J. Lombardi, POSTZYGOTIC MATERNAL INFLUENCES AND THE MATERNAL-EMBRYONIC RELATIONSHIP OF VIVIPAROUS FISHES, American zoologist, 36(2), 1996, pp. 106-115
Viviparous reproduction in fishes provides opportunities for maternal
phenotypic modifications to influence offspring phenotype following fe
rtilization. Various physiological adaptations associated with the mai
ntenance and control of prenatal embryonic development may provide the
means by which postnatal phenotype is impacted by maternal phenotype.
It is widely recognized that postzygotic maternal influences may be m
ediated through the maternal-embryonic trophic relationship in matrotr
ophic species. I propose that 1) postzygotic maternal influences in vi
viparous fishes may also be mediated through immunological, respirator
y, osmoregulatory/excretory, endocrinological, and thermoregulatory as
pects of the maternal-embryonic relationship, and 2) any modification
of embryonic and/or postnatal physiology through influence of the mate
rnal physiological state should be regarded as a maternal effect that
has potential ecological and evolutionary significance. This approach
should help to identify trends and provide a framework, for comparing
the evolution of adaptations for viviparity and their ecological impac
t across the vertebrate classes as well as to facilitate identificatio
n of selective factors contributing to evolution of various forms of v
iviparous reproduction.