Testing for genetic trade-offs between early- and late-life reproduction in a wild red deer population.
The antagonistic pleiotropy (AP) theory of ageing predicts genetically based trade-offs between investment in reproduction in early life and survival and performance in later life. Laboratory-based research has shown that such genetic trade-offs exist, but little is currently known about their prevalence in natural populations. We used random regression 'animal model' techniques to test the genetic basis of trade-offs between early-life fecundity (ELF) and maternal performance in late life in a wild population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the Isle of Rum, Scotland. Significant genetic variation for both ageing rates in a key maternal performance measure (offspring birth weight) and ELF was present in this population. We found some evidence for a negative genetic covariance between the rate of ageing in offspring birth weight and ELF, and also for a negative environmental covariance. Our results suggest rare support for the AP theory of ageing from a wild population.
Nussey
Daniel H
DH
Large Animal Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK. dan.nussey@ed.ac.uk
Wilson
Alastair J
AJ
Morris
Alison
A
Pemberton
Josephine
J
Clutton-Brock
Tim
T
Kruuk
Loeske E B
LE
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001835:Body Weight; D003670:Deer / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012044:Regression Analysis