Foraging behaviour contributes to sexual dimorphism in immune function

B. G. Fanson; K. V. Fanson; P. W. Taylor

Abstract

Male animals often have reduced immune function compared to females but the proximate mechanisms underlying this taxonomically widespread pattern are unclear. Because immune function is resource-dependent and sexes may differ in foraging behaviour, we hypothesized that sexual dimorphism in immune function may arise from differential nutrient intake (acquisition hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between nutrient consumption and patterns of phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key component of insect immune systems, in Queensland fruit flies. In the first experiment, flies were allowed to consume their preferred nutrient intake. In the second experiment, we restricted flies to one of 12 diets varying in protein and carbohydrate concentrations. By mapping PO activity for each sex onto a nutritional landscape, we show that sex differences in nutritional intake contribute to, but do not fully explain, sex differences in PO activity. We discuss implications of our results for theory addressing the evolution of sexual dimorphism in immune function.

Original language	English
Number of pages	1
Publication status	Published - 2013
Event	Animal Behavior Society Annual Conference (50th : 2013) - Boulder, Colorado Duration: 28 Jul 2013 → 1 Aug 2013

Conference

Conference	Animal Behavior Society Annual Conference (50th : 2013)
City	Boulder, Colorado
Period	28/07/13 → 1/08/13

Keywords

Sexual dimorphism
Foraging behavior
Immune response
Sexual behavior

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@conference{a12b691040824ea3955e57d6bd7a8ce4,

title = "Foraging behaviour contributes to sexual dimorphism in immune function",

abstract = "Male animals often have reduced immune function compared to females but the proximate mechanisms underlying this taxonomically widespread pattern are unclear. Because immune function is resource-dependent and sexes may differ in foraging behaviour, we hypothesized that sexual dimorphism in immune function may arise from differential nutrient intake (acquisition hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between nutrient consumption and patterns of phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key component of insect immune systems, in Queensland fruit flies. In the first experiment, flies were allowed to consume their preferred nutrient intake. In the second experiment, we restricted flies to one of 12 diets varying in protein and carbohydrate concentrations. By mapping PO activity for each sex onto a nutritional landscape, we show that sex differences in nutritional intake contribute to, but do not fully explain, sex differences in PO activity. We discuss implications of our results for theory addressing the evolution of sexual dimorphism in immune function.",

keywords = "Sexual dimorphism, Foraging behavior, Immune response, Sexual behavior",

author = "Fanson, {B. G.} and Fanson, {K. V.} and Taylor, {P. W.}",

year = "2013",

language = "English",

note = "Animal Behavior Society Annual Conference (50th : 2013) ; Conference date: 28-07-2013 Through 01-08-2013",

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TY - CONF

T1 - Foraging behaviour contributes to sexual dimorphism in immune function

AU - Fanson, B. G.

AU - Fanson, K. V.

AU - Taylor, P. W.

PY - 2013

Y1 - 2013

N2 - Male animals often have reduced immune function compared to females but the proximate mechanisms underlying this taxonomically widespread pattern are unclear. Because immune function is resource-dependent and sexes may differ in foraging behaviour, we hypothesized that sexual dimorphism in immune function may arise from differential nutrient intake (acquisition hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between nutrient consumption and patterns of phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key component of insect immune systems, in Queensland fruit flies. In the first experiment, flies were allowed to consume their preferred nutrient intake. In the second experiment, we restricted flies to one of 12 diets varying in protein and carbohydrate concentrations. By mapping PO activity for each sex onto a nutritional landscape, we show that sex differences in nutritional intake contribute to, but do not fully explain, sex differences in PO activity. We discuss implications of our results for theory addressing the evolution of sexual dimorphism in immune function.

AB - Male animals often have reduced immune function compared to females but the proximate mechanisms underlying this taxonomically widespread pattern are unclear. Because immune function is resource-dependent and sexes may differ in foraging behaviour, we hypothesized that sexual dimorphism in immune function may arise from differential nutrient intake (acquisition hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between nutrient consumption and patterns of phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key component of insect immune systems, in Queensland fruit flies. In the first experiment, flies were allowed to consume their preferred nutrient intake. In the second experiment, we restricted flies to one of 12 diets varying in protein and carbohydrate concentrations. By mapping PO activity for each sex onto a nutritional landscape, we show that sex differences in nutritional intake contribute to, but do not fully explain, sex differences in PO activity. We discuss implications of our results for theory addressing the evolution of sexual dimorphism in immune function.

KW - Sexual dimorphism

KW - Foraging behavior

KW - Immune response

KW - Sexual behavior

M3 - Abstract

T2 - Animal Behavior Society Annual Conference (50th : 2013)

Y2 - 28 July 2013 through 1 August 2013

ER -