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Male pygmy hippopotamus influence offspring sex ratio

Author

Listed:
  • Joseph Saragusty

    (Research Group Reproductive Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research)

  • Robert Hermes

    (Research Group Reproductive Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research)

  • Heribert Hofer

    (Research Group Reproductive Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research)

  • Tim Bouts

    (Zoological Society of London, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
    Present address: Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Director's office, Al shahaniya, State of Qatar.)

  • Frank Göritz

    (Research Group Reproductive Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research)

  • Thomas B. Hildebrandt

    (Research Group Reproductive Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research)

Abstract

Pre-determining fetal sex is against the random and equal opportunity that both conceptus sexes have by nature. Yet, under a wide variety of circumstances, populations shift their birth sex ratio from the expected unity. Here we show, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, that in a population of pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) with 42.5% male offspring, males bias the ratio of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in their ejaculates, resulting in a 0.4337±0.0094 (mean±s.d.) proportion of Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. Three alternative hypotheses for the shifted population sex ratio were compared: female counteract male, female indifferent, or male and female in agreement. We conclude that there appears little or no antagonistic sexual conflict, unexpected by prevailing theories. Our results indicate that males possess a mechanism to adjust the ratio of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in the ejaculate, thereby substantially expanding currently known male options in sexual conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Saragusty & Robert Hermes & Heribert Hofer & Tim Bouts & Frank Göritz & Thomas B. Hildebrandt, 2012. "Male pygmy hippopotamus influence offspring sex ratio," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-5, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:3:y:2012:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1700
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1700
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