University of Tasmania
Browse
Disentangling_Complexities.pdf (87.84 kB)

Disentangling the complexities of vertebrate sex allocation: a role for squamate reptiles?

Download (87.84 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 19:22 authored by Erik WapstraErik Wapstra, Uller, T, Pen, I, Komdeur, J, Olsson, M, Shine, R
Sex allocation is an important field in evolutionary biology, both historically and currently. However, while sex allocation theory has successfully predicted sex ratio bias in some taxa, most notably parasitic wasps, vertebrates are notorious for their poor fit to theoretical models. We argue that this arises from the use of very complex model systems to test relatively simple theoretical models. We further argue that squamate reptiles - lizards and snakes - have unduly been neglected in sex allocation studies and in fact may conform more readily to the underlying assumptions of existing theoretical models than many other vertebrates. We provide a five-point argument in favor of the use of squamates as model systems in sex allocation based on their diversity in sex determining mechanisms, life history biology, and ease of experimental manipulations. © Oikos.

History

Publication title

Oikos

Volume

116

Issue

6

Pagination

1051-1057

ISSN

0030-1299

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing

Place of publication

UK

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC