Boom and bust: a review of the physiology of the marsupial genus Antechinus.

Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology
R NaylorB M McAllan

Abstract

The marsupial genus Antechinus is a group of small carnivorous marsupials from the order Dasyuromorphia (Family Dasyuridae) and is found in eastern Australia. The life history of all species in the genus is characterized by a complex, but highly synchronized life cycle in both sexes, culminating in a short mating period followed by total male mortality (semelparity). The breeding season is defined by a specific rate of increase in photoperiod, which is different for each species. In Antechinus spp., male mortality is due to the effects of high free testosterone and cortisol levels on many organ systems. Unusually, spermatogenesis is complete before testosterone levels begin to rise at the winter solstice. In males, low sperm counts have been compensated for by high proportions of sperm reaching the isthmus of the female reproductive tract and long-term storage in the crypts. The females survive to rear their young and may mate again in their second year. Gestation lasts from 26 to 34 days, depending on the species. However, developmental arrest can occur at several stages during embryogenesis, elongating the apparent gestation duration by several days. Several species have strong female sex biases in their litters. The high deg...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 29, 2011·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Christopher P JohnstoneRichard D Reina
Mar 15, 2012·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Christopher P JohnstoneAlan Lill
Nov 4, 2015·Annual Review of Animal Biosciences·William V Holt, Alireza Fazeli
Feb 24, 2009·The Science of the Total Environment·Christopher M McLeanGeoff R MacFarlane
Feb 7, 2014·Journal of Wildlife Diseases·Jemima Amery-GaleColin R Wilks
Mar 26, 2013·General and Comparative Endocrinology·Luis A EbenspergerLoren D Hayes
Oct 20, 2015·General and Comparative Endocrinology·Kerry V FansonMeredith Bashaw
Jan 1, 2014·Conservation Physiology·Stephanie HingStephanie Godfrey

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