Background:The long-term monitoring of demographic changes in waterbird populations remains limited,but such information can be valuable for conservationists and waterbird managers.Biased sex ratios can indicate diffe...Background:The long-term monitoring of demographic changes in waterbird populations remains limited,but such information can be valuable for conservationists and waterbird managers.Biased sex ratios can indicate differences in survival rates between sexes.In particular,differences in the sex ratios of fledged juveniles and adults can provide insight into the development of male bias among populations.Methods:In this study,we used data from individual birds captured over a 57-year period to assess the extent,and temporal variability in male bias in nine populations of ducks wintering in the United Kingdom:Gadwall(Mareca strepera),Northern Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos),Northern Pintail(Anas acuta),Common Pochard(Aythya ferina),Common Shelduck(Tadorna tadorna),Northern Shoveler(Spatula clypeata),Eurasian Teal(Anas crecca),Tufted Duck(Aythya fuligula),and Eurasian Wigeon(Mareca penelope).Results:Overall,eight of these populations were significantly male-biased and adults were more male-biased than first-winter juveniles for all nine populations.The increased male bias among adults is consistent with the hypothesis that factors such as higher mortality of reproductive-age females during the breeding season is a major cause of male bias in duck populations.However,such predation cannot explain the male bias detected in first-winter juveniles in four of the populations.The temporal trends in male bias differed between adults and first-winter juveniles in Northern Mallard,Northern Pintail,Common Pochard,Common Shelduck,Eurasian Teal,Tufted Duck,and Eurasian Wigeon.Over the study period we found increased male bias among adult Northern Mallard,Northern Pintail,Common Pochard,Common Shelduck,and Tufted Duck as well as both adult and first-winter juvenile Northern Shoveler.Conclusions:We provide evidence that among wintering duck populations,sex ratios are typically male-biased,with adults exhibiting stronger male-biased sex ratios than first-winter juveniles.Improved monitoring of sex ratios of wintering waterbirds would help to increase our understanding of changes in waterbird demography,population structure,and observed population trends;our study shows that birds caught during ringing projects can be a valuable source of such data.展开更多
Local mate competition(LMC) was firstly used to explain extra-ordinary female-biased sex ratios. However, some observations have found that the sex ratios of some species are more female-biased than the predictions of...Local mate competition(LMC) was firstly used to explain extra-ordinary female-biased sex ratios. However, some observations have found that the sex ratios of some species are more female-biased than the predictions of LMC and its extensions; there is not yet a theory that accounts for the mechanisms of more female-biased sex ratio. Here, we assume that LMC occurs at a destructed habitat that reduces the resource for production, and present a new extension for the LMC model. Consequently, our model shows that the evolutionarily stable strategy(ESS) for sex ratio depends on two parameters: the number of foundresses and the degree of habitat destruction. Moreover, the sex ratio decreases as the degree of habitat destruction increases, i.e., the proportion of female increases. These results generally agree with experimental data, and may provide a new basis for the evolution of female-biased sex ratios in local mate competition and a new theory support for conservation of some species.展开更多
Despite all efforts,long-term changes in the adult sex ratios of breeding duck populations are still unclear;this uncertainty is especially true for male-bias populations,which are often under the scrutiny of research...Despite all efforts,long-term changes in the adult sex ratios of breeding duck populations are still unclear;this uncertainty is especially true for male-bias populations,which are often under the scrutiny of researchers lacking convenient results for the active protection of endangered species.Species with male-bias populations are usually strongly affected by a decline in population size that leads to a higher extinction risk.In this study,we examined our long-term data of the abundance of breeding populations in six duck species(Mallard Anas platyrhynchos,Gadwall Mareca strepera,Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina,Common Pochard Aythya ferina,Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula,and Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula)from fishponds in South Bohemia,Czechia,between 2004 and 2022.This evidence was used to assess long-term changes in the adult sex ratio in these breeding populations and investigate the possible effects of the NAO index(North Atlantic Oscillation index)on them,indicating climate conditions in winter.We determined a long-term decrease of the proportion of females in the breeding season in two of the six examined species:Common Pochard and Red-crested Pochard,which is driven by the long-term increase in the number of males in contrast to the decreasing or stable number of females likely caused by different migration behaviours between females and males.In the case of Common Pochard,in breeding populations,we estimated 60-65%of males in the early 2000s rising to 75-80%in the early 2020s.However,we establish no significant effects linked to climate conditions of the previous winter in these species as a crucial cause of the changes of the proportion of females in the breeding population.展开更多
Dioecious plants exhibit sexual dimorphism in both sexual features(reproductive organs)and secondary sex characteristics(vegetative traits).Sexual differences in secondary traits,including morphological,physiological ...Dioecious plants exhibit sexual dimorphism in both sexual features(reproductive organs)and secondary sex characteristics(vegetative traits).Sexual differences in secondary traits,including morphological,physiological and ecological characters,have been commonly associated with trade-offs between the cost of reproduction and other plant functions.Such trade-offs may be modified by environmental stressors,although there is evidence that sexually dimorphic responses to stress do not always exist in all plant species.When sexual dimorphism exists,sexually different responses appear to depend on the species and stress types.Yet,further studies on dioecious plant species are needed to allow the generalization of stress effects on males and females.Additionally,sexual dimorphism may influence the frequency and distribution of the sexes along environmental gradients,likely causing niche differentiation and spatial segregation of sexes.At the present,the causes and mechanisms governing sex ratio biases are poorly understood.This review aims to discuss sex-specific responses and sex ratio biases occurring under adverse conditions,which will advance our knowledge of sexually dimorphic responses to environmental stressors.展开更多
By finding some important culture conditions as below, we succeeded in experimentally controlling the whole life history of a dioecious marine green alga, Bryopsis plumosa （Hudson） C. Agardh. In this study, we focus...By finding some important culture conditions as below, we succeeded in experimentally controlling the whole life history of a dioecious marine green alga, Bryopsis plumosa （Hudson） C. Agardh. In this study, we focused on the primary and secondary sex ratios （i.e. at inception and maturity） using these culture techniques. Gametogenesis was induced by culturing haploid gametophytes with Provasoli＇s enriched seawater （PES） medium under a 14：10 h light： dark cycle at 14 ℃. Formed zygotes grew into diploid sporophytes, which were cultured for 3 months with PES medium under a 14：10 h light ： nbsp;dark cycle at 18℃. Then they were transferred into Schreiber medium and cultured under a 10：14 h light： dark cycle at 22℃. Within 1 week, zoosporogenesis was observed. Zoospores were released within a couple of days. Each zoospore soon germinated and grew into a unisexual gametophyte. The primary sex ratio was examined in gametophytes that originated from a single sporophyte. The secondary sex ratio was studied in the field. Both were estimated as 1：1. Synchronized meiotic cell divisions might occur during zoosporogenesis dividing each sex-determining factor evenly among zoospores. Given the equal sex ratio at maturity, there seems to be no environmental factor that differentially affects the survival of male or female gametophytes in nature.展开更多
Demographic information,such as geographic segregation of sexes and sex ratio data,is needed to develop,model and evaluate conservation and management strategies for wildlife.A variety of physiological,behavioral and ...Demographic information,such as geographic segregation of sexes and sex ratio data,is needed to develop,model and evaluate conservation and management strategies for wildlife.A variety of physiological,behavioral and environmental factors can influence segregation of sexes and sex ratios,many of which originate with density-dependent processes.Departure from 50:50 sex ratios of double-crested cormorants(Phalacrocorax auritus)collected during control efforts in breeding and wintering areas across their eastern range of the USA were evaluated using using a Z-test as well as Stouffer’s weighted Z-tests.In addition,a specifically-designed randomization test was used to evaluate density-dependent effects on primary sex ratios in cormorants from egg collections and colony nest count data over a 21-year period.Cormorants collected from breeding colonies were strongly male-biased,whereas cormorants collected from feeding flocks were slightly biased toward females.Cormorants were partly segregated by sex on the wintering grounds,with significantly more males found in areas with intensive channel catfish aquaculture.The null hypothesis that females produced a balanced sex ratio independent of number of nesting cormorants was rejected:more male embryos were produced during rapid population growth,whereas at maximum nesting number more female embryos were produced.Once populations stabilized,the sex ratio was more equal.This examination of sex ratios indicates that different management methods and locations result in sex-biased culling of cormorants.Sex-biased culling in cormorants could make population reduction efforts more efficient and reduce overall take.We suggest further research to examine density-dependent effects on primary sex ratios documented here.展开更多
Fisher's theory predicts equal sex ratios at the end of parental care if the cost associated with raising offspring of each sex is equal.However,sex ratios have important evolutionary consequences and are often bi...Fisher's theory predicts equal sex ratios at the end of parental care if the cost associated with raising offspring of each sex is equal.However,sex ratios have important evolutionary consequences and are often biased for many factors.Reported sex ratios are often biased in raptors,which display various degrees of reversed sexual dimorphism,but there seems no consistent pattern in their offspring sex ratios.In this study,we investigated the offspring sex ratio of the Eurasian Kestrel(Falco tinnunculus) and tested whether the patterns of biased sex ratios were related to laying order,egg mass,hatching order,laying date or clutch size.The brood sex ratio of the Eurasian Kestrel(male) in eggs was 47.0%,not statistically biased from 0.5,but in fledglings it was 40.8%,significantly biased from 0.5(p = 0.029).At population level,both primary and secondary sex ratios did not depart from parity.We found that clutch size and egg mass affected the secondary brood sex ratio,i.e.,the larger the clutch size,the larger the number of males and eggs producing sons were heavier than eggs producing daughters.Laying date affected both the primary and secondary sex ratios,and laying earlier is associated with a greater proportion of males.展开更多
In recent years, investigators have noted a trend toward a declining proportion of male births in many industrialized nations. While men bear the sex-determining chromosome, the role of the female partner as it pertai...In recent years, investigators have noted a trend toward a declining proportion of male births in many industrialized nations. While men bear the sex-determining chromosome, the role of the female partner as it pertains to fertilization or miscarriage may also alter the gender ratio. We attempted to determine a man＇s secondary sex ratio （F1 generation） by directly examining the sex chromosomes of his sperm. We examined our male infertility clinic database for all men who had undergone a semen fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH）. Patient demographic and semen parameters were recorded. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare gender ratios （Y chromosomes/total chromosomes）. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict the odds of possessing a Y-bearing sperm after accounting for demographic and semen parameters. A total of 185 men underwent sperm FISH. For the entire cohort, the proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm was 51.5%. Men with less than five million motile sperm had a significantly lower proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm （50.8%） compared to men with higher sperm counts （51.6%; P= 0.02）. After multivariable adjustment, a higher sperm concentration, total motile sperm count and semen volume significantly increased the odds of having a Y chromosome-bearing sperm （P〈0.01）. As a man＇s sperm production declines, so does the proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm. Thus, a man＇s reproductive potential may predict his ability to sire male offspring.展开更多
Background:The adjustment of sex ratios in birds can occur at the egg and nestling stages. Previous studies showed that the sex ratio was affected by environmental factors and parental condition; it may result in seas...Background:The adjustment of sex ratios in birds can occur at the egg and nestling stages. Previous studies showed that the sex ratio was affected by environmental factors and parental condition; it may result in seasonal and ecosystem differences.Methods:In this study, the brood sex ratio of the Yellow-bellied Prinia(Prinia flaviventris) in the Nonggang area, Guangxi, southwestern China, was investigated during the breeding season from May to June in 2013 using PCR amplification from whole-genome DNA extracted from blood samples. A total of 31 nests of Yellow-bellied Prinia, including 132 brood fledglings and 31 pairs, were sampled.Results:The results showed that the brood sex ratio of the Yellow-bellied Prinia was 1:1, and sex ratios of different nests were evenly distributed within the study area. No significant relationship was found between parental quality and nest characteristics with the brood sex ratio.Conclusions:The present study indicated that no brood sex ratio bias in the Yellow-bellied Prinia highlighted the complexity of sex ratio adjustment in birds. In spite of our negative results, the lack of an association between brood sex ratio and parental quality and environmental factors in the Yellow-bellied Prinia provides valuable information on the adjustment of sex ratios in birds.展开更多
The ef fects of salinity on the copepod, A cartia tonsa in terms of daily egg production rate(EPR), hatching success, fecal pellet production rate(FPR), naupliar development time and survival, sex ratio, and total lif...The ef fects of salinity on the copepod, A cartia tonsa in terms of daily egg production rate(EPR), hatching success, fecal pellet production rate(FPR), naupliar development time and survival, sex ratio, and total life span were determined in laboratory conditions through three experiments. In experiment 1, EPR, hatching success, and FPR of individual females were monitored at salinities of 13, 20, 35 and 45 during short-periods(seven consecutive days). Results show EPR was aff ected by salinity with the highest outputs recorded at 20 and 35, respectively, which were considerably higher than those at 13 and 45. Mean FPR was also higher in 35 and 20. In experiment 2, the same parameters were evaluated over total life span of females(long-term study). The best EPR and FPR were observed in 35, which was statistically higher than at 13 and 20. In experiment 3, survival rates of early nauplii until adult stage were lowest at a salinity of 13. The development time increased with increasing of salinity. Female percentage clearly decreased with increasing salinity. Higher female percentages(56.7% and 52.2%, respectively) were signifi cantly observed at two salinities of 13 and 20 compared to that at 35(25%). Total longevity of females was not af fected by salinity increment. Based on our results, for mass culture we recommend that a salinity of 35 be adopted due to higher reproductive performances, better feeding, and faster development of A. tonsa.展开更多
The overall sex ratio of offspring （dead embryos and hatch chicks） from all the fertilized eggs of 140 hens collected for 30 days was studied using duplex PCR of certain fragments of sex chromosomes. Additional 894 ...The overall sex ratio of offspring （dead embryos and hatch chicks） from all the fertilized eggs of 140 hens collected for 30 days was studied using duplex PCR of certain fragments of sex chromosomes. Additional 894 dead embryos over a period of 21 days of incubation were also investigated to verify the sex ratio of the dead embryos. The sex of the early dead embryos was identified using this molecular sexing technique. The sex ratio of the hatch chicks and the total offspring of the hens investigated in this experiment did not differ from the expected sex ratio （i.e., 1：1）., However, the number of female dead embryos was significantly more than that of males. The data indicated that the different physiologic function of males and females contributed to female-biased mortality during incubation. It was also found by further analysis that the sex ratios of the offspring of some hens were significantly biased to female or male over the period investigated, which suggested that the sex ratio of offspring might be influenced by the maternal condition to some degrees.展开更多
Recent studies investigating possible causes of male subfertility have largely focused on how lifestyle or environmental factors impact on the process of spermatogenesis, Markedly, fewer studies have investigated thos...Recent studies investigating possible causes of male subfertility have largely focused on how lifestyle or environmental factors impact on the process of spermatogenesis, Markedly, fewer studies have investigated those risk factors that result in reduced sperm quality, such as poor sperm motility. The speed at which sperm swim is a major predictor of fertility and is extremely variable in human populations. It has been hypothesized that offspring sex may be adaptively manipulated to maximize the offspring＇s reproductive fitness （e.g., parents with genes for good male fertility traits, such as high sperm speed, would produce primarily sons and fewer daughters because the offspring will inherit advantageous male fertility genes）. Conversely, parents with poor male fertility genes would produce primarily daughters, We tested whether there was an association between how fast a man＇s sperm swam and the sex bias of his siblings in a sample of men attending clinic for fertility investigations with their partner and with a wide range of semen characteristics, including sperm speed. We found that the sex bias of a man＇s siblings is associated with his sperm speed; men with female-biased siblings had significantly slower sperm （judged using computer-assisted sperm analysis （CASA）） than men from male-biased sibships. This observation suggests family composition is an important factor that needs to be considered in future eDidemiological and clinical studies of human fertility,展开更多
Sex-determining systems show a striking diversity not only among species, but also among popula tions. In reptiles, sex-determina tion is a continuum, from tempera ture-dependent sex determination(TSD) to genetic sex ...Sex-determining systems show a striking diversity not only among species, but also among popula tions. In reptiles, sex-determina tion is a continuum, from tempera ture-dependent sex determination(TSD) to genetic sex determination(GSD).The multi-ocellated racerunner(Eremias multiocellata)is reported to be a cryptic ZZ/ZW chromosomal TSD species, with male-biased sex ratios at high temperatures in two Gansu populations. However, the generality of the sex-determining pattern in different populations of this species remains unclear. To investigate the mode of sex determina tion in a popula tion of E.multiocellata from the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia,we first identified sex chromosomes via comparative genomic hybridization(CGH). We then conducted a thermal manipulation experiment to determine the effect of gestation temperature on offspring sex ratios.From the CGH studies we found that lizards from the Inner Mongolia population possessed ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. However, our thermal manipulation experiment showed that gestation temperature did not affect the sex ratio of neonates in this population. In combination, these results rule out TSD in the Inner Mongolia population of E. multiocellata, and suggest that there is widespread geographic variation in the sexdetermining system of this species.展开更多
Mating preferences are common in natural populations of animals.Numerous studies have shown that male mate choice can occur in a wide range of taxa.However,male mating preferences are still poorly understood in anuran...Mating preferences are common in natural populations of animals.Numerous studies have shown that male mate choice can occur in a wide range of taxa.However,male mating preferences are still poorly understood in anurans.Sexual selection theory predicts that male mate choice is not expected to arise if 1) adult population exhibited a highly male-biased sex ratio which will diminish male mating success;2) males provide less parental care;3) mating success of males is associated with chorus tenure in which males would maximize their fitness by mating with multiple mates.We tested these predictions in the Asian common toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus from southeastern Tibet,China.Our field experimental results indicated that,the breeding population exhibited a highly male-biased sex ratio,called males did not defend sites which contain significant resources required by females and offspring,both sexes provided no parental care after egg-laying,and the toad species was characterized with prolonged breeding season chorus attendance.In male mate choice experiment,males did not show preferences for a larger gravid female over a smaller gravid female.We suggest that male mating success in the Asian common toad is likely determined by the number but not the quality of mates.Future research should focus on how sexual selection on male acoustic signaling and how female preference exert different types of selection pressure on male call traits in this Tibet toad.展开更多
Mouse TGF-β1 gene was microinjected into male pronuclei of F2 hybrid fertilized eggs obtained by mating CSJLF1 and C57BL/6J inbred strains to generate transgenic mice with over-expressed TGF-β1 gene. The rate of fou...Mouse TGF-β1 gene was microinjected into male pronuclei of F2 hybrid fertilized eggs obtained by mating CSJLF1 and C57BL/6J inbred strains to generate transgenic mice with over-expressed TGF-β1 gene. The rate of founder production is 31% and Southern blot analysis of founder mice tail DNAS gave an integration efficiency of 33%. TGF-β1 gene could be stably integrated to the chromosomes of transgenic mice and transmitted to their progeny at a rate of 33% in the second generation. Dot blot analysis of tail RNA of some transgenic mice indicated a moderate expression of the transgene. The most interesting finding of the present work is the striking deviation from the normal male:female sex ratio in transgenic mice,with an average ratio of 6.7:1. The possible nature of the predominance of male sex in transgenic mice overexpressing TGF-β1 is discussed.展开更多
Phrynocephalus guinanensis has sexual dimorphism in abdominal coloration, but its ontogenetic development of sexual size dimorphism （SSD） is unknown. Using mark-recapture data during four days each year from August ...Phrynocephalus guinanensis has sexual dimorphism in abdominal coloration, but its ontogenetic development of sexual size dimorphism （SSD） is unknown. Using mark-recapture data during four days each year from August from 2014 to 2016, we investigated the development of sex ratios, SSD, sex-specific survivorship and growth rates in a population of P guinanensis. Our results indicated that the sex ratio of males to females was 1：2.8. Males had a lower survival rate （6%） than females （14%） across the age range from hatchling to adult, which supported the discovered female-biased sex ratio potentially associated with the low survival rate of males between hatchlings and juveniles. Male-biased SSD in tail length and head width existed in adults rather than in hatchling or juvenile lizards. The growth rates in body dimensions were undistinguishable between the sexes during the age from hatchling to juvenile, but the growth rate in head length from juvenile to adult was significantly larger in males than females. Average growth rate of all morphological measurements from hatchling to juvenile were larger compared with corresponding measurements from juvenile to adult, but only being significant in tail length, head width, abdomen length in females and snout-vent length in males. We provided a case study to strengthen our understanding of the important life history traits on how a viviparous lizard population can survive and develop their morphology in cold climates.展开更多
The dioecious plant,Hippophae rhamnoides,is a pioneer species in community succession on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP),plays great roles in various ecosystem services.However,the males and females of the species diff...The dioecious plant,Hippophae rhamnoides,is a pioneer species in community succession on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP),plays great roles in various ecosystem services.However,the males and females of the species differ both in their morphology and physiology,resulting in a change in the ratio of male to female plants depending on the environment.To further explore the functional traits critical to this sex-based distinctive response in the alpine grassland,we have surveyed the sex ratios,measured their photosynthetic parameters,height,leaf area and biomass allocation.The results showed that(i)The males had higher Pn,light saturation point,apparent quantum efficiency,A_(max) and lower water-use efficiency(WUE),which exhibited higher utilization efficiency or tolerance to strong light,while the females indicated higher utilization efficiency for low light and water.And it showed sex-specific biomass allocation patterns.(ii)H.rhamnoides populations across the successional stages all showed a male-biased sexual allocation,which was closely related to sex-specific WUE,Pn,root biomass/total biomass and root-crown ratio.(iii)The leaf traits of H.rhamnoides changed from higher N_(area),P_(area) and leaf mass per area in the early and late to lower in the middle,which meant they moved their growth strategy from resource rapid acquisition to conservation as the succession progressed.(iv)The increasing soil total phosphorus mostly contributed to regulating the sex bias of populations and variations of traits during the succession.The results are vital for the management of grassland degradation and restoration due to shrub encroachment on the QTP.展开更多
In 2020,China’s sex ratio at birth(SRB)stood at 111.3,still exhibiting a notable bias.Son preference ranks as the most essential and fundamental reason for the skewed SRB.This study,using a mixed-methods approach,see...In 2020,China’s sex ratio at birth(SRB)stood at 111.3,still exhibiting a notable bias.Son preference ranks as the most essential and fundamental reason for the skewed SRB.This study,using a mixed-methods approach,seeks to address what the temporal changes and regional differences in SRB and the gender preferences are in China,whether and why son preference persists,how people practice such preferences and how they relate to the persistently high SRB in the Chinese con-text.Analysis of data from five national sample surveys finds that son preference is waning and daughter preference is gaining momentum,consistent with significant downward trends in SRB.The study also reveals that value shifts and intergenera-tional relations have a strong influence on gender preferences and their translation into reproductive behavior.Additionally,this study highlights the challenges that are hindering the decline in son preference,suggesting that more efforts are needed to empower women and to change social norms.展开更多
[ Objective ] The research aimed to study the pupa changes and emergence behaviors of Dacne picta Crotch. [ Method ] The D. p/cta reared in the labo- ratory were observed and recorded. [ Result ] Before the emergence,...[ Objective ] The research aimed to study the pupa changes and emergence behaviors of Dacne picta Crotch. [ Method ] The D. p/cta reared in the labo- ratory were observed and recorded. [ Result ] Before the emergence, the color of compound eyes, maxillae, tarsi and wing pads d pupae was gradually deepened. The 14^th- 16^th d after pupation were the peak time for emergence, and the ratio of female to male was close to 1： 0.77. During the emergence, the puparium of D. picta dehisced from pronotum, and the hind wing had extension phenomenon before contraction and folding. [ Conclusion] The research confirmed the pupa changes and the emergence behaviors of D. picta.展开更多
Monthly fishery survey data of the small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis in the southern Yellow Sea from2003 and 2013 were employed to evaluate the variation in the resource distribution and biological character...Monthly fishery survey data of the small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis in the southern Yellow Sea from2003 and 2013 were employed to evaluate the variation in the resource distribution and biological characteristics（especially body length and sex ratio） in the population on a decadal scale.The results indicated that the small yellow croaker migrated from the Shawai fishing ground to the Dasha fishing ground in spring and was mainly distributed in the central and western parts of the Dasha fishing ground in April and May.Larimichthys polyactis in the Dasha fishing ground migrated eastward to offshore wintering grounds in autumn and reached the central Dasha fishing ground in October and November.The small yellow croaker entered the western waters of the Shawai fishing ground in winter.A large number of age 0＋ fish occurred in the Shawai and Jiangwai fishing grounds in October of 2003 and 2013.The body lengths of the spawning stock and wintering stock in 2013 were larger than those in 2003,and the monthly sex ratios（female to male） were significantly less than 1 in both years.The monthly distribution of this fish in the southern Yellow Sea was consistent with a previous finding that ＂the stock migrated between the wintering grounds in the west of Jeju Island and the Lüsi spawning grounds＂ but tended to move more northward,with the spawning grounds extending outward.In the past decade,body length variation experienced a decline after an increase,rather than a steady decrease.The sex ratio in the single-stick stow net showed a tendency to increase over the decade,but was either less than or more than 1 depending on the fishing gear;therefore,further studies should be conducted to determine the sex structure.展开更多
文摘Background:The long-term monitoring of demographic changes in waterbird populations remains limited,but such information can be valuable for conservationists and waterbird managers.Biased sex ratios can indicate differences in survival rates between sexes.In particular,differences in the sex ratios of fledged juveniles and adults can provide insight into the development of male bias among populations.Methods:In this study,we used data from individual birds captured over a 57-year period to assess the extent,and temporal variability in male bias in nine populations of ducks wintering in the United Kingdom:Gadwall(Mareca strepera),Northern Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos),Northern Pintail(Anas acuta),Common Pochard(Aythya ferina),Common Shelduck(Tadorna tadorna),Northern Shoveler(Spatula clypeata),Eurasian Teal(Anas crecca),Tufted Duck(Aythya fuligula),and Eurasian Wigeon(Mareca penelope).Results:Overall,eight of these populations were significantly male-biased and adults were more male-biased than first-winter juveniles for all nine populations.The increased male bias among adults is consistent with the hypothesis that factors such as higher mortality of reproductive-age females during the breeding season is a major cause of male bias in duck populations.However,such predation cannot explain the male bias detected in first-winter juveniles in four of the populations.The temporal trends in male bias differed between adults and first-winter juveniles in Northern Mallard,Northern Pintail,Common Pochard,Common Shelduck,Eurasian Teal,Tufted Duck,and Eurasian Wigeon.Over the study period we found increased male bias among adult Northern Mallard,Northern Pintail,Common Pochard,Common Shelduck,and Tufted Duck as well as both adult and first-winter juvenile Northern Shoveler.Conclusions:We provide evidence that among wintering duck populations,sex ratios are typically male-biased,with adults exhibiting stronger male-biased sex ratios than first-winter juveniles.Improved monitoring of sex ratios of wintering waterbirds would help to increase our understanding of changes in waterbird demography,population structure,and observed population trends;our study shows that birds caught during ringing projects can be a valuable source of such data.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31600299)the Young Talent Fund of University Association for Science and Technology in Shaanxi Province,China(No.20160234)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education(No.17JK0040)the Key Project of Baoji University of Arts and Sciences(No.ZK16050)
文摘Local mate competition(LMC) was firstly used to explain extra-ordinary female-biased sex ratios. However, some observations have found that the sex ratios of some species are more female-biased than the predictions of LMC and its extensions; there is not yet a theory that accounts for the mechanisms of more female-biased sex ratio. Here, we assume that LMC occurs at a destructed habitat that reduces the resource for production, and present a new extension for the LMC model. Consequently, our model shows that the evolutionarily stable strategy(ESS) for sex ratio depends on two parameters: the number of foundresses and the degree of habitat destruction. Moreover, the sex ratio decreases as the degree of habitat destruction increases, i.e., the proportion of female increases. These results generally agree with experimental data, and may provide a new basis for the evolution of female-biased sex ratios in local mate competition and a new theory support for conservation of some species.
基金supported by the project 2021B0038 of the Internal Grant Agency of Faculty of Environmental Sciences,CZU Prague entitled“Effect of incubation behaviour on predation risk in ducks(Common Pochard Aythya ferina and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula)in two different habitats”the project SS01010280 of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic entitled“Fishpond management optimization as a tool to biodiversity conservation under climate change”.
文摘Despite all efforts,long-term changes in the adult sex ratios of breeding duck populations are still unclear;this uncertainty is especially true for male-bias populations,which are often under the scrutiny of researchers lacking convenient results for the active protection of endangered species.Species with male-bias populations are usually strongly affected by a decline in population size that leads to a higher extinction risk.In this study,we examined our long-term data of the abundance of breeding populations in six duck species(Mallard Anas platyrhynchos,Gadwall Mareca strepera,Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina,Common Pochard Aythya ferina,Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula,and Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula)from fishponds in South Bohemia,Czechia,between 2004 and 2022.This evidence was used to assess long-term changes in the adult sex ratio in these breeding populations and investigate the possible effects of the NAO index(North Atlantic Oscillation index)on them,indicating climate conditions in winter.We determined a long-term decrease of the proportion of females in the breeding season in two of the six examined species:Common Pochard and Red-crested Pochard,which is driven by the long-term increase in the number of males in contrast to the decreasing or stable number of females likely caused by different migration behaviours between females and males.In the case of Common Pochard,in breeding populations,we estimated 60-65%of males in the early 2000s rising to 75-80%in the early 2020s.However,we establish no significant effects linked to climate conditions of the previous winter in these species as a crucial cause of the changes of the proportion of females in the breeding population.
基金This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(U1803231)the Talent Program ofthe Hangzhou Normal University(2016QDLO20).
文摘Dioecious plants exhibit sexual dimorphism in both sexual features(reproductive organs)and secondary sex characteristics(vegetative traits).Sexual differences in secondary traits,including morphological,physiological and ecological characters,have been commonly associated with trade-offs between the cost of reproduction and other plant functions.Such trade-offs may be modified by environmental stressors,although there is evidence that sexually dimorphic responses to stress do not always exist in all plant species.When sexual dimorphism exists,sexually different responses appear to depend on the species and stress types.Yet,further studies on dioecious plant species are needed to allow the generalization of stress effects on males and females.Additionally,sexual dimorphism may influence the frequency and distribution of the sexes along environmental gradients,likely causing niche differentiation and spatial segregation of sexes.At the present,the causes and mechanisms governing sex ratio biases are poorly understood.This review aims to discuss sex-specific responses and sex ratio biases occurring under adverse conditions,which will advance our knowledge of sexually dimorphic responses to environmental stressors.
基金a grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Japan.
