1
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Collar DC, Hobbs TJ, Thompson JS. Scaling of fast-start performance and its thermal dependence in mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:611-623. [PMID: 37942892 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Fast-start predator-escape performance and its sensitivity to temperature (24, 30, and 36°C) were evaluated in mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus across a range of body sizes spanning YOY to adult (35-68 mm standard length). Mummichogs exhibit isometry of body dimensions and areas of the dorsal and anal fins but negative allometry of the caudal fin area. These scaling relationships are consistent with observed decreases in fast-start angular velocities with increasing body size. Linear velocity, on the contrary, does not vary with size, and both large and small mummichogs are capable of traversing similar distances in a given amount of time. In addition, temperature influences fast-start performance in similar ways over the size range, though the magnitude of the effect varies with size for some performance measures. In general, fast-start performance increases with test temperature, but mummichogs acclimated to warmer temperatures exhibit lower performance at each test temperature. Altogether, our results suggest that mummichogs across the adult size range may suffer decreases in their predator-escape performance as increasing sea temperatures combine with short-term temperature fluctuations in the estuaries these fish occupy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Collar
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Trevor J Hobbs
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Jessica S Thompson
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
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2
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Lu A, Fukutomi M, Shidara H, Ogawa H. Persistence of auditory modulation of wind-induced escape behavior in crickets. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1153913. [PMID: 37250114 PMCID: PMC10214467 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1153913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals, including insects, change their innate escape behavior triggered by a specific threat stimulus depending on the environmental context to survive adaptively the predators' attack. This indicates that additional inputs from sensory organs of different modalities indicating surrounding conditions could affect the neuronal circuit responsible for the escape behavior. Field crickets, Gryllus bimaculatus, exhibit an oriented running or jumping escape in response to short air puff detected by the abdominal mechanosensory organ called cerci. Crickets also receive a high-frequency acoustic stimulus by their tympanal organs on their frontal legs, which suggests approaching bats as a predator. We have reported that the crickets modulate their wind-elicited escape running in the moving direction when they are exposed to an acoustic stimulus preceded by the air puff. However, it remains unclear how long the effects of auditory inputs indicating surrounding contexts last after the sound is terminated. In this study, we applied a short pulse (200 ms) of 15-kHz pure tone to the crickets in various intervals before the air-puff stimulus. The sound given 200 or 1000 ms before the air puff biased the wind-elicited escape running backward, like the previous studies using the longer and overlapped sound. But the sounds that started 2000 ms before and simultaneously with the air puff had little effect. In addition, the jumping probability was higher only when the delay of air puff to the sound was 1000 ms. These results suggest that the cricket could retain the auditory memory for at least one second and alter the motion choice and direction of the wind-elicited escape behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhua Lu
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Matasaburo Fukutomi
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Hisashi Shidara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ogawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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3
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Trujillo JE, Bouyoucos I, Rayment WJ, Domenici P, Planes S, Rummer JL, Allan BJM. Escape response kinematics in two species of tropical shark: short escape latencies and high turning performance. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276912. [PMID: 36168768 PMCID: PMC9845744 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Accelerative manoeuvres, such as fast-starts, are crucial for fish to avoid predation. Escape responses are fast-starts that include fundamental survival traits for prey that experience high predation pressure. However, no previous study has assessed escape performance in neonate tropical sharks. We quantitatively evaluated vulnerability traits of neonate tropical sharks by testing predictions on their fast-start escape performance. We predicted (1) high manoeuvrability, given their high flexibility, but (2) low propulsive locomotion owing to the drag costs associated with pectoral fin extension during escape responses. Further, based on previous work on dogfish, Squalus suckleyi, we predicted (3) long reaction times (as latencies longer than teleosts, >20 ms). We used two-dimensional, high-speed videography analysis of mechano-acoustically stimulated neonate blacktip reef shark, Carcharhinus melanopterus (n=12), and sicklefin lemon shark, Negaprion acutidens (n=8). Both species performed a characteristic C-start double-bend response (i.e. two body bends), but single-bend responses were only observed in N. acutidens. As predicted, neonate sharks showed high manoeuvrability with high turning rates and tight turning radii (3-11% of body length) but low propulsive performance (i.e. speed, acceleration and velocity) when compared with similar-sized teleosts and S. suckleyi. Contrary to expectations, escape latencies were <20 ms in both species, suggesting that the neurophysiological system of sharks when reacting to a predatory attack may not be limited to long response times. These results provide a quantitative assessment of survival traits in neonate tropical sharks that will be crucial for future studies that consider the vulnerability of these sharks to predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José E. Trujillo
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand,Author for correspondence ()
| | - Ian Bouyoucos
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4814, Australia,PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66100 Perpignan, France,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R2T 2N2, Canada
| | - William J. Rayment
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Paolo Domenici
- CNR-IAS, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy,CNR-IBF, Area di Ricerca San Cataldo, Via G. Moruzzi N°1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66100 Perpignan, France,Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai 98729, French Polynesia
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4814, Australia,Marine Biology, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4814, Australia
| | - Bridie J. M. Allan
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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4
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Mensch EL, Dissanayake AA, Nair MG, Wagner CM. The effect of putrescine on space use and activity in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Sci Rep 2022; 12:17400. [PMID: 36253421 PMCID: PMC9576135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish use odor to avoid exposure to predation and disease. Harnessing these odors as repellents is proving useful for management initiatives that conserve native species or control invasive populations. Here, we evaluated the behavioral response of invasive sea lamprey to putrescine, a decay molecule that many prey organisms avoid. Putrescine is found in tissue extracts that contain sea lamprey alarm cue, and human saliva, two mixtures known to elicit flight and avoidance responses in migratory sea lamprey. We used two behavioral assays to evaluate metrics of repellency: behavioral preference (space use) and change in activity rates and found context-dependent results. In smaller assays with individual fish, we found that putrescine had no effect on sea lamprey activity but did induce avoidance. In larger assays with multiple animals, sea lamprey did not avoid putrescine. Our results also showed consistent changes in activity and avoidance behavior in sea lamprey exposed to alarm cue in the smaller assay, concluding that this design could prove useful as a high-throughput screening tool. We also investigated a novel odor identified in sea lamprey skin, petromyzonacil, and found no behavioral effects to this odor on its own or in synergy with putrescine. Our results show limited evidence that putrescine acts as robust repellent for sea lamprey and highlight the importance of environmental context when interpreting avoidance behavior in laboratory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Mensch
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Amila A. Dissanayake
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Muraleedharan G. Nair
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - C. Michael Wagner
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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5
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Lagarde R, Ponton D. Predation pressure in amphidromous gobies: how their morphology is selected by predator species. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Lagarde
- Environnements Méditerranéens, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Université de Perpignan Via Domitia – CNRS Perpignan France
| | - D. Ponton
- ENTROPIE, IRD‐Université de La Réunion‐CNRS‐Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie‐IFREMER, c/o, Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IH.SM) Université de Toliara Toliara Madagascar
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6
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Guitard J, Chrétien E, Bonville JD, Roche DG, Boisclair D, Binning SA. Increased parasite load is associated with reduced metabolic rates and escape responsiveness in pumpkinseed sunfish. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276167. [PMID: 35818812 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Wild animals have parasites that can compromise their physiological and/or behavioural performance. Yet, the extent to which parasite load is related to intraspecific variation in performance traits within wild populations remains relatively unexplored. We used pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) and their endoparasites as a model system to explore the effects of infection load on host aerobic metabolism and escape performance. Metabolic traits (standard and maximum metabolic rates, aerobic scope) and fast-start escape responses following a simulated aerial attack by a predator (responsiveness, response latency, and escape distance) were measured in fish from across a gradient of visible (i.e. trematodes causing black spot disease counted on fish surfaces) and non-visible (i.e. cestodes in fish abdominal cavity counted post-mortem) endoparasite infection. We found that a higher infection load of non-visible endoparasites was related to lower standard and maximum metabolic rates, but not aerobic scope in fish. Non-visible endoparasite infection load was also related to decreased responsiveness of the host to a simulated aerial attack. Visible endoparasites were not related to changes in metabolic traits nor fast-start escape responses. Our results suggest that infection with parasites that are inconspicuous to researchers can result in intraspecific variation in physiological and behavioral performance in wild populations, highlighting the need to more explicitly acknowledge and account for the role played by natural infections in studies of wild animal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle Guitard
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie et en environnement aquatique (GRIL), Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Av. Thérèse- Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, H2V 0B3, Canada.,Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER), Université de Québec à Rimouski, 310 avenue des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 2Z9, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Chrétien
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie et en environnement aquatique (GRIL), Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Av. Thérèse- Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, H2V 0B3, Canada.,Centre eau, terre et environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Québec, Québec, G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Jérémy De Bonville
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie et en environnement aquatique (GRIL), Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Av. Thérèse- Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Dominique G Roche
- Institut de biologie, Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.,Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Boisclair
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie et en environnement aquatique (GRIL), Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Av. Thérèse- Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - Sandra A Binning
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie et en environnement aquatique (GRIL), Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Av. Thérèse- Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, H2V 0B3, Canada
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7
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Schwark RW, Fuxjager MJ, Schmidt MF. Proposing a neural framework for the evolution of elaborate courtship displays. eLife 2022; 11:e74860. [PMID: 35639093 PMCID: PMC9154748 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In many vertebrates, courtship occurs through the performance of elaborate behavioral displays that are as spectacular as they are complex. The question of how sexual selection acts upon these animals' neuromuscular systems to transform a repertoire of pre-existing movements into such remarkable (if not unusual) display routines has received relatively little research attention. This is a surprising gap in knowledge, given that unraveling this extraordinary process is central to understanding the evolution of behavioral diversity and its neural control. In many vertebrates, courtship displays often push the limits of neuromuscular performance, and often in a ritualized manner. These displays can range from songs that require rapid switching between two independently controlled 'voice boxes' to precisely choreographed acrobatics. Here, we propose a framework for thinking about how the brain might not only control these displays, but also shape their evolution. Our framework focuses specifically on a major midbrain area, which we view as a likely important node in the orchestration of the complex neural control of behavior used in the courtship process. This area is the periaqueductal grey (PAG), as studies suggest that it is both necessary and sufficient for the production of many instinctive survival behaviors, including courtship vocalizations. Thus, we speculate about why the PAG, as well as its key inputs, might serve as targets of sexual selection for display behavior. In doing so, we attempt to combine core ideas about the neural control of behavior with principles of display evolution. Our intent is to spur research in this area and bring together neurobiologists and behavioral ecologists to more fully understand the role that the brain might play in behavioral innovation and diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Schwark
- Department of Biology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
| | - Marc F Schmidt
- Department of Biology, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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8
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Okada K, Kumano N. Reproduction-related interactions and loads induce continuous turn alternation leading to linearity in a terrestrial isopod. Naturwissenschaften 2022; 109:23. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-022-01795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Coni EOC, Booth DJ, Nagelkerken I. Coral-reef fishes can become more risk-averse at their poleward range limits. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20212676. [PMID: 35317673 PMCID: PMC8941391 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As climate warms, tropical species are expanding their distribution to temperate ecosystems where they are confronted with novel predators and habitats. Predation strongly regulates ecological communities, and range-extending species that adopt an effective antipredator strategy have a higher likelihood to persist in non-native environments. Here, we test this hypothesis by comparing various proxies of antipredator and other fitness-related behaviours between range-extending tropical fishes and native-temperate fishes at multiple sites across a 730 km latitudinal range. Although some behavioural proxies of risk aversion remained unaltered for individual tropical fish species, in general they became more risk-averse (increased sheltering and/or flight initiation distance), and their activity level decreased poleward. Nevertheless, they did not experience a decline in body condition or feeding rate in their temperate ranges. Temperate fishes did not show a consistently altered pattern in their behaviours across range locations, even though one species increased its flight initiation distance at the warm-temperate location and another one had lowest activity levels at the coldest range location. The maintenance of feeding and bite rate combined with a decreased activity level and increased sheltering may be behavioural strategies adopted by range-extending tropical fishes, to preserve energy and maintain fitness in their novel temperate ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ericka O C Coni
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, and The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - David J Booth
- Fish Ecology Lab, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ivan Nagelkerken
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, and The Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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10
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Papadopoulou M, Hildenbrandt H, Sankey DWE, Portugal SJ, Hemelrijk CK. Emergence of splits and collective turns in pigeon flocks under predation. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211898. [PMID: 35223068 PMCID: PMC8864349 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Complex patterns of collective behaviour may emerge through self-organization, from local interactions among individuals in a group. To understand what behavioural rules underlie these patterns, computational models are often necessary. These rules have not yet been systematically studied for bird flocks under predation. Here, we study airborne flocks of homing pigeons attacked by a robotic falcon, combining empirical data with a species-specific computational model of collective escape. By analysing GPS trajectories of flocking individuals, we identify two new patterns of collective escape: early splits and collective turns, occurring even at large distances from the predator. To examine their formation, we extend an agent-based model of pigeons with a 'discrete' escape manoeuvre by a single initiator, namely a sudden turn interrupting the continuous coordinated motion of the group. Both splits and collective turns emerge from this rule. Their relative frequency depends on the angular velocity and position of the initiator in the flock: sharp turns by individuals at the periphery lead to more splits than collective turns. We confirm this association in the empirical data. Our study highlights the importance of discrete and uncoordinated manoeuvres in the collective escape of bird flocks and advocates the systematic study of their patterns across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papadopoulou
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hanno Hildenbrandt
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Steven J. Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Charlotte K. Hemelrijk
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Ifere NO, Shidara H, Sato N, Ogawa H. Spatial perception mediated by insect antennal mechanosensory system. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274502. [PMID: 35072207 PMCID: PMC8920036 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animals perceive their surroundings by using various modalities of sensory inputs to guide their locomotion. Nocturnal insects such as crickets use mechanosensory inputs mediated by their antennae to orient in darkness. Spatial information is acquired via voluntary antennal contacts with surrounding objects, but it remains unclear whether the insects modulate behaviors mediated by other sensory organs based on that information. Crickets exhibit escape behavior in response to a short air-puff, which is detected by the abdominal mechanosensory organs called cerci and is perceived as a “predator approach” signal. We placed objects of different shapes at different locations with which the cricket actively made contact using its antenna. We then examined the effects on wind-elicited escape behavior. The crickets changed their movement trajectory in response to nearby objects like walls so that they could avoid collision with these obstacles even during the cercal-mediated behavior. For instance, when a wall was placed in front of the crickets so that it was detected by one antenna, the escape trajectory in response to a stimulus from behind was significantly biased toward the side opposite the wall. Even when the antenna on the free side without the wall was ablated, this collision avoidance was also observed, suggesting that the mechanosensory inputs from one antenna detecting an object edge would be sufficient to perceive the location of obstacle in front. This study demonstrated that crickets were able to use the spatial information acquired with their antennal system to modify their behavior mediated by other sensory organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hisashi Shidara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Nodoka Sato
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ogawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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12
