Effects of early postnatal environment on phenotype and survival of a lizard

摘要: Nutritional and thermal regimes experienced early in life can strongly influence offspring quality ultimately adult histories, especially ectotherms. However, the importance of interaction between diet temperature during postnatal development effect on are unknown. We compared (size, shape, speed, behavior, survival) juvenile McCann’s skinks (Oligosoma maccanni) housed outdoors under variable conditions (under shelter, but exposed to daily seasonal variations light temperature) with those indoors more stable (controlled temperatures providing 30–40% basking opportunity) a control group (open field conditions). For caged captivity (indoors outdoors), we also outcomes fed restricted ad libitum. By comparing individuals raised different environmental regimes, aimed determine whether direct effects or indirect food supply important for quality. Individuals provided libitum grew faster, attained larger sizes than field. Activity rates were higher rather conditions. Survival post release was highest neonates, lowest diet. found little evidence an feeding most factors measured. by young animals (especially diet) do traits population persistence, such as survival, may key reproductive parameters (e.g., age size at maturity), which could have implications conservation management. Further research, including ultimate fecundity expectancy, is urgently needed.