文摘By finding some important culture conditions as below, we succeeded in experimentally controlling the whole life history of a dioecious marine green alga, Bryopsis plumosa （Hudson） C. Agardh. In this study, we focused on the primary and secondary sex ratios （i.e. at inception and maturity） using these culture techniques. Gametogenesis was induced by culturing haploid gametophytes with Provasoli＇s enriched seawater （PES） medium under a 14：10 h light： dark cycle at 14 ℃. Formed zygotes grew into diploid sporophytes, which were cultured for 3 months with PES medium under a 14：10 h light ： nbsp;dark cycle at 18℃. Then they were transferred into Schreiber medium and cultured under a 10：14 h light： dark cycle at 22℃. Within 1 week, zoosporogenesis was observed. Zoospores were released within a couple of days. Each zoospore soon germinated and grew into a unisexual gametophyte. The primary sex ratio was examined in gametophytes that originated from a single sporophyte. The secondary sex ratio was studied in the field. Both were estimated as 1：1. Synchronized meiotic cell divisions might occur during zoosporogenesis dividing each sex-determining factor evenly among zoospores. Given the equal sex ratio at maturity, there seems to be no environmental factor that differentially affects the survival of male or female gametophytes in nature.
文摘Demographic information,such as geographic segregation of sexes and sex ratio data,is needed to develop,model and evaluate conservation and management strategies for wildlife.A variety of physiological,behavioral and environmental factors can influence segregation of sexes and sex ratios,many of which originate with density-dependent processes.Departure from 50:50 sex ratios of double-crested cormorants(Phalacrocorax auritus)collected during control efforts in breeding and wintering areas across their eastern range of the USA were evaluated using using a Z-test as well as Stouffer’s weighted Z-tests.In addition,a specifically-designed randomization test was used to evaluate density-dependent effects on primary sex ratios in cormorants from egg collections and colony nest count data over a 21-year period.Cormorants collected from breeding colonies were strongly male-biased,whereas cormorants collected from feeding flocks were slightly biased toward females.Cormorants were partly segregated by sex on the wintering grounds,with significantly more males found in areas with intensive channel catfish aquaculture.The null hypothesis that females produced a balanced sex ratio independent of number of nesting cormorants was rejected:more male embryos were produced during rapid population growth,whereas at maximum nesting number more female embryos were produced.Once populations stabilized,the sex ratio was more equal.This examination of sex ratios indicates that different management methods and locations result in sex-biased culling of cormorants.Sex-biased culling in cormorants could make population reduction efforts more efficient and reduce overall take.We suggest further research to examine density-dependent effects on primary sex ratios documented here.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30400047)the Training Fund of Northeast Normal University Scientific Innovation Project (Grant No. 07013)the Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Department (Grant No. 20070558 and 20090575)
文摘Fisher's theory predicts equal sex ratios at the end of parental care if the cost associated with raising offspring of each sex is equal.However,sex ratios have important evolutionary consequences and are often biased for many factors.Reported sex ratios are often biased in raptors,which display various degrees of reversed sexual dimorphism,but there seems no consistent pattern in their offspring sex ratios.In this study,we investigated the offspring sex ratio of the Eurasian Kestrel(Falco tinnunculus) and tested whether the patterns of biased sex ratios were related to laying order,egg mass,hatching order,laying date or clutch size.The brood sex ratio of the Eurasian Kestrel(male) in eggs was 47.0%,not statistically biased from 0.5,but in fledglings it was 40.8%,significantly biased from 0.5(p = 0.029).At population level,both primary and secondary sex ratios did not depart from parity.We found that clutch size and egg mass affected the secondary brood sex ratio,i.e.,the larger the clutch size,the larger the number of males and eggs producing sons were heavier than eggs producing daughters.Laying date affected both the primary and secondary sex ratios,and laying earlier is associated with a greater proportion of males.
文摘In recent years, investigators have noted a trend toward a declining proportion of male births in many industrialized nations. While men bear the sex-determining chromosome, the role of the female partner as it pertains to fertilization or miscarriage may also alter the gender ratio. We attempted to determine a man＇s secondary sex ratio （F1 generation） by directly examining the sex chromosomes of his sperm. We examined our male infertility clinic database for all men who had undergone a semen fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH）. Patient demographic and semen parameters were recorded. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare gender ratios （Y chromosomes/total chromosomes）. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict the odds of possessing a Y-bearing sperm after accounting for demographic and semen parameters. A total of 185 men underwent sperm FISH. For the entire cohort, the proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm was 51.5%. Men with less than five million motile sperm had a significantly lower proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm （50.8%） compared to men with higher sperm counts （51.6%; P= 0.02）. After multivariable adjustment, a higher sperm concentration, total motile sperm count and semen volume significantly increased the odds of having a Y chromosome-bearing sperm （P〈0.01）. As a man＇s sperm production declines, so does the proportion of Y chromosome-bearing sperm. Thus, a man＇s reproductive potential may predict his ability to sire male offspring.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31472013 to WL,31660617 to LW,31460567 to AJ,and 31572257 to HH)Key Scientific and Technological Project of Science and Information Technology of Haizhu district,Guangzhou City(2013-cg-03 to ZD,2014-cg-17 to HH)GDAS Special Project of Science and Technology Development(2017GDASCX-0107)
文摘Background:The adjustment of sex ratios in birds can occur at the egg and nestling stages. Previous studies showed that the sex ratio was affected by environmental factors and parental condition; it may result in seasonal and ecosystem differences.Methods:In this study, the brood sex ratio of the Yellow-bellied Prinia(Prinia flaviventris) in the Nonggang area, Guangxi, southwestern China, was investigated during the breeding season from May to June in 2013 using PCR amplification from whole-genome DNA extracted from blood samples. A total of 31 nests of Yellow-bellied Prinia, including 132 brood fledglings and 31 pairs, were sampled.Results:The results showed that the brood sex ratio of the Yellow-bellied Prinia was 1:1, and sex ratios of different nests were evenly distributed within the study area. No significant relationship was found between parental quality and nest characteristics with the brood sex ratio.Conclusions:The present study indicated that no brood sex ratio bias in the Yellow-bellied Prinia highlighted the complexity of sex ratio adjustment in birds. In spite of our negative results, the lack of an association between brood sex ratio and parental quality and environmental factors in the Yellow-bellied Prinia provides valuable information on the adjustment of sex ratios in birds.
