51
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POLLOCK NICHOLASB, VREDEVOE LARISAK, TAYLOR EMILYN. The Effect of Exogenous Testosterone on Ectoparasite Loads in Free-Ranging Western Fence Lizards. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 317:447-54. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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52
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González-Tokman DM, Munguía-Steyer R, González-Santoyo I, Baena-Díaz FS, Córdoba-Aguilar A. SUPPORT FOR THE IMMUNOCOMPETENCE HANDICAP HYPOTHESIS IN THE WILD: HORMONAL MANIPULATION DECREASES SURVIVAL IN SICK DAMSELFLIES. Evolution 2012; 66:3294-301. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2012.01678.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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53
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Pollock NB, Vredevoe LK, Taylor EN. How do host sex and reproductive state affect host preference and feeding duration of ticks? Parasitol Res 2012; 111:897-907. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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54
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Discrimination of conspecifics’ chemicals may allow Spanish terrapins to find better partners and avoid competitors. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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55
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Yu S, Halbrook RS, Sparling DW, Colombo R. Metal accumulation and evaluation of effects in a freshwater turtle. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2011; 20:1801-1812. [PMID: 21688058 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-011-0716-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
A variety of contaminants have been detected in aquatic and terrestrial environments around the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP), Kentucky. The presence of these contaminants at the PGDP may pose a risk to biota, yet little is known about the bioaccumulation of contaminants and associated effects in wildlife, especially in aquatic turtles. The current study was initiated to evaluate: (1) the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Hg) in aquatic ecosystems associated with the PGDP using red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) as biomonitors; (2) maternal transfer of heavy metals; and (3) potential hematological and immunological effects resulting from metal accumulation. A total of 26 turtles were collected from 7 ponds located south, adjacent, and north of the PGDP. Liver Cu concentrations were significantly different among ponds and Cu concentrations in eggs were positively correlated with female Cu concentrations in kidney. The concentrations of heavy metals measured in turtle tissues and eggs were low and, based on previous studies of reptiles and established avian threshold levels of heavy metals, did not appear to have adverse effects on aquatic turtles inhabiting ponds near the PGDP. However, total white blood cell counts, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and phytohemagglutinin stimulation index were correlated with metal concentrations. Because other factors may affect the hematological and immunological indices, further investigation is needed to determine if these effects are associated with metal exposure, other contaminants, or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangying Yu
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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56
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Lumbad AS, Vredevoe LK, Taylor EN. Season and Sex of Host Affect Intensities of Ectoparasites in Western Fence Lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) on the Central Coast of California. SOUTHWEST NAT 2011. [DOI: 10.1894/f10-rw-01.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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57
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Blood parasites in two co-existing species of lizards (Zootoca vivipara and Lacerta agilis). Parasitol Res 2010; 107:1121-7. [PMID: 20661747 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the occurrence of blood parasites of two lizard species: the common or viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) in western Poland. Selected traits of lizard body morphology were studied with respect to the presence and intensity of haematozoan infection in blood samples collected from 218 adult lizards; 88 of the common lizard and 130 of the sand lizard. Haemogregarinid blood parasites were found to be the common parasite of both lizard species in studied locality with prevalence 39.8 (95% CL, 29.5-50.8) for Z. vivipara and 22.3 (95% CL, 15.5-30.4) for L. agilis. Incidence of parasitemia did not differ between sexes and was not correlated with morphological traits or presence of ectoparasites--Ixodes ricinus ticks. However, a significant difference between the two species of lizards was a greater frequency of haemogregarinid parasitism in Z. vivipara.
