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Differential temperature effects on photoperiodism in female voles: An explanation for species-specific declines in vole populations
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  • Laura van Rosmalen,
  • Bernd Riedstra,
  • Nico Beemster,
  • Cor Dijkstra,
  • Roelof Hut
Laura van Rosmalen
University of Groningen

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Bernd Riedstra
University of Groningen
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Nico Beemster
Altenburg & Wymenga Ecological Consultants
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Cor Dijkstra
University of Groningen
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Roelof Hut
University of Groningen
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Abstract

The photoperiodic neuroendocrine system drives seasonal rhythms in reproduction. To get a better understanding of how annual cycling environmental cues impact reproductive function and plasticity in small, short-lived herbivores with different geographic origins, we investigated the mechanisms underlying integration of temperature in the photoperiodic-axis regulating female reproduction in tundra voles and in common voles. We show that photoperiod and temperature interact to determine appropriate physiological responses; there is species-dependent annual variation in the sensitivity to temperature for reproductive organ development. These findings are in line with our census data, showing an earlier onset of spring reproduction in cold springs, while reproductive offset in autumn is synchronized to photoperiod. The reproductive organs of tundra voles were relatively insensitive to temperature, whereas hypothalamic gene expression was generally upregulated at 10°C. Due to global warming, spring reproduction in common voles will be delayed, perhaps resulting in shorter breeding seasons and thus declining populations.