Menu
23/06/2003
Guppy love and the origin of species
Cute, wide-eyed and unobtrusive, the guppy is the nation's favourite pet fish - but behind this innocent exterior lies an animal with a torrid and tangled sex life, according to a team of researchers from University of St Andrews.
The researchers are studying Trinidadian guppies because they are in the process of splitting into two new species. The guppies have been divided into two groups that have been living in separate Trinidad river systems for about two million years – but the team have been introducing males and females from the different populations in the laboratory to gain an insight into how reproductive isolation develops.
And during their research the team, led by Professor Anne Magurran of the University's School of Biology, have discovered a web of sexual conflict, interbreeding, sneaky mating behaviour and sperm competition.
Using methods similar to those adopted in human DNA fingerprinting, the research team are hoping for insights into how the 'battle of the sexes' influences evolution. Although scientists have developed many theories about species formation, they have only recently had tools, such as DNA fingerprinting, to test them.
"It really goes back to Darwin and his ideas about how species arise," said Professor Anne Magurran, who leads the group.
"One possibility is that female guppies prefer to mate with native males. If animals always mate within their own group reproductive isolation is very quickly established. Male guppies charm females with a courtship dance, and a female will usually pick several of them to father her offspring. Her aim is to ensure that her babies have the best genes possible. But we found that females do not have it all their own way. Wily males often creep up behind unsuspecting females and quickly mate with them by surprise," said Professor Magurran.
"This sneaky mating tactic means that there are many matings between the two groups of guppies and probably counteracts the effect of female choice on reproductive isolation.
"Some experts estimate that as many as three species in the world become extinct every hour. The fact that the emergence of new species is a slow and complex process emphasises the importance of conserving those that already exist on Earth," Professor Magurran said.
The team's findings, 'Guppy love: sex and speciation', will be on show at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition which begins next week (Tuesday 1st July - Thursday 3rd July, 2003).
(GMcG)
The researchers are studying Trinidadian guppies because they are in the process of splitting into two new species. The guppies have been divided into two groups that have been living in separate Trinidad river systems for about two million years – but the team have been introducing males and females from the different populations in the laboratory to gain an insight into how reproductive isolation develops.
And during their research the team, led by Professor Anne Magurran of the University's School of Biology, have discovered a web of sexual conflict, interbreeding, sneaky mating behaviour and sperm competition.
Using methods similar to those adopted in human DNA fingerprinting, the research team are hoping for insights into how the 'battle of the sexes' influences evolution. Although scientists have developed many theories about species formation, they have only recently had tools, such as DNA fingerprinting, to test them.
"It really goes back to Darwin and his ideas about how species arise," said Professor Anne Magurran, who leads the group.
"One possibility is that female guppies prefer to mate with native males. If animals always mate within their own group reproductive isolation is very quickly established. Male guppies charm females with a courtship dance, and a female will usually pick several of them to father her offspring. Her aim is to ensure that her babies have the best genes possible. But we found that females do not have it all their own way. Wily males often creep up behind unsuspecting females and quickly mate with them by surprise," said Professor Magurran.
"This sneaky mating tactic means that there are many matings between the two groups of guppies and probably counteracts the effect of female choice on reproductive isolation.
"Some experts estimate that as many as three species in the world become extinct every hour. The fact that the emergence of new species is a slow and complex process emphasises the importance of conserving those that already exist on Earth," Professor Magurran said.
The team's findings, 'Guppy love: sex and speciation', will be on show at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition which begins next week (Tuesday 1st July - Thursday 3rd July, 2003).
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2003
12,000 species face extinction theat: report
The number of threatened species has topped 12,000, after 2,000 more species were added to the world conservation monitoring organisation's endangered list published today.
12,000 species face extinction theat: report
The number of threatened species has topped 12,000, after 2,000 more species were added to the world conservation monitoring organisation's endangered list published today.
01 November 2010
Met Police Helps Convict Ivory Trader
An American businessman caught illegally selling ivory to an undercover officer from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) could be jailed after admitting offences in a United States court.
Met Police Helps Convict Ivory Trader
An American businessman caught illegally selling ivory to an undercover officer from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) could be jailed after admitting offences in a United States court.
02 June 2010
Bird Sighting Records 'Could Save Species'
People could help to prevent species of birds from becoming extinct by recording sightings of all kinds of birds online, including common species, according to a new study published today in PLoS Biology.
Bird Sighting Records 'Could Save Species'
People could help to prevent species of birds from becoming extinct by recording sightings of all kinds of birds online, including common species, according to a new study published today in PLoS Biology.
28 November 2014
Winter Deaths Lowest Since Records Began
New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that winter deaths in 2013/14 were the lowest since records began. According to figures, an estimated 18,200 people died in England and Wales last year, the lowest number since 1950/51. However, when comparing deaths in winter to other seasons, there was an 11.6% rise.
Winter Deaths Lowest Since Records Began
New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that winter deaths in 2013/14 were the lowest since records began. According to figures, an estimated 18,200 people died in England and Wales last year, the lowest number since 1950/51. However, when comparing deaths in winter to other seasons, there was an 11.6% rise.
04 January 2005
Rare wildlife species to get extra protection
A number of rare wildlife species are to receive additional protection when they are added to a proposed list of protected animals and plants.
Rare wildlife species to get extra protection
A number of rare wildlife species are to receive additional protection when they are added to a proposed list of protected animals and plants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
