Male to hermaphrodite sex change in gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii is affected by hermaphrodite density, male age, and male size
2021
Ganger, Michael T. | Wilczynski, Sam | Bronder, Melissa
Gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii Brongn. are either male or hermaphrodite. The presence of hermaphrodite-secreted antheridiogen influences gametophytes to develop as male (induction), while its absence leads to hermaphrodite development. Males require the continued presence of antheridiogen to remain male. Removal of males from antheridiogen leads to sex change (conversion) of males to hermaphrodites. The density of hermaphrodites that males were exposed to and the amount of time males were exposed to antheridiogen were experimentally manipulated to determine whether conversion time was affected. Analysis of covariance was employed with male size serving as a covariate. The results suggest that males continuously sample the neighborhood for information regarding the density of hermaphrodites by perceiving hermaphrodite-secreted antheridiogen, then use this information to determine whether to convert to hermaphrodite. Larger males converted faster than smaller males, suggesting a potential for smaller males to remain male once larger males convert. Conversion time was longer in males grown in higher densities of hermaphrodites and shorter in males exposed to antheridiogen for a longer time, suggesting that males increase sensitivity to antheridiogen with higher doses but decrease sensitivity as they age. It is thought that such “decision making” is important for C. richardii populations to maintain beneficial sex ratios.
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