scholarly journals Chemosensory Exploitation and Predator-Prey Arms Races

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard K. Zimmer ◽  
Graham A. Ferrier ◽  
Cheryl Ann Zimmer
Keyword(s):  
Marine Sponges ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Armor ◽  
Balanus Glandula ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Consumer Responses ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Hard Shell ◽  
Acanthinucella Spirata

Thousands of armed predatory species, distributed widely across the metazoan tree-of-life, consume only hard-shell or exoskeleton-bearing organisms (called “durophagy”). Prey armor clearly has evolved in response to selection by predators, but there is little evidence of the contrary, counter-adaptation by predators. Evolved consumer responses to prey, in general, might be more readily expressed in ways other than morphological traits, including via sensory cues. Here, we explored the chemosensory basis for durophagy in a model predator-prey system, and identified intimate associations between durophagous predators and their shelled prey. Barnacles (Balanus glandula and Semibalanus cariosus) bear hard shells and secrete, respectively, a 199 or 201 kDa glycoprotein ortholog (named “MULTIFUNCin”), with expression limited to the body armor (epidermis, cuticle, and live shell). To test for effects of MULTIFUNCin on predators, we constructed faux prey to mimic meaningful physical and chemical characteristics of live barnacles. In separate experiments, each consumer species was presented MULTIFUNCin, purified from either B. glandula or S. cariosus, at a typical armor concentration. All six predatory species (sea star, Pisaster ochraceus; whelks, Acanthinucella spirata, Nucella emarginata, N. ostrina, N. canaliculata, and N. lamellosa) attacked and ate MULTIFUNCin-infused faux prey significantly more than controls. Akin to barnacles, secretion of glycoprotein-rich extracellular matrices is common among armored prey species—from marine sponges to terrestrial vertebrates. Our results, therefore, suggest that chemosensory exploitation of glycoproteins could be widespread, with notable consequences for life on land and in the sea.

scholarly journals Sea stars generate downforce to stay attached to surfaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hermes ◽  
Mitul Luhar
Keyword(s):  
Body Shape ◽  
Control Volume ◽  
Water Channel ◽  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Sea Stars ◽  
Hydrodynamic Loads ◽  
Spherical Dome ◽  
Star Models

AbstractIntertidal sea stars often function in environments with extreme hydrodynamic loads that can compromise their ability to remain attached to surfaces. While behavioral responses such as burrowing into sand or sheltering in rock crevices can help minimize hydrodynamic loads, previous work shows that sea stars also alter body shape in response to flow conditions. This morphological plasticity suggests that sea star body shape may play an important hydrodynamic role. In this study, we measured the fluid forces acting on surface-mounted sea star and spherical dome models in water channel tests. All sea star models created downforce, i.e., the fluid pushed the body towards the surface. In contrast, the spherical dome generated lift. We also used Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to measure the midplane flow field around the models. Control volume analyses based on the PIV data show that downforce arises because the sea star bodies serve as ramps that divert fluid away from the surface. These observations are further rationalized using force predictions and flow visualizations from numerical simulations. The discovery of downforce generation could explain why sea stars are shaped as they are: the pentaradial geometry aids attachment to surfaces in the presence of high hydrodynamic loads.

The physical basis of mollusk shell chiral coiling

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (48) ◽  
pp. e2109210118
Author(s):  
Régis Chirat ◽  
Alain Goriely ◽  
Derek E. Moulton
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Symmetric Body ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Mechanical Forces ◽  
Hard Shell ◽  
Left Right Asymmetry ◽  
Development And Evolution ◽  
Mollusk Shell

