Scientists Explain Why Males' Company Can Be Deadly For Females In Some Species

The mere presence of male roundworms can significantly shorten the lifespan of their female counterparts, say researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine in California. The researchers, who discovered this characteristic in laboratory roundworms, said if carried out after reproduction, this "male-induced demise" could be useful in conserving precious resources for a male's offspring or to decrease the supply of mates for male competitors.