Abstract
The evolution of matrotrophy (i.e., direct supply of nutrients by the mother during gestation) may be associated with high maternal energy availability during gestation. However, we lack knowledge about the selective advantages of matrotrophic viviparity (live-bearing) in reptiles. In reptiles, the interaction between body temperature and food intake affect maternal net energy gain. In the present study, we examined the effects of basking and food availability (2 by 2 factorial design) during gestation on offspring phenotype in a matrotrophic viviparous lizard (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii). Subsequently, we investigated if the maternal effects were context-dependent using offspring growth rate as an indicator of the adaptive significance of matrotrophy. Offspring were exposed either to the same thermal conditions as their mothers experienced or to thermal conditions different from those experienced by their mothers. We provide the first evidence that an interaction between maternal thermal and maternal food conditions during gestation strongly affects offspring phenotype, including date of birth, body size and performance ability, which affect offspring fitness. Offspring growth rate was dependent on offspring thermal conditions, but was not influenced by maternal effects or offspring sex. Matrotrophic viviparity provided gravid females with the means to enhance offspring fitness through greater energetic input to offspring when conditions allowed it (i.e., extended basking opportunity with high food availability). Therefore, we suggest that selective advantages of matrotrophic viviparity in P. entrecasteauxii may be associated with high maternal energy availability during gestation.
Highlights
Maternal effects can include non-genetic effects that influence offspring phenotype
We focused on how the interaction between maternal thermal and maternal food conditions during gestation affects offspring phenotype in a matrotrophic viviparous reptile
Our experiment provides the first evidence that maternal thermal conditions and maternal food conditions during gestation and importantly the interaction between them, strongly affect fitness related offspring phenotypic traits in a matrotrophic viviparous reptile
Summary
Maternal effects can include non-genetic effects that influence offspring phenotype. They are recognised as one of the most important components of evolutionary ecology [1]. The adaptive significance of maternal effects is still an unresolved issue in evolutionary biology [6,7,8]. This is because maternal effects can occur without any important ecological implications [9,10] or may have positive or negative impacts on offspring fitness [6]. The temperature of embryonic development is controlled by maternal thermoregulation (reviewed in [15]), and this maternal control during gestation can enhance offspring fitness (e.g., [5,16,17])
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
