Project information
Evolutionary and ecological mechanisms of the coexistence of asexual and sexual reproduction in fish

The coexistence of asexual and sexual reproduction is a rare phenomenon documented in vertebrates. Stable coexistence is only possible if each form of reproduction exhibits different evolutionary and ecological disadvantages. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain such paradoxical coexistence. However, the molecular mechanisms behind it are almost unexplored. Carassius gibelio is a unique cyprinid species with a combination of gynogenetic and sexual reproduction, where the gynogenetic form depends on the presence of the sexual form of the same or related species. We assume that abiotic factors, demography (frequency of forms and fecundity) and male discrimination against gynogenetic females may facilitate the coexistence. We expect that parasites will play important role in evolution of asexual-sexual complex of fish. We suppose that the analysis of transcriptome profiles will contribute to the detection of molecular components associated with (1) immune response reflecting different immune performance in sexual and asexual form, and (2) sexual reproduction.