Dehydration during egg production alters egg composition and yolk immune function

Abstract

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Current and time‐lagged effects of climate on innate immunity in two sympatric snake species

“…Previous work has shown that environmental characteristics, including climate, pathogen intensity, resource abundance, and pollution can impact indices of innate immunity (Bowden, 2008; Brusch et al., 2019; Georgiev et al., 2016; McDade et al., 2016; Vermeulen et al., 2015). Consequently, we predicted that annual climatic variation associated with drought, which has already been shown to decrease body condition and reproductive success in reptiles, would result in a decrease in innate immunity in garter snakes (Allen et al., 2010; Capehart et al., 2016; Urban, 2015; Zani & Stein, 2018).…”

“…The field of eco‐immunology provides a useful framework with which to study physiological reactions to environmental change in free‐living populations (Downs & Stewart, 2014; Martin et al., 2010; Rohr et al., 2013). Immune function is energetically costly to develop and maintain and can shift in response to resource scarcity, water availability, pathogen exposure, and pollution (see Bowden, 2008; Brusch et al., 2019; Georgiev et al., 2016; Lifjeld et al., 2002; Lochmiller & Deerenberg, 2000; McDade et al., 2016; Vermeulen et al., 2015). In particular, innate or nonspecific immunity—the branch of the immune system which is composed of generalist, preexisting mechanisms of defense—may be a particularly useful indicator of population response to chronic environmental stressors since it is (a) not dependent on specific antigens or current infection and (b) can be compared across periods of time or between different environments (Beutler, 2004; Buehler et al., 2008, 2009; Matson et al., 2005; Riera Romo et al., 2016).…”

“…In particular, innate or nonspecific immunity—the branch of the immune system which is composed of generalist, preexisting mechanisms of defense—may be a particularly useful indicator of population response to chronic environmental stressors since it is (a) not dependent on specific antigens or current infection and (b) can be compared across periods of time or between different environments (Beutler, 2004; Buehler et al., 2008, 2009; Matson et al., 2005; Riera Romo et al., 2016). Furthermore, there is a growing body of literature that demonstrates an important correlation between innate immunity and environmental situations, such as drought, resource availability, and pollution (Bowden, 2008; Brusch et al., 2019; Georgiev et al., 2016; McDade et al., 2016; Vermeulen et al., 2015). For instance, a study on great‐tit nestlings found a correlation between higher resource abundance and higher investment in immune function (Buehler et al., 2009).…”

“…Innate immunity has also been negatively correlated to aridity in wild populations of birds (Horrocks et al., 2015). This relationship is not clearly understood, however, since both resource scarcity and pathogen exposure may mediate the correlation between aridity and immunity (Brusch et al., 2019; Horrocks et al., 2015). Such studies indicate that while numerous environmental factors may affect immune system development, the relationship between environmental change and immune function is unclear and much remains to be learned, especially in wild populations (Brusch et al., 2019; Festa‐Bianchet, 1989; Sparkman & Palacios, 2009).…”

Adaptive seasonal shift towards investment in fewer, larger offspring: Evidence from field and laboratory studies

“…Bowden, Ewert, & Nelson, ; Parolini, Romano, Caprioli, Rubolini, & Saino, ; Ruuskanen & Hsu, ). In addition, seasonal shifts in water availability to mothers could impact the hydration (and mass) of eggs at oviposition (Brusch, Heulin, & DeNardo, ), which might explain our observed seasonal changes in egg quality (i.e. consistent yolk provisioning, but more water allocation later in the season).…”