Oxidative stress mediates physiological costs of begging in magpie (Pica pica) nestlings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Theoretical models predict that a cost is necessary to guarantee honesty in begging displays given by offspring to solicit food from their parents. There is evidence for begging costs in the form of a reduced growth rate and immunocompetence. Moreover, begging implies vigorous physical activity and attentiveness, which should increase metabolism and thus the releasing of pro-oxidant substances. Consequently, we predict that soliciting offspring incur a cost in terms of oxidative stress, and growth rate and immune response (processes that generate pro-oxidants substances) are reduced in order to maintain oxidative balance.

Methodology/principal findings

We test whether magpie (Pica pica) nestlings incur a cost in terms of oxidative stress when experimentally forced

SUBMITTER: Moreno-Rueda G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3393730 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature