scholarly journals The repeatability of variability: exploring intra- and inter-individual variation in seasonality

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin D Matson ◽  
Maaike A Versteegh ◽  
B Irene Tieleman
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Preliminary Analysis ◽  
Animal Experimentation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Statistical Techniques ◽  
Seasonal Cycles ◽  
Behavioral Traits

Animals exhibit seasonal cycles in a variety of physiological and behavioral traits. Studies of these cycles can potentially offer new insights into the evolution of individual differences. For natural selection to act, a trait must be both distinctive within individuals and variable among individuals. The extent to which the amplitude and phase of seasonal cycles fulfill these requirements is not well documented. As a preliminary analysis, we investigated seasonal cycles in the body mass of pigeons, which we weighed quarterly over a period of six years. [Our work with these animals complied with all applicable institutional regulations (University of Groningen Animal Experimentation Committee, license no. 5095) and Dutch and European laws.] We employed several of statistical techniques aimed at 1) quantifying the repeatability of seasonality and 2) comparing within- and among-individual variation in seasonality. Our goal is to take what we have learned from our analyses of mass and apply it to other seasonally variable physiological traits, including variables related to immune function.

scholarly journals The repeatability of variability: exploring intra- and inter-individual variation in seasonality

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin D Matson ◽  
Maaike A Versteegh ◽  
B Irene Tieleman
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Preliminary Analysis ◽  
Animal Experimentation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Statistical Techniques ◽  
Seasonal Cycles ◽  
Behavioral Traits

Animals exhibit seasonal cycles in a variety of physiological and behavioral traits. Studies of these cycles can potentially offer new insights into the evolution of individual differences. For natural selection to act, a trait must be both distinctive within individuals and variable among individuals. The extent to which the amplitude and phase of seasonal cycles fulfill these requirements is not well documented. As a preliminary analysis, we investigated seasonal cycles in the body mass of pigeons, which we weighed quarterly over a period of six years. [Our work with these animals complied with all applicable institutional regulations (University of Groningen Animal Experimentation Committee, license no. 5095) and Dutch and European laws.] We employed several of statistical techniques aimed at 1) quantifying the repeatability of seasonality and 2) comparing within- and among-individual variation in seasonality. Our goal is to take what we have learned from our analyses of mass and apply it to other seasonally variable physiological traits, including variables related to immune function.

Individual differences: Variation by design

2000 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 676-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony J. Greene ◽  
William B. Levy
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Mate Selection ◽  
Behavioral Variability ◽  
Behavioral Variation ◽  
Absolute Necessity

Stanovich & West (S&W) appear to overlook the adaptivity of variation. Behavioral variability, both between and within individuals, is an absolute necessity for phylogenetic and ontological adaptation. As with all heritable characteristics, inter-individual behavioral variation is the foundation for natural selection. Similarly, intra-individual variation allows a broad exploration of potential solutions. Variation increases the likelihood that more optimal behaviors are available for selection. Four examples of the adaptivity of variation are discussed: (a) Genetic variation as it pertains to behavior and natural selection; (b) behavioral and cognitive aspects of mate selection which may facilitate genetic diversity; (c) variation as a strategy for optimizing learning through greater exploration; and (d) behavioral variation coupled with communication as a means to propagate individually discovered behavioral success.

scholarly journals Personality in social insects: How does worker personality determine colony personality?

2012 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noa Pinter-Wollman
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Natural Selection ◽  
Social Insects ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Social Insect ◽  
External Constraints ◽  
Insect Colonies ◽  
Reproductive Unit ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract Social insect colonies and the workers comprising them, each exhibit consistent individual differences in behavior, also known as ‘personalities’. Because the behavior of social insect colonies emerges from the actions of their workers, individual variation among workers’ personality may be important in determining the variation we observe among colonies. The reproductive unit of social insects, on which natural selection acts, is the colony, not individual workers. Therefore, it is important to understand what mechanisms govern the observed variation among colonies. Here I propose three hypotheses that address how consistent individual differences in the behavior of workers may lead to consistent individual differences in the behavior of colonies: 1. Colonies differ consistently in their average of worker personality; 2. The distribution but not the average of worker personalities varies consistently among colonies; and 3. Colony personality does not emerge from its worker personality composition but from consistent external constraints. I review evidence supporting each of these hypotheses and suggest methods to further investigate them. The study of how colony personality emerges from the personalities of the workers comprising them may shed light on the mechanisms underlying consistent individual differences in the behavior of other animals.

