scholarly journals Metabolic rate is negatively linked to adult survival but does not explain latitudinal differences in songbirds

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy J. Boyce ◽  
James C. Mouton ◽  
Penn Lloyd ◽  
Blair O. Wolf ◽  
Thomas E. Martin

ABSTRACTSurvival rates vary dramatically among species and predictably across latitudes, but causes of this variation are unclear. The rate of living hypothesis posits that physiological damage from metabolism causes species with faster metabolic rates to exhibit lower survival rates. However, whether increased survival commonly observed in tropical and south temperate latitudes is associated with slower metabolic rate remains unclear. We compared metabolic rates and annual survival rates across 46 species that we measured, and 147 species from literature data across northern, southern, and tropical latitudes. High metabolic rates were associated with lower survival but latitude had substantial direct effects on survival independent of metabolism. The inability of metabolic rate to explain latitudinal variation in survival suggests 1) that species may evolve physiological mechanisms that mitigate physiological damage from cellular metabolism, and 2) a larger role of extrinsic environmental, rather than intrinsic metabolic, causes of latitudinal differences in mortality.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiko Wittmer ◽  
BN McLellan ◽  
DR Seip ◽  
JA Young ◽  
TA Kinley ◽  
...  

We used census results and radiotelemetry locations of >380 collared individuals sampled over the entire distribution of the endangered mountain ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) in British Columbia, Canada, to delineate population structure and document the size and trend of the identified populations. We also describe the spatial pattern of decline and the causes and timing of adult mortality and provide estimates of vital rates necessary to develop a population viability analysis. Our results indicate that the abundance of mountain caribou in British Columbia is declining. We found adult female annual survival rates below annual survival rates commonly reported for large ungulates. The major proximate cause of population decline appears to be predation on adult caribou. Spatial patterns of population dynamics revealed a continuous range contraction and an increasing fragmentation of mountain caribou into smaller, isolated subpopulations. The population fragmentation process predominantly occurs at the outer boundaries of the current distribution. Our results indicate that recovery strategies for mountain caribou should be directed at factors contributing to the fragmentation and isolation of mountain caribou populations as well as management strategies aimed at increasing adult survival. © 2005 NRC Canada.


PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alena Marcella Hantzschmann ◽  
Birgit Gollmann ◽  
Günter Gollmann ◽  
Ulrich Sinsch

Yellow-bellied toad populations (Bombina variegata) show a wide fast–slow continuum of the life-history trait longevity ranging from 5 to 23 years. We investigated populations in Germany (n = 8) and Austria (n = 1) to determine their position within the continuum of longevity and the potential drivers of adult survival at the local and the continental scale. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors considered were local weather, nutritional state, allocation of ingested energy to somatic growth, pathogen prevalence, and geographical clines (latitude, altitude, and longitude). Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) monitoring and direct age assessment by skeletochronology allowed for reliable estimates of longevity and adult survival. Raw and corrected recapture rates as well as a probabilistic estimate of the lifespan of the eldest 1% adults of a cohort (CMR data) were used as surrogates for adult survival and thus longevity in a population. Additionally, survival rates were calculated from static life tables based on the age structure (skeletochronological data) of eight populations. Populations in Germany were short-lived with a maximum lifespan of annual cohorts varying from 5 to 8 years, whereas the population in Austria was long-lived with a cohort longevity of 13 to 23 years. We provide evidence that annual survival rates and longevity differ among years and between short- and long-lived populations, but there was no decrease of survival in older toads (i.e. absence of senescence). Variation of weather among years accounted for 90.7% of variance in annual survival rates of short-lived populations, whereas the sources of variation in the long-lived population remained unidentified. At the continental scale, longevity variation among B. variegata populations studied so far did not correspond to geographical clines or climate variation. Therefore, we propose that a population’s position within the fast–slow continuum integrates the response to local environmental stochasticity (extrinsic source of variation) and the efficiency of chemical antipredator protection determining the magnitude of longevity (intrinsic source of variation).


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 20190825
Author(s):  
Yan Huang ◽  
Shijian Fu ◽  
Steven J. Cooke ◽  
Jigang Xia

Metabolic rates are typically thought to have important influences on fitness and more broadly be relevant to the ecology and evolution of animals. Previous studies demonstrate that metabolic rates are repeatable to a certain extent under constant conditions, but how social conditions influence the repeatability of metabolic rate remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the repeatability of resting metabolic rate (RMR) in the highly social crucian carp ( Carassius auratus ) after being socially separated for different time periods relative to control fish that were not socially separated. We found that RMR was repeatable in fish in the control group, while the repeatability of RMR disappeared quickly (even within 7 days) when fish were exposed to social separation. This study is the first to our knowledge to examine the role of social separation for different time periods on the repeatability of intra-individual physiological variation in fish. We highlight that the inter-individual repeatability of metabolic rate can be substantial over time but was eliminated by social separation. The findings indicate that the repeatability of metabolic rate in fish is condition dependent, and that the change in repeatability of metabolic rate should not be overlooked when considering the ecological and evolutionary effects of environmental change.


