1
|
Frère CH, Class B, Potvin DA, Ilany A. Social inheritance of avoidances shapes the structure of animal social networks. Behav Ecol 2024; 35:arad088. [PMID: 38193013 PMCID: PMC10773302 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arad088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Social structure can have significant effects on selection, affecting both individual fitness traits and population-level processes. As such, research into its dynamics and evolution has spiked in the last decade, where theoretical and computational advances in social network analysis have increased our understanding of its ecological and inheritance underpinnings. Yet, the processes that shape the formation of structure within social networks are poorly understood and the role of social avoidances unknown. Social avoidances are an alternate of social affiliation in animal societies, which, although invisible, likely play a role in shaping animal social networks. Assuming social avoidances evolve under similar constraints as affiliative behavior, we extended a previous model of social inheritance of affiliations to investigate the impact of social inheritance of avoidances on social network structure. We modeled avoidances as relationships that individuals can copy from their mothers or from their mother's social environment and varied the degrees to which individuals inherit social affiliates and avoidances to test their combined influence on social network structure. We found that inheriting avoidances via maternal social environments made social networks less dense and more modular, thereby demonstrating how social avoidance can shape the evolution of animal social networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celine H Frère
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Barbara Class
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, QLD 4502, Australia
- Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Straße 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominique A Potvin
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, QLD 4502, Australia
| | - Amiyaal Ilany
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 590002, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Storrie L, Loseto LL, Sutherland EL, MacPhee SA, O'Corry-Crowe G, Hussey NE. Do beluga whales truly migrate? Testing a key trait of the classical migration syndrome. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:53. [PMID: 37649126 PMCID: PMC10469428 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration enables organisms to access resources in separate regions that have predictable but asynchronous spatiotemporal variability in habitat quality. The classical migration syndrome is defined by key traits including directionally persistent long-distance movements during which maintenance activities are suppressed. But recently, seasonal round-trip movements have frequently been considered to constitute migration irrespective of the traits required to meet this movement type, conflating common outcomes with common traits required for a mechanistic understanding of long-distance movements. We aimed to test whether a cetacean ceases foraging during so-called migratory movements, conforming to a trait that defines classical migration. METHODS We used location and dive data collected by satellite tags deployed on beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Eastern Beaufort Sea population, which undertake long-distance directed movements between summer and winter areas. To identify phases of directionally persistent travel, behