining fertilization success. Here, we assess variation among ejaculates in three factors that may contribute to fertilization success (number of sperm per ejaculate, viability, and longevity), in a population of Peron's tree frog (Litoria peronii). We detected large variation among males in the number of sperm per ejaculate and the proportion of viable sperm within ejaculates, which could not be explained by variation in either male size or body condition. However, the proportion of viable sperm released by males increased over the season. Finally, we assessed sperm longevity (proportion viable sperm determined using a dual-fluorochrome vital dye) at two different temperatures. At 23°C, on average, 75% of sperm remained viable after 2 h, but there were significant differences amongst males with the percentage of viable sperm ranging from 43% to 95%. For sperm incubated at 4°C, ejaculates varied fivefold in sperm longevity with some males having 50% viable sperm after 5 days. Our data suggest that ejaculate characteristics (sperm number, viability, and longevity) vary widely in Peron's tree frog and may therefore play an important role in determining siring success both in the presence and absence of sperm competition. We discuss the results in relation to selection on ejaculate traits via natural and sexual selection in this and other amphibians. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.

History

Publication title

Naturwissenschaften

Volume

95

Issue

11

Pagination

1055-1061

ISSN

0028-1042

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Springer

Place of publication

Germany

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences

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