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Papadopoulou M, Hildenbrandt H, Sankey DWE, Portugal SJ, Hemelrijk CK. Self-organization of collective escape in pigeon flocks. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009772. [PMID: 35007287 PMCID: PMC8782486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bird flocks under predation demonstrate complex patterns of collective escape. These patterns may emerge by self-organization from local interactions among group-members. Computational models have been shown to be valuable for identifying what behavioral rules may govern such interactions among individuals during collective motion. However, our knowledge of such rules for collective escape is limited by the lack of quantitative data on bird flocks under predation in the field. In the present study, we analyze the first GPS trajectories of pigeons in airborne flocks attacked by a robotic falcon in order to build a species-specific model of collective escape. We use our model to examine a recently identified distance-dependent pattern of collective behavior: the closer the prey is to the predator, the higher the frequency with which flock members turn away from it. We first extract from the empirical data of pigeon flocks the characteristics of their shape and internal structure (bearing angle and distance to nearest neighbors). Combining these with information on their coordination from the literature, we build an agent-based model adjusted to pigeons' collective escape. We show that the pattern of turning away from the predator with increased frequency when the predator is closer arises without prey prioritizing escape when the predator is near. Instead, it emerges through self-organization from a behavioral rule to avoid the predator independently of their distance to it. During this self-organization process, we show how flock members increase their consensus over which direction to escape and turn collectively as the predator gets closer. Our results suggest that coordination among flock members, combined with simple escape rules, reduces the cognitive costs of tracking the predator while flocking. Such escape rules that are independent of the distance to the predator can now be investigated in other species. Our study showcases the important role of computational models in the interpretation of empirical findings of collective behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papadopoulou
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hanno Hildenbrandt
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel W. E. Sankey
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Steven J. Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte K. Hemelrijk
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Sato N, Shidara H, Ogawa H. Action selection based on multiple-stimulus aspects in wind-elicited escape behavior of crickets. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08800. [PMID: 35111985 PMCID: PMC8790502 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Escape behavior is essential for animals to avoid attacks by predators. In some species, multiple escape responses could be employed. However, it remains unknown what aspects of threat stimuli affect the choice of an escape response. We focused on two distinct escape responses (running and jumping) to short airflow in crickets and examined the effects of multiple stimulus aspects including the angle, velocity, and duration on the choice between these responses. The faster and longer the airflow, the more frequently the crickets jumped. This meant that the choice of an escape response depends on both the velocity and duration of the stimulus and suggests that the neural basis for choosing an escape response includes the integration process of multiple stimulus parameters. In addition, the moving speed and distance changed depending on the stimulus velocity and duration for running but not for jumping. Running away would be more adaptive escape behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nodoka Sato
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shidara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ogawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
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14
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Monteiro DA, Kalinin AL, Rantin FT, McKenzie DJ. Use of complex physiological traits as ecotoxicological biomarkers in tropical freshwater fishes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 335:745-760. [PMID: 34529366 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We review the use of complex physiological traits, of tolerance and performance, as biomarkers of the toxicological effects of contaminants in subtropical and tropical freshwater fishes. Such traits are growing in relevance due to climate change, as exposure to contaminants may influence the capacity of fishes to tolerate and perform in an increasingly stressful environment. We review the evidence that the critical oxygen level, a measure of hypoxia tolerance, provides a valuable biomarker of impacts of diverse classes of contaminants. When coupled with measures of cardiorespiratory variables, it can provide insight into mechanisms of toxicity. The critical thermal maximum, a simple measure of tolerance of acute warming, also provides a valuable biomarker despite a lack of understanding of its mechanistic basis. Its relative ease of application renders it useful in the rapid evaluation of multiple species, and in understanding how the severity of contaminant impacts depends upon prevailing environmental temperature. The critical swimming speed is a measure of exercise performance that is widely used as a biomarker in temperate species but very few studies have been performed on subtropical or tropical fishes. Overall, the review serves to highlight a critical lack of knowledge for subtropical and tropical freshwater fishes. There is a real need to expand the knowledge base and to use physiological biomarkers in support of decision making to manage tropical freshwater fish populations and their habitats, which sustain rich biodiversity but are under relentless anthropogenic pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A Monteiro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L Kalinin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F Tadeu Rantin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David J McKenzie
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
- UMR Marbec, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Montpellier, France
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15
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Peterson AN, Soto AP, McHenry MJ. Pursuit and evasion strategies in the predator-prey interactions of fishes. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:668-680. [PMID: 34061183 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab116] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Predator-prey interactions are critical to the biology of a diversity of animals. Although prey capture is determined by the direction, velocity, and timing of motion by both animals, it is generally unclear what strategies are employed by predators and prey to guide locomotion. Here we review our research on fishes that tests the pursuit strategy of predators and the evasion strategy of prey through kinematic measurements and agent-based models. This work demonstrates that fish predators track prey with variations on a deviated-pursuit strategy that is guided by visual cues. Fish prey employ a mixed strategy that varies with factors such as the direction of a predator's approach. Our models consider the stochastic nature of interactions by incorporating measured probability distributions to accurately predict measurements of survivorship. A sensitivity analysis of these models shows the importance of the response distance of prey to their survival. Collectively, this work demonstrates how strategy affects the outcome of predator-prey interactions and articulates the roles of sensing, control, and propulsion. The research program that we have developed has the potential to offer a framework for the study of strategy in the predator-prey interactions of a variety of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, 92697, CA, U.S.A
| | - Alberto P Soto
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, 92697, CA, U.S.A
| | - Matthew J McHenry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, 92697, CA, U.S.A
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16
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Roche DG. Effects of wave-driven water flow on the fast-start escape response of juvenile coral reef damselfishes. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb.234351. [PMID: 33602678 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.234351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fish often evade predators with a fast-start escape response. Studies typically examine this behaviour in still water despite water motion being an inherent feature of aquatic ecosystems. In shallow habitats, waves create complex flows that likely influence escape performance, particularly in small fishes with low absolute swimming speeds relative to environmental flows. I examined how wave-driven water flow affects the behaviour and kinematics of escape responses in juveniles of three coral reef damselfishes (Pomacentridae) with different body morphologies. Tropical damselfishes have similar fin and body shapes during early development, with the exception of body depth, a trait deemed important for postural control and stability. Wave-driven flow increased response latency in two of the three species tested: fish with a fusiform body responded 2.9 times slower in wave-driven flow than in still water, whereas this difference was less pronounced in fish with an intermediate body depth (1.9 times slower response) and absent in fish with a laterally compressed body. The effect of wave-driven flow on swimming performance (cumulative escape distance and turning rate) was variable and depended on the timing and trajectory of escape responses in relation to the wave phase. Given intense predation pressure on juvenile coral reef fishes during settlement, interspecific differences in how wave-driven flow affects their ability to escape predators could influence the distribution and abundance of species across spatial and temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique G Roche
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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17
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Bhattacharyya K, McLean DL, MacIver MA. Intersection of motor volumes predicts the outcome of ambush predation of larval zebrafish. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb235481. [PMID: 33649181 PMCID: PMC7938803 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.235481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Escape maneuvers are key determinants of animal survival and are under intense selection pressure. A number of escape maneuver parameters contribute to survival, including response latency, escape speed and direction. However, the relative importance of these parameters is context dependent, suggesting that interactions between parameters and predatory context determine the likelihood of escape success. To better understand how escape maneuver parameters interact and contribute to survival, we analyzed the responses of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) to the attacks of dragonfly nymphs (Sympetrum vicinum). We found that no single parameter explains the outcome. Instead, the relative intersection of the swept volume of the nymph's grasping organs with the volume containing all possible escape trajectories of the fish is the strongest predictor of escape success. In cases where the prey's motor volume exceeds that of the predator, the prey survives. By analyzing the intersection of these volumes, we compute the survival benefit of recruiting the Mauthner cell, a neuron in anamniotes devoted to producing escapes. We discuss how the intersection of motor volume approach provides a framework that unifies the influence of many escape maneuver parameters on the likelihood of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Bhattacharyya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evaxnston, IL 60201, USA
| | - David L McLean
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Malcolm A MacIver
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evaxnston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
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18
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Mundy PC, Huff Hartz KE, Fulton CA, Lydy MJ, Brander SM, Hung TC, Fangue NA, Connon RE. Exposure to permethrin or chlorpyrifos causes differential dose- and time-dependent behavioral effects at early larval stages of an endangered teleost species. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021; 44:89-103. [PMID: 34354772 PMCID: PMC8336651 DOI: 10.3354/esr01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrethroid and organophosphate pesticides are two of the most commonly used classes of insecticide worldwide. At sublethal concentrations, permethrin (a pyrethroid) and chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate) impact behavior in model fish species. We investigated behavioral effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of permethrin or chlorpyrifos on early larval delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, a Critically Endangered teleost species endemic to the San Francisco Bay Delta, California, USA. Using a photomotor behavioral assay of oscillating light and dark periods, we measured distance moved, turn angle, meander, angular velocity, rotations, thigmotaxis (time spent in the border versus center), and swim speed duration and frequency. The lowest concentrations of permethrin used in the tests (0.05 and 0.5 μg l−1) caused significant increases in distance moved at 72 and 96 h, respectively. At 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure, 5 μg l−1 of permethrin caused a hyperactive state in which the larvae significantly decreased thigmotaxis, quickly turning in short bouts of activity, characterized by significant increases in rotations and freezing events. Larvae exposed to 0.05 μg l−1 chlorpyrifos significantly increased thigmotaxis at 72 and 96 h. In response to 5 μg l−1 chlorpyrifos, larvae significantly increased velocity at 72 h exposure, and significantly increased freezing events at 96 h. Behavioral data on larval delta smelt exposed to contaminants present in their limited habitat have the potential to aid evaluations of the suitability of spawning and rearing habitats for this endangered species, thus improving conservation management strategies focused on this sensitive life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige C Mundy
- Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kara E Huff Hartz
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences and Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Corie A Fulton
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences and Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Michael J Lydy
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences and Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Susanne M Brander
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Tien-Chieh Hung
- Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nann A Fangue
- Department of Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Richard E Connon
- Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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19
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Schakmann M, Becker V, Søgaard M, Johansen JL, Steffensen JF, Domenici P. Latency of mechanically stimulated escape responses in the Pacific spiny dogfish, Squalus suckleyi. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb.230698. [PMID: 33431597 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.230698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fast escape responses to a predator threat are fundamental to the survival of mobile marine organisms. However, elasmobranchs are often underrepresented in such studies. Here, we measured the escape latency (time interval between the stimulus and first visible reaction) of mechanically induced escape responses in the Pacific spiny dogfish, Squalus suckleyi, and in two teleosts from the same region, the great sculpin, Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus, and the pile perch, Rhacochilus vacca We found that the dogfish had a longer minimum latency (66.7 ms) compared with that for the great sculpin (20.8 ms) and pile perch (16.7 ms). Furthermore, the dogfish had a longer latency than that of 48 different teleosts identified from 35 different studies. We suggest such long latencies in dogfish may be due to the absence of Mauthner cells, the giant neurons that control fast escape responses in fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schakmann
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA .,Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Victoria Becker
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Mathias Søgaard
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Jacob L Johansen
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - John F Steffensen
- Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Paolo Domenici
- CNR- IAS, Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino Torregrande, 09072 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
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20
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De Wysiecki AM, Trobbiani GA, Irigoyen AJ. Backing up from negative stimuli: A back‐thrust mechanism during escape‐like response in wild sevengill sharks (
Notorynchus cepedianus
). Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín M. De Wysiecki
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CCT‐CESIMAR‐CONICET) Puerto Madryn Argentina
| | - Gastón A. Trobbiani
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CCT‐CESIMAR‐CONICET) Puerto Madryn Argentina
| | - Alejo J. Irigoyen
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CCT‐CESIMAR‐CONICET) Puerto Madryn Argentina
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21
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Nelsen DR, David EM, Harty CN, Hector JB, Corbit AG. Risk Assessment and the Effects of Refuge Availability on the Defensive Behaviors of the Southern Unstriped Scorpion ( Vaejovis carolinianus). Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090534. [PMID: 32825487 PMCID: PMC7551882 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Selection should favor individuals that acquire, process, and act on relevant environmental signals to avoid predation. Studies have found that scorpions control their use of venom: both when it is released and the total volume expelled. However, this research has not included how a scorpion’s awareness of environmental features influences these decisions. The current study tested 18 Vaejovis carolinianus scorpions (nine females and nine males) by placing them in circular arenas supplied with varying numbers (zero, two, or four) of square refuges and by tracking their movements overnight. The following morning, defensive behaviors were elicited by prodding scorpions on the chelae, prosoma, and metasoma once per second over 90 s. We recorded stings, venom use, chelae pinches, and flee duration. We found strong evidence that, across all behaviors measured, V. carolinianus perceived prods to the prosoma as more threatening than prods to the other locations. We found that stinging was a common behavior and became more dominant as the threat persisted. Though tenuous, we found evidence that scorpions’ defensive behaviors changed based on the number of refuges and that these differences may be sex specific. Our findings suggest that V. carolinianus can assess risk and features of the local environment and, therefore, alter their defensive strategies accordingly.
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22
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Paz A, McDole B, Kowalko JE, Duboue ER, Keene AC. Evolution of the acoustic startle response of Mexican cavefish. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 334:474-485. [PMID: 32779370 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ability to detect threatening stimuli and initiate an escape response is essential for survival and under stringent evolutionary pressure. In diverse fish species, acoustic stimuli activate Mauthner neurons, which initiate a C-start escape response. This reflexive behavior is highly conserved across aquatic species and provides a model for investigating the neural mechanism underlying the evolution of escape behavior. Here, we characterize evolved differences in the C-start response between populations of the Mexican cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus. Cave populations of A. mexicanus inhabit an environment devoid of light and macroscopic predators, resulting in evolved differences in various morphological and behavioral traits. We find that the C-start is present in river-dwelling surface fish and multiple populations of cavefish, but that response kinematics and probability differ between populations. The Pachón population of cavefish exhibits an increased response probability, a slower response latency and speed, and reduction of the maximum bend angle, revealing evolved differences between surface and cave populations. Analysis of the responses of two other independently evolved populations of cavefish, revealed the repeated evolution of reduced angular speed. Investigation of surface-cave hybrids reveals a correlation between angular speed and peak angle, suggesting these two kinematic characteristics are related at the genetic or functional levels. Together, these findings provide support for the use of A. mexicanus as a model to investigate the evolution of escape behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Paz
- Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Brittnee McDole
- Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Johanna E Kowalko
- Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Erik R Duboue
- Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Alex C Keene
- Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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23
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Jellyfish and Fish Solve the Challenges of Turning Dynamics Similarly to Achieve High Maneuverability. FLUIDS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/fluids5030106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Turning maneuvers by aquatic animals are essential for fundamental life functions such as finding food or mates while avoiding predation. However, turning requires resolution of a fundamental dilemma based in rotational mechanics: the force powering a turn (torque) is favored by an expanded body configuration that maximizes lever arm length, yet minimizing the resistance to a turn (the moment of inertia) is favored by a contracted body configuration. How do animals balance these opposing demands? Here, we directly measure instantaneous forces along the bodies of two animal models—the radially symmetric Aurelia aurita jellyfish, and the bilaterally symmetric Danio rerio zebrafish—to evaluate their turning dynamics. Both began turns with a small, rapid shift in body kinematics that preceded major axial rotation. Although small in absolute magnitude, the high fluid accelerations achieved by these initial motions generated powerful pressure gradients that maximized torque at the start of a turn. This pattern allows these animals to initially maximize torque production before major body curvature changes. Both animals then subsequently minimized the moment of inertia, and hence resistance to axial rotation, by body bending. This sequential solution provides insight into the advantages of re-arranging mass by bending during routine swimming turns.
