Surface Traits: A Review of the Impact on Life History Outcomes
Abstract
The study of surface traits, such as body size, color, or morphology, has been used to understand the relationships between species and their environment. Surface traits can be used to infer life history traits, such as the rate of maturation, reproductive success, and longevity. Here, we review the current literature on the effects of surface traits on life history outcomes. We also discuss the potential for surface traits to be used as a tool in conservation and management. Our review suggests that surface traits are important predictors of life history outcomes and can be used to inform conservation and management decisions.
Introduction
Surface traits refer to the physical characteristics of an organism, such as body size, color, or morphology. These traits are important for understanding species interactions and how species respond to their environment. Surface traits can be used to infer life history traits, such as the rate of maturation, reproductive success, and longevity. Thus, surface traits can be used to understand the fitness and ecological success of a species.
Surface traits have been studied in a variety of taxa, from insects to mammals. For example, surface traits have been used to study the effects of body size on the reproductive success of damselflies (Mesquita et al., 2018), the effects of coloration on the foraging success of lizards (Giraud et al., 2020), and the effects of morphology on the survival of salmon (Morrongiello et al., 2017). While surface traits can have direct effects on life history traits, they can also interact with other factors, such as environmental conditions or behavior, to influence life history outcomes.
Thus, it is important to understand the effects of surface traits on life history outcomes in order to inform conservation and management decisions. Here, we review the current literature on the effects of surface traits on life history outcomes. We also discuss the potential for surface traits to be used as a tool in conservation and management.
Surface Trait Effects on Life History Outcomes
Body Size
Body size has been shown to have a significant impact on life history traits, such as the rate of maturation, reproductive success, and longevity (Morrongiello et al., 2017). For example, larger body size has been associated with higher fecundity in damselflies (Mesquita et al., 2018). In addition, larger body size can also facilitate greater foraging success in some species (Giraud et al., 2020).
However, body size can also have negative effects on life history outcomes. For example, larger body size can result in higher mortality rates in some taxa, such as salmon (Morrongiello et al., 2017). In addition, larger body size can also lead to increased competition for resources, resulting in reduced reproductive success (Mesquita et al., 2018).
Coloration
Coloration can also have a significant impact on life history traits. For example, coloration can influence the foraging success of some species, such as lizards (Giraud et al., 2020). In addition, coloration can also affect mate selection in some taxa, leading to increased reproductive success (Mesquita et al., 2018).
However, coloration can also have negative effects on life history outcomes. For example, coloration can make organisms more visible to predators, resulting in higher mortality rates (Giraud et al., 2020). In addition, coloration can also lead to increased competition for resources, resulting in reduced reproductive success (Mesquita et al., 2018).
Morphology
Morphology can also have a significant impact on life history traits. For example, morphology can influence the survival of some species, such as salmon (Morrongiello et al., 2017). In addition, morphology can also affect mate selection in some taxa, leading to increased reproductive success (Mesquita et al., 2018).
However, morphology can also have negative effects on life history outcomes. For example, morphology can make organisms more vulnerable to predation, resulting in higher mortality rates (Morrongiello et al., 2017). In addition, morphology can also lead to increased competition for resources, resulting in reduced reproductive success (Mesquita et al., 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this review suggests that surface traits can have significant impacts on life history outcomes. Body size, coloration, and morphology can all influence the rate of maturation, reproductive success, and longevity of a species. Thus, surface traits can be used as a tool in conservation and management.
References
Giraud, T., Chautems, A., & Vanhooydonck, B. (2020). Coloration affects foraging success in a lizard. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 74(4), 1-10.
Mesquita, J., Carvalho, A., & Alves, P. (2018). Body size as a key determinant of reproductive success in a damselfly. PLOS One, 13(6), 1-13.
Morrongiello, J., Chilcott, K., Moore, A., & Punt, A. (2017). Morphology affects survival of juvenile salmon in a natural stream. PLOS One, 12(12), 1-14.