Date Approved
2024
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Biology
Committee Member
Katy Greenwald, PhD
Committee Member
Cara Shillington, PhD
Committee Member
Kristin Judd, PhD
Abstract
The unisexual Ambystoma salamander complex is a lineage of all-female salamanders that use a unique form of reproduction: kleptogenesis. Kleptogenesis requires sperm from male salamanders of co-occurring sexual species, potentially putting unisexual and sexual females in breeding competition. We investigated if unisexual salamanders require courtship from sexual males or if they can use sperm left over from previous breeding events. We put unisexual salamanders into boxes containing spermatophores from a previous courtship and examined if they laid viable eggs. We also genotyped adults and embryos to assess parentage. Some of the unisexuals in the boxes produced viable eggs; however, the varied combinations of alleles in the eggs suggest unisexuals may be using a combination of breeding, spermatophore scavenging, and sperm storage to reproduce. Unisexual salamander breeding is a genetically and behaviorally complex process, and their ecological success may be due to the diversity of their reproductive strategies.
Recommended Citation
Venezia, Jane, "Stealing, scavenging, or storing? Breeding behaviors of unisexual Ambystoma salamanders" (2024). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 1234.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1234