Fitness Costs of Early Life Adversity in Primates

Abstract

As arguably the most critical period of mammalian development, early life can be defined as the period from conception to reproductive maturity (Tung et al., 2016). The importance of adequate nutrition and proper maternal care for maximizing the survival and development of offspring has been demonstrated through research findings in various species (Lu et al., 2018). However, these ideal growth conditions are difficult to achieve for wild offspring, who often have to overcome various energetically or socially challenging conditions that limit their development in early life. This paper will focus on the effect that environmental and social adversities have on the fitness of wild and captive non-human primates as measured by lifespan and reproductive success. Current research suggests that early life adversity in non-human primates reduces individual fitness by decreasing lifespan, fertility, and offspring survival. This paper will explore and discuss the various factors that contribute to this fitness reduction. These factors include but are not limited to: increased risk of physical illness and behavioral disorders, social isolation, maternal death, intergenerational effects, reduced female fertility, maternal stress, delayed sexual maturation, and lower adult body size.