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Transgenerational immune priming as cryptic parental care
Article first published online: 5 FEB 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2009.01649.x
© 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 British Ecological Society
Additional Information
How to Cite
Jokela, J. (2010), Transgenerational immune priming as cryptic parental care. Journal of Animal Ecology, 79: 305–307. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2009.01649.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 5 FEB 2010
- Article first published online: 5 FEB 2010
- Received 22 October 2009; accepted 24 November 2009Handling Editor: Corey Bradshaw
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
O. Roth, G. Joop, H. Eggert, J. Hilbert, J. Daniel, P. Schmid-Hempel & J. Kurtz (2009) Paternally derived immune priming for offspring in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Journal of Animal Ecology, 79, 403–413.
Eggs are relatively large and can provide offspring with resources that improve their survival. While such maternal effects are common, it has been difficult to imagine what, other than genes, individual offspring could receive from their fathers. The study byRoth et al. (2009a)suggests that we should look more closely. Their experiments show that red flour beetle fathers can transfer specific biochemical information to their offspring, priming their immune system to combat pathogens better. When mothers do the same, the offspring get a double dose of protection. This discovery alerts us to re-evaluate the importance of cryptic parental care.