Predation drives the evolution of brain cell proliferation and brain allometry in male Trinidadian killifish, Rivulus hartii.

ABSTRACT: The external environment influences brain cell proliferation, and this might contribute to brain plasticity underlying adaptive behavioural changes. Additionally, internal genetic factors influence the brain cell proliferation rate. However, to date, researchers have not examined the importance of environmental versus genetic factors in causing natural variation in brain cell proliferation. Here, we examine brain cell proliferation and brain growth trajectories in free-living populations of Trinidadian killifish, Rivulus hartii, exposed to contrasting predation environments. Compared to populations without predators, populations in high predation (HP) environments exhibited higher rates of brain cell proliferation and a steeper brain growth trajectory (relative to body size). To tes

SUBMITTER: Dunlap KD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6939915 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature