1
|
Ruchitha BG, Kumar D, Chandrakanth M, Farooq I, Kumar N, Sura C, Chetan S, Tung S. Effect of developmental and adult diet composition on reproductive aging in Drosophila melanogaster. Exp Gerontol 2024; 194:112501. [PMID: 38897017 PMCID: PMC7616176 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Diet significantly affects reproductive outcomes across species, yet the precise effects of macronutrient compositions beyond caloric intake on reproductive aging are understudied. Existing literature presents conflicting views on the fertility impacts of nutrient-rich versus nutrient-poor developmental diets, underscoring a notable research gap. This study addresses these gaps by examining effects of isocaloric diets with varied protein-to-carbohydrate ratios during both developmental and adult stages on reproductive aging of a large, outbred Drosophila melanogaster population (n = ∼2100). Our results clearly demonstrate an age-dependent dietary impact on reproductive output, initially dominated by the developmental diet, then by a combination of developmental and adult diets in early to mid-life, and ultimately by the adult diet in later life. Importantly, we found that the effects of developmental and adult diets on reproductive output are independent, with no significant interaction. Further investigations into the mechanisms revealed that the effect of developmental diet on fecundity is regulated via ovarioles formation and vitellogenesis; while, the effect of adult diet on fecundity is mostly regulated only via vitellogenesis. These insights resolve disputes in the literature about dietary impacts on fertility and offer valuable perspectives for optimizing fertility strategies in improving public health and conservation efforts in this changing world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B G Ruchitha
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 411008.
| | - Devashish Kumar
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029.
| | - Mohankumar Chandrakanth
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029.
| | - Itibaw Farooq
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029
| | - Nishant Kumar
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029.
| | - Chand Sura
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029.
| | - S Chetan
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029.
| | - Sudipta Tung
- Integrated Genetics and Evolution Laboratory (IGEL), Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, India, 131029.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lobbia PA, Rodríguez C, Remón C, Manteca-Acosta M. Reproductive consequences of the interaction Trypanosoma cruzi - Triatoma infestans and its trade-off with survival. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108183. [PMID: 39182644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Relative little is known about fitness effects and life history trade-off of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in Argentina. Previous studies revealed some costs related to development, excretion, and toxicology or their possible trade-offs, but none address effects on reproduction. To study the effect of T. cruzi infection on reproductive efficiency and survival of T. infestans we set up four treatments: both genders uninfected, both genders infected, female infected - males uninfected and female uninfected - males infected. The infection was induced during the third, fourth, and fifth nymphal instars. Reproductive efficiency and longevity variables were recorded. Our results showed that the infection by T. cruzi increased reproductive efficiency and reduced survival of T. infestans. Pairs where one or both individuals were infected presented a greater percentage copulation, of egg-laying females, the onset of copulation and oviposition occurred earlier, and age-specific fecundity was notably higher. Regarding fertility, infected females displayed higher rates irrespective of the infective status of the male counterpart. A reduction in longevity was observed in infected males and females. These findings highlighted that the infection significantly alters the trade-off reproductive efficiency-survival of T. infestans, with the impact differing according to the infection status of each gender, suggesting a complex interplay rather than a simple additive effect. This response corresponds to the reproductive compensation hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Lobbia
- Unidad Operativa de Vectores y Ambiente (UnOVE), Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigación en Endemo-Epidemias (CeNDIE), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Rodríguez
- Cátedra de Morfología animal, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales/Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (FCEFyN/IIByT- UNC/CONICET), Argentina
| | - Carolina Remón
- Unidad Operativa de Vectores y Ambiente (UnOVE), Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigación en Endemo-Epidemias (CeNDIE), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - Mariana Manteca-Acosta
- Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigación en Endemo-Epidemias (CeNDIE), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reid R, Capilla-Lasheras P, Haddou Y, Boonekamp J, Dominoni DM. The impact of urbanization on health depends on the health metric, life stage and level of urbanization: a global meta-analysis on avian species. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240617. [PMID: 39016598 PMCID: PMC11253839 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Stressors associated with urban habitats have been linked to poor wildlife health but whether a general negative relationship between urbanization and animal health can be affirmed is unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of avian literature to test whether health biomarkers differed on average between urban and non-urban environments, and whether there are systematic differences across species, biomarkers, life stages and species traits. Our dataset included 644 effect sizes derived from 112 articles published between 1989 and 2022, on 51 bird species. First, we showed that there was no clear impact of urbanization on health when we categorized the sampling locations as urban or non-urban. However, we did find a small negative effect of urbanization on health when this dichotomous variable was replaced by a quantitative variable representing the degree of urbanization at each location. Second, we showed that the effect of urbanization on avian health was dependent on the type of health biomarker measured as well as the individual life stage, with young individuals being more negatively affected. Our comprehensive analysis calls for future studies to disentangle specific urban-related drivers of health that might be obscured in categorical urban versus non-urban comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Reid
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, 82 Hillhead Street, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Pablo Capilla-Lasheras
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, 82 Hillhead Street, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Yacob Haddou
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, 82 Hillhead Street, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jelle Boonekamp
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, 82 Hillhead Street, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Davide M. Dominoni
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, 82 Hillhead Street, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wilson KM, Burley NT. Early-Life Silver Spoon Improves Survival and Breeding Performance of Adult Zebra Finches. Am Nat 2024; 204:73-95. [PMID: 38857346 DOI: 10.1086/730265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
AbstractDevelopmental plasticity allows organisms to increase the fit between their phenotype and their early-life environment. The extent to which such plasticity also enhances adult fitness is not well understood, however, particularly when early-life and adult environments differ substantially. Using a cross-factorial design that manipulated diet at two life stages, we examined predictions of major hypotheses-silver spoon, environmental matching, and thrifty phenotype-concerning the joint impacts of early-life and adult diets on adult morphology/display traits, survival, and reproductive allocation. Overall, results aligned with the silver spoon hypothesis, which makes several predictions based on the premise that development in poor-quality environments constrains adult performance. Males reared and bred on a low-protein diet had lower adult survivorship than other male treatment groups; females' survivorship was higher than males' and not impacted by early diet. Measures of allocation to reproduction primarily reflected breeding diet, but where natal diet impacted reproduction, results supported the silver spoon. Both sexes showed reduced expression of display traits when reared on a low-protein diet. Results accord with other studies in supporting the relevance of the silver spoon hypothesis to birds and point to significant ramifications of sex differences in early-life viability selection on the applicability/strength of silver spoon effects.
Collapse
|
5
|
Walsh MR, Christian A, Feder M, Korte M, Tran K. Are parental condition transfer effects more widespread than is currently appreciated? J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246094. [PMID: 38449326 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
It has long been recognized that the environment experienced by parents can influence the traits of offspring (i.e. 'parental effects'). Much research has explored whether mothers respond to predictable shifts in environmental signals by modifying offspring phenotypes to best match future conditions. Many organisms experience conditions that theory predicts should favor the evolution of such 'anticipatory parental effects', but such predictions have received limited empirical support. 'Condition transfer effects' are an alternative to anticipatory effects that occur when the environment experienced by parents during development influences offspring fitness. Condition transfer effects occur when parents that experience high-quality conditions produce offspring that exhibit higher fitness irrespective of the environmental conditions in the offspring generation. Condition transfer effects are not driven by external signals but are instead a byproduct of past environmental quality. They are also likely adaptive but have received far less attention than anticipatory effects. Here, we review the generality of condition transfer effects and show that they are much more widespread than is currently appreciated. Condition transfer effects are observed across taxa and are commonly associated with experimental manipulations of resource conditions experienced by parents. Our Review calls for increased research into condition transfer effects when considering the role of parental effects in ecology and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Walsh
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Anne Christian
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Mikaela Feder
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Meghan Korte
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Kevin Tran
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Boon-Falleur M, Baumard N, André JB. The Effect of Income and Wealth on Behavioral Strategies, Personality Traits, and Preferences. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2024:17456916231201512. [PMID: 38261647 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231201512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Individuals living in either harsh or favorable environments display well-documented psychological and behavioral differences. For example, people in favorable environments tend to be more future-oriented, trust strangers more, and have more explorative preferences. To account for such differences, psychologists have turned to evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology, in particular, the literature on life-history theory and pace-of-life syndrome. However, critics have found that the theoretical foundations of these approaches are fragile and that differences in life expectancy cannot explain vast psychological and behavioral differences. In this article, we build on the theory of optimal resource allocation to propose an alternative framework. We hypothesize that the quantity of resources available, such as income, has downstream consequences on psychological traits, leading to the emergence of behavioral syndromes. We show that more resources lead to more long-term orientation, more tolerance of variance, and more investment in low marginal-benefit needs. At the behavioral level, this translates, among others, into more large-scale cooperation, more investment in health, and more exploration. These individual-level differences in behavior, in turn, account for cultural phenomena such as puritanism, authoritarianism, and innovation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélusine Boon-Falleur
- Institut Jean Nicod, Département d'études cognitives, Ecole normale supérieure, Université PSL, EHESS, CNRS
| | - Nicolas Baumard
- Institut Jean Nicod, Département d'études cognitives, Ecole normale supérieure, Université PSL, EHESS, CNRS
| | - Jean-Baptiste André
- Institut Jean Nicod, Département d'études cognitives, Ecole normale supérieure, Université PSL, EHESS, CNRS
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dupont SM, Barbraud C, Chastel O, Delord K, Pallud M, Parenteau C, Weimerskirch H, Angelier F. How does maternal age influence reproductive performance and offspring phenotype in the snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea)? Oecologia 2023; 203:63-78. [PMID: 37833549 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
In wild vertebrates, the increase of breeding success with advancing age has been extensively studied through laying date, clutch size, hatching success, and fledging success. However, to better evaluate the influence of age on reproductive performance in species with high reproductive success, assessing not only reproductive success but also other proxies of reproductive performance appear crucial. For example, the quality of developmental conditions and offspring phenotype can provide robust and complementary information on reproductive performance. In long-lived vertebrate species, several proxies of developmental conditions can be used to estimate the quality of the produced offspring (i.e., body size, body condition, corticosterone levels, and telomere length), and therefore, their probability to survive. By sampling chicks reared by known-aged mothers, we investigated the influence of maternal age on reproductive performance and offspring quality in a long-lived bird species, the snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea). Older females bred and left their chick alone earlier. Moreover, older females had larger chicks that grew faster, and ultimately, those chicks had a higher survival probability at the nest. In addition, older mothers produced chicks with a higher sensitivity to stress, as shown by moderately higher stress-induced corticosterone levels. Overall, our study demonstrated that maternal age is correlated to reproductive performance (hatching date, duration of the guarding period and survival) and offspring quality (body size, growth rate and sensitivity to stress), suggesting that older individuals provide better parental cares to their offspring. These results also demonstrate that maternal age can affect the offspring phenotype with potential long-term consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Dupont
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et des Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), MNHN, CNRS UMR8067, SU, IRD207, UCN, UA, 97275, Schoelcher Cedex, Martinique, France.
- Institut du Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), CNRS UMR7266, La Rochelle Université, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Christophe Barbraud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Karine Delord
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Marie Pallud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Henri Weimerskirch
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS UMR7372, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mainwaring MC, Tobalske BW, Hartley IR. Born without a Silver Spoon: A Review of the Causes and Consequences of Adversity during Early Life. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:742-757. [PMID: 37280184 PMCID: PMC10805381 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A huge amount of research attention has focused on the evolution of life histories, but most research focuses on dominant individuals that acquire a disproportionate level of reproductive success, while the life histories and reproductive tactics of subordinate individuals have received less attention. Here, we review the links between early life adversity and performance during adulthood in birds, and highlight instances in which subordinate individuals outperform dominant conspecifics. Subordinate individuals are those from broods raised under high risk of predation, with low availability of food, and/or with many parasites. Meanwhile, the broods of many species hatch or are born asynchronously and mitigation of the asynchrony is generally lacking from variation in maternal effects such as egg size and hormone deposition or genetic effects such as offspring sex or parentage. Subordinate individuals employ patterns of differential growth to attempt to mitigate the adversity they experience during early life, yet they overwhelmingly fail to overcome their initial handicap. In terms of surviving through to adulthood, subordinate individuals employ other "suboptimal" tactics, such as adaptively timing foraging behaviors to avoid dominant individuals. During adulthood, meanwhile, subordinate individuals rely on "suboptimal" tactics, such as adaptive dispersal behaviors and competing for partners at optimal times, because they represent the best options available to them to acquire copulations whenever possible. We conclude that there is a gap in knowledge for direct links between early life adversity and subordination during adulthood, meaning that further research should test for links. There are instances, however, where subordinate individuals employ "suboptimal" tactics that allow them to outperform dominant conspecifics during adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Mainwaring
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, UK
- Field Research Station at Fort Missoula, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Bret W Tobalske
- Field Research Station at Fort Missoula, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Ian R Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Contrasting effects of cooperative group size and number of helpers on maternal investment in eggs and nestlings. Anim Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
|
10
|
Payo‐Payo A, Sanz‐Aguilar A, Oro D. Long‐lasting effects of harsh early‐life conditions on adult survival of a long‐lived vertebrate. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Payo‐Payo
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Aberdeen Aberdeen UK
| | - Ana Sanz‐Aguilar
- Animal Demography and Ecology Group, IMEDEA (CSIC‐UIB) Esporles Spain
- Applied Zoology and Conservation Group, Univ. of the Balearic Islands Palma Spain
| | - Daniel Oro
- Applied Zoology and Conservation Group, Univ. of the Balearic Islands Palma Spain
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes (CEAB) Blanes Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sergio F, Tavecchia G, Blas J, Tanferna A, Hiraldo F, Korpimaki E, Beissinger SR. Hardship at birth alters the impact of climate change on a long-lived predator. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5517. [PMID: 36167683 PMCID: PMC9515099 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events, such as droughts or hurricanes, with substantial impacts on human and wildlife communities. Extreme events can affect individuals through two pathways: by altering the fitness of adults encountering a current extreme, and by affecting the development of individuals born during a natal extreme, a largely overlooked process. Here, we show that the impact of natal drought on an avian predator overrode the effect of current drought for decades, so that individuals born during drought were disadvantaged throughout life. Incorporation of natal effects caused a 40% decline in forecasted population size and a 21% shortening of time to extinction. These results imply that climate change may erode populations more quickly and severely than currently appreciated, suggesting the urgency to incorporate “penalties” for natal legacies in the analytical toolkit of impact forecasts. Similar double impacts may apply to other drivers of global change. The long-term effects of extreme climate events in early life are largely overlooked in forecasts of climate change impacts. Here, the authors show that raptorial red kites born during drought are disadvantaged throughout life, and including this climate legacy leads to substantial decreases in forecasted population size and time to extinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Sergio
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Giacomo Tavecchia
- Population Ecology Group, Institute for Mediterranean Studies (IMEDEA), CSIC-UIB, 07190, Esporles, Spain
| | - Julio Blas
