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Ashley EA, Davis AK, Terrell VK, Lake C, Carden C, Head L, Choe R, Maerz JC. Effects of Salinity on Hatchling Diamond-Backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) Growth, Behavior, and Stress Physiology. HERPETOLOGICA 2021; 77:45-55. [DOI: 10.1655/herpetologica-d-20-00028.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Andrew K. Davis
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Vanessa K. Terrell
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Connor Lake
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Cady Carden
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lauren Head
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rebacca Choe
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - John C. Maerz
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Effects of ectoparasite infestation during pregnancy on physiological stress and reproductive output in a rodent-flea system. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:659-666. [PMID: 33713646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Biotic and abiotic stressors impose various fitness costs on individuals across a variety of taxa. In vertebrates, these stressors typically trigger complex neuroendocrine responses that stimulate glucocorticoid (GC) secretion from the adrenal cortex. Short-term elevation of GCs can be adaptive as it shifts energy toward physiological processes that cope with acute stressors; however, chronic increases in GC levels could have detrimental effects on fitness. Parasitism can be considered an important biotic stressor in nature and a possible cause of reproductive failure that could substantially affect an individual's fitness. Thus, we aimed to test the effects of parasitism and maternal stress, as measured by GCs, during pregnancy and the relationship between these variables and measures of reproductive output using a rodent-flea system. Female Egyptian spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) were randomly assigned to flea (Parapulex chephrenis) infested or uninfested treatments before and during pregnancy. The offspring of these females were flea-free. Feces were collected at five time points during the experiment to determine maternal fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM) concentrations. Overall, infested females had lower FGCM levels during gestation but higher FGCM levels post-parturition and larger mass changes than uninfested females. Additionally, models related to pup quality and quantity often included some measure of maternal investment or body condition moderating relationships between infestation and stress. This suggests that flea parasitism or high GC levels alone might not significantly impact host reproduction but rather females can experience different effects depending on their level of investment, which could be limited by body condition and/or the number of pups present in a litter.
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53
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Warwick C, Steedman C. Wildlife-pet markets in a one-health context. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2021.42-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Wildlife markets are centers of trade involving live animals and their derivatives from wild-caught and captive-bred non-domesticated animals, including for the culinary, fashion, traditional medicine, curio, and pet sectors. These markets occur in Southeast Asia, India, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. This study aims to address a diversity of related issues that have a one-health bearing while focusing on wildlife markets in relation to the pet trade. Across relevant regions and countries, all major animal classes are traded at wildlife-pet markets. Wildlife markets, in general, are considered distinct from so-called "wet markets" at which domesticated animals, fish, and other "seafood" are offered only for consumption. Several aspects of wildlife markets have attracted scientific and popular scrutiny, including animal welfare concerns, species conservation threats, legality, ecological alteration, introduction of invasive alien species, presence of undescribed species, and public and agricultural animal health issues.
Materials and Methods: Onsite inspections were conducted for markets in the United States, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and the UK, as well as observational research of visual imagery of market conditions, and we compared these conditions with evidence-based standards for animal welfare and public health management.
Results: Wildlife markets globally shared common similar structures and practices including the presence of sick, injured, or stressed animals; mixing of animals of uncertain origin and health state; and no specific or any hygiene protocols, with issues of animal welfare, public health and safety, agricultural animal health, and other one-health concerns being inherently involved.
Conclusion: We conclude that wildlife markets are incompatible with responsible standards and practices, and we recommend that such events are banned globally to ameliorate inherent major problems.
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54
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Takemoto R, Michihara S, Han LK, Fujita N, Takahashi R. Ninjin'yoeito Alleviates Neuropathic Pain Induced by Chronic Constriction Injury in Rats. Front Nutr 2021; 8:525629. [PMID: 33614695 PMCID: PMC7890080 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.525629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kampo medicines are frequently used empirically to treat pain in clinical practice. Ninjin'yoeito (NYT), which is associated with few adverse effects, is often used to treat the elderly, but has not yet been examined in detail. We herein investigated the effects of NYT, at 500 and 1,000 mg/kg p.o. (NYT500/NYT1000 group) in single and repeated administrations for 14 days, on pain in rats with peripheral neuropathy induced by loose ligation of the sciatic nerve (chronic constriction injury: CCI). Untreated CCI rats given distilled water were used as a control group. To assess induced pain, the pain threshold was measured using the von Frey test. To evaluate spontaneous pain, the ground-contact area of the paw with neuropathic pain was measured using the Dynamic Weight Bearing test. Serum samples were collected after the test to elucidate the mechanism of action of NYT, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticosterone protein levels, which have been reported to change due to chronic pain, were analyzed. After single administration of NYT, the pain threshold rose in the NYT500 and NYT1000 groups. The pain threshold tended to rise on day 14 of repeated administration in the NYT500 group (p = 0.08) and it significantly rose at NYT1000 group (p < 0.05) compared to Control group. In addition, the foot contact area increased (p = 0.09). Therefore, CCI-induced pain was significantly remitted and spontaneous pain was remitted after repeated administration of NYT. Serum BDNF levels were higher in untreated CCI rats than in normal rats (p = 0.05), but decreased after the repeated administration of NYT (NYT1000, p = 0.15), while serum corticosterone levels were lower (p = 0.12) than those in normal rats and increased after the repeated administration of NYT (NYT1000, p = 0.07). The blood BDNF level has been suggested to influence pain intensity. The findings demonstrated NYT effectively treats neuropathic pain, suggesting that a NYT-induced decrease in blood BDNF contributed to the mechanism of pain relief. In addition, the variation of corticosterone was observed, suggesting that normalization of responsiveness to stress by NYT contributed to the pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Takemoto
- Kampo Research Laboratories, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Toyama, Japan
| | - Seiwa Michihara
- Kampo Research Laboratories, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Toyama, Japan
| | - Li-Kun Han
- Kampo Research Laboratories, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Toyama, Japan
| | - Nina Fujita
- Kampo Research Laboratories, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryuji Takahashi
- Kampo Research Laboratories, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Toyama, Japan
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55
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Spence AR, French SS, Hopkins GR, Durso AM, Hudson SB, Smith GD, Neuman‐Lee LA. Long‐term monitoring of two snake species reveals immune–endocrine interactions and the importance of ecological context. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 333:744-755. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Austin R. Spence
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Susannah S. French
- Department of Biology, Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | | | - Andrew M. Durso
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers Florida USA
| | - Spencer B. Hudson
- Department of Biology, Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | - Geoffrey D. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences Dixie State University St. George Utah USA
| | - Lorin A. Neuman‐Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University Jonesboro Arkansas USA
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56
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Kroeger CE, Crocker DE, Orben RA, Thompson DR, Torres LG, Sagar PM, Sztukowski LA, Andriese T, Costa DP, Shaffer SA. Similar foraging energetics of two sympatric albatrosses despite contrasting life histories and wind-mediated foraging strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/23/jeb228585. [PMID: 33268565 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.228585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the environmental and behavioral factors that influence how organisms maintain energy balance can inform us about their potential resiliency to rapid environmental changes. Flexibility in maintaining energy balance is particularly important to long-lived, central-place foraging seabirds that are constrained when locating food for offspring in a dynamic ocean environment. To understand the role of environmental interactions, behavioral flexibility and morphological constraints on energy balance, we used doubly labeled water to measure the at-sea daily energy expenditure (DEE) of two sympatrically breeding seabirds, Campbell (Thalassarche impavida) and grey-headed (Thalassarche chrysostoma) albatrosses. We found that species and sexes had similar foraging costs, but DEE varied between years for both species and sexes during early chick rearing in two consecutive seasons. For both species, greater DEE was positively associated with larger proportional mass gain, lower mean wind speeds during water take-offs, greater proportions of strong tailwinds (>12 m s-1), and younger chick age. Greater proportional mass gains were marginally more costly in male albatrosses that already have higher wing loading. DEE was higher during flights with a greater proportion of strong headwinds for grey-headed albatrosses only. Poleward winds are forecasted to intensify over the next century, which may increase DEE for grey-headed albatrosses that heavily use this region during early chick rearing. Female Campbell albatrosses may be negatively affected by forecasted slackening winds at lower latitudes due to an expected greater reliance on less energy efficient sit-and-wait foraging strategies. Behavioral plasticity associated with environmental variation may influence future population responses to climate change of both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Kroeger
- Department of Ocean Sciences, 1156 High Street, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, 1801 E Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA
| | - Rachael A Orben
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - David R Thompson
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), 301 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Leigh G Torres
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Paul M Sagar
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA), 10 Kyle Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Lisa A Sztukowski
- Marine Biology & Ecology Research Centre, Plymouth University, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.,Department Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950
| | - Timothy Andriese
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
| | - Scott A Shaffer
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
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57
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Gingery TM, Diefenbach DR, Pritchard CE, Ensminger DC, Wallingford BD, Rosenberry CS. Survival is negatively associated with glucocorticoids in a wild ungulate neonate. Integr Zool 2020; 16:214-225. [PMID: 33164347 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
It is unknown how ungulate physiological responses to environmental perturbation influence overall population demographics. Moreover, neonatal physiological responses remain poorly studied despite the importance of neonatal survival to population growth. Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones potentially facilitate critical physiological and behavioral responses to environmental perturbations. However, elevated GC concentrations over time may compromise body condition and indirectly reduce survival. We evaluated baseline salivary cortisol (CORT; a primary GC in mammals) concentrations in 19 wild neonatal white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a northern (NS) and southern (SS) area in Pennsylvania. After ranking survival models consisting of variables hypothesized to influence neonate survival (i.e. weight, sex), the probability of neonate survival was best explained by CORT concentrations, where elevated CORT concentrations were associated with reduced survival probability to 12 weeks of age. Cortisol concentrations were greater in the SS where predation rates and predator densities were lower. As the first evaluation of baseline CORT concentrations in an ungulate neonate to our knowledge, this is also the first study to demonstrate CORT concentrations are negatively associated with ungulate survival at any life stage. Glucocorticoid hormones could provide a framework in which to better understand susceptibility to mortality in neonatal white-tailed deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Michelle Gingery
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Duane Richard Diefenbach
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.,U. S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - David Charles Ensminger
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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58
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Warriner TR, Semeniuk CAD, Pitcher TE, Heath DD, Love OP. Mimicking Transgenerational Signals of Future Stress: Thermal Tolerance of Juvenile Chinook Salmon Is More Sensitive to Elevated Rearing Temperature Than Exogenously Increased Egg Cortisol. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.548939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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59
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Soft, skin-interfaced microfluidic systems with integrated immunoassays, fluorometric sensors, and impedance measurement capabilities. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27906-27915. [PMID: 33106394 PMCID: PMC7668081 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012700117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft microfluidic systems that capture, store, and perform biomarker analysis of microliter volumes of sweat, in situ, as it emerges from the surface of the skin, represent an emerging class of wearable technology with powerful capabilities that complement those of traditional biophysical sensing devices. Recent work establishes applications in the real-time characterization of sweat dynamics and sweat chemistry in the context of sports performance and healthcare diagnostics. This paper presents a collection of advances in biochemical sensors and microfluidic designs that support multimodal operation in the monitoring of physiological signatures directly correlated to physical and mental stresses. These wireless, battery-free, skin-interfaced devices combine lateral flow immunoassays for cortisol, fluorometric assays for glucose and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and digital tracking of skin galvanic responses. Systematic benchtop evaluations and field studies on human subjects highlight the key features of this platform for the continuous, noninvasive monitoring of biochemical and biophysical correlates of the stress state.
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60
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Hämäläinen AM, Guenther A, Patrick SC, Schuett W. Environmental effects on the covariation among pace‐of‐life traits. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anni M. Hämäläinen
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
- Institute of Environmental Science Jagiellonian University Kraków Poland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Anja Guenther
- Department of Evolutionary Biology Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology Plön Germany
| | | | - Wiebke Schuett
- Institute of Zoology Universität Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Brighton UK
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61
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Physiological Stress Integrates Resistance to Rattlesnake Venom and the Onset of Risky Foraging in California Ground Squirrels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12100617. [PMID: 32992585 PMCID: PMC7601495 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12100617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Using venom for predation often leads to the evolution of resistance in prey. Understanding individual variation in venom resistance is key to unlocking basic mechanisms by which antagonistic coevolution can sustain variation in traits under selection. For prey, the opposing challenges of predator avoidance and resource acquisition often lead to correlated levels of risk and reward, which in turn can favor suites of integrated morphological, physiological and behavioral traits. We investigate the relationship between risk-sensitive behaviors, physiological resistance to rattlesnake venom, and stress in a population of California ground squirrels. For the same individuals, we quantified foraging decisions in the presence of snake predators, fecal corticosterone metabolites (a measure of “stress”), and blood serum inhibition of venom enzymatic activity (a measure of venom resistance). Individual responses to snakes were repeatable for three measures of risk-sensitive behavior, indicating that some individuals were consistently risk-averse whereas others were risk tolerant. Venom resistance was lower in squirrels with higher glucocorticoid levels and poorer body condition. Whereas resistance failed to predict proximity to and interactions with snake predators, individuals with higher glucocorticoid levels and in lower body condition waited the longest to feed when near a snake. We compared alternative structural equation models to evaluate alternative hypotheses for the relationships among stress, venom resistance, and behavior. We found support for stress as a shared physiological correlate that independently lowers venom resistance and leads to squirrels that wait longer to feed in the presence of a snake, whereas we did not find evidence that resistance directly facilitates latency to forage. Our findings suggest that stress may help less-resistant squirrels avoid a deadly snakebite, but also reduces feeding opportunities. The combined lethal and non-lethal effects of stressors in predator–prey interactions simultaneously impact multiple key traits in this system, making environmental stress a potential contributor to geographic variation in trait expression of toxic predators and resistant prey.
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62
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Hudson SB, Lidgard AD, French SS. Glucocorticoids, energy metabolites, and immunity vary across allostatic states for plateau side‐blotched lizards (
Uta stansburiana uniformis
) residing in a heterogeneous thermal environment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:732-743. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer B. Hudson
- Department of Biology Utah State University Logan Utah USA
- Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
| | | | - Susannah S. French
- Department of Biology Utah State University Logan Utah USA
- Ecology Center Utah State University Logan Utah USA
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63
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Cates KA, Atkinson S, Pack AA, Straley JM, Gabriele CM, Yin S. Corticosterone in central North Pacific male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): Pairing sighting histories with endocrine markers to assess stress. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 296:113540. [PMID: 32585212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Developing a better understanding of the stress response is critical to ensuring the health and sustainability of marine mammal populations. However, accurately measuring and interpreting a stress response in free-ranging, large cetaceans is a nascent field. Here, an enzyme immunoassay for corticosterone was validated for use in biopsy samples from male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Analyses were conducted on 247 male North Pacific humpback whale blubber samples, including 238 non-calves and 9 calves that were collected on the Hawaiian breeding and Southeast Alaskan feeding grounds from 2004 to 2006. Significant relationships were found when corticosterone concentrations were examined by year, age class and distribution between locations. When examined by year, corticosterone concentrations for male humpback whales were higher in Hawaii in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006 (p < 0.05). Corticosterone concentration also varied by age class with initially high concentrations at birth which subsequently tapered off and remained relatively low until sexual maturity was reached around age 8-10 years. Corticosterone concentrations appeared to peak in male humpback whales around 15-25 years of age. Blubber biopsies from Alaska and Hawaii had similar mean corticosterone concentrations, yet the variability in these samples was much greater for whales located in Hawaii. It is clear that much work remains to be done in order to accurately define or monitor a stress response in male humpback whales and that specific attention is required when looking at age, sex, and yearly trends. Our results suggest that a stress response may be most impacted by age and yearly oceanographic conditions and needs to be initially examined at the individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Cates
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Fisheries Department, Juneau Center, 17101 Pt. Lena Loop Road, Juneau, Alaska 99801, USA.
