- A central aim of life history theory involves explaining the high level of diversity seen in the life history strategies of different species. Functional traits relating to the trophic ecology of species could influence their life histories, as species with different trophic levels or diet preference experience varying selective forces from competition, predation, and resource availability. However, a shortage in attempts to integrate life history theory with trophic ecology has been noted, especially between species.
- To partially address this, life history traits were calculated from demographic data for 95 species. Their life history strategies were outlined using principal component analysis, which revealed two main axes of variation defined by traits related to species’ pace of life and senescence, respectively. Indices for these two combinations of traits were then compared between trophic levels and diet categories in phylogenetic generalised least squares models.
- Trophic level was a significant overall predictor of senescence. Primary consumers and herbivores showed stronger senescence than apex predators and omnivores, respectively, but there were no other statistically significant patterns between diet or trophic level and pace of life or senescence.
- The results contrast similar work in lower taxa, suggesting that there is no universal pattern between diet and life history strategies across the animal kingdom. However, significant between-group differences could warrant further investigation into this area, with greater taxonomic and geographical coverage, and at different scales to account for scale and context-dependency of any potential effects.
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