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Alessandro Tanferna
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana - CSIC, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Erkki Korpimaki
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Steven R Beissinger
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, CA, USA.,Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sanghvi K, Iglesias‐Carrasco M, Zajitschek F, Kruuk LEB, Head ML. Effects of developmental and adult environments on ageing. Evolution 2022; 76:1868-1882. [PMID: 35819127 PMCID: PMC9543291 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Developmental and adult environments can interact in complex ways to influence the fitness of individuals. Most studies investigating effects of the environment on fitness focus on environments experienced and traits expressed at a single point in an organism's life. However, environments vary with time, so the effects of the environments that organisms experience at different ages may interact to affect how traits change throughout life. Here, we test whether thermal stress experienced during development leads individuals to cope better with thermal stress as adults. We manipulated temperature during both development and adulthood and measured a range of life-history traits, including senescence, in male and female seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus). We found that thermal stress during development reduced adult reproductive performance of females. In contrast, life span and age-dependent mortality were affected more by adult than developmental environments, with high adult temperatures decreasing longevity and increasing age-dependent mortality. Aside from an interaction between developmental and adult environments to affect age-dependent changes in male weight, we did not find any evidence of a beneficial acclimation response to developmental thermal stress. Overall, our results show that effects of developmental and adult environments can be both sex and trait specific, and that a full understanding of how environments interact to affect fitness and ageing requires the integrated study of conditions experienced during different stages of ontogeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krish Sanghvi
- Reserach School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT2601Australia
| | | | - Felix Zajitschek
- School of Biology Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Loeske E. B. Kruuk
- Reserach School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT2601Australia
| | - Megan L. Head
- Reserach School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT2601Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xue W, Huang L, Yu F, Bezemer TM. Light condition experienced by parent plants influences the response of offspring to light via both parental effects and soil legacy effects. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xue
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology / Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Taizhou University Taizhou China
| | - Lin Huang
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology / Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Taizhou University Taizhou China
| | - Fei‐Hai Yu
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology / Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Taizhou University Taizhou China
| | - T. Martijn Bezemer
- Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) Aboveground Belowground Interactions Group, Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Poli C, Robertson EP, Martin J, Powell AN, Fletcher RJ. An invasive prey provides long-lasting silver spoon effects for an endangered predator. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220820. [PMID: 35730154 PMCID: PMC9233927 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The natal environment can have long-term fitness consequences for individuals, particularly via 'silver spoon' or 'environmental matching' effects. Invasive species could alter natal effects on native species by changing species interactions, but this potential remains unknown. Using 17 years of data on 2588 individuals across the entire US breeding range of the endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), a wetland raptor that feeds entirely on Pomacea snails, we tested for silver spoon and environmental matching effects on survival and movement and whether the invasion of a non-native snail may alter outcomes. We found support for silver spoon effects, not environmental matching, on survival that operated through body condition at fledging, explained by hydrology in the natal wetland. When non-native snails were present at the natal site, kites were in better condition, individual condition was less sensitive to hydrology, and kites fledged across a wider range of hydrologic conditions, leading to higher survival that persisted for at least 10 years. Movement between wetlands was driven by the current (adult) environment, and birds born in both invaded and uninvaded wetlands preferred to occupy invaded wetlands post-fledging. These results illustrate that species invasions may profoundly impact the role of natal environments on native species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Poli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ellen P. Robertson
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA,Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Julien Martin
- US Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
| | - Abby N. Powell
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA,US Geological Survey, Florida Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, PO Box 110430, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Robert J. Fletcher
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Measuring fitness and inferring natural selection from long-term field studies: different measures lead to nuanced conclusions. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
16
|
Clements SJ, Zhao Q, Silk MJ, Hodgson DJ, Weegman MD. Modelling associations between animal social structure and demography. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
|
17
|
Gerritsma YH, Driessen MMG, Tangili M, de Boer SF, Verhulst S. Experimentally manipulated food availability affects offspring quality but not quantity in zebra finch meso-populations. Oecologia 2022; 199:769-783. [PMID: 35614323 PMCID: PMC9465982 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05183-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Food availability modulates survival, reproduction and thereby population size. In addition to direct effects, food availability has indirect effects through density of conspecifics and predators. We tested the prediction that food availability in isolation affects reproductive success by experimentally manipulating food availability continuously for 3 years in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) housed in outdoor aviaries. To this end, we applied a technique that mimics natural variation in food availability: increasing the effort required per food reward without affecting diet. Lower food availability resulted in a slight delay of start of laying and fewer clutches per season, but did not affect clutch size or number of offspring reared per annum. However, increasing foraging costs substantially reduced offspring growth. Thus, food availability in isolation did not impact the quantity of offspring reared, at the expense of offspring quality. Growth declined strongly with brood size, and we interpret the lack of response with respect to offspring number as an adaptation to environments with low predictability, at the time of egg laying, of food availability during the period of peak food demand, typically weeks later. Manipulated natal brood size of the parents did not affect reproductive success. Individuals that were more successful reproducers were more likely to survive to the next breeding season, as frequently found in natural populations. We conclude that the causal mechanisms underlying associations between food availability and reproductive success in natural conditions may be more complex than usually assumed. Experiments in semi-natural meso-populations can contribute to further unravelling these mechanisms.
Collapse
|
18
|
Redondo I, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Monclús R, Muriel J, Gil D. Sexual differences in phenotypical predictors of floating status: body condition influences male but not female reproductive status in a wild passerine. Oecologia 2022; 199:79-90. [PMID: 35554681 PMCID: PMC9119866 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Floaters constitute the sexually mature but non-breeding part of populations. Despite being ubiquitous in most species, knowledge about floaters is scarce. Ignoring this significant number of individuals may strongly bias our understanding of population dynamics and sexual selection processes. We used the spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) to examine whether phenotypical and non-phenotypical variables from early and adult life predict reproductive status, focusing on the earliest age at which most individuals start to breed, when the percentage of floaters is the highest. We compiled data from a long-term study involving eight female and seven male cohorts of individuals PIT-tagged at birth. We compared a suite of nestling (condition, hatching date and brood size) and adult variables (condition, size and ornamentation) between floaters and breeders. We found that adult and nestling body condition strongly and positively influenced the likelihood of breeding in males. Path analysis revealed that male reproductive status could only be predicted by considering nestling body condition—the influence of this variable superseded adult body condition. Female reproductive status was only negatively associated with hatching date. Ornamentation was not associated with reproductive status in any of the sexes, although path analyses revealed that body condition was positively associated with throat feather length. We conclude that predictors of reproductive status are sex-specific in the spotless starling, suggesting an important role of body condition in access to breeding resources in males. Our results also highlight the long-term influence of early life on life trajectories and their potential implications on floating status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iraida Redondo
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Raquel Monclús
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jaime Muriel
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Gil
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vedder O, Bichet C, Tschirren B. The Effect of Manipulated Prenatal Conditions on Growth, Survival, and Reproduction Throughout the Complete Life Course of a Precocial Bird. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.834433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of the environment individuals experience during development is commonly regarded as very influential on performance in later life. However, studies that have experimentally manipulated the early-life environment and subsequently measured individual performance in all components of fitness over the complete life course are scarce. In this study, we incubated fertile eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) at substandard and standard incubation temperature, and monitored growth, survival, and reproduction throughout the complete life course. While embryonic development was slower and hatching success tended to be lower under substandard incubation temperature, the prenatal treatment had no effect on post-hatching growth, survival to sexual maturity, or age at first reproduction. In adulthood, body mass and investment in individual egg mass peaked at middle age, irrespective of the prenatal treatment. Individual reproduction rate declined soon after its onset, and was higher in females that lived longer. Yet, reproduction, and its senescence, were independent of the prenatal treatment. Similarly, adult survival over the complete lifespan was not affected. Hence, we did not find evidence for effects on performance beyond the developmental period that was manipulated. Our results suggest that effects of unfavorable developmental conditions on individual performance later in life could be negligible in some circumstances.
