SEXUAL SELECTION IN SNAILS
An open meeting following the AGM of the Malacological Society of London
Flett Theatre, Natural History Museum, London
Thursday 6 March 2014
PROGRAMME
13.30 AGM
14.00 David Reid (Natural History Museum): Introduction to sexual selection
14.15 Prof. Kerstin Johannesson (University of Gothenburg): Sexual selection and speciation in marine snails (Littorina spp.
http://www.bioenv.gu.se/english/staff/kejo
Sexual selection is common among snails and, typically, males prefer somewhat larger females over females smaller than their own size. A reason for this may be that fecundity of females increase with female size, in particular in species with large eggs. In this talk the mechanisms of sexual selection, and also its consequences on mating patterns and gene flow, will be presented for some species of Littorina. The results support hypotheses of sympatric speciation in these snails.
15.15 Tea
15.45 Dr Joris Koene (VU University Amsterdam): Sexual selection in hermaphrodites: the role of accessory gland proteins
http://www.falw.vu.nl/nl/onderzoek/ecological-sciences/animal-ecology/s…
Ejaculates often contain compounds that nurture sperm, eliminate rival sperm, and alter female physiology. These substances are produced in male accessory glands and increase the male’s chances of fertilising eggs. In species with separate sexes, many studies have focussed on the evolutionary impact of such proteins on female reproductive behaviour, while simultaneous hermaphrodites have remained underexplored in this respect. The evidence for sexual selection in hermaphrodites will be reviewed, showing some of its bizarre consequences, and new findings will be presented on accessory-gland proteins in snails. In contrast to species with separate sexes, a simultaneous hermaphrodite has the unique possibility to alter its mating partner’s male as well as female functions to its own benefit.
16.45 Discussion
17.00 Wine reception
18.00 Close
All are welcome. Registration is free but, to help estimate numbers for catering, please email David Reid <d.reid@nhm.ac.uk> if you plan to attend.
David Reid