| | - Shannon Atkinson
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Fisheries Department, Juneau Center, 17101 Pt. Lena Loop Road, Juneau, Alaska 99801, USA
| | - Adam A Pack
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720, USA; The Dolphin Institute, P.O. Box 6279, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720, USA
| | - Janice M Straley
- University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus, 1332 Seward Ave., Sitka, Alaska 99835, USA
| | | | - Suzanne Yin
- Hawai'i Marine Mammal Consortium, P.O. Box 6107, Kamuela, Hawai'i 96743, USA
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64
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Zimmer C, Taff CC, Ardia DR, Rose AP, Aborn DA, Johnson LS, Vitousek MN. Environmental unpredictability shapes glucocorticoid regulation across populations of tree swallows. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13682. [PMID: 32792550 PMCID: PMC7426823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to respond appropriately to challenges is an important contributor to fitness. Variation in the regulation of glucocorticoid hormones, which mediate the phenotypic response to challenges, can therefore influence the ability to persist in a given environment. We compared stress responsiveness in four populations of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) breeding under different environmental conditions to evaluate support for different selective pressures in driving the evolution of glucocorticoid regulation. In accordance with the environmental unpredictability hypothesis, stronger stress responses were seen in more unpredictable environments. Contrary to the reproductive value hypothesis, the stress response was not lower in populations engaging in more valuable reproductive attempts. Populations with stronger stress responses also had stronger negative feedback, which supports a “mitigating” rather than a “magnifying” effect of negative feedback on stress responses. These results suggest that combining a robust stress response with strong negative feedback may be important for persisting in unpredictable or rapidly changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Zimmer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Conor C Taff
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.,Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Daniel R Ardia
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, 17604, USA
| | - Alexandra P Rose
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - David A Aborn
- Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, The University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, 37403, USA
| | - L Scott Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD, 21252, USA
| | - Maren N Vitousek
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.,Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
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65
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Carrera SC, Sen S, Heistermann M, Lu A, Beehner JC. Low rank and primiparity increase fecal glucocorticoid metabolites across gestation in wild geladas. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 293:113494. [PMID: 32333913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Integrative behavioral ecology requires accurate and non-invasive measures of hormone mediators for the study of wild animal populations. Biologically sensitive assay systems for the measurement of hormones and their metabolites need to be validated for the species and sample medium (e.g. urine, feces, saliva) of interest. Where more than one assay is available for hormone (metabolite) measurement, antibody selection is useful in identifying the assay that tracks changes in an individuaĺs endocrine activity best, i.e., the most biologically sensitive assay. This is particularly important when measuring how glucocorticoids (GCs) respond to the subtle, additive effects of acute stressors during a predictable metabolic challenge, such as gestation. Here, we validate a group-specific enzyme immunoassay, measuring immunoreactive 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone, for use in a wild primate, geladas (Theropithecus gelada). This group-specific assay produced values correlated with those from a previously validated double-antibody, corticosterone 125I radioimmunoassay. However, the results with the group-specific assay showed a stronger response to an ACTH challenge and identified greater variation in gelada immunoreactive fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (iGCMs) compared with the corticosterone assay, indicating a higher biological sensitivity for assessing adrenocortical activity. We then used the group-specific assay to: (1) determine the normative pattern of iGCM levels across gelada gestation, and (2) identify the ecological, social, and individual factors that influence GC output for pregnant females. Using a general additive mixed model, we found that higher iGCM levels were associated with low rank (compared to high rank) and first time mothers (compared to multiparous mothers). This study highlights the importance of assay selection and the efficacy of group-specific assays for hormonal research in non-invasively collected samples. Additionally, in geladas, our results identify some of the factors that increase GC output over and above the already-elevated GC concentrations associated with gestation. In the burgeoning field of maternal stress, these factors can be examined to identify the effects that GC elevations may have on offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia C Carrera
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Sharmi Sen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Anthropology, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jacinta C Beehner
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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66
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Abstract
The stress phenotype is multivariate. Recent advances have broadened our understanding beyond characterizing the stress response in a single dimension. Simultaneously, the toolbox available to ecophysiologists has expanded greatly in recent years, allowing the measurement of multiple biomarkers from an individual at a single point in time. Yet these advances-in our conceptual understanding and available methodologies-have not yet been combined in a unifying multivariate statistical framework. Here, we offer a brief review of the multivariate stress phenotype and describe a general statistical approach for analysis using nonparametric multivariate analysis of variance with residual randomization in permutation procedures (RRPP) implemented using the "RRPP" package in R. We also provide an example illustrating the novel insights that can be gained from a holistic multivariate approach to stress and provide a tutorial for how we analyzed these data, including annotated R code and a guide to interpretation of outputs (Online Appendix 1). We hope that this statistical methodology will provide a quantitative framework facilitating the unification of our theoretical understanding and empirical observations into a quantitative, multivariate theory of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory S Telemeco
- Department of Biology, California State University Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740, USA
| | - Eric J Gangloff
- Department of Zoology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
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67
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Casagrande S, DeMoranville KJ, Trost L, Pierce B, Bryła A, Dzialo M, Sadowska ET, Bauchinger U, McWilliams SR. Dietary antioxidants attenuate the endocrine stress response during long-duration flight of a migratory bird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200744. [PMID: 32546088 PMCID: PMC7329026 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are metabolic hormones that promote catabolic processes, which release stored energy and support high metabolic demands such as during prolonged flights of migrating birds. Dietary antioxidants (e.g. anthocyanins) support metabolism by quenching excess reactive oxygen species produced during aerobic metabolism and also by activating specific metabolic pathways. For example, similar to GCs' function, anthocyanins promote the release of stored energy, although the extent of complementarity between GCs and dietary antioxidants is not well known. If anthocyanins complement GCs functions, birds consuming anthocyanin-rich food can be expected to limit the secretion of GCs when coping with a metabolically challenging activity, avoiding the exposure to potential hormonal detrimental effects. We tested this hypothesis in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) flying in a wind tunnel. We compared levels of corticosterone, the main avian GC, immediately after a sustained flight and at rest for birds that were fed diets with or without an anthocyanin supplement. As predicted, we found (i) higher corticosterone after flight than at rest in both diet groups and (ii) anthocyanin-supplemented birds had less elevated corticosterone after flight than unsupplemented control birds. This provides novel evidence that dietary antioxidants attenuate the activation of the HPA axis (i.e. increased secretion of corticosterone) during long-duration flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casagrande
- Evolutionary Physiology Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, D-82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Kristen J DeMoranville
- Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Lisa Trost
- Department for Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, D-82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Barbara Pierce
- Department of Biology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
| | - Amadeusz Bryła
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Dzialo
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Edyta T Sadowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ulf Bauchinger
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Scott R McWilliams
- Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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68
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Ensminger DC, Pritchard C, Langkilde T, Gingery T, Banfield JE, Walter WD. The influence of hunting pressure and ecological factors on fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in wild elk. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David C. Ensminger
- D. C. Ensminger (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5554-1638) ✉ , and C. Pritchard (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4437-6945), Dept of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State Univ., Forest Resources Building, University P
| | - Catharine Pritchard
- D. C. Ensminger (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5554-1638) ✉ , and C. Pritchard (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4437-6945), Dept of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State Univ., Forest Resources Building, University P
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- T. Gingery (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9248-1814), Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, USA
| | - Tess Gingery
- T. Gingery (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9248-1814), Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - W. David Walter
- W. D. Walter (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3068-1073), U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, USA
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69
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Vilela S, Alves da Silva A, Palme R, Ruckstuhl KE, Sousa JP, Alves J. Physiological Stress Reactions in Red Deer Induced by Hunting Activities. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1003. [PMID: 32521768 PMCID: PMC7341308 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hunting activity is usually seen as a factor capable of causing an intense stress response in wildlife that may lead to short but also long-term stress. In the Lousã Mountain, Portugal, the population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) is the target of intensive seasonal hunting. We collected and measured cortisol (and its metabolites) in three tissues types (blood, feces and hair) from red deer hunted during two hunting seasons to evaluate the stress levels at different time windows. We also assessed the immunological and physical condition of the animals. We predicted that the hunting activity would act as a stressor inducing increased short and long-term stress levels in the population. Results showed an increase in hair cortisol levels during the months of harvesting. Surprisingly, the tendency for plasma cortisol levels was to decrease during the hunting season, which could be interpreted as habituation to hunting activity, or due to the hunting duration. Contrary to our predictions, fecal cortisol metabolites did not show any clear patterns across the months. Overall, our results suggest an influence of hunting activities on the physiological stress in red deer. In addition, hair seems to be useful to measure physiological stress, although more studies are required to fully understand its suitability as an indicator of long-term stress. Methodologically, our approach highlights the importance of simultaneously using different methods to assess short and long-term effects in studies on physiological stress reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Vilela
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.V.); (A.A.d.S); (J.P.S.)
| | - António Alves da Silva
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.V.); (A.A.d.S); (J.P.S.)
