Antonio López-Sebastián
Spain
Research Article
Post-Coital Sperm Competence in Polygamous Animals: The Role of Sperm
Traits in Species–Specific Strategies
Author(s): Julian Santiago-Moreno, Milagros C Esteso, Cristina Castaño, Adolfo Toledano-Díaz and Antonio López-SebastiánJulian Santiago-Moreno, Milagros C Esteso, Cristina Castaño, Adolfo Toledano-Díaz and Antonio López-Sebastián
In some species, the females may mate with more than one male. In these polygamous animals, both pre-coital and post-coital strategies are required for reproductive success. This mini review aims at providing an update of the role of sperm traits in species–specific strategies for post-coital sperm competence. According to the spermcompetition theory, in such species the reproductive success of the males then depends upon both the magnitude of inter-male rivalry and covert sperm competition. The number of inseminated sperm, the percentage of sperm without morphological abnormalities in the ejaculates, and the sperm velocity variables play a significant role in sperm competition. Therefore, males that transfer more sperm per ejaculate or who copulate more often, are more likely to sire offspring. The transfer of large numbers of sperm is also guaranteed by ejaculates with high sp.. View More»
