Physiological effects of food availability times in higher vertebrates

Abstract

Food availability is a crucial ecological determinant of population size and community structure, and controls various life-history traits in most, if not all, species. Food availability is not constant; there are daily and seasonal differences in food abundance. When coupled to appetite (urge to eat), this is expressed as the eating schedule of a species. Food availability times affect daily and seasonal physiology and behaviour of organisms both directly (by affecting metabolic homeostasis) and indirectly (by altering synchronization of endogenous rhythms). Restricted food availability times may, for example, constrain reproductive output by limiting the number or quality of offspring or the number of reproductive attempts, as has been observed for nesting frequency in birds. Consuming food at the wrong time of day reduces the reproductive ability of a seasonal breeder, and can result in quality–quantity trade-offs of offspring. The food availability pattern serves as a conditioning environment, and can shape the activity of the genome by influencing chromatin activation/silencing; however, the functional linkage of food availability times with epigenetic control of physiology is only beginning to emerge. This Review gives insights into how food availability times, affected by changes in eating schedules and/or by alterations in feeding environment or lifestyle, could have hitherto unknown consequences on the physiology and reproductive fitness of seasonally breeding vertebrates and those that reproduce year round.

Predation Risk, and Not Shelter or Food Availability, as the Main Determinant of Reproduction Investment in Island Lizards

“…Previous studies have argued that food availability is a critical driver of reproductive output in vertebrates [43,49,103,104]. While in temperate lizards and in species living in strongly seasonal environments, increased food availability generally translates into larger clutches [43], in more tropical or aseasonal environments it may instead result in more frequent clutches of the same size [49].…”

Effect of monochrome light with different wavelengths on biochemical parameters of hens

“…In addition to recognizing the color of light, hens are able to perceive the ultraviolet part of the spectrum due to the presence of an extraretinal cone in the eye, which allows the transmission of radiation at a wavelength of less than 400 nm (Bowmaker et al 1997). The photoreceptors of the pineal gland receive ultraviolet light perceived by the retina and transmit it to oscillators that control the circadian rhythm of hens through the synthesis and release of melatonin (Kumar et al 1999).…”

Sex‐specific effects of dietary restriction on physiological variables in Japanese quails

“…A deficiency in whole food or some essential nutrients can profoundly affect an organism's physiology and corresponding fitness (Buchanan et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2008; Magwere et al., 2004). The availability of these essential nutrients in the environment varies considerably, depending on factors such as climate, season and the presence of other organisms (competitors and predators) (Birnie‐Gauvin et al., 2017; Kumar et al., 2022). Consequently, these environmental factors often lead to significant differences in the types and amounts of nutrients available to different species and may have important physiology implications (Jenni‐Eiermann & Jenni, 2012; Lihoreau et al., 2015; McWilliams et al., 2004).…”

“…A deficiency in whole food or some essential nutrients can profoundly affect an organism's physiology and corresponding fitness (Buchanan et al, 2022;Lee et al, 2008;Magwere et al, 2004). The availability of these essential nutrients in the environment varies considerably, depending on factors such as climate, season and the presence of other organisms (competitors and predators) (Birnie-Gauvin et al, 2017;Kumar et al, 2022).…”