- Trade-off between carotenoid-based sexual ornamentation and sperm res…
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Trade-off between carotenoid-based sexual ornamentation and sperm resistance to oxidative challenge

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    SYSNO ASEP0469909
    Document TypeJ - Journal Article
    R&D Document TypeJournal Article
    Subsidiary JČlánek ve WOS
    TitleTrade-off between carotenoid-based sexual ornamentation and sperm resistance to oxidative challenge
    Author(s) Tomášek, Oldřich (UBO-W) RID, ORCID, SAI
    Albrechtová, Jana (UBO-W) SAI, ORCID, RID
    Němcová, M. (CZ)
    Opatová, Pavlína (UBO-W) RID, ORCID, SAI
    Albrecht, Tomáš (UBO-W) RID, SAI, ORCID
    Number of authors5
    Article number20162444
    Source TitleProceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences. - : Royal Society Publishing - ISSN 0962-8452
    Roč. 284, č. 1847 (2017)
    Number of pages9 s.
    Languageeng - English
    CountryGB - United Kingdom
    Keywordssexual selection ; phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis ; sperm competition theory ; ejaculate quality ; lutein ; zeaxanthin
    Subject RIVEG - Zoology
    OECD categoryBiology (theoretical, mathematical, thermal, cryobiology, biological rhythm), Evolutionary biology
    R&D ProjectsGAP506/12/2472 GA ČR - Czech Science Foundation (CSF)
    Institutional supportUBO-W - RVO:68081766
    UT WOS000393414300014
    EID SCOPUS85011101240
    DOI https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.2444
    AnnotationIt has been hypothesized that carotenoid-based sexual ornamentation signals male fertility and sperm competitive ability as both ornamentation and sperm traits may be co-affected by oxidative stress, resulting in positive covariation (the ‘redox-based phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis’, redox-based PLFH). On the other hand, the ‘sperm competition theory’ (SCT) predicts a trade-off between precopulatory and postcopulatory traits. Here, we manipulate oxidative status (using diquat dibromide) and carotenoid availability in adult zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) males in order to test whether carotenoid-based beak ornamentation signals, or is traded off against, sperm resistance to oxidative challenge. Initial beak colouration, but not its change during the experiment, was associated with effect of oxidative challenge on sperm velocity, such that more intense colouration predicted an increase in sperm velocity under control conditions but a decline under oxidative challenge. This suggests a long-term trade-off between ornament expression and sperm resistance to oxidative challenge. Shortening of the sperm midpiece following oxidative challenge further suggests that redox homeostasis may constrain sperm morphometry. Carotenoid supplementation resulted in fewer sperm abnormalities but had no effect on other sperm traits. Overall, our data challenge the redox-based PLFH, partially support the SCT and highlight the importance of carotenoids for normal sperm morphology.
    WorkplaceInstitute of Vertebrate Biology
    ContactHana Slabáková, slabakova@ivb.cz, Tel.: 543 422 524
    Year of Publishing2018
Number of the records: 1  

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