Snails are model organisms for studying the genetic, molecular, and developmental bases of left–right asymmetry in Bilateria. However, the development of their typical helicospiral shell, present for the last 540 million years in environments as different as the abyss or our gardens, remains poorly understood. Conversely, ammonites typically have a bilaterally symmetric, planispiraly coiled shell, with only 1% of 3,000 genera displaying either a helicospiral or a meandering asymmetric shell. A comparative analysis suggests that the development of chiral shells in these mollusks is different and that, unlike snails, ammonites with asymmetric shells probably had a bilaterally symmetric body diagnostic of cephalopods. We propose a mathematical model for the growth of shells, taking into account the physical interaction during development between the soft mollusk body and its hard shell. Our model shows that a growth mismatch between the secreted shell tube and a bilaterally symmetric body in ammonites can generate mechanical forces that are balanced by a twist of the body, breaking shell symmetry. In gastropods, where a twist is intrinsic to the body, the same model predicts that helicospiral shells are the most likely shell forms. Our model explains a large diversity of forms and shows that, although molluscan shells are incrementally secreted at their opening, the path followed by the shell edge and the resulting form are partly governed by the mechanics of the body inside the shell, a perspective that explains many aspects of their development and evolution.

The evolution of the terrestrial vertebrates: environmental and physiological considerations

1985 ◽  
Vol 309 (1138) ◽  
pp. 289-322 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fresh Water ◽  
Osmotic Dehydration ◽  
The Body ◽  
Geological Evidence ◽  
Air Breathing ◽  
Marine Origin ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Terrestrial Life ◽  
Tetrapod Evolution

Physiological evidence has long been used to suggest that the gnathostomous vertebrates (those possessing jaws) were primitively fresh water. The same was also the case for the Osteichthyes (bony fish) and the Tetrapoda (Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia). However, the geological evidence favours a marine origin for the vertebrates as a whole, and, for the gnathostomes and the osteichthyans in particular. Some of the earliest amphibian remains may be associated with tidally influenced sediments. Furthermore, during the early part of the Devonian, fresh water chemistry may well have been different from that of today, lessening the divide between marine and non-marine environments. Urea formation via the ornithine cycle, and urea retention in the body fluids, are useful adaptations for terrestrial life. They prevent excessive water loss associated with the elimination of nitrogenous waste. These abilities may have been primitive for the gnathostomes, and were developed in the marine environment to reduce osmotic dehydration. In the .aqueous medium, gaseous exchange is effected by the gills. These organs are, on the whole, useless in air. For vertebrates, air-breathing is effected by an inflatable sac, with moist linings, and an internal location. Some form of air-breathing sac was primitive for the osteichthyans, and may have been primitive for the gnathostomes. Again, this adaptation for terrestrial life developed in response to conditions experienced in the marine, aquatic environment. A new model of tetrapod evolution is proposed in the light of the basic marine origin and character of the ancestors of the tetrapods.

scholarly journals KONSEP MUHAMMAD SHAHRU TENTANG AURAT PEREMPUAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 216-239
Author(s):  
Laila Nurul hidayah
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Armor ◽  
Women's Bodies ◽  
Is Research ◽  
Library Research ◽  
The Face ◽  
Maximum Limit

In Islam, clothing does not only function as jewelry and body armor from heat and cold, but more importantly is to cover the nakedness. Al-Qur'an al-Karim shows the obligation of women to cover their bodies in His words, "And let them not show their jewels, except those which (normally) appear from them,". Parts of female limbs that are not allowed to be seen by others are aurat. Islamic scholars agree that all women's bodies are aurat, in addition to the face and two palms. What is meant by the jewelry that appears is the face and two palms. While what is meant by khimar is a headgear, not a face covering like a veil, and what is meant by jaib is chest. The women have been ordered to put a cloth over his head and spread it to cover her chest. By doing library research, that is, research whose main object is books or other sources of literature, meaning that data is sought and found through literature review of books relevant to the discussion, a minimum limit of aurat according to Muhammad Shahrur is that dress cover the juyub, while the maximum limit is dressing which covers all parts of the body besides the face and palms.

