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Stuckert AMM, Chouteau M, McClure M, LaPolice TM, Linderoth T, Nielsen R, Summers K, MacManes MD. The genomics of mimicry: Gene expression throughout development provides insights into convergent and divergent phenotypes in a Müllerian mimicry system. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17438. [PMID: 38923007 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
A common goal in evolutionary biology is to discern the mechanisms that produce the astounding diversity of morphologies seen across the tree of life. Aposematic species, those with a conspicuous phenotype coupled with some form of defence, are excellent models to understand the link between vivid colour pattern variations, the natural selection shaping it, and the underlying genetic mechanisms underpinning this variation. Mimicry systems in which species share a conspicuous phenotype can provide an even better model for understanding the mechanisms of colour production in aposematic species, especially if comimics have divergent evolutionary histories. Here we investigate the genetic mechanisms by which mimicry is produced in poison frogs. We assembled a 6.02-Gbp genome with a contig N50 of 310 Kbp, a scaffold N50 of 390 Kbp and 85% of expected tetrapod genes. We leveraged this genome to conduct gene expression analyses throughout development of four colour morphs of Ranitomeya imitator and two colour morphs from both R. fantastica and R. variabilis which R. imitator mimics. We identified a large number of pigmentation and patterning genes differentially expressed throughout development, many of them related to melanophores/melanin, iridophore development and guanine synthesis. We also identify the pteridine synthesis pathway (including genes such as qdpr and xdh) as a key driver of the variation in colour between morphs of these species, and identify several plausible candidates for colouration in vertebrates (e.g. cd36, ep-cadherin and perlwapin). Finally, we hypothesise that keratin genes (e.g. krt8) are important for producing different structural colours within these frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M M Stuckert
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mathieu Chouteau
- Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions Des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Guyane, Cayenne, France
| | - Melanie McClure
- Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions Des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Guyane, Cayenne, France
| | - Troy M LaPolice
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tyler Linderoth
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Kyle Summers
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew D MacManes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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2
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Shi C, Chen SX. Structural and ultrastructural aspects of the skin of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2024; 104:1836-1847. [PMID: 38488309 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The skin color of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a crucial indicator to determine its economic value. However, the location of pigment cells in the skin structure is uncertain. To determine the pigment cell type in the skin, the vertical order and ultrastructure of pigment cells were examined using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both dorsal and ventral skins comprise the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Xanthophores, melanophores, and iridophores were observed in the dermis of the dorsal skin, whereas the latter two were in the dermis of the ventral skin. Interestingly, the size of xanthophores in the dorsal skin was significantly smaller than that of xanthophores in the ventral skin; however, the density of dorsal xanthophores was significantly higher than that of ventral xanthophores. The type L-iridophores with large crystalline structures were observed in the uppermost area of the upper pigment layer, which contributed to the strikingly metallic luster shown by the ventral skin. The melanophores were exclusively found in the dorsal skin, offering the purpose of camouflage. Taken together, our results indicated that the pigment cells display different arrangement patterns between dorsal and ventral skin, and the golden color in the ventral skin results from the coexistence of light-reflecting iridophores and light-absorbing xanthophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shi Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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3
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Gould J, McHenry C. It's not easy being green: Comparing typical skin colouration among amphibians with colour abnormalities associated with chromatophore deficits. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11438. [PMID: 38779532 PMCID: PMC11108801 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Amphibians can obtain their colour from a combination of several different pigment and light reflecting cell types called chromatophores, with defects in one or several of the cells leading to colour abnormalities. There is a need for better recording of colour abnormalities within wild amphibian populations, as this may provide baseline data that can be used to determine changes in environmental conditions and population dynamics, such as inbreeding. In this study, we provide records of several types of chromatophore deficiencies, including those involving iridophores, xanthophores and melanophores, among two Australian tree frog species; the green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, and the eastern dwarf tree frog, L. fallax. We explore these colour abnormalities in terms of the chromatophores that have likely been affected and associated with their expression, in combination with typical colour phenotypes, colour variations and colour changes for these species. We intend for our photographs to be used as a visual guide that addresses the need for more accessible information regarding the physical manifestation of different chromatophore defects among amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gould
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Colin McHenry
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
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4
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Tartu S, Lorrain-Soligon L, Cheron M, Dupoué A, Brischoux F. Colouration matters in dull toads: ultraviolet adornment for ladies and agrochemicals fading effects. Oecologia 2023; 203:491-502. [PMID: 37982911 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05482-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Integument colouration can influence many aspects of fitness, and is under strong sexual selection. Amphibians often express sexual dichromatism, and ultra-violet (UV) colouration is usually biased toward males as a sexual signal. As an honest signal, colouration is related to several individual traits, but can also be related to environmental factors such as anthropogenic pollutants, to which amphibians are highly sensitive. In this study, we investigated sexual dichromatism and UV reflectance covering a large visual spectrum (wavelength ranging from 300 to 700 nm) on different body areas (throat, ventral and dorsal areas), in a widespread amphibian species, the spiny toad (Bufo spinosus). Then, we tested the impact of chronic exposure to two widespread herbicides (glyphosate's primary metabolite [AMPA] and Nicosulfuron) on their colouration. We found a strong but unexpected sexual dichromatism with females reflecting more in the UV spectrum (throat and ventral area) than males, suggesting these body parts might be critical in intra-specific signalling. Females with higher ventral UV reflectance were in better body condition, suggesting an honest signal role of UV reflectance which could influence male choice. Throat colouration was further differentially influenced by agrochemicals according to sexes. In AMPA-exposed males, throat was more saturated in yellow-orange than in control males, and Nicosulfuron exposure decreased the throat's reflectance hue in females, which can bear consequences on mate attractiveness. Future studies need to investigate the underlying mechanisms that are altered by agrochemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Léa Lorrain-Soligon
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Marion Cheron
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Andréaz Dupoué
- Ifremer, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, UMR 6539, LEMAR, Plouzane, France
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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5
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Madkour FA, Abdellatif AM, Osman YA, Kandyel RM. Histological and ultrastructural characterization of the dorso-ventral skin of the juvenile and the adult starry puffer fish (Arothron stellatus, Anonymous 1798). BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:221. [PMID: 37875870 PMCID: PMC10598996 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03784-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The starry puffer fish (Arothron stellatus, Anonymous, 1798) is a poisonous tetradontidae fish inhabiting the Red sea. The skin constitutes an important defense against any external effects. The study aims to characterize the dorso-ventral skin of the juvenile and the adult starry puffer fish using light and scanning electron microscopies. Twenty specimens of juvenile and adult fresh fishes were used. RESULTS The scanning electron microarchitecture of the skin of the juvenile and adult fish showed delicate irregular-shaped protrusions, and well-defined bricks-like elevations on the dorsal side and interrupted folds as well as irregular-shaped protrusions on the ventral side. In adult fish, the patterned microridges of the superficial and deep epithelial cells (keratinocytes) were larger and well-defined in the dorsal skin than in the ventral side, the contrary was seen in the juvenile fish. The microridges were arranged in a fingerprint or honeycomb patterns. The openings of the mucous cells were more numerous in the dorsal skin in both age stages but more noticeable in adult. Furthermore, the sensory cells were more dominant in the juveniles than the adults. The odontic spines were only seen in adult. Histologically, few taste buds were observed in the epidermis of the dorsal skin surface of the adult fish. Both mucous and club cells were embedded in the epidermis of the juvenile and adult fish with different shapes and sizes. Melanophores were observed at the dorsal skin of both juvenile and adult fishes while fewer numbers were noticed at the ventral surfaces. Several dermal bony plates with different shapes and sizes were demonstrated in the skin of both adult and juvenile fishes. CONCLUSION The structural variations of skin of the juvenile and adult fishes may reflect the various environmental difficulties that they confront.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A Madkour
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M Abdellatif
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Yassein A Osman
- Department of Fisheries, Fish Population Dynamic Lab, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
| | - Ramadan M Kandyel
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Elkin J, Martin A, Courtier-Orgogozo V, Santos ME. Analysis of the genetic loci of pigment pattern evolution in vertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1250-1277. [PMID: 37017088 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate pigmentation patterns are amongst the best characterised model systems for studying the genetic basis of adaptive evolution. The wealth of available data on the genetic basis for pigmentation evolution allows for analysis of trends and quantitative testing of evolutionary hypotheses. We employed Gephebase, a database of genetic variants associated with natural and domesticated trait variation, to examine trends in how cis-regulatory and coding mutations contribute to vertebrate pigmentation phenotypes, as well as factors that favour one mutation type over the other. We found that studies with lower ascertainment bias identified higher proportions of cis-regulatory mutations, and that cis-regulatory mutations were more common amongst animals harbouring a higher number of pigment cell classes. We classified pigmentation traits firstly according to their physiological basis and secondly according to whether they affect colour or pattern, and identified that carotenoid-based pigmentation and variation in pattern boundaries are preferentially associated with cis-regulatory change. We also classified genes according to their developmental, cellular, and molecular functions. We found a greater proportion of cis-regulatory mutations in genes implicated in upstream developmental processes compared to those involved in downstream cellular functions, and that ligands were associated with a higher proportion of cis-regulatory mutations than their respective receptors. Based on these trends, we discuss future directions for research in vertebrate pigmentation evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Elkin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St. NW, Suite 6000, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | | | - M Emília Santos
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
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7
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Loeffler-Henry K, Kang C, Sherratt TN. Evolutionary transitions from camouflage to aposematism: Hidden signals play a pivotal role. Science 2023; 379:1136-1140. [PMID: 36927015 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade5156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The initial evolution of warning signals in unprofitable prey, termed aposematism, is often seen as a paradox because any new conspicuous mutant would be easier to detect than its cryptic conspecifics and not readily recognized by naïve predators as defended. One possibility is that permanent aposematism first evolved through species using hidden warning signals, which are only exposed to would-be predators on encounter. Here, we present a large-scale analysis of evolutionary transitions in amphibian antipredation coloration and demonstrate that the evolutionary transition from camouflage to aposematism is rarely direct but tends to involve an intermediary stage, namely cryptic species that facultatively reveal conspicuous coloration. Accounting for this intermediate step can resolve the paradox and thereby advance our understanding of the evolution of aposematism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Thomas N Sherratt
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
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8
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Park C, No S, Yoo S, Oh D, Hwang Y, Kim Y, Kang C. Testing multiple hypotheses on the colour change of treefrogs in response to various external conditions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4203. [PMID: 36918652 PMCID: PMC10015036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31262-y] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are famous for their ability to change colours. And a considerable number of studies have investigated the internal and external factors that affect the expression of this phenotypic plasticity. Evidence to date suggests that thermoregulation and camouflage are the main pressures that influence frogs' adaptive colour change responses. However, certain gaps in our knowledge of this phenomenon remain, namely: (i) how do frogs adjust their colour in response to continuously changing external conditions?; (ii) what is the direction of change when two different functions of colour (camouflage and thermoregulation) are in conflict?; (iii) does reflectance in the near-infrared region show thermally adaptive change?; and (iv) is the colour change ability of each frog an individual trait (i.e., consistent within an individual over time)? Using Dryophytes japonicus (Hylidae, Hyla), we performed a series of experiments to answer the above questions. We first showed that frogs' responses to continuously-changing external conditions (i.e., background colour and temperature) were not linear and limited to the range they experience under natural conditions. Second, when a functional conflict existed, camouflage constrained the adaptive response for thermoregulation and vice versa. Third, though both temperature and background colour induced a change in near-infrared reflectance, this change was largely explained by the high correlation between colour (reflectance in the visible spectrum) and near-infrared reflectance. Fourth, within-individual variation in colour change capacity (i.e., the degree of colour change an individual can display) was lower than inter-individual variation, suggesting individuality of colour change capacity; however, we also found that colour change capacity could change gradually with time within individuals. Our results collectively reveal several new aspects of how evolution shapes the colour change process and highlight how variation in external conditions restricts the extent of colour change in treefrogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chohee Park
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Cheonggye, Muan, Jeollanamdo, 58554, South Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Seongsoo No
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Cheonggye, Muan, Jeollanamdo, 58554, South Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Sohee Yoo
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Cheonggye, Muan, Jeollanamdo, 58554, South Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Dogeun Oh
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Cheonggye, Muan, Jeollanamdo, 58554, South Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Yerin Hwang
- Department of Biosciences, Mokpo National University, Cheonggye, Muan, Jeollanamdo, 58554, South Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Yongsu Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Changku Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea. .,Research Institute of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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Svitačová K, Slavík O, Horký P. Pigmentation potentially influences fish welfare in aquaculture. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
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10
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Bacterial Pigments and Their Multifaceted Roles in Contemporary Biotechnology and Pharmacological Applications. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030614. [PMID: 36985186 PMCID: PMC10053885 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic dyes and colourants have been the mainstay of the pigment industry for decades. Researchers are eager to find a more environment friendly and non-toxic substitute because these synthetic dyes have a negative impact on the environment and people’s health. Microbial pigments might be an alternative to synthetic pigments. Microbial pigments are categorized as secondary metabolites and are mainly produced due to impaired metabolism under stressful conditions. These pigments have vibrant shades and possess nutritional and therapeutic properties compared to synthetic pigment. Microbial pigments are now widely used within the pharmaceuticals, food, paints, and textile industries. The pharmaceutical industries currently use bacterial pigments as a medicine alternative for cancer and many other bacterial infections. Their growing popularity is a result of their low cost, biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and environmentally beneficial attributes. This audit article has made an effort to take an in-depth look into the existing uses of bacterial pigments in the food and pharmaceutical industries and project their potential future applications.
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11
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Manenti R, Galbiati M, Lapadula S, Forlani M, Barzaghi B, Melotto A, Ficetola GF. Behavioural drivers of ecotone exploitation: activity of groundwater animals in spring. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-023-03297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Border habitats such as interfaces and ecotones are promising research targets being likely areas of high species richness and genetic and phenotypic diversity. Springs are intriguing habitats exploited by both subterranean and surface species. For subterranean species, springs can provide higher trophic resources but can be risky in terms of predation and UV radiation, while for surface species, springs can be safer but less productive environments. We coupled field surveys and laboratory experiments to understand how predation risk and physical constraints, like light occurrence, affect spring exploitation by both a subterranean (Niphargus thuringius) and a surface crustacean amphipod species (Echinogammarus stammeri). From March to May 2021, we surveyed multiple springs and evaluated the activity (both during day and night) of the amphipods and of their predators. Furthermore, in a subterranean laboratory, we reared 80 N. thuringius and 80 E. stammeri under safe and risky conditions with both constant darkness and diel light variation assessing their activity and survival. Risky conditions were represented by the occurrence of meso-predators alone or coupled with the presence of a top predator. In the field, N. thuringius activity was negatively related to the density of predators, while laboratory experiments revealed a main role played by light treatments and night period. E. stammeri activity in the field was higher close to surface while in laboratory conditions decreased during time. In laboratory conditions, predation risk negatively affected survival of both amphipods. Our findings reveal that physical constraints play a key role in affecting the exploitation of ecotones and can mediate antipredator responses, thus providing selective pressures for the exploitation of border environments.
Significance statement
Understanding environmental pressures acting on ecotones is a key point to verify if new adaptations may occur at the border between two distinct habitats. Using both field and laboratory approaches, we show that, in springs, the behaviour of subterranean invertebrates is affected by surface physical constraints which can mediate the effects of predation risk. Behavioural strategies to avoid predation, such as nocturnal activity, may promote spring ecotone exploitation by groundwater animals, such as amphipod crustaceans.
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12
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Malik HR, Bertolesi GE, McFarlane S. TRPM8 thermosensation in poikilotherms mediates both skin colour and locomotor performance responses to cold temperature. Commun Biol 2023; 6:127. [PMID: 36721039 PMCID: PMC9889708 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermoregulation is a homeostatic process to maintain an organism's internal temperature within a physiological range compatible with life. In poikilotherms, body temperature fluctuates with that of the environment, with both physiological and behavioral responses employed to modify body temperature. Changing skin colour/reflectance and locomotor activity are both well-recognized temperature regulatory mechanisms, but little is known of the participating thermosensor/s. We find that Xenopus laevis tadpoles put in the cold exhibit a temperature-dependent, systemic, and rapid melanosome aggregation in melanophores, which lightens the skin. Cooling also induces a reduction in the locomotor performance. To identify the cold-sensor, we focus on transient receptor potential (trp) channel genes from a Trpm family. mRNAs for several Trpms are present in Xenopus tails, and Trpm8 protein is present in skin melanophores. Temperature-induced melanosome aggregation is mimicked by the Trpm8 agonist menthol (WS12) and blocked by a Trpm8 antagonist. The degree of skin lightening induced by cooling is correlated with locomotor performance, and both responses are rapidly regulated in a dose-dependent and correlated manner by the WS12 Trpm8 agonist. We propose that TRPM8 serves as a cool thermosensor in poikilotherms that helps coordinate skin lightening and behavioural locomotor performance as adaptive thermoregulatory responses to cold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannan R. Malik
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Gabriel E. Bertolesi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Sarah McFarlane
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
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13
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Spatial differentiation of background matching strategies along a Late Pleistocene range expansion route. Evol Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10216-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Ancillotto L, Vignoli L, Martino J, Paoletti C, Romano A, Bruni G. Sexual dichromatism and throat display in spectacled salamanders: a role in visual communication? J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Ancillotto
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Portici Italy
| | - L. Vignoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Università degli studi Roma Tre Rome Italy
| | | | - C. Paoletti
- Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire ADVETIA Exotic Animal Service Vélizy‐Villacoublay France
| | - A. Romano
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche‐ Istituto per la BioEconomia Rome Italy
| | - G. Bruni
- Viale Palmiro Togliatti 101 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
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15
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Markl G, Ottmann S, Haasis T, Budach D, Krais S, Köhler HR. Thermobiological effects of temperature-induced color variations in Aglais urticae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae). Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8992. [PMID: 35784029 PMCID: PMC9188032 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8992] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coloration of animals is important for camouflage, for social behavior, or for physiological fitness. This study investigates the color variation in adults of Aglais urticae obtained on subjecting some pre‐imaginal stages to different temperature conditions and their thermobiological consequences. To investigate the evolutionary–ecological interactions of temperature and pigmentation in butterflies, caterpillars, and pupae of the small tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), larvae from Central Europe and Scandinavia were reared at temperatures between 7 and 34°C in the laboratory or in the field. After emergence, the intensity of pigmentation of the imagines and their increase in body temperature under defined full‐spectrum light irradiation were quantified by image analysis and thermal imaging. At constant conditions, ambient rearing temperature and pigmentation intensity of imagines were negatively and linearly correlated in Central European butterflies, regardless of whether the pupal stage alone or, additionally, the last period of the larval stage was exposed to these conditions: low temperatures induced darker coloration and high temperatures led to lighter individuals. A thermal pulse of a few days alone at the beginning of pupal dormancy led to a similar, albeit weakened, effect. Caterpillars of the Scandinavian subspecies A. urticae polaris, whose pupal dormancy took place under Central European field conditions, developed into strongly pigmented imagines. The thermobiological relevance of more intense pigmentation was shown by significantly higher absorption of light, and thus stronger increased body temperature after 5 min of defined illumination, but this difference ceased after 15 min. Our results show that phenotypic plasticity in wing coloration is adaptive since temperature‐induced developmental changes provide thermobiological benefit in adult butterflies. We propose that, in subpolar latitudes, darker coloration likely has a selection advantage favoring individuals with reaction norms gradually shifted to stronger pigmented phenotypes, possibly leading to the establishment of a pigmentation cline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Markl
- Department of Geosciences University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Shannon Ottmann
- Animal Physiological Ecology Group Institute of Evolution and Ecology University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Tobias Haasis
- Animal Physiological Ecology Group Institute of Evolution and Ecology University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Daniela Budach
- Department of Geosciences University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Stefanie Krais
- Animal Physiological Ecology Group Institute of Evolution and Ecology University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Heinz-R Köhler
- Animal Physiological Ecology Group Institute of Evolution and Ecology University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
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16
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Xu X, Chen H, Mandal BK, Si Z, Wang J, Wang C. Duplicated Tyr disruption using CRISPR/Cas9 reveals melanophore formation in Oujiang color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color). REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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17
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Carotenoid intake during early life mediates ontogenetic colour shifts and dynamic colour change during adulthood. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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de Solan T, Théry M, Picard D, Crochet PA, David P, Secondi J. A lot of convergence, a bit of divergence: environment and interspecific interactions shape body color patterns in Lissotriton newts. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:575-588. [PMID: 35146835 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13985] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Coexistence with related species poses evolutionary challenges to which populations may react in diverse ways. When exposed to similar environments, sympatric populations of two species may adopt similar phenotypic trait values. However, selection may also favor trait divergence as a way to reduce competition for resources or mates. The characteristics of external body parts, such as coloration and external morphology, are involved to varying degrees in intraspecific signaling as well as in the adaptation to the environment, and consequently may be diversely affected by interspecific interactions in sympatry. Here, we studied the effect of sympatry on various color and morphological traits in males and females of two related newt species Lissotriton helveticus and L. vulgaris. Importantly, we did not only estimate how raw trait differences between species respond to sympatry, but also the marginal responses after controlling for environmental variation. We found that dorsal and caudal coloration converged in sympatry, likely reflecting their role in adaptation to local environments, especially concealment from predators. In contrast, aspects of male and female ventral coloration, which harbours sexual signals in both species, diverged in sympatry. This divergence may reduce opportunities for interspecific sexual interactions and the associated loss of energy, suggesting reproductive character displacement (RCD). Our study emphasizes the contrasting patterns of traits involved in different functions and calls for the need to consider this diversity in evolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas de Solan
- CEFE, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Marc Théry
- UMR 7179 CNRS-MNHN, Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Brunoy, France
| | - Damien Picard
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023, LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France.,Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Angers, France
| | - Pierre-André Crochet
- CEFE, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrice David
- CEFE, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean Secondi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023, LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France.,Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Angers, France
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19
