Sex in a material world: why the study of sexual reproduction and sex-specific traits should become more nutritionally-explicit

摘要: Recent advances in nutritional ecology, particularly arising from Ecological Stoichiometry and the Geometric Framework for nutrition, have resulted greater theoretical coherence increasingly incisive empirical methodologies that combination allow consideration of nutrient-related processes at many levels biological complexity. However, these not been consistently integrated into study sexual differences reproductive investment, despite contemporary emphasis on material costs associated with sexually selected traits (e.g. condition-dependence exaggerated ornaments). Nutritional ecology suggests related to sex-specific should be linked quantifiable underlying relationship between individuals each sex their foods. Here, we argue applying nutritionally-explicit thought reproduction both deepen current understanding phenomena broaden tractable frontiers selection research. In support this general argument, examine causes consequences differences, food nutrient processing traits. At level organization, highlight how a perspective may provide new insights help identify directions. Based predictions derived individual level, then consider limitation might influence population growth, thus potentially broader patterns life history evolution, using simple dynamics model. We conclude by highlighting avenues research more accessible integrative perspective.