Reviewed Article

Sexual Selection, Seminal Coagulation and Copulatory Plug Formation in Primates
Alan F. Dixson, Matthew J. Anderson

Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, Calif., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Folia Primatol 2002;73:63-69 (DOI: 10.1159/000064784)

  Key Words

• Sexual selection
• Seminal coagulation
• Copulatory plugs
• Sperm competition
• Primates

  Abstract

This study examines the question of whether multipartner matings by female primates, with resulting sperm competition among males, may have favored the evolution of biochemical mechanisms to enhance seminal coagulationand copulatory plug formation. Comparative ratings of seminal coagulation (using a four-point scale where 1 = no coagulation and 4 = copulatory plug formation) were obtained for 40 species representing 26 primate genera. Coagulation ratings were highest (mean = 3.64) in those genera where females commonly mate with multiple partners, and lowest (mean = 2.09) in genera where females are primarily monogamous or belong to polygynous (one male) units(p < 0.0001). This result remained significant (p < 0.001) after the use of comparative analysis of independent contrasts (CAIC) to control for possible phylogenetic biases in the data set. Results indicate that sexual selection has played an important role in the evolution of seminal coagulation, and copulatory plug function, in primates.

  Author Contacts

Alan F. Dixson
Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species
Zoological Society of San Diego
PO Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551 (USA)
E-Mail adixson@sandiegozoo.org 

  Article Information

Received: Received: May 4, 2001
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 49