How severe is sperm limitation in natural populations of marine free-spawners?

Abstract

Successful fertilization in marine organisms that release sperm into seawater is potentially limited by the rapid dilution of gametes; cases of severe sperm limitation have been demonstrated in nature. However, recent surveys of naturally spawning populations indicate fairly high fertilization levels in many taxa. The extreme selection exerted by sperm limitation has resulted in numerous adaptations to reduce sperm limitation and enhance fertilization. Thus, most taxa show indications of the evolutionary consequences of sperm limitation even when population level, ecological effects are minimal.