loading page

Multidimensional plasticity of phenology: Assessing the effects of population density on plastic responses of breeding time to temperature
  • +1
  • Vaishnavi Purushotham,
  • Erik Matthysen,
  • Celine Teplitsky,
  • Paul Cuchot
Vaishnavi Purushotham
Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Erik Matthysen
University of Antwerp Faculty of Sciences
Author Profile
Celine Teplitsky
CEFE
Author Profile
Paul Cuchot
CEFE
Author Profile

Abstract

Phenotypic plasticity is the key adaptive mechanism behind annual adjustment of breeding time in response to temperature. In nature, organisms are not only subjected to variation in temperature but encounter multiple fluctuating environmental factors that affect phenotypic expression, including conspecific density, which affects individual performances through resource competition. We examined the interactive effects of temperature and conspecific density at different spatial scales (territory and patch level) on breeding time and success utilizing data obtained from a long-term monitoring of a wild great tit (Parus major) population in a fragmented woodland. As expected, we detected earlier breeding in response to warmer spring temperatures but surprisingly, we report earlier laying at low local density, but no evidence of density effects at patch level. Birds experiencing low local density throughout their life bred on average earlier, but this response was also seen at the within-individual level showing earlier laying in years when individuals experienced a lower density than average. In terms of breeding success, earlier laying decreased the risk of brood failure and increased the number of fledglings. The number of fledglings was higher at low density at the territory level, while higher patch-level density increased the probability of brood failure. Altogether, these results support our hypothesis that density-related responses were likely mediated by food competition rather than increased numbers of low-quality birds or increased occupation of poorer territories at higher densities. This study highlights the importance of examining parameters at different spatial scales, along with the study of individual responses to multivariate cues for a comprehensive understanding of the variations in phenological plasticity.
Submitted to Oikos
Assigned to Editor
Reviewer(s) Assigned
Submission Checks Completed
26 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major