Sperm competition and gamete interactions in a marine broadcast spawner

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

Sexual selection almost certainly began in the sea with broadcast spawning organisms, where mass spawning events generate intense reproductive competition among gametes. In this thesis, I applied a range of novel experimental techniques to investigate gamete-level sexual selection in the broadcast spawning mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis. I developed and tested a fluorescent dye technique for tracking sperm in competition, and used it to demonstrate that eggs can moderate sperm competition using chemoattractants. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of this process, I found that chemoattractants induce differential sperm gene expression. Finally, I described complex patterns of sexual selection on multivariate sperm traits.

Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Kennington, Jason, Supervisor
  • Evans, Jon, Supervisor
Thesis sponsors
Award date29 Mar 2018
DOIs
Publication statusUnpublished - 2018

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