Phenotypic resonance from a single meal in an insectivorous lizard

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Developmental biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Environmental influences on evolution typically require significant intensity or duration.
• Early-life conditions, particularly nutrition, can critically shape life history trajectories.
• Small, ephemeral environmental events may have underappreciated long-term impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if a single, early nutritional event can have major evolutionary effects.
• To investigate the long-term consequences of the first meal in the lizard Zootoca vivipara.
• To explore the concept of "phenotypic resonance" in evolutionary biology.

Main Methods:

• Experimental manipulation of the first meal provided to neonate Zootoca vivipara lizards.
• Observation and measurement of effects on dispersal, growth, survival, and reproduction over time.
• Tracking of individual lizards to assess long-term impacts up to two years post-manipulation.

Main Results:

• A single meal significantly impacted Zootoca vivipara, with effects observed as early as 10 days.
• Long-lasting effects on growth, recapture probability, and juvenile survival were detected 1-2 months later.
• Reproductive effects were observed up to two years after the initial meal manipulation.

Conclusions:

• A single, early nutritional event can induce profound and lasting phenotypic changes.
• The study demonstrates "phenotypic resonance," where small, transient events have significant evolutionary consequences.
• Evolutionary biologists should consider the substantial impact of seemingly minor early-life environmental variations.