Sperm precedence

Pronunciation
/SPER-m preh-SIN-uhns/
Category
Reproductive Behavior

Definition

The phenomenon where the sperm from the last male to mate with a female has a higher chance of fertilizing the eggs.

Etymology

Example

In many insect species, sperm precedence can influence the paternity of offspring, often favoring the last male to mate with a female.

Related Terms

  • Last male priority
  • Sperm competition