Tag Archives: mating

Queen Ant Produces New Male Species for Daughter’s Mating

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Male ants of distinct species laid by the same mother: Messor ibericus (left) and Messor structor (right)

Jonathan Romiguier

In the clutches of the Iberian Harvester Ant queens, another male species, the Builder Harvester Ant, emerges. These males are responsible for siring all the workers in the colony.

“This assertion appears utterly unbelievable, akin to the impossible,” remarks Jonathan Romiguier from the University of Montpellier, France. Nonetheless, he has confirmed its validity.

Romiguier’s curiosity was piqued by the Iberian harvester ants (Messor ibericus) after he discovered that all the workers were hybrids. About half of their DNA aligned with that of the builder harvester ant (Messor structor).

The most plausible explanation is that the queen of M. ibericus mated with a male of M. structor. This occurrence is seen in other ant species. The reasons remain unclear, but two main theories have emerged. One is that hybrids of closely related species could benefit from what’s known as hybrid vigor, where various genes can compensate for each other’s deficiencies.

Another theory suggests this may address a peculiar challenge faced by M. ibericus and several other harvester ant species: whenever M. ibericus queens mate with males of their own species, all offspring become queens. This might stem from a genetic tendency to secure their lineage, but it becomes detrimental for colonies that need worker ants for survival. Breeding with another species may provide a solution.

However, M. ibericus colonies are widespread across various Mediterranean locales, unlike M. structor colonies, which are exclusive to Sicily. Nonetheless, Romiguier and his team encountered peculiar, hairless males of M. structor within an M. ibericus nest. So, where did they originate?

The genetic examination of these unusual males yielded perplexing insights. A tiny segment of the mitochondrial DNA—passed solely from the mother—indicated that these males derive from the M. ibericus queen.

This hinted that the eggs produced by the queen of M. ibericus could encompass males of a different species. To verify this theory, Romiguier brought several M. ibericus colonies into his lab. “Under laboratory conditions, it’s nearly impossible to find a male,” he comments. “We maintained about 50 colonies and observed one male for two years without success. Then, fortune smiled upon us.”

From three M. structor males born in the lab, the evidence was undeniable: the queen of M. ibericus produced males from both species. The only explanation for this phenomenon is that the queen ant cloned M. structor males using stored sperm in specialized organs called spermathecae. The resulting eggs were almost entirely devoid of M. ibericus DNA, except for its mitochondrial component.

This also clarifies the origin of M. structor sperm: by producing two types of males, the queen guarantees that her daughters who evolve into queens can mate with both male types. The females use M. ibericus sperm to generate new queens, while M. structor sperm is utilized for hybrid workers and new male ants.

There are notable instances from other species—including ants, mollusks, and stick insects—where female eggs are manipulated by male sperm from different species, leading to the elimination of egg DNA and the production of unrelated individuals. However, this scenario mainly benefits males. This is the sole known instance where both male and female offspring from distinct species rely on each other for reproduction.

“The queen of M. ibericus is entirely dependent on her cloned males. Without them, she cannot produce workers,” states Romiguier. Moreover, the clones of M. structor need the males of M. ibericus for rearing workers and sustaining their colonies—there is no sign that they mate exclusively within their species.

While these findings may seem far-fetched, they have garnered the support of other specialists. “The researchers conducted thorough investigations into these ants,” comments Nathan Law from the University of Sydney. “Their results robustly affirm their conclusions.”

He speculates that cloned males could accumulate harmful genetic mutations that may not be purged over time due to the lack of interbreeding with other strains. “Eventually, this system may start to decline, especially as environmental conditions shift.”

Romiguier agrees that this exceptional situation might eventually lead to collapse. Yet, at present, it appears that M. ibericus and M. structor have navigated their relationship with ingenious adaptability, propelling their expansion throughout the Mediterranean, while M. structor colonies have not established themselves elsewhere.

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After Mating, Noisy Spiders Have a Taste for Their Peers—You’ll Be Surprised!

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Feedback provides the latest science and technology news from New Scientist, highlighting interesting items. You can reach out to Feedback@newscientist.com with stories that might intrigue readers.

Curious Connections

Earlier this year, feedback sought an example of “No kidding, Sherlock.” Reader Roger Eldem requested evidence supporting the claim that inadequate rest increases the risk of injury during prolonged tasks.

Roger hasn’t yet finished his research but continues to share examples of self-evident truths. Here are two more while we await further contributions. First, a paper published in June in Demographics presented findings concerning political preferences in relationships: Couples with opposing political views are more likely to separate. Phys.org has summarized this effectively: Research shows couples with conflicting political views face higher separation risks.

Feedback acknowledges that political differences can create tension in relationships. When did we start selecting partners solely by looks and style?