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24
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Otero Coronel S, Martorell N, Beron de Astrada M, Medan V. Stimulus Contrast Information Modulates Sensorimotor Decision Making in Goldfish. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:23. [PMID: 32547371 PMCID: PMC7270408 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal survival relies on environmental information gathered by their sensory systems. We found that contrast information of a looming stimulus biases the type of defensive behavior that goldfish (Carassius auratus) perform. Low-contrast looms only evoke subtle alarm reactions whose probability is independent of contrast. As looming contrast increases, the probability of eliciting a fast escape maneuver, the C-start response, increases dramatically. Contrast information also modulates the decision of when to escape. Although response latency is known to depend on looming retinal size, we found that contrast acts as an additional parameter influencing this decision. When presenting progressively higher contrast stimuli, animals need shorter periods of stimulus processing to initiate the response. Our results comply with the notion that the decision to escape is a flexible process initiated with stimulus detection and followed by assessment of the perceived risk posed by the stimulus. Highly disruptive behaviors as the C-start are only observed when a multifactorial threshold that includes stimulus contrast is surpassed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Otero Coronel
- Department Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Martorell
- Department Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Beron de Astrada
- Department Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Violeta Medan
- Department Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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25
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Kane EA, Higham TE. Kinematic integration during prey capture varies among individuals but not ecological contexts in bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus (Perciformes: Centrarchidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The general ability of components of an organism to work together to achieve a common goal has been termed integration and is often studied empirically by deconstructing organisms into component parts and quantifying covariation between them. Kinematic traits describing movement are useful for allowing organisms to respond to ecological contexts that vary over short time spans (milliseconds, minutes, etc.). Integration of these traits can contribute to the maintenance of the function of the whole organism, but it is unclear how modulation of component kinematic traits affects their integration. We examined the integration of swimming and feeding during capture of alternative prey types in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Despite the expected modulation of kinematics, integration within individuals was inflexible across prey types, suggesting functional redundancy for solving a broad constraint. However, integration was variable among individuals, suggesting that individuals vary in their solutions for achieving whole-organism function and that this solution acts as a ‘top-down’ regulator of component traits, which provides insight into why kinematic variation is observed. Additionally, variation in kinematic integration among individuals could serve as an understudied target of environmental selection on prey capture, which is a necessary first step towards the observed divergence in integration among populations and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Kane
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Timothy E Higham
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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26
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Collar DC, Thompson JS, Ralston TC, Hobbs TJ. Fast-start escape performance across temperature and salinity gradients in mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 96:755-767. [PMID: 32010969 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fast-start predator-escape performance of mummichogs Fundulus heteroclitus was tested across field-informed variation in temperature (24, 30 and 36°C) and salinity (2, 12 and 32 ppt). Performance was similar across temperatures and salinities when fish were allowed to acclimate to these conditions. However, when mummichogs experienced acute temperature changes, performance exhibited thermal dependence in two contrasting ways. Fast-start turning rates and linear speeds varied directly with the temperature at which the manoeuvre was executed, but these aspects of performance varied inversely with acclimation temperature, with cool-acclimated fish exhibiting faster starts across test temperatures. Temperature effects were consistent across salinities. These results suggest that while mummichogs increase performance with acute temperature increases, long-term rises in sea temperature may cause these fish to become more susceptible to predation during abrupt cooling events, such as when storm events flood shallow water estuaries with cool rainwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Collar
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Jessica S Thompson
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Tyler C Ralston
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Trevor J Hobbs
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia, USA
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27
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Habitat degradation and predators have independent trait-mediated effects on prey. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15705. [PMID: 31673067 PMCID: PMC6823502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are degrading globally leading to a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. While shifts in the species composition of communities have been well documented associated with habitat change, the mechanisms that underlie change are often poorly understood. Our study experimentally examines the effects of coral degradation on the trait-mediated effects of predators on the morphology, behaviour and performance of a juvenile coral reef fish. Juvenile damselfish were exposed to predators or controls (omnivore or nothing) in seawater that had flowed over either live or dead-degraded coral over a 45d period. No interaction between water source and predator exposure was found. However, fish exposed to degraded water had larger false eyespots relative to the size of their true eyes, and were more active, both of which may lead to a survival advantage. Non-consumptive effects of predators on prey occurred regardless of water source and included longer and deeper bodies, large false eyespots that may distract predator strikes away from the vulnerable head region, and shorter latencies in their response to a simulated predator strike. Research underscores that phenotypic plasticity may assist fishes in coping with habitat degradation and promote greater resilience to habitat change than may otherwise be predicted.
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28
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Forrester GE, Chille E, Nickles K, Reed K. Behavioural mechanisms underlying parasite-mediated competition for refuges in a coral reef fish. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15487. [PMID: 31664092 PMCID: PMC6820773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52005-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites have been increasingly recognized as participants in indirect ecological interactions, including those mediated by parasite-induced changes to host behaviour (trait-mediated indirect interactions or TMIIs). In most documented examples, host behaviours altered by parasites increase susceptibility to predation because the predator is also a host (host-manipulation). Here, we test for a TMII in which a parasitic copepod modifies the predator-prey interaction between a small goby host and several larger predatory fish. Gobies compete for crevices in the reef to avoid predation and goby mortality increases more rapidly with increasing refuge shortage for parasitized gobies than for those free of parasites. We found interactive effects of refuge shortage and parasitism on two behaviours we predicted might be associated with parasite-mediated competition for refuges. First, as refuge-shortage increases, the rate of aggression among gobies increases and parasitism intensifies this interaction. Second, goby proximity to refuges increases as refuges become scarce, but parasitism nullifies this increase. In combination, these parasite-induced changes in behaviour may explain why parasitized gobies are poor competitors for refuges. Because the parasite is not trophically transmitted via host manipulation, these altered behaviours in parasitized gobies are likely coincidental to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham E Forrester
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Natural Resources Science, Kingston, 02881, USA.
| | - Erin Chille
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Biological Science, Kingston, 02881, USA
| | - Katie Nickles
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Biological Science, Kingston, 02881, USA
| | - Kiran Reed
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Biological Science, Kingston, 02881, USA
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29
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Domenici P, Hale ME. Escape responses of fish: a review of the diversity in motor control, kinematics and behaviour. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:222/18/jeb166009. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.166009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study of fish escape responses has provided important insights into the accelerative motions and fast response times of these animals. In addition, the accessibility of the underlying neural circuits has made the escape response a fundamental model in neurobiology. Fish escape responses were originally viewed as highly stereotypic all-or-none behaviours. However, research on a wide variety of species has shown considerable taxon-specific and context-dependent variability in the kinematics and neural control of escape. In addition, escape-like motions have been reported: these resemble escape responses kinematically, but occur in situations that do not involve a response to a threatening stimulus. This Review focuses on the diversity of escape responses in fish by discussing recent work on: (1) the types of escape responses as defined by kinematic analysis (these include C- and S-starts, and single- versus double-bend responses); (2) the diversity of neuromuscular control; (3) the variability of escape responses in terms of behaviour and kinematics within the context of predator−prey interactions; and (4) the main escape-like motions observed in various species. Here, we aim to integrate recent knowledge on escape responses and highlight rich areas for research. Rapidly developing approaches for studying the kinematics of swimming motion both in the lab and within the natural environment provide new avenues for research on these critical and common behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Domenici
- Organismal Biology Laboratory, IAS-CNR Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, Oristano 09170, Italy
| | - Melina E. Hale
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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30
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Staven FR, Nordeide JT, Imsland AK, Andersen P, Iversen NS, Kristensen T. Is Habituation Measurable in Lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus When Used as Cleaner Fish in Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar Aquaculture? Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:227. [PMID: 31338371 PMCID: PMC6629887 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate how lumpfish interact in Atlantic salmon aquaculture, physiological stress responses and changes in behaviour were analysed in experienced and naive lumpfish. Experienced lumpfish (30.2 ± 7.93 g, mean ± SD) coexisted with a commercial scale production unit of Atlantic salmon (1258.5 ± 152.12 g) for 30 to 60 days, while naive lumpfish (38.2 ± 12.37 g) were kept with conspecifics only. Ten trials from each background were tested. For each trial, 10 lumpfish were tagged and transferred to a video monitored experimental tank (2 × 2 × 0.7 m). In each trial, swimming behaviour was mapped for all lumpfish every 60 s in 20 min, 10 min before, and 10 min after the introduction of four Atlantic salmon. Naive lumpfish expressed significantly increased burst swimming activity and maintained longer interspecific distance to Atlantic salmon in comparison with experienced fish. In addition, mean plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated in naive fish after exposure to Atlantic salmon. We argue that naive lumpfish expressed innate physiological and behavioural stress responses during first encounter with Atlantic salmon, while reduced responses in experienced individuals indicated habituation. The effect from behavioural and physiological stress in newly deployed naive lumpfish-before and during habituation-should be taken account for when lumpfish are introduced in commercial sea cages to improve welfare for the species. In addition, we suggest that habituation could be applicable during the rearing phase to moderate the transition from a simple tank environment with conspecifics only to interspecies interaction with Atlantic salmon in sea cages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik R Staven
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.,Aqua Kompetanse AS, Flatanger, Norway
| | - Jarle T Nordeide
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Albert K Imsland
- Akvaplan-niva Iceland Office, Kópavogur, Iceland.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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31
