Adaptive significance of dwarf males in deep-sea barnacles

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The adaptive significance of dwarf males is addressed in deep-sea barnacles. First, microsatellite markers were developed in Scalpellum stearnsii, and the reproductive success of their dwarf males was studied. Small males attained higher reproductive success than larger ones. Second, life history traits were studied and some pieces of information were obtained in this species and in a related species, S. scalpellum, in situ and/or in the aquarium. Third, using mathematical models and theoretical synthesis by reviewing relevant studies, it was suggested that dwarf males evolved under low-density conditions.