Physiological carry-over effects of variable precipitation are mediated by reproductive status in a long-lived ungulate.

ABSTRACT: In the age of global climate change, extreme climatic events are expected to increase in frequency and severity. Animals will be forced to cope with these novel stressors in their environment. Glucocorticoids (i.e. 'stress' hormones) facilitate an animal's ability to cope with their environment. To date, most studies involving glucocorticoids focus on the immediate physiological effects of an environmental stressor on an individual, few studies have investigated the long-term physiological impacts of such stressors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that previous exposure to an environmental stressor will impart lasting consequences to an individual's glucocorticoid levels. In semi-arid environments, variable rainfall drives forage availability for herbivores. Reduced seasonal precipitation c

SUBMITTER: Hediger JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11224986 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature