Data from: Why does offspring size affect performance? Integrating metabolic scaling with life-history theory
Data files
Oct 21, 2015 version files 68.97 KB
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Bugula_larval_density.csv
15.79 KB
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Offspring_size_and_metabolic_rate_measurements.csv
28.91 KB
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Watersipora_larval_density.csv
24.27 KB
Nov 08, 2021 version files 76.71 KB
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Bugula_larval_density.csv
15.79 KB
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Offspring_size_and_metabolic_rate_measurements-corrected.csv
36.64 KB
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Watersipora_larval_density.csv
24.27 KB
Abstract
Within species, larger offspring typically outperform smaller offspring. While the relationship between offspring size and performance is ubiquitous, the cause of this relationship remains elusive. By linking metabolic and life-history theory, we provide a general explanation for why larger offspring perform better than smaller offspring. Using high-throughput respirometry arrays, we link metabolic rate to offspring size in two species of marine bryozoan. We found that metabolism scales allometrically with offspring size in both species: while larger offspring utilise absolutely more energy than smaller offspring, larger offspring use proportionally less of their maternally-derived energy throughout the dependent, non-feeding phase. The increased metabolic efficiency of larger offspring while dependent on maternal investment may explain offspring size effects –larger offspring reach nutritional independence (feed for themselves) with a higher proportion of energy relative to structure than smaller offspring. These findings offer a potentially universal explanation for why larger offspring tend to perform better than smaller offspring but studies on other taxa are needed.