Is the initiation of selfing linked to a hermaphrodite's female or male reproductive function?

abstractThere is an ongoing debate about whether simultaneous hermaphrodites capable of selfing should prefer selfing over outcrossing or vice versa. While many theoretical models predict a transmission advantage for alleles that favour selfing, empirical studies often reveal low selfing rates. Despite these considerations, the underlying mechanisms that determine reproductive strategies in simultaneously hermaphroditic animals are poorly understood. In our study on the facultatively selfing free-living flatworm, SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A variety of simultaneously hermaphroditic animals are capable of reproducing via both selfing and outcrossing. While the reproductive choices of such animals can be modelled by the joint action of genetic (e.g. inbreeding depression) and ecological factors (e.g. partner availability), experimental evaluation of theoretical results is often lacking. By manipulating the social environment of focal individuals, we here provide evidence that explores the respective role that the co-occurring male and female sex functions have on the initiation of selfing in a simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm species. Specifically, our results suggest that the initiation of selfing is linked to the worm's male function. Insights about which function is linked to the initiation of selfing may ultimately help to better understand reproductive decisions in simultaneous hermaphrodites.