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Seamone S, McCaffrey T, Syme D. Disc starts: the pectoral disc of stingrays promotes omnidirectional fast starts across the substrate. CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2018-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We explored how the flattened and rounded pectoral disc of the ocellate river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro (Müller and Henle, 1841)) enables them to use the benthic plane during fast-start escape. Escape responses were elicited via prodding different locations around the pectoral disc and were recorded using video. Modulation of pectoral-fin movements that power swimming enabled omnidirectional escape across the substrate, with similar performance in all directions of escape. Hence, translation of the body did not necessarily have to follow the orientation of the head, overcoming the constraint of a rigid body axis. An increase in prod speed was associated with an increase in initial translational speed and acceleration away from the prod. As prod location shifted towards the snout, yaw rotation increased, eventually reorienting the fish into a forward swimming position away from the prod. Furthermore, P. motoro yawed with essentially zero turning radius, allowing reorientation of the head with simultaneous rapid translation away from the prod, and yaw rate during escape was substantially greater than reported during routine swimming for stingrays. We conclude that stingrays employ a distinctive approach to escape along the substrate, which we have termed disc starts, that results in effective manoeuvrability across the benthic environment despite limited longitudinal flexibility of the body and that challenges the concept of manoeuvrability typically used for fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.G. Seamone
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - T.M. McCaffrey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - D.A. Syme
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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32
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Stor T, Rebstock GA, García Borboroglu P, Boersma PD. Lateralization (handedness) in Magellanic penguins. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6936. [PMID: 31149402 PMCID: PMC6532617 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lateralization, or asymmetry in form and/or function, is found in many animal species. Brain lateralization is considered adaptive for an individual, and often results in “handedness,” “footedness,” or a side preference, manifest in behavior and morphology. We tested for lateralization in several behaviors in a wild population of Magellanic penguins Spheniscus magellanicus breeding at Punta Tombo, Argentina. We found no preferred foot in the population (each penguin observed once) in stepping up onto an obstacle: 53% stepped up with the right foot, 47% with the left foot (n = 300, binomial test p = 0.27). We found mixed evidence for a dominant foot when a penguin extended a foot for thermoregulation, possibly depending on the ambient temperature (each penguin observed once). Penguins extended the right foot twice as often as the left foot (n = 121, p < 0.0005) in 2 years when we concentrated our effort during the heat of the day. In a third year when we observed penguins early and late in the day, there was no preference (n = 232, p = 0.59). Penguins use their flippers for swimming, including searching for and chasing prey. We found morphological evidence of a dominant flipper in individual adults: 60.5% of sternum keels curved one direction or the other (n = 76 sterna from carcasses), and 11% of penguins had more feather wear on one flipper than the other (n = 1217). Right-flippered and left-flippered penguins were equally likely in both samples (keels: p = 0.88, feather wear: p = 0.26), indicating individual but not population lateralization. In fights, aggressive penguins used their left eyes preferentially, consistent with the right side of the brain controlling aggression. Penguins that recently fought (each penguin observed once) were twice as likely to have blood only on the right side of the face (69%) as only on the left side (31%, n = 175, p < 0.001). The proportion of penguins with blood only on the right side increased with the amount of blood. In most fights, the more aggressive penguin used its left eye and attacked the other penguin’s right side. Lateralization depended on the behavior tested and, in thermoregulation, likely on the temperature. We found no lateralization or mixed results in the population of Magellanic penguins in three individual behaviors, stepping up, swimming, and thermoregulation. We found lateralization in the population in the social behavior fighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Stor
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ornitologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ginger A Rebstock
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Pablo García Borboroglu
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.,CESIMAR, CCT-CENPAT-CONICET, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - P Dee Boersma
- Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Penguin Society, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.,Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
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33
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Cattano C, Fine M, Quattrocchi F, Holzman R, Milazzo M. Behavioural responses of fish groups exposed to a predatory threat under elevated CO 2. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 147:179-184. [PMID: 31060864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Most of the studies dealing with the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on fish behaviour tested individuals in isolation, even when the examined species live in shoals in the wild. Here we evaluated the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations (i.e. ∼900 μatm) on the shelter use and group cohesion of the gregarious damselfish Chromis viridis using groups of sub-adults exposed to a predatory threat. Results showed that, under predatory threat, fish reared at elevated CO2 concentrations displayed a risky behaviour (i.e. decreased shelter use), whereas their group cohesion was unaffected. Our findings add on increasing evidence to account for social dynamics in OA experiments, as living in groups may compensate for CO2-induced risky behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cattano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, I-90123, Palermo, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00197, Roma. Italy.
| | - M Fine
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, 88103, Israel
| | - F Quattrocchi
- Institute for marine biological resources and biotechnologies, Via Vaccara, 61, 91026, Mazara del Vallo, TP, Italy
| | - R Holzman
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, 88103, Israel; Department of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - M Milazzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 20, I-90123, Palermo, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00197, Roma. Italy
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34
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Ehlman SM, Trimmer PC, Sih A. Prey Responses to Exotic Predators: Effects of Old Risks and New Cues. Am Nat 2019; 193:575-587. [PMID: 30912973 DOI: 10.1086/702252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Exotic predators can have major negative impacts on prey. Importantly, prey vary considerably in their behavioral responses to exotic predators. Factors proposed to explain variation in prey response to exotic predators include the similarity of new predators to familiar, native predators, the prevalence and diversity of predators in a prey's past, and variation in a prey's innate ability to discriminate between predators and safety. While these factors have been put forth verbally in the literature, no theory exists that combines these hypotheses in a common conceptual framework using a unified behavioral model. Here, we formalize existing verbal arguments by modeling variation in prey responses to new predators in a state-dependent detection theory framework. We find that while some conventional wisdom is upheld, novel predictions emerge. As expected, prey respond poorly to exotic predators that do not closely resemble familiar predators. Furthermore, a history with more abundant or diverse native predators can lessen effects of some exotic predators on prey; however, under some conditions, the opposite prediction emerges. Also, prey that evolved in situations where they easily discriminate between safe and dangerous situations can be more susceptible to novel predators.
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35
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Tuttle LJ, Robinson HE, Takagi D, Strickler JR, Lenz PH, Hartline DK. Going with the flow: hydrodynamic cues trigger directed escapes from a stalking predator. J R Soc Interface 2019; 16:20180776. [PMID: 30958200 PMCID: PMC6408353 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the coevolution of predator and prey, different and less well-understood rules for threat assessment apply to freely suspended organisms than to substrate-dwelling ones. Particularly vulnerable are small prey carried with the bulk movement of a surrounding fluid and thus deprived of sensory information within the bow waves of approaching predators. Some planktonic prey have solved this apparent problem, however. We quantified cues generated by the slow approach of larval clownfish ( Amphiprion ocellaris) that triggered a calanoid copepod ( Bestiolina similis) to escape before the fish could strike. To estimate water deformation around the copepod immediately preceding its jump, we represented the body of the fish as a rigid sphere in a hydrodynamic model that we parametrized with measurements of fish size, approach speed and distance to the copepod. Copepods of various developmental stages (CII-CVI) were sensitive to the water flow caused by the live predator, at deformation rates as low as 0.04 s-1. This rate is far lower than that predicted from experiments that used artificial predator-mimics. Additionally, copepods localized the source, with 87% of escapes directed away (greater than or equal to 90°) from the predator. Thus, copepods' survival in life-threatening situations relied on their detection of small nonlinear signals within an environment of locally linear deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian J. Tuttle
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai′i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - H. Eve Robinson
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai′i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
| | - Daisuke Takagi
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai′i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Hawai′i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - J. Rudi Strickler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - Petra H. Lenz
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai′i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Daniel K. Hartline
- Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai′i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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36
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Domenici P, Allan BJM, Lefrançois C, McCormick MI. The effect of climate change on the escape kinematics and performance of fishes: implications for future predator-prey interactions. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 7:coz078. [PMID: 31723432 PMCID: PMC6839432 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coz078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can have a pronounced impact on the physiology and behaviour of fishes. Notably, many climate change stressors, such as global warming, hypoxia and ocean acidification (OA), have been shown to alter the kinematics of predator-prey interactions in fishes, with potential effects at ecological levels. Here, we review the main effects of each of these stressors on fish escape responses using an integrative approach that encompasses behavioural and kinematic variables. Elevated temperature was shown to affect many components of the escape response, including escape latencies, kinematics and maximum swimming performance, while the main effect of hypoxia was on escape responsiveness and directionality. OA had a negative effect on the escape response of juvenile fish by decreasing their directionality, responsiveness and locomotor performance, although some studies show no effect of acidification. The few studies that have explored the effects of multiple stressors show that temperature tends to have a stronger effect on escape performance than OA. Overall, the effects of climate change on escape responses may occur through decreased muscle performance and/or an interference with brain and sensory functions. In all of these cases, since the escape response is a behaviour directly related to survival, these effects are likely to be fundamental drivers of changes in marine communities. The overall future impact of these stressors is discussed by including their potential effects on predator attack behaviour, thereby allowing the development of potential future scenarios for predator-prey interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Domenici
- CNR-IAS, Oristano, 09170 Italy
- Corresponding author: CNR-IAS, Oristano 09170, Italy.
| | - Bridie J M Allan
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | | | - Mark I McCormick
- Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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37
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Conserved behavioral circuits govern high-speed decision-making in wild fish shoals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:12224-12228. [PMID: 30420510 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809140115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To evade their predators, animals must quickly detect potential threats, gauge risk, and mount a response. Putative neural circuits responsible for these tasks have been isolated in laboratory studies. However, it is unclear whether and how these circuits combine to generate the flexible, dynamic sequences of evasion behavior exhibited by wild, freely moving animals. Here, we report that evasion behavior of wild fish on a coral reef is generated through a sequence of well-defined decision rules that convert visual sensory input into behavioral actions. Using an automated system to present visual threat stimuli to fish in situ, we show that individuals initiate escape maneuvers in response to the perceived size and expansion rate of an oncoming threat using a decision rule that matches dynamics of known loom-sensitive neural circuits. After initiating an evasion maneuver, fish adjust their trajectories using a control rule based on visual feedback to steer away from the threat and toward shelter. These decision rules accurately describe evasion behavior of fish from phylogenetically distant families, illustrating the conserved nature of escape decision-making. Our results reveal how the flexible behavioral responses required for survival can emerge from relatively simple, conserved decision-making mechanisms.
