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Sexual selection is driven by differences in reproductive allocation -- that is, in the time, effort and resources a parent devotes to each of their offspring. Males and females usually differ dramatically in reproductive allocation, beginning with the size of the gametes they produce.

Differences in Gamete Size

By definition, males produce many tiny gametes (sperm), whereas females produce fewer, large gametes (eggs).

This dramatic difference in gamete size is of crucial importance to sex allocation theory.

Next: slide show on relationship between gamete size and reproductive allocation.