Sexual encounters are usually accompanied by conflicts of interest between the mating partners. In animals with separate sexes such sexual conflicts can play a crucial role in the evolution of reproductive systems, and can even lead to speciation. Conflict arises when male strategies evolve that enhance the chances of fertilization, but at the same time reduce the reproductive potential of the ...

Caenorhabditis elegans male mating provides an excellent opportunity to determine how sensory perception regulates behavior and motor programs. The male-specific nervous system and muscles are superimposed over the general nervous system and musculature. Genetic screens and genomic approaches have identified male-specific and male-enriched genes as well as non-sex specific molecules specialized...

Over the last 130 years, research has established that (a) sexual selection exists and is widespread in the plant and animal kingdoms; (b) it does not necessarily entail sexual dimorphism; even hermaphrodites have it; (c) it does not require intelligence or a sophisticated sense of esthetics; even tapeworms and plants choose mates; and (d) it does not require brawn or even mobility for competit...