Broad variation in intra- and interspecific life-history traits is largely shaped by resource limitation and the ensuing allocation trade-offs that animals are forced to make. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a growth-hormone-dependent peptide, may be a key player in the regulation of allocation processes. In laboratory animals, the effects of IGF-1 on growth- and development (positive), reproduction (positive), and longevity (negative) are well established. We here review the evidence on these effects in wild vertebrates, where animals are more likely to face resource limitation and other challenges. We point out the similarities and dissimilarities in patterns of IGF-1 functions obtained in these two different study settings and discuss the knowledge we need to develop a comprehensive picture of the role of IGF-1 in mediating life-history variation of wild vertebrates.

种内和种间生活史特征的广泛变化在很大程度上受到资源限制和随之而来的动物被迫做出的分配折衷的影响。胰岛素样生长因子1（IGF-1），一种生长激素依赖性肽，可能是调节分配过程的关键因素。在实验动物中，IGF-1对生长和发育（阳性），繁殖（阳性）和寿命（阴性）的影响已得到充分证实。我们在这里回顾了在野生脊椎动物中这些作用的证据，在野生脊椎动物中动物更可能面临资源限制和其他挑战。