Variation in oxidative status, but not structural and physiological development, associated with changing ontogenetic environments

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the potential for temporally dependent relationships between trait values and fitness (e.g. as juveniles approach life-stage transitions such as fledging), how developmental stage affects canalization (a measure of robustness to environmental variation) of morphological and physiological traits is rarely considered. To test the sensitivity of morphological and physiological traits to environmental variation in two developmental stages, we manipulated brood size at hatch in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and cross-fostered chicks between enlarged and reduced broods approaching fledging. We measured body size (mass, tarsus, wing length) and physiological state (aerobic capacity, oxidative status) at asymptotic mass on day 15, then cross-fostered chicks between ‘high’ and ‘low’ quality environments and assessed the same traits again on day 20, after 5 days of pre-fledging mass recession. Chicks in reduced broods were heavier at asymptotic mass and had lower reactive oxygen metabolites than enlarged broods, whereas structural size, aerobic capacity and antioxidant capacity were unaffected by experimental brood size. The observed canalization of structural and physiological traits during early development was maintained after cross-fostering, during late development. However, in contrast to early development, antioxidant capacity approaching fledging appeared sensitive to environmental conditions, as trajectories varied by cross-fostering treatment. Elevated reactive oxygen metabolites observed after early development in enlarged brood chicks were maintained after cross-fostering, suggesting that canalized development in low-quality environments could produce oxidative costs that carry over between life stages, even when conditions improve. These data reveal trait-specific relationships between environmental conditions and development, and highlight how natal environment effects may vary by developmental stage.