Collapse
|
20
|
Arct A, Drobniak SM, Dubiec A, Martyka R, Sudyka J, Gustafsson L, Cichoń M. The interactive effect of ambient temperature and brood size manipulation on nestling body mass in blue tits: an exploratory analysis of a long-term study. Front Zool 2022; 19:9. [PMID: 35227275 PMCID: PMC8883686 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-022-00456-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relatively few studies have examined the interactive effects of ecological factors on physiological responses in wild animals. Nearly all of them have been short-term investigations that did not include experimental manipulations, limiting our ability to understand how climate change will affect natural populations. Using a 10-year brood size manipulation experiment in wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), we quantified the impact of weather conditions and brood competition on the body mass and structural size (tarsus length) of nestlings just prior to leaving the nest. Results We found that variation in nestling body mass on day 14 after hatching was explained by an interactive effect between average ambient temperature experienced during nestling period and brood size treatment. Specifically, in control broods nestling body mass was correlated with temperature in a non-linear manner (concave) with the vertex point (maximum body mass) at ca. 13 °C. In contrast, in enlarged broods nestling body mass permanently increased (also non-linearly) as temperature advanced. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of considering the effects of brood rearing conditions alongside other environmental factors experienced during growth while investigating early-life environmental effects on body condition. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12983-022-00456-x.
Collapse
|
21
|
Paul SC, Singh P, Dennis AB, Müller C. Intergenerational Effects of Early Life Starvation on Life-History, Consumption, and Transcriptome of a Holometabolous Insect. Am Nat 2022; 199:E229-E243. [DOI: 10.1086/719397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
22
|
Sedinger JS, Lindberg MS, Riecke TV, Leach AG, Meixell BW, Nicolai CA, Koons DN. Do hunters target auxiliary markers? An example using black brant. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James S. Sedinger
- Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada Reno 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - Mark S. Lindberg
- Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology and Wildlife University of Alaska Fairbanks, PO Box 757000, University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks AK 99775 USA
| | | | - Alan G. Leach
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology and Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada Reno 1664 N. Virginia Street Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - Brandt W. Meixell
- U.S. Forest Service Chugach National Forest 612 2nd Street, Cordova Ranger District Cordova AK 99574 USA
| | | | - David N. Koons
- Department of Fish Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University 1474 Campus Delivery Fort Collins CO 80523 USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mayekar HV, Kodandaramaiah U. Effect of density on pupal colour plasticity in the butterfly
Mycalesis mineus
(Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae). J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. V. Mayekar
- IISER‐TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE) School of Biology Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| | - U. Kodandaramaiah
- IISER‐TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE) School of Biology Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Allen AM, Jongejans E, van de Pol M, Ens BJ, Frauendorf M, van der Sluijs M, de Kroon H. The demographic causes of population change vary across four decades in a long-lived shorebird. Ecology 2021; 103:e3615. [PMID: 34921394 PMCID: PMC9286424 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Understanding which factors cause populations to decline begins with identifying which parts of the life cycle, and which vital rates, have changed over time. However, in a world where humans are altering the environment both rapidly and in different ways, the demographic causes of decline likely vary over time. Identifying temporal variation in demographic causes of decline is crucial to assure that conservation actions target current and not past threats. However, this has rarely been studied as it requires long time series. Here we investigate how the demography of a long‐lived shorebird (the Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus) has changed in the past four decades, resulting in a shift from stable dynamics to strong declines (−9% per year), and recently back to a modest decline. Since individuals of this species are likely to respond differently to environmental change, we captured individual heterogeneity through three state variables: age, breeding status, and lay date (using integral projection models). Timing of egg‐laying explained significant levels of variation in reproduction, with a parabolic relationship of maximal productivity near the average lay date. Reproduction explained most variation in population growth rates, largely due to poor nest success and hatchling survival. However, the demographic causes of decline have also been in flux over the last three decades: hatchling survival was low in the 2000s but improved in the 2010s, while adult survival declined in the 2000s and remains low today. Overall, the joint action of several key demographic variables explain the decline of the oystercatcher, and improvements in a single vital rate cannot halt the decline. Conservations actions will thus need to address threats occurring at different stages of the oystercatcher's life cycle. The dynamic nature of the threat landscape is further supported by the finding that the average individual no longer has the highest performance in the population, and emphasizes how individual heterogeneity in vital rates can play an important role in modulating population growth rates. Our results indicate that understanding population decline in the current era requires disentangling demographic mechanisms, individual variability, and their changes over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Allen
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute for Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Eelke Jongejans
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute for Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Martijn van de Pol
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute for Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Bruno J. Ens
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field OrnithologySovon‐TexelTexelThe Netherlands
| | - Magali Frauendorf
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute for Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Martijn van der Sluijs
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute for Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Hans de Kroon
- Centre for Avian Population StudiesWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Plant EcologyRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Avilés JM, Precioso M, Molina‐Morales M, Martínez JG. Early‐life environmental conditions influence parasitism at adulthood and life‐history of a cuckoo host. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Miguel Avilés
- Depto de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, CSIC Almería Spain
| | - Marta Precioso
- Depto de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Univ. de Granada Granada Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mikkelsen AJ, Lesmeister DB, O’Reilly KM, Dugger KM. Feather corticosterone reveals developmental challenges in a long‐term study of juvenile northern spotted owls. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee J. Mikkelsen
- USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station Corvallis OR USA
- Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
| | - Damon B. Lesmeister
- USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station Corvallis OR USA
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
| | | | - Katie M. Dugger
- U.S. Geological Survey Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Spießberger M, Hoelzl F, Smith S, Vetter S, Ruf T, Nowack J. The tarnished silver spoon? Trade-off between prenatal growth and telomere length in wild boar. J Evol Biol 2021; 35:81-90. [PMID: 34687577 PMCID: PMC9298079 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Life-history theory predicts a trade-off between growth rates and lifespan, which is reflected by telomere length, a biomarker of somatic state. We investigated the correlation between telomere length and early-life growth of wild boar piglets, Sus scrofa, kept under semi-natural conditions with high food availability to examine our hypothesis that increased pre- and postnatal growth will lead to telomere length attrition, but that a high supply of nutrient may provide the possibility to compensate telomere loss via telomere repair mechanisms. As predicted, our data showed a clear negative correlation between birth body mass and initial telomere length: heavier neonates had shorter telomeres at birth, and we did not find an influence of the mother on initial telomere length. Body mass at birth correlated with body mass later in life and postnatal growth rate did not affect telomere length. We observed an increase in telomere length during postnatal development, suggesting that high food availability allowed piglets to invest into both, growth and telomere restoration. The increase in telomere length over the duration of the study was not accompanied by telomerase activity; thus, telomere elongation was caused either by alternative mechanisms or by short pulses of telomerase activity that we missed. Taken together, this study suggests a trade-off between investment into growth and telomere maintenance even before birth and the possibility to compensate telomere attrition during growth under high amounts of available energy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Spießberger
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steve Smith
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Vetter
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Nowack
