Few researchers have investigated the issue of pace-of-life syndrome (POLS) in cetaceans, integrating their life-history traits, physiology, and behavior. So far, most cetacean research has concentrated on isolated aspects of their life history, with a very few comprehensive meta-analytical approach to understanding POLS.
Recent discoveries in cetacean biology have highlighted significant variability in life history strategies, necessitating a deeper investigation into their evolutionary and ecological implications. POLS has emerged as a critical issue in understanding the adaptive strategies of cetaceans in their natural habitats.
This research aims to investigate the relationship between pace-of-life syndrome and various life history traits in cetaceans. The objective of this work is to uncover the underlying patterns that differentiate fast-paced and slowpaced life history strategies among cetacean species. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how life history strategies in cetaceans correlate with their ecological roles and conservation needs.
A meta-analytical approach was used to account for bias in the analyses. Mixed methods are excellent ways of combining quantitative data from multiple studies to provide a holistic view. This research included data from a total of 250 studies encompassing 59 cetacean species. Data were obtained using a systematic review and meta-analysis design during the period from 1980 to 2024. The following methods were used to process and analyze the data: correlation matrix, linear modeling, and principal component analysis (PCA). The data was normalized using log transformation and scaling to ensure comparability across studies.
In general, these findings suggest that cetaceans exhibit a wide range of life history strategies that align with the POLS hypothesis. These findings indicate a connection between life history traits such as lifespan, sexual maturity, and reproductive rates with the pace-of-life. The results support the effectiveness of considering pace-of-life as a critical factor in cetacean conservation efforts.
POLS results showed the significant effect of life history traits on cetacean survival and reproduction. This demonstrates the effectiveness of using a metaanalytical approach to study cetacean life history strategies.
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