Reduced telomere length in embryos exposed to predator cues

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Developmental biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Embryos are not isolated from environmental influences.
• Prenatal environmental stressors can have lasting negative effects on fitness.
• Predation risk may influence life-history traits and phenotypes via telomere dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if prenatal exposure to predator cues affects postnatal telomere length.
• To explore a potential mechanism linking predation risk to long-term fitness consequences.

Main Methods:

• Experimental manipulation of prenatal exposure to predator alarm calls in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) embryos.
• Measurement of telomere length in chicks post-hatching.

Main Results:

• Chicks exposed to predator cues prenatally exhibited shorter telomere lengths after hatching.
• Shorter telomere length is associated with reduced fledging success, reproductive success, and lifespan.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal exposure to predator cues can lead to reduced telomere length, potentially impacting offspring fitness.
• Predators may negatively influence population dynamics through prenatal stress effects on telomeres.