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38
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Nadler LE, Killen SS, Domenici P, McCormick MI. Role of water flow regime in the swimming behaviour and escape performance of a schooling fish. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.031997. [PMID: 30237289 PMCID: PMC6215405 DOI: 10.1242/bio.031997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are exposed to variable and rapidly changing environmental flow conditions, such as wind in terrestrial habitats and currents in aquatic systems. For fishes, previous work suggests that individuals exhibit flow-induced changes in aerobic swimming performance. Yet, no one has examined whether similar plasticity is found in fast-start escape responses, which are modulated by anaerobic swimming performance, sensory stimuli and neural control. In this study, we used fish from wild schools of the tropical damselfish Chromis viridis from shallow reefs surrounding Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The flow regime at each site was measured to ascertain differences in mean water flow speed and its temporal variability. Swimming and escape behaviour in fish schools were video-recorded in a laminar-flow swim tunnel. Though each school's swimming behaviour (i.e. alignment and cohesion) was not associated with local flow conditions, traits linked with fast-start performance (particularly turning rate and the distance travelled with the response) were significantly greater in individuals from high-flow habitats. This stronger performance may occur due to a number of mechanisms, such as an i n s itu training effect or greater selection pressure for faster performance phenotypes in areas with high flow speed.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Nadler
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia .,Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Shaun S Killen
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Domenici
- CNR-IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Localita Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - Mark I McCormick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.,Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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39
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Fu C, Cao ZD, Fu SJ. Predation experience underlies the relationship between locomotion capability and survival. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 227:32-38. [PMID: 30236912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The positive relationship between locomotion performance and survival under predation has long been suggested yet seldom demonstrated with direct evidence. We investigate the effects of predator exposure on locomotion capacity (both fast-start escape and critical swimming performance), survival under predation and the relationships between these factors in juvenile Chinese bream (Parabramis pekinensis). This study aims to test whether there is a positive relationship between the above factors and whether such relationships are context dependent (i.e., with or without 20 d of predator exposure). We found that predator-exposed Chinese bream showed higher rates of survival under predation and improved fast-start swimming performance compared with individuals not exposed to predation. At individual level, no relationship was found between survival and any locomotion performance component in the no-predator group, but mean fast-start swimming speed, maneuverability and responsiveness were all positively related to survival in the predator group after 20 d of exposure. This finding indicates that the recognition of and vigilance for predators achieved through predation experience can be crucial preconditions for prey to employ the fast-start escape response, especially to escape ambush predators. Furthermore, a tradeoff was observed between the critical and fast-start swimming performances in the predator group, but not in the no-predator group, which may have been due to the intensified competition throughout the entire locomotion-support system (e.g., energy, proportions of slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers) between critical and fast-start swimming because the increased demand for fast-start escape capacity constrains (or compromises) critical swimming performance under the threat of predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Cao
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shi-Jian Fu
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Physiology and Behavior, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.
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40
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Berg EM, Björnfors ER, Pallucchi I, Picton LD, El Manira A. Principles Governing Locomotion in Vertebrates: Lessons From Zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:73. [PMID: 30271327 PMCID: PMC6146226 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, find food and evade predators. The circuits in the brain and spinal cord that initiate and maintain such different modes of locomotion in vertebrates have been studied in numerous species for over a century. In recent decades, the zebrafish has emerged as one of the main model systems for the study of locomotion, owing to its experimental amenability, and work in zebrafish has revealed numerous new insights into locomotor circuit function. Here, we review the literature that has led to our current understanding of the neural circuits controlling swimming and escape in zebrafish. We highlight recent studies that have enriched our comprehension of key topics, such as the interactions between premotor excitatory interneurons (INs) and motoneurons (MNs), supraspinal and spinal circuits that coordinate escape maneuvers, and developmental changes in overall circuit composition. We also discuss roles for neuromodulators and sensory inputs in modifying the relative strengths of constituent circuit components to provide flexibility in zebrafish behavior, allowing the animal to accommodate changes in the environment. We aim to provide a coherent framework for understanding the circuitry in the brain and spinal cord of zebrafish that allows the animal to flexibly transition between different speeds, and modes, of locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Berg
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Irene Pallucchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laurence D Picton
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
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Lawrence MJ, Godin JGJ, Cooke SJ. Does experimental cortisol elevation mediate risk-taking and antipredator behaviour in a wild teleost fish? Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 226:75-82. [PMID: 30099116 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis is centrally implicated in stressor mitigation in teleost fishes. Sustained HPI axis activation can be detrimental to the physiological functioning of an organism and can result in fitness-related trade-offs. Predator-induced mortality is known to be higher in stressed fish than in unstressed conspecifics, suggesting a role for the HPI axis in mediating fish behaviour. However, the underlying specific mechanism(s) for this phenomenon is(are) unknown. The purpose of the current study was to address how the HPI axis influences risk-taking, and antipredator behaviours in a wild teleost, the pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus). Here, individual juvenile pumpkinseed were implanted either with cocoa butter as a sham control or with a biologically-relevant concentration of cortisol. Forty-eight hours post-implantation, fish were assessed for behavioural metrics associated with boldness and risk taking in three sequential behavioural tests: (i) a predation-risk test, (ii) an exploration tendency test, and (iii) a shoaling tendency test, with test order randomized among different trials. Cortisol treatment had no influence on antipredator, exploratory, or shoaling behaviours. However, post-attack swimming duration (in predation-risk test) and exploratory activity (in Z-maze exploration test) were significantly affected by body mass. Collectively, our results indicate that cortisol may not have a role in mediating sociability, boldness, and risk-taking behaviours in pumpkinseed sunfish, at least under the current laboratory conditions. However, cortisol may nonetheless play a role in mediating predator-prey interactions in fishes in more natural environmental settings that were not considered here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Lawrence
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Jean-Guy J Godin
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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42
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Kimura H, Kawabata Y. Effect of initial body orientation on escape probability of prey fish escaping from predators. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.023812. [PMID: 29945875 PMCID: PMC6078344 DOI: 10.1242/bio.023812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinematic and behavioral components of the escape response can affect the outcomes of predator-prey interactions. For example, because sensory perception range can have spatial bias, and because turn duration before the initiation of escape locomotion can be smaller when prey is oriented away from predators, the prey's body orientation relative to a predator at the onset of the escape response (initial orientation) could affect whether prey successfully evade predators. We tested this hypothesis by recording the escape responses of juvenile red sea bream (Pagrus major) to the predatory scorpion fish (Sebastiscus marmoratus). Flight initiation distance tended to be small when prey were attacked from behind, suggesting that prey have spatial bias in detecting attacking predators. An increase in flight initiation distance increased escape probability. An increase in initial orientation decreased turn duration and increased escape probability when the effect of flight initiation distance was offset. These results suggest that initial orientation affects escape probability through two different pathways: changes in flight initiation distance and turn duration. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating initial orientation into other studies of the kinematics of predator-prey interactions. Summary: Our predator-prey experiments reveal that prey's initial body orientation relative to a predator affects the flight initiation distance and turn duration of prey and consequently affects escape probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibiki Kimura
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Yuuki Kawabata
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
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43
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Rieucau G, Kiszka JJ, Castillo JC, Mourier J, Boswell KM, Heithaus MR. Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and image analysis in the study of large surface-associated marine species: a case study on reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus shoaling behaviour. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:119-127. [PMID: 29855056 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A novel image analysis-based technique applied to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey data is described to detect and locate individual free-ranging sharks within aggregations. The method allows rapid collection of data and quantification of fine-scale swimming and collective patterns of sharks. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique in a small-scale case study exploring the shoaling tendencies of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus in a large lagoon within Moorea, French Polynesia. Using our approach, we found that C. melanopterus displayed increased alignment with shoal companions when distributed over a sandflat where they are regularly fed for ecotourism purposes as compared with when they shoaled in a deeper adjacent channel. Our case study highlights the potential of a relatively low-cost method that combines UAV survey data and image analysis to detect differences in shoaling patterns of free-ranging sharks in shallow habitats. This approach offers an alternative to current techniques commonly used in controlled settings that require time-consuming post-processing effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Rieucau
