Learning to hunt: the role of experience in predator success

AbstractAnimal behaviour is a composite of innate and learned components. During their lifetimes, animals typically gain experience and manifest learning, thereby augmenting or modifying genetically determined, innate behaviour patterns. Following a training period during which predatory fish (jade perch, Scortum barcoo) were allocated to treatments and given experience of either live prey (mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki), freshly killed prey, or cichlid pellets with equal nutritional value, we tested the response of the predators to the prey in an experimental arena. Across all treatments, there was no difference in the number of attacks made by the predators on the prey, however the predators with experience of live fish prey were significantly more successful in capturing prey than those without previous experience of live prey. These results suggest that, in this piscivorous predator, the recognition of prey has an innate component, but that hunting efficiency is increased through experience. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the release of hatchery-reared fish into the wild, the majority of which are predatory.

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Variations in Mineral/heavy metals profiling and preventive role of trichomes in Peach Fruits treated with CaC2

Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening ◽

10.2174/1386207323666200808175723 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Irfan ◽

Safdar Abbas ◽

Beenish Jehan Azhar ◽

Shakeel Ahmad ◽

Hafsa Muhammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Nutritional Value ◽

Fine Powder ◽

Calcium Carbide ◽

Control Group ◽

Tandem Accelerator ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Elemental Profiling

Background: Phytonutrients in peach fruits have health promoting antioxidants against various chronic diseases. However, there is no extensive data to show the nutritional values of Local peach cultivars after post-harvest treatments. Objective: Mainly this study was objective to determine the effect of calcium carbide on nutritional value and quality of fruits of Pakistani peach cultivars. Methods: The peach fruits were collected from three different peach orchids of KPK and the fruits were divided into 4 groups while 5th group was collected from local fruit shop. Each experimental group was treated with different concentration of calcium carbide whereas control group was not treated. The peel and pulp samples were oven dried and ground to fine powder separately. The elemental compositions were determined using Particle Induced X-ray emission and Pelletron Tandem Accelerator. Result: Sixteen elements were identified in peach fruits and the elements were Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Se. In peel, concentration of some elements increased or decreased after treatment with CaC2 while in pulp the conc. of nearly all detected elements was increased in treated samples. We found significantly high amount of heavy metals traces including As, Se, Co, Si, and P in peach fruits treated with CaC2. Interestingly, the presence of trichomes in peach skin prevents the transfer of these heavy metals deep into the pulp which was also verified by the elemental profiling of nectarines. Conclusion: Conclusively, the artificial ripening with CaC2 changed the nutritional value of peach fruits that has higher health risks if consume with the peel. According to our best knowledge, this is the first report that highlights the effects of CaC2 which deteriorate the nutritional value of peach fruits in Pakistan.

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The role of edible insects to mitigate challenges for sustainability

Open Agriculture ◽

10.1515/opag-2020-0206 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 24-36

Author(s):

Raquel P. F. Guiné ◽

Paula Correia ◽

Catarina Coelho ◽

Cristina A. Costa

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Value ◽

Animal Feed ◽

World Population ◽

Edible Insects ◽

Strong Component ◽

Human Food ◽

The World ◽

Food And Feed ◽

Recent Trends

Abstract This review is focused on the utilization of insects as a new opportunity in food and feed products, including their commercialization both in traditional and new markets. It has been suggested that insects are considerably more sustainable when compared with other sources of animal protein, thus alleviating the pressure over the environment and the planet facing the necessity to feed the world population, constantly increasing. Many chefs have adhered to the trend of using insects in their culinary preparations, bringing insects to the plan of top gastronomy, highlighting their organoleptic qualities allied to a recognized high nutritional value. However, in some markets, insects or insect-based products are not readily accepted because of neophobia and disgust. Moreover, the insect markets, farming, and commercialization are experiencing a huge growth, in which the domain of animal feed is undoubtedly a very strong component. The future of insects as human food and animal feed seems promising in view of the recent trends and challenges.