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Reid JM, Bignal E, Bignal S, McCracken DI, Fenn SR, Trask AE, Monaghan P. Integrating advances in population and evolutionary ecology with conservation strategy through long-term studies of red-billed choughs. J Anim Ecol 2021; 91:20-34. [PMID: 34679183 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Conceptual and methodological advances in population and evolutionary ecology are often pursued with the ambition that they will help identify demographic, ecological and genetic constraints on population growth rate (λ), and ultimately facilitate evidence-based conservation. However, such advances are often decoupled from conservation practice, impeding translation of scientific understanding into effective conservation and of conservation-motivated research into wider conceptual understanding. We summarise key outcomes from long-term studies of a red-billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax population of conservation concern, where we proactively aimed to achieve the dual and interacting objectives of advancing population and evolutionary ecology and advancing effective conservation. Estimation of means, variances and covariances in key vital rates from individual-based demographic data identified temporal and spatial variation in subadult survival as key constraints on λ, and simultaneously provided new insights into how vital rates can vary as functions of demographic structure, natal conditions and parental life history. Targeted analyses showed that first-year survival increased with prey abundance, implying that food limitation may constrain λ. First-year survival then decreased dramatically, threatening population viability and prompting emergency supplementary feeding interventions. Detailed evaluations suggested that the interventions successfully increased first-year survival in some years and additionally increased adult survival and successful reproduction, thereby feeding back to inform intervention refinements and understanding of complex ecological constraints on λ. Genetic analyses revealed novel evidence of expression of a lethal recessive allele, and demonstrated how critically small effective population size can arise, thereby increasing inbreeding and loss of genetic variation. Population viability analyses parameterised with all available demographic and genetic data showed how ecological and genetic constraints can interact to limit population viability, and identified ecological management as of primacy over genetic management to ensure short-term persistence of the focal population. This case study demonstrates a full iteration through the sequence of primary science, evidence-based intervention, quantitative evaluation and feedback that is advocated in conservation science but still infrequently achieved. It thereby illustrates how pure science advances informed conservation actions to ensure the (short-term) stability of the target population, and how conservation-motivated analyses fed back to advance fundamental understanding of population processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Reid
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Institutt for Biologi, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eric Bignal
- Scottish Chough Study Group, Kindrochaid, Bridgend, Isle of Islay, Argyll, UK
| | - Sue Bignal
- Scottish Chough Study Group, Kindrochaid, Bridgend, Isle of Islay, Argyll, UK
| | - Davy I McCracken
- Department of Integrated Land Management, Scotland's Rural College, Ayr, UK
| | - Sarah R Fenn
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Amanda E Trask
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Stantial ML, Cohen JB, Darrah AJ, Farrell S, Maslo B. Habitat‐specific behavior, growth rate, and survival of piping plover chicks in New Jersey, USA. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Stantial
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Jonathan B. Cohen
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Abigail J. Darrah
- Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program 5107 Arthur Street Moss Point Mississippi 39563 USA
| | - Shannon Farrell
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Brooke Maslo
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 14 College Farm Road New Brunswick New Jersey 08901 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Forsythe AB, Day T, Nelson WA. Demystifying individual heterogeneity. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:2282-2297. [PMID: 34288328 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Among-individual variation in vital rates, such as mortality and birth rates, exists in nearly all populations. Recent studies suggest that this individual heterogeneity produces substantial life-history and fitness differences among individuals, which in turn scale up to influence population dynamics. However, our ability to understand the consequences of individual heterogeneity is limited by inconsistencies across conceptual frameworks in the field. Studies of individual heterogeneity remain filled with contradicting and ambiguous terminology that introduces risks of misunderstandings, conflicting models and unreliable conclusions. Here, we synthesise the existing literature into a single and comparatively straightforward framework with explicit terminology and definitions. This work introduces a distinction between potential vital rates and realised vital rates to develop a coherent framework that maps directly onto mathematical models of individual heterogeneity. We suggest the terms "fixed condition" and "dynamic condition" be used to distinguish potential vital rates that are permanent from those that can change throughout an individual's life. To illustrate, we connect the framework to quantitative genetics models and to common classes of statistical models used to infer individual heterogeneity. We also develop a population projection matrix model that provides an example of how our definitions are translated into precise quantitative terms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy B Forsythe
- Department of Biology, Biosciences Complex, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Troy Day
- Department of Biology, Biosciences Complex, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - William A Nelson
- Department of Biology, Biosciences Complex, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Akresh ME, King DI, Marra PP. Hatching date influences winter habitat occupancy: Examining seasonal interactions across the full annual cycle in a migratory songbird. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9241-9253. [PMID: 34306620 PMCID: PMC8293775 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds experience a sequence of critical events during their life cycle, and past events can subsequently determine future performance via carry-over effects. Events during the non-breeding season may influence breeding season phenology or productivity. Less is understood about how events during the breeding season affect individuals subsequently in their life cycle. Using stable carbon isotopes, we examined carry-over effects throughout the annual cycle of prairie warblers (Setophaga discolor), a declining Nearctic-Neotropical migratory passerine bird. In drier winters, juvenile males that hatched earlier at our study site in Massachusetts, USA, occupied wetter, better-quality winter habitat in the Caribbean, as indicated by depleted carbon isotope signatures. For juveniles that were sampled again as adults, repeatability in isotope signatures indicated similar winter habitat occupancy across years. Thus, hatching date of juvenile males appears to influence lifetime winter habitat occupancy. For adult males, reproductive success did not carry over to influence winter habitat occupancy. We did not find temporally consecutive "domino" effects across the annual cycle (breeding to wintering to breeding) or interseasonal, intergenerational effects. Our finding that a male's hatching date can have a lasting effect on winter habitat occupancy represents an important contribution to our understanding of seasonal interactions in migratory birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Akresh
- Department of Environmental StudiesAntioch University New EnglandKeeneNHUSA
- Department of Environmental ConservationUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstMAUSA
| | - David I. King
- U.S. Forest Service Northern Research StationUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstMAUSA
| | - Peter P. Marra
- Department of Biology and McCourt School of Public PolicyGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Driessen MMG, Versteegh MA, Gerritsma YH, Tieleman BI, Pen I, Verhulst S. Effects of early-life conditions on innate immune function in adult zebra finches. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269007. [PMID: 34087935 PMCID: PMC8214827 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early life conditions can affect individuals for life, with harsh developmental conditions resulting in lower fitness, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesized that immune function may be part of the underlying mechanism, when harsh developmental conditions result in less effective immune function. We tested this hypothesis by comparing innate immune function between zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in adulthood (n=230; age 108–749 days) that were reared in either small or large broods. We used this experimental background to follow up our earlier finding that finches reared in large broods have a shorter lifespan. To render a broad overview of innate immune function, we used an array of six measures: bacterial killing capacity, hemagglutination, hemolysis, haptoglobin, nitric oxide and ovotransferrin. We found no convincing evidence for effects of natal brood size on any of the six measures of innate immune function. This raised the question whether the origin of variation in immune function was genetic, and we therefore estimated heritabilities using animal models. However, we found heritability estimates to be low (range 0.04–0.11) for all measured immune variables, suggesting variation in innate immune function can largely be attributed to environmental effects independent of early-life conditions as modified by natal brood size. Summary: Developmental hardship has many long-term implications, but its effects on adult immune function are unknown. We found no effects of a developmental manipulation on innate immune function during adulthood in zebra finches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merijn M G Driessen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike A Versteegh
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yoran H Gerritsma
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B Irene Tieleman
