scholarly journals Intra-ejaculate sperm selection in female zebra finches

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 20160220 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Hemmings ◽  
C. Bennison ◽  
T. R. Birkhead
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Head Size ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Distinct Subset ◽  
Morphological Composition

Among internal fertilizers, typically fewer than 1% sperm survive the journey through the oviduct. Several studies suggest that the sperm reaching the ovum—the ‘fertilizing set’—comprise a non-random sub-population, but the characteristics of this group remain unclear. We tested whether oviductal selection in birds results in a morphologically distinct subset of sperm, by exploiting the fact that the fertilizing set are trapped by the perivitelline layer of the ovum. We show that these sperm have remarkably low morphological variation, as well as smaller head size and greater tail length, compared with those inseminated. Our study shows that the morphological composition of sperm—rather than length alone—influences success in reaching the ovum.

3 SELECTION OF UNFRAGMENTED-DNA SPERMATOZOA FROM HEAT STRESSED MICE BY FEMALE UTERINE TRACT AND ZONA PELUCIDA BINDING

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
J. D. Hourcade ◽  
M. Perez-Crespo ◽  
B. Pintado ◽  
A. Gutiérrez-Adán
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Sperm Dna ◽  
Selection Of

Physiological bases of the sperm selection processes within the female reproductive tract before they meet and fertilize the oocyte are unknown. The aim of this work was to determine if one of the keys of spermatozoa selection could be DNA integrity. It has been reported that sperm DNA damage does not impair in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, it has been suggested that the zona pelucida (ZP) is able to select spermatozoa with unfragmented DNA (Liu and Baker 2007 Hum. Reprod. 22, 1597–1602). In this work, DNA damage of spermatozoa was artificially induced by scrotal heat treatment (HT) (42°C, 30 min). Twenty-one days after the HT, spermatozoa were recovered from the epididymis caudae of CD1 mice and from the uterine horns near the cervix (Uc), from the uterine horns near the oviducts (Uo), and from the oviducts (Ov) of CD1 females 1–2 h after mating with HT and control males. In each region we determined numbers of spermatozoa, individual motility and sperm DNA integrity by COMET assay (% DNA in tail, tail length, and COMET moment was calculated). Also, females naturally mated either with HT or control males were killed at Day 14 of pregnancy, and number of foetuses and resorptions was recorded. Additionally, IVF was performed with epididymal sperm from HT or control males, Two hours after IVF attached and un-attached spermatozoa to the ZP were recovered and samples were evaluated for sperm motility (CASA), sperm zona-binding, and sperm DNA fragmentation (COMET). Also cleavage rate of fertilized oocytes with sperm from HT or control males was analyzed. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the results form each group. Epididymal sperm count (12*106 and 4.4*106 for control and HT respectively), sperm motility (75 and 21% respectively) and testis weight (133.90 and 68.76 mg, respectively) were significantly reduced after heat treatment (P < 0.001). For the heat treatment, COMET values decreased significantly during the transit from Uc to Uo and from Uo to Ov (Tail DNA: 25.7, 23.5, and 14.4% respectively, P < 0.01; Tail length: 38.4, 29.4, and 11.2 pixels, P < 0.001; COMET Moment: 12.5, 8.5, and 2 respectively, P < 0.001). Heat treatment reduced numbers of foetuses (7 ± 0.5 v. 5 ± 0.49, control and HT group, respectively), but number of resorptions was not altered. Spermatozoa bound per ZP in IVF experiments (55 ± 7 and 13 ± 6, control and HT, respectively) and cleavage rate (61 ± 1 v. 15 ± 6, control and HT, respectively) were significantly reduced in the HT group. Two hours after IVF, spermatozoa attached to the ZP in HT group showed a significant decrease in COMET parameters as in tail length (59.46 ± 2.895 v. 34.66 ± 3.531), and in tail moment compared with unattached spermatozoa. Our results indicate that DNA integrity sperm selection mechanisms are present in both the female tract and the ZP. We suggest that genital tract and sperm-ZP binding process plays an important role in selection of sperm with normal chromatin DNA.