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna 2210, Austria;
| | - Kathreen E. Ruckstuhl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.V.); (A.A.d.S); (J.P.S.)
| | - Joana Alves
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.V.); (A.A.d.S); (J.P.S.)
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70
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Kraus S, Krüger O, Guenther A. Zebra finches bi-directionally selected for personality differ in repeatability of corticosterone and testosterone. Horm Behav 2020; 122:104747. [PMID: 32217065 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Consistent between-individual differences in behaviour have been documented across the animal kingdom. Such variation between individuals has been shown to be the basis for selection and to act as a pacemaker for evolutionary change. Recently, equivocal evidence suggests that such consistent between-individual variation is also present in hormones. This observation has sparked interest in understanding the mechanisms shaping individual differences, temporal consistency and heritability of hormonal phenotypes and to understand, if and to what extent hormonal mechanisms are involved in mediating consistent variation in behaviour between individuals. Here, we used zebra finches of the fourth generation of bi-directionally selected lines for three independent behaviours: aggression, exploration and fearlessness. We investigated how these behaviours responded to artificial selection and tested their repeatability. We further tested for repeatability of corticosterone and testosterone across and within lines. Moreover, we are presenting the decomposed variance components for within-individual variance (i.e. flexibility) and between-individual variance (i.e. more or less pronounced differences between individuals) and investigate their contribution to repeatability estimates. Both hormones as well as the exploration and fearlessness but not aggressiveness, were repeatable. However, variance components and hence repeatability differed between lines and were often lower than in unselected control animals, mainly because of a reduction in between-individual variance. Our data show that artificial selection (including active selection and genetic drift) can affect the mean and variance of traits. We stress the importance for understanding how variable a trait is both between and within individuals to assess the selective value of a trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Kraus
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Germany.
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Germany.
| | - Anja Guenther
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
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71
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Grant AR, Baldan D, Kimball MG, Malisch JL, Ouyang JQ. Across time and space: Hormonal variation across temporal and spatial scales in relation to nesting success. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 292:113462. [PMID: 32171744 PMCID: PMC7187986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a renewed interest in investigating individual variation in hormone levels in relation to fitness metrics, as hormones act as mediators of life-history trade-offs. Hormone concentrations, however, are labile, responding to both internal and external stimuli, so the relationship between hormones and fitness can be non-consistent. One explanation of this inconsistent relationship is that a single hormone sample may not be representative of individual phenotypes in a free-living species. We addressed this issue by repeatedly sampling a free-living population of mountain white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha, for baseline and stress-induced corticosterone (cort) and testosterone (T) across different stages of the breeding season. We measured (co)variation using three different methods, taking into account inter- and intra-individual variances, to determine whether hormone levels and the stress response are repeatable. We documented the temporal (over 3 months) and spatial (home-range) variation of individual hormone phenotypes and investigated how these components related to nesting success. At the population level, we found significant repeatability in male stress-induced cort concentrations but no repeatability in male or female baseline cort or male T concentrations. Using a new metric of intra-individual variance focusing on the stress response (profile repeatability), we found a wide range of variance scores, with most individuals showing high variation in their stress response. Similarly, we found a low level of repeatability of the reaction norm intercept and slope for the stress response across different life-history stages. Males with higher concentrations of stress-induced cort had more central home-ranges. Males with higher body condition had larger home-ranges; however, home-range size did not relate to male hormone concentrations or nesting success. We also did not find any significant relationship between variation in hormone levels and nesting success. We recommend that future studies combine both physiological and environmental components to better understand the relationship between hormones and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery R Grant
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Davide Baldan
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Melanie G Kimball
- Department of Biology, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Marys City, MD, USA
| | - Jessica L Malisch
- Department of Biology, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Marys City, MD, USA
| | - Jenny Q Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
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72
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Assessment of Cortisol and DHEA Concentrations in Griffon Vulture ( Gyps fulvus) Feathers to Evaluate its Allostatic Load. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2019-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The use of a non-invasive approach to collect biological samples from natural populations represents a great means of gathering information while avoiding handling animals. Even if corticosterone is the main glucocorticoid investigated in birds, there has been observed a proportional direct link between corticosterone and cortisol concentrations. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be produced by the adrenal cortex and should have prominent antiglucocorticoid properties also in birds. The aim of this study was to verify if there is any difference in the cortisol and DHEA feather concentrations between clinically normal and physiologically compromised Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) through the non-invasive approach of collecting moulted feathers without having to pluck them from the bird. The study was carried out using 8 physiologically compromised (PC) Griffons and 9 clinically normal Griffons considered as the control (CTRL) group that were necropsied or from the wildlife rehabilitation centre. Primary and secondary covert feathers were either collected directly from the birds’ cage floors, or, in the case of dead Griffons, they were plucked off the animals. The results, obtained by RIA, revealed that both cortisol (P<0.01) and DHEA (P<0.05) feather concentrations were higher in the PC than in the CTRL group. No difference was observed by comparing the cortisol/DHEA ratio between the two evaluated groups (P=0.15). Pearson’s correlation coefficients showed no correlation between feather hormone concentrations in the PC group (r=0.01, P=0.96) while a positive correlation in the CTRL group (r=0.65, P=0.006) was observed. In conclusion, our study reveals that moulted feathers can be a non-invasive and an interesting tool to evaluate the allostatic load of wild birds and they allowed better understanding the relationship between hormones of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the physiological status of the birds.
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73
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Shimamoto T, Uchida K, Koizumi I, Matsui M, Yanagawa H. No evidence of physiological stress in an urban animal: Comparison of fecal cortisol metabolites between urban and rural Eurasian red squirrels. Ecol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Shimamoto
- Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University Tokyo Japan
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Obihiro Japan
| | - Kenta Uchida
- Graduate School of Environmental Science Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Itsuro Koizumi
- Graduate School of Environmental Science Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Motozumi Matsui
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Obihiro Japan
| | - Hisashi Yanagawa
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Obihiro Japan
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74
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Telemeco RS, Simpson DY, Tylan C, Langkilde T, Schwartz TS. Contrasting Responses of Lizards to Divergent Ecological Stressors Across Biological Levels of Organization. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 59:292-305. [PMID: 31127305 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is frequently hypothesized that animals employ a generalized "stress response," largely mediated by glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, such as corticosterone, to combat challenging environmental conditions. Under this hypothesis, diverse stressors are predicted to have concordant effects across biological levels of an organism. We tested the generalized stress response hypothesis in two complementary experiments with juvenile and adult male Eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). In both experiments, animals were exposed to diverse, ecologically-relevant, acute stressors (high temperature or red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta) and we examined their responses at three biological levels: behavioral; physiological (endocrine [plasma corticosterone and blood glucose concentrations] and innate immunity [complement and natural antibodies]); and cellular responses (gene expression of a panel of five heat-shock proteins in blood and liver) at 30 or 90 min post stress initiation. In both experiments, we observed large differences in the cellular response to the two stressors, which contrasts the similar behavioral and endocrine responses. In the adult experiment for which we had innate immune data, the stressors affected immune function independently, and they were correlated with CORT in opposing directions. Taken together, these results challenge the concept of a generalized stress response. Rather, the stress response was context specific, especially at the cellular level. Such context-specificity might explain why attempts to link GC hormones with life history and fitness have proved difficult. Our results emphasize the need for indicators at multiple biological levels and whole-organism examinations of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory S Telemeco
- Department of Biology, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Dasia Y Simpson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Catherine Tylan
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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75
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Hudson SB, Robertson MW, Wilcoxen TE. Fecal Glucocorticoid Response to Periodic Social Stress in Male Green Anoles, Anolis carolinensis. COPEIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1643/cp-19-192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer B. Hudson
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322; . Send reprint requests to this address
| | - Marianne W. Robertson
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, 1184 W Main Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522; (MWR) ; and (TEW)
| | - Travis E. Wilcoxen
- Department of Biology, Millikin University, 1184 W Main Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522; (MWR) ; and (TEW)
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76
