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Protocol for Assessing the Relative Effects of Environment and Genetics on Antler and Body Growth for a Long-lived Cervid
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Evolved changes in maternal care in high-altitude native deer mice.

Cayleih E Robertson1, Grant B McClelland1

  • 1Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.

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|March 11, 2021
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High altitude (HA) rodents face extreme conditions. Despite less maternal care, HA pups survive better and develop enhanced aerobic capacity, suggesting they reduce metabolic costs.

Keywords:
PeromyscusDevelopmental plasticityLactationMaternal behaviourMaternal–offspring conflict

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • High altitude (HA) environments present challenges like low oxygen and cold, pushing small mammals to their metabolic limits.
  • Rodents at HA often have larger litters despite shorter breeding seasons, necessitating efficient energy allocation during lactation.
  • Lactation is energetically demanding, and it remains unclear how HA females balance maternal maintenance with offspring investment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how high altitude (HA) female rodents balance energy allocation during lactation under cold and hypoxic conditions.
  • To compare the energetic output, behavior, and offspring development of HA and low altitude (LA) deer mice.
  • To understand the physiological adaptations of HA rodents to extreme environments.

Main Methods:

  • Measured maternal energetic output and behavior in lactating deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) from LA and HA.
  • Exposed mice to control (warm, normoxia) and simulated HA (cold, hypoxia) conditions.
  • Assessed pup growth, body composition at weaning, and adult aerobic capacity.

Main Results:

  • Lactating HA and LA females under cold hypoxia operated at 70-85% of their maximum aerobic capacity.
  • LA mothers increased nursing time and milk fat in cold hypoxia, but pups were growth-restricted.
  • HA mothers nursed less in cold hypoxia, yet their pups showed minimal growth restriction and maintained body composition, developing increased adult aerobic capacity.

Conclusions:

  • HA mothers appear to prioritize self-maintenance over extensive maternal investment in offspring.
  • HA pups compensate for reduced maternal care by likely minimizing their own metabolic costs during development.
  • These findings reveal unique strategies for reproduction and survival in high-altitude small mammals.