Data from: Social manipulation of sperm competition intensity reduces seminal fluid gene expression

A considerable body of evidence supports the prediction that males should increase their expenditure on the ejaculate in response to sperm competition risk. The prediction that they should reduce their expenditure with increasing sperm competition intensity is less well supported. Moreover, most studies have documented plasticity in sperm numbers. Here we show that male crickets Teleogryllus oceanicus exhibit reduced seminal fluid gene expression and accessory gland mass in response to elevated sperm competition intensity. Together with previous research, our findings suggest that strategic adjustments in seminal fluid composition contribute to competitive fertilization success in this species.

大量研究证据支持这一理论预测：雄性个体在面临精子竞争风险时，会提升其射精投入。而关于雄性会随精子竞争强度升高而降低射精投入的预测，则缺乏足够的实证支持。此外，绝大多数现有研究均已证实精子数量存在可塑性。本研究显示，大洋洲蟋蟀（Teleogryllus oceanicus）的雄性个体在精子竞争强度升高时，其精清基因表达水平与附腺质量均显著下调。结合既往研究成果，本研究结果表明，精清组成的策略性调控有助于该物种获得竞争性受精成功。