Energy Cost of Animal Reproduction Much Higher Than Previously Thought

A study shows that the energy costs of animal reproduction are significantly higher than once thought, mainly due to indirect costs like gestation. This discovery challenges traditional biological models and suggests climate change could further affect reproductive strategies in temperature-sensitive species.

A recent study reveals that the energy expended in animal reproduction could be up to 10 times higher than earlier estimates, especially when considering the metabolic costs associated with bearing and nurturing offspring. The findings fundamentally challenge longstanding theories and biological models of animal growth and life histories. The act of reproduction is one of the largest energy investments an animal can make.

This investment includes direct cost, the energy directly invested in the offspring themselves, and indirect costs, the energy expended to create, carry, and care for offspring before they are born. While the direct costs of reproduction are well understood, the indirect costs – the metabolic load of reproduction – have not been previously quantified.