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dc.contributor.authorFigenschou, Lars
dc.contributor.authorFolstad, Ivar
dc.contributor.authorRudolfsen, Geir
dc.contributor.authorHanssen, Sveinn Are
dc.contributor.authorKortet, Raine
dc.contributor.authorSkau, Philip
dc.contributor.authorKillie, Jan Eirik
dc.contributor.authorOskam, Irma Caroline
dc.contributor.authorStrand, Harald
dc.date.accessioned2014-08-27T08:49:53Z
dc.date.available2014-08-27T08:49:53Z
dc.date.issued2013
dc.description.abstractSperm production and sperm swimming speed, which most likely affect fertilization under sperm competition, are modified by proximate mechanisms. In a comprehensive observational study of free-living and reproductively active Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), we examined the possible modulating effects of male social status (including ornamental development), parasite intensities, and immunity on novel traits indicative of ejaculate quality (e.g., Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in sperm cells, levels of immunoglobulins attached to sperm cells, and the degree of DNA fragmentation in sperm cells). A multiple regression model showed no relationship between DNA fragmentation in sperm cells and abdominal coloration of charr, suggesting that sperm of colorful males are not better protected against oxidative stress. We found, however, that males with traits indicative of high social status had low amounts of ATP in sperm cells and also sperm cells with low swimming speed. Sperm production, on the other hand, was strongly predicted by parasite intensities only and these associations were mainly positive. Our results suggest that the presence of parasites seems to stimulate sperm production similar to what is observed among males entering subordinate reproductive roles. Thus, if resistance toward parasites is influencing parasite intensities, resistance may also indirectly be important for the “choice” of reproductive role and in turn investment in primary sex traits. Key words: Arctic charr, immunity, parasite intensity, sexual selection, social status, sperm quality. [Behav Ecolen
dc.identifier.citationBehavioral Ecology (2013) vol. 24(2):497-504en
dc.identifier.cristinIDFRIDAID 963209
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ars190
dc.identifier.issn1045-2249
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10037/6572
dc.identifier.urnURN:NBN:no-uit_munin_6173
dc.language.isoengen
dc.publisherOxford University Pressen
dc.rights.accessRightsopenAccess
dc.subjectVDP::Landbruks- og Fiskerifag: 900::Fiskerifag: 920::Ressursbiologi: 921en
dc.subjectVDP::Agriculture and fishery disciplines: 900::Fisheries science: 920::Resource biology: 921en
dc.subjectVDP::Landbruks- og Fiskerifag: 900::Fiskerifag: 920::Fiskehelse: 923en
dc.subjectVDP::Agriculture and fishery disciplines: 900::Fisheries science: 920::Fish health: 923en
dc.titleThe relative effect of parasites and social status on sperm traits in Arctic charren
dc.typeJournal articleen
dc.typeTidsskriftartikkelen
dc.typePeer revieweden


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