comparative male reproductive investment across three species of pipefishes with differing mating...
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Comparative Male Reproductive Investment Across Three Species of Pipefishes With Differing Mating Systems
Sana Rashid, Janaee Wallace, and Dr. Raelynn Deaton HaynesSt. Edward’s University https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5216/5384524083_61f5ece12a_z.jpg
http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpzpn2r7F01qm9k25o1_500.jpg
http://www.sibuya.co.za/files/uploads/images/Longsnout%20pipefish%202.JPG
My Experiment
In this experiment I will be collecting sperm from three species of pipefish
Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli)
Dusky pipefish (Syngnathus floridae)
Chain pipefish (Syngnathus louisianae)
http://www.nicholls.edu/biol-ds/biol348/fishsets/pics/dusky%20pipefish.jpg
http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/images/Syngna_louisi_close.jpg
Mating Systems
Dusky pipefish practice polygynandry
Gulf pipefish practice polyandry
It is expected that Chain pipefish practice polygynandry as well.
http://o.quizlet.com/c2BMw3plKPrH4EolzLG-.w_m.jpghttp://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/S_scovelli.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8294/7866475994_e5a210ef03_z.jpg
Sexual Selection Theory
The sexual selection theory assumes that organisms can attract more mates if they are appealing to the opposite sex.
In this case we are observing if sperm competition due to mating systems is a factor in the sexual selection.
http://web.evolbio.mpg.de/~mobley/Dusky_Pipefishcrop.jpghttp://www.fishchannel.com/images/exclusives/aquarium-fish-international/pipefish.jpg
Predictions
There should be a relation between gonads/sperm count and mating systems.
Duskies and Chains are expected to have higher sperm count
http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/Syngnathus_floridae.jpg
http://www.bio.tamu.edu/USERS/ajones/Pipefish/images/Dusky_pipefish.jpg
Overall Aim
To test assumptions of sexual selection theory by comparing reproductive output of males in related species that differ in mating systems.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Seagrass_Grahams_Harbour.jpg
Objective
Figure out methods for sperm extraction
Test if certain morphological features can determine reproductive output
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/seagrass/images/Seagrass_Turtlegrass1.jpg
Methodology
We collected Gulf pipefish and immature Chain pipefish by seining in the Gulf
Methodology
Immerse in clove oil
Measure the pipefish
Dissect to gather testes and stage eggs
Isolate testes and gather sperm with saline solution
Count sperm
Measurements
Data: Length vs. Mean Sperm Number
Total Length (mm)
60 70 80 90 100 110
Me
an
Sp
erm
Nu
mb
er
0
2e+4
4e+4
6e+4
8e+4
1e+5
Data: Sperm Count Across Males
Individual Males
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Sp
erm
Co
un
t
0
2e+4
4e+4
6e+4
8e+4
1e+5
Sperm Success
Collecting sperm samples was very difficult due to variables such as maturity and how clear testes were
First time collecting sperm with sygnathids
Finding sperm was a huge success
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/Hemocytometer_with_gloved_hand.JPG
http://www.microbehunter.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/counting_chamber2.jpg
http://bioquest.org/icbl/projectfiles/spermh.jpg
Obstacles
We have only been able to gather Gulf pipefish because Dusky and Chain pipefish appear in
July.
http://theseasproject.weebly.com/uploads/5/3/8/4/5384258/6567916.jpg?277
Future Goals
To take seasonal samples in order to test that sperm varies
Weigh gonads at University of Texas
Increase sample size
Include S. floridae and S. louisianae into sample size to test if sexual selection assumptions hold in sex role reversal species
Acknowledgments
St. Edward's University
Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes
Janaee Wallace
Dr. Richard Kopec
TG Public Benefit Grant Program
TG Cohort
Thank You!Questions?