Costs and Benefits of Experimentally Induced Changes in the Allocation of Growth versus Immune Function under Differential Exposure to Ectoparasites - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Costs and Benefits of Experimentally Induced Changes in the Allocation of Growth versus Immune Function under Differential Exposure to Ectoparasites

Authors: Pitala N, Siitari H, Gustafsson L, Brommer JE

Publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE

Publication year: 2010

Journal: PLoS ONE

Journal name in source: PLOS ONE

Journal acronym: PLOS ONE

Article number: ARTN e10814

Volume: 5

Issue: 5

Number of pages: 8

ISSN: 1932-6203

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0010814

Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/Publication/3757160

Abstract

Conclusions: We found no strong benefits of an increased investment in immunocompetence in a parasite-rich environment. Any deviation from the growth trajectory (due to changes in allocation induced by methionine) is largely detrimental for survival. Hence, while costs are apparent identifying the benefits of investment in immunocompetence during ontogeny is challenging.

Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.

journal.pone.0010814.PDF