scholarly journals Isotope data from amino acids indicate Darwin’s ground sloth was not an herbivore

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia V. Tejada ◽  
John J. Flynn ◽  
Ross MacPhee ◽  
Tamsin C. O’Connell ◽  
Thure E. Cerling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Nitrogen Isotopes ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
South American ◽  
Isotope Data ◽  
The Past ◽  
Isotopic Analyses ◽  
Reliable Interpretation ◽  
Ground Sloth

AbstractFossil sloths are regarded as obligate herbivores for reasons including peculiarities of their craniodental morphology and that all living sloths feed exclusively on plants. We challenge this view based on isotopic analyses of nitrogen of specific amino acids, which show that Darwin’s ground sloth Mylodon darwinii was an opportunistic omnivore. This direct evidence of omnivory in an ancient sloth requires reevaluation of the ecological structure of South American Cenozoic mammalian communities, as sloths represented a major component of these ecosystems across the past 34 Myr. Furthermore, by analyzing modern mammals with known diets, we provide a basis for reliable interpretation of nitrogen isotopes of amino acids of fossils. We argue that a widely used equation to determine trophic position is unnecessary, and that the relative isotopic values of the amino acids glutamate and phenylalanine alone permit reliable reconstructions of trophic positions of extant and extinct mammals.

scholarly journals Extreme bill dimorphism leads to different but overlapping isotopic niches and similar trophic positions in sexes of the charismatic extinct huia

Oecologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara M. Tomotani ◽  
Rodrigo B. Salvador ◽  
Amandine J. M. Sabadel ◽  
Colin M. Miskelly ◽  
Julie C. S. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Geometric Morphometrics ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Female Competition ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Foraging Habitat ◽  
Isotopic Analyses ◽  
Trophic Niches

AbstractThe New Zealand huia (Heteralocha acutirostris) had the most extreme bill sexual dimorphism among modern birds. Given the quick extinction of the species, the cause of the dimorphism could only be hypothesised to reflect different trophic niches and reduce male/female competition. We tested that hypothesis by combining museum specimens, geometric morphometrics, and isotopic analyses. We used geometric morphometrics to describe bill shape; measured bulk (δ15Nbulk) and (δ13Cbulk) values from feather as proxies of the birds’ foraging habitat and diet; and compared compound-specific stable isotopes analyses (CSIA) of nitrogen in amino acids (δ15NAA) in male–female pairs to estimate their trophic position. Sexes had significantly different, but overlapping feather δ15Nbulk and δ13Cbulk values, but δ15NAA indicated identical trophic positions and δ15Nbulk was not related to bill shape. Trophic position was less variable among females, consistent with a specialised foraging behaviour and, thus, supporting a partial male/female foraging segregation.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Mycosporine-Like Amino Acid (MAA) Pattern of the Salt Marsh Red Alga Bostrychia scorpioides

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 321
Author(s):  
Maria Orfanoudaki ◽  
Anja Hartmann ◽  
Julia Mayr ◽  
Félix L. Figueroa ◽  
Julia Vega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Red Alga ◽  
Array Detector ◽  
Diode Array ◽  
Diode Array Detector ◽  
The Past ◽  
Specific Species

This study presents the validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for the determination of different mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in the red alga Bostrychia scorpioides. The investigated MAAs, named bostrychines, have only been found in this specific species so far. The developed HPLC-DAD method was successfully applied for the quantification of the major MAAs in Bostrychia scorpioides extracts, collected from four different countries in Europe showing only minor differences between the investigated samples. In the past, several Bostrychia spp. have been reported to include cryptic species, and in some cases such as B. calliptera, B. simpliciuscula, and B. moritziana, the polyphyly was supported by differences in their MAA composition. The uniformity in the MAA composition of the investigated B. scorpioides samples is in agreement with the reported monophyly of this Bostrychia sp.