The challenge of accounting for individual differences in folk-economic beliefs

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin C. Ruisch ◽  
Rajen A. Anderson ◽  
David A. Pizarro
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Political Ideologies ◽  
Economic Beliefs ◽  
Existing Data

AbstractWe argue that existing data on folk-economic beliefs (FEBs) present challenges to Boyer & Petersen's model. Specifically, the widespread individual variation in endorsement of FEBs casts doubt on the claim that humans are evolutionarily predisposed towards particular economic beliefs. Additionally, the authors' model cannot account for the systematic covariance between certain FEBs, such as those observed in distinct political ideologies.

Inter-individual variation shapes the human microbiome

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily F. Wissel ◽  
Leigh K. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Human Microbiome ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Target Article ◽  
Microbiome Research

Abstract The target article suggests inter-individual variability is a weakness of microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) research, but we discuss why it is actually a strength. We comment on how accounting for individual differences can help researchers systematically understand the observed variance in microbiota composition, interpret null findings, and potentially improve the efficacy of therapeutic treatments in future clinical microbiome research.

Individual Differences in the Flexibility of Peripersonal Space

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel B. Hunley ◽  
Arwen M. Marker ◽  
Stella F. Lourenco
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Peripersonal Space ◽  
The Body ◽  
Laser Pointer ◽  
Baseline Measure ◽  
Bisection Task ◽  
Defensive Function ◽  
Representational Space ◽  
Laser Condition ◽  
Line Bisection Task

Abstract. The current study investigated individual differences in the flexibility of peripersonal space (i.e., representational space near the body), specifically in relation to trait claustrophobic fear (i.e., fear of suffocating or being physically restricted). Participants completed a line bisection task with either a laser pointer (Laser condition), allowing for a baseline measure of the size of one’s peripersonal space, or a stick (Stick condition), which produces expansion of one’s peripersonal space. Our results revealed that individuals high in claustrophobic fear had larger peripersonal spaces than those lower in claustrophobic fear, replicating previous research. We also found that, whereas individuals low in claustrophobic fear demonstrated the expected expansion of peripersonal space in the Stick condition, individuals high in claustrophobic fear showed less expansion, suggesting decreased flexibility. We discuss these findings in relation to the defensive function of peripersonal space and reduced attentional flexibility associated with trait anxieties.

Nutritional Recommendation for COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 753-757
Author(s):  
Anagha Gulhane ◽  
Shamli Hiware
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
The Body ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Life Phase ◽  
Global Health Issue ◽  
Nutritional Recommendation

It is the most unreliable truth that anybody can get infected by the COVID-19, and nobody can escape from the danger of getting tainted by the virus. Yet, the line of hope is that anyone and everyone can boost their resistance, thus avoid the risk of getting affected by the illness. The immunity of humans pulls down as they grow older. If their immune system is robust, them falling sick is feeble. If their resistance is weak, them getting ill is sound. Several factors affect the immune system and its ability, including its nourishment. A two-way connection between nutrition, infection and immunity presents. Changes in one part will affect the others part in our body that's the nature's rule. Well defined immune system quality which is present between each life phase may influence the type, generality and the degree of infections. At the same time, low nutrition to the body will decrease the immune function and expose the body to the danger of getting infected by infectious diseases. Different quantity of micronutrients is required for increasing the immunity power of our body. Generally the vitamins A,C,D,E,B2,B6,B12, iron, zinc and selenium.The deficiencies of micronutrients are acknowledged as a global health issue, and also low nutrition makes it prone to establishes the infections in the body.

scholarly journals Using a robotic fish to investigate individual differences in social responsiveness in the guppy

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 181026 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bierbach ◽  
Tim Landgraf ◽  
Pawel Romanczuk ◽  
Juliane Lukas ◽  
Hai Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Poecilia Reticulata ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Social Cues ◽  
Social Responsiveness ◽  
Small Fish ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Test Environment ◽  
Biomimetic Robots

