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Effects of predator odor on anti-predation behavior and hypothalamic c-fos mRNA expression of Chinese mole shrew. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Hegab IM, Yao B, Qian Z, Tan Y, Pu Q, Wang Z, Wang H, Su J. Examining sex disparities in risk/reward trade-offs in Smith's zokors, Eospalax smithii. Behav Processes 2022; 201:104716. [PMID: 35901938 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104716] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Risk taking is imperative for the survival and fitness of animals since they are constantly facing innumerable threats from various sources. Indeed, the ability of the individual to balance the costs and benefits of various options and adopt a wise decision is critical for the animal well-being. We modified several traditionally used anxiety tests [The modified light-dark box (mLDB), the modified open field test (mOFT) and the modified defensive withdrawal apparatus (mDWA)] by adding a palatable food reward within the anxiogenic zone which granted us to assess the sex differences in risk-taking behavior in Smith's zokors (Eospalax smithii), a typical subterranean rodent species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Concomitant with our working hypothesis, female zokors showed strong aversion and avoidance behavioral responses when tested in the mOFT and mDWA while there were no apparent sexually dimorphic behavioral changes when they were tested in the mLDB (Except for the percentage of food consumed and the latency till start feeding). Furthermore, comparison between the three behavioral paradigms revealed that both sexes showed different behavioral responses toward the different behavioral tests. Sex differences in repeatable behaviors were more profound in females than males. This might reflect different degrees of risk perception and emotionality that may differ considerably between the different models of anxiety. Our results highlighted the functional significance of a trade-off between risk and incentives in natural environment that both male and female zokors differ in the processing of risk assessment in the presence of a food reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Hegab
- Department of Hygiene, Zoonoses and Animal Behaviour and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhang Qian
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiangsheng Pu
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Haifang Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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Villalobos A, Schlyter F, Birgersson G, Koteja P, Löf M. Fear effects on bank voles (Rodentia: Arvicolinae): testing for repellent candidates from predator volatiles. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1677-1685. [PMID: 34994055 PMCID: PMC9306653 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arvicolinae rodents are known pests causing damage to both agricultural and forest crops. Today, rodenticides for rodent control are widely discouraged owing to their negative effects on the environment. Rodents are the main prey for several predators, and their complex olfactory system allows them to identify risks of predation. Therefore, the potential use of predators' scents as repellents has gained interest as an ecologically based rodent control method. In a two-choice experiment, we investigated the potential repellent effects of five synthetic predator compounds: 2-phenylethylamine (2-PEA), 2-propylthietane (2-PT), indole, heptanal and 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), at 1% and 5% doses, using the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) as a rodent model. RESULTS The compound 2-PEA reduced both the food contacts and the time spent by voles in the treatment arm compared to the control arm. Likewise, 2-PT-treated arms reduced the food contacts, and the voles spent less time there, although this latter difference was not significant. Indole also showed a tendency to reduce the time spent at the treatment arm; however, this result was not significant. Unexpectedly, TMT had the reverse effect in showing attractive properties, possibly due to odor cues from differently sized predators and intraguild predation in nature. We found no dose-related effects for any compounds tested. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the 2-PEA and 2-PT are both effective odor stimuli for triggering reduced food contacts and area avoidance, and they may be good repellent candidates. We suggest further testing of 2-PEA and 2-PT in field experiments to further determine their dose-efficiency as repellents against rodents in more natural environments. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Villalobos
- Southern Swedish Forest Research CentreSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesLommaSweden
- Büsgen‐Institute, Department of Forest Zoology and Forest ConservationGeorg‐August‐Universität GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Fredrik Schlyter
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesLommaSweden
- Excellent Team for Mitigation, Faculty of Forestry & Wood SciencesCzech University of Life Sciences PragueSuchdolCzech Republic
| | - Göran Birgersson
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesLommaSweden
| | - Paweł Koteja
- Institute of Environmental SciencesJagiellonian UniversityKrakówPoland
| | - Magnus Löf
- Southern Swedish Forest Research CentreSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesLommaSweden
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Neville V, Mounty J, Benato L, Hunter K, Mendl M, Paul ES. Thinking outside the lab: Can studies of pet rats inform pet and laboratory rat welfare? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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5