Heads or tails? Sexual dimorphism in helodermatid lizards

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.M. Gienger ◽  
Daniel D. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Repeated Sequences ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Head Size ◽  
Heloderma Suspectum

We tested the hypothesis that helodermatid lizards (Gila monsters, Heloderma suspectum Cope, 1869, and beaded lizards, H. horridum (Wiegmann, 1829)) show sexual dimorphism in morphological traits related to male–male agonistic behaviors. Male–male combat in helodermatid lizards involves repeated sequences of ritualized grappling. Male Gila monsters use their heads in attempts to gain or maintain a superior position during repeated combat bouts that may last for hours. Pairs of fighting male beaded lizards form spectacular body arches, with abdomens adpressed and snouts, forelimbs, and tail tips contacting the ground. We measured body size, head size, and tail length in 208 preserved H. suspectum, and body size and tail length (but not head size) in 79 live H. horridum, then tested for sexual dimorphism using analysis of covariance. Male Gila monsters had proportionately larger heads than females but did not differ in tail length or body size. Male beaded lizards had proportionately longer tails than females and were larger in body size only when the largest individuals were included in the analysis. Differences in head dimensions (in H. suspectum) and tail length (in H. horridum) are likely the result of sexual selection acting through male–male agonistic behaviors in this unique lizard taxon.

scholarly journals Sources of Intraspecific Morphological Variation in Vipera seoanei: Allometry, Sex, and Colour Phenotype

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahla Lucchini ◽  
Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou ◽  
Guillermo Aguado Val ◽  
Fernando Martínez-Freiría
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Morphometrics ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Body Proportions ◽  
Head Shape ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Colour Morphs ◽  
Intraspecific Morphological Variation

AbstractSnakes frequently exhibit ontogenetic and sexual variation in head dimensions, as well as the occurrence of distinct colour morphotypes which might be fitness-related. In this study, we used linear biometry and geometric morphometrics to investigate intraspecific morphological variation related to allometry and sexual dimorphism in Vipera seoanei, a species that exhibits five colour morphotypes, potentially subjected to distinct ecological pressures. We measured body size (SVL), tail length and head dimensions in 391 specimens, and examined variation in biometric traits with respect to allometry, sex and colour morph. In addition, we analysed head shape variation by recording the position of 29 landmarks in 123 specimens and establishing a low-error protocol for implementing geometric morphometrics to European vipers. All head dimensions exhibited significant allometry, while sexual differences occurred for SVL, relative tail length and snout height. After considering size effects, we found significant differences in body proportions between the sexes and across colour morphs, which suggests an important influence of lowland and montane habitats in shaping morphological variation. By contrast, head shape did not exhibit significant variation across sexes or colour morphs. Instead it was mainly associated to allometric variation, where the supraocular and the rear regions of the head were the areas that varied the most throughout growth and across individuals. Overall, this study provides a thorough description of morphological variability in Vipera seoanei and highlights the relevance of combining different tools (i.e. linear and geometric morphometrics) and analyses to evaluate the relative contribution of different factors in shaping intraspecific variation.

scholarly journals Correction to ‘Intra-ejaculate sperm selection in female zebra finches’

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 20180004 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Hemmings ◽  
C. Bennison ◽  
T. R. Birkhead
Keyword(s):  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Sperm Selection

PID, a new member of the P1 bacteriophage group

1994 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-W. Ackermann ◽  
Alain Reynaud ◽  
Marie C. Gayerie
Keyword(s):  
Tail Length ◽  
Head Size ◽  
Phage Group ◽  
Bacteriophage P1

Phage PID produces particles of essentially uniform head size and differs from P1 in its range and tail length. The dimensions of phage P1 are reassessed. The P1 phage group shows signs of morphological evolution.Key words: bacteriophage P1, evolution, morphology.

GENETICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN THE EELPOUT ZOARCES VIVIPARUS

1981 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freddy Bugge Christiansen ◽  
Birte Vivi Nielsen ◽  
Vibeke Simonsen
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Geographical Variation ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Local Populations ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Zoarces Viviparus ◽  
Fin Rays ◽  
Morphological Composition ◽  
Pectoral Fin Rays

The geographical variation in genotypic and morphological composition is compared for populations of the eelpout, Zoarces viviparus (L.), in Mariager Fjord, Denmark. The morphological characters are number of vertebrae, dorsal fin hard rays, pectoral fin rays, and pigment spots of dorsal fin. The geographical variation in these traits agrees well with that described by Johs. Schmidt half a century ago. The electrophoretical variation at five enzyme loci: Ada, EstIII, Got, PgmI and PgmII is described. The scale of differentiation is comparable for the two classes of traits, and differentiations between local populations down to a distance of about 10 km are shown.

