Abstract
Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) represents random, minor deviations from perfect symmetry in paired traits. Because the development of the left and right sides of a paired trait is presumably controlled by an identical set of genetic instructions, these small imperfections are considered to reflect genetic and environmental perturbations experienced during ontogeny. The current paper aims to identify possible neuroendocrine mechanisms, namely the actions of steroid hormones that may impact the development of asymmetrical characters as a response to various stressors. In doing so, it provides a review of the published studies on the influences of glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens on FA and concomitant changes in other health and fitness indicators. It follows the premise that hormonal measures may provide direct, non-invasive indicators of how individuals cope with adverse life conditions, strengthening the associations between FA and health, fitness, and behavior.
Highlights
An organism faces a variety of challenges from its environment during ontogeny
It follows the premise that hormonal measures may provide direct, non-invasive indicators of how individuals cope with adverse life conditions, strengthening the associations between fluctuating asymmetry” (FA) and health, fitness, and behavior
Because almost all of the major functions of T have been correlated with FA [79], several animal studies examined the relationship between T and FA
Summary
An organism faces a variety of challenges from its environment during ontogeny. These genetic and external perturbations in the environment leave enduring signs on the adult body. The adverse effects of developmental stressors on perfect bilateral symmetry are generally acknowledged, the scientific community remains skeptical of FA’s widespread use as a proxy for health, fitness and behavior in response to stressors. Glucocorticoids in turn determine how the body effectively copes with the stressors These influences may affect immediate survival, but future growth, health, and reproduction (reviewed in [34,35,36,37,38]), all implicated as correlates of FA [28]. The current paper aims to identify possible neuroendocrine mechanisms that may impact the development of asymmetrical characters as a response to various stressors In doing so, it provides a review of the published studies on hormonal influences on FA and concomitant changes in other health, fitness, and behavioral indicators. Future directions for this promising area of research are discussed in concluding remarks
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