Physiological and condition-related traits in the gynogenetic-sexual Carassius auratus complex: different investments promoting the coexistence of two reproductive forms?

0446366 - ÚBO 2016 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Šimková, A. - Hyršl, P. - Halačka, Karel - Vetešník, Lukáš
Physiological and condition-related traits in the gynogenetic-sexual Carassius auratus complex: different investments promoting the coexistence of two reproductive forms?
BMC Evolutionary Biology. Roč. 15, č. 154 (2015), s. 154. ISSN 1471-2148. E-ISSN 1471-2148
R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP505/12/0375
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Carassius auratus * gene expression * growth
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 3.406, year: 2015

Carassius auratus complex is an extraordinary species complex including the diploid and polyploid forms exhibiting asexual and sexual reproduction modes. The coexistence of both forms in the same habitats is currently reported. The stable coexistence of asexual and sexual forms assumes some disadvantages for asexuals that balance the costs of sex. In our study, we hypothesized and tested the differences in physiological (including heamatological and immunological), growth-related, condition-related, and fitness-related traits between gynogenetic females and sexuals. Our study indicates that a similar amount of energy is invested by both gynogenetic and sexual females of C. auratus complex in reproductive behaviour. We suggest that lower aerobic performance in gynogens may represent their physiological disadvantage balancing the cost of sexual reproduction. A trade-off between the number of erythrocytes and the oxygen-carrying capacity per erythrocyte in sexual males and gynogenetic females may contribute to the coexistence of gynogenetic and sexual forms. In addition, the differences in specific immunity between gynogens and sexuals may also reduce the evolutionary disadvantage of sexual reproduction. In conclusion, we propose that several mechanisms contribute to the coexistence of the gynogenetic-sexual C. auratus complex.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0248369