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Morais T, Rosa C, Azevedo C, Viana-Junior A, Santos P, Passamani M. Factors affecting space use by wild boars (Sus scrofa) in high-elevation tropical forests. CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The wild boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world and is present in the high-elevation forests in Brazil. Our objective was to understand how landscape and atmospheric conditions affect space use by wild boars. We hypothesized that wild boars would be more frequent at lower elevations, warmer and wetter forested areas, and away from human disturbances. After three years of data collection (2013–2016) using 16 camera traps, 881 independent records were obtained with a mean of 4.44 ± 9.25 pigs per record. Wild boar frequency of occurrence was higher at lower elevations, in more humid and warmer areas, and farther away human disturbance factors, corroborating our initial hypothesis. Understanding space-use patterns of wild boars is necessary for the design of management strategies that target areas of more intense usage, as well as for defining more effective population-control techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- T.A. Morais
- Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Praça Frei Orlando, 170, Centro, CEP 36307-352, São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - C.A. Rosa
- Universidade Federal de Lavras, Departamento de Biologia. Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Mamíferos, Av. Central, s/n, Campus Universitário, CEP 37200-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - C.S. Azevedo
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Bauxita, CEP 35.400-000, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | | | - P. Santos
- Universidade de Évora. Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Departamento de Paisagem, Ambiente e Ordenamento, Largo dos Colegiais, 2, 7000, Évora, Portugal
| | - M. Passamani
- Universidade Federal de Lavras, Departamento de Biologia. Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Mamíferos, Av. Central, s/n, Campus Universitário, CEP 37200-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brasil
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77
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Owen DAS, Sheriff MJ, Heppner JJ, Gerke H, Ensminger DC, MacLeod KJ, Langkilde T. Maternal corticosterone increases thermal sensitivity of heart rate in lizard embryos. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20180718. [PMID: 30958207 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is well established that maternal stress hormones, such as corticosterone (CORT), can induce transgenerational phenotypic plasticity, few studies have addressed the influence of maternal CORT on pre-natal life stages. We tested the hypothesis that experimentally increased CORT levels of gravid female eastern fence lizards ( Sceloporus undulatus) would alter within-egg embryonic phenotype, particularly heart rates. We found that embryos from CORT-treated mothers had heart rates that increased faster with increasing temperature, resulting in higher heart rates at developmentally relevant temperatures but similar heart rates at maintenance relevant temperatures, compared with embryos of control mothers. Thus, maternal CORT appears to alter the physiology of pre-natal offspring. This may speed development and decrease the amount of time spent in eggs, the most vulnerable stage of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin A S Owen
- 1 Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA.,2 Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA.,3 Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA
| | - Michael J Sheriff
- 2 Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA
| | - Jennifer J Heppner
- 2 Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA
| | - Hannah Gerke
- 4 Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia , Athens, GA 30602 , USA
| | - David C Ensminger
- 2 Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA.,3 Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA
| | - Kirsty J MacLeod
- 2 Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA.,3 Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- 1 Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA.,3 Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University , University Park, PA 16802 , USA
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78
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Laberge F, Yin-Liao I, Bernier NJ. Temporal profiles of cortisol accumulation and clearance support scale cortisol content as an indicator of chronic stress in fish. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz052. [PMID: 31620290 PMCID: PMC6788491 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Laberge
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2WI
| | - Irene Yin-Liao
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2WI
| | - Nicholas J Bernier
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2WI
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79
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Hammond TT, Vo M, Burton CT, Surber LL, Lacey EA, Smith JE. Physiological and behavioral responses to anthropogenic stressors in a human-tolerant mammal. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
As humans continue to alter natural habitats, many wild animals are facing novel suites of environmental stimuli. These changes, including increased human–wildlife interactions, may exert sublethal impacts on wildlife such as alterations in stress physiology and behavior. California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) occur in human-modified as well as more pristine environments, where they face a variety of anthropogenic and naturally occurring threats. This makes this species a valuable model for examining the effects of diverse challenges on the physiology and behavior of free-living mammals. To explore potential sublethal effects of habitat modification on O. beecheyi, we compared body masses, behaviors, and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) levels for free-living squirrels in human-disturbed versus undisturbed habitats. Prior to these analyses, we validated the use of FGMs in this species by exposing captive O. beecheyi to pharmacological and handling challenges; both challenges produced significant increases in FGMs in the study animals. While FGM responses were repeatable within captive individuals, responses by free-living animals were more variable, perhaps reflecting a greater range of life-history traits and environmental conditions within natural populations of squirrels. Animals from our human-disturbed study site had significantly higher FGMs, significantly lower body masses, and were significantly less behaviorally reactive to humans than those from our more pristine study site. Thus, despite frequent exposure of California ground squirrels to human impacts, anthropogenic stressors appear to influence stress physiology and other phenotypic traits in this species. These findings suggest that even human-tolerant mammalian species may experience important sublethal consequences due to human modifications of natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talisin T Hammond
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA, USA
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Minnie Vo
- Biology Department, Mills College, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Eileen A Lacey
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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80
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Flea infestation, social contact, and stress in a gregarious rodent species: minimizing the potential parasitic costs of group-living. Parasitology 2019; 147:78-86. [PMID: 31452472 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Both parasitism and social contact are common sources of stress that many gregarious species encounter in nature. Upon encountering such stressors, individuals secrete glucocorticoids and although short-term elevation of glucocorticoids is adaptive, long-term increases are correlated with higher mortality and deleterious reproductive effects. Here, we used an experimental host-parasite system, social rodents Acomys cahirinus and their characteristic fleas Parapulex chephrenis, in a fully-crossed design to test the effects of social contact and parasitism on stress during pregnancy. By analysing faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, we found that social hierarchy did not have a significant effect on glucocorticoid concentration. Rather, solitary females had significantly higher glucocorticoid levels than females housed in pairs. We found a significant interaction between the stressors of parasitism and social contact with solitary, uninfested females having the highest faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels suggesting that both social contact and infestation mitigate allostatic load in pregnant rodents. Therefore, the increased risk of infestation that accompanies group-living could be outweighed by positive aspects of social contact within A. cahirinus colonies in nature.
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81
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Seebacher F, Krause J. Epigenetics of Social Behaviour. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:818-830. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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82
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Flores R, Penna M, Wingfield JC, Cuevas E, Vásquez RA, Quirici V. Effects of traffic noise exposure on corticosterone, glutathione and tonic immobility in chicks of a precocial bird. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz061. [PMID: 31528349 PMCID: PMC6735857 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to traffic noise may be perceived as a succession of stressors, and therefore, noisy urban environments could lead to a state of chronic stress. In developing animals, glucocorticoids can have organizational effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in addition to the classic activation effects, so evaluating the effect of traffic noise during development is urgently needed. To our knowledge, to date six studies have investigated the effects of traffic noise on baseline corticosterone (CORT) and/or the stress response in birds during development; however, these studies were performed in nestling (altricial species), where confounding factors (e.g. communication between nestlings and parents) could mask the real impact of traffic noise on stress. In this study, we evaluated the effect of traffic noise (traffic noise group vs. rural noise group) on baseline levels of CORT and stress responses in chicks of a precocial bird species, the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Because CORT can also decrease glutathione (GSH) levels (antioxidant and neurotransmitter/modulator), secondly by means of path analysis we investigated whether the strength of the association between CORT levels, GSH levels and tonic immobility (TI) varied in relation to treatment. We observed (i) similar baseline levels of CORT in both groups, (ii) a trend toward higher stress response in the traffic noise group (P = 0.08), (iii) similar TI duration in both groups, (iv) higher GSH levels in the traffic noise group and (v) differences in the strength and sign of the associations in relation to the treatment (traffic vs. rural). We conclude that the acoustic environment perceived during development has implications for physiology and behaviour; as more research is done on this topic, the need for sustainable urban planning will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Flores
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Av. Ejército Libertador, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Penna
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Av. Independencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Elfego Cuevas
- Doctorado en Medicina de la Conservación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Vásquez
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad and Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Quirici
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación para la Sustentabilidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República, Santiago, Chile
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83
