Predominance of Genetic Monogamy by Females in a Hammerhead Shark, Sphyrna tiburo: Implications for Shark Conservation

Authors

Demian D. Chapman, Nova Southeastern University
Paulo A. Prodohl, Queen's University - Belfast, United Kingdom
James Gelsleichter, Mote Marine Laboratory
Charles A. Manire, Mote Marine Laboratory
Mahmood S. Shivji, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

ResearcherID

G-4080-2013

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Molecular Ecology

ISSN

0962-1083

Publication Date

7-1-2004

Keywords

Bonnethead shark, Conservation, Genetic monogamy, Mating system, Microsatellite DNA profiling, Multiple paternity, Sphyrna tiburo

Abstract

There is growing interest in the mating systems of sharks and their relatives (Class Chondrichthyes) because these ancient fishes occupy a key position in vertebrate phylogeny and are increasingly in need of conservation due to widespread overexploitation. Based on precious few genetic and field observational studies, current speculation is that polyandrous mating strategies and multiple paternity may be common in sharks as they are in most other vertebrates. Here, we test this hypothesis by examining the genetic mating system of the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, using microsatellite DNA profiling of 22 litters (22 mothers, 188 embryos genotyped at four polymorphic loci) obtained from multiple locations along the west coast of Florida. Contrary to expectations based on the ability of female S. tiburo to store sperm, the social nature of this species and the 100% multiple paternity observed in two other coastal shark species, over 81% of sampled bonnethead females produced litters sired by a single male (i.e. genetic monogamy). When multiple paternity occurred in S. tiburo, there was an indication of increased incidence in larger mothers with bigger litters. Our data suggest that sharks may exhibit complex genetic mating systems with a high degree of interspecific variability, and as a result some species may be more susceptible to loss of genetic variation in the face of escalating fishing pressure. Based on these findings, we suggest that knowledge of elasmobranch mating systems should be an important component of conservation and management programmes for these heavily exploited species.

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-294X.2004.02178.x

Volume

13

Issue

7

First Page

1965

Last Page

1974

Comments

©2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Additional Comments

EPA grant #: E826128-01–0

NSUWorks Citation

Demian D. Chapman, Paulo A. Prodohl, James Gelsleichter, Charles A. Manire, and Mahmood S. Shivji. 2004. Predominance of Genetic Monogamy by Females in a Hammerhead Shark, Sphyrna tiburo: Implications for Shark Conservation .Molecular Ecology , (7) : 1965 -1974. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/385.