2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Magnani Xavier de Lima ◽  
James Joseph Roper

Abstract:Population structure and dynamics of the black-cheeked gnateater (Conopophaga melanops) were studied at Salto Morato Nature Reserve, in Paraná, southern Brazil, from October 2006 to September 2007. Territory size and population density, breeding season (timing and length), reproductive success and annual survival rates were estimated from sightings of 18 marked adult birds and the success of 18 nesting attempts. The black-cheeked gnateater is socially monogamous and territorial, with a breeding-season length of approximately 3 mo beginning in early October. Predation caused most nest failures, nest survival was 0.96 d−1and apparent annual nesting success was 22%, resulting in annual productivity of 0.36 individuals per adult. Apparent adult annual survival was ~0.44 y−1. Seventy-five per cent of fledglings survived at least 2 mo after fledging. Two methods of estimating population growth rate suggest very different rates: r = −0.04 (~ stable), or λ varies between 0.475–0.616 (declining). Yet, low apparent adult survival suggests that territories are not permanent, perhaps abandoned after nest failure. We find that by estimating population growth, even in short-term studies, testable hypotheses can be generated that will allow better understanding of population dynamics.


1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Hearn ◽  
Stuart N. Luttich ◽  
Michel Crête ◽  
Maria B. Berger

Between September 1983 and June 1987, 175 caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) from the George River caribou herd were captured and radio-collared. By October 1987, 42 of those had died: 15 were apparently killed by predators, 8 were legally shot, 4 appeared to have died proximally from malnutrition, 1 died from an accident, and cause of death could not be determined for 14 others. Seasonal and annual survival rates were estimated most precisely for adult (≥ 24 months) females, but a consistent trend towards lower survival at the end of the study period was evident in all age and sex groups. Decreasing summer survival was responsible for the lowering of annual survival rates, as winter survival was relatively constant over the study period. Using our calculated age-specific survival rates, and estimates of age-specific fecundity, the survival–fecundity rate of increase (rs) for the female segment of the herd was 0.12 for 1983–1984 and −0.01 for 1986–1987. Decreasing summer survival thus appears to have been of greatest importance in reducing rs to zero and halting the growth of the herd. Density-dependent mechanisms acting on the George River caribou herd appear different from those described for caribou herds regulated by winter forage.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel M Smallegange ◽  
Isabelle BC van der Ouderaa ◽  
Yara Tibiriçá

Background. The trade in gill plates of devil and manta rays has increased greatly over the last two decades. The resulting increased mortality, in addition to mortality caused by by-catch, means that many ray populations are declining in size. The aim of this study was to ascertain the main demographic drivers of population change in reef manta rays (Manta alfredi) to increase our understanding of their demography and hence provide insight into potential conservation measures. Methods. We developed a population projection model for reef manta rays and used published life history data to parameterise the model and also used these data as points of reference to compare our model output to. Because little is known about yearling and juvenile survival of reef manta rays, we conducted our analyses across a range of plausible survival rate values of yearlings, juveniles, and also adults. Results. The model accurately captured observed patterns of variation in population growth rate, lifetime reproductive success and cohort generation time for different reef manta ray populations around the world. Varying the survival rates of the different life stages revealed that increasing adult annual survival rate always positively and additively affected population growth rate, lifetime reproductive success and cohort generation time. Variation in yearling and juvenile annual survival rate, however, had different and varying effects on the latter three population descriptors, highlighting the importance of obtaining accurate estimates of these survival rates from natural populations. Our elasticity analysis revealed that for both declining and stable populations, the population growth rate is most sensitive to changes in either juvenile or adult survival rate, depending on yearling and adult annual survival rate values. Discussion. Many reef manta ray populations are declining, resulting in local extinction unless effective conservation measures are taken. Based on our detailed demographic analysis, we suggest that reef manta ray conservation would particularly benefit from focusing on increasing juvenile and adult survival.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiko Wittmer ◽  
BN McLellan ◽  
DR Seip ◽  
JA Young ◽  
TA Kinley ◽  
...  

We used census results and radiotelemetry locations of >380 collared individuals sampled over the entire distribution of the endangered mountain ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) in British Columbia, Canada, to delineate population structure and document the size and trend of the identified populations. We also describe the spatial pattern of decline and the causes and timing of adult mortality and provide estimates of vital rates necessary to develop a population viability analysis. Our results indicate that the abundance of mountain caribou in British Columbia is declining. We found adult female annual survival rates below annual survival rates commonly reported for large ungulates. The major proximate cause of population decline appears to be predation on adult caribou. Spatial patterns of population dynamics revealed a continuous range contraction and an increasing fragmentation of mountain caribou into smaller, isolated subpopulations. The population fragmentation process predominantly occurs at the outer boundaries of the current distribution. Our results indicate that recovery strategies for mountain caribou should be directed at factors contributing to the fragmentation and isolation of mountain caribou populations as well as management strategies aimed at increasing adult survival. © 2005 NRC Canada.


