Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

UNISEXUAL FISH: Model Systems for Studying Ecology and Evolution

1994; Annual Reviews; Volume: 25; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1146/annurev.es.25.110194.000443

2330-1902

Robert C. Vrijenhoek,

Animal Behavior and Reproduction

conservation Abstract Since their discovery in 19 32, all-female species of fish have provided rich material for ecological and evolutionary studies. The significance of these rare organisms lies in the perspective they provide on what is considered normal (i.e. biparental sexuality). Study of these fish and their sexual relatives has contributed to our understanding of: (i) the origins and evolution of asexuality; (ii) the ecology of hybrids; (iii) genotypic and environmental effects on eco­ logically relevant traits; and (iv) the maintenance of sex in higher organisms. A consistent message emerging from these studies is the significance of genetic diversity for survival in spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments. Consequently, unisexual fish also serve as useful models for studying the role of genetic variation in the survival of small endangered populations. Finally, unisexual fish serve as genetically uniform systems for environmental and biomedical studies. The purpose of this review is to bring wider attention to the range of biological problems that can be attacked with these remarkable organisms.