scholarly journals How Does Mytilus galloprovincialis Respond When Exposed to the Gametophyte Phase of the Invasive Red Macroalga Asparagopsis armata Exudate?

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Sónia D. Coelho ◽  
Hugo C. Vieira ◽  
Jacinta M. M. Oliveira ◽  
Sílvia F. S. Pires ◽  
Rui J. M. Rocha ◽  
...  

Asparagopsis armata is classified as an invasive species in Europe. Through the exudation of secondary metabolites, this macroalga holds a chemical defence against consumers, with potential toxic effects to native rocky shore communities. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of A. armata (gametophyte) exudate in a native species, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, in terms of biochemical and organismal effects. The 96 h-LC50 was 3.667% and based on it, exudate concentrations (0.25; 0.5; 1; 2%) were determined to further sublethal experiments. These sublethal concentrations caused no oxidative damage in the digestive gland since lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation were not affected. Nevertheless, there was a significant rise in the electron transport system activity and total glutathione content in muscle, suggesting an increased non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and consequent energy consumption to cope with potential pro-oxidant compounds. This might have contributed to the observed decline in cellular energy allocation of the exposed mussels. At the organismal level, clearance capacity declined along the concentration gradient. Moreover, the number of functional byssuses decreased with increasing concentrations and a significant reduction in their attachment strength was observed. These findings suggest that the presence of A. armata may compromise M. galloprovincialis integrity in the invaded coastal areas.

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 75-83
Author(s):  
Chigozie Damian Ezeonyejiaku ◽  
Ikem Innocent Ifedigbo ◽  
Charles Obinwanne Okoye ◽  
Chijioke Obinna Ezenwelu

Author(s):  
Dagmara Błońska ◽  
Jarosław Kobak ◽  
Joanna Grabowska

<p>Shelter, regarded as a protection against predators and/or nesting site, constitutes one of the basic resources for which organisms compete in the wild. Ponto-Caspian gobies are a good example of a territorial species, which can have negative impact on native species with similar biology due to competitive interactions. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential impact of the invasive Ponto-Caspian western tubenose goby <em>Proterorhinus semilunaris</em> on the native stone loach <em>Barbatula barbatula</em> through shelter competition. We used male and female gobies in their reproductive season to test whether they would be more aggressive towards native stone loach, accounting for different light conditions in a limited shelter competition scenario. The results of our study showed that both tested species occupied the shelter mostly during the daylight. Only male goby reduced the shelter occupancy of stone loach despite the fact that interspecific aggressive acts were very rare. It was associated with the nest guarding by male gobies, considering that the study was conducted during their reproductive season. Based on our results, it is possible that, under natural conditions, male tubenose goby would force stone loach to stay away from the shelter, especially in late spring and early summer, when gobies are in reproductive state. This might affect stone loach populations by devoiding them of optimum sites and increasing their exposure to predators. </p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (8) ◽  
pp. 2029-2038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadescha Zwerschke ◽  
Judith Kochmann ◽  
Elizabeth C. Ashton ◽  
Tasman P. Crowe ◽  
Dai Roberts ◽  
...  

Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to alien invasions. Regular, standardized, targeted monitoring of coastal areas helps to detect the arrival of non-native species early, identify sites most vulnerable to invasion, and assess potential for further spread. This study quantified the spread and changes in distribution of non-native oyster,Crassostrea gigas, populations around the coast of Ireland. In total 37 sites were surveyed, in areas which either currently or previously harboured cultivatedC. gigas, for the presence and abundance of ‘wild’C. gigas. Wild populations were identified at 20 sites and at four additional sitesC. gigaswas observed as recently discarded from aquaculture activity. Five of the invaded sites were identified as being highly suitable for a population expansion based on their current population status. Importantly, we also identified individuals ofC. gigasand native European oysters,Ostrea edulis, co-occurring within the same shore at five sites. This is the first record to our knowledge of such co-occurrence within Europe. This evidence of co-existing oyster species raises concerns regarding the potential impact ofC. gigason recoveringO. edulispopulations. In Ireland, however,C. gigasdoes not typically spread extensively from introduction points, and although self-containing populations exist, they are currently sustained at a much lower density than those observed in other regions such as the Wadden Sea or French Atlantic coasts. We suggest, therefore, that to protect native oyster populations,C. gigasshould be eradicated where co-occurring withO. edulisand recommend continuous monitoring of invaded sites.


2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 498 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Chapple ◽  
Kimberly A. Miller ◽  
Kirilee Chaplin ◽  
Louise Barnett ◽  
Michael B. Thompson ◽  
...  

