Problem Set 9 Flashcards
Why would energy balance be associated with reproductive function?
Energy balance is crucial for reproductive function because reproductive processes require significant energy expenditure. A positive energy balance (where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure) is necessary for the maintenance of reproductive health, including hormone production, ovulation, and pregnancy. When energy availability is low, the body may prioritize survival over reproduction, leading to suppressed reproductive functions.
Why would birth size be related to adult gonadal steroid levels?
Birth size can be related to adult gonadal steroid levels due to the influence of prenatal conditions on the development of the reproductive system. Larger birth size may indicate better overall health and nutrition during gestation, which can affect the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This axis regulates the production of gonadal steroids, and individuals with a history of better prenatal conditions may have more optimal hormonal profiles in adulthood.
Why does testosterone in human males vary across the lifespan? Why does testosterone peak in unmarried men? Why is it lower amongst married men with small children?
Testosterone levels in human males vary across the lifespan due to developmental changes, aging, and social factors. Testosterone peaks in unmarried men, possibly due to evolutionary pressures favoring higher testosterone levels for mating success and competition. In contrast, testosterone levels may be lower in married men with small children as a result of social bonding and paternal investment, where lower testosterone may promote caregiving behaviors and reduce competition for mates.
How can menarche and post-partum amenorrhea be compared?
Menarche and post-partum amenorrhea can be compared as they both represent significant hormonal changes in a woman’s reproductive life. Menarche marks the onset of menstruation and reproductive capability, while post-partum amenorrhea is the temporary cessation of menstruation following childbirth. Both phenomena are influenced by hormonal regulation, energy balance, and the body’s adaptation to reproductive demands.
How can the metamorphosis of a tadpole relate to human birth?
The metamorphosis of a tadpole can be related to human birth in terms of developmental transitions. Just as a tadpole undergoes significant physiological changes to become a frog, human birth represents a critical transition from fetal to neonatal life. Both processes involve complex hormonal and environmental interactions that facilitate the transition to a new life stage, highlighting the importance of developmental adaptations in response to changing conditions.
Can evolved adaptations become maladaptations?
Yes, evolved adaptations can become maladaptations when environmental conditions change or when the original adaptive function no longer serves the organism well. For example, traits that were once beneficial for survival and reproduction may become disadvantageous in new contexts, leading to negative consequences for the organism’s fitness.
What potential mechanisms may mediate the effects of metabolic stress on reproductive function?
Potential mechanisms that may mediate the effects of metabolic stress on reproductive function include:
Hormonal changes, such as alterations in the levels of leptin, insulin, and cortisol, which can influence the HPG axis.
Energy availability signaling pathways that affect the regulation of reproductive hormones and ovulation.
Inflammatory responses that may disrupt normal reproductive processes and lead to conditions such as anovulation or infertility.
What could the role of maternal-fetal conflict be in the temporal distribution of pregnancy losses?
Maternal-fetal conflict may play a role in the temporal distribution of pregnancy losses by influencing the allocation of maternal resources to the developing fetus. Conflicts can arise when the interests of the mother (e.g., conserving resources for future offspring) and the fetus (e.g., maximizing growth and development) are not aligned. This conflict may lead to selective pregnancy losses at different stages, particularly if the fetus is perceived as having developmental issues or if maternal health is compromised, resulting in a higher likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth during critical periods of gestation.
