scholarly journals Caste-specific phenotypic plasticity of Asian weaver ants: Revealing the allometric and non-allometric component of female caste system of Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by using geometric morphometrics

Sociobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 5941
Author(s):  
K. V. Mahima ◽  
P. P. Anand ◽  
S. Seena ◽  
K. Shameema ◽  
E. M. Manogem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Caste Differentiation ◽  
Caste System ◽  
Oecophylla Smaragdina ◽  
Minor Worker ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Eusocial Insects ◽  
Traditional Taxonomy ◽  
Worker Caste

In eusocial insects, particularly in ants, caste differentiation is extremely complicated when we rely on traditional taxonomy. In most species, the worker caste does not display any distinct morphological characters neither the caste’s central division according to their morphological size variations. We used a landmark-based geometric morphometric approach to quantify the morphological characteristics of female caste systems (queen, major and minor worker ant) of Oecophylla smaragdina. Our findings suggested that each caste has its unique shape and size. Especially in the worker caste, apart from the size variations, we can use the shape as a prominent tool for distinguishing between them. The O. smaragdina exhibits a triphasic allometry pattern. Studying the allometry and non-allometry components of each caste system revealed a highly complex size and shape relationship in the female caste systems. From the allometric and non-allometric analysis, we concluded that the major worker ants showed a closer relationship with the queen than the minor worker ant. This outcome demonstrated that Asian weaver ant exhibits complex shape variations related to size and is correlated to their functional modular characters. This research sheds new light on caste systems’ taxonomic uncertainties for eusocial hymenopteran groups, especially ants.

scholarly journals Polymorphism and division of labour in a socially complex ant: neuromodulation of aggression in the Australian weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1811) ◽  
pp. 20150704 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Frances Kamhi ◽  
Kelley Nunn ◽  
Simon K. A. Robson ◽  
James F. A. Traniello
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
Oecophylla Smaragdina ◽  
Minor Worker ◽  
Task Specialization ◽  
Territorial Defence ◽  
Weaver Ant ◽  
Eusocial Insects ◽  
Worker Size ◽  
Pharmacological Manipulations

Complex social structure in eusocial insects can involve worker morphological and behavioural differentiation. Neuroanatomical variation may underscore worker division of labour, but the regulatory mechanisms of size-based task specialization in polymorphic species are unknown. The Australian weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina , exhibits worker polyphenism: larger major workers aggressively defend arboreal territories, whereas smaller minors nurse brood. Here, we demonstrate that octopamine (OA) modulates worker size-related aggression in O. smaragdina . We found that the brains of majors had significantly higher titres of OA than those of minors and that OA was positively and specifically correlated with the frequency of aggressive responses to non-nestmates, a key component of territorial defence. Pharmacological manipulations that effectively switched OA action in major and minor worker brains reversed levels of aggression characteristic of each worker size class. Results suggest that altering OA action is sufficient to produce differences in aggression characteristic of size-related social roles. Neuromodulators therefore may generate variation in responsiveness to task-related stimuli associated with worker size differentiation and collateral behavioural specializations, a significant component of division of labour in complex social systems.

Inheritance of Some Morphological Characteristics of Parental Lines in Mustard-Rape Hybrid

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-30
Keyword(s):  
First Generation ◽  
Agronomic Traits ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Hybrid Plant ◽  
Distant Hybridization ◽  
Degree Of Dominance ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Row Width ◽  
The Difference