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Bertolesi GE, Debnath N, Malik HR, Man LLH, McFarlane S. Type II Opsins in the Eye, the Pineal Complex and the Skin of Xenopus laevis: Using Changes in Skin Pigmentation as a Readout of Visual and Circadian Activity. Front Neuroanat 2022; 15:784478. [PMID: 35126061 PMCID: PMC8814574 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.784478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye, the pineal complex and the skin are important photosensitive organs. The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, senses light from the environment and adjusts skin color accordingly. For example, light reflected from the surface induces camouflage through background adaptation while light from above produces circadian variation in skin pigmentation. During embryogenesis, background adaptation, and circadian skin variation are segregated responses regulated by the secretion of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and melatonin through the photosensitivity of the eye and pineal complex, respectively. Changes in the color of skin pigmentation have been used as a readout of biochemical and physiological processes since the initial purification of pineal melatonin from pigs, and more recently have been employed to better understand the neuroendocrine circuit that regulates background adaptation. The identification of 37 type II opsin genes in the genome of the allotetraploid X. laevis, combined with analysis of their expression in the eye, pineal complex and skin, is contributing to the elucidation of the role of opsins in the different photosensitive organs, but also brings new questions and challenges. In this review, we analyze new findings regarding the anatomical localization and functions of type II opsins in sensing light. The contribution of X. laevis in revealing the neuroendocrine circuits that regulate background adaptation and circadian light variation through changes in skin pigmentation is discussed. Finally, the presence of opsins in X. laevis skin melanophores is presented and compared with the secretory melanocytes of birds and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E. Bertolesi
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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20
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Preißler K, Rodríguez A, Pröhl H. Evidence for coloration plasticity in the yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17557-17567. [PMID: 34938529 PMCID: PMC8668782 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8391] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic adaptation in terms of background color matching to the local habitat is an important mechanism for survival in prey species. Thus, intraspecific variation in cryptic coloration is expected among localities with dissimilar habitat features (e.g., soil, vegetation). Yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata) display a dark dorsal coloration that varies between populations, assumed to convey crypsis. In this study, we explored I) geographic variation in dorsal coloration and II) coloration plasticity in B. variegata from three localities differing in substrate coloration. Using avian visual modeling, we found that the brightness contrasts of the cryptic dorsa were significantly lower on the local substrates than substrates of other localities. In experiments, individuals from one population were able to quickly change the dorsal coloration to match a lighter substrate. We conclude that the environment mediates an adaptation in cryptic dorsal coloration. We suggest further studies to test the mechanisms by which the color change occurs and explore the adaptive potential of coloration plasticity on substrates of varying brightness in B. variegata and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Preißler
- Molecular Evolution and Systematics of AnimalsInstitute of BiologyUniversity LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Ariel Rodríguez
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine of HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Heike Pröhl
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine of HannoverHannoverGermany
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21
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Lyra ML, Monteiro JPC, Rancilhac L, Irisarri I, Künzel S, Sanchez E, Condez TH, Rojas-Padilla O, Solé M, Toledo LF, Haddad CFB, Vences M. Initial Phylotranscriptomic Confirmation of Homoplastic Evolution of the Conspicuous Coloration and Bufoniform Morphology of Pumpkin-Toadlets in the Genus Brachycephalus. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:816. [PMID: 34822600 PMCID: PMC8620806 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110816] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Brachycephalus is a fascinating group of miniaturized anurans from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, comprising the conspicuous, brightly colored pumpkin-toadlets and the cryptic flea-toads. Pumpkin-toadlets are known to contain tetrodotoxins and therefore, their bright colors may perform an aposematic function. Previous studies based on a limited number of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded markers supported the existence of two clades containing species of pumpkin-toadlet phenotype, but deep nodes remained largely unresolved or conflicting between data sets. We use new RNAseq data of 17 individuals from nine Brachycephalus species to infer their evolutionary relationships from a phylogenomic perspective. Analyses of almost 5300 nuclear-encoded ortholog protein-coding genes and full mitochondrial genomes confirmed the existence of two separate pumpkin-toadlet clades, suggesting the convergent evolution (or multiple reversals) of the bufoniform morphology, conspicuous coloration, and probably toxicity. In addition, the study of the mitochondrial gene order revealed that three species (B. hermogenesi, B. pitanga, and B. rotenbergae) display translocations of different tRNAs (NCY and CYA) from the WANCY tRNA cluster to a position between the genes ATP6 and COIII, showing a new mitochondrial gene order arrangement for vertebrates. The newly clarified phylogeny suggests that Brachycephalus has the potential to become a promising model taxon to understand the evolution of coloration, body plan and toxicity. Given that toxicity information is available for only few species of Brachycephalus, without data for any flea-toad species, we also emphasize the need for a wider screening of toxicity across species, together with more in-depth functional and ecological study of their phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L. Lyra
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade (Campus Rio Claro), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, N 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (M.L.L.); (J.P.C.M.); (C.F.B.H.)
| | - Juliane P. C. Monteiro
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade (Campus Rio Claro), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, N 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (M.L.L.); (J.P.C.M.); (C.F.B.H.)
| | - Loïs Rancilhac
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (L.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Iker Irisarri
- Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, Department of Applied Bioinformatics, University of Goettingen, Goldschmidtstr, 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Sven Künzel
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany;
| | - Eugenia Sanchez
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (L.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Thais H. Condez
- Unidade Passos, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais (UEMG), Avenida Juca Stockler 1130, Passos 37900-106, MG, Brazil;
| | - Omar Rojas-Padilla
- Laboratório de Sistemática de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil;
| | - Mirco Solé
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil;
| | - Luís Felipe Toledo
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios Brasileiros (LaHNAB), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil;
| | - Célio F. B. Haddad
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade (Campus Rio Claro), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24A, N 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (M.L.L.); (J.P.C.M.); (C.F.B.H.)
| | - Miguel Vences
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (L.R.); (E.S.)
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22
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Walton SJ, Silla AJ, Endler JA, Byrne PG. Does dietary β-carotene influence ontogenetic colour change in the southern corroboree frog? J Exp Biol 2021; 224:273479. [PMID: 34694382 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243182] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ontogenetic colour change occurs in a diversity of vertebrate taxa and may be closely linked to dietary changes throughout development. In various species, red, orange and yellow colouration can be enhanced by the consumption of carotenoids. However, a paucity of long-term dietary manipulation studies means that little is known of the role of individual carotenoid compounds in ontogenetic colour change. We know even less about the influence of individual compounds at different doses (dose effects). The present study aimed to use a large dietary manipulation experiment to investigate the effect of dietary β-carotene supplementation on colouration in southern corroboree frogs (Pseudophryne corroboree) during early post-metamorphic development. Frogs were reared on four dietary treatments with four β-carotene concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 3 mg g-1), with frog colour measured every 8 weeks for 32 weeks. β-Carotene was not found to influence colouration at any dose. However, colouration was found to become more conspicuous over time, including in the control treatment. Moreover, all frogs expressed colour maximally at a similar point in development. These results imply that, for our study species, (1) β-carotene may contribute little or nothing to colouration, (2) frogs can manufacture their own colour, (3) colour development is a continual process and (4) there may have been selection for synchronised development of colour expression. We discuss the potential adaptive benefit of ontogenetic colour change in P. corroboree. More broadly, we draw attention to the potential for adaptive developmental synchrony in the expression of colouration in aposematic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Walton
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Aimee J Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - John A Endler
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Phillip G Byrne
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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23