Lord Howe Island (LHI) is a remote oceanic island in the south-west Pacific that is World Heritage listed due to its diverse, and largely endemic, biota. A suite of introduced species have colonised the island, resulting in the widespread population declines of many native species. The delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata DeVis) was accidentally introduced to LHI from mainland eastern Australia, but there has been no detailed investigation of its biology on the island, or its potential impact on the native biota. We conducted a detailed study of the distribution and biology of the delicate skink on LHI over a six-year period (2007–12). The delicate skink was introduced to LHI in the 1980s, and rapidly spread across the island. It presently occurs in all 21 low-elevation vegetation communities on LHI. The delicate skink is diurnal on LHI, and displays seasonal variation in activity with a peak in November–December. The delicate skink exhibits sexual dimorphism with females having larger body and abdomen sizes and males having longer and broader heads, although the degree of genetic admixture may influence morphology on LHI. Females reproduce in spring and summer (September–February), with a positive relationship between body size and clutch size. Clutch size ranges from 1 to 7 (mean 3.4) and communal egg nests (11–200+ eggs) are common. Tail loss is common on LHI (55%), but is more frequent in adults and females. We conclude that, based on its distribution and abundance, the delicate skink has the potential to impact the diverse and endemic invertebrate fauna on LHI.


Author(s):  
Carla O. Silva ◽  
Sara C. Novais ◽  
Amadeu M.V.M. Soares ◽  
Carlos Barata ◽  
Marco F.L. Lemos

The marine red algae Asparagopsis armata is an invasive species which competitive advantage arises from the production and release of large amounts of toxic compounds to the surrounding invaded area, reducing the abundance of native species. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of this invasive seaweed on marine invertebrates by exposing the common prawn Palaemon elegans and the marine snail Gibbula umbilicalis to the exudate of this macroalgae. The seaweed was collected and placed in tanks, for 12 hours, in the dark in a 1:10 ratio. Afterwards the media containing its secondary metabolites was collected for further testing. Lethal and sublethal effects of A. armata were investigated. Biochemical biomarkers responses associated with energy metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; electron transport system activity, ETS; content in lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) were analysed. The biomarker responses showed invertebrates&rsquo; physiological status impairment after exposure to low concentrations of this algae exudate. Highest concentrations of exudate significantly increased lipid content in both organisms. In the shrimp, protein content, ETS, and LDH were also significantly increased. On the contrary, these parameters were significantly decreased in G. umbilicalis. A behavioural impairment was also observed in G. umbilicalis exposed to A. armata exudate, with reduction in feeding consumption. These results represent an important step in the research of natural toxic exudates released to the environment and prospective effects of this seaweed in invaded communities under increasing global change scenarios.


Author(s):  
Maria Nedealcov ◽  
◽  
Ala Donica ◽  
Nicolae Grigoras ◽  
◽  
...  

The growth and survival of forests in the future, especially in the peripheral and transition areas of ecosystems, such as the Moldavian oak forests, depend directly on temperature changes and the amount of atmospheric precipitation. The purpose of this paper is to determine the potential impact of climate aridization on native species - oaks (Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q.pubescens) in correlation with ecological niche for these species and identifying the vulnerability zones of forests versus the drought (reproduced by various values of the DeMartonne Index). It has been determined that mesophilic oak specie, during the vegetation period, in the central and southern part of the country, under more dry, more arid conditions of development, will feel changes in the sensitivity to water scarcity, changes in the compositional structure of the respective ecosystems and chorological displacements of the species (limiting the growth area of the Quercus robur, Q. petraea and advancing of Q.pubescens to the central part of country).


2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Hutchings

The diet of feral cats (Felis catus) inhabiting a regional rubbish tip (dump) in Victoria was studied to determine whether cats utilised garbage or live prey from the surrounding heathlands for food. Between 30 and 50 cat scats were collected from the tip over two years in each of four sampling periods: spring 1997, autumn 1998, spring 1998 and autumn 1999. The scats were analysed to determine major dietary components, dietary breadth and seasonal overlap of diet. Bone fragments from meat scraps were the most frequent dietary item detected in the scats. Vertebrate prey species occurred less often in the cats' diet but a variety of both introduced and native species were represented. Analysis of dietary breadth confirmed that cats selected mainly meat and chicken scraps from the garbage but indicated that vertebrates were hunted opportunistically. Control measures are suggested to reduce cat numbers at regional rubbish tips to relieve potential impact on native wildlife.


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