Increased allocation to reproduction reduces future competitive ability in a burying beetle.

摘要: The existence of a trade-off between current and future reproduction is fundamental prediction life history theory. Support for this comes from brood size manipulations, showing that caring enlarged broods often reduces the parent's survival or fecundity. However, in many species, individuals must invest competing resources required reproduction. Thus, neglected aspect increased allocation to may reduce an individual's competitive ability. We tested burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides, species where parents care their offspring there fierce competition used breeding. manipulated reproductive effort by providing females with either small 10 larvae large 40 compared ability these females, virgin had no prior access carcass, compete second carcass against competitor. found reduced ability, as cared were more successful when competitor than brood. In addition, costs offset benefits feeding during initial breeding attempt, better competitors whilst similar females. Our results add our understanding can manifest through differences direct some costs.