The ecological cost of sex
Article Abstract:
A classical ecological model supplies a structure for understanding sex and asex as alternative strategies for reproductively isolated sub-populations that compete to consume a common resource. Applying classical population dynamics highlights how intraspecific competition can stop the invasion of an asexual mutant into a sexual population. Coexistence can take place immediately if the invading asexuals have a smaller inhibitory effect on the exploitative capacity of the sexuals than the sexuals have on themselves. The twofold cost of males to the growth capacity of the sexual population does not necessarily present a threat to the survival of the sexual strategy.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Sex and the male stick insect
Article Abstract:
Several unusual modes of reproduction, including androgenesis, were observed during the natural hybridization of two species of stick insect in Sicily. Androgenesis, or development without the female pronucleus, was not previously known to occur among animals. B. Mantovani and colleagues resorted to gel electrophoresis of alloenzymes and chromosomal analysis to examine the hybridogenetic strains produced by females of the species Bacillus rossius and males of the species Bacillus grandii. Behavioral or molecular signals are the best means of accounting for the stick insects' surprising reproduction.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Widespread cloning in enchinoderm larvae
Article Abstract:
The authors discuss the study of asexual reproduction by free-living invertebrate larvae. They describe larval cloning in sea cucumber, sand dollar and sea urchin, and suggest that larval cloning is echinoderms' ancient ability.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2003
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