During the last 25 years, a series of publications have drawn attention to a common pattern of rapid evolution of sex-related traits and genes. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the observed rapid divergence. For traits and genes directly involved in reproduction, the pressures imposed by interactions between sexes are likely to have driven rapid evolution, by conflictive interactions, forms of female cryptic choice (female sex drive), or differential use of traits and behavioral tactics by males (male sex drive). However, other factors such as subfunctionalization linked to gene duplication events and the birth and death process can also drive fast change. Rapid diversification of sex-related traits and genes has also received interest because of its potential link to the process of speciation. Developmental pathways related to sex display a pattern of constant and rapid change, and early developmental genes have shown unexpected signals of adaptive diversification between species. Finally comparative genomics and proteomics advances are currently allowing us to place these patterns within the broad context of whole genome dynamics.

We invite authors to submit original research articles as well as perspectives that will stimulate, contribute, and challenge our continuous effort to understand what drives the evolution of sex-related traits and genes.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The evolution of mating behavior interactions
• Postmating challenges to fertilization and sexual selection
• The evolution of sex/gamete developmental pathways and genes
• Molecular evolution of reproductive genes and proteins
• Patterns of evolution within a genomic context
• Reproductive traits and speciation

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijeb/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: