Sperm morphology and morphometry of Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena Spinipinnis)

Abstract

Knowledge of sperm morphology and morphometry in mammals may contribute to the understanding of their phylogeny and evolution of reproductive systems. The evolution of features such as sperm shape and sperm number is probably the result of two major selective forces: female reproductive physiology and sperm competition (Roldan et ale 1992). Characterization of the sperm shape and size has been utilized as a taxonomic tool (Rouse and Robson 1986, Harding et al. 1987), and in some analyses sperm abnormalities have been related to inbreeding (Wildt et al. 1987). Morphornetric data on the sperm of some cetacean species have been previously reported (Matano et al. 1976, Fleming et al. 1981, Cummins and Woodall 1985).