The Auk ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 904-916
Author(s):  
Scott A. Morrison ◽  
Douglas T. Bolger ◽  
T. Scott Sillett

Abstract The Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps) is a nonmigratory passerine that displays an area-sensitive distribution pattern of abundance in fragmented coastal sagescrub habitat of southern California. To determine if habitat fragmentation negatively affected adult survival, we used Cormack-Jolly-Seber models to compare annual survival probabilities of adult sparrows breeding in habitat adjacent to urban-developed edges to those of birds breeding in the interior of large habitat expanses in San Diego County, 1997–2000. During that period, an El Niño event brought heavy rainfall to the study area, and a La Niña event brought drought. Annual survival probabilities were relatively high for a small passerine (females: 0.69 ± 0.05 SE; males: 0.74 ± 0.04 SE) but, given our data, did not differ between habitat types or with rainfall. Annual resighting probabilities for the birds were strongly associated with variation in rainfall, being high in the wet year and low in the dry year. Mate- and site-fidelity were apparently high, and surveys during the nonbreeding season documented that the sparrows stayed paired and on territories year-round. We hypothesize that the high apparent survivorship of this species is related to its nonmigratory habit and its tendency to curtail reproductive effort during periods of food scarcity. Although our survivorship analysis suggests that the urban-wildland interface does not adversely affect survival of territorial Rufous-crowned Sparrows, our power to detect an effect of habitat edge on survival was low. Thus, we urge caution in concluding that edge effects do not have an ecologically important influence on survival rates in this species.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel M Smallegange ◽  
Isabelle BC van der Ouderaa ◽  
Yara Tibiriçá

Background. The trade in gill plates of devil and manta rays has increased greatly over the last two decades. The resulting increased mortality, in addition to mortality caused by by-catch, means that many ray populations are declining in size. The aim of this study was to ascertain the main demographic drivers of population change in reef manta rays (Manta alfredi) to increase our understanding of their demography and hence provide insight into potential conservation measures. Methods. We developed a population projection model for reef manta rays and used published life history data to parameterise the model and also used these data as points of reference to compare our model output to. Because little is known about yearling and juvenile survival of reef manta rays, we conducted our analyses across a range of plausible survival rate values of yearlings, juveniles, and also adults. Results. The model accurately captured observed patterns of variation in population growth rate, lifetime reproductive success and cohort generation time for different reef manta ray populations around the world. Varying the survival rates of the different life stages revealed that increasing adult annual survival rate always positively and additively affected population growth rate, lifetime reproductive success and cohort generation time. Variation in yearling and juvenile annual survival rate, however, had different and varying effects on the latter three population descriptors, highlighting the importance of obtaining accurate estimates of these survival rates from natural populations. Our elasticity analysis revealed that for both declining and stable populations, the population growth rate is most sensitive to changes in either juvenile or adult survival rate, depending on yearling and adult annual survival rate values. Discussion. Many reef manta ray populations are declining, resulting in local extinction unless effective conservation measures are taken. Based on our detailed demographic analysis, we suggest that reef manta ray conservation would particularly benefit from focusing on increasing juvenile and adult survival.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Antoł ◽  
Jan Kozłowski

The persistent enigma of why the whole-body metabolic rate increases hypoallometrically with body mass should be solved on both the ultimate and proximate levels. The proximate mechanism may involve hyperallometric scaling of metabolically relatively inert tissue/organ masses, hypoallometric scaling of metabolically expensive organ masses, a decrease in mass-specific metabolic rates of organs or, more likely, a combination of these three factors. Although there are in data in the literature on the scaling of tissue/organ masses, they do not take phylogenetic information into account. Here, we analyse the scaling of tissue/organ masses in a sample of 100 mammalian species and 22 bird species with a phylogenetically informed method (PGLS) to address two questions: the role of phylogenetic signal in organ/tissue size scaling and the potential role of organ/tissue mass scaling in interspecific metabolic rate scaling. Strong phylogenetic signal was found for the brain, kidney, spleen and stomach mass in mammals but only for the brain and leg muscle in birds. Metabolically relatively inert adipose tissue scales isometrically in both groups. The masses of energetically expensive visceral organs scale hypoallometrically in mammals, with the exception of lungs, with the lowest exponent occurring for the brain. In contrast, only brain mass scales hypoallometrically in birds, whereas other tissues and organs scale isometrically or almost isometrically. Taking into account that the whole-body metabolic rate scales more steeply in mammals than in birds, the mass-specific metabolic rate of visceral organs must decrease with body mass at a much faster rate in birds than in mammals. To explain this striking difference, there is an urgent need to study the metabolic rates of tissues and organs to supplement measurements of the whole-body metabolic rate.


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