与哺乳动物精子竞争有关的两种信息输入处理模式(英文)

Two modes of input processing in relation to sperm competition in mammals

过去的许多研究集中在“输出”或雄性对特定的精子竞争风险(Risks of spermcompetition,RSC)的反应上,对于雄性利用何种类型的信息来估计RSC也有一些研究。相比而言,缺少对于雄性如何处理RSC信息输入从而产生RSC信息输出的研究。本文提出输入信息处理(直接处理与间接处理)的两种模型并提出了检验这两种模型的方法,以便理解雄性如何处理并储存精子竞争风险的有关信息。直接的输入信息处理模型预测,一个雄性个体可能通过生理反应如激素水平的变化来储存RSC的输入信息。只要这种反应处于活动状态,那么雄性个体将处于“精子竞争风险状态”并产生RSC输出(例如,高精子投资)而不是处于非精子竞争输出状态(例如,相对低的精子投资)。间接的输入信息处理模型预测,雄性个体可能在它的记忆中储存与RSC相关的的输入信息,并在其后使用这些信息以调节其输出(例如,精子投资或交配行为)。我们使用能吸引研究者的多学科方法以理解雄性在不同层次对精子竞争的适应,相信对本文提出假说的检验将有助于新的发现以及新假说的发展。

Much research has been focused on the ‘output＇ or response of males to particular risks of sperm competition （RSC）. Lately, there has also been some interest on the types of information that males may use to assess RSC （RSC inputs）. In contrast, there is a lack of studies on how males may process RSC inputs to generate such RSC outputs. Here we propose two modes of input processing （direct and indirect） and ways to test them in order to understand how a male may process and store RSC information. The direct mode of input processing predicts that a male may store RSC inputs through a physiological response, e.g. , through a change in hormonal levels. As long as this response is active, the male will stay in a ‘RSC state＇ and will produce an RSC output （e. g. , high sperm investment） instead of a non-RSC output （e.g. , relatively lower sperm investment） when he encounters a female. The indirect mode of input processing predicts that a male may store RSC inputs in his memory and retrieve such information later on to modify his output （e. g. , sperm investment or copulatory behavior） accordingly. We use a multidisciplinary approach that should appeal to those researchers that seek to understand male＇s adaptations to sperm competition at different levels. We believe that the testing of the hypotheses developed in this paper will lead to interesting findings and the development of new hypotheses [ Acta Zoologica Sinica 51 （6） ： 1122- 1129, 2005].