On the theme of problematic relationships, Roger shares another notable discovery from the 2016 Journal PLOS 1 titled Sexually cannibalistic behavior in colonial spider species. It discusses the dynamics of these spiders, where females often consume males post-mating. Research highlights that males may be choosy about their partners, preferring younger, more robust females.

As Phys.org aptly noted: Male orb-weaving spiders are often cannibalized by females.

No apologies here; feedback maintains its critical stance. The complexities are not as straightforward as they seem. Researchers indicate that males in solitary species may not be selected for, as they rarely encounter females, thus opting not to risk decapitation during mating. This contrasts with social species that carefully select males before sacrificing them for reproduction.

Clearly, many instances of “No kidding, Sherlock” exist. Can others find more examples? New insights are always welcome.

Disproven Fiction

As a long-time science fiction reader, Feedback enjoys revisiting stories that are now outdated. These narratives often held plausible premises that have since become unlikely or completely impossible.

Sometimes, what was once considered a “prediction” has been surpassed by time. For instance, Blade Runner was released in 1982 and set in 2019. Now, well over six years have passed since that date, with flying cars still absent. However, the film accurately portrayed the pitfalls of tech billionaires. Depending on your perspective, whether you subscribe to Star Trek or Terminator, the late 1990s were supposed to be defined by either superhumans born from eugenics or nuclear devastation.

We would like to highlight another phenomenon: groundbreaking scientific findings that undermine significant story premises. For example, World War discoveries previously attributed to the apparent absence of life on Mars.

A similar scenario unfolds in Revelation Space, a book by Alastair Reynolds. Feedback still cherishes these novels, and anyone who hasn’t delved into them should stop reading now.

The narrative revolves around the eventual clash between our galaxy and the Andromeda galaxy billions of years from now. Consequently, humanity is perceived to be limited by Inhibitors that restrict intellectual life until the crisis resolves.

However, on June 2nd, Natural Astronomy published a paper under an unexciting title: Uncertainty in Milky Way and Andromeda Collision. Researchers simulated the movements of galaxies within the local cluster and concluded that the current positioning and mass of galaxies leave room for dramatically different potential outcomes. They assert that “the fate of our galaxy remains completely open.”

Readers are encouraged to share other recent discoveries that have subverted plausible science fiction narratives.

More from GS

In the London Centric Newsletter, readers will uncover “The Real 5G Conspiracy: How Londoners Misrepresent Their Phone Signals“. The article addresses how, despite high mobile coverage signals, functional data download capabilities are absent. Londoners may claim to be connected to modern 5G networks, yet they lead lives devoid of 4G awareness.

The article was inspired by an app creator named SignalTracker, who tests various networks while roaming around London “with five different mobile phones.”

Capitalism continues to evolve. Reader Brian Darvel has drawn our attention to this mobile detective, Martin Sims.

Have you shared your feedback?

You can send your stories to feedback@newscientist.com, including your home address. Previous and current feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

The unique shape of a duck’s penis: Why is it corkscrewed, and how does it affect mating?

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Duck penises are quite unusual. You may have come across information about Drake online or seen pictures of him. In that case, you probably know that Drake’s genitals are not shaped like a typical phallus but instead have a corkscrew shape.

So, why do ducks have such peculiar reproductive organs? How do they reproduce? And what led to their evolution? We posed these questions to Dr. Patricia Brennan, an evolutionary biologist and an expert on duck penises at Mount Holyoke College in the US. Keep reading to discover why Donald Duck might have been better off wearing pants instead of a sailor shirt.

What is the appearance of a duck’s penis?

White duck © Alamy

“They appear somewhat like tentacles, being pale in color and corkscrew-shaped,” described Brennan.

In certain duck species, the penis undergoes growth and regression during the breeding season. The extent of growth depends on the surroundings. A study led by Brennan in 2017 revealed that Drake’s penis grew considerably longer in the presence of other males compared to those in pairs with females, with some reaching up to 18 cm. An example is the red duck species with a total length of only 39cm.

The lake duck, native to South America, boasts the largest bird penis worldwide and the longest relative to body size, with a specimen from Argentina measuring 42.5 cm in length, compared to the average body length when fully retracted of 36 to 46 cm. For reference, the average erect human penis measures 13 to 18 cm.

Per Guinness World Records, the lake duck’s penis is characterized by barbs at the base and a “soft, brush-like” tip.

A duck’s vagina also has a corkscrew shape, but it spirals in the opposite direction from the penis. “It’s like a maze,” Brennan remarked. “At the entrance, there are several blind pouches followed by a series of narrow spirals.”

How do ducks reproduce?

“Quickly!” exclaimed Brennan. “The male’s penis becomes erect, and since they ejaculate in a third of a second, a brief cloacal contact is needed for insemination.” (If you’re curious, you can watch the video here.) Drake delivers sperm into the female’s vagina near the ovaries.

Why did duck reproductive organs evolve this way?

