SynSex - Sexual selection and conflict in Syngnathidae

Selection affects males and females differently, resulting in sexual dimorphism. Research to date has focussed heavily on males and how sexual selection shapes their ornaments for successful mate choice. This is not least due to the fact that humans, like most vertebrates, exhibit "conventional" gender roles.

Our perception has therefore focussed on competitive males and caring mothers. However, in several
seahorse, sea dragon and pipefish species (Syngnathidae), females compete for mates, males are choosy and take over brood care with male pregnancy.

Our project investigates how Syngnathidae have evolved under strong sexual selection on females, and how
sex-specific traits are influenced by intensification of paternal brood care from a common genome under sexual conflict.