Rapid decreases in relative testes mass among monogamous birds but not in other vertebrates. (21st November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, Joanna; Humphries, Stuart; Ferguson‐Gow, Henry; Meade, Andrew; Venditti, Chris
• Editors: Davies, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Ecology letters. Volume 23:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2019-11-21
• Subjects: Adaptation -- evolutionary rates -- relative testes mass -- social mating system -- sperm competition -- vertebrates; Ecology -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/ele.13431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-023X

Abstract

Abstract: Larger testes produce more sperm and therefore improve reproductive success in the face of sperm competition. Adaptation to social mating systems with relatively high and low sperm competition are therefore likely to have driven changes in relative testes size in opposing directions. Here, we combine the largest vertebrate testes mass dataset ever collected with phylogenetic approaches for measuring rates of morphological evolution to provide the first quantitative evidence for how relative testes mass has changed over time. We detect explosive radiations of testes mass diversity distributed throughout the vertebrate tree of life: bursts of rapid change have been frequent during vertebrate evolutionary history. In socially monogamous birds, there have been repeated rapid reductions in relative testes mass. We see no such pattern in other monogamous vertebrates; the prevalence of monogamy in birds may have increased opportunities for investment in alternative behaviours and physiologies allowing reduced investment in expensive testes. Abstract : Explosive radiations of testes mass diversity have punctuated the vertebrate tree of life: bursts of rapid testes mass change have been frequent during vertebrate evolutionary history. In socially monogamous birds, there have been repeated rapid reductions in relative testes mass.