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Santicchia F, Wauters LA, Dantzer B, Westrick SE, Ferrari N, Romeo C, Palme R, Preatoni DG, Martinoli A. Relationships between personality traits and the physiological stress response in a wild mammal. Curr Zool 2019; 66:197-204. [PMID: 32440278 PMCID: PMC7233610 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in the regulation of an animal's energetic state. Under stressful situations, they are part of the neuroendocrine response to cope with environmental challenges. Animals react to aversive stimuli also through behavioral responses, defined as coping styles. Both in captive and wild populations, individuals differ in their behavior along a proactive-reactive continuum. Proactive animals exhibit a bold, active-explorative and social personality, whereas reactive ones are shy, less active-explorative and less social. Here, we test the hypothesis that personality traits and physiological responses to stressors covary, with more proactive individuals having a less pronounced GC stress response. In wild populations of invasive gray squirrels Sciurus carolinensis, we measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), an integrated measure of circulating GCs, and 3 personality traits (activity, sociability, and exploration) derived from open field test (OFT) and mirror image stimulation (MIS) test. Gray squirrels had higher FGMs in Autumn than in Winter and males with scrotal testes had higher FGMs than nonbreeding males. Personality varied with body mass and population density. Squirrels expressed more activity-exploration at higher than at lower density and heavier squirrels had higher scores for activity-exploration than animals that weighed less. Variation in FGM concentrations was not correlated with the expression of the 3 personality traits. Hence, our results do not support a strong association between the behavioral and physiological stress responses but show that in wild populations, where animals experience varying environmental conditions, the GC endocrine response and the expression of personality are uncorrelated traits among individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Santicchia
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Lucas A Wauters
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.,Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarah E Westrick
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Coordinata Epidemiologia e Sorveglianza Molecolare delle Infezioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Romeo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Damiano G Preatoni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Adriano Martinoli
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
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84
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Azevedo A, Bailey L, Bandeira V, Dehnhard M, Fonseca C, de Sousa L, Jewgenow K. Age, sex and storage time influence hair cortisol levels in a wild mammal population. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221124. [PMID: 31398221 PMCID: PMC6688795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The measurement of hair cortisol is increasingly used to understand the effect of natural and anthropogenic stressors on wild animals, but it is potentially confounded by individual, seasonal and sex-dependant variations in baseline cortisol secretion. This study validated an enzyme-linked immunoassay for hair cortisol measurement and characterized its baseline variation in a wild population of Egyptian mongoose. The analysis encompassed individuals of both sexes and all ages, across a range of geographic, environmental and seasonal conditions that the species experiences in Portugal allowing us to account for spatial, temporal and biological factors that contribute to hair cortisol variation. Our results showed that age, sex and storage time had an effect on hair cortisol, but season did not. Hair cortisol was higher in early stage juveniles compared to other age cohorts, in males when compared to females, and decreased with longer storage time. By identifying the factors that influence baseline hair cortisol in this wild population, we establish the basis for its application as an indicator of the effect of natural and anthropogenic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Azevedo
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Liam Bailey
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Bandeira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Martin Dehnhard
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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85
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Vitousek MN, Johnson MA, Downs CJ, Miller ET, Martin LB, Francis CD, Donald JW, Fuxjager MJ, Goymann W, Hau M, Husak JF, Kircher BK, Knapp R, Schoenle LA, Williams TD. Macroevolutionary Patterning in Glucocorticoids Suggests Different Selective Pressures Shape Baseline and Stress-Induced Levels. Am Nat 2019; 193:866-880. [DOI: 10.1086/703112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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86
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Wilson V, Guenther A, Øverli Ø, Seltmann MW, Altschul D. Future Directions for Personality Research: Contributing New Insights to the Understanding of Animal Behavior. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E240. [PMID: 31096599 PMCID: PMC6562689 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of the European Conference on Behavioral Biology 2018, we organized a symposium entitled, "Animal personality: providing new insights into behavior?" The aims of this symposium were to address current research in the personality field, spanning both behavioral ecology and psychology, to highlight the future directions for this research, and to consider whether differential approaches to studying behavior contribute something new to the understanding of animal behavior. In this paper, we discuss the study of endocrinology and ontogeny in understanding how behavioral variation is generated and maintained, despite selection pressures assumed to reduce this variation. We consider the potential mechanisms that could link certain traits to fitness outcomes through longevity and cognition. We also address the role of individual differences in stress coping, mortality, and health risk, and how the study of these relationships could be applied to improve animal welfare. From the insights provided by these topics, we assert that studying individual differences through the lens of personality has provided new directions in behavioral research, and we encourage further research in these directions, across this interdisciplinary field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Wilson
- Cognitive Ethology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göettingen, Germany.
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University, 37077 Göettingen, Germany.
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Anja Guenther
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany.
| | - Øyvind Øverli
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-0508 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Drew Altschul
- Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.
- Center for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.
- Scottish Primate Research Group.
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87
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Trakimas G, Krams R, Krama T, Kortet R, Haque S, Luoto S, Eichler Inwood S, Butler DM, Jõers P, Hawlena D, Rantala MJ, Elferts D, Contreras-Garduño J, Krams I. Ecological Stoichiometry: A Link Between Developmental Speed and Physiological Stress in an Omnivorous Insect. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:42. [PMID: 30906256 PMCID: PMC6419478 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The elemental composition of organisms belongs to a suite of functional traits that may adaptively respond to fluctuating selection pressures. Life history theory predicts that predation risk and resource limitations impose selection pressures on organisms’ developmental time and are further associated with variability in energetic and behavioral traits. Individual differences in developmental speed, behaviors and physiology have been explained using the pace-of-life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis. However, how an organism’s developmental speed is linked with elemental body composition, metabolism and behavior is not well understood. We compared elemental body composition, latency to resume activity and resting metabolic rate (RMR) of western stutter-trilling crickets (Gryllus integer) in three selection lines that differ in developmental speed. We found that slowly developing crickets had significantly higher body carbon, lower body nitrogen and higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio than rapidly developing crickets. Slowly developing crickets had significantly higher RMR than rapidly developing crickets. Male crickets had higher RMR than females. Slowly developing crickets resumed activity faster in an unfamiliar relative to a familiar environment. The rapidly developing crickets did the opposite. The results highlight the tight association between life history, physiology and behavior. This study indicates that traditional methods used in POLS research should be complemented by those used in ecological stoichiometry, resulting in a synthetic approach that potentially advances the whole field of behavioral and physiological ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Trakimas
- Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Ronalds Krams
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia.,Department of Plant Protection, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tatjana Krama
- Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia.,Department of Plant Protection, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Raine Kortet
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Shahi Haque
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Severi Luoto
- English, Drama and Writing Studies, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Eichler Inwood
- The Bredesen Center, Energy Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - David M Butler
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Priit Jõers
- Department of General and Microbial Biochemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Dror Hawlena
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, the Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology and Turku Brain and Mind Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Didzis Elferts
- Department of Botany and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Ecuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Indrikis Krams
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States.,Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
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88
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Fabrício-Neto A, Madelaire CB, Gomes FR, Andrade DV. Exposure to fluctuating temperatures leads to reduced immunity and to stress response in rattlesnakes. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.208645. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.208645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Ectothermic organisms often experience considerable variation in their body temperature throughout the circadian cycle. However, studies focusing on the measurement of physiological traits are usually performed under constant temperature regimes. This mismatch between thermal exposure in the field and experimental conditions could act as a stressor agent, since physiological functions are strongly influenced by temperature. Herein, we asked the question whether constant thermal regimes would cause a stress response and impact the immunity of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) when compared to a fluctuating thermal regime. We addressed this question by determining heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L), plasma bacteria killing ability (BKA) and corticosterone levels (CORT) in snakes kept under a constant temperature regime at 30°C, and under a fluctuating regime that oscillated between 25°C at nighttime to 35°C at daytime. The experiments had a mirrored design, in which half of the snakes were subjected to a fluctuating-to-constant treatment, while the other half was exposed to a constant-to-fluctuating treatment. The shift from constant to fluctuating thermal regime was accompanied by an increase in plasma CORT levels indicating the activation of a stress response. Exposure to a fluctuating thermal regime at the onset of the experiments induced a decrease in the BKA of rattlesnakes. H:L was not affected by treatments and, therefore, the shift between thermal regimes seems to have acted as a low intensity stressor. Our results suggest that the removal from temperatures close to the snakés preferred body temperature triggers a stress response in rattlesnakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailton Fabrício-Neto
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla B. Madelaire
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando R. Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis V. Andrade
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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89