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
- Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin, Louisiana
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
| | | | - Johann Mourier
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-ßCNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Kevin M Boswell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida
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44
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Hodge JR, Alim C, Bertrand NG, Lee W, Price SA, Tran B, Wainwright PC. Ecology shapes the evolutionary trade-off between predator avoidance and defence in coral reef butterflyfishes. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:1033-1042. [PMID: 29744987 DOI: 10.1111/ele.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Antipredator defensive traits are thought to trade-off evolutionarily with traits that facilitate predator avoidance. However, complexity and scale have precluded tests of this prediction in many groups, including fishes. Using a macroevolutionary approach, we test this prediction in butterflyfishes, an iconic group of coral reef inhabitants with diverse social behaviours, foraging strategies and antipredator adaptations. We find that several antipredator traits have evolved adaptively, dependent primarily on foraging strategy. We identify a previously unrecognised axis of diversity in butterflyfishes where species with robust morphological defences have riskier foraging strategies and lack sociality, while species with reduced morphological defences feed in familiar territories, have adaptations for quick escapes and benefit from the vigilance provided by sociality. Furthermore, we find evidence for the constrained evolution of fin spines among species that graze solely on corals, highlighting the importance of corals, as both prey and structural refuge, in shaping fish morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Hodge
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Chidera Alim
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nick G Bertrand
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Wesley Lee
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Samantha A Price
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Binh Tran
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Peter C Wainwright
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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45
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Best C, Vijayan MM. Cortisol elevation post-hatch affects behavioural performance in zebrafish larvae. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:220-226. [PMID: 28713045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Maternal cortisol is essential for cortisol stress axis development and de novo production of this steroid commences only after hatch in zebrafish (Danio rerio). However, very little is known about the effect of elevated cortisol levels, during the critical period of stress axis activation, on larval performance. We tested the hypothesis that elevated cortisol levels post-hatch affect behavioural performance and this is mediated by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation in zebrafish larvae. The behavioural response included measuring larval activity in response to alternating light and dark cycles, as well as thigmotaxis. Zebrafish larvae at 3days post-fertilization were exposed to waterborne cortisol for 24h to mimic a steroid response to an early-life stressor exposure. Also, larvae were exposed to waterborne RU-486 (a GR antagonist) either in the presence or absence of cortisol to confirm GR activation. Co-treatment with RU-486 completely abolished the upregulation of cortisol-induced 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 transcript abundance, confirming GR signalling. Cortisol-exposed larvae displayed increased locomotor activity irrespective of light condition, but showed no changes in thigmotaxis. This cortisol-mediated behavioural response was not affected by co-treatment with RU-486. Cortisol exposure also did not modify the transcript abundances of GR and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in zebrafish larvae. Altogether, cortisol stress axis activation post-hatch increases locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae. Our results suggest that GR signalling may not be involved in this behavioural response, leading to the proposal that cortisol action via MR signalling may influence locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Best
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mathilakath M Vijayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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46
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McCormick MI, Fakan E, Allan BJM. Behavioural measures determine survivorship within the hierarchy of whole‐organism phenotypic traits. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark I. McCormick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Eric Fakan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Bridie J. M. Allan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
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47
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Allen RM, Metaxas A, Snelgrove PVR. Applying Movement Ecology to Marine Animals with Complex Life Cycles. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2018; 10:19-42. [PMID: 28813201 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-121916-063134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine animals with complex life cycles may move passively or actively for fertilization, dispersal, predator avoidance, resource acquisition, and migration, and over scales from micrometers to thousands of kilometers. This diversity has catalyzed idiosyncratic and unfocused research, creating unsound paradigms regarding the role of movement in ecology and evolution. The emerging movement ecology paradigm offers a framework to consolidate movement research independent of taxon, life-history stage, scale, or discipline. This review applies the framework to movement among life-history stages in marine animals with complex life cycles to consolidate marine movement research and offer insights for scientists working in aquatic and terrestrial realms. Irrespective of data collection or simulation strategy, breaking each life-history stage down into the fundamental units of movement allows each unit to be studied independently or interactively with other units. Understanding these underlying mechanisms of movement within each life-history stage can then be used to construct lifetime movement paths. These paths can allow further investigation of the relative contributions and interdependencies of steps and phases across a lifetime and how these paths influence larger research topics, such as population-level movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Allen
- Department of Ocean Sciences and Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5S7, Canada;
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Anna Metaxas
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Paul V R Snelgrove
- Department of Ocean Sciences and Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5S7, Canada;
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48
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Allan BJM, Domenici P, Watson SA, Munday PL, McCormick MI. Warming has a greater effect than elevated CO 2 on predator-prey interactions in coral reef fish. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:rspb.2017.0784. [PMID: 28659450 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification and warming, driven by anthropogenic CO2 emissions, are considered to be among the greatest threats facing marine organisms. While each stressor in isolation has been studied extensively, there has been less focus on their combined effects, which could impact key ecological processes. We tested the independent and combined effects of short-term exposure to elevated CO2 and temperature on the predator-prey interactions of a common pair of coral reef fishes (Pomacentrus wardi and its predator, Pseudochromis fuscus). We found that predator success increased following independent exposure to high temperature and elevated CO2 Overall, high temperature had an overwhelming effect on the escape behaviour of the prey compared with the combined exposure to elevated CO2 and high temperature or the independent effect of elevated CO2 Exposure to high temperatures led to an increase in attack and predation rates. By contrast, we observed little influence of elevated CO2 on the behaviour of the predator, suggesting that the attack behaviour of P. fuscus was robust to this environmental change. This is the first study to address how the kinematics and swimming performance at the basis of predator-prey interactions may change in response to concurrent exposure to elevated CO2 and high temperatures and represents an important step to forecasting the responses of interacting species to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridie J M Allan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia .,Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Paolo Domenici
- CNR-IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Località Sa Mardini, 09170 Torregrande (Oristano), Italy
| | - Sue Ann Watson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Philip L Munday
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Mark I McCormick
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.,Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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49
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Juvenile coral reef fish alter escape responses when exposed to changes in background and acute risk levels. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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50
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Crickets alter wind-elicited escape strategies depending on acoustic context. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15158. [PMID: 29123249 PMCID: PMC5680309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15276-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic signals trigger various behaviours in insects such as courtship or escape from predators. However, it remains unknown whether insects utilize acoustic signals to recognize environmental contexts. The cricket is a prominent model insect for neuroethological studies on acoustic behaviour because female crickets exhibit positive phonotaxis in response to male calling songs, and flying crickets display avoidance behaviour for high-frequency sounds such as echolocation call of bats. The carrier frequency of these sounds is a major factor in determining whether they initiate these acoustic behaviours. Here, we examined the impacts of different frequencies of tone sounds on cercal-mediated escape behaviour, using a 5-kHz tone corresponding to the calling song and a 15-kHz tone serving as a trigger of avoidance behaviours. Neither frequency elicited a response in the standing cricket by itself, but they had different impacts on walking responses to airflow stimuli. While the 15-kHz tone reduced response probability, extended moving distance, and enhanced turn-angle variability, the 5-kHz tone had no effect. Although both frequencies of tones facilitated walking backward, the 15-kHz tone had a larger effect than the 5-kHz tone. These frequency dependencies of behavioural modulation suggest that crickets can recognize acoustic contexts and alter their escape strategy accordingly.
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