Evolutionary insights into sex-specific life history strategies, resource allocation, and parental investment in male-pregnant syngnathid fish : a study of hippocampus erectus and syngnathus typhle

This dissertation investigates how sex roles, such as mate choice and parental investment, impact sex-specific immune response and longevity. Focusing on seahorses and pipefish, species renowned for their male pregnancy. We aimed to elucidate whether these factors outweigh the conventional roles of biological sex, defined as sperm and egg producers.

Our findings challenge traditional assumptions, revealing that sex roles may indeed play a pivotal role in determining immune response and lifespan. Through experiments on seahorses subjected to caloric restriction, we observed distinct sex-specific responses, with fasting stunting male growth, but affecting female lipid metabolism. Highlighting the intricate dynamics of resource allocation due to male pregnancy. Similarly, analysis of sex-biased gene expression in pipefish found gene groups related to lipid storage showed dependence on biological sex, while those related to genome maintenance and immune defense were influenced by sex roles. Indicating the importance of considering species-specific reproductive strategies. In addition, the work delves into the influence of parental reproductive age on various offspring characteristics in pipefish, revealing significant impacts of paternal lineage on offspring phenotype. This underscores the importance of understanding parental sex roles in shaping transgenerational phenotypic plasticity.

This research highlights the necessity of expanding the scope beyond traditional model species to fully grasp the intricacies of sexual dimorphism. By studying seahorses and pipefish, we contribute to a deeper understanding of evolutionary biology and reproductive physiology. Moreover, our findings shed light on the potential implications for human health, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to investigating the interplay between sex roles, reproduction, and longevity.

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