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Sperm length in sand martins Riparia riparia: a comment on Helfenstein et al
Article first published online: 30 MAR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-048X.2009.04766.x
© 2009 The Authors
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How to Cite
Kleven, O., Laskemoen, T. and Lifjeld, J. T. (2009), Sperm length in sand martins Riparia riparia: a comment on Helfenstein et al. Journal of Avian Biology, 40: 241–242. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-048X.2009.04766.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 13 MAY 2009
- Article first published online: 30 MAR 2009
- Paper received 2 December 2008; manuscript accepted 30 January 2009
- Abstract
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How long is a sand martin Riparia riparia spermatozoon? In a recent study, Helfenstein et al. (2008) presented data on the intraspecific variation in sperm length, swimming speed and longevity in this species and some interesting correlations between these variables. However, the reported sperm lengths are remarkably short for the species, which casts doubts about whether sperm total length has actually been measured and how the observed relationships should be interpreted.