scholarly journals Herbivory enhances leaky sex expression in the dioecious herb Mercurialis annua

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora Villamil ◽  
Xinji Li ◽  
Emily Seddon ◽  
John R. Pannell
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Sex Expression ◽  
Dioecious Species ◽  
Functional Link ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Mercurialis Annua

AbstractPlant reproductive traits are widely understood to be responsive to the selective pressures exerted by pollinators, but there is also increasing evidence for an important role of antagonists such as herbivores in shaping these traits. Many dioecious species show leaky sex expression, with males and females occasionally producing flowers of the opposite sex. Here we show that leaky sex expression in both males and females of the wind-pollinated dioecious herb Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) is enhanced in response to simulated herbivory, increasing the probability and the degree of leakiness in both sexes. We also found that leakiness was greater in larger females but not in larger males. We discuss hypotheses for a possible functional link between herbivory and leaky sex expression, and consider what herbivory-induced leakiness might imply for the evolutionary ecology of plant reproductive systems, especially the breakdown of dioecy and the evolution of hermaphroditism.

scholarly journals Enhanced leaky sex expression is an adaptive plastic response to pollen limitation in the dioecious plant Mercurialis annua

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume G. Cossard ◽  
John R. Pannell
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Limitation ◽  
Sex Expression ◽  
Adaptive Plasticity ◽  
Plastic Response ◽  
Dioecious Plants ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Mercurialis Annua

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity is almost ubiquitous across the tree of life, but clear demonstrations that it is adaptive are rare. In dioecious plants, males and females frequently show ‘leaky’ sex expression, with individuals occasionally producing flowers of the opposite sex. Here, we demonstrate that leaky sex expression in the wind-pollinated dioecious herb Mercurialis annua is plastically responsive to its mating context. We compared experimental populations of females growing either with or without males. Females growing in the absence of males were leakier in their sex expression than controls with males, producing more than twice as many male flowers. Moreover, because greater leakiness was more highly represented in the population’s progeny, we conclude that enhanced leakiness in sex expression is adaptive in M. annua. We discuss differences in the degree of plasticity between ploidal races of Mercurialis annua in terms of likely differences in the reliability of the signal plants may perceive for the presence of males in their populations. Our results provide a striking instance of adaptive plasticity in the reproductive behavior of plants and draw attention to possible constraints on plasticity when the environmental signals that individuals receive are unreliable.

Mating Systems

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann K. Sakai ◽  
David F. Westneat
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Mating Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Evolutionary Changes ◽  
Sex Allocation Theory

The study of mating is one of the most active areas in evolutionary ecology. What fuels this research is curiosity about a stunning diversity of ways in which zygotes are formed. Many plants and some animals can reproduce without combining gametes. Many other plants combine gametes but do so within the same individual (selfing). Still other plants and animals require a gamete from another individual to stimulate reproduction but do not incorporate the genetic material contained in that gamete in the offspring. Finally, many organisms combine gametes produced from different individuals in sexual reproduction, but the ways in which these individuals get together to reproduce are also amazingly diverse and have major implications for how selection acts in these populations. Why are there so many different ways to reproduce? Answering this question is a major challenge for evolutionary ecologists. Our approach begins with how a variety of ecological factors affect selection on reproductive traits. Because many reproductive traits show genetic variation, diversity in selective pressures can lead to a diversity of evolutionary changes. Thus, understanding the evolutionary ecology of mating systems can help to interpret the significance of this variation and can provide new insight into related phenomena. For example, costs of female reproduction associated with development of offspring greatly impact other aspects of the life history, and males are often limited by mates (Savalli, this volume). Factors such as levels of selfing, inbreeding depression, and allocation of resources play a part in mating systems of both plants and animals (Waser and Williams, this volume), and sex allocation theory has been used in both plants and animals to explore the evolution of hermaphroditism and unisexuality (Campbell 2000; Orzack, this volume). This chapter explores some of the major forces affecting mating systems. Our treatments of plants and animals differ in emphasis, but our goal is to use the perspective of evolutionary ecology to define more fully the similarities, differences, and diversity in plant and animal mating systems, and to highlight potentially interesting yet currently unanswered questions. Diversity in patterns of zygote production arises in part from ecological factors influencing two issues: selection on the evolution of sexual reproduction itself and differentiation of the sexes.

Sexual imprinting on a novel blue ornament in zebra finches

Behaviour ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (8) ◽  
pp. 969-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Caspers ◽  
Klaudia Witte
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Mate Preferences ◽  
Binary Choice ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Sexual Imprinting ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Learned Preference

AbstractSexual imprinting plays an important role for the development of mate preferences in birds. We tested whether male and female zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata sexually imprinted on an evolutionary novel trait, a blue feather on the forehead in parents. Additionally, we tested whether males and females would transfer a learned preference for the blue feather to a preference for blue leg bands, and whether a potential mate with two novel blue traits can amplify its attractiveness. Offspring were raised by parents in four different imprinting groups: (1) both parents unadorned; (2) the mother adorned only; (3) the father adorned only; (4) both parents adorned with the blue feather. After young reached maturity, we tested their mate preference for adorned and unadorned conspecifics of the opposite sex in binary choice tests. Females of the father adorned imprinting group sexually imprinted on the blue feather, and females reared by adorned parents showed a tendency to prefer adorned males. None of the males sexually imprinted on the blue feather. Our study replicates the results of a previous study on sexual imprinting on a red feather in zebra finches. We, therefore, propose a sex difference in the learning process of sexual imprinting. Females sexually imprinted on the blue feather did not transfer the learned preference to males with blue leg bands, and two novel blue traits could not amplify the attractiveness in males and females for the opposite sex. Our study emphasizes the role of sexual imprinting for the cultural evolution in mate preferences in zebra finches.

Menguji Kepuasan Hubungan Melalui Intimasi dan Perasaan Cemburu pada Pelaku Hubungan Friends with Benefits

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Putu Yunita Trisna Dewi ◽  
M. Arief Sumantri
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Friends With Benefits ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Social Intimacy ◽  
Relationship Assessment ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Assessment Scales

Friends with Benefits (FWB) is a friendship of the opposite sex that involves sexual activity without commitment, feelings of love and encouragement to continue the relationship toward a romantic relationship. This study aims to determine the role of intimacy and jealousy towards the relationship satisfaction of individuals undergoing the FWB and the role of jealousy towards intimacy, and describing the emotions and views of participants on their FWB relationships. The subjects were 304 people undergoing FWB relationship in the last two years. Data were collected using Miller Social Intimacy, Multidimensional Jealousy, and Relationship Assessment Scales. Hierarchical linear regression and descriptive analysis were used to analyze data. Participants’ experiences of their FBW relationship were also collected and analyzed qualitatively. The result showed that intimacy and jealousy significantly predicted the relationship satisfaction both simultaneously and partially. Jealousy also significantly influences intimacy. A qualitative analysis reveals three categories that describe the emotions and views of the participants towards their FWB  relationships, namely feeling satisfied and happy, feeling less satisfied and regretful, and feeling happy but regretful.Keywords : friends with benefits, intimacy, jealousy, relationship satisfaction. Abstrak: Friends with Benefits (FWB) adalah hubungan pertemanan lawan jenis yang melibatkan hubungan seksual tanpa komitmen, perasaan cinta dan dorongan untuk melanjutkan ke hubungan yang romantis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji peranan intimasi dan perasaan cemburu terhadap kepuasan hubungan partisipan yang menjalani hubungan FWB, peranan perasaan cemburu terhadap intimasi, serta mendeskripsikan gambaran emosi dan pandangan partisipan saat menjalani hubungan FWB. Partisipan penelitian berjumlah 304 partisipan, yang menjalani hubungan FWB dalam kurun waktu dua tahun terakhir. Data dikumpulkan dengan skala Miller Social Intimacy, Multi-dimensional Jealousy, dan Relationship Assesment. Data dianalisis menggunakan regresi linier berjenjang. Data kualitatif juga dikumpulkan dan dianalisis secara deskriptif untuk mendalami perasaan dan pandangan partisipan terhadap FWB yang dijalani. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan intimasi dan perasaan cemburu secara signifikan mempengaruhi kepuasan hubungan baik secara simultan maupun parsial. Perasaan cemburu juga secara signifikan memberi pengaruh terhadap intimasi. Secara kualitatif, ditemukan tiga kategori yang menggambarkan emosi dan pandangan partisipan dalam menjalani hubungan FWB, yaitu merasa puas dan senang, kurang puas hingga menyesal, dan merasa senang namun ada penyesalan.

Gender Diversity in Computing: An Environmental Perspective

10.28945/3248 ◽  
2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecille Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Female Household Head ◽  
Dominant Female ◽  
Computer Confidence ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Research Questions

Previous research conducted by the author investigated the socio-political backgrounds of two groups of female students studying computer-related university programmes. They came from distinctly different backgrounds and were enrolled at two institutions with very different legacies. The author found that socio-political factors, in particular the role of a dominant female household head and aggressive governmental affirmative action, had a significant effect on the girls’ levels of confidence and subsequently on their decision to study computer-related courses. Based on this insight, the researcher undertook to look further into gender diversity with respect to self-perceived general computer confidence and self-perceived ability to program a computer. A sample of both female and male Information T echnology students from very similar disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds was surveyed. The sample of 204 students was drawn from all three years of the National Diploma in Information Technology. The author considered the following research questions: (i) Do males and females studying computer-related courses have differing computer selfefficacy levels? (ii) Do males and females studying computer programming have differing attitudes towards their ability to program? (iii) Do males and females differ in their attitudes towards the programming learning environment?

Selenium Role in Reproduction, Pregnant/Postpartum Women and Neonates: A Current Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-37
Author(s):  
Tabinda Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Infant Development ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
One Year ◽  
Selenium Supplements

Background: Selenium is a micronutrient, although required in low amounts, its importance in male and female reproduction is well known. Objectives: The core purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of selenium in human reproduction, during pregnancy/ lactation in women and newborns. The review explains side by side the sources of selenium, required amounts of selenium in humans and during pregnancy or lactation. Methods: Selenium deficiency is a major cause of male infertility. Similarly, selenium deficiency, both in pregnant and postpartum women, would greatly affect the health of the newborn baby in all respects. The effect of maternal selenium upon the fetus and the neonates even one year after birth has been explained with some recent examples. Results: The study elaborates the fact that the selenium deficiency in pregnancy and lactation is common due to fetal/infant development, so selenium supplements must be provided in order to overcome these deficiency symptoms. Conclusions: The better reproductive health in humans is possible due to the sufficient amounts of selenium present both in males and females as well.

scholarly journals The LEPR Gene Is Associated with Reproductive Seasonality Traits in Rasa Aragonesa Sheep

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2448
Author(s):  
Kenza Lakhssassi ◽  
Malena Serrano ◽  
Belén Lahoz ◽  
María Pilar Sarto ◽  
Laura Pilar Iguácel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid Change ◽  
Leptin Receptor ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Reproductive Seasonality ◽  
Synonymous Substitutions ◽  
Lepr Gene ◽  
Exon 20 ◽  
First Time

The aim of this study was to characterize and identify causative polymorphisms in the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene responsible for the seasonal variation of reproductive traits in sheep. Three reproductive seasonality traits were studied: the total days of anoestrous (TDA), the progesterone cycling months (P4CM) and the oestrous cycling months (OCM). In total, 18 SNPs were detected in 33 ewes with extreme values for TDA and OCM. Six SNPs were non-synonymous substitutions and two of them were predicted in silico as deleterious: rs596133197 and rs403578195. These polymorphisms were then validated in 239 ewes. The SNP rs403578195, located in exon 8 and leading to a change of alanine to glycine (Ala284Gly) in the extracellular domain of the protein, was associated with the OCM trait, being the G allele associated with a decrease of 12 percent of the OCM trait. Haplotype analyses also suggested the involvement of other non-synonymous SNP located in exon 20 (rs405459906). This SNP also produces an amino acid change (Lys1069Glu) in the intracellular domain of the protein and segregates independently of rs403578195. These results confirm for the first time the role of the LEPR gene in sheep reproductive seasonality.

scholarly journals Genetic Studies of mei-P26 Reveal a Link Between the Processes That Control Germ Cell Proliferation in Both Sexes and Those That Control Meiotic Exchange in Drosophila

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 1757-1772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott L Page ◽  
Kim S McKim ◽  
Benjamin Deneen ◽  
Tajia L Van Hook ◽  
R Scott Hawley
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Double Mutant ◽  
P Element ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Germline Differentiation ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Bag Of Marbles ◽  
Differentiation And Proliferation

Abstract We present the cloning and characterization of mei-P26, a novel P-element-induced exchange-defective female meiotic mutant in Drosophila melanogaster. Meiotic exchange in females homozygous for mei-P261 is reduced in a polar fashion, such that distal chromosomal regions are the most severely affected. Additional alleles generated by duplication of the P element reveal that mei-P26 is also necessary for germline differentiation in both females and males. To further assess the role of mei-P26 in germline differentiation, we tested double mutant combinations of mei-P26 and bag-of-marbles (bam), a gene necessary for the control of germline differentiation and proliferation in both sexes. A null mutation at the bam locus was found to act as a dominant enhancer of mei-P26 in both males and females. Interestingly, meiotic exchange in mei-P261; bamΔ86/+ females is also severely decreased in comparison to mei-P261 homozygotes, indicating that bam affects the meiotic phenotype as well. These data suggest that the pathways controlling germline differentiation and meiotic exchange are related and that factors involved in the mitotic divisions of the germline may regulate meiotic recombination.

scholarly journals Multifunctional Role of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) in Cancer: Focus on Drug Resistance

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1792
Author(s):  
Debashri Manna ◽  
Devanand Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Hallmarks Of Cancer ◽  
Comprehensive Description ◽  
Molecular Abnormalities ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Resistance To Chemotherapy

Cancer development results from the acquisition of numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer cells themselves, as well as continuous changes in their microenvironment. The plasticity of cancer cells allows them to continuously adapt to selective pressures brought forth by exogenous environmental stresses, the internal milieu of the tumor and cancer treatment itself. Resistance to treatment, either inherent or acquired after the commencement of treatment, is a major obstacle an oncologist confronts in an endeavor to efficiently manage the disease. Resistance to chemotherapy, chemoresistance, is an important hallmark of aggressive cancers, and driver oncogene-induced signaling pathways and molecular abnormalities create the platform for chemoresistance. The oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1/Metadherin (AEG-1/MTDH) is overexpressed in a diverse array of cancers, and its overexpression promotes all the hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. The present review provides a comprehensive description of the molecular mechanism by which AEG-1 promotes tumorigenesis, with a special emphasis on its ability to regulate chemoresistance.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document