The Evolution of Sperm Competition

Sperm competition occurs when the sperm of different males compete to fertilize a female’s eggs. Over time, species have evolved various strategies to increase their reproductive success, such as developing larger quantities of sperm, specialized reproductive organs, or behaviors that deter rivals. Some animals have evolved sperm with unique shapes or abilities to outlast or displace competing sperm. This evolutionary process is driven by the pressure to maximize individual reproductive success in environments where females may mate with multiple males, leading to ongoing adaptations that enhance a male's chances of passing on his genes.