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Potentially adaptive effects of maternal nutrition during gestation on offspring phenotype of a viviparous reptile

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 09:24 authored by Chloe BibariChloe Bibari, Susan JonesSusan Jones, Erik WapstraErik Wapstra
Viviparous reptiles have been used as model species for many studies that seek to explain the evolution of viviparity. The vast majority of such studies have focused on the advantage viviparity provides with regards to maternal control of embryonic developmental temperature. However, viviparity may also allow increased control of nutrient transfer, such that mothers adaptively manipulate offspring phenotype through varying maternal nutritional support. Because maternal nutritional transfer is temperature dependent, maternal nutritional strategies may vary between climatically distinct populations. In this study we used an orthogonal experimental design in which mothers and offspring from climatically distinct populations of a viviparous skink (Niveoscincus ocellatus) were allocated randomly to either a protein-rich or a protein-poor diet. Our results suggest that N. ocellatus mothers are able to compensate for sub-optimal nutritional conditions and can adaptively manipulate offspring phenotype to best fit the postnatal nutritional environment. Furthermore, maternal nutritional strategies appear to vary between climatically distinct populations. These results suggest that in viviparous reptiles, matrotrophy provides a means of producing an adaptive offspring phenotype, in addition to maternal control of developmental temperature.

History

Publication title

Journal of Experimental Biology

Volume

214

Issue

24

Pagination

4234-4239

ISSN

0022-0949

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Company Of Biologists Ltd

Place of publication

Bidder Building Cambridge Commercial Park Cowley Rd, Cambridge, England, Cambs, Cb4 4Dl

Rights statement

Copyright 2011 The Company of Biologists Ltd

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems

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