Testosterone supplementation in juvenile Psammodromus algirus lizards: consequences for aggressiveness and body growth |
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Authors: | Emilio Civantos |
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Institution: | (1) School of Biosciences and Process Technology, Section of Biology, Vaxjo University, 35195 Vaxjo, Sweden, |
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Abstract: | In some species, more aggressive individuals are more successful in resource competition. High testosterone level is associated
with increased activity and aggressive behavior, and this may have a direct effect on metabolic rate and cause an increase
in energy expenditure. Here, I examined the influence of exogenously administered testosterone on aggressiveness and body
growth in juvenile Psammodromus algirus male lizards. Juvenile males were given testosterone-filled (experimental) or empty (control) implants. Testosterone produced
an increase in aggressiveness and activity in the experimental males. However, despite being more aggressive, experimental
males did not acquire larger home ranges than control males. Experimental males also experienced a significant reduction in
growth rate over the 2-month period following implantation. Experimental males also were in poorer condition at the completion
of the experiment, compared to control males. These results suggest that although an elevated testosterone level may have
positive effects on aggressiveness and activity, it also may have negative effects manifested as reduced growth rate and body
condition.
Received in revised form: 15 June 2001
Electronic Publication |
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Keywords: | Testosterone Aggressiveness Body growth Juvenile Psammodromus algirus |
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