About this Research Topic
Beyond their role as models to study the proximate and ultimate functions of viviparity in itself, some groups of viviparous fishes, such as the Neotropical families Poeciliidae and Goodeidae, have served as study systems to explore other major genetic, physiological, behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary processes. Through the study of viviparous fishes, a wealth of knowledge has emerged on pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection, complex social behavior, learning and cognition of vertebrates, the origin of unisexual species, genetic variation in natural populations, assembly of freshwater communities, and even the genetic factors involved in the formation of tumors, to name only a few.
In this Research Topic, we search for recent, cutting-edge advances in the knowledge of viviparous fishes. In particular, we aim to expand our understanding of the interplay between physiological, reproductive, and behavioral mechanisms, the ecological factors that directly affect the expression of such mechanisms, and the evolutionary forces that have shaped the genetic and phenotypic diversity of all these traits in viviparous fishes. We seek contributions from scientists working across levels of biological organization (genotypes, individuals, populations, and communities) in any group of fishes that include viviparous species. Studies focused on the conservation of threatened taxa, or on the management and control of invasive species, are also welcome.
Keywords: adaptations, internal development, livebearing, phenotypic diversity, viviparity
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.