Unravelling evolutionary effects of mitochondria on sperm and male fitness. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms by which mitochondrial mutations affect sperm traits, how such mutations alter s

Description

Unravelling evolutionary effects of mitochondria on sperm and male fitness. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms by which mitochondrial mutations affect sperm traits, how such mutations alter sexual selection and reproductive success, and whether they influence offspring viability through paternal effects. Theory predicts that mitochondrial genes should affect sperm production and function, but this has never been comprehensively tested. Leveraging cutting-edge methods, this project expects to generate new knowledge in mitochondrial evolution, sexual selection, and reproduction. Expected outcomes and benefits include fundamental discoveries with broad implications across fields of evolution, ecology and male reproductive biology, and development of mutually beneficial international collaborations.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3104 - Evolutionary Biology. Lead: Dr Rowan Lymbery