The impact of stress on animal reproductive activities

It is well-established that stress affects the reproductive system of vertebrates. A multitude of research papers and numerous review articles have presented an ever more complex picture of the interrelationships between the physiological stress response and the reproductive system of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. However, there has been no previous attempt to provide a taxonomically inclusive overview of the impact of stress on the reproductive system of vertebrates. It is the intention of this Chapter to provide an introduction to the current state of understanding regarding the interaction of stress with the reproductive system of vertebrates.