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Reproductive phenotype predicts adult bite-force performance in sex-reversed dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Reproductive phenotype predicts adult bite-force performance in sex-reversed dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Authors :
Jones MEH
Pistevos JCA
Cooper N
Lappin AK
Georges A
Hutchinson MN
Holleley CE
Source :
Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology [J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol] 2020 Apr; Vol. 333 (4), pp. 252-263. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Feb 14.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Sex-related differences in morphology and behavior are well documented, but the relative contributions of genes and environment to these traits are less well understood. Species that undergo sex reversal, such as the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), offer an opportunity to better understand sexually dimorphic traits because sexual phenotypes can exist on different chromosomal backgrounds. Reproductively female dragons with a discordant sex chromosome complement (sex reversed), at least as juveniles, exhibit traits in common with males (e.g., longer tails and greater boldness). However, the impact of sex reversal on sexually dimorphic traits in adult dragons is unknown. Here, we investigate the effect of sex reversal on bite-force performance, which may be important in resource acquisition (e.g., mates and/or food). We measured body size, head size, and bite force of the three sexual phenotypes in a colony of captive animals. Among adults, we found that males (ZZm) bite more forcefully than either chromosomally concordant females (ZWf) or sex-reversed females (ZZf), and this difference is associated with having relatively larger head dimensions. Therefore, adult sex-reversed females, despite apparently exhibiting male traits as juveniles, do not develop the larger head and enhanced bite force of adult male bearded dragons. This pattern is further illustrated in the full sample by a lack of positive allometry of bite force in sex-reversed females that is observed in males. The results reveal a close association between reproductive phenotype and bite force performance, regardless of sex chromosome complement.<br /> (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2471-5646
Volume :
333
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32061035
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2353