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Pen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Van Allen B, Jones N, Gilbert B, Carscadden K, Germain R. Maternal effects and the outcome of interspecific competition. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7544-7556. [PMID: 34188833 PMCID: PMC8216948 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal environmental effects create lagged population responses to past environments. Although they are ubiquitous and vary in expression across taxa, it remains unclear if and how their presence alters competitive interactions in ecological communities.Here, we use a discrete-time competition model to simulate how maternal effects alter competitive dynamics in fluctuating and constant environments. Further, we explore how omitting maternal effects alter estimates of known model parameters from observational time series data.Our simulations demonstrate that (i) maternal effects change competitive outcomes, regardless of whether competitors otherwise interact neutrally or exhibit non-neutral competitive differences, (ii) the consequences of maternal effects for competitive outcomes are mediated by the temporal structure of environmental variation, (iii) even in constant conditions, competitive outcomes are influenced by species' maternal effects strategies, and (iv) in observational time series data, omitting maternal effects reduces variation explained by models and biases parameter estimates, including competition coefficients.Our findings demonstrate that the ecological consequences of maternal effects hinge on the competitive environment. Evolutionary biologists have long recognized that maternal effects can be an important but often overlooked strategy buffering populations from environmental change. We suggest that maternal effects are similarly critical to ecology and call for research into maternal effects as drivers of dynamics in populations and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Van Allen
- Ecology, Behavior, and EvolutionUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Natalie Jones
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Benjamin Gilbert
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Kelly Carscadden
- Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCOUSA
| | - Rachel Germain
- Zoology & Biodiversity Research CentreThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nebel C, Amar A, Hegemann A, Isaksson C, Sumasgutner P. Parental morph combination does not influence innate immune function in nestlings of a colour-polymorphic African raptor. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11053. [PMID: 34040034 PMCID: PMC8155141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conditions experienced during early life can have long-term individual consequences by influencing dispersal, survival, recruitment and productivity. Resource allocation during development can have strong carry-over effects onto these key parameters and is directly determined by the quality of parental care. In the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus), a colour-polymorphic raptor, parental morphs influence nestling somatic growth and survival, with pairs consisting of different colour morphs ('mixed-morph pairs') producing offspring with lower body mass indices, but higher local apparent survival rates. Resource allocation theory could explain this relationship, with nestlings of mixed-morph pairs trading off a more effective innate immune system against somatic growth. We quantified several innate immune parameters of nestlings (hemagglutination, hemolysis, bacteria-killing capacity and haptoglobin concentration) and triggered an immune response by injecting lipopolysaccharides. Although we found that nestlings with lower body mass index had higher local survival rates, we found no support for the proposed hypothesis: neither baseline immune function nor the induced immune response of nestlings was associated with parental morph combination. Our results suggest that these immune parameters are unlikely to be involved in providing a selective advantage for the different colour morphs' offspring, and thus innate immunity does not appear to be traded off against a greater allocation of resources to somatic growth. Alternative hypotheses explaining the mechanism of a low nestling body mass index leading to subsequent higher local survival could be related to the post-fledgling dependency period or differences in dispersal patterns for the offspring from different morph combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nebel
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Arjun Amar
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arne Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Petra Sumasgutner
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Konrad Lorenz Research Centre (KLF), Core Facility for Behaviour and Cognition, Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tuljapurkar S, Zuo W, Coulson T, Horvitz C, Gaillard JM. Distributions of LRS in varying environments. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:1328-1340. [PMID: 33904254 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The lifetime reproductive success (LRS) of individuals is affected by random events such as death, realized growth or realized reproduction, and the outcomes of these events can differ even when individuals have identical probabilities. Another source of randomness arises when these probabilities also change over time in variable environments. For structured populations in stochastic environments, we extend our recent method to determine how birth environment and birth stage determine the random distribution of the LRS. Our results provide a null model that quantifies effects on LRS of just the birth size or stage. Using Roe deer Capreolus capreolus as a case study, we show that the effect of an individual's birth environment on LRS varies with the frequency of environments and their temporal autocorrelation, and that lifetime performance is affected by changes in the pattern of environmental states expected as a result of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenyun Zuo
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tim Coulson
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carol Horvitz
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sanghvi K, Zajitschek F, Iglesias-Carrasco M, Head ML. Sex- and trait-specific silver-spoon effects of developmental environments, on ageing. Evol Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-021-10115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
37
|
Cholewa M, Jankowiak Ł, Szenejko M, Dybus A, Śmietana P, Wysocki D. The effects of parental age difference on the offspring sex and fitness of European blackbirds. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10858. [PMID: 33828905 PMCID: PMC7996069 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies of birds have indicated that offspring sex ratios can vary with environmental and parental traits. On the basis of long-term research, we first evaluated the possible influence of parental age difference and brood characteristics on offspring sex and fitness in multi-brooded Blackbirds Turdus merula. Methodology The study was conducted in the city-centre Stefan Żeromski Park in Szczecin, NW Poland, where the local population of Blackbirds has been studied since 1996. Data on the offspring sex and fitness were collected in five years, 2005-2007 and 2016-2017. During the breeding season we inspected the study area to locate the pairs' territories and to track their nests and clutches. Results We found that the overall sex ratio did not differ statistically from 50:50, but that younger females bonded with older mates did tend to produce more sons, probably because of the greater fitness of male descendants. Accordingly, the sons' breeding success increased with the father's age, but this relationship was close to non-linear, which may indicate that the transgenerational effect of paternal senescence could negatively affect progeny fitness despite the high-quality of older fathers. Older females mated with younger males produced more daughters, which could have been due to the lesser attractiveness of the males and the mothers' poorer condition caused by accelerated senescence. We found that neither offspring hatching sequence nor hatching date or clutch sequence were significant for sex determination. Conclusions We consider that in our Blackbird population, parental age could make a more significant contribution to shaping offspring sex and reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cholewa
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Szenejko
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.,Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Dybus
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Przemysław Śmietana
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wysocki
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vedder O, Pen I, Bouwhuis S. How fitness consequences of early-life conditions vary with age in a long-lived seabird: A Bayesian multivariate analysis of age-specific reproductive values. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1505-1514. [PMID: 33694165 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary theory suggests that individuals can benefit from deferring the fitness cost of developing under poor conditions to later in life. Although empirical evidence for delayed fitness costs of poor developmental conditions is abundant, individuals that die prematurely have not often been incorporated when estimating fitness, such that age-specific fitness costs, and therefore the relative importance of delayed fitness costs are actually unknown. We developed a Bayesian statistical framework to estimate age-specific reproductive values in relation to developmental conditions. We applied it to data obtained from a long-term longitudinal study of common terns Sterna hirundo, using sibling rank to describe variation in developmental conditions. Common terns have a maximum of three chicks, and later hatching chicks acquire less food, grow more slowly and have a lower fledging probability than their earlier hatched siblings. We estimated fitness costs in adulthood to constitute c. 45% and 70% of the total fitness costs of hatching third and second, respectively, compared to hatching first. This was due to third-ranked hatchlings experiencing especially high pre-fledging mortality, while second-ranked hatchlings had lower reproductive success in adulthood. Both groups had slightly lower adult survival. There was, however, no evidence for sibling rank-specific rates of senescence. We additionally found years with low fledgling production to be associated with particularly strong pre-fledging selection on sibling rank, and with increased adult survival to the next breeding season. This suggests that adults reduce parental allocation to reproduction in poor years, which disproportionately impacts low-ranked offspring. Interpreting these results, we suggest that selection at the level of the individual offspring for delaying fitness costs is counteracted by selection for parental reduction in brood size when resources are limiting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Vedder
