Weddell Seal Reproductive Success: Physiological and Genetic Correlates

A research dataset investigates physiological and genetic factors influencing reproductive success in Weddell seal females. The study, conducted by AMD_USAPDC and published in 2024, employs an organismal energetics and genome-to-phenome approach to compare high- and low-quality individuals. It integrates repeated physiological sampling with whole-genome sequencing data.

Use Cases

• Analyze correlations between lactation costs, midsummer foraging success, and pregnancy rates to model energy allocation strategies.
• Identify genetic markers associated with high reproductive success by linking whole-genome sequencing data to individual pup production records.
• Model the relationship between physiological status indicators like body composition and endocrinology with overwinter foraging patterns and subsequent live births.
• Compare transcription and translation data between high- and low-quality females to understand functional genomic drivers of fitness.

Strengths

• Dataset integrates multiple data modalities including physiological measurements, behavioral tracking, and whole-genome sequencing.
• Research employs a repeated-measures design on individual seals for longitudinal analysis of reproductive success.

Limitations

• Specific sample size, row count, and column details are unknown, limiting assessment of statistical power.
• Geographic scope is limited to Weddell seal populations in Antarctica, reducing generalizability to other species or regions.
• Data freshness is unclear beyond the 2024 publication date; temporal coverage of the underlying field studies is not specified.

Provenance

Source

AMD_USAPDC via NASA Earthdata (nasa_earthdata).

Collection Method

Field research in Antarctica involving physiological sampling, behavioral tracking, and genetic sequencing of Weddell seals.

Freshness

Last updated on 2024-08-31.

Geography

Antarctica (Weddell seal habitats).