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Neville V, Mounty J, Benato L, Hunter K, Mendl M, Paul ES. Pet rat welfare in the United Kingdom: The good, the bad and the ugly. Vet Rec 2021; 189:e559. [PMID: 34101201 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, despite the substantial literature investigating how rats prefer to be kept in captivity, no research has been conducted to assess the housing, husbandry and health of pet rats. METHODS To better understand the United Kingdom's pet rat population and the welfare issues they face, we conducted an online survey of pet rat owners. The survey included questions about the owner and their opinions about pet rats, and about their rats' health, husbandry and housing. RESULTS The results, from 677 complete responses, highlighted areas of rat care that were "good", "bad" and "ugly" (i.e. likely to be highly detrimental to welfare). The good was that many rats were provided with a social companion and enrichment; the bad was that we could not be certain whether rats had a sufficiently nutritious diet or sufficient opportunities to explore or adequate nesting substrate; and the ugly included cases of exposure of rats to predator species within the home and a generally high prevalence of disease. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that there is much cause for concern about the welfare of pet rats in the United Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikki Neville
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jessica Mounty
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Livia Benato
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,City Vets, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Michael Mendl
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Zambra N, Lacuesta L, Orihuela A, Ungerfeld R. Ewes behavioural and physiological reactions to the odour of fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) faeces. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105290] [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]
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Guo H, Hegab IM, Tan Y, Yao B, Wang C, Cai Z, Ji W, Su J. Exposure to eagle owl feces induces anti-predator behavior, physiology, and hypothalamic gene responses in a subterranean rodent, the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02934-w] [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]
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Wood TC, Moore PA. Big and bad: how relative predator size and dietary information influence rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) behavior and resource-use decisions. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prey animals use the information that they extract from predator cues to assess risk. Animals can obtain information about the relative size of predators and their dietary constituents from odor cues that predators deposit in the environment. However, it is currently unknown how prey animals respond when presented with two or more pieces of information about a predator. Rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852)) were exposed to odors from predatory largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802)) that were fed four different diets and also varied in size relative to the crayfish subjects. A series of analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that rusty crayfish altered their macrophyte consumption, foraging behavior, and shelter-use behavior depending on the relative size and dietary information presented by the largemouth bass. This study demonstrates that prey consider and respond to multiple aspects of a predatory threat when making resource-use decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C. Wood
- Laboratory for Sensory Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
- University of Michigan Biological Station, 9133 Biological Road, Pellston, MI 49769, USA
| | - Paul A. Moore
- Laboratory for Sensory Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
- University of Michigan Biological Station, 9133 Biological Road, Pellston, MI 49769, USA
- J.P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind, and Behavior, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
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Differential antipredatory responses in the tuco-tuco (Ctenomys talarum) in relation to endogenous and exogenous changes in glucocorticoids. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 206:33-44. [PMID: 31784830 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-019-01384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids participate in the behavioral and physiological responses generated under stressful circumstances coming from different sources-physical and/or psychological. In mammals, the increases of these hormones are mediated by the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This response occurs after exposure to novel and unpredictable situations that lead to the loss of homeostasis, for example, a direct encounter with predators or their cues. However, the relationship between the physiological and behavioral responses is still a complex issue in vertebrates. We evaluate the effects of an experimental manipulation of glucocorticoid levels on the generation of the behavioral and physiological response to stress by predation in the subterranean rodent C. talarum. We found that when tuco-tucos encountered predator cues-fur odor, and largely, immobilization-they responded physiologically by secreting cortisol. This response was accompanied by an associated behavioral response. However, when the increase in plasma cortisol originated exogenously by the injection of cortisol, a behavioral response was not observed. Finally, inhibition of glucocorticoids' synthesis was effective in weakening the behavioral effects produced by immobilization. In conclusion, in tuco-tucos, predator cues act as stress factors that trigger differential increases in plasma cortisol and a behavioral response associated with the appearance of anxiety states.
