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Does individual variation in metabolic phenotype predict fish behaviour and performance?
N B Metcalfe1, T E Van Leeuwen1,2, S S Killen1
1Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
Journal of Fish Biology
|November 19, 2015
Summary
Individual fish exhibit significant variation in standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR), influenced by genetics and environment. Understanding this metabolic variation is key to predicting animal performance and survival in changing ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- * Zoology and Physiology: Investigating metabolic rate variation in animal populations.
- * Ecology: Linking individual metabolic phenotypes to ecological success and environmental adaptation.
Background:
- * Intraspecific variation in metabolic rate is well-documented in fishes, with individual differences in standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) often spanning two to three-fold.
- * This metabolic variation is influenced by genetic and developmental factors and can remain consistent over time under stable environmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review current knowledge on the extent and causes of individual variation in SMR, MMR, and aerobic scope (AS) in fishes.
- * To describe potential links between metabolic phenotypes, behavior, and ecological performance.
- * To highlight research gaps concerning the ecological consequences of variation in MMR and AS and the influence of environmental factors on individual metabolic responses.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review synthesizing existing research on metabolic rate variation in fishes.
- * Analysis of studies linking metabolic traits (SMR, MMR, AS) with behavioral and performance measures.
- * Examination of environmental factors affecting metabolic rates and their individual variability.
Main Results:
- * High SMR in fishes is associated with dominance and faster growth in resource-rich environments but can lead to increased risk-taking in challenging conditions.
- * Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the ecological impacts of individual variation in MMR and AS, particularly in relation to foraging and predator avoidance.
- * Environmental factors like food availability, temperature, and social context influence metabolic rates, but how these effects vary among individuals and relate to behavior remains understudied.
Conclusions:
- * Individual metabolic variation is linked to context-dependent fitness benefits, potentially maintaining SMR diversity within populations.
- * Further research is needed to understand how environmental changes modulate individual performance through effects on metabolic phenotypes (SMR, MMR, AS).
- * An integrative approach is crucial for comprehending the complex interplay between environment, metabolism, and individual success in natural populations.
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