文摘The ef fects of salinity on the copepod, A cartia tonsa in terms of daily egg production rate(EPR), hatching success, fecal pellet production rate(FPR), naupliar development time and survival, sex ratio, and total life span were determined in laboratory conditions through three experiments. In experiment 1, EPR, hatching success, and FPR of individual females were monitored at salinities of 13, 20, 35 and 45 during short-periods(seven consecutive days). Results show EPR was aff ected by salinity with the highest outputs recorded at 20 and 35, respectively, which were considerably higher than those at 13 and 45. Mean FPR was also higher in 35 and 20. In experiment 2, the same parameters were evaluated over total life span of females(long-term study). The best EPR and FPR were observed in 35, which was statistically higher than at 13 and 20. In experiment 3, survival rates of early nauplii until adult stage were lowest at a salinity of 13. The development time increased with increasing of salinity. Female percentage clearly decreased with increasing salinity. Higher female percentages(56.7% and 52.2%, respectively) were signifi cantly observed at two salinities of 13 and 20 compared to that at 35(25%). Total longevity of females was not af fected by salinity increment. Based on our results, for mass culture we recommend that a salinity of 35 be adopted due to higher reproductive performances, better feeding, and faster development of A. tonsa.
文摘The overall sex ratio of offspring （dead embryos and hatch chicks） from all the fertilized eggs of 140 hens collected for 30 days was studied using duplex PCR of certain fragments of sex chromosomes. Additional 894 dead embryos over a period of 21 days of incubation were also investigated to verify the sex ratio of the dead embryos. The sex of the early dead embryos was identified using this molecular sexing technique. The sex ratio of the hatch chicks and the total offspring of the hens investigated in this experiment did not differ from the expected sex ratio （i.e., 1：1）., However, the number of female dead embryos was significantly more than that of males. The data indicated that the different physiologic function of males and females contributed to female-biased mortality during incubation. It was also found by further analysis that the sex ratios of the offspring of some hens were significantly biased to female or male over the period investigated, which suggested that the sex ratio of offspring might be influenced by the maternal condition to some degrees.
文摘Recent studies investigating possible causes of male subfertility have largely focused on how lifestyle or environmental factors impact on the process of spermatogenesis, Markedly, fewer studies have investigated those risk factors that result in reduced sperm quality, such as poor sperm motility. The speed at which sperm swim is a major predictor of fertility and is extremely variable in human populations. It has been hypothesized that offspring sex may be adaptively manipulated to maximize the offspring＇s reproductive fitness （e.g., parents with genes for good male fertility traits, such as high sperm speed, would produce primarily sons and fewer daughters because the offspring will inherit advantageous male fertility genes）. Conversely, parents with poor male fertility genes would produce primarily daughters, We tested whether there was an association between how fast a man＇s sperm swam and the sex bias of his siblings in a sample of men attending clinic for fertility investigations with their partner and with a wide range of semen characteristics, including sperm speed. We found that the sex bias of a man＇s siblings is associated with his sperm speed; men with female-biased siblings had significantly slower sperm （judged using computer-assisted sperm analysis （CASA）） than men from male-biased sibships. This observation suggests family composition is an important factor that needs to be considered in future eDidemiological and clinical studies of human fertility,
基金supported by grants from the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB31000000)the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP)(2019QZKK0501)Joint Grant from Chinese Academy of Sciences-People’s Government of Qinghai Province on Sanjiangyuan National Park(LHZX-2020-01)。
文摘Sex-determining systems show a striking diversity not only among species, but also among popula tions. In reptiles, sex-determina tion is a continuum, from tempera ture-dependent sex determination(TSD) to genetic sex determination(GSD).The multi-ocellated racerunner(Eremias multiocellata)is reported to be a cryptic ZZ/ZW chromosomal TSD species, with male-biased sex ratios at high temperatures in two Gansu populations. However, the generality of the sex-determining pattern in different populations of this species remains unclear. To investigate the mode of sex determina tion in a popula tion of E.multiocellata from the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia,we first identified sex chromosomes via comparative genomic hybridization(CGH). We then conducted a thermal manipulation experiment to determine the effect of gestation temperature on offspring sex ratios.From the CGH studies we found that lizards from the Inner Mongolia population possessed ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. However, our thermal manipulation experiment showed that gestation temperature did not affect the sex ratio of neonates in this population. In combination, these results rule out TSD in the Inner Mongolia population of E. multiocellata, and suggest that there is widespread geographic variation in the sexdetermining system of this species.
基金supported by the Joint Funds for Fostering Talents of NSFC and the People's Government of Henan Province(No.U1304309)National Sciences Foundation of China(No.31501870, No.31670392 and No.31872216)+2 种基金Natural Sciences Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholar of Sichuan (No.2016JQ0038)Key Foundation of Sichuan Provincial Department of Education (No.18ZA0255)Technology Foundation for Selected Overseas Chinese Scholar (No.HGQD02)。
文摘Mating preferences are common in natural populations of animals.Numerous studies have shown that male mate choice can occur in a wide range of taxa.However,male mating preferences are still poorly understood in anurans.Sexual selection theory predicts that male mate choice is not expected to arise if 1) adult population exhibited a highly male-biased sex ratio which will diminish male mating success;2) males provide less parental care;3) mating success of males is associated with chorus tenure in which males would maximize their fitness by mating with multiple mates.We tested these predictions in the Asian common toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus from southeastern Tibet,China.Our field experimental results indicated that,the breeding population exhibited a highly male-biased sex ratio,called males did not defend sites which contain significant resources required by females and offspring,both sexes provided no parental care after egg-laying,and the toad species was characterized with prolonged breeding season chorus attendance.In male mate choice experiment,males did not show preferences for a larger gravid female over a smaller gravid female.We suggest that male mating success in the Asian common toad is likely determined by the number but not the quality of mates.Future research should focus on how sexual selection on male acoustic signaling and how female preference exert different types of selection pressure on male call traits in this Tibet toad.
