The Causes and Consequences of Variation in Sperm Form and Function Across Species

My thesis explores the intricate world of sperm diversity, investigating how their size and energy utilization are interconnected. Contrary to existing theories, I reveal that larger sperm not only swim faster and live longer but also expend a higher proportion of energy and boast greater energy stores than their smaller counterparts. Additionally, I uncover that larger species produce smaller, more numerous sperm, possibly to counteract dilution effects associated with their larger body sizes. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the dynamic relationships between sperm size, organism size and energy use and their interactive effects on sperm trait evolution.