Distant hybridization is known to play an important role in expanding the gene pool of any crop. It is believed that the combination of different genomes in one nucleus, as a rule, is accompanied by the phenomenon of “genomic shock”, resulting in a variety of genetic and epigenetic changes. This provides a wealth of material for the selection of genotypes adapted to different environmental conditions. Interspecific hybrids in different combinations were obtained in the genus Brassica, however, until now, interest in distant hybridization in this genus has not died out, since such important crops as rapeseed and mustard demand an improvement of many important agronomic traits. The aim of this work was to study the degree of manifestation of morphological characters of a leaf, flower, and plant as a whole in the hybrid obtained by crossing of brown mustard of the variety Slavyanka and a collection specimen of spring rape. Seeds were sown in the spring of 2019 in a field with 30 cm row width. During the flowering period a number of morphological characters of a flower, leaf, and the whole plant were analyzed. Each parameter was evaluated with 10 plants. The degree of dominance in first-generation hybrid was calculated by the formula of Beil, Atkins (1965). The dominance coefficients were not determined in the case when the difference between the parental samples was insignificant. Differences between parental samples were determined by Student t-test. The level of heterosis was calculated according to the formula of Rasul et al (2002). In a mustard-rapeseed hybrid, the size of the leaves of the lower row was inherited by the type of rapeseed, which had larger leaves than mustard. The height of the hybrid plant was inherited by the type of mustard (hp = 1.32, Ht = 4.89%), and intermediate inheritance was observed for the length of the internodes (hp = -0.48). The size of the flower petals and sepals was inherited by the type of rapeseed, and significant heterosis was observed for the length of the pistil (Ht = 33.57%). The data obtained are of interest for understanding the interaction of genes of different genomes in the genus Brassica.

scholarly journals Morphometry and Phylogeny of the Different Populations of Selaginella tamariscina (P. Beauv.) Spring and S. pulvinata (Hook. & Grev.) Maxim. in Northern Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Udon Pongkawong ◽  
◽  
Jatupol Kampuansai ◽  
Rossarin Pollawatn ◽  
Arunothai Jampeetong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Northern Thailand ◽  
Selaginella Tamariscina

Abstract “Dok Hin” is the Thai local name for Selaginella species that form rosettes. They commonly distributes in Siberia, Manchuria, southern China, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. Morphology of Dok Hin is very resemble leading to misidentification. So, exactly number of species of Dok Hin in Thailand and their differences in morphological characteristics is not well understood. Thus, revision of morphological characters and phylogenetic confirmation of the taxonomic identification are needed. This study aims to examine morphological charateristics and phylogenetic patterns in eight populations of the Dok Hin in Northern Thailand. Morphology of Dok Hin from each populations was quantitatively examined using 15 vegetative and 6 reproductive characters meanwhile phylogenetic analyses was explored by DNA barcode ITS2. The results of the phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of two species of Dok Hin, S. tamariscina and S. pulvinata. Selaginella tamariscina can be distinguished from S. pulvinata by its presence of a pseudotrunk above ground and ridges of dorsal leaves. On the other hand, the results of phylogenetic analysis indicated the differences among populations of S. pulvinata as well. Chiang Mai populations of S. pulvinata was characterized by peculiar set of characters long leaves and leaf apices look like caudate, while the rest of their populations have shorter leaves and leaf apices look like aristate. It indicates that S. pulvinata has genetic and phenotypic divergence among populations. However, additional studies of Dok Hin populations in other parts of Thailand and studies on different genetic markers are necessary to confirm the taxonomic status of S. pulvinata. Keywords: Dok Hin, Morphometric, Phylogeny, Pseudotrunk, Resurrection plant

scholarly journals Gübrelemenin Kayacık (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) Fidanlarının Morfolojik Gelişimine Etkisi

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Şemsettin Kulaç ◽  
Özge Yıldız
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Vegetation Period ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Development ◽  
Compound Fertilizer ◽  
Seedling Length ◽  
Collar Diameter ◽  
Root Collar ◽  
Ostrya Carpinifolia ◽  
Made In

In this study, in order to help the mass production of seedlings, the effect of fertilization on the morphological development of hornbeam leafy European hophornbeam (Ostry carpinifolia Scop) seedlings were investigated. For this, seedlings, which were obtained from the seeds coming from different European hophornbeam populations (Düzce-Yığılca, Antalya-Finike, Antalya-Akseki, Kastamonu-Şehdağ ve Adana-Saimbeyli) from various parts of Turkey, were used. European hophornbeam seedlings were treated with different fertilizers, including urea, ammonium sulphate, compound fertilizer 15-15-15 and 20-20-0, and 6-9 months Osmocote release fertilizer, and effects of these fertilizers on the morphological characters were investigated. Fertilization contained the same amount of nitrogen, and was made in three different ways; (1) mixing with habitat, (2) topical application and (3) liquid application. The development of germinated European hophornbeam seeds, which were spring-sowed in the same medium were monitored during the vegetation period. At the end of vegetation period, seedlings were removed from the soil and morphological characteristics of root (seedling length, root collar diameter, root length, fresh root and stem weight of the seedlings, dried root and stem weight of the seedlings and bud number) were measured. As a result, it was observed that fertilization positively affects the development of seedlings and depending on the fertilization type the seedlings of European hophornbeam populations were found to exhibit different improvements/growing. In addition, 6-9 months Osmocote release fertilizers were determined to be the best fertilizers affecting the morphological (diameter and height) development of European hophornbeam populations effectively, and among the populations, Düzce and Kastamonu populations showed the best improvement/growing.