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58
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Huyghe K, Van Oystaeyen A, Pasmans F, Tadić Z, Vanhooydonck B, Van Damme R. Seasonal changes in parasite load and a cellular immune response in a colour polymorphic lizard. Oecologia 2010; 163:867-74. [PMID: 20454978 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-010-1646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Permanent colour polymorphisms may be maintained by complex interactions between physiological traits (e.g. immunity) and environmental pressures. In this study we investigate morph specific variation in parasite load and cellular immune response (induced by a Phytohaemagglutinin, PHA injection) in a colour polymorphic population of the Dalmatian wall lizard (Podarcis melisellensis), where adult males have bright white, yellow or orange throats and ventral sides. Orange males have larger heads and can bite harder than the others. To examine seasonal effects, analyses were performed at an early and late stage in the reproductive season (May and September). Infection with mites and ticks did not differ among morphs, but was more severe at the end of the reproductive season. Fewer orange individuals were infected with haemogregarines at the end of the season, but white males were always more infected (higher number of haemogregarines in their blood) than other morphs. White and yellow males showed an increased PHA response towards the end of the season, but PHA response decreased in the orange morph. Finally, across all morphs, a relationship was found between ectoparasite load and PHA response. Our study provides indications of alternative life-history strategies among colour morphs and evidence for an up-regulation of the immune function at the end of the reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katleen Huyghe
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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59
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Martín J, López P. Multimodal sexual signals in male ocellated lizards Lacerta lepida: vitamin E in scent and green coloration may signal male quality in different sensory channels. Naturwissenschaften 2010; 97:545-53. [PMID: 20419284 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-010-0669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms that confer honesty to multiple sexual signals of vertebrates remain less known. We suggest that vitamin E in the scent (femoral secretions) and carotenoids in coloration of Lacerta lepida lizards might advertise quality because they are relevant in metabolism as major antioxidants and have a dietary origin. Results showed that there may be similar trade-offs between immunity and both chemical and visual signaling, as males with more vitamin E in secretions and those with more greenish, darker, and saturated carotenoid-dependent colorations had a higher immune response. This suggests that only high-quality males can divert from metabolism and allocate enough vitamin E to secretions and enough carotenoids to coloration. Therefore, information provided by visual and chemical signals is congruent. The use of multiple sensory channels may allow signaling a male quality under different circumstances or reinforce the reliability of the signal when both signals are perceived simultaneously. However, we also found that characteristics of carotenoid-dependent coloration mirror the amounts of vitamin E in secretions. This might support that carotenoids, which are not true antioxidants in the organism, would just reflect and "inform" on the actual contents of metabolic antioxidant vitamin E, which is part of the true system that prevent oxidation. We suggest that the metabolic roles of vitamins might be the actual basis of honesty of many sexual displays, and that carotenoid-based signals might be just the visible part of the whole system.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Martín
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, C.S.I.C., José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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60
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Zimmerman LM, Vogel LA, Bowden RM. Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective. J Exp Biol 2010; 213:661-71. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.038315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes, providing the key link between ectothermic anamniotic fishes and amphibians, and endothermic amniotic birds and mammals. A greater understanding of reptilian immunity will provide important insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrate immunity as well as the growing field of eco-immunology. Like mammals, reptile immunity is complex and involves innate, cell-mediated and humoral compartments but, overall, there is considerably less known about immune function in reptiles. We review the current literature on each branch of the reptilian immune system, placing this information in context to other vertebrates. Further, we identify key areas that are prime for research as well as areas that are lagging because of lack of reagents in non-model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. M. Zimmerman
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - L. A. Vogel
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - R. M. Bowden
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
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61
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Polo-Cavia N, Engstrom T, López P, Martín J. Body condition does not predict immunocompetence of western pond turtles in altered versus natural habitats. Anim Conserv 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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62
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Cox R, Stenquist D, Henningsen J, Calsbeek R. Manipulating Testosterone to Assess Links between Behavior, Morphology, and Performance in the Brown Anole Anolis sagrei. Physiol Biochem Zool 2009; 82:686-98. [DOI: 10.1086/605391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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63
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Martín J, López P. Multiple color signals may reveal multiple messages in male Schreiber’s green lizards, Lacerta schreiberi. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-009-0794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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64
