Macroclimatic and maternal effects on the evolution of reproductive traits in lizards

Abstract

Much of life‐history theory rests on fundamental assumptions about constraints on the acquisition and allocation of energy to growth and reproduction. In general, the allocation of energy to reproduction depends on maternal size, which in turn depends on environmental factors experienced throughout the life of the mother. Here, we used phylogenetic path analyses to evaluate competing hypotheses about the environmental and maternal drivers of reproductive traits in lizards. In doing so, we discovered that precipitation, rather than temperature, has shaped the evolution of the life history. Specifically, environments with greater rainfall have enabled the evolution of larger maternal size. In turn, these larger mothers produce larger clutches of larger offspring. However, annual precipitation has a negative direct effect on offspring size, despite the positive indirect effect mediated by maternal size. Possibly, the evolution of offspring size was driven by the need to conserve water in dry environments, because small organisms are particularly sensitive to water loss. Since we found that body size variation among lizards is related to a combination of climatic factors, mainly precipitation and perhaps primary production, our study challenges previous generalizations (e.g., temperature‐size rule and Bergmann's rule) and suggests alternative mechanisms underlying the evolution of body size.

Anthropogenic and climatic factors interact to influence reproductive timing and effort

“…Second, we predict some factors will affect both males and females, specifically precipitation and site type (urban or rural). Precipitation will affect reproductive outcomes, likely leading to greater reproductive investment in wetter years (Padilla & Angilletta, 2022), and site type (urban or rural) will also affect reproductive outcomes in both sexes. Further, we expect the effect of precipitation to be different at different site types.…”

Climate and Morphology Drive Breeding Periods in Frogs

“…As successful reproduction is necessary for survival and fitness, studies of the ecology and evolution of reproductive traits are needed to understand the effects of climate change on species reproductive success. For example, climate change has led to shifting clutch sizes, offspring sizes, and breeding season start times in vertebrates (Bronson 2009; Padilla Perez and Angilletta 2022; Pankhurst and Munday 2011; Telemeco et al . 2013; Todd et al .…”

“…As successful reproduction is necessary for survival and fitness, studies of the ecology and evolution of reproductive traits are needed to understand the effects of climate change on species reproductive success. For example, climate change has led to shifting clutch sizes, offspring sizes, and breeding season start times in vertebrates (Bronson 2009;Padilla Perez and Angilletta 2022;Pankhurst and Munday 2011;Telemeco et al 2013;Todd et al 2011;Visser et al 2004). However, limited natural history observations across many species and vertebrate groups has stalled research that would help us better understand how climate impacts various reproductive behaviors.…”