©Shutterstock

The unusual genitalia of ducks is a result of a sexual competition. Forced copulation is common among ducks, so the male’s elongated, flexible penis enhances his chances of successfully impregnating the female, while the female’s counterclockwise vagina offers her some control.

“These intricate structures prevent the complete eversion of unwanted males’ penises, causing their sperm to be nearer to the cloaca entrance, making it easier for females to expel the sperm. Thus, Brennan’s research revealed that female ducks can inhibit fertilization from undesired males.

However, if a female desires to mate with a specific male, she can relax her cloacal muscles to facilitate easier access.

About our expert Dr. Patricia Brennan

Dr. Patricia Brennan is an assistant professor of biological sciences at Mount Holyoke College in the United States. She specializes in the evolution of genital morphology and the mechanisms driving reproductive diversification. She has authored numerous research papers on waterfowl reproductive organs.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

First-time mating humpback whale engages in homosexual behavior

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Experts have revealed that this is the first time a humpback whale of this species has been documented engaging in any form of sexual activity.

The social behavior of humpback whales has been extensively observed and documented for many years. However, in a recent study published in Marine Mammal Science, researchers shared the first photographs of this species engaging in sexual intercourse.

The report was authored by marine biologist Stephanie Stack and two photographers, Lyle Kranichfeld and Brandi Romano, who captured the interaction in January 2022 in the waters off the coast of Maui, Hawaii.

Kranichfeld, 44, remarked, “We recognized the scientific importance of this event. Even if our findings were not published or did not lead to any significant outcomes, we understood that this unique behavior was significant for the scientific community and those studying whales.”

The encounter involved a male whale that seemed to be unhealthy or injured and a healthy male whale. The report mentioned that the ailing whale appeared weakened and infested with lice, which are known to thrive on debilitated humpback whales.

The researchers suggested that the weakened whale may have sought refuge near the photographer’s boat to protect itself from other whales. Kranichfeld emphasized that they never approached the whales in the water or attempted to swim with them, as both actions are illegal.

Tragically, the emaciated whale eventually succumbed after circling the boat and trying to swim away from the healthier whale. The healthy whale then used its pectoral fins to hold the other whale in place and engaged in sexual activity.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Unusual Mating Strategy of Monkfish May Have Contributed to Their Evolutionary Success

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A type of deep-sea angler fish called the black sea devil

Doug Perine / Alamy

The unique sexual strategy of deep-sea anglerfish may have helped their ancestors move into entirely new habitats, allowing for the incredible diversity of species that thrive today.

chase brownstein Researchers at Yale University have reconstructed the evolution of more than 160 species of deep-sea anglerfish (keratioids). Known for their large jaws and bioluminescent lures, serratioids are a subgroup of the larger order of the anglerfish family, which also includes monkfish and other bizarre benthic creatures such as monkfish, sea toads, and batfish. Using genetic sequencing, the researchers discovered that the ancestors of keratioids walked on pectoral fins at the bottom of the deep ocean. But 55 million years ago, some creatures began swimming in the ocean's vast deep-pelagic, or “midnight,” zone. There, over a period of just 5 million years, they became more genetically diverse than their ocean-floor relatives.

He said this is strange because the ocean floor and coral reefs typically have a greater variety of species. elizabeth miller At the University of California, Irvine. Environments with many topographical features lend themselves to the specialization of organisms. But with constant temperatures and vast expanses of waterless ocean, “the deep pelagic zone is truly the most homogeneous habitat on Earth,” she says.

Miller and her colleagues Monkfish species family tree Although her team and Brownstein's team used different methods, their studies are largely consistent regarding the timeline and scale of deep-sea monkfish diversification.

Brownstein's team found that this surprising diversification may be due to the serratioids' parasite-like reproductive strategy. That is, the small male uses his jaws to attach to the much larger female until he is ready to mate. In some species, the two can even permanently fuse together, such as sharing a circulatory system. This unique mating technique could theoretically benefit deep-sea monkfish, as they are very unlikely to encounter other members of their species during their lifetime.

Brownstein's analysis shows that the traits necessary for this parasitism, such as the difference in body size between males and females and the weakness of their immune systems that prevent them from attacking attached males, are the result of the evolution of monkfish diving into the deep sea. It turns out that it has existed for a long time.

“Most of this complex trait existed before the serratioids entered the deep ocean,” he says. “Basically, it's not the gas inside the engine, [of diversity]Sexual parasitism was like a preparation to press the gas pedal. ”

Miller said it's “possible” that a parasitic lifestyle helped the anglerfish invade deep-sea habitats, but it’s unclear how the fish subsequently achieved so much diversification. It remains as it is.

Answering this question will be a daunting task, especially since it is difficult to recover intact monkfish samples from the deep ocean.but cory evans Rice University in Texas says having two matching comprehensive family trees will help other researchers investigate.

“I think monkfish enthusiasts will be reading a lot of these two papers over the next six months,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com