Responding towards the actions of others is one of the most important behavioural traits whenever animals of the same species interact. Mutual influences among interacting individuals may modulate the social responsiveness seen and thus make it often difficult to study the level and individual variation in responsiveness. Here, open-loop biomimetic robots that provide standardized, non-interactive social cues can be a useful tool. These robots are not affected by the live animal's actions but are assumed to still represent valuable and biologically relevant social cues. As this assumption is crucial for the use of biomimetic robots in behavioural studies, we hypothesized (i) that meaningful social interactions can be assumed if live animals maintain individual differences in responsiveness when interacting with both a biomimetic robot and a live partner. Furthermore, to study the level of individual variation in social responsiveness, we hypothesized (ii) that individual differences should be maintained over the course of multiple tests with the robot. We investigated the response of live guppies ( Poecilia reticulata ) when allowed to interact either with a biomimetic open-loop-controlled fish robot—‘Robofish’—or with a live companion. Furthermore, we investigated the responses of live guppies when tested three times with Robofish. We found that responses of live guppies towards Robofish were weaker compared with those of a live companion, most likely as a result of the non-interactive open-loop behaviour of Robofish. Guppies, however, were consistent in their individual responses between a live companion and Robofish, and similar individual differences in response towards Robofish were maintained over repeated testing even though habituation to the test environment was detectable. Biomimetic robots like Robofish are therefore a useful tool for the study of social responsiveness in guppies and possibly other small fish species.

scholarly journals Study of Second and Fourth Digit Lengths and Their Ratios With Physical Attributes in Nepali Population

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-81
Author(s):  
Biswas Satyal ◽  
Abhishek Satyal
Keyword(s):  
Ring Finger ◽  
The Body ◽  
Behavioral Traits ◽  
Digit Ratios ◽  
Hand Deformities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Physical Attributes ◽  
Physical Traits ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Males And Females

Introduction: The ratio of the lengths of the index and the ring finger (2D:4D ratio) is generally different between men and women. A number of studies have shown a correlation between the 2D:4D digit ratio and various physical and behavioral traits. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association of the index (2nd) and ring (4th) digit ratios with some physical traits in Nepal population. Material & Method: 200 students (100 males and 100 females) between ages of 18 years and above were randomly selected with exclusion of those with hand deformities. The digit lengths were measured from the basal crease to the tips usingvernier calipers. The 2D:4D ratios were determined for each subject while height and weight were used to calculate the body mass index and data analyzed. The study was conducted between January 2018 to November 2018. Result: The result of the anthropometric study of the differences in index (2D) and ring (4D) and their ratios shows that there was a significant difference between the length of index finger (2D), ring finger (4D) and the ratios of right hand's 2D:4D in both males and females. There was appositive correlation between the second digit length and Height and weight in males and females both on right and left sides. The 2D:4D ratio for both left and right hand did not show any positive correlation with height, weight or BMI of an individual.

scholarly journals The Immune System Can Hear Noise

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andi Zhang ◽  
Tianyuan Zou ◽  
Dongye Guo ◽  
Quan Wang ◽  
Yilin Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Intensity Noise ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Exposure During Pregnancy

As a stressor widely existing in daily life, noise can cause great alterations to the immune system and result in many physical and mental disorders, including noise-induced deafness, sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases and other problems. The immune system plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis by recognizing and removing harmful substances in the body. Many studies have shown that noise may play vital roles in the occurrence and development of some immune diseases. In humans, both innate immunity and specific immunity can be influenced by noise, and different exposure durations and intensities of noise may exert various effects on the immune system. Short-term or low-intensity noise can enhance immune function, while long-term or high-intensity noise suppresses it. Noise can lead to the occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through the production of autoantibodies such as anti-Hsp70 and anti-Hsp60 and exert adverse effects related to other immune-related diseases such as some autoimmune diseases and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The neuroendocrine system, mainly including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system, is involved in the mechanisms of immune-related diseases induced by noise and gut microbiota dysfunction. In addition, noise exposure during pregnancy may be harmful to the immune system of the fetus. On the other hand, some studies have shown that music can improve immune function and alleviate the adverse effects caused by noise.

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