Brood size manipulation

Brood size manipulation increases lifetime reproductive success in T. melba.

“females, but not males, from enlarged broods showed higher lifetime reproductive success, explained by their production of bigger clutches.”

AnimalsEnlarged versus reduced broodsBroods enlarged by one nestlingLifetimefemales

Short and long-term consequences of early growth environment in the long-lived Alpine swift: insights into viability selection and hormesis

Preprint·3 Aug 2025

Brood size manipulation has no effect on lifespan in T. melba.

“in their adult morphology and parasite load, and in age at first reproduction and lifespan.”

AnimalsReduced versus enlarged broodsBroods enlarged or reduced by one nestling

Short and long-term consequences of early growth environment in the long-lived Alpine swift: insights into viability selection and hormesis

Preprint·3 Aug 2025

Brood size manipulation increases survival up to fledging in T. melba.

“had a higher probability of survival up to fledging in comparison to nestlings from enlarged broods.”

AnimalsReduced versus enlarged broodsBroods reduced by one nestlingUp to fledging

Short and long-term consequences of early growth environment in the long-lived Alpine swift: insights into viability selection and hormesis

Preprint·3 Aug 2025

Brood size manipulation increases growth rate in T. melba.

“Nestlings from reduced broods grew faster despite having higher ectoparasite loads per individual”

AnimalsReduced versus enlarged broodsBroods reduced by one nestling

Short and long-term consequences of early growth environment in the long-lived Alpine swift: insights into viability selection and hormesis

Preprint·3 Aug 2025

Brood size manipulation decreases parental survival in birds.

“Experimental enlargement of brood size caused reduced parental survival.”

Reviewexperimental enlargement of brood size

The optimal clutch size revisited: separating individual quality from the parental survival costs of reproduction

eLife·11 Oct 2024Preprint