Adult and offspring size in the ocean over 17 orders of magnitude follows two life history strategies

• DOI: 10.1890/14-2491.1
• Publication Date: 2015-08-18T16:19:28Z
• Authors: A. B. Neuheimer; M. Hartvig; J. Heuschele; S. Hylander; T. Kiørboe; K. H. Olsson; J. Sainmont; K. H. Andersen
• Keywords: Allometry; Elasmobranchii; Mesopelagic zone; Life History Theory

Explaining variability in offspring vs. adult size among groups is a necessary step to determine the evolutionary and environmental constraints shaping life history strategies. This of particular interest for ocean where diversity development strategies observed along with physical biological forcing factors space time. We compiled 407 pelagic marine species covering more than 17 orders magnitude body mass including Cephalopoda, Cnidaria, Crustaceans, Ctenophora, Elasmobranchii, Mammalia, Sagittoidea, Teleost. find following one two distinct strategies, being either proportional (e.g., Mammalia) or invariant Teleosts, possibly Ctenophora). discuss these occur how patterns (along relative offspring) may be shaped by organism's environment. adaptive environment different shape possible group-specific responses changing conditions production distribution).