Peptide Modifications: Versatile Tools in Peptide and Natural Product Syntheses

Synlett ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1289-1302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Servatius ◽  
Lukas Junk ◽  
Uli Kazmaier
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Natural Product ◽  
Bond Activation ◽  
Bond Formation ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Peptide Backbone ◽  
Claisen Rearrangements ◽  
The Past ◽  
Allylic Alkylations ◽  
Peptide Modifications

Peptide modifications via C–C bond formation have emerged as valuable tools for the preparation and alteration of non-proteinogenic amino acids and the corresponding peptides. Modification of glycine subunits in peptides allows for the incorporation of unusual side chains, often in a highly stereoselective manner, orchestrated by the chiral peptide backbone. Moreover, modifications of peptides are not limited to the peptidic backbone. Many side-chain modifications, not only by variation of existing functional groups, but also by C–H functionalization, have been developed over the past decade. This account highlights the synthetic contributions made by our group and others to the field of peptide modifications and their application in natural product syntheses.1 Introduction2 Peptide Backbone Modifications via Peptide Enolates2.1 Chelate Enolate Claisen Rearrangements2.2 Allylic Alkylations2.3 Miscellaneous Modifications3 Side-Chain Modifications3.1 C–H Activation3.1.1 Functionalization via Csp3–H Bond Activation3.2.2 Functionalization via Csp2–H Bond Activation3.2 On Peptide Tryptophan Syntheses4 Conclusion

2,2-Dialkylacetic Acids -A New Class of Naturally Occurring Lipid Constituents

1995 ◽  
Vol 50 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 123-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gottfried Raab ◽  
Jürgen Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Retention Time ◽  
Relative Retention Time ◽  
Methyl Esters ◽  
South American ◽  
Time Data ◽  
New Class ◽  
The Past ◽  
Relative Retention ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Acetic Acids

Abstract The uropygial gland waxes of the South American red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata (L., 1766)) were found to be composed of unbranched alcohols and 2,2′-dialkyl-substituted acetic acids which so far have not been found in skin lipids. When used as a chemosystematic character, the occurrence of this lipid class separates the order Cariamiformes (Seriemas) from all other avian orders hitherto investigated, especially from the Gruiformes (cranes and rails) to which they have been tentatively attributed in the past. From the GC retention time data now available for a series of 2-alkyl-substituted fatty acid methyl esters relative retention time indices for other compounds may be predicted.

The Origins of Domestic Sheep and Goats: a Reconsideration in the Light of the Fossil Evidence

1969 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 368-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Payne
Keyword(s):  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Present Situation ◽  
Wild Relatives ◽  
The Other ◽  
Domestic Sheep ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Animal Domestication ◽  
The Past ◽  
The One ◽  
And Control

In recent discussions of the origins and process of animal domestication (Reed, 1961, Zeuner, 1963), both authors rely on two kinds of evidence: on the one hand, the present distributions and characteristics of the different breeds of whatever animal is being discussed, together with its feral and wild relatives, and, on the other hand, the past record, given by literary and pictorial sources and the bones from archaeological and geological sites. Increased recognition of the limitations of the past record, whether in the accuracy of the information it appears to give (as in the case of pictorial sources), or in the certainty of the deductions we are at present capable of drawing from it (this applies especially to the osteological record), has led these authors to argue mainly from the present situation, using the past record to confirm or amplify the existing picture.Arguing from the present, many hypotheses about the origins and process of domestication are available. The only test we have, when attempting to choose between these, lies in the direct evidence of the past record. The past record, it is freely admitted, is very fragmentary: the information provided by the present situation is more exact, ranges over a much wider field, and is more open to test and control. Nevertheless, the past record, however imperfect it is, is the only direct evidence we have about the process of domestication.

scholarly journals Erasing the Past: A New Identity for the Damoclean Pathogen Causing South American Leaf Blight of Rubber

PLoS ONE ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e104750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Braz Tavares da Hora Júnior ◽  
Davi Mesquita de Macedo ◽  
Robert Weingart Barreto ◽  
Harry C. Evans ◽  
Carlos Raimundo Reis Mattos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Blight ◽  
South American ◽  
The Past

scholarly journals Lake-level variability in Salar de Coipasa, Bolivia during the past ∼40,000 yr

2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 881-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Andrew Nunnery ◽  
Sherilyn C. Fritz ◽  
Paul A. Baker ◽  
Wout Salenbien
Keyword(s):  
Lake Level ◽  
Sediment Accumulation ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
South American ◽  
Climate History ◽  
Oxygen Isotope Stage ◽  
The Past ◽  
History Of ◽  
Diatom Stratigraphy ◽  
The Last Glacial

AbstractVarious paleoclimatic records have been used to reconstruct the hydrologic history of the Altiplano, relating this history to past variability of the South American summer monsoon. Prior studies of the southern Altiplano, the location of the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni, and its neighbor, the Salar de Coipasa, generally agree in their reconstructions of the climate history of the past ∼24 ka. Some studies, however, have highly divergent climatic records and interpretations of earlier periods. In this study, lake-level variation was reconstructed from a ∼14-m-long sediment core from the Salar de Coipasa. These sediments span the last ∼40 ka. Lacustrine sediment accumulation was apparently continuous in the basin from ∼40 to 6 ka, with dry or very shallow conditions afterward. The fossil diatom stratigraphy and geochemical data (δ13C, δ15N, %Ca, C/N) indicate fluctuations in lake level from shallow to moderately deep, with the deepest conditions correlative with the Heinrich-1 and Younger Dryas events. The stratigraphy shows a continuous lake of variable depth and salinity during the last glacial maximum and latter stages of Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 and is consistent with environmental inferences and the original chronology of a drill core from Salar de Uyuni.

scholarly journals Perceptions of 'Srem Folk Fest' participants according to cultural tourism preferences

Turizam ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Srđan Timotijević ◽  
Maja Mijatov ◽  
Milena Sekulić
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
National Commission ◽  
South American ◽  
The Balkans ◽  
The Past ◽  
African Youth ◽  
The Town ◽  
Culture Tradition ◽  
The Sava River

"Srem Folk Fest" has become one of the most popular and significant international folklore festivals in this part of the Balkans since 2004. For the past 16 years, a town Sremska Mitrovica was a host city for European, Asian, South American and African youth. Besides its historical importance, this town on the Sava river could also be considered as the promoter of culture, tradition and folklore of its guests. Each year, the artistic stylization of folklore stage is accompanied by about 20000 visitors during the four festival nights. In 2015, "Srem Folk Fest" was added to the calendar of events of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF). The Festival is also recognized by the Serbian National Commission for UNESCO as the keeper of the intangible cultural heritage. One of the main tasks of the paper is related to the need of considering potential and participants' intentions to repeat their visit, as well as of improving the offer and promotion of the town and its surroundings. The aim of the paper is to analyze the data obtained in the context of the behavior and preferences of participants/respondents, to determine the specificity of their role and thus to make a recommendation for creating even better offer. Considering the respondents from 10 countries, the result is especially significant in the form of improving the image of Serbia, as well as their preferences for getting to know rural areas and cultural features. The study contains the survey research, while gained results might provide a good basis for further organization in accordance with their expectations. In addition, the results could also find practical implication in terms of providing basic information necessary to expand this event within the surrounding area of Sremska Mitrovica.

scholarly journals Fire in ice: two millennia of Northern Hemisphere fire history from the Greenland NEEM ice core

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 809-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Zennaro ◽  
N. Kehrwald ◽  
J. R. McConnell ◽  
S. Schüpbach ◽  
O. Maselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Carbon ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Fire History ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Ice Cores ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
The Past ◽  
Past 2000 Years ◽  
Isotopic Analyses ◽  
Fire Activity

Abstract. Biomass burning is a major source of greenhouse gases and influences regional to global climate. Pre-industrial fire-history records from black carbon, charcoal and other proxies provide baseline estimates of biomass burning at local to global scales, but there remains a need for broad-scale fire proxies that span millennia in order to understand the role of fire in the carbon cycle and climate system. We use the specific biomarker levoglucosan, and multi-source black carbon and ammonium concentrations to reconstruct fire activity from the North Greenland Eemian (NEEM) ice cores (77.49° N; 51.2° W, 2480 m a.s.l.) over the past 2000 years. Increases in boreal fire activity (1000–1300 CE and 1500–1700 CE) over multi-decadal timescales coincide with the most extensive central and northern Asian droughts of the past two millennia. The NEEM biomass burning tracers coincide with temperature changes throughout much of the past 2000 years except for during the extreme droughts, when precipitation changes are the dominant factor. Many of these multi-annual droughts are caused by monsoon failures, thus suggesting a connection between low and high latitude climate processes. North America is a primary source of biomass burning aerosols due to its relative proximity to the NEEM camp. During major fire events, however, isotopic analyses of dust, back-trajectories and links with levoglucosan peaks and regional drought reconstructions suggest that Siberia is also an important source of pyrogenic aerosols to Greenland.

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