Accurate systematic frameworks are vital to advance ecological and evolutionary studies, with an example from Australian freshwater fish (Hypseleotris)

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (7) ◽  
pp. 1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Page ◽  
David Sternberg ◽  
Mark Adams ◽  
Stephen R. Balcombe ◽  
Benjamin D. Cook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Developmental Plasticity ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Evolutionary Theories ◽  
Poor Group ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Australian Freshwater

The practice of modern evolutionary and ecological research is interdisciplinary, with the process of evolution underpinning the diversity on display. However, the inference of evolutionary patterns can be difficult owing to their historical nature. When the biological units and evolutionary relationships involved are unclear, interpreting any ecological and biological data can be problematic. Herein we explore resulting issues when evolutionary theories rely on an unclear or incomplete biological framework, using some Australian freshwater fish (carp gudgeons: Hypseleotris, Eleotridae) as an example. Specifically, recent theories regarding the role of developmental plasticity on ontogeny and speciation have focused on this group. However, carp gudgeons have complex, and as yet incompletely understood, species boundaries and reproductive biology. Even basic data for the recognised taxa, relating to their phylogenetic relationships, life histories and species distributions, are unclear, have often been misinterpreted and are still in the process of being assembled. Combined, these factors make carp gudgeons a relatively poor group on which to apply more advanced evolutionary theories at the moment, such as the role of developmental plasticity in diversification.

Hormones and Behavior

2019 ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Maren N. Vitousek ◽  
Laura A. Schoenle
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Developmental Plasticity ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
And Behavior

Hormones mediate the expression of life history traits—phenotypic traits that contribute to lifetime fitness (i.e., reproductive timing, growth rate, number and size of offspring). The endocrine system shapes phenotype by organizing tissues during developmental periods and by activating changes in behavior, physiology, and morphology in response to varying physical and social environments. Because hormones can simultaneously regulate many traits (hormonal pleiotropy), they are important mediators of life history trade-offs among growth, reproduction, and survival. This chapter reviews the role of hormones in shaping life histories with an emphasis on developmental plasticity and reversible flexibility in endocrine and life history traits. It also discusses the advantages of studying hormone–behavior interactions from an evolutionary perspective. Recent research in evolutionary endocrinology has provided insight into the heritability of endocrine traits, how selection on hormone systems may influence the evolution of life histories, and the role of hormonal pleiotropy in driving or constraining evolution.

scholarly journals A closer look at pupil diversity and evolution in frogs and toads

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1957) ◽  
pp. 20211402
Author(s):  
Nadia G. Cervino ◽  
Agustín J. Elias-Costa ◽  
Martín O. Pereyra ◽  
Julián Faivovich
Keyword(s):  
Life Histories ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Most Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Diel Activity Patterns ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ecological Versatility

The eyes of frogs and toads (Anura) are among their most fascinating features. Although several pupil shapes have been described, the diversity, evolution, and functional role of the pupil in anurans have received little attention. Studying photographs of more than 3200 species, we surveyed pupil diversity, described their morphological variation, tested correlation with adult habits and diel activity, and discuss major evolutionary patterns considering iris anatomy and visual ecology. Our results indicate that the pupil in anurans is a highly plastic structure, with seven main pupil shapes that evolved at least 116 times during the history of the group. We found no significant correlation between pupil shape, adult habits, and diel activity, with the exception of the circular pupil and aquatic habits. The vertical pupil arose at least in the most-recent common ancestor of Anura + Caudata, and this morphology is present in most early-diverging anuran clades. Subsequently, a horizontal pupil, a very uncommon shape in vertebrates, evolved in most neobatrachian frogs. This shape evolved into most other known pupil shapes, but it persisted in a large number of species with diverse life histories, habits, and diel activity patterns, demonstrating a remarkable functional and ecological versatility.

scholarly journals Getting somewhere with the Red Queen: chasing a biologically modern definition of the hypothesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 20170734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke C. Strotz ◽  
Marianna Simões ◽  
Matthew G. Girard ◽  
Laura Breitkreuz ◽  
Julien Kimmig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Red Queen Hypothesis ◽  
Red Queen ◽  
Evolutionary Patterns ◽  
Evolutionary Theories ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Red Queen

The Red Queen hypothesis (RQH) is both familiar and murky, with a scope and range that has broadened beyond its original focus. Although originally developed in the palaeontological arena, it now encompasses many evolutionary theories that champion biotic interactions as significant mechanisms for evolutionary change. As such it de-emphasizes the important role of abiotic drivers in evolution, even though such a role is frequently posited to be pivotal. Concomitant with this shift in focus, several studies challenged the validity of the RQH and downplayed its propriety. Herein, we examine in detail the assumptions that underpin the RQH in the hopes of furthering conceptual understanding and promoting appropriate application of the hypothesis. We identify issues and inconsistencies with the assumptions of the RQH, and propose a redefinition where the Red Queen's reign is restricted to certain types of biotic interactions and evolutionary patterns occurring at the population level.

