scholarly journals Microgeographical Variations in Coloration of Male Iberian Wall Lizards May Be Related to Habitat and Climatic Conditions

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Gabirot ◽  
Pilar López ◽  
José Martín
Keyword(s):  
Predator Avoidance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Population Divergence ◽  
Intraspecific Variations ◽  
Podarcis Hispanica ◽  
Intraspecific Communication ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Granite Rocks

Intraspecific variations in coloration may represent a compromise between selection for intraspecific communication and selection for thermoregulation and predator avoidance. Iberian wall lizards, Podarcis hispanica, exhibit substantial levels of intraspecific variation that cannot be necessarily attributed to genetic differences. We compared variations in coloration and habitat use of three phenotypically distinct populations of P. hispanica in Central Spain. Results suggested that differences in coloration may be related to habitat characteristics and climatic conditions. Thus, lizards from populations with colder temperatures were darker and larger, which may favor thermoregulation. Lizards that lived in habitats with more vegetation and darker granite rocks showed a dark brown to black dorsal coloration. In contrast, lizards from habitats with gypsum and light sandy soil without vegetation or large rocks had a brighter yellow to green dorsal coloration. These differences may increase crypsis to predators in each habitat. There were also differences in the characteristics and relative importance of sexual visual signals (i.e., ventrolateral coloration and number of lateral blue spots) and chemical signals (i.e., number of femoral pores) that might increase efficiency of communication in each environment. Natural selection for traits that allow a better thermoregulation, predator avoidance, and communication might lead to population divergence.

Social interactions in a neotropical stream frog reveal a complex repertoire of visual signals and the use of multimodal communication

Behaviour ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 151 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinícius Matheus Caldart ◽  
Samanta Iop ◽  
Sonia Zanini Cechin
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Acoustic Signals ◽  
Multimodal Communication ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Agonistic Interactions ◽  
Intraspecific Communication ◽  
Neotropical Stream ◽  
First Time

Visual communication has evolved independently in several families of frogs and is complex in diurnal stream frogs. In addition to isolated visual and acoustic signals, some species may emit multimodal displays characterized by the association of these signals. Through the analysis of focal recordings obtained in situ in southern Brazil, we investigated the visual and multimodal communication in the diurnal stream frog Crossodactylus schmidti. We found a complex visual repertoire of nine signals used in intraspecific communication, of which the signal Both legs kicking was described for the first time. Males, females and juveniles emitted visual signals, but males had a larger repertoire and used most signals in agonistic interactions. The four most common visual signals, Toe flagging, Limb lifting, Body jerking and Running-jumping, were emitted predominantly upon rocks in the stream bed. The emission of isolated visual and acoustic signals, as well as audiovisual displays with simultaneous or temporally coupled components, demonstrates that the communication in C. schmidti is complex and that the multimodal displays may have different functions. We discuss the historical, behavioural, ecological factors which may have influenced the evolution of the visual repertoire of C. schmidti, and how the ritualization of derived activities similar to visual signals may have led to the evolution of part of the repertoire. This study provides novel results on visual and multimodal communication for the genus Crossodactylus and demonstrates that C. schmidti represents an appropriate model for studies of complex displays.

scholarly journals Headwaters fed by subterranean ice: potential climate refugia for mountain stream communities?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lusha M. Tronstad ◽  
Scott Hotaling ◽  
J. Joseph Giersch ◽  
Oliver J. Wilmot ◽  
Debra S. Finn
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Mountain Stream ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Teton Range ◽  
Stream Biodiversity ◽  
Surface Ice

ABSTRACTNear-term extirpations of macroinvertebrates are predicted for mountain streams worldwide as a warming climate drives the recession of high-elevation ice and snow. However, hydrological sources likely vary in their resistance to climate change and thus streams fed by more resistant sources could persist as climate refugia for imperiled biota. In 2015-2016, we measured habitat characteristics and quantified macroinvertebrate community structure along six alpine streams in the Teton Range, Wyoming, USA. Strong differences in habitat characteristics (e.g., temperature, bed stability, conductivity) confirmed three major stream sources: surface glaciers, perennial snowfields, and subterranean ice. Subterranean ice-fed streams – termed “icy seeps” – appear common in the Teton Range and elsewhere yet are globally understudied. Midges in the family Chironomidae dominated our study sites, representing 78.6% of all specimens sampled, with nematodes, caddisflies (Neothremma), and mayflies (Epeorus) also common. At the community-scale, glacier-and snowmelt-fed streams differed significantly in multivariate space, with icy-seep communities intermediate between them, incorporating components of both assemblages. Because the thermal environment of subterranean ice, including rock glaciers, is decoupled from large-scale climatic conditions, we predict that icy seeps will remain intact longer than streams fed by surface ice and snow. Furthermore, our results suggest that icy seeps are suitable habitat for many macroinvertebrates occupying streams fed by vulnerable hydrological sources. Thus, icy seeps may act as key climate refugia for mountain stream biodiversity, an idea in need of further investigation.

scholarly journals Genetic variation and cryptic lineage diversity of the Nigerian red-headed rock agama Agama agama associate with eco-geographic zones

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 713-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotanna M Nneji ◽  
Adeniyi C Adeola ◽  
Fang Yan ◽  
Agboola O Okeyoyin ◽  
Ojo C Oladipo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Population Divergence ◽  
Geographic Isolation ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
Derived Savanna ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
The Impact

AbstractNigeria is an Afrotropical region with considerable ecological heterogeneity and levels of biotic endemism. Among its vertebrate fauna, reptiles have broad distributions, thus, they constitute a compelling system for assessing the impact of ecological variation and geographic isolation on species diversification. The red-headed rock agama, Agama agama, lives in a wide range of habitats and, thus, it may show genetic structuring and diversification. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that ecology affects its genetic structure and population divergence. Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis of a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene recovered four well-supported matrilines with strong evidence of genetic structuring consistent with eco-geographic regions. Genetic differences among populations based on the mtDNA also correlated with geographic distance. The ecological niche model for the matrilines had a good fit and robust performance. Population divergence along the environmental axes was associated with climatic conditions, and temperature ranked highest among all environmental variables for forest specialists, while precipitation ranked highest for the forest/derived savanna, and savanna specialists. Our results cannot reject the hypothesis that niche conservatism promotes geographic isolation of the western populations of Nigerian A. agama. Thus, ecological gradients and geographic isolation impact the genetic structure and population divergence of the lizards. This species might be facing threats due to recent habitat fragmentation, especially in western Nigeria. Conservation actions appear necessary.

Nocturnal Inshore Movement of the Mimic Shiner (Notropis volucellus): a Possible Predator Avoidance Behavior

1983 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 888-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Hanych ◽  
Michael R. Ross ◽  
Robert E. Magnien ◽  
Amy L. Suggars
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Predator Avoidance ◽  
Behavioral Plasticity ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Predation Pressure ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Nearshore Area ◽  
Notropis Volucellus ◽  
Feeding Habitat

Diel seining documented a significant summer nocturnal inshore movement of the mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) in Lake Itasca, Minnesota. This species initiated inshore movement at sunset, occupied the nearshore area throughout the night, and moved offshore by sunrise. Mimic shiners were collected in less than 1 m of water throughout inshore areas with sparsely developed macroscopic vegetation. Greatest relative abundance was observed at sites possessing the greatest expanse of sparsely or nonvegetated substrate. Relative abundance at inshore sites may be related to habitat characteristics of the sites or to the proximity of feeding habitat. These diel movements differed markedly from those exhibited by the mimic shiner in other lakes. The inshore movement in Lake Itasca may function to reduce crepuscular and nocturnal predation pressure. Our data support the hypothesis that freshwater fishes may possess behavioral plasticity sufficient to alter movement and distribution patterns according to prevailing conditions and that predation pressure may be important in altering prey behavioral patterns.

scholarly journals Selection for conspicuous visual signals in a fiddler crab

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Malgarini Perez ◽  
P. R. Y. Backwell
Keyword(s):  
Fiddler Crab ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
Selection For

scholarly journals Genetic Diversity and Signatures of Selection for Thermal Stress in Cattle and Other Two Bos Species Adapted to Divergent Climatic Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro H. F. Freitas ◽  
Yachun Wang ◽  
Ping Yan ◽  
Hinayah R. Oliveira ◽  
Flavio S. Schenkel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Thermal Tolerance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Cattle Breeds ◽  
Signatures Of Selection ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Genomic Regions

Understanding the biological mechanisms of climatic adaptation is of paramount importance for the optimization of breeding programs and conservation of genetic resources. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity and unravel genomic regions potentially under selection for heat and/or cold tolerance in thirty-two worldwide cattle breeds, with a focus on Chinese local cattle breeds adapted to divergent climatic conditions, Datong yak (Bos grunniens; YAK), and Bali (Bos javanicus) based on dense SNP data. In general, moderate genetic diversity levels were observed in most cattle populations. The proportion of polymorphic SNP ranged from 0.197 (YAK) to 0.992 (Mongolian cattle). Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.023 (YAK) to 0.366 (Sanhe cattle; SH), and from 0.021 (YAK) to 0.358 (SH), respectively. The overall average inbreeding (±SD) was: 0.118 ± 0.028, 0.228 ± 0.059, 0.194 ± 0.041, and 0.021 ± 0.004 based on the observed versus expected number of homozygous genotypes, excess of homozygosity, correlation between uniting gametes, and runs of homozygosity (ROH), respectively. Signatures of selection based on multiple scenarios and methods (FST, HapFLK, and ROH) revealed important genomic regions and candidate genes. The candidate genes identified are related to various biological processes and pathways such as heat-shock proteins, oxygen transport, anatomical traits, mitochondrial DNA maintenance, metabolic activity, feed intake, carcass conformation, fertility, and reproduction. This highlights the large number of biological processes involved in thermal tolerance and thus, the polygenic nature of climatic resilience. A comprehensive description of genetic diversity measures in Chinese cattle and YAK was carried out and compared to 24 worldwide cattle breeds to avoid potential biases. Numerous genomic regions under positive selection were detected using three signature of selection methods and candidate genes potentially under positive selection were identified. Enriched function analyses pinpointed important biological pathways, molecular function and cellular components, which contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying thermal tolerance in cattle. Based on the large number of genomic regions identified, thermal tolerance has a complex polygenic inheritance nature, which was expected considering the various mechanisms involved in thermal stress response.

scholarly journals The productivityof carrots depending of hybrid

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (97) ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
V.V. Ketskalo ◽  
◽  
Т.V. Polischuk
Keyword(s):  
Plant Development ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
F1 Hybrids ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Genetic Features ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The Right

In order to obtain a significant level of yield of table carrots in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, it is necessary to select varieties and hybrids in accordance with the soil and climatic conditions of cultivation. The comparative estimation of productivity of hybrids of carrots of table foreign selection in the specified conditions is carried out. The results of phenological observations of plant development, their biometric indicators depending on the genetic features are presented. The indicator of the total yield of table carrots according to the experiment was in the range of 65.6–80.7 t/ha. Saturno F1 had higher and this exceeds the control of Abaco F1 by 15.1 t/ha. In the structure of the yield of this hybrid marketable products are 96.0 % or 77.1 t/ha, which is more than the control of 5 % or 17.1 t/ha. In Saturno F1 non-marketable products 3.6 t/ha, which is 2.0 t/ha less than the control, and the yield of standard products 75.3 t/ha, which is a larger indicator of the experiment and exceeds the control by 17.3 t/ha. Non-standard products amounted to 1.8 t/ha. The productivity of table carrots is significantly influenced by the weight of the root, which, in turn, is affected by its length and diameter. On average, according to the years of research, their weight was at the level of 190–240 g. The roots in Abaco F1, which was the control, were smaller in weight. Larger roots formed in Saturno F1. Hybrids Baltimore F1, Bolivar F1 and Gerada F1 formed roots of 208 g, 218 g and 233 g, respectively. The diameter of the roots of the studied carrot hybrids was 4.6–5.2 cm. They were smaller in Saturno F1 and larger in Baltimore F1. The average values of root diameter for the years of study in Abaco F1 (control) are 5.1 cm; Bolivar F1 4.7 cm, and Gerada F1 5.0 cm, which is less control by 0.4 and 0.1 cm, respectively. An important varietal feature of table carrots is the length of the root. In Abaco F1 it was 18.5 cm. This is the lowest value in the experiment. In Baltimore F1 and Bolivar F1 the roots were formed of almost the same length 19.0 and 19.3 cm, respectively, which is more control by 0.5 and 0.8 cm. In Gerada F1, the roots were 23.2 cm, which is more control by 4,7 cm. Roots of Saturno F1 were longer compared to other variants of the experiment 24.5 cm, which is more control by 6 cm. The suitability of the studied hybrids of table carrots for foreign selection for growing in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine has been established.

Drivers of Distribution and its Changes in two Closely Related Species with Contrasting Elevational Distributions Over two Decades

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terezie Šimáková ◽  
Zuzana Münzbergová
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Nutrient Level ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Past ◽  
Weak Evidence

Abstract Climate change has an enormous impact on species and communities, especially those in the alpine and arctic environments. Even though the reactions of species to climate change have been widely studied, their responses are not straightforward, and it is necessary to focus on them in more detail. In this study, we assessed the distribution of two closely related grass species Anthoxanthum odoratum , an allotetraploid species of lower altitudes and A. alpinum , a diploid occurring in higher altitudes, in the Krkonoše Mts., the Czech Republic. We explored the drivers of their current distribution and its changes over the past two decades during the ongoing climate change. The results indicate that distribution of these two species has not considerably changed, as there is only a weak evidence of a wider distribution of A. odoratum compared to the past. Surprisingly, A. alpinum has newly appeared at some localities at lower altitudes. Changes in the distribution of the two species over time were significantly related to a range of local habitat characteristics such as vegetation or bryophyte cover, nutrient level, moisture, or species composition, but were largely independent of altitude, a variable expected to be a proxy of climatic conditions of the localities. This indicates that the environmental characteristics of the localities, play more important role in species distribution and its changes than global climate change.

scholarly journals Differential germination strategies of native and introduced populations of the invasive species Plantago virginica

NeoBiota ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 101-118
Author(s):  
Xinyu Xu ◽  
Lorne Wolfe ◽  
Jeffrey Diez ◽  
Yi Zheng ◽  
Hui Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Traits ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Introduced Populations ◽  
Introduced Range ◽  
Native Populations ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Native North America ◽  
Germination Traits

Germination strategies are critically important for the survival, establishment and spread of plant species. Although many plant traits related to invasiveness have been broadly studied, the earliest part of the life cycle, germination, has received relatively little attention. Here, we compared the germination patterns between native (North America) and introduced (China) populations of Plantagovirginica for four consecutive years to examine whether there has been adaptive differentiation in germination traits and how these traits are related to local climatic conditions. We found that the introduced populations of P.virginica had significantly higher germination percentages and faster and shorter durations of germination than native populations. Critically, the native populations had a significantly larger proportion of seeds that stayed dormant in all four years, with only 60% of seeds germinating in year 1 (compared to >95% in introduced populations). These results demonstrate striking differences in germination strategies between native and introduced populations which may contribute to their successful invasion. Moreover, the germination strategy of P.virginica in their native range exhibited clear geographical variation across populations, with trends towards higher germination percentages at higher latitudes and lower annual mean temperatures and annual precipitation. In the introduced range, however, their germination strategies were more conserved, with less variation amongst populations, suggesting that P.virginica may have experienced strong selection for earlier life history characteristics. Our findings highlight the need to examine the role of rapid evolution of germination traits in facilitating plant invasion.

Selection for drought tolerant barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) genotypes under climatic conditions of Karaj, Iran

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 558
Author(s):  
Mehdi Sadeghi-Shoae ◽  
Farzad Paknejad ◽  
Zeinab Fatemi Rika ◽  
Reza Nasri ◽  
Mohamad Reza Tookalloo
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Drought Tolerant ◽  
Selection For
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