The concept of “racing sperm” has been a persistent myth in our culture for centuries. However, scientific research has consistently debunked this idea, revealing that eggs are indeed the active choosers when it comes to fertilization.
According to Professor Lynnette Sievert, biological anthropologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, mammals have shifted away from the successful model employed by fish, amphibians, and reptiles, where both males and females produce large quantities of sperm and eggs throughout their lifetimes. In contrast, female mammals control the reproductive strategy, bringing fertilization and growing their young inside the body.
This shift in reproductive strategy is believed to be driven by energetics and fine-tuning, as well as a need for more precise selection of traits in offspring. By controlling both egg and sperm preferences, females can invest energy in ensuring their offspring has the best chances of survival.
Recent research has confirmed that eggs are indeed the active deciders in fertilization, using their zona pellucida to chemically grab onto sperm and test them before making a decision. The egg’s criteria for choosing sperm remain unknown, but it is thought to be related to selecting higher-quality or genetically compatible sperm.
The latest findings also suggest that interactions between human eggs and sperm depend on the specific identity of the woman involved, with the choice of sperm being entirely up to the egg. This challenges outdated ideas about women’s bodies as weak and passive, instead highlighting their strength and control over their reproductive strategy.
In her new book “The Stronger Sex,” science journalist Starre Vartan explores this concept in-depth, sharing her research and insights on the fascinating world of female reproduction. By squashing outdated myths and celebrating female strength, Vartan’s work offers a fresh perspective on the power of the female body.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/fertility-pregnancy-birth/the-choice-of-sperm-is-entirely-up-to-the-egg-so-why-does-the-myth-of-racing-sperm-persist