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10
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Shonfield J, Bayne E. Effects of industrial disturbance on abundance and activity of small mammals. CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbance can negatively impact animal populations and alter the behaviour of individuals. Disturbance associated with the energy sector has been increasing in the boreal forest of northern Alberta. Disturbances associated with the oil and gas industry vary in the infrastructure present and sensory stimuli generated. Two common types are compressor stations and roads. It is important to assess population consequences of disturbance on small mammals because they serve as prey, predators, and seed–spore dispersers in the terrestrial ecosystems that they inhabit. To test the effects of disturbance from the energy sector on the abundance and activity of small mammals, we used mark–recapture methods and live-trapped in forested areas with one side adjacent to a clearing with industrial infrastructure present (road or compressor station) or absent (control sites). We found no difference in abundance or activity of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) and southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)) between sites and did not detect an edge effect on abundance within sites, regardless of the presence of industrial infrastructure. Our results suggest minimal effects of industrial disturbance on the abundance and activity of these species, and the infrastructure and sensory stimuli generated are unlikely to be key drivers of their population dynamics or behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Shonfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - E.M. Bayne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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11
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Assessing spatial learning and working memory in plateau zokors in comparison with plateau pikas and laboratory rats. Acta Ethol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-019-00320-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Gender difference in unconditioned and conditioned predator fear responses in Smith's zokors (Eospalax smithii). Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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13
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Blackwell BF, Seamans TW, Pfeiffer MB, Buckingham BN. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) reproduction undeterred by predator scent inside nest boxes. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Indirect predator cues near nests have been shown to enhance perceived predation risk and associated antipredator behaviours in breeding animals across taxa and particularly with birds. We hypothesized that scent from the raccoon (Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758)) inside nest boxes would, despite being an evolutionarily unique predator, enhance perceived risk to the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758)), thus reducing use of treated sites and reproduction. During early spring, starlings selected from nest boxes treated with equal volumes of predator scent, a novel odour, or water (n = 40 boxes per treatment). We evaluated effects of treatment on reproductive traits via generalized linear models. Starlings established nest bowls in 61% of nest boxes (predator scent, n = 27 boxes; novel odour, n = 24 boxes; control (water), n = 22 boxes); clutches were laid in 68 boxes. We observed no effects of treatment on the likelihood of a clutch (≥1 egg) or nest failure. Further, we found no treatment effects on date of first egg, clutch size, or hatchling number. We conclude that starling antipredator response to enhanced, indirect risk of nest predation is contingent upon a combination of predator cues, as well as direct or indirect experience with nest predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley F. Blackwell
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
| | - Thomas W. Seamans
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
| | - Morgan B. Pfeiffer
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
| | - Bruce N. Buckingham
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Ohio Field Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
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Brachetta V, Schleich CE, Cutrera AP, Merlo JL, Kittlein MJ, Zenuto RR. Prenatal predatory stress in a wild species of subterranean rodent: Do ecological stressors always have a negative effect on the offspring? Dev Psychobiol 2018; 60:567-581. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Brachetta
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET; de Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Cristian E. Schleich
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET; de Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Ana P. Cutrera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET; de Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Julieta L. Merlo
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET; de Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Marcelo J. Kittlein
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET; de Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Roxana R. Zenuto
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET; de Mar del Plata Argentina
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Su J, Hegab IM, Ji W, Nan Z. Function-related Drivers of Skull Morphometric Variation and Sexual Size Dimorphism in a Subterranean Rodent, Plateau Zokor ( Eospalax baileyi). Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4631-4643. [PMID: 29760903 PMCID: PMC5938458 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism is prevalent in most living organisms. The difference in size between sexes of a given species is generally known as sexual size dimorphism (SSD). The magnitude of the SSD is determined by Rensch's rule where size dimorphism increases with increasing body size when the male is the larger sex and decreases with increasing average body size when the female is the larger sex. The unique underground environment that zokors (Eospalax baileyi) live under in the severe habitat of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) could create SSD selection pressures that may or may not be supported by Rensch's rule, making this scientific question worthy of investigation. In this study, we investigated the individual variation between sexes in body size and SSD of plateau zokors using measurements of 19 morphological traits. We also investigated the evolutionary mechanisms underlying SSD in plateau zokors. Moreover, we applied Rensch's rule to all extant zokor species. Our results showed male‐biased SSD in plateau zokors: The body‐ and head‐related measurements were greater in males than in females. Linear regression analysis between body length, body weight, and carcass weight showed significant relationships with some traits such as skull length, lower incisor length, and tympanic bulla width, which might support our prediction that males have faster growth rates than females. Further, the SSD pattern corroborated the assumption of Rensch's rule in plateau zokors but not in the other zokor species. Our findings suggest that the natural underground habitat and behavioral differences between sexes can generate selection pressures on male traits and contribute to the evolution of SSD in plateau zokors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,College of Grassland Science Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education) Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China
| | - Ibrahim M Hegab
- College of Grassland Science Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education) Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Department of Hygiene, Zoonosis and Animal Behavior & Management Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Weihong Ji
- Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity Gansu Agricultural University Lanzhou China.,Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand
| | - Zhibiao Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
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EL-Azzazi FE, Hegab IM, Hanafy AM. Biostimulation and reproductive performance of artificially inseminated rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculus). WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2017.7446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Biostimulation is a non-hormonal and practical technique that has not yet been widely utilised when applied immediately before insemination to improve reproductive efficiency in livestock species. This study was conducted to determine the influence of short-term male biostimulation on behavioural and reproductive performance of inseminated rabbit does. A total of 142 female New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Females were either exposed to male odour (Odour group) or an adult aproned male (Male group), while the remaining does that were neither exposed to the male odour nor the adult male are considered the control group. All females were inseminated after the 2 h exposure session. Conception rates were determined by abdominal palpation 12 d after insemination. The results showed that conception rate of the male odour group (79.59%) was greater than that of male presence group (76.09%) and that of the control group (68.09%). Moreover, biostimulated does showed significant behavioural activities during the 2 h exposure session compared to the control group. Although no significant differences were recognised, litter size at birth and at weaning was slightly increased in biostimulated compared to control females. Nor were there any significant difference in serum oestradiol concentrations between treated groups. Conclusively, short-term 2 h biostimulation of rabbit does resulted in the appearance of various behavioural responses followed by differences in conception rates between groups after routine artificial insemination.
