Heat waves can damage insect sperm and render them nearly sterile, according to new research. In the laboratory, scientists exposed beetles to heat waves, which led to a decrease in male fertility. This effect can be passed on to future generations of beetles.
Further research could shed light on whether climate change is causing a massive decline in insect populations, scientists say.
Decline in insect populations
Climate change affects biodiversity around the world, but the underlying mechanisms of this process are still poorly understood. Scientists admit that they do not know if climate change explains the global collapse of biodiversity and abundance of insects, but limiting their ability to produce offspring will certainly not help to fix this situation.
Scientists have chosen beetles as an object of research, since 400 thousand of their species make up about a quarter of all animals known to us. A massive decline in insect populations can have serious consequences for the environment.
A recent study by German scientists showed that over the past 30 years, populations of flying insects have declined by more than 75%. Similar effects are seen in the rainforests of Puerto Rico.
Promotional video:
Latest research results
A new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that exposure of red meal beetles to a heat wave for five days in the laboratory resulted in a three-quarter reduction in males' sperm production, while females were not affected.
Heat waves reduced the number of offspring by 50%, and repeated exposure to the heat wave virtually sterilized the males.
Study co-author Kirs Sales said: “Our research shows that heat waves reduce the reproductive fitness of males. It's amazing how consistent this effect has been.”
Other studies have shown that higher temperatures can lead to decreased fertility in mammals and even humans. Heat waves are expected to become more prevalent in the face of climate change, affecting human and animal health.
Author: Anna Pismenna