scholarly journals Sources of intraspecific morphological variation in Vipera seoanei: allometry, sex, and colour phenotype

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Nahla Lucchini ◽  
Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou ◽  
Guillermo Aguado Val ◽  
Fernando Martínez-Freiría
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Morphometrics ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Body Proportions ◽  
Head Shape ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Colour Morphs ◽  
Intraspecific Morphological Variation

Abstract Snakes frequently exhibit ontogenetic and sexual variation in head dimensions, as well as the occurrence of distinct colour morphotypes which might be fitness-related. In this study, we used linear biometry and geometric morphometrics to investigate intraspecific morphological variation related to allometry and sexual dimorphism in Vipera seoanei, a species that exhibits five colour morphotypes, potentially subjected to distinct ecological pressures. We measured body size (SVL), tail length and head dimensions in 391 specimens, and examined variation in biometric traits with respect to allometry, sex and colour morph. In addition, we analysed head shape variation by recording the position of 29 landmarks in 123 specimens and establishing a low-error protocol for implementing geometric morphometrics to European vipers. All head dimensions exhibited significant allometry, while sexual differences occurred for SVL, relative tail length and snout height. After considering size effects, we found significant differences in body proportions between the sexes and across colour morphs, which suggests an important influence of lowland and montane habitats in shaping morphological variation. By contrast, head shape did not exhibit significant variation across sexes or colour morphs. Instead it was mainly associated to allometric variation, where the supraocular and the rear regions of the head were the areas that varied the most throughout growth and across individuals. Overall, this study provides a thorough description of morphological variability in Vipera seoanei and highlights the relevance of combining different tools (i.e. linear and geometric morphometrics) and analyses to evaluate the relative contribution of different factors in shaping intraspecific variation.

scholarly journals Morphological variation of Philodryas patagoniensis (Girard, 1858) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) from Brazil, based on the study of pholidosis, coloration and morphometric features

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaella Vallim Gouveia ◽  
Iara Alves Novelli ◽  
Fabiano Matos Vieira ◽  
Bernadete Maria de Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Head Length ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Morphometric Features ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The current study aimed to verify the relationship between the patterns of coloration, the morphometrical features and pholidosis of specimens of Philodryas patagoniensis from Brazil, with the sexual dimorphism of this species. We studied specimens of P. patagoniensis deposited in several herpetological collections from Brazil. A total of 355 specimens were analyzed, of these 145 were males (87 adults and 58 juveniles) and 210 were females (134 adults and 76 juveniles). Adult specimens exhibit sexual dimorphism in snout-vent length, tail length, head length, number of ventral shields, and number of subcaudal shields. The analysis of variance showed that the adult females are significantly longer than adult males, both at snout-vent length and tail length. Females have a greater number of ventral shields (138-210) than males (151-200). The specimens studied also exhibit two distinct patterns of coloration unrelated to geographical or sexual variations.

scholarly journals Known Range Expansion and Morphological Variation in the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in Quebec

2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Louis Lazure ◽  
Patrick Paré ◽  
Nathalie Tessier ◽  
Patrice Bourgault ◽  
Geneviève Dubois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
New Records ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Glaucomys Volans ◽  
Flying Squirrel ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Aire De Répartition ◽  
Southern Flying Squirrel

New records of the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in Quebec expand its known range in the province 150 km east to the appalachian foothills and farther west than previously assumed. We obtained individuals through live trapping, trapper collaboration, and opportunistic discoveries. Species identification was confirmed with morphological traits and molecular analysis. individuals were smaller in the eastern part of the province in terms of mass, total length, and tail length. Some live captures also seem to corroborate the fact that Southern Flying Squirrels are mainly associated with mature hardwood forests.De nouvelles mentions du petit polatouche (Glaucomys volans) au Québec permettent d’étendre son aire de répartition connue jusqu’à 150 km à l’est dans les contreforts des appalaches et plus à l’ouest que présumé. Les spécimens ont été obtenus via des captures vivantes, la collaboration des trappeurs et des découvertes opportunistes. L’identification de l’espèce a été confirmée sur des bases morphologiques et moléculaires. Les individus étaient plus petits dans l’est de la province en considérant la masse, la longueur totale et celle de la queue. Les quelques captures d’animaux vivants semblent corroborer que le petit polatouche est davantage associé, au niveau de l’habitat, aux peuplements de feuillus matures.

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