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Fear of predation alters clone-specific performance in phloem-feeding prey. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7695. [PMID: 28794462 PMCID: PMC5550486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear of predation has been shown to affect prey fitness and behaviour, however, to date little is known about the underlying genetics of responses to predator-associated risk. In an effort to fill this gap we exposed four naïve clones of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), maintained on the model crop Brassica oleracea, to different types of cues from aphid lion (Chrysoperla carnea). The respective predation risks, we termed Fear Factors, were either lethal (consumption by predator), or non-lethal (non-consumptive predator-associated cues: plant-tethered predator cadavers and homogenised shoot-sprayed or soil-infused blends of predator remains). Our results show that the non-lethal risk cues differentially impeded prey reproductive success that varied by clone, suggesting genotype-specific response to fear of predation. Furthermore, whether plants were perceived as being safe or risky influenced prey responses as avoidance behaviour in prey depended on clone type. Our findings highlight that intra-specific genetic variation underlies prey responses to consumptive and non-consumptive effects of predation. This allows selection to act on anti-predator responses to fear of predation that may ramify and influence higher trophic levels in model agroecosystems.
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Yin B, Gu C, Lu Y, Hegab IM, Yang S, Wang A, Wei W. Repeated exposure to cat urine induces complex behavioral, hormonal, and c-fos mRNA responses in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:64. [PMID: 28689350 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1484-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Prey species show specific adaptations that allow recognition, avoidance, and defense against predators. This study was undertaken to investigate the processing of a chronic, life-threatening stimulus to Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). One hundred forty-four Norway rats were tested by repeated presentation of cat urine for 1 h at different days in a defensive withdrawal apparatus. Rats exposed to urine for short periods showed significantly larger defensive behavioral and medial hypothalamic c-fos messenger RNA (mRNA) responses than other groups. These defensive responses habituated shortly after the presentation of cat urine. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone increased significantly when animals were repeatedly exposed to cat urine. However, the hormonal responses took longer to habituate than the behavioral and molecular responses did. We conclude that the behavioral and c-fos mRNA responses are "primed" for habituation to repeated exposures to cat urine, while the hormonal responses show "resistance." The results support our hypothesis that the strongest anti-predator responses at three levels would occur during short-term exposure to cat urine and that these responses would subsequently disappear on prolonged exposure. This study assists understanding the way in which the different levels of defensive responses are integrated and react during chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baofa Yin
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Chen Gu
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Ibrahim M Hegab
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Shengmei Yang
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Aiqin Wang
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China
| | - Wanhong Wei
- Department of Animal Behavior, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
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Brachetta V, Schleich CE, Zenuto RR. Source Odor, Intensity, and Exposure Pattern Affect Antipredatory Responses in the Subterranean RodentCtenomys talarum. Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Brachetta
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Cristian E. Schleich
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Roxana R. Zenuto
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Argentina
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20
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Harris BN, Carr JA. The role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal axis in mediating predator-avoidance trade-offs. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 230-231:110-42. [PMID: 27080550 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining energy balance and reproducing are important for fitness, yet animals have evolved mechanisms by which the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal (HPA/HPI) axis can shut these activities off. While HPA/HPI axis inhibition of feeding and reproduction may have evolved as a predator defense, to date there has been no review across taxa of the causal evidence for such a relationship. Here we review the literature on this topic by addressing evidence for three predictions: that exposure to predators decreases reproduction and feeding, that exposure to predators activates the HPA/HPI axis, and that predator-induced activation of the HPA/HPI axis inhibits foraging and reproduction. Weight of evidence indicates that exposure to predator cues inhibits several aspects of foraging and reproduction. While the evidence from fish and mammals supports the hypothesis that predator cues activate the HPA/HPI axis, the existing data in other vertebrate taxa are equivocal. A causal role for the HPA axis in predator-induced suppression of feeding and reproduction has not been demonstrated to date, although many studies report correlative relationships between HPA activity and reproduction and/or feeding. Manipulation of HPA/HPI axis signaling will be required in future studies to demonstrate direct mediation of predator-induced inhibition of feeding and reproduction. Understanding the circuitry linking sensory pathways to their control of the HPA/HPI axis also is needed. Finally, the role that fear and anxiety pathways play in the response of the HPA axis to predator cues is needed to better understand the role that predators have played in shaping anxiety related behaviors in all species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna N Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - James A Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States.
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