Sex Reversal in Reptiles: Reproductive Oddity or Powerful Driver of Evolutionary Change

C E Holleley; S D Sarre; Denis O'Meally; A Georges

doi:10.1159/000450972

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Sex Reversal in Reptiles: Reproductive Oddity or Powerful Driver of Evolutionary Change

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Sex Reversal in Reptiles: Reproductive Oddity or Powerful Driver of Evolutionary Change

C E Holleley, S D Sarre, Denis O'Meally and A Georges

Sexual Development, Vol.10(5-6), pp.279-287

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000450972

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Abstract

gene-environment interactions

reptiles

sex determination

sex reversal

Is sex a product of genes, the environment, or both? In this review, we describe the diversity of sex-determining mechanisms in reptiles, with a focus on systems that display gene-environment interactions. We summarise the field and laboratory-based evidence for the occurrence of environmental sex reversal in reptiles and ask whether this is a widespread evolutionary mechanism affecting the evolution of sex chromosomes and speciation in vertebrates. Sex determination systems exist across a continuum of genetic and environmental influences, blurring the lines between what was once considered a strict dichotomy between genetic sex determination and temperature-dependent sex determination. Across this spectrum, we identify the potential for sex reversal in species with clearly differentiated heteromorphic sex chromosomes (Pogona vitticeps, Bassiana duperreyi, Eremias multiocellata, Gekko japonicus), weakly differentiated homomorphic sex chromosomes (Niveoscincus ocellatus), and species with only a weak heritable predisposition for sex (Emys orbicularis, Trachemys scripta). We argue that sex reversal is widespread in reptiles (Testudines, Lacertidae, Agamidae, Scincidae, Gekkonidae) and has the potential to have an impact on individual fitness, resulting in reproductively, morphologically, and behaviourally unique phenotypes. Sex reversal is likely to be a powerful evolutionary force responsible for generating and maintaining lability and diversity in reptile sex-determining modes.

Details

Title: Sex Reversal in Reptiles: Reproductive Oddity or Powerful Driver of Evolutionary Change
Authors: C E Holleley (Author) - Australian National Wildlife Collection
S D Sarre (Author) - University of Canberra
Denis O'Meally (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
A Georges (Author) - University of Canberra
Publication details: Sexual Development, Vol.10(5-6), pp.279-287
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.1159/000450972
ISSN: 1661-5425
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450914002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Developmental Biology

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