A Male Expressed Copulatory Plug Increases Female Fertility in Caenorhabditis Nematodes
Lynsey Jo Blevins, Andrew Grieve, Michael E.G. Sauria, Erik C. Andersen, Katja R. Kasimatis
This study shows that a male-expressed mating plug in nematodes increases female fertility by extending reproductive windows and reducing sperm loss, indicating reproductive cooperation rather than male competition.
bioRxiv · Jul 3, 2026 · PreprintEvolutionary Biology