Microbes as manipulators of developmental life-history
Matthew C. Kustra,
Tyler J. Carrier
Abstract:Marine invertebrates mainly reproduce by energy-poor eggs that develop into feeding larvae or energy-rich eggs that develop into non-feeding larvae. Transitions between these reproductive strategies have been studied in detail, yet the evolutionary factor(s) responsible for these switches remains elusive. Here, we use theoretical models to show that microbes with the capacity to manipulate host reproduction are one possible factor. We report that microbial manipulators create a sperm-limited environment that s… Show more
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