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Batabyal A, Thaker M. Social coping styles of lizards are reactive and not proactive in urban areas. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 270:67-74. [PMID: 30336119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Animals engage in social interactions with changes in their behaviour and physiology. Environmental challenges, however, can influence social interactions by adding additional stressors. Here, we investigated the effects of urbanisation on the behaviour and hormonal responses of a tropical lizard species, Psammophilus dorsalis, during social interactions. We recorded behaviour of males from suburban and rural areas during controlled encounters with other males and females. We then measured corticosterone and testosterone levels of individuals at 10 min intervals, from immediately after the social encounter to 30 min later and then at 120 min after the interaction period. We found that differences in social behaviours and subsequent hormone levels were largely driven by habitat, and not social context. Overall, we found that fewer suburban males showed behavioural displays compared to rural males during social encounters. For those that displayed, intensity of aggression was similar across populations, but courtship intensity was lower for suburban males compared to rural males. Suburban males also had significantly elevated levels of corticosterone both under control conditions (no social encounter) and following intra- and intersexual interactions, while rural males retained low levels of corticosterone across contexts. Social interactions were associated with an increase in testosterone levels in all males, but only rural males maintained elevated levels for up to 120 min after interactions with females. Thus, lizards from these suburban and rural populations showed key differences in responsiveness to and recovery from social challenges, a pattern that suggests alternative coping styles ('proactive' vs. 'reactive'). These differences in social coping styles could influence consequences of sexual selection in an urbanised world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Batabyal
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Maria Thaker
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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90
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Tóth Z, Ouyang JQ, Lendvai ÁZ. Exploring the mechanistic link between corticosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 in a wild passerine bird. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5936. [PMID: 30581657 PMCID: PMC6296332 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physiological regulators of life history trade-offs need to be responsive to sudden changes of resource availability. When homeostasis is challenged by unpredictable stressors, vertebrates respond through a set of physiological reactions, which can promote organismal survival. Glucocorticoids have been traditionally recognized as one of the main regulators of the physiological stress response, but the role of an evolutionarily more conserved pathway, the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic (HPS) axis producing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has received much less attention. Although IGF-1 is known to affect several life history traits, little is known about its role in the physiological stress response and it has never been studied directly in adult wild animals. Methods In this study, we combined field observations with a controlled experiment to investigate how circulating levels of IGF-1 change in response to stress and whether this change is due to concomitant change in glucocorticoids in a free-living songbird, the bearded reedling Panurus biarmicus. We used a standard capture-restraint protocol in field observation, in which we took first and second (stress induced: 15 minutes later) samples. In a follow-up experiment, we used a minimally invasive oral corticosterone manipulation. Results We showed that corticosterone levels significantly increased while IGF-1 levels significantly decreased during capture and handling stress. However, change in corticosterone levels were not related to change in IGF-1 levels. We found that experimentally elevated corticosterone levels did not affect IGF-1 levels. Discussion Our results are the first to highlight that circulating IGF-1 levels are responsive to stress independently from glucocorticoids and suggest that the HPS axis is an autonomous physiological pathway that may play an important role as regulator of life-history decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Tóth
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jenny Q Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Ádám Z Lendvai
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Geology, University of Babeş-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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91
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Jessop TS, Webb J, Dempster T, Feit B, Letnic M. Interactions between corticosterone phenotype, environmental stressor pervasiveness and irruptive movement-related survival in the cane toad. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb.187930. [PMID: 30352824 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.187930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animals use irruptive movement to avoid exposure to stochastic and pervasive environmental stressors that impact fitness. Beneficial irruptive movements transfer individuals from high-stress areas (conferring low fitness) to alternative localities that may improve survival or reproduction. However, being stochastic, environmental stressors can limit an animal's preparatory capacity to enhance irruptive movement performance. Thus individuals must rely on pre-existing, or rapidly induced, physiological and behavioural responses. Rapid elevation of glucocorticoid hormones in response to environmental stressors are widely implicated in adjusting physiological and behaviour processes that could influence irruptive movement capacity. However, there remains little direct evidence demonstrating that corticosterone-regulated movement performance or interaction with pervasiveness of environmental stress, confers adaptive movement outcomes. Here, we compared how movement-related survival of cane toads (Rhinella marina) varied with three different experimental corticosterone phenotypes across four increments of increasing environmental stressor pervasiveness (i.e. distance from water in a semi-arid landscape). Our results indicated that toads with phenotypically increased corticosterone levels attained higher movement-related survival compared with individuals with control or lowered corticosterone phenotypes. However, the effects of corticosterone phenotypes on movement-related survival to some extent co-varied with stressor pervasiveness. Thus, our study demonstrates how the interplay between an individual's corticosterone phenotype and movement capacity alongside the arising costs of movement and the pervasiveness of the environmental stressor can affect survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S Jessop
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Jonathan Webb
- School of the Environment, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Tim Dempster
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Benjamin Feit
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
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92
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de Bruijn R, Romero LM. The role of glucocorticoids in the vertebrate response to weather. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 269:11-32. [PMID: 30012539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the environment related to inclement weather can threaten survival and reproductive success both through direct adverse exposure and indirectly by decreasing food availability. Glucocorticoids, released during activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as part of the stress response, are an important candidate for linking vertebrate coping mechanisms to weather. This review attempts to determine if there is a consensus response of glucocorticoids to exposure to weather-related stimuli, including food availability, precipitation, temperature and barometric pressure. The included studies cover field and laboratory studies for all vertebrate taxa, and are separated into four exposure periods, e.g., hours, days, weeks and months. Each reported result was assigned a score based on the glucocorticoid response, e.g., increased, no change, or decreased. Short-term exposure to weather-related stimuli, of up to 24 h, is generally associated with increased glucocorticoids (79% of studies), suggesting that these stimuli are perceived as stressors by most animals. In contrast, the pattern for exposures longer than 24 h shows more variation, even though a majority of studies still report an increase (64%). Lack of glucocorticoid increases appeared to result from instances where: (1) prolonged exposure was a predictable part of the life history of an animal; (2) environmental context was important for the ultimate effect of a stimulus (e.g., precipitation limited food availability in one environment, but increased food in another); (3) prolonged exposure induced chronic stress; and (4) long-term responses appeared to reflect adaptations to seasonal shifts, instead of to short-term weather. However, there is a strong bias towards studies in domesticated laboratory species and wild animals held in captivity, indicating a need for field studies, especially in reptiles and amphibians. In conclusion, the accumulated literature supports the hypothesis that glucocorticoids can serve as the physiological mechanism promoting fitness during inclement weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert de Bruijn
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | - L Michael Romero
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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93
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Monclús L, Ballesteros-Cano R, De La Puente J, Lacorte S, Lopez-Bejar M. Influence of persistent organic pollutants on the endocrine stress response in free-living and captive red kites (Milvus milvus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:329-337. [PMID: 29990940 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have the potential to impair the endocrine regulation of organisms and alter their ability to respond to environmental changes. We studied whether polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) affected the endocrine regulation of free-living and captive red kites (Milvus milvus) through studying the dynamics of corticosterone (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). We sampled migratory free-living kites coming from northern Europe and captive kites born in a rehabilitation center in Spain. We used body feathers from the interscapular region as a minimally-invasive and integrative matrix. The most abundant compound detected in free-living kites was 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE; 6.10 ± 1.56 ng g-1 dw feather) followed by CB-153 (3.10 ± 0.63 ng g-1 dw feather) and CB-180 (2.43 ± 1.08 ng g-1 dw feather). In captive kites, the most abundant compounds were 4,4'-dichlorodyphenyltrichloroethane (4,4'-DDT; 2.38 ± 1.30 ng g-1 dw feather), CB-153 (2.15 ± 0.47 ng g-1 dw feather) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB; 2.03 ± 0.45 ng g-1 dw feather) at similar concentrations. Free-living kites showed higher levels of 4,4'-DDE and CB-180 in comparison to captive kites. Age influenced HCB and CB-101 levels, whereas body mass was inversely related to CB-180 and 4,4'-DDT. Interestingly, captive kites showed a ratio DDT/DDE higher than 1 suggesting a relatively recent exposure of DDT, in contrast to free-living kites. Regarding hormonal levels, free-living kites showed higher levels of CORT (3.30 ± 0.22 pg mm-1 feather) than captive (2.40 ± 0.16 pg mm-1 feather), reflecting higher allostatic load. In addition, a positive association between PCBs and DDTs and adrenal hormones was found in free-living kites, suggesting an increase of CORT as a response of the endocrine system to cope with stressors and a subsequent elevation of DHEA to ameliorate the potential negative effects that high CORT levels could cause to the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monclús
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Rubèn Ballesteros-Cano
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier De La Puente
- SEO-Montícola Ornithological Group, Unidad de Zoología, Edificio de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Manel Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
