Hi! I've been wondering on this subject and would like to gain some insight from the community. In the context of marine climate change, namely in Octopuses, what type of reproductive strategy would ultimately be the least susceptible?
A - species which invest in very high progeny numbers and feature a planktonic paralarvae stage (pros: large numbers and potential for current dispersal seems like a huge pro, potentially guaranteeing that the species is able to relocate into more suitable areas; cons: paralarvae are highly sensitive to warming and acidification, and emerge less developed, which could signify large mortalities and potentially impede dispersal).
B - species which invest in lower progeny numbers, hence increasing investment in each individual, featuring direct development into a benthonic hatchling (pros: higher investment means that each individual will be more prepared to face the environment; cons: however if conditions severely condition reproductive investment, a whole progeny can fail quicker than if larger numbers are involved; lack of dispersal prevents relocating into more suitable environments as easily).
I'm personally inclined into option A, but would love to hear back from you. Please correct me if you find anything wrong with my arguments!
Haven't found a good reference on the subject, but if someone knows of one I would be deeply appreciative :)
All the best!
It seems to depend of the stability of the scenario. High environmental dynamics force dispersal ability to be high (-> A) to be always there where the conditions are best suited. Stable or slowly developing environments support acclimation ability (-> B).
Interesting question. My guess would be "it depends" on what other environmental factors are out there. Botany example: Here in the midwest, the historical climax trees are oaks and hickories that produce large seeds (acorns and hickory nuts). Seeds and seedlings from these trees are adapted to and resistant to small brush fires. Because of the value of these seeds as a food source, squirrels, and birds play an important role in dispersal. More recently with human suppression of wildfires, the Maple tree which generates large volumes of seeds and are dispersed partially by wind, has become the dominant woodland tree in our area. The maple is also extremely shade tolerant allowing it to dominate wooded areas displacing the oaks and hickory trees.
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