Evolutionary trade-offs in dormancy phenology

Théo Constant; F. Stephen Dobson; Caroline Habold; Sylvain Giroud

doi:10.7554/eLife.89644.3

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Title (eng)

Evolutionary trade-offs in dormancy phenology

Author

Théo Constant

F. Stephen Dobson

Caroline Habold

Sylvain Giroud

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Abstract (eng)

Seasonal animal dormancy is widely interpreted as a physiological response for surviving energetic challenges during the harshest times of the year (the physiological constraint hypothesis). However, there are other mutually non-exclusive hypotheses to explain the timing of animal dormancy, that is, entry into and emergence from hibernation (i.e. dormancy phenology). Survival advantages of dormancy that have been proposed are reduced risks of predation and competition (the 'life-history' hypothesis), but comparative tests across animal species are few. Using the phylogenetic comparative method applied to more than 20 hibernating mammalian species, we found support for both hypotheses as explanations for the phenology of dormancy. In accordance with the life-history hypotheses, sex differences in hibernation emergence and immergence were favored by the sex difference in reproductive effort. In addition, physiological constraint may influence the trade-off between survival and reproduction such that low temperatures and precipitation, as well as smaller body mass, influence sex differences in phenology. We also compiled initial evidence that ectotherm dormancy may be (1) less temperature dependent than previously thought and (2) associated with trade-offs consistent with the life-history hypothesis. Thus, dormancy during non-life-threatening periods that are unfavorable for reproduction may be more widespread than previously thought.

Keywords (eng)

AnimalsHibernation PhysiologyBiological EvolutionMaleFemaleSeasonsReproduction PhysiologyPhylogenyMammals Physiology

Type (eng)

journal article

Language

[eng]

Persistent identifier

https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:4412

DOI

10.7554/eLife.89644.3

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Title (eng)