Reproduction alters oxidative status when it is traded-off against longevity

• DOI: 10.1111/evo.12697
• Publication Date: 2015-06-19T17:33:39Z
• Authors: Michaël Beaulieu; Rina E. Geiger; Elisabeth Reim; Luisa Zielke; Klaus Fischer
• Keywords: Trade-off; Generality; Asexual reproduction

Oxidative stress has been proposed to mediate one of the most important aspects life-history evolution: trade-off between reproduction and self-maintenance. However, empirical studies have cast doubt on generality this intriguing notion. Here, we hypothesize that alters oxidative status only when a self-maintenance occurs. Accordingly, in female Bicyclus anynana butterflies, found affected markers under challenging thermal conditions made longevity emerge. Interestingly, such conditions, butterflies favored over reproduction, suggesting mechanisms were activated. reproducing exhibited enhanced antioxidant defenses stable damage. Altogether, our results indicate is indeed necessary condition for alter status, effects depend whether priority given or reproduction. Assessing existence prioritized relative therefore crucial understanding variation animals, which may clarify general implication resolution trade-offs.