Studies on Temperature Regulation

1946 ◽  
Vol 22 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 213-220
Author(s):  
R. L. KIRK ◽  
LANCELOT HOGBEN
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Thermal Capacity ◽  
The Body ◽  
External Temperature ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Temperature And Humidity ◽  
Frog Rana Temporaria

1. The upper thermal death-point of the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) is significantly above that of either the toad (Bufo bufo) or the frog (Rana temporaria). That of the toad differs only slightly from that of the frog. 2. In response to external variation with respect to temperature and humidity, the body temperature of the toad behaves in a manner similar to that of the frog, being considerably below that of the air at low humidities, though appreciably above that of the wet-bulb thermometer. It is concluded that the toad loses water as freely as the frog. 3. The body temperature of the slow worm and that of the alligator (A. mississippiensis) differs only slightly from that of the air under all conditions of sustained air temperature and humidity. 4. The body temperature reaction of the alligator is more sluggish than that of the slow worm, presumably owing to the higher thermal capacity of the animal. 5. The significance of these results in relation to the evolution of the terrestrial vertebrates is discussed. It is suggested that homoeothermic stocks could arise only from reptiles of relatively small size, and that large body size would militate against survival during periods of low mean external temperature.

The effect of size on the fast-start performance of rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri, and a consideration of piscivorous predator-prey interactions

1976 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
The Body ◽  
Salmo Gairdneri ◽  
Escape Behaviour ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Fast Start ◽  
Prey Escape

The fast-start (acceleration) performance of seven groups of rainbow trout from 9-6 to 38-7 cm total length was measured in response to d.c. electric shock stimuli. Two fast-start kinematic patterns, L- and S-start were observed. In L-starts the body was bent into an L or U shape and a recoil turn normally accompanied acceleration. Free manoeuvre was not possible in L-starts without loss of speed. In S-starts the body was bent into an S-shape and fish accelerated without a recoil turn. The frequency of S-starts increased with size from 0 for the smallest fish to 60–65% for the largest fish. Acceleration turns were common. The radius of smallest turn for both fast-start patterns was proportional to length (L) with an overall radius of 0–17 L. The duration of the primary acceleration stages increased with size from 0–07 s for the group of smallest fish to 0–10 s for the group of largest fish. Acceleration rates were independent of size. The overall mean maximum rate was 3438 cm/s2 and the average value to the end of the primary acceleration movements was 1562 cm/s2. The distance covered and velocity attained after a given time for fish accelerating from rest were independent of size. The results are discussed in the context of interactions between a predator and prey fish following initial approach by the predator. It is concluded that the outcome of an interaction is likely to depend on reaction times of interacting fish responding to manoeuvres initiated by the predator or prey. The prey reaction time results in the performance of the predator exceeding that of the prey at any instant. The predator reaction time and predator error in responses to unpredictable prey manoeuvre are required for prey escape. It is predicted that a predator should strike the prey within 0-1 s if the fish are initially 5–15 cm apart as reported in the literature for predator-prey interactions. These distances would be increased for non-optimal prey escape behaviour and when the prey body was more compressed or depressed than the predator.

scholarly journals Paleogene community change among terrestrial vertebrates of the Western Hemisphere

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 282-282
Author(s):  
Richard K. Stucky
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
South America ◽  
Community Change ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Western Hemisphere ◽  
Dental Morphology ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Morphological Adaptations ◽  
Dinosaur Extinction