PINGVINAS IR PROTĖJAS. Įsivaizdavimas kaip kitybė manyje

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 21-37
Author(s):  
Kristupas Sabolius
Keyword(s):  
Fight Club ◽  
The World ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Hollywood Movie

Kitybės klausimas dažniausiai kyla iš ego santykio su kitais arba su pasauliu. Šiame straipsnyje daroma prielaida, kad įsivaizdavimo funkcija ištirpdo subjektą ir jame pačiame atveria intersubjektyvią perspektyvą. Šiuo tikslu sugretinami Sartre’o, Husserlio bei Merleau-Ponty įsivaizdavimo funkcijos tyrimai, kuriuose išryškėja vaizdo kaip iš ego centro išslystančios ribos statusas, ir Holivudo filmo „Kovos klubas“ siužetas. Viename iš šios juostos epizodų pasirodantis pingvinas žymi egologinės schizmos akimirką ir tampa fantazijos apsireiškimu ir įsikūnijimu.Išgryninus žaidybinį, savarankišką ir multiformišką charakterį, galime konstantuoti, kad įsivaizdavimas, jei kalbėtume Kanto terminais, yra ne papildanti tarpinė funkcija, bet transcendentalinio subjekto genezėje atlieka paradoksalų „svetimos vidujybės“ arba „vidinės svetimybės“ vaidmenį. Vaizduotė yra katalizatoriaus, kuris, likdamas šalia, įgalina transcendentalinių formų išsikristalizavimą.Pagrindiniai žodžiai: vaizduotė, įsivaizdavimas, fantazija, ego, kitybė, sąmonė.PENGUIN AND PROTEUSImagination as Otherness in meKristupas Sabolius SummaryThe question of Otherness is usually taken into account while discussing the Ego’s relation with Others as well as with the World. This article is based on the premises that the function of phantasy melts the subjectivity, revealing the perspective of intersubjectivity within it. On this purpose Sartre’s, Husserl’s and Merleau-Ponty’s researches on the function of imagination, which elucidate the image as the boundary slipping from the centre of Ego, are compared to the story of Hollywood’ movie „Fight Club“. The penguin, which appears in one of the episodes, registers the moment of egological schism, thus becoming the revelation and incarnation of phantasy. While the playful, autonomous and multiform character of imaginary is cleared out, we can ascertain, speaking in Kantian terms, that it has not a complementary or intermediary function, but, in the genesis of transcendental subject, plays the paradoxical role of „allien innerness“ or „inner alienity“. Thought remaining always beside, imagination is a catalyzer which enables crystallization of transcendental forms.Keywords: imagination, imaginary, phantasy, ego, otherness, consciousness.

OBOLESCENCE AND THE DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS

2020 ◽  
pp. 113-130
Author(s):  
A.V. GOLUBEV ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Innovation Development ◽  
Scientific Hypothesis ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Sociological Studies

The diffusion of innovations is described as a process in a number of scientific papers. At the same time, the causes of this process have not been sufficiently studied. The author’s goal is to consider the main regularities, under which the life cycle of innovations begins, and propose measures to enhance diffusion in modern conditions. As a scientific hypothesis, the author accepts the postulate about the primary role of the obolescence of attracted innovations in this process. The analysis revealed not only the economic proportions that initiate the start of innovation promotion, but also the influence on the diffusion rate of the obsolescence degree of innovations and the market share occupied by the new product. Methodological approaches have been developed to determine economic efficiency depending on the moment of technological change-over, as well as to determine the absolute and relative speed of innovation diffusion. Sociological studies were conducted to determine the state of innovation development and the time lag between obtaining information about an innovation and its practical implementation. The author presents his “Agroopyt” information system developed to disseminate knowledge in the agricultural sphere and ensure technology transfer in agriculture. Digital methods provide for significant accelerateion of the diffusion of innovations and expand its scope.

scholarly journals Heterokairy: a significant form of developmental plasticity?

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 20160509 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Rundle ◽  
J. I. Spicer
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Developmental Plasticity ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Adaptive Significance ◽  
Research Interest ◽  
Adaptive Plasticity ◽  
Comparative Embryology ◽  
A Current

There is a current surge of research interest in the potential role of developmental plasticity in adaptation and evolution. Here we make a case that some of this research effort should explore the adaptive significance of heterokairy, a specific type of plasticity that describes environmentally driven, altered timing of development within a species. This emphasis seems warranted given the pervasive occurrence of heterochrony, altered developmental timing between species, in evolution. We briefly review studies investigating heterochrony within an adaptive context across animal taxa, including examples that explore links between heterokairy and heterochrony. We then outline how sequence heterokairy could be included within the research agenda for developmental plasticity. We suggest that the study of heterokairy may be particularly pertinent in (i) determining the importance of non-adaptive plasticity, and (ii) embedding concepts from comparative embryology such as developmental modularity and disassociation within a developmental plasticity framework.

Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
Rural Libraries ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed. Findings It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years. Originality/value This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

Diplomacy, agency, and the logic of improvisation and virtuosity in practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 712-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérémie Cornut
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
International Politics ◽  
Relational Approach ◽  
Norm Compliance ◽  
Local Contexts ◽  
Practical Reality ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Past Experiences

Immersed in the flow of activities, diplomats and other international practitioners are simultaneously influenced by past experiences and constantly innovating in response to situations that are never exactly the same. The conceptual tools of International Relations scholars must be capable of capturing this practical reality. To that end, I introduce in this article a relational approach to agency that can make sense of practitioners’ innovative ways of doing things in practice. Practice theorists in IR often emphasize hierarchies, struggle, and the role of habitus in shaping practices. Both building on and departing from them, I dig into the logic of practical sense and discuss Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of regulated improvisations, virtuosos/amateurs, and illusio to grasp agency in practice. I develop the idea that international actors are primarily practical and put improvisations and virtuosity — rather than rationality, cognitive processes, emotions, norm-compliance, path-dependency or even habits/habitus — in the foreground. I contend that this approach holds broader promise for the analysis of international politics than existing conceptions. We have much to gain by focusing on how international practitioners in their local contexts actually improvise in the moment. These improvisations in specific sites are constitutive of the ‘big picture’ of international politics. I take diplomatic practices in embassies and in permanent representations as an illustration.

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