Interactive effects of inbreeding and endocrine disruption on reproduction in a model laboratory fish.

ABSTRACT: Inbreeding depression is expected to be more severe in stressful environments. However, the extent to which inbreeding affects the vulnerability of populations to environmental stressors, such as chemical exposure, remains unresolved. Here we report on the combined impacts of inbreeding and exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical (the fungicide clotrimazole) on zebrafish (Danio rerio). We show that whilst inbreeding can negatively affect reproductive traits, not all traits are affected equally. Inbreeding depression frequently only became apparent when fish were additionally stressed by chemical exposure. Embryo viability was significantly reduced in inbred exposed fish and there was a tendency for inbred males to sire fewer offspring when in direct competition with outbred individual

SUBMITTER: Bickley LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3689353 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature