Selection on females can create 'larger males'

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
J Karubian, J P Swaddle

Abstract

In many bird and mammal species, males are significantly larger than females. The prevailing explanation for larger-sized males is that sexual selection drives increased male size. In addition, researchers commonly assume that the extent of dimorphism indicates the strength of selection for increased size in males. Here, through reconstruction of ancestral morphology for males and females of one large avian clade we present data that contradict this assumption and illustrate that selection for decreased female size explains 'male-biased' dimorphism ca. 50% of the time. Our findings are also inconsistent with ecological niche partitioning between the sexes and increased breeding benefits from reduced female size as general explanations for the evolution of size dimorphism within the clade. We conclude that it is incorrect to assume sexual dimorphism results from a single selective factor, such as directional sexual selection on increased male size. Rather, we suggest that the selective forces leading to sexual dimorphism may vary between species and should be tested on a case-by-case basis using a phylogenetic approach.

References

Dec 21, 1985·Journal of Theoretical Biology·R Lande, S J Arnold
Aug 11, 2000·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·A V Badyaev, T E Martin
Sep 1, 1998·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·C W CunninghamT H Oakley
Aug 1, 1994·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·A P Møller, T R Birkhead

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Dec 24, 2002·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·John P Swaddle, Gillian W Reierson
Oct 30, 2013·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Jeffrey A FrenchAndrew K Birnie
Feb 14, 2003·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Albrecht I Schulte-HosteddeH Lisle Gibbs
Nov 26, 2003·Journal of Evolutionary Biology·P LindenforsJ D Reynolds

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.