- Institute of Avian Research, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Pen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Oosthuizen WC, Péron G, Pradel R, Bester MN, de Bruyn PJN. Positive early-late life-history trait correlations in elephant seals. Ecology 2021; 102:e03288. [PMID: 33481267 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Correlations between early- and late-life performance are a major prediction of life-history theory. Negative early-late correlations can emerge because biological processes are optimized for early but not late life (e.g., rapid development may accelerate the onset of senescence; "developmental theory of aging") or because allocation to early-life performance comes at a cost in terms of late-life performance (as in the disposable soma theory). But variation in genetic and environmental challenges that each individual has to cope with during early life may also lead to positive early-late life-history trait correlations (the "fixed heterogeneity" or "individual quality" hypothesis). We analyzed individual life-history trajectories of 7,420 known-age female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) monitored over 36 yr to determine how actuarial senescence (a proxy for late-life performance) correlate with age at first reproduction (a proxy for early-life performance). As some breeding events may not be detected in this field study, we used a custom "multievent" hierarchical model to estimate the age at first reproduction and correlate it to other life-history traits. The probability of first reproduction was 0.34 at age 3, with most females breeding for the first time at age 4, and comparatively few at older ages. Females with an early age of first reproduction outperformed delayed breeders in all aspects we considered (survival, rate of senescence, net reproductive output) but one: early breeders appeared to have an onset of actuarial senescence 1 yr earlier compared to late breeders. Genetics and environmental conditions during early life likely explain the positive correlation between early- and late-life performance. Our results provide the first evidence of actuarial senescence in female southern elephant seals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Chris Oosthuizen
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.,Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research and Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Guillaume Péron
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, UMR5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Roger Pradel
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Marthán N Bester
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - P J Nico de Bruyn
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rotics S, Turjeman S, Kaatz M, Zurell D, Wikelski M, Sapir N, Fiedler W, Eggers U, Resheff YS, Jeltsch F, Nathan R. Early-life behaviour predicts first-year survival in a long-distance avian migrant. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202670. [PMID: 33434462 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life conditions have critical, long-lasting effects on the fate of individuals, yet early-life activity has rarely been linked to subsequent survival of animals in the wild. Using high-resolution GPS and body-acceleration data of 93 juvenile white storks (Ciconia ciconia), we examined the links between behaviour during both pre-fledging and post-fledging (fledging-to-migration) periods and subsequent first-year survival. Juvenile daily activity (based on overall dynamic body acceleration) showed repeatable between-individual variation, the juveniles' pre- and post-fledging activity levels were correlated and both were positively associated with subsequent survival. Daily activity increased gradually throughout the post-fledging period, and the relationship between post-fledging activity and survival was stronger in individuals who increased their daily activity level faster (an interaction effect). We suggest that high activity profiles signified individuals with increased pre-migratory experience, higher individual quality and perhaps more proactive personality, which could underlie their superior survival rates. The duration of individuals' fledging-to-migration periods had a hump-shaped relationship with survival: higher survival was associated with intermediate rather than short or long durations. Short durations reflect lower pre-migratory experience, whereas very long ones were associated with slower increases in daily activity level which possibly reflects slow behavioural development. In accordance with previous studies, heavier nestlings and those that hatched and migrated earlier had increased survival. Using extensive tracking data, our study exposed new links between early-life attributes and survival, suggesting that early activity profiles in migrating birds can explain variation in first-year survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shay Rotics
- Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sondra Turjeman
- Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Kaatz
- Vogelschutzwarte Storchenhof Loburg e.V., Chausseestrasse 18, 39279 Loburg, Germany
| | - Damaris Zurell
- Ecology and Macroecology, University of Potsdam, Am Mühlenberg 3, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Nir Sapir
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology and Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Wolfgang Fiedler
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78468 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ute Eggers
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Mühlenberg 3, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yehezkel S Resheff
- Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Florian Jeltsch
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam, Am Mühlenberg 3, 14476 Potsdam, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ran Nathan
- Movement Ecology Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lodjak J, Verhulst S. Insulin-like growth factor 1 of wild vertebrates in a life-history context. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110978. [PMID: 32798584 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Broad variation in intra- and interspecific life-history traits is largely shaped by resource limitation and the ensuing allocation trade-offs that animals are forced to make. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a growth-hormone-dependent peptide, may be a key player in the regulation of allocation processes. In laboratory animals, the effects of IGF-1 on growth- and development (positive), reproduction (positive), and longevity (negative) are well established. We here review the evidence on these effects in wild vertebrates, where animals are more likely to face resource limitation and other challenges. We point out the similarities and dissimilarities in patterns of IGF-1 functions obtained in these two different study settings and discuss the knowledge we need to develop a comprehensive picture of the role of IGF-1 in mediating life-history variation of wild vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaanis Lodjak
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 46 Vanemuise Street, Tartu, 51014, Estonia; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Oversummering in the southern hemisphere by long-distance migratory shorebirds calls for reappraisal of wetland conservation policies. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
43
|
Lloyd KJ, Oosthuizen WC, Fay R, Bester MN, Nico de Bruyn PJ. Selective disappearance of frail juveniles: consequences for understanding social dominance in adult male elephant seals. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Lloyd
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
- Landscape Conservation Programme, BirdLife South Africa Pinegowrie South Africa
| | - W. Chris Oosthuizen
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Zoology Dept, Nelson Mandela Univ. Port Elizabeth South Africa
| | - Rémi Fay
- Swiss Ornithological Institute Seerose Sempach Switzerland
| | - Marthán N. Bester
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - P. J. Nico de Bruyn
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Senner NR, Morbey YE, Sandercock BK. Editorial: Flexibility in the Migration Strategies of Animals. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
45
|
Spagopoulou F, Teplitsky C, Lind MI, Chantepie S, Gustafsson L, Maklakov AA. Silver-spoon upbringing improves early-life fitness but promotes reproductive ageing in a wild bird. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:994-1002. [PMID: 32239642 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Early-life conditions can have long-lasting effects and organisms that experience a poor start in life are often expected to age at a faster rate. Alternatively, individuals raised in high-quality environments can overinvest in early-reproduction resulting in rapid ageing. Here we use a long-term experimental manipulation of early-life conditions in a natural population of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis), to show that females raised in a low-competition environment (artificially reduced broods) have higher early-life reproduction but lower late-life reproduction than females raised in high-competition environment (artificially increased broods). Reproductive success of high-competition females peaked in late-life, when low-competition females were already in steep reproductive decline and suffered from a higher mortality rate. Our results demonstrate that 'silver-spoon' natal conditions increase female early-life performance at the cost of faster reproductive ageing and increased late-life mortality. These findings demonstrate experimentally that natal environment shapes individual variation in reproductive and actuarial ageing in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Spagopoulou
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvagen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Céline Teplitsky
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Martin I Lind
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvagen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stéphane Chantepie
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Gustafsson
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvagen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexei A Maklakov