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Huyghe K, Husak JF, Herrel A, Tadić Z, Moore IT, Van Damme R, Vanhooydonck B. Relationships between hormones, physiological performance and immunocompetence in a color-polymorphic lizard species, Podarcis melisellensis. Horm Behav 2009; 55:488-94. [PMID: 19265697 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Species with alternative phenotypes offer unique opportunities to investigate hormone-behavior relationships. We investigated the relationships between testosterone, corticosterone, morphology, performance, and immunity in a population of lizards (Podarcis melisellensis) which exhibits a color polymorphism. Males occur in three different color morphs (white, yellow, orange), providing an opportunity to test the idea of morphs being alternative solutions to the evolutionary challenges posed on the link between hormones, morphology, performance, and immunity. Morphs differed in bite force capacity, with orange males biting harder, and in corticosterone levels, with yellow males having lower levels than orange. However, morphs did not differ in testosterone levels or in the immunological parameters tested. At the individual level, across morphs, testosterone levels predicted size-corrected bite force capacity, but no relation was found between hormone levels and immunity. Our results do not support the testosterone-based polymorphism hypothesis and reject the hypothesis of a trade-off between testosterone and immunity in this species, but provide a mechanistic link between testosterone and a sexually selected performance trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katleen Huyghe
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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65
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Mills S, Grapputo A, Jokinen I, Koskela E, Mappes T, Oksanen T, Poikonen T. Testosterone‐Mediated Effects on Fitness‐Related Phenotypic Traits and Fitness. Am Nat 2009; 173:475-87. [DOI: 10.1086/597222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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66
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Oliver MK, Telfer S, Piertney SB. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) heterozygote superiority to natural multi-parasite infections in the water vole (Arvicola terrestris). Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:1119-28. [PMID: 19129114 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in immune recognition has led to a general consensus that the characteristically high levels of functional polymorphism at MHC genes is maintained by balancing selection operating through host-parasite coevolution. However, the actual mechanism by which selection operates is unclear. Two hypotheses have been proposed: overdominance (or heterozygote superiority) and negative frequency-dependent selection. Evidence for these hypotheses was evaluated by examining MHC-parasite relationships in an island population of water voles (Arvicola terrestris). Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine whether individual variation at an MHC class II DRB locus explained variation in the individual burdens of five different parasites. MHC genotype explained a significant amount of variation in the burden of gamasid mites, fleas (Megabothris walkeri) and nymphs of sheep ticks (Ixodes ricinus). Additionally, MHC heterozygotes were simultaneously co-infected by fewer parasite types than homozygotes. In each case where an MHC-dependent effect on parasite burden was resolved, the heterozygote genotype was associated with fewer parasites, and the heterozygote outperformed each homozygote in two of three cases, suggesting an overall superiority against parasitism for MHC heterozygote genotypes. This is the first demonstration of MHC heterozygote superiority against multiple parasites in a natural population, a mechanism that could help maintain high levels of functional MHC genetic diversity in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Oliver
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
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67
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Mills S, Hazard L, Lancaster L, Mappes T, Miles D, Oksanen T, Sinervo B. Gonadotropin Hormone Modulation of Testosterone, Immune Function, Performance, and Behavioral Trade‐Offs among Male Morphs of the Lizard Uta stansburiana. Am Nat 2008; 171:339-57. [DOI: 10.1086/527520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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68
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Chemical ornaments of male lizards Psammodromus algirus may reveal their parasite load and health state to females. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-007-0451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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69
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MILES DB, SINERVO B, HAZARD LC, SVENSSON EI, COSTA D. Relating endocrinology, physiology and behaviour using species with alternative mating strategies. Funct Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2007.01304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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70
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71
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Valakos ED, Kourkouli A, Skopeliti M, Pafilis P, Poulakakis N, Voutsas IF, Lymberakis P, Simou C, Voelter W, Tsitsilonis OE. Combining immunological and molecular data to assess phylogenetic relations of some Greek Podarcis species. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 147:1-10. [PMID: 17347009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2006] [Revised: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 11/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Most recent molecular studies revealed the phylogeny of Greek Podarcis species, which for years remained elusive, due to discordant data produced from various chromosomal, complement fixation and protein studies. In this report, we analyzed cellular immune responses of spleen-derived lymphocytes from six allopatric Podarcis species encountered in Greece, by assessing two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR)-induced proliferation. On the basis of stimulation indices (S.I.) as determined from cultures set up from xenogeneic splenocytes coincubated in pairs, we generated a phylogenetic tree, fully consistent with the phylogenetic relationships of Podarcis as determined by parallel analyses based on partial mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences. Although the exact mechanisms triggering lymphocyte responses in lizard two-way xenogeneic MLR are not fully understood, our results show the potential use of cell-mediated immune responses as an additional approach to mtDNA analysis, for species delimitation within specific lizard taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios D Valakos
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis 15784, Ilissia, Athens, Greece.
