Abstract
Environmental conditions of mammalian juveniles may have delayed effects on their life histories and fitness, such as body size or reproductive rate later in their lives. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis on Baltic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and examined (1) the possible effects of prey fish quality and winter temperature on body condition of grey seal pups of both sexes and (2) the possible delayed impacts of pup environment on the body size and birth rate of adult grey seals. Body condition (blubber thickness) of especially female pups in April–May correlated negatively with winter temperatures, and body condition of male pups correlated positively with prey fish quality (herring Clupea harengus and sprat Sprattus sprattus weight). Males reached the asymptotic length at the age of 10.3 years, and body length of adult males (≥ 10 years old) was positively related to herring and sprat weight in their birth year. Females reached the asymptotic length at the age of 5.9 years. Birth rate of females (age 7–24 years) was negatively related to winter temperature in their birth year. We conclude that both changes in prey fish quality and climate may affect body condition of pups and thus also cause delayed effects on adult fitness: body size and reproductive rate of Baltic grey seals.
Highlights
Environmental conditions and early growth of mammalian juveniles may have delayed effects on their life histories and fitness, such as body size or reproductive rate later in their lives (e.g. Clutton-Brock et al 1982; Lindström 1999; Beckerman et al 2002; Helle et al 2012; Bowen et al 2015)
There was a negative relation between winter temperature and blubber thickness (Fig. 2b)
Body condition of pups in the Gulf of Finland declined during the study period and was related to winter temperatures and food quality
Summary
Environmental conditions and early growth of mammalian juveniles may have delayed effects on their life histories and fitness, such as body size or reproductive rate later in their lives (e.g. Clutton-Brock et al 1982; Lindström 1999; Beckerman et al 2002; Helle et al 2012; Bowen et al 2015). Environmental conditions and early growth of mammalian juveniles may have delayed effects on their life histories and fitness, such as body size or reproductive rate later in their lives Bank voles (Myodes glareolus), which were supplemented by extra food as juveniles, produced larger litters and bigger pups than those which were not supplemented with food (Helle et al 2012). Both food resources and weather experienced by young female of Communicated by: Cino Pertoldi. Long-lasting cohort effects can be seen even in humans (e.g. Lummaa and Clutton-Brock 2002)
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