Low Heritability but Significant Early Environmental Effects on Resting Metabolic Rate in a Wild Passerine

Predicting the impact of climate change on biodiversity requires understanding the adaptation potential of wild organisms. Evolutionary responses depend on the additive genetic variation associated with the phenotypic traits targeted by selection. We combine 5 years of cross-fostering experiments, measurements of resting metabolic rate (RMR) on nearly 200 wild collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) nestlings, and animal models using a 17-year pedigree to evaluate the potential for an evolutionary response to changing environmental conditions. Contrary to other avian studies, we find no significant heritability of whole-organism, mass-independent, or mass-specific RMR, but we report a strong effect of nest environment instead. We therefore conclude that variation in nestling RMR is explained by variation in the early-life environment provided by the parents. We discuss possible underlying specific parental effects and the importance of taking different mechanisms into account to understand how animals phenotypically adapt (or fail to adapt) to climate change.

Automated summary

This study found no significant heritability of resting metabolic rate in wild collared flycatcher nestlings, instead attributing the variation to the early-life environment provided by the parents. Consideration of specific parental effects is important in understanding how animals adapt (or fail to adapt) phenotypically to climate change.