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72
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López P, Martín J. Female Iberian wall lizards prefer male scents that signal a better cell-mediated immune response. Biol Lett 2007; 1:404-6. [PMID: 17148218 PMCID: PMC1626371 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2005.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the importance of chemoreception in sexual selection of lizards, only a few studies have examined the composition of chemical signals, and it is unknown whether and how chemicals provide honest information. Chemical signals might be honest if there were a trade-off between sexual advertisement and the immune system. Here, we show that proportions of cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol in femoral secretions of male Iberian wall lizards (Podarcis hispanica) were related to their T-cell-mediated immune response. Thus, only males with a good immune system may allocate higher amounts of this chemical to signalling. Furthermore, females selected scents of males with higher proportions of cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol and lower proportions of cholesterol. Thus, females might base their mate choice on the males' quality as indicated by the composition of their chemical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar López
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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73
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Amo L, López P, Martín J. Refuge use: A conflict between avoiding predation and losing mass in lizards. Physiol Behav 2007; 90:334-43. [PMID: 17109901 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2006] [Revised: 09/21/2006] [Accepted: 09/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prey often respond to predation risk by increasing refuge use, but this strategy may entail a loss of body condition. Factors responsible for this loss of body condition remain unclear. Also how prey deal with refuge use to cope with predation risk without incurring costs of body condition, and how initial body condition affects refuge use remain barely known. We analyzed in the field whether adult Iberolacerta cyreni lizards modify their escape strategies and refuge use in areas with different levels of habitat deterioration and ecotourism pressure, which represent different levels of predation risk, and the consequences of changes in antipredator behavior to body condition. Lizards inhabiting deteriorated areas, where risk is higher, remained closer to refuges, but decreased time spent hidden in refuges after attacks, probably to maintain similar body condition than lizards inhabiting natural areas. We performed two laboratory experiments to isolate potential costs of refuge use that might affect the body condition of male lizards: a) a decrease of the efficiency of digestion due to low temperatures inside refuges and/or b) a reduction in food intake. Results suggest that refuge use is costly in terms of body condition due to reduced food intake, but the loss of efficiency of digestion seems unimportant. Lizards modified refuge use in relation to their body condition, with lizards with worse condition decreasing time hidden after predatory attacks. We concluded that lizards compensated for increased predation risk with flexible antipredatory strategies, coping with risk without incurring costs for body condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Amo
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, E-28006 Madrid, Spain.
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74
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Effects of testosterone supplementation on chemical signals of male Iberian wall lizards: consequences for female mate choice. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-007-0358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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75
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Amo L, López P, Martín J. Pregnant female lizardsIberolacerta cyreni adjust refuge use to decrease thermal costs for their body condition and cell-mediated immune response. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 307:106-12. [PMID: 17152091 DOI: 10.1002/jez.a.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lizards often respond to increased predation risk by increasing refuge use, but this strategy may entail a loss of thermoregulatory opportunities, which may lead to a loss of body condition. This may be especially important for pregnant oviparous female lizards, because they need to maintain optimal body temperatures as long as possible to maximize developmental embryos rate until laying. However, little is known about how increased time spent at low temperatures in refuges affects body condition and health state of pregnant female lizards. Furthermore, it is not clear how initial body condition affects refuge use. Female Iberian rock lizards forced to increase time spent at low temperatures showed lower body condition and tended to show lower cell-mediated immune responses than control females. Therefore, the loss of thermoregulatory opportunities seems to be an important cost for pregnant females. Nevertheless, thereafter, when we simulated two repeated predatory attacks, females modified refuge use in relation to their body condition, with females with worse condition decreasing time hidden after attacks. In conclusion, female lizards seemed able to compensate increased predation risk with flexible antipredatory strategies, thus minimizing costs for body condition and health state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Amo
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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76
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MARTÍN J, LÓPEZ P. Links between male quality, male chemical signals, and female mate choice in Iberian Rock Lizards. Funct Ecol 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2006.01183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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77
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López P, Amo L, Martín J. Reliable Signaling By Chemical Cues Of Male Traits And Health State In Male Lizards, Lacerta monticola. J Chem Ecol 2006; 32:473-88. [PMID: 16555130 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-005-9012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Revised: 08/05/2005] [Accepted: 10/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In spite of the importance of chemoreception in social organization and sexual selection of lizards, there is a lack of general knowledge on how the characteristics of chemical signals mediate these behaviors. Moreover, it is unknown which are the mechanisms that might confer honesty to the information provided by chemical signals. We analyzed here whether characteristics of the lipophilic fraction of femoral gland secretions of Lacerta monticola male lizards can be related to the morphology, physical condition, and health state of the sender. Our results indicated that some male traits, such as body size, number of blue spots, and number of femoral pores and their level of fluctuating asymmetry, were related to variability in the relative proportions of some lipophilic chemical compounds found in secretions. Thus, conspecifics could obtain reliable information on the producer of a scent mark based on chemicals alone, and this might be the basis of female choice observed in this lizard. Moreover, only males with a greater T-cell immune response had higher proportions of two steroids (ergosterol and dehydrocholesterol) in their femoral secretions, which might suggest that the signal is honest and costly to produce. We suggest that only high-quality males could divert these compounds from metabolism to secretions in order to produce an exaggerated and honest "chemical ornament."
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar López
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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78
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Rubolini D, Romano M, Martinelli R, Leoni B, Saino N. Effects of prenatal yolk androgens on armaments and ornaments of the ring-necked pheasant. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-005-0080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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79
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Rubolini D, Romano M, Martinelli R, Saino N. Effects of elevated yolk testosterone levels on survival, growth and immunity of male and female yellow-legged gull chicks. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-005-0057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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