Acoustic developmental programming: a mechanistic and evolutionary framework. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mariette, Mylene M.; Clayton, David F.; Buchanan, Katherine L.
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 36:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: 722
• Page End: 736
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: developmental plasticity -- prenatal acoustic communication -- maternal effects -- transgenerational adaptation -- anticipatory cues; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.04.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Conditions experienced prenatally, by modulating developmental processes, have lifelong effects on individual phenotypes and fitness, ultimately influencing population dynamics. In addition to maternal biochemical cues, prenatal sound is emerging as a potent alternative source of information to direct embryonic development. Recent evidence suggests that prenatal acoustic signals can program individual phenotypes for predicted postnatal environmental conditions, which improves fitness. Across taxonomic groups, embryos have now been shown to have immediate adaptive responses to external sounds and vibrations, and direct developmental effects of sound and noise are increasingly found. Establishing the full developmental, ecological, and evolutionary impact of early soundscapes will reveal how embryos interact with the external world, and potentially transform our understanding of developmental plasticity and adaptation to changing environments. Highlights: Prenatal sounds and vibrations from parents, siblings, or the environment are used by embryos across taxonomic groups to obtain information on the external world and respond to risks and opportunities. Acoustic signals are used at transitions between life stages to optimize that transition (e.g., hatching time) or the postnatal phenotype. Prenatal sounds can directly alter developmental trajectories and provide accurate anticipatory cues to program offspring for particular postnatal environments. Acoustic developmental programming affects individual physiology and cognition through changes in brain connectivity, endocrinology, and gene expression. Acoustic signals differ from maternal nutritional and endocrine cues in multiple ways, and this has implications for conflict and coadaptation within the family, as well as for adaptation to rapidly changing environments.