scholarly journals Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Maternal Effect Causes Alternation of DNA Methylation Regulating Queen Development

Sociobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 5935
Author(s):  
Xu Jiang He ◽  
Hao Wei ◽  
Wu Jun Jiang ◽  
Yi Bo Liu ◽  
Xiao Bo Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Maternal Effect ◽  
Caste Differentiation ◽  
Hippo Signaling ◽  
Thorax Length ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Epigenetic Analysis ◽  
Worker Caste

Queen-worker caste dimorphism is a typical trait for honeybees (Apis mellifera). We previously showed a maternal effect on caste differentiation and queen development, where queens emerged from queen-cell eggs (QE) had higher quality than queens developed from worker cell eggs (WE). In this study, newly-emerged queens were reared from QE, WE, and 2-day worker larvae (2L). The thorax size and DNA methylation levels of queens were measured. We found that queens emerging from QE had significantly larger thorax length and width than WE and 2L. Epigenetic analysis showed that QE/2L comparison had the most different methylated genes (DMGs, 612) followed by WE/2L (473), and QE/WE (371). Interestingly, a great number of DMGs (42) were in genes belonging to mTOR, MAPK, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, FoxO, and Hippo signaling pathways that are involved in regulating caste differentiation, reproduction and longevity. This study proved that honeybee maternal effect causes epigenetic alteration regulating caste differentiation and queen development.

scholarly journals Study morphology of loquat plants (Eriobotrya Japonica Lindl.) from Karo, Dairi, and Simalungun Districts, North Sumatra

2021 ◽  
Vol 912 (1) ◽  
pp. 012103
Author(s):  
Elimasni ◽  
R A Nasution
Keyword(s):  
Binary Data ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Seed Morphology ◽  
Flowering Plant ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Eriobotrya Japonica ◽  
Morphological Observation ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
The Public

Abstract Abstrak. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rosacea family. The loquat has many health benefits. Cultivation and information about loquat plants in Indonesia are still limited, so they are rarely found and known by the public. Limited information and data regarding loquat plants is also an obstacle to the development of loquat plants. Research on loquat plants aims to analyze the morphological characters in three districts, namely, Karo, Dairi, and Simalungun districts. This research was conducted using a descriptive method. The analysis of the morphological characteristics of loquat plants using morphological data scoring into binary data. The similarity between individuals was analyzed using clusters with the NTSYS program version 2.0 with the UPGMA method of the SimQual function. Morphological Observation Results Loquat plants (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) in Karo, Dairi, and Simalungun Districts have uniform characters in the morphology of stems, leaves, and flowers. However, the observed fruit and seed morphology showed different characters. Different characters exist in the shape of the fruit and seeds. The morphological similarity level of loquat plants was grouped at a similarity coefficient value of 95%. Clusters I and II have the highest similarity with a coefficient value of 100%. Cluster III has the lowest similarity with a coefficient value of 97%.

scholarly journals Three new species of Leptanilloides Mann from Andean Ecuador (Formicidae: Leptanilloidinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 1201 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAVID A. DONOSO ◽  
JUAN M. VIEIRA ◽  
ALEXANDER L. WILD
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Phenotypic Variation ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Generic Diagnosis ◽  
Army Ant ◽  
First Case ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
Worker Caste