文摘Mouse TGF-β1 gene was microinjected into male pronuclei of F2 hybrid fertilized eggs obtained by mating CSJLF1 and C57BL/6J inbred strains to generate transgenic mice with over-expressed TGF-β1 gene. The rate of founder production is 31% and Southern blot analysis of founder mice tail DNAS gave an integration efficiency of 33%. TGF-β1 gene could be stably integrated to the chromosomes of transgenic mice and transmitted to their progeny at a rate of 33% in the second generation. Dot blot analysis of tail RNA of some transgenic mice indicated a moderate expression of the transgene. The most interesting finding of the present work is the striking deviation from the normal male:female sex ratio in transgenic mice,with an average ratio of 6.7:1. The possible nature of the predominance of male sex in transgenic mice overexpressing TGF-β1 is discussed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31372183, 31772447, 31471988)
文摘Phrynocephalus guinanensis has sexual dimorphism in abdominal coloration, but its ontogenetic development of sexual size dimorphism （SSD） is unknown. Using mark-recapture data during four days each year from August from 2014 to 2016, we investigated the development of sex ratios, SSD, sex-specific survivorship and growth rates in a population of P guinanensis. Our results indicated that the sex ratio of males to females was 1：2.8. Males had a lower survival rate （6%） than females （14%） across the age range from hatchling to adult, which supported the discovered female-biased sex ratio potentially associated with the low survival rate of males between hatchlings and juveniles. Male-biased SSD in tail length and head width existed in adults rather than in hatchling or juvenile lizards. The growth rates in body dimensions were undistinguishable between the sexes during the age from hatchling to juvenile, but the growth rate in head length from juvenile to adult was significantly larger in males than females. Average growth rate of all morphological measurements from hatchling to juvenile were larger compared with corresponding measurements from juvenile to adult, but only being significant in tail length, head width, abdomen length in females and snout-vent length in males. We provided a case study to strengthen our understanding of the important life history traits on how a viviparous lizard population can survive and develop their morphology in cold climates.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(32201525)the Gansu province’s Key Research and Development Plan(21YF5NA069)+2 种基金the Longyuan Talent Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team projectthe Key Laboratory of Eco-functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education(YDZX20216200001007)the Foreign Expert Introduction Special Project of Gansu Province(22JR10KA010).
文摘The dioecious plant,Hippophae rhamnoides,is a pioneer species in community succession on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP),plays great roles in various ecosystem services.However,the males and females of the species differ both in their morphology and physiology,resulting in a change in the ratio of male to female plants depending on the environment.To further explore the functional traits critical to this sex-based distinctive response in the alpine grassland,we have surveyed the sex ratios,measured their photosynthetic parameters,height,leaf area and biomass allocation.The results showed that(i)The males had higher Pn,light saturation point,apparent quantum efficiency,A_(max) and lower water-use efficiency(WUE),which exhibited higher utilization efficiency or tolerance to strong light,while the females indicated higher utilization efficiency for low light and water.And it showed sex-specific biomass allocation patterns.(ii)H.rhamnoides populations across the successional stages all showed a male-biased sexual allocation,which was closely related to sex-specific WUE,Pn,root biomass/total biomass and root-crown ratio.(iii)The leaf traits of H.rhamnoides changed from higher N_(area),P_(area) and leaf mass per area in the early and late to lower in the middle,which meant they moved their growth strategy from resource rapid acquisition to conservation as the succession progressed.(iv)The increasing soil total phosphorus mostly contributed to regulating the sex bias of populations and variations of traits during the succession.The results are vital for the management of grassland degradation and restoration due to shrub encroachment on the QTP.
文摘In 2020,China’s sex ratio at birth(SRB)stood at 111.3,still exhibiting a notable bias.Son preference ranks as the most essential and fundamental reason for the skewed SRB.This study,using a mixed-methods approach,seeks to address what the temporal changes and regional differences in SRB and the gender preferences are in China,whether and why son preference persists,how people practice such preferences and how they relate to the persistently high SRB in the Chinese con-text.Analysis of data from five national sample surveys finds that son preference is waning and daughter preference is gaining momentum,consistent with significant downward trends in SRB.The study also reveals that value shifts and intergenera-tional relations have a strong influence on gender preferences and their translation into reproductive behavior.Additionally,this study highlights the challenges that are hindering the decline in son preference,suggesting that more efforts are needed to empower women and to change social norms.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(C2010000705)Dr.Start Funds in Hebei Agricultural University~~
文摘[ Objective ] The research aimed to study the pupa changes and emergence behaviors of Dacne picta Crotch. [ Method ] The D. p/cta reared in the labo- ratory were observed and recorded. [ Result ] Before the emergence, the color of compound eyes, maxillae, tarsi and wing pads d pupae was gradually deepened. The 14^th- 16^th d after pupation were the peak time for emergence, and the ratio of female to male was close to 1： 0.77. During the emergence, the puparium of D. picta dehisced from pronotum, and the hind wing had extension phenomenon before contraction and folding. [ Conclusion] The research confirmed the pupa changes and the emergence behaviors of D. picta.
基金The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China under contract No.BK20140438the Special Fund for the Fishery Resource Survey Project of East China Sea Region by the Ministry of Agriculture+1 种基金the Jiangsu Innovative Experiment Project for Postgraduate Students of China under contract No.CXZZ13_0275the Jiangsu Science and Technology Support Program of China under contract No.BE2012422
文摘Monthly fishery survey data of the small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis in the southern Yellow Sea from2003 and 2013 were employed to evaluate the variation in the resource distribution and biological characteristics（especially body length and sex ratio） in the population on a decadal scale.The results indicated that the small yellow croaker migrated from the Shawai fishing ground to the Dasha fishing ground in spring and was mainly distributed in the central and western parts of the Dasha fishing ground in April and May.Larimichthys polyactis in the Dasha fishing ground migrated eastward to offshore wintering grounds in autumn and reached the central Dasha fishing ground in October and November.The small yellow croaker entered the western waters of the Shawai fishing ground in winter.A large number of age 0＋ fish occurred in the Shawai and Jiangwai fishing grounds in October of 2003 and 2013.The body lengths of the spawning stock and wintering stock in 2013 were larger than those in 2003,and the monthly sex ratios（female to male） were significantly less than 1 in both years.The monthly distribution of this fish in the southern Yellow Sea was consistent with a previous finding that ＂the stock migrated between the wintering grounds in the west of Jeju Island and the Lüsi spawning grounds＂ but tended to move more northward,with the spawning grounds extending outward.In the past decade,body length variation experienced a decline after an increase,rather than a steady decrease.The sex ratio in the single-stick stow net showed a tendency to increase over the decade,but was either less than or more than 1 depending on the fishing gear;therefore,further studies should be conducted to determine the sex structure.
