XIV.7 Macrogamete production is more costly than microgamete production, with a number of interesting evolutionary consequences

In hermaphrodites, microgametes and macrogametes are produced by the same individual, while, in gonochorists, one individual produces only one or the other type of gamete.The evolution of gonochorism is directly connected with the emergence of gender, with differentiation of the individuals of a single species into males producing microgametes and females producing macrogametes.A number of interesting consequences follow from the simple fact that the production of microgametes is “cheaper” than the production of macrogametes.

Was this information useful for you?
The classical Darwinian theory of evolution can explain the evolution of adaptive traits only in asexual organisms. The frozen plasticity theory is much more general: It can also explain the origin and evolution of adaptive traits in both asexual and sexual organisms Read more
Draft translation from: Evoluční biologie, 2. vydání (Evolutionary biology, 2nd edition), J. Flegr, Academia Prague 2009. The translation was not done by biologist, therefore any suggestion concerning proper scientific terminology and language usage are highly welcomed. You can send your comments to flegratcesnet [dot] cz. Thank you.