Evolution within a species in which the genes governing male and female characters conflict.
apomixis
Parthenogenetic reproduction in which an individual develops from one or more mitotically produced cells that have not experienced recombination or syngamy.
condition-dependent indicator
A trait correlated with genetic quality and dependent on an organism’s overall vigor or condition.
cost of sex
A reference to the fact that, all else being equal, the rate of increase of an asexual genotype is approximately twice as great as that of a sexual genotype.
dioecious
Referring to organisms in which eggs and sperm are not produced in the same individuals.
hermaphroditic
Referring to individuals that can produce both male and female gametes.
outcrossing
Mating with another genetic individual. Cf.selfing.
parthenogenesis
Virgin birth; development from an egg to which there has been no paternal contribution of genes.
sensory bias
The tendency in an organism for certain traits to be intrinsically stimulating and evoke a greater response simply because of the organization of the sensory system.
sex
The union of two genomes, usually carried by gametes.
sex ratio
The proportion of males in a population.
sexual selection
Differential reproduction as a result of variation in the ability to obtain mates.
sperm competition
The opportunity for sperm of two or more males to fertilize one female’s eggs.
vegetative propagation
A form of asexual reproduction in which offspring arise from a group of cells, as in plants that spread by runners or stolons.