We report three new species of the ant genus Leptanilloides from Andean Ecuador. Leptanilloides nomada sp. n. and L. caracola sp. n. are described from the worker caste, the latter from a unique specimen; L. nubecula sp. n. is described from workers, males, and two gyne subcastes previously unknown for the entire subfamily. Phenotypic variation in morphological characters in the new species L. nomada and L. nubecula is more plastic than suggested by the traditional generic diagnosis. These records represent the first case of three Leptanilloides species occurring in sympatry. We discuss aspects of the army ant syndrome and its relevance to the genus Leptanilloides.Tres nuevas especies del género de hormigas Leptanilloides son descritas a partir de especimenes encontrados en Los Andes ecuatorianos. Leptanilloides nomada sp. n. y L. caracola sp. n. son descritas en base a obreras, ésta última es descrita a partir de un sólo espécimen. L. nubecula sp. n. es descrita en base a obreras, machos y dos subcastas de ginas previamente desconocidas para toda la subfamilia. La variación fenotípica encontrada en algunos caracteres morfológicos de las nuevas especies L. nomada y L. nubecula es más plástica de lo que sugiere la diagnosis genérica tradicional. Estos registros constituyen el primer ejemplo de tres especies de Leptanilloides viviendo en simpatría. Discutimos aspectos del síndrome de las hormigas legionarias y su aplicación al género Leptanilloides.

scholarly journals Morphological diversity of the stone crayfish − traditional and geometric morphometric approach

2019 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leona Lovrenčić ◽  
Vjera Pavić ◽  
Stefan Majnarić ◽  
Lucija Abramović ◽  
Mišel Jelić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Discriminant Analyses ◽  
Stone Crayfish ◽  
Multivariate Discriminant ◽  
First Time

Austropotamobius torrentium is one of four native European crayfish species inhabiting Croatian freshwaters. Existence of eight divergent monophyletic mtDNA phylogroups was described within A. torrentium; six of them are distributed in Croatia, with the highest genetic diversity established in its northern-central Dinaric region. Recent small-scale study of the stone crayfish morphological variability indicated significant differences among different phylogroups. In the present study larger sample size, covering populations from five phylogroups, was analysed with the aim of determining whether there are morphological characteristics that reliably separate stone crayfish from different phylogroups. Aiming this, 245 stone crayfish were analysed through traditional (TM) and, for the first time, geometric morphometric (GM) analyses. Multivariate discriminant analyses included 24 TM characteristics per crayfish, while GM comprised analyses of 22 landmarks on the dorsal side of cephalon. Both methods revealed congruent results, and significant differences among phylogroups in analysed features were obtained, with the cephalon shape contributing the most to crayfish discrimination. Research confirmed that both approaches, combined with statistical methods, are useful in distinguishing and separating crayfish phylogroups. Findings of present study are compatible with the previous molecular findings; stone crayfish present several distinct evolutionary lineages whose species status are currently undefined and require urgent clarification.

scholarly journals Optimal fishing samplers to reveal the morphological structure of a fish assemblage in a subtropical tidal flat

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina C. Siliprandi ◽  
Víctor M. Tuset ◽  
Antoni Lombarte ◽  
Marc Farré ◽  
Carmen L. D. B. Rossi-Wongtschowski
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Flat ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Otter Trawl ◽  
Brazilian Coast ◽  
Geometric Morphometric

ABSTRACT Morphological characters of species are essential for assessing the functional structure of a fish assemblage, since differences between them, for example in body shape, are related to many functional and ecological traits (e.g., swimming, search for food, striking and capturing prey, evading predators, spawning). Globally, tidal flats are relevant to fish assemblages by offering feeding, refuge, and reproduction grounds. To analyze the morphofunctional structure of the fish assemblage from a tidal flat on the Brazilian coast, we conducted standardized sampling using nine different fishing gears. The geometric morphometric method was applied to describe the fish shapes and verify the morphological structure of the assemblage. Here, we present the influence/susceptibility of each gear type on the morphological diversity of the fish assemblage. The results indicated that beach seine, otter trawl, marginal encircling gillnet, and fish traps, together, were the most effective gears to represent the maximum morphological variability of fish inhabiting that tidal flat. Moreover, the assemblage showed high morphological redundancy considered as a resistance of the ecosystem for avoiding functional diversity loss, emphasizing the importance of complementary gear use when determining fish assemblages in a conservation context.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document