Questions: Does the amount energy spent on the immune system have an impact on reproductive capacity? An example of physiological trade-offs. Consider the hypothesis below. Hypothesis: Since organisms have a limited amount of energy for metabolic and developmental functions, there has to be an energy trade-off between reproductive function and immune function. Based on that hypothesis, make predictions for the following scenarios. 13. Prediction #1- If sperm are removed from male crickets over several days (and, therefore, they have to make new sperm on a daily basis), what will happen to their ability to fight infections?

Based on the hypothesis that organisms have a limited amount of energy for metabolic and developmental functions, and there is an energy trade-off between reproductive function and immune function, we can make the following prediction:

Prediction #1: If sperm are removed from male crickets over several days, requiring them to produce new sperm on a daily basis, their ability to fight infections will likely decrease.

Explanation:

• The hypothesis suggests that energy allocated to one function (reproductive function) will reduce the energy available for another function (immune function).
• Producing new sperm daily is an energy-intensive process.
• As more energy is diverted towards sperm production, less energy will be available for maintaining and enhancing the immune system.
• Consequently, the male crickets' ability to fight infections will be compromised due to the reduced energy allocated to immune responses.