Paleogene vertebrate communities in North and South America show dramatic changes in taxonomic composition and ecological organization. Worldwide, mammals diversified substantially following dinosaur extinction (Fig. 1). Most families of living vertebrates appear by the end of the Paleogene. In North America, placental omnivores, herbivores and carnivores dominate mammalian communities, but in South America marsupial carnivores and omnivores and placental herbivores dominate them. Immigration from Asia and Europe to North America of taxa from several placental orders (Perissodactyla, Primates, Artiodactyla, Rodentia, Carnivora, Mesonychia, Creodonta) occurred periodically during the Paleogene. South America, however, was completely isolated from the Paleocene to the Oligocene when Rodentia and perhaps Primates first appear. Despite the independent evolutionary histories of these continents, their constituent species show remarkable convergences in morphological adaptations including body size distributions, dental morphology, and other features. Low resolution chronostratigraphic data for the Paleogene of South America precludes correlation with North American faunas. In North America, patterns of diversification and extinction appear to be related to climatic events. Morphological convergences appear to be related to climate and concomitant habitat change, but may also be a function of coevolution via predator-prey interactions and diffuse competition among guild members.

scholarly journals Ocean winter warming induced starvation of predator and prey

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1931) ◽  
pp. 20200970
Author(s):  
Frank Melzner ◽  
Björn Buchholz ◽  
Fabian Wolf ◽  
Ulrike Panknin ◽  
Marlene Wall
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Blue Mussel ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
The Body ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Conservation Of Energy ◽  
Winter Warming ◽  
Increasing Temperature

Ocean warming impacts the fitness of marine ectothermic species, leading to poleward range shifts, re-shuffling of communities, and changes in ecosystem services. While the detrimental effects of summer heat waves have been widely studied, little is known about the impacts of winter warming on marine species in temperate regions. Many species benefit from low winter temperature-induced reductions in metabolism, as these permit conservation of energy reserves that are needed to support reproduction in spring. Here, we used a unique outdoor mesocosm system to expose a coastal predator–prey system, the sea star Asterias and the blue mussel Mytilus , to different winter warming scenarios under near-natural conditions. We found that the body condition of mussels decreased in a linear fashion with increasing temperature. Sea star growth also decreased with increasing temperature, which was a function of unaltered predation rates and decreased mussel body condition. Asterias relative digestive gland mass strongly declined over the studied temperature interval ( ca twofold). This could have severe implications for reproductive capacity in the following spring, as digestive glands provide reserve compounds to maturing gonads. Thus, both predator and prey suffered from a mismatch of energy acquisition versus consumption in warmer winter scenarios, with pronounced consequences for food web energy transfer in future oceans.

scholarly journals Temporal profiles of cortisol accumulation and clearance support scale cortisol content as an indicator of chronic stress in fish

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Laberge ◽  
Irene Yin-Liao ◽  
Nicholas J Bernier
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Stress Hormone ◽  
Stress Indicators ◽  
Stress Indicator ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Goldfish Carassius Auratus ◽  
Temporal Profiles

Abstract The development of chronic stress indicators for fish is of great interest, but appropriate non-invasive methods are lagging those used in terrestrial vertebrates. Here, we explore the possibility that levels of the stress hormone cortisol in scales could be used as a chronic stress indicator. Three experiments were conducted to assess the temporal profiles of cortisol rise and fall in plasma and scales of goldfish (Carassius auratus) in response to stressors of varying intensity and duration. Results show that a single acute air emersion stressor does not influence scale cortisol content. In contrast, relative to plasma levels, the fall in scale cortisol content following a high-dose cortisol implant is delayed by at least 8 days, and the rise and fall in scale cortisol content in response to unpredictable chronic stress are delayed by at least 7 days. Also, scale cortisol content is spatially heterogeneous across the body surface of goldfish. Overall, since high and sustained circulating cortisol levels are needed to influence scale cortisol content and the rates of cortisol accumulation and clearance are much slower in scales than in plasma, our results show that scales can provide an integrated measure of cortisol production and serve as a chronic stress indicator.

Potential distribution and predator-prey interactions with terrestrial vertebrates of four pet commercialized exotic snakes in Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 ◽  
pp. 103526
Author(s):  
Héctor Ramírez-Ortiz ◽  
Wesley Dáttilo ◽  
Carlos Yañez-Arenas ◽  
Andrés Lira-Noriega
Keyword(s):  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates
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