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94
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Torres-Medina F, Cabezas S, Marchant TA, Wikelski M, Romero LM, Hau M, Carrete M, Tella JL, Blas J. Corticosterone implants produce stress-hyporesponsive birds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.173864. [PMID: 30111557 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.173864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In birds, the use of corticosterone (Cort) implants is a frequent tool aimed at simulating systemic elevations of this hormone and studying effects on biological traits (e.g. physiology, morphology, behavior). This manipulation may alter adrenocortical function, potentially changing both baseline (CortBAS) and stress-induced (CortSTRESS) plasma Cort levels. However, implant effects on the latter trait are rarely measured, disregarding downstream consequences of potentially altered stress responses. Here, we analyzed the effects of Cort implants on both CortBAS and CortSTRESS in nestling and adult European white storks, Ciconia ciconia In addition, we performed a review of 50 studies using Cort implants in birds during the last two decades to contextualize stork results, assess researchers' patterns of use and infer current study biases. High and low doses of Cort implants resulted in a decrease of both CortBAS (31-71% below controls) and CortSTRESS (63-79% below controls) in storks. Our literature review revealed that CortBAS generally increases (72% of experiments) whereas CortSTRESS decreases (78% of experiments) following implant treatment in birds. Our results challenge and expand the prevailing assumption that Cort implants increase circulating CortBAS levels because: (i) CortBAS levels show a quadratic association with implant dose across bird species, and decreased levels may occur at both high and low implant doses, and (ii) Cort implants also decrease CortSTRESS levels, thus producing stress-hyporesponsive phenotypes. It is time to work towards a better understanding of the effects of Cort implants on adrenocortical function, before addressing downstream links to variation in other biological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Torres-Medina
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Seville, Spain .,Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E2
| | - Sonia Cabezas
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Seville, Spain.,Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E2
| | - Tracy A Marchant
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E2
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany.,Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Michaela Hau
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany.,Evolutionary Physiology Group. Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Str., 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Martina Carrete
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - José L Tella
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Julio Blas
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Seville, Spain .,Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E2
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95
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Ramos R, Llabrés V, Monclús L, López-Béjar M, González-Solís J. Costs of breeding are rapidly buffered and do not affect migratory behavior in a long-lived bird species. Ecology 2018; 99:2010-2024. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raül Ramos
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences (BEECA); Faculty of Biology; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio); Universitat de Barcelona; Av Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Victoria Llabrés
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences (BEECA); Faculty of Biology; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio); Universitat de Barcelona; Av Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Laura Monclús
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy; Veterinary Faculty; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; 08193 Bellaterra Spain
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy; Veterinary Faculty; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; 08193 Bellaterra Spain
| | - Jacob González-Solís
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences (BEECA); Faculty of Biology; Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio); Universitat de Barcelona; Av Diagonal 643 08028 Barcelona Spain
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96
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Wingfield JC. Environmental Endocrinology: Insights into the Diversity of Regulatory Mechanisms in Life Cycles. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 58:790-799. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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97
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San-Jose LM, Roulin A. Toward Understanding the Repeated Occurrence of Associations between Melanin-Based Coloration and Multiple Phenotypes. Am Nat 2018; 192:111-130. [PMID: 30016163 DOI: 10.1086/698010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is the most widespread pigment in organisms. Melanin-based coloration has been repeatedly observed to be associated with the same traits and in the same direction in different vertebrate and insect species. However, whether any factors that are common to different taxa account for the repeated evolution of melanin-phenotype associations remains unclear. We propose to approach this question from the perspective of convergent and parallel evolution to clarify to what extent different species have evolved the same associations owing to a shared genetic basis and being subjected to similar selective pressures. Our current understanding of the genetic basis of melanin-phenotype associations allows for both convergent and parallel evolution, but this understanding is still limited. Further research is needed to clarify the generality and interdependencies of the different proposed mechanisms (supergenes, pleiotropy based on hormones, or neural crest cells). The general ecological scenarios whereby melanin-based coloration is under selection-protection from ultraviolet radiation, thermoregulation in cold environments, or as a signal of social status-offer a good opportunity to study how melanin-phenotype associations evolve. Reviewing these scenarios shows that some traits associated with melanin-based coloration might be selected together with coloration by also favoring adaptation but that other associated traits might impede adaptation, which may be indicative of genetic constraints. We therefore encourage further research on the relative roles that selection and genetic constraints play in shaping multiple melanin-phenotype associations. Placed into a phylogenetic context, this will help clarify to what extent these associations result from convergent or parallel evolutionary processes and why melanin-phenotype associations are so common across the tree of life.
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98
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Jessop TS, Lane M, Wilson RS, Narayan EJ. Testing for Short- and Long-Term Thermal Plasticity in Corticosterone Responses of an Ectothermic Vertebrate. Physiol Biochem Zool 2018; 91:967-975. [PMID: 29863953 DOI: 10.1086/698664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity, broadly defined as the capacity of one genotype to produce more than one phenotype, is a key mechanism for how animals adapt to environmental (including thermal) variation. Vertebrate glucocorticoid hormones exert broad-scale regulation of physiological, behavioral, and morphological traits that influence fitness under many life-history or environmental contexts. Yet the capacity for vertebrates to demonstrate different types of thermal plasticity, including rapid compensation or longer acclimation in glucocorticoid hormone function, when subject to different environmental temperature regimes remains poorly addressed. Here, we explore whether patterns of urinary corticosterone metabolites respond (i.e., evidence of acclimation) to repeated short-term and sustained long-term temperature exposures in an amphibian, the cane toad (Rhinella marina). In response to three repeated short (30-min) high-temperature (37°C) exposures (at 10-d intervals), toads produced urinary corticosterone metabolite responses of sequentially greater magnitude, relative to controls. However, toads subjected to 4 wk of acclimation to either cool (18°C)- or warm (30°C)-temperature environments did not differ significantly in their urinary corticosterone metabolite responses during exposure to a thermal ramp (18°-36°C). Together, these results indicate that adult toads had different, including limited, capacities for their glucocorticoid responses to demonstrate plasticity to different regimes of environmental temperature variation. We advocate further research as necessary to identify plasticity, or lack thereof, in glucocorticoid physiology, to better understand how vertebrates can regulate organismal responses to environmental variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S Jessop
- 1 Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Meagan Lane
- 2 School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- 3 School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Edward J Narayan
- 4 School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury campus, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
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99
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Guindre-Parker S. The Evolutionary Endocrinology of Circulating Glucocorticoids in Free-Living Vertebrates: Recent Advances and Future Directions across Scales of Study. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 58:814-825. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Guindre-Parker
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Summerlee Science Complex, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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100
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Phelps KL, Kingston T. Environmental and biological context modulates the physiological stress response of bats to human disturbance. Oecologia 2018; 188:41-52. [PMID: 29858693 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and biological context play significant roles in modulating physiological stress responses of individuals in wildlife populations yet are often overlooked when evaluating consequences of human disturbance on individual health and fitness. Furthermore, most studies gauge individual stress responses based on a single physiological biomarker, typically circulating glucocorticoid concentrations, which limits interpretation of the complex, multifaceted responses of individuals to stressors. We selected four physiological biomarkers to capture short-term and prolonged stress responses in a widespread cave-roosting bat, Hipposideros diadema, across multiple gradients of human disturbance in and around caves in the Philippines. We used conditional inference trees and random forest analysis to determine the role of environmental quality (cave complexity, available roosting area), assemblage composition (intra- and interspecific associations and species richness), and intrinsic characteristics of individuals (sex and reproductive status) in modulating responses to disturbance. Direct cave disturbance (hunting pressure and human visitation) was the primary driver of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, with lower ratios associated with increased disturbance, while context-specific factors were more important in explaining total leukocyte count, body condition, and ectoparasite load. Moreover, conditional inference trees revealed complex interactions among human disturbance and modulating factors. Cave complexity often ameliorated individual responses to human disturbance, whereas conspecific abundance often compounded responses. Our study demonstrates the importance of an integrated approach that incorporates environmental and biological context when identifying drivers of physiological responses, and that assesses responses to gradients of direct and indirect disturbance using multiple complementary biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Phelps
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA. .,Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit, Lubbock, USA. .,EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY, 10001, USA.
| | - Tigga Kingston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA.,Southeast Asian Bat Conservation Research Unit, Lubbock, USA
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