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Bertolesi GE, Debnath N, Atkinson-Leadbeater K, Niedzwiecka A, McFarlane S. Distinct type II opsins in the eye decode light properties for background adaptation and behavioural background preference. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6659-6676. [PMID: 34592025 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Crypsis increases survival by reducing predator detection. Xenopus laevis tadpoles decode light properties from the substrate to induce two responses: a cryptic coloration response where dorsal skin pigmentation is adjusted to the colour of the substrate (background adaptation) and a behavioural crypsis where organisms move to align with a specific colour surface (background preference). Both processes require organisms to detect reflected light from the substrate. We explored the relationship between background adaptation and preference and the light properties able to trigger both responses. We also analysed which retinal photosensor (type II opsin) is involved. Our results showed that these two processes are segregated mechanistically, as there is no correlation between the preference for a specific background with the level of skin pigmentation, and different dorsal retina-localized type II opsins appear to underlie the two crypsis modes. Indeed, inhibition of melanopsin affects background adaptation but not background preference. Instead, we propose pinopsin is the photosensor involved in background preference. pinopsin mRNA is co-expressed with mRNA for the sws1 cone photopigment in dorsally located photoreceptors. Importantly, the developmental onset of pinopsin expression aligns with the emergence of the preference for a white background, but after the background adaptation phenotype appears. Furthermore, white background preference of tadpoles is associated with increased pinopsin expression, a feature that is lost in premetamorphic froglets along with a preference for a white background. Thus, our data show a mechanistic dissociation between background adaptation and background preference, and we suggest melanopsin and pinopsin, respectively, initiate the two responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E Bertolesi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nilakshi Debnath
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Anna Niedzwiecka
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah McFarlane
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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24
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Stuckert AMM, Chouteau M, McClure M, LaPolice TM, Linderoth T, Nielsen R, Summers K, MacManes MD. The genomics of mimicry: Gene expression throughout development provides insights into convergent and divergent phenotypes in a Müllerian mimicry system. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:4039-4061. [PMID: 34145931 PMCID: PMC8457190 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A common goal in evolutionary biology is to discern the mechanisms that produce the astounding diversity of morphologies seen across the tree of life. Aposematic species, those with a conspicuous phenotype coupled with some form of defence, are excellent models to understand the link between vivid colour pattern variations, the natural selection shaping it, and the underlying genetic mechanisms underpinning this variation. Mimicry systems in which multiple species share the same conspicuous phenotype can provide an even better model for understanding the mechanisms of colour production in aposematic species, especially if comimics have divergent evolutionary histories. Here we investigate the genetic mechanisms by which vivid colour and pattern are produced in a Müllerian mimicry complex of poison frogs. We did this by first assembling a high-quality de novo genome assembly for the mimic poison frog Ranitomeya imitator. This assembled genome is 6.8 Gbp in size, with a contig N50 of 300 Kbp R. imitator and two colour morphs from both Ranitomeya fantastica and R. variabilis which R. imitator mimics. We identified a large number of pigmentation and patterning genes that are differentially expressed throughout development, many of them related to melanocyte development, melanin synthesis, iridophore development and guanine synthesis. Polytypic differences within species may be the result of differences in expression and/or timing of expression, whereas convergence for colour pattern between species does not appear to be due to the same changes in gene expression. In addition, we identify the pteridine synthesis pathway (including genes such as qdpr and xdh) as a key driver of the variation in colour between morphs of these species. Finally, we hypothesize that genes in the keratin family are important for producing different structural colours within these frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. M. Stuckert
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNew HampshireUSA
- Department of BiologyEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mathieu Chouteau
- Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA)Université de Guyane, CNRS, IFREMERCayenneFrance
| | - Melanie McClure
- Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA)Université de Guyane, CNRS, IFREMERCayenneFrance
| | - Troy M. LaPolice
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNew HampshireUSA
| | - Tyler Linderoth
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kyle Summers
- Department of BiologyEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Matthew D. MacManes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNew HampshireUSA
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25
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Boultwood J, O’Brien M, Rose P. Bold Frogs or Shy Toads? How Did the COVID-19 Closure of Zoological Organisations Affect Amphibian Activity? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071982. [PMID: 34359109 PMCID: PMC8300174 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The visitor effect describes how zoo animals respond to the presence of visitors to their enclosures in a positive, negative or neutral manner. The period of enforced closure of zoos due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 (and subsequent reopening later that year) allowed for the effect of visitor presence to be evaluated on several species of amphibian. Results have shown that amphibian visibility (i.e., likelihood to be on show in their enclosure) is potentially influenced by the presence of people, and therefore, enclosure layout, collection planning and amphibian husbandry should consider how to minimize any negative influences of the viewing public. Abstract Amphibians are an understudied group in the zoo-focussed literature. Whilst commonly housed in specialist exhibits and of real conservation value due to the global extinction crisis, amphibian welfare is not often investigated empirically in zoo settings. The limited research that is available suggests that enclosure design (structure, planting and naturalistic theming) has a positive impact on the time that amphibians will be on show to visitors. However, the categorisation of any “visitor effect” (i.e., influences of visitor presence on amphibian activity and time on display) is hard to find. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of zoological organisations in the UK for several months from March 2020, with gradual re-openings from the summer into autumn and winter. This event provided a unique opportunity to study the effect of the lack of visitors, the presence of essential zoo staff only, the wider return of organisational staff, and then the return of visitors over a prolonged period. This project at WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre assessed the number of individuals of six species of amphibian—common toad (Bufo bufo), common frog (Rana temporaria), smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae), golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) and golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis)—visible to observers under different conditions. All amphibians were housed in a purpose-built indoor exhibit of individual enclosures and were recorded when visible (as a proportion of the total population of the enclosure) during closure, the return of extra centre staff and visitor periods. The results showed species-specific differences in visibility, with some species of amphibian being more likely to be on view when the presence of people at their enclosure was less likely or in smaller numbers. Such differences are likely related to the specific camouflage or anti-predation tactics in these focal species. Further study to quantify amphibian sensitivity to, and perception of, environmental change caused by public presence (e.g., light levels and sound) would be useful welfare-themed research extensions. Our results can help inform husbandry, collection planning and amphibian enclosure design to reduce any noticeable visitor effects, and provide a useful benchmark for further, more complex, welfare assessment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Boultwood
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK; (J.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Michelle O’Brien
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK; (J.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Paul Rose
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK; (J.B.); (M.O.)
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, Washington Singer, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
- Correspondence:
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26
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The Influence of Environmental and Physiological Factors on Variation in American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) Dorsal Coloration. J HERPETOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1670/20-093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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27
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Hyeun-Ji L, Rendón MÁ, Liedtke HC, Gomez-Mestre I. Shifts in the developmental rate of spadefoot toad larvae cause decreased complexity of post-metamorphic pigmentation patterns. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19624. [PMID: 33184389 PMCID: PMC7665075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian larvae are plastic organisms that can adjust their growth and developmental rates to local environmental conditions. The consequences of such developmental alterations have been studied in detail, both at the phenotypic and physiological levels. While largely unknown, it is of great importance to assess how developmental alterations affect the pigmentation pattern of the resulting metamorphs, because pigmentation is relevant for communication, mate choice, and camouflage and hence influences the overall fitness of the toads. Here we quantify the variation in several aspects of the pigmentation pattern of juvenile spadefoot toads experimentally induced to accelerate their larval development in response to decreased water level. It is known that induced developmental acceleration comes at the cost of reduced size at metamorphosis, higher metabolic rate, and increased oxidative stress. In this study, we show that spadefoot toads undergoing developmental acceleration metamorphosed with a less complex, more homogeneous, darker dorsal pattern consisting of continuous blotches, compared to the more contrasted pattern with segregated blotches and higher fractal dimension in normally developing individuals, and at a smaller size. We also observed a marked effect of population of origin in the complexity of the pigmentation pattern. Complexity of the post-metamorphic dorsal pigmentation could therefore be linked to pre-metamorphic larval growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Hyeun-Ji
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Rendón
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Hans Christoph Liedtke
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain.
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain.
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Kosmala GK, Brown GP, Shine R. Thin-skinned invaders: geographic variation in the structure of the skin among populations of cane toads (Rhinella marina). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The structure of the skin may evolve rapidly during a biological invasion, for two reasons. First, novel abiotic challenges such as hydric conditions may modify selection of traits (such as skin thickness) that determine rates of evaporative water loss. Second, invaders might benefit from enhanced rates of dispersal, with locomotion possibly facilitated by thinner (and hence more flexible) skin. We quantified thickness of layers of the skin in cane toads (Rhinella marina) from the native range (Brazil), a stepping-stone population (Hawaii), and the invaded range in Australia. Overall, the skin is thinner in cane toads in Australia than in the native range, consistent with selection on mobility. However, layers that regulate water exchange (epidermal stratum corneum and dermal ground substance layer) are thicker in Australia, retarding water loss in hot dry conditions. Within Australia, epidermal thickness increased as the toads colonized more arid regions, but then decreased in the arid Kimberley region. That curvilinearity might reflect spatial sorting, whereby mobile (thin-skinned) individuals dominate the invasion front; or the toads’ restriction to moist sites in this arid landscape may reduce the importance of water-conservation. Further work is needed to clarify the roles of adaptation versus phenotypic plasticity in generating the strong geographic variation in skin structure among populations of cane toads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia K Kosmala
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory P Brown
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
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29
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Wu M, Chen X, Cui K, Li H, Jiang Y. Pigmentation formation and expression analysis of tyrosinase in Siniperca chuatsi. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2020; 46:1279-1293. [PMID: 32185567 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal pigmentation primarily depends on the presence and mixing ratio of chromatophores, functioning in animal survival and communication. For the benthic and carnivorous Siniperca chuatsi, pigmentation pattern is key to concealment and predation. In this study, the formation, distribution, and main pattern of chromatophores were observed in the embryos, larvae, skins, and visceral tissues from S. chuatsi. Melanophores were firstly visualized in the yolk sac at segmentation stage, and then they were migrated to the whole body and further clustered into the black stripes, bands, and patches. In adult S. chuatsi, the head, black band, and body side skins mainly contained melanophores, showing as deep or light black. The abdomen skin mainly contained iridophores, showing as silvery. In the eye, the pigment layers were located in the epithelial layers of iris and retina and shown as black. Then, the pigmentation-related gene, tyrosinase gene from S. chuatsi (Sc-tyr) was analyzed by bioinformatics and quantitative methods. The Sc-tyr gene encoded a protein with 540 amino acids (Sc-TYR). The Sc-TYR contained two copper ion binding sites, which were coordinated by six conserved histidines (H182, H205, H214, H366, H370, H393) and necessary for catalytic activity. The Sc-TYR was well conserved compared with TYR of various species with higher degree of sequence similarity with other fishes (77.6-98.3%). The qRT-PCR test showed that the Sc-tyr mRNA reached the peak value at segmentation stage in the embryo development, the black skins displayed a higher expression level than that in silvery skin, and the eye had the highest expression level compared with other tissues. Further research on enzyme activity showed that the expression patterns of tyrosinase activity were similar to that of the Sc-tyr mRNA. Comparing with the results of molecular and phenotype, it was found that the temporal and spatial distributions of tyrosinase corresponded well with changes in pigmentation patterns and the intensity of skin melanization. This study initially explored the pigmentation formation and tyrosinase expression, which served as a foundation for further insight into the genetics mechanism of body color formation in S. chuatsi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglin Wu
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaowu Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education (Shanghai Ocean University), Shanghai, 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Haiyang Li
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Fisheries Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Aquaculture & Stock Enhancement, NO.40 South Nongke Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
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30
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Barnett JB, Michalis C, Anderson HM, McEwen BL, Yeager J, Pruitt JN, Scott-Samuel NE, Cuthill IC. Imperfect transparency and camouflage in glass frogs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12885-12890. [PMID: 32457164 PMCID: PMC7293656 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919417117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Camouflage patterns prevent detection and/or recognition by matching the background, disrupting edges, or mimicking particular background features. In variable habitats, however, a single pattern cannot match all available sites all of the time, and efficacy may therefore be reduced. Active color change provides an alternative where coloration can be altered to match local conditions, but again efficacy may be limited by the speed of change and range of patterns available. Transparency, on the other hand, creates high-fidelity camouflage that changes instantaneously to match any substrate but is potentially compromised in terrestrial environments where image distortion may be more obvious than in water. Glass frogs are one example of terrestrial transparency and are well known for their transparent ventral skin through which their bones, intestines, and beating hearts can be seen. However, sparse dorsal pigmentation means that these frogs are better described as translucent. To investigate whether this imperfect transparency acts as camouflage, we used in situ behavioral trials, visual modeling, and laboratory psychophysics. We found that the perceived luminance of the frogs changed depending on the immediate background, lowering detectability and increasing survival when compared to opaque frogs. Moreover, this change was greatest for the legs, which surround the body at rest and create a diffuse transition from background to frog luminance rather than a sharp, highly salient edge. This passive change in luminance, without significant modification of hue, suggests a camouflage strategy, "edge diffusion," distinct from both transparency and active color change.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Barnett
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada;
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1TQ Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Constantine Michalis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1TQ Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah M Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Brendan L McEwen
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Justin Yeager
- Biodiversidad Medio Ambiente y Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, 170125 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jonathan N Pruitt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Innes C Cuthill
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, BS8 1TQ Bristol, United Kingdom
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31
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Burgon JD, Vieites DR, Jacobs A, Weidt SK, Gunter HM, Steinfartz S, Burgess K, Mable BK, Elmer KR. Functional colour genes and signals of selection in colour-polymorphic salamanders. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1284-1299. [PMID: 32159878 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coloration has been associated with multiple biologically relevant traits that drive adaptation and diversification in many taxa. However, despite the great diversity of colour patterns present in amphibians the underlying molecular basis is largely unknown. Here, we use insight from a highly colour-variable lineage of the European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra bernardezi) to identify functional associations with striking variation in colour morph and pattern. The three focal colour morphs-ancestral black-yellow striped, fully yellow and fully brown-differed in pattern, visible coloration and cellular composition. From population genomic analyses of up to 4,702 loci, we found no correlations of neutral population genetic structure with colour morph. However, we identified 21 loci with genotype-phenotype associations, several of which relate to known colour genes. Furthermore, we inferred response to selection at up to 142 loci between the colour morphs, again including several that relate to coloration genes. By transcriptomic analysis across all different combinations, we found 196 differentially expressed genes between yellow, brown and black skin, 63 of which are candidate genes involved in animal coloration. The concordance across different statistical approaches and 'omic data sets provide several lines of evidence for loci linked to functional differences between colour morphs, including TYR, CAMK1 and PMEL. We found little association between colour morph and the metabolomic profile of its toxic compounds from the skin secretions. Our research suggests that current ecological and evolutionary hypotheses for the origins and maintenance of these striking colour morphs may need to be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Burgon
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David R Vieites
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arne Jacobs
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stefan K Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Helen M Gunter
- Edinburgh Genomics, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sebastian Steinfartz
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Unit Molecular Ecology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karl Burgess
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Barbara K Mable
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn R Elmer
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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32
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Ohmer MEB, Cramp RL, White CR, Harlow PS, McFadden MS, Merino-Viteri A, Pessier AP, Wu NC, Bishop PJ, Franklin CE. Phylogenetic investigation of skin sloughing rates in frogs: relationships with skin characteristics and disease-driven declines. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20182378. [PMID: 30963925 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian skin is highly variable in structure and function across anurans, and plays an important role in physiological homeostasis and immune defence. For example, skin sloughing has been shown to reduce pathogen loads on the skin, such as the lethal fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd), but interspecific variation in sloughing frequency is largely unknown. Using phylogenetic linear mixed models, we assessed the relationship between skin turnover rate, skin morphology, ecological traits and overall evidence of Bd-driven declines. We examined skin sloughing rates in 21 frog species from three continents, as well as structural skin characteristics measured from preserved specimens. We found that sloughing rate varies significantly with phylogenetic group, but was not associated with evidence of Bd-driven declines, or other skin characteristics examined. This is the first comparison of sloughing rate across a wide range of amphibian species, and creates the first database of amphibian sloughing behaviour. Given the strong phylogenetic signal observed in sloughing rate, approximate sloughing rates of related species may be predicted based on phylogenetic position. While not related to available evidence of declines, understanding variation in sloughing rate may help explain differences in the severity of infection in genera with relatively slow skin turnover rates (e.g. Atelopus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel E B Ohmer
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072 , Australia.,2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA 15260 , USA
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Craig R White
- 3 School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Centre for Geometric Biology , Victoria 3800 , Australia
| | - Peter S Harlow
- 4 Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Herpetofauna Division , Mosman, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Michael S McFadden
- 4 Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Herpetofauna Division , Mosman, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Andrés Merino-Viteri
- 5 Laboratorio de Ecofisiología/Museo de Zoología (QCAZ), Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador , Quito , Ecuador
| | - Allan P Pessier
- 6 Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University , Pullman, WA 99164 , USA
| | - Nicholas C Wu
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Phillip J Bishop
- 7 Department of Zoology, University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand
| | - Craig E Franklin
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia, Queensland 4072 , Australia
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34
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de Solan T, Aubier TG. The Evolutionary Importance of Cues in Protective Mimicry. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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35
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Pintanel P, Salinas-Ivanenko S, Gutiérrez-Pesquera LM, Almeida-Reinoso F, Merino-Viteri A, Tejedo M. Extreme colour variation in the larvae of the executioner clownfrog, Dendropsophus carnifex
(Anura: Hylidae), living in nearby ponds of different light exposure and duration. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pol Pintanel
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC; Av. Américo Vespucio s/n Sevilla 41092 Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva; Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología and Museo de Zoología (QCAZ), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; Quito Ecuador
| | - Sofia Salinas-Ivanenko
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva; Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Colegio Menor San Francisco de Quito; Quito Ecuador
| | | | - Freddy Almeida-Reinoso
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología and Museo de Zoología (QCAZ), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; Quito Ecuador
| | - Andrés Merino-Viteri
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología and Museo de Zoología (QCAZ), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; Quito Ecuador
| | - Miguel Tejedo
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC; Av. Américo Vespucio s/n Sevilla 41092 Spain
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36
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Frynta D, Peléšková Š, Rádlová S, Janovcová M, Landová E. Human evaluation of amphibian species: a comparison of disgust and beauty. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:41. [PMID: 31263997 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Animals can evoke a wide range of emotions helping us to choose a quick and appropriate reaction towards them: approach or avoidance in general. This work has focused on disgust evoked by amphibians in humans as well as perceived beauty. Due to the high morphological variability of recent amphibian taxa, we examined humans' cognitive categorisation of 101 amphibian photos and the effect of stimuli characteristics on disgust evaluation or beauty perception of individual groups/species. We also explored how respondents' characteristics, e.g. gender, age and disgust sensitivity (DS-R) influence the disgust and beauty evaluation of picture stimuli on a 7-point Likert scale. The scores of disgust and beauty evaluation were strongly negatively correlated, representing the opposite ends of a single axis, further referred to as the index of preference. The most preferred amphibians belonged to anurans, whereas the least preferred ones were mostly worm-like, legless and small-eyed caecilians. Additional analyses of morphologically diverse anurans showed that species with a round body shape, short forelegs, small eyes, warts, pink and grey colouration, or dark and dull colouration were perceived as disgusting or ugly. The effect of gender and age were only marginal; however, people with higher disgust sensitivity rated amphibians as more disgusting and less beautiful, which might support the hypothesis of a possible disgust involvement in animal fears and phobias. This topic has implications not only for the nature conservation decisions of globally endangered amphibians but also for understanding the evolution of disgust and its generalisation to harmless animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Peléšková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rádlová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Janovcová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic. .,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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Winebarger MM, Pugh MW, Gangloff MM, Osbourn MS, Siefferman L. Body Size Is Positively Correlated With Conspicuous Coloration in Ambystoma Salamanders, but Negatively Correlated With Conspicuous Coloration in Plethodon Salamanders. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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38
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Zhang XT, Wei KJ, Chen YY, Shi ZC, Liu LK, Li J, Zhang GR, Ji W. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of tyr and tyrp1 genes in normal and albino yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 92:979-998. [PMID: 29460483 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The full-length complementary DNA of two genes related to vertebrate albinism, the tyrosinase gene tyr and tyrosinase-related protein 1 gene tyrp1, were cloned and analysed from normal and albino yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco. The open reading frames (ORF) of tyr and tyrp1 encode putative peptides of 533 and 526 amino acids (amino-acid), both of which possess two conserved copper binding sites. The homologous identities of deduced amino-acid sequences showed that both Tyr and Tyrp1 of T. fulvidraco share considerable similarity with that of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Both tyr and tyrp1 were expressed in a wide range of adult tissues. Tyr gene had the highest expression level in the brain of both normal and albino T. fulvidraco. Tyrp1 had the highest expression level in the skin of normal groups, and the fin of albino groups. The messenger (m)RNA expressions of tyr and tyrp1 were detectable at different early developmental stages and varied with embryonic and larval growth. Tyr and tyrp1 mRNA have obvious tissue specificity both in normal and albino T. fulvidraco and higher expression levels were detected in the normal group revealing that tyr and tyrp1 may have an important role in pigmentation. These results will provide useful data for understanding the molecular mechanism of melanin formation and the occurrence of albinism in T. fulvidraco.
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Affiliation(s)
- X T Zhang
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicines, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - K J Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Y Y Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Z C Shi
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430223, China
| | - L K Liu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicines, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - J Li
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicines, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - G R Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - W Ji
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicines, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
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Eterovick PC, Mendes IS, Kloh JS, Pinheiro LT, Václav ABHP, Santos T, Gontijo ASB. Tadpoles respond to background colour under threat. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4085. [PMID: 29511273 PMCID: PMC5840337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to respond to background colour is an important feature of species that might benefit from background matching camouflage. Tadpole colour patterns vary and could be associated with several functions, including defense. Because tadpoles are exposed to a wide array of visually oriented predators, they represent good models to study defensive colouration and associated behaviours. We tested whether a potentially disruptively camouflaged tadpole with a dark body crossed by yellow bars (Ololygon machadoi) is able to respond differently to matching light and dark natural background colours and an artificial blue contrasting background. We used a syntopic contrasting black tadpole (Bokermannohyla martinsi) as a control, expecting it not to respond to background colour in search for camouflage. Ololygon machadoi tadpoles chose light over blue backgrounds under threat, as expected, however they did not show preferential use of dark vs. blue backgrounds. Bokermannohyla martinsi did not respond to any combination of background colours. Our results suggest that O. machadoi tadpoles are able to respond to background colour, and may favor matching backgrounds under some circumstances. The potentially disruptive colouration of O. machadoi tadpoles may increase their repertoire of escape strategies, background matching being one of the options to escape predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Cabral Eterovick
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, 30535-610, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Izabela Santos Mendes
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, 30535-610, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Stephanie Kloh
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, 30535-610, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luan Tavares Pinheiro
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, 30535-610, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Santos
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, 30535-610, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Sofia Buza Gontijo
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, 30535-610, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Kulkarni PS, Gramapurohit NP. Effect of corticosterone on larval growth, antipredator behaviour and metamorphosis of Hylarana indica. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 251:21-29. [PMID: 27613078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Corticosterone (CORT), a principal glucocorticoid in amphibians, is known to regulate diverse physiological processes including growth and metamorphosis of anuran tadpoles. Environmental stressors activate the neuroendocrine stress axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis, HPI) leading to an acute increase in CORT, which in turn, helps in coping with particular stress. However, chronic increase in CORT can negatively affect other physiological processes such as growth and metamorphosis. Herein, we studied the effect of exogenous CORT on larval growth, antipredator behaviour and metamorphic traits of Hylarana indica. Embryonic exposure to 5 or 20μg/L CORT did not affect their development, hatching duration as well as larval growth and metamorphosis. Exposure of tadpoles to 10 or 20μg/L CORT throughout larval development caused slower growth and development leading to increased body mass at stage 37. However, body and tail morphology of tadpoles was not affected. Interestingly, larval exposure to 5, 10 or 20μg/L CORT enhanced their antipredator response against kairomones in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, larval exposure to increasing concentrations of CORT resulted in the emergence of heavier froglets at 10 and 20μg/L while, delaying metamorphosis at all concentrations. Interestingly, the heavier froglets had shorter hindlimbs and consequently shorter jump distances. Tadpoles exposed to 20μg/L CORT during early, mid or late larval stages grew and developed slowly but tadpole morphology was not altered. Interestingly, exposure during early or mid-larval stages resulted in an enhanced antipredator response. These individuals metamorphosed later but at higher body mass while SVL was unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Kulkarni
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007 India
| | - N P Gramapurohit
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007 India.
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41
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Cal L, Suarez-Bregua P, Cerdá-Reverter JM, Braasch I, Rotllant J. Fish pigmentation and the melanocortin system. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 211:26-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Correa C, Vásquez D, Castro-Carrasco C, Zúñiga-Reinoso Á, Ortiz JC, Palma RE. Species delimitation in frogs from South American temperate forests: The case of Eupsophus, a taxonomically complex genus with high phenotypic variation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181026. [PMID: 28809924 PMCID: PMC5557580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most characteristic and abundant amphibian taxa of South American temperate forests is Eupsophus. The ten currently recognized species of the genus have been divided in two species groups, roseus and vertebralis, but most of them, eight, belong to the roseus group. Recent phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies have suggested that species diversity of the roseus group could be underestimated. An examination of the literature shows that species of the roseus group exhibit high levels of variation in their external characteristics, particularly those used as diagnostic characters, which compromises their taxonomy and hinders their field recognition. High levels of variation were also observed in several new populations of the roseus group discovered in southern Chile (36°-40°S), which could not be identified to the species level by their external characteristics. On the other hand, the literature reveals a scarse karyotype differentiation and a high bioacoustic uniformity among the species of the roseus group. We performed a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear genes to reevaluate the species diversity of the roseus group, including all the nominal species of Eupsophus and new populations. This analysis was complemented with three species delimitation approaches, General Mixed Yule Coalescent, multi-rate Poisson Tree Process and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery. We favored a conservative delimitation of only four species for the roseus group, a result more consistent with the distribution of pairwise genetic distances, and the available chromosome and bioacoustic evidence. The four recognized lineages, which have nearly completely allopatric distributions, are named after the earliest nominal species that they include, but because high levels of phenotypic variation, they are not diagnosable by consistent differences in external morphology. We discuss the implications of this new proposal for the taxonomy and conservation of the genus, and the possible causes of the difficulty to estimate its species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Correa
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - Dayana Vásquez
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Castro-Carrasco
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Lientur 1457, Concepción, Chile
| | - Álvaro Zúñiga-Reinoso
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Ortiz
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - R. Eduardo Palma
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Santiago, Chile
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Polo-Cavia N, Gomez-Mestre I. Pigmentation plasticity enhances crypsis in larval newts: associated metabolic cost and background choice behaviour. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39739. [PMID: 28051112 PMCID: PMC5209684 DOI: 10.1038/srep39739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In heterogeneous environments, the capacity for colour change can be a valuable adaptation enhancing crypsis against predators. Alternatively, organisms might achieve concealment by evolving preferences for backgrounds that match their visual traits, thus avoiding the costs of plasticity. Here we examined the degree of plasticity in pigmentation of newt larvae (Lissotriton boscai) in relation to predation risk. Furthermore, we tested for associated metabolic costs and pigmentation-dependent background choice behaviour. Newt larvae expressed substantial changes in pigmentation so that light, high-reflecting environment induced depigmentation whereas dark, low-reflecting environment induced pigmentation in just three days of exposure. Induced pigmentation was completely reversible upon switching microhabitats. Predator cues, however, did not enhance cryptic phenotypes, suggesting that environmental albedo induces changes in pigmentation improving concealment regardless of the perceived predation risk. Metabolic rate was higher in heavily pigmented individuals from dark environments, indicating a high energetic requirement of pigmentation that could impose a constraint to larval camouflage in dim habitats. Finally, we found partial evidence for larvae selecting backgrounds matching their induced phenotypes. However, in the presence of predator cues, larvae increased the time spent in light environments, which may reflect a escape response towards shallow waters rather than an attempt at increasing crypsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Polo-Cavia
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC. E-41092 Seville, Spain
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Kindermann C, Hero JM. Rapid dynamic colour change is an intrasexual signal in a lek breeding frog (Litoria wilcoxii). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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45
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Warning signal properties covary with toxicity but not testosterone or aggregate carotenoids in a poison frog. Evol Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-016-9830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Rojas B. Behavioural, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of diversity in frog colour patterns. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1059-1080. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Rojas
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences; University of Jyvaskyla; PO Box 35 Jyväskylä FI 40001 Finland
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Kang C, Kim YE, Jang Y. Colour and pattern change against visually heterogeneous backgrounds in the tree frog Hyla japonica. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22601. [PMID: 26932675 PMCID: PMC4773871 DOI: 10.1038/srep22601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour change in animals can be adaptive phenotypic plasticity in heterogeneous environments. Camouflage through background colour matching has been considered a primary force that drives the evolution of colour changing ability. However, the mechanism to which animals change their colour and patterns under visually heterogeneous backgrounds (i.e. consisting of more than one colour) has only been identified in limited taxa. Here, we investigated the colour change process of the Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica) against patterned backgrounds and elucidated how the expression of dorsal patterns changes against various achromatic/chromatic backgrounds with/without patterns. Our main findings are i) frogs primarily responded to the achromatic differences in background, ii) their contrasting dorsal patterns were conditionally expressed dependent on the brightness of backgrounds, iii) against mixed coloured background, frogs adopted intermediate forms between two colours. Using predator (avian and snake) vision models, we determined that colour differences against different backgrounds yielded perceptible changes in dorsal colours. We also found substantial individual variation in colour changing ability and the levels of dorsal pattern expression between individuals. We discuss the possibility of correlational selection on colour changing ability and resting behaviour that maintains the high variation in colour changing ability within population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changku Kang
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.,Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-570, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Eun Kim
- Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-570, Republic of Korea
| | - Yikweon Jang
- Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-570, Republic of Korea
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Beukema W, Nicieza AG, Lourenço A, Velo-Antón G. Colour polymorphism inSalamandra salamandra(Amphibia: Urodela), revealed by a lack of genetic and environmental differentiation between distinct phenotypes. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Beukema
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; Universidade do Porto; Vairão Portugal
- Department of Pathology; Bacteriology and Avian Diseases; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Alfredo G. Nicieza
- Departamento de Biología de Organismos y Sistemas; Universidad de Oviedo; Oviedo Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Biodiversidad (UMIB); CSIC-Universidad de Oviedo-Principado de Asturias; Mieres Spain
| | - André Lourenço
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; Universidade do Porto; Vairão Portugal
| | - Guillermo Velo-Antón
- CIBIO/InBIO; Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão; Universidade do Porto; Vairão Portugal
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Polo-Cavia N, Oliveira JM, Redondo Villa AJ, Márquez R. Background colour matching in a wild population of Alytes obstetricans. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-00003050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The capacity for physiological colour change has long been described in anuran amphibians. Camouflage against predators seems to be the most relevant function of dynamic changes in skin colour of frogs, but key aspects such as the rate at which these changes occur, or the specific colour components involved are not completely clear. Whereas most research on the topic has been reported on tree frogs in laboratory conditions, studies in other anurans or in the field are much scarcer. Here we show a potentially plastic, adaptive response in coloration of common midwife toads, Alytes obstetricans, from a population of central Portugal, whose pigmentation varied with their natural backgrounds. Using quantitative image analysis, we compared hue, saturation and brightness of dorsal skin coloration of toads and the colour of the area of ground immediately around them. We found a positive correlation between coloration of toads and background colour for the three components of the colour. As well as other anuran species, A. obstetricans might adjust skin coloration to match the surrounding environment, thus benefitting from short-term reversible crypsis strategies against predators. A less supported hypothesis would be that toads accurately select matching backgrounds to improve concealment as an antipredatory strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Polo-Cavia
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology and Fonoteca Zoológica, Spanish National Museum of Natural History, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Oliveira
- Av. Dr. Abel das Neves, Ed. Cerca dos Anjos, Bl. 1, 1 B, 3130-204 Soure, Portugal
| | | | - Rafael Márquez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology and Fonoteca Zoológica, Spanish National Museum of Natural History, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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50
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A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis between Wild and Albino Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131504. [PMID: 26114548 PMCID: PMC4482592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Body colours are important and striking features for individual survival and reproductive success, in particular in vertebrates where mating behaviour and mate preference may be strongly influenced by non-normal phenotypes. Pigmentation disorders may be generated by disruption of one or many independent genes as well as by environmental factors. The first discovery of albino yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco Richardson) with golden skin colour from fish farms in China provides us valuable material to study the molecular mechanism underlying the abnormalities of pigmentation. In this study, transcriptome sequencing of fin tissues corresponding to the distinct body colours, wild type and mutant albino yellow catfish, were performed using Illumina sequencing technology. Based on next-generation sequencing technology and de novo assembly, we generated a transcriptome of P. fulvidraco. A number of genes differentially expressed between the wild types and albinos were identified, suggesting their contribution to the different phenotypes and fitness. However, non-synonymous mutations result from single nucleotide substitutions residing in coding regions may not contribute to such differences. Based on the high-throughput expression data generated for the two different types of P. fulvidraco, we found that alterations of expression pattern may be more common than non-synonymous mutations. The transcriptome of P. fulvidraco will be an invaluable resource for subsequent comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses of this economically important fish.
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