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvagen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden.,School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Saboret G, Ingram T. Carryover effects of larval environment on individual variation in a facultatively diadromous fish. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:10630-10643. [PMID: 31624571 PMCID: PMC6787821 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific trait variation may result from "carryover effects" of variability of environments experienced at an earlier life stage. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in partially migrating populations composed of individuals with divergent early life histories. While many studies have addressed the causes of partial migration, few have investigated the consequences for between-individual variability later in life.We studied carryover effects of larval environment in a facultatively diadromous New Zealand fish, Gobiomorphus cotidianus, along an estuarine salinity gradient. We investigated the implications of varying environmental conditions during this critical stage of ontogeny for adult phenotype.We inferred past environmental history of wild-caught adult fish using otolith microchemistry (Sr/Ca) as a proxy for salinity. We tested for main and interactive effects of larval and adult environment on a suite of traits, including growth rates, behavior (exploration and activity), parasite load, and diet (stable isotopes and gut contents).We found a Sr/Ca consistent with a continuum from freshwater to brackish environments, and with different trajectories from juvenile to adult habitat. Fish with Sr/Ca indicating upstream migration were more vulnerable to trematode infection, suggesting a mismatch to freshwater habitat. Diet analysis suggested an interactive effect of larval and adult environments on trophic position and diet preference, while behavioral traits were unrelated to environment at any life stage. Growth rates did not seem to be affected by past environment.Overall, we show that early life environment can have multiple effects on adult performance and ecology, with the potential for lifetime fitness trade-offs associated with life history. Our study highlights that even relatively minor variation in rearing conditions may be enough to generate individual variation in natural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire Saboret
- Département de Biologie, Master BiosciencesENS de LyonLyonFrance
| | - Travis Ingram
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bailey LD, Ens BJ, Both C, Heg D, Oosterbeek K, van de Pol M. Habitat selection can reduce effects of extreme climatic events in a long-lived shorebird. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:1474-1485. [PMID: 31175665 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the frequency of extreme climatic events (ECEs) can have profound impacts on individual fitness by degrading habitat quality. Organisms may respond to such changes through habitat selection, favouring those areas less affected by ECEs; however, documenting habitat selection in response to ECEs is difficult in the wild due to the rarity of such events and the long-term biological data required. Sea level rise and changing weather patterns over the past decades have led to an increase in the frequency of coastal flooding events, with serious consequences for ground nesting shorebirds. Shorebirds therefore present a useful natural study system to understand habitat selection as a response to ECEs. We used a 32-year study of the Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) to investigate whether habitat selection can lead to an increase in nest elevation and minimize the impacts of coastal flooding. The mean nest elevation of H. ostralegus has increased during the last three decades. We hypothesized that this change has been driven by changes in H. ostralegus territory settlement patterns over time. We compared various possible habitat selection cues to understand what information H. ostralegus might use to inform territory settlement. There was a clear relationship between elevation and territory settlement in H. ostralegus. In early years, settlements were more likely at low elevations but in more recent years the likelihood of settlement was similar between high and low elevation areas. Territory settlement was associated with conspecific fledgling output and conspecific density. Settlement was more likely in areas of high density and areas with high fledgling output. This study shows that habitat selection can minimize the effects of increasingly frequent ECEs. However, it seems unlikely that the changes we observe will fully alleviate the consequences of anthropogenic climate change. Rates of nest elevation increase were insufficient to track current increases in maximum high tide (0.5 vs. 0.8 cm/year). Furthermore, habitat selection cues that rely on information from previous breeding seasons (e.g. conspecific fledgling output) may become ineffective as ECEs become more frequent and environmental predictability is diminished.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam D Bailey
- Evolution, Ecology & Genetics, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno J Ens
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan Both
- Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dik Heg
- Clinical Trials Unit, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kees Oosterbeek
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn van de Pol
- Evolution, Ecology & Genetics, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Vennum CR, Downs CJ, Hayes JP, Houston I, Collopy MW, Woodbridge B, Briggs CW. Early Life Conditions and Immune Defense in Nestling Swainson's Hawks. Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:419-429. [PMID: 31180801 DOI: 10.1086/704364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The quality of perinatal conditions directly influences the physical and immunological development of nestlings, yet it is inherently variable across space and time. Long-term breeding data for a population of Swainson's hawks (Buteo swainsoni) in northern California show a continuum of territory occupancy and productivity values of individual territories and nests. Here we explore effects of variation among territories on immune system development. We hypothesize that nestlings benefitting from favorable conditions will invest in stronger immune systems, a trait with long-term benefits. We used two immunological assays, a bactericidal assay and a hemolytic-complement activity assay, with leukocyte differentials (heterophil∶lymphocyte ratio) to evaluate the constitutive innate immune system. We examined whether early brood-rearing conditions (i.e., number of siblings, hatch date, endoparasite prevalence) were associated with immunological development. Linear mixed-effects models indicated a positive relationship between extended territory occupancy history-an index of habitat quality-and nestling immune function during years with poorer reproduction. There was no association during an exceptionally good reproductive year. Hence, at least under some circumstances, nestling environments or territory characteristics may affect immune function of nestlings. Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of facultative allocation to immune traits using long-term demographic data of a top avian predator.
Collapse
|
49
|
Kelleher SR, Silla AJ, Niemelä PT, Dingemanse NJ, Byrne PG. Dietary carotenoids affect the development of individual differences and behavioral plasticity. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNutritional conditions experienced during development are expected to play a key role in shaping an individual’s behavioral phenotype. The long term, irreversible effects of nutritional conditions on behavioral variation among and within individuals remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate how long-term carotenoid availability (representing low vs. high quality nutritional conditions) during both larval and adult life stages influences the expression of among-individual variation (animal personality) and within-individual variation (behavioral plasticity). We tested for personality and plasticity along the exploration/avoidance behavioral axis in the Southern Corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree). We predicted that treatment groups receiving carotenoids during early development would be more exploratory and have greater among- and within-individual variation compared with individuals that did not receive carotenoids (i.e., silver spoon hypothesis). Superior nutritional conditions experienced during development are expected to provide individuals with resources needed to develop costly behaviors, giving them an advantage later in life irrespective of prevailing conditions. Unexpectedly, frogs that did not receive carotenoids as larvae expressed greater among-individual variance in exploration behavior. Additionally, frogs that did not receive carotenoids at either life stage displayed greater within-individual variance. Our findings provide no support for the silver spoon hypothesis but suggest that inconsistent nutritional conditions between life stages may adversely affect the development of behavioral phenotypes. Overall, our results indicate that early and late life nutritional conditions affect the development of personality and plasticity. They also highlight that nutritional effects on behavior may be more complex than previously theorized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Kelleher
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee J Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Petri T Niemelä
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Niels J Dingemanse
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Phillip G Byrne
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dupont SM, Grace JK, Brischoux F, Angelier F. Post-natal corticosterone exposure affects ornaments in adult male house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 276:45-51. [PMID: 30831120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the ontogeny of several crucial organismal systems is known to occur early in life. Developmental conditions can ultimately have important consequences on adult fitness by affecting individual phenotype. These developmental effects are thought to be primarily mediated by endocrine systems, and especially by glucocorticoids. In this study, we tested how post-natal exposure to corticosterone (the primary avian glucocorticoid) may subsequently affect the expression of ornaments in adult male house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Specifically, we investigated the long-term consequences of this manipulation on the size and color of several visual signals: badge, wing bar, tarsus and beak. Post-natal corticosterone exposure had a strong negative impact on the size, but not the color, of some male ornaments (badge and wing bar surface area). Because wing bar and badge surface area are used as sexual and/or hierarchical signals in house sparrow, we showed that early life stress can affect some aspect of attractiveness and social status in this species with potentially important fitness consequences (e.g. sexual selection and reproductive performance). Future studies need now to explore the costs and benefits of this developmental plasticity for individuals (i.e. fitness).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Dupont
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS-ULR, UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France.
| | - Jacquelyn K Grace
- Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS-ULR, UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS-ULR, UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| |
Collapse
|