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Mannose-binding lectin genetics: from A to Z

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst0361461 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 1461-1466 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

Peter Garred

Keyword(s):

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Mannose Binding Lectin ◽

Host Cells ◽

Lectin Pathway ◽

Mannose Binding ◽

The Stability ◽

Genetically Determined ◽

Micro Organisms ◽

Binding Lectin

MBL (mannose-binding lectin) is primarily a liver-derived collagen-like serum protein. It binds sugar structures on micro-organisms and on dying host cells and is one of the four known mediators that initiate activation of the complement system via the lectin pathway. Common variant alleles situated both in promoter and structural regions of the human MBL gene (MBL2) influence the stability and the serum concentration of the protein. Epidemiological studies have suggested that genetically determined variations in MBL serum concentrations influence the susceptibility to and the course of different types of infectious, autoimmune, neoplastic, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but this is still a subject under discussion. The fact that these genetic variations are very frequent, indicates a dual role of MBL. This overview summarizes the current molecular understanding of human MBL2 genetics.

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Rotational Bias in Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): The Role of Laterality and Sun-compass Navigation

Laterality Asymmetries of Body Brain and Cognition ◽

10.1080/713754231 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 161-175 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Angelo Bisazza

Keyword(s):

Gambusia Holbrooki ◽

Sun Compass ◽

Compass Navigation

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Differential Responses of Two Broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL. var Italica) Cultivars to Salinity and Nutritional Quality Improvement

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/2012/291435 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Chokri Zaghdoud ◽

Carlos Alcaraz-López ◽

César Mota-Cadenas ◽

María del Carmen Martínez-Ballesta ◽

Diego A. Moreno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Quality ◽

Genetic Background ◽

Nutritional Value ◽

Soluble Sugars ◽

Root Hydraulic Conductance ◽

Nutritional Properties ◽

Specific Strategy ◽

Nutritional Characteristics ◽

Salinity Levels

The comparative responses of two broccoli cultivars (Brassica oleraceavar. Italica, cv. Parthenon and cv. Naxos) to a 15 d exposure to different NaCl levels were investigated. Salinity led to increased concentrations of Na+and Cl−ions in both cultivars, a disruption of the endogenous minerals levels in the shoots and roots—that varied with the cultivar and salt concentration—and decreases in the osmotic potential (Ψπ), root hydraulic conductance (L0), and stomatal conductance (Gs). The reduced biomass of Naxos at moderate NaCl indicates greater sensitivity to salinity, compared with Parthenon. Parthenon accumulated more soluble sugars, for osmotic adjustment, whereas Naxos accumulated proline, which gave the two cultivars differing nutritional characteristics. The total glucosinolates (GSLs) content was not affected by salinity in Parthenon while it decreased significantly in Naxos as a consequence of the decrease in the indole GSL. However, Naxos accumulated more aliphatic GSLs under salt stress than Parthenon, which confers on this cultivar a greater nutritional value when cultivated under salinity.These results suggest that, at distinct salinity levels, each broccoli cultivar adopts a specific strategy, indicating the crucial role of the genetic background on the organoleptic and nutritional properties that each cultivar acquires.

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A Model Study on the Role of Wetland Zones in Lake Eutrophication and Restoration

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/tsw.2001.350 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 605-614 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J.H. Janse ◽

W. Ligtvoet ◽

S. Van Tol ◽

A.H.M. Bresser

Keyword(s):

Nutrient Loading ◽

Predatory Fish ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Fish Stock ◽

Mixing Rate ◽

Marsh Vegetation ◽

Model Calculations ◽

Critical Loading ◽

Marsh Area

Shallow lakes respond in different ways to changes in nutrient loading (nitrogen, phosphorus). These lakes may be in two different states: turbid, dominated by phytoplankton, and clear, dominated by submerged macrophytes. Both states are self-stabilizing; a shift from turbid to clear occurs at much lower nutrient loading than a shift in the opposite direction. These critical loading levels vary among lakes and are dependent on morphological, biological, and lake management factors. This paper focuses on the role of wetland zones. Several processes are important: transport and settling of suspended solids, denitrification, nutrient uptake by marsh vegetation (increasing nutrient retention), and improvement of habitat conditions for predatory fish. A conceptual model of a lake with surrounding reed marsh was made, including these relations. The lake-part of this model consists of an existing lake model named PCLake[1]. The relative area of lake and marsh can be varied. Model calculations revealed that nutrient concentrations are lowered by the presence of a marsh area, and that the critical loading level for a shift to clear water is increased. This happens only if the mixing rate of the lake and marsh water is adequate. In general, the relative marsh area should be quite large in order to have a substantial effect. Export of nutrients can be enhanced by harvesting of reed vegetation. Optimal predatory fish stock contributes to water quality improvement, but only if combined with favourable loading and physical conditions. Within limits, the presence of a wetland zone around lakes may thus increase the ability of lakes to cope with nutrients and enhance restoration. Validation of the conclusions in real lakes is recommended, a task hampered by the fact that, in the Netherlands, many wetland zones have disappeared in the past.

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The role of predator removal by fishing on ocean carbon dynamics

10.21203/rs.3.rs-668946/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rick Stafford ◽

Zach Boakes ◽

Alice Hall ◽

Georgia Jones

Keyword(s):

Predatory Fish ◽

Fish Biomass ◽

Predator Removal ◽

High Productivity ◽

Respiration Rates ◽

Total Fish ◽

Ocean Carbon ◽

Global Carbon ◽

Phytoplankton Photosynthesis

Abstract The ocean is a net sequester of carbon dioxide, predominantly through low biomass, high productivity phytoplankton photosynthesis. Selective removal of predatory fish through extractive fishing alters the community structure of the ocean, with an increased biomass of more productive, low trophic level fish and higher overall respiration rates, despite possible decreases in total fish biomass. High pressure fishing on predators may result in as much as a 19% increase in respiration from fish communities and could prove highly significant in global carbon budgets.

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The Role of Predator Removal by Fishing on Ocean Carbon Dynamics

Anthropocene Science ◽

10.1007/s44177-021-00005-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Richard Stafford ◽

Zach Boakes ◽

Alice E. Hall ◽

Georgia C. A. Jones

Keyword(s):

Trophic Level ◽

Carbon Dynamics ◽

Predatory Fish ◽

Predator Removal ◽

Phytoplankton Communities ◽

Total Fish ◽

Ocean Carbon ◽

Ocean Sequestration ◽

Global Carbon

AbstractTotal ocean carbon exceeds 40,000 GT either dissolved in the water column or buried in ocean sediments, and the ocean continues to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Selective removal of predatory fish through extractive fishing alters the community structure of the ocean. This altered community results in increased biomass of more productive, low trophic level fish, higher overall fish respiration rates and lower carbon sequestration rates from fish, despite possible decreases in total fish biomass. High-pressure fishing on high trophic level fish, a globally occurring phenomenon, may result in as much as a 19% increase in respiration from fish communities overall. This increase in respiration will reduce sequestration rates and could prove highly significant in global carbon budgets. Preliminary estimates suggest a loss of sequestration equating to around 90Mt C.year−1 (~ 10% of total ocean sequestration or ~ 1% of anthropogenic fossil fuel emissions per year). Ultimately, to reduce these carbon emissions, fishing needs to be carbon optimised, alongside other fisheries management outcomes, which may mean that fewer higher trophic level fish are removed. This study highlights the potential magnitude of fishing on ocean carbon dynamics and presents the key uncertainties (including understanding the effects of fishing on zoo- and phytoplankton communities) we need to urgently research to accurately quantify the effects and model future fishing practices. Graphical Abstract

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The role of genetically determined factors in age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis

Ophthalmology journal ◽

10.17816/ov2015430-39 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 30-39

Author(s):

Svetlana Georgievna Belekhova ◽

Yury Sergeevich Astakhov

Keyword(s):

Macular Degeneration ◽

Genetic Factors ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Complement Factor ◽

Age Related ◽

Genetically Determined

The article presents a review of studies dedicated to the role of genetic factors in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. The polymorphisms of Y402H gene of the complement factor Н, HTRA1, ARMS2/LOC387715, and PLEKHA1 increase the risk of AMD development. More detailed description is done also for other genes, involved into this disease, which were identified so far. Possible schemes of influence of mutations in these genes on AMD development and progression

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