Data from: Experimental heatwaves compromise sperm function and cause transgenerational damage in a model insect

Sales, Kris, University of East Anglia

Vasudeva, Ramakrishnan, University of East Anglia

Dickinson, Matthew E., University of East Anglia

Godwin, Joanne L., University of East Anglia

Lumley, Alyson J., University of East Anglia

Michalkzyk, Lukasz

Hebberecht, Laura, University of East Anglia

Thomas, Paul, University of East Anglia

Franco, Aldina, University of East Anglia

Gage, Matthew J.G., University of East Anglia

Published Dec 19, 2018 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.846st51

Cite this dataset

Sales, Kris et al. (2018). Data from: Experimental heatwaves compromise sperm function and cause transgenerational damage in a model insect [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.846st51

Abstract

Climate change is affecting biodiversity, but proximate drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we examine how experimental heatwaves impact on reproduction in an insect system. Male sensitivity to heat is recognised in endotherms, but ectotherms have received limited attention, despite comprising most of biodiversity and being more influenced by temperature variation. Using a flour beetle model system, we find that heatwave conditions (5 to 7 °C above optimum for 5 days) damaged male, but not female, reproduction. Heatwaves reduce male fertility and sperm competitiveness, and successive heatwaves almost sterilise males. Heatwaves reduce sperm production, viability, and migration through the female. Inseminated sperm in female storage are also damaged by heatwaves. Finally, we discover transgenerational impacts, with reduced reproductive potential and lifespan of offspring when fathered by males, or sperm, that had experienced heatwaves. This male reproductive damage under heatwave conditions provides one potential driver behind biodiversity declines and contractions through global warming.

Usage notes

Source data for all analyses

Excel spreadsheet containing all raw data.

Source Data for NCOMMS-18-24197-T FINAL kris.xlsx

figure1reproductivefitnessrange

Figure 1 R code

figure2aheatwavereproductivefitness

Figure 2a R code

figure2bcompetition

Figure 2b R code

figure2cheatwavehardening

Figure 2c R code

figure3acspermlivedead

Figure 3a R code

figure3bheatwavegfpspermdistribution

Figure 3b R code

figure3hlifestage

Figure 3h R code

figure4abtransgenlife

Figure 4a R code

figure4cdeftransgenfert

Figure 4c R code

figures1abheatwavebehaviour

Supp. Figure 1a R code

figureS2heatwaveegg

Supp. Figure 2 R code