Is hermaphrodism less common in animals because it is energetically more costly? George Jarvis and @djmmeeg.bsky.social have analysed 536 species of marine invertebrates and found that hermaphrodites require approximately 27% less energy than gonochores on average.
doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
22.12.2025 05:12
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Excited to share our study testing competing theories on the energy dynamics of hermaphroditism! Grateful to @djmmeeg.bsky.social for guidance, to Thomas Brey for metabolic rate data, and to Deborah Charlesworth for feedback. Thanks also to the editors and reviewers at Proc B. @royalsociety.org
12.12.2025 16:41
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Hermaphrodites have lower metabolic rates than gonochores
Abstract. Hermaphroditism, where an individual can reproduce as both male and female, offers some clear reproductive advantages. Simultaneous hermaphroditi
Darwin speculated that it was energetically costly to be an hermaphrodite. He thought that might explain why they were relatively rare in animals. Our paper out today tested this conjecture for the first time.
royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article...
11.12.2025 01:13
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Another cool genome assembly: The first phased, annotated, chromosome-level assembly for a reef-building tubeworm, Galeolaria caespitosa! The species has 11 autosomal chromosomes and no sex chromosomes.
28.04.2025 18:00
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We are extending the deadline past the 10th so everyone please repost. ECRs, there are still some places left so please apply!
09.01.2025 22:13
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