Maternal glucocorticoid levels during incubation predict breeding success, but not reproductive investment, in a free-ranging bird.

ABSTRACT: The hormone corticosterone (CORT) has been hypothesized to be linked with fitness, but the directionality of the relationship is unclear. The 'CORT-fitness hypothesis' proposes that high levels of CORT arise from challenging environmental conditions, resulting in lower reproductive success (a negative relationship). In contrast, the CORT-adaptation hypothesis suggests that, during energetically demanding periods, CORT will mediate physiological or behavioral changes that result in increased reproductive investment and success (a positive relationship). During two breeding seasons, we experimentally manipulated circulating CORT levels in female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) prior to egg laying, and measured subsequent reproductive effort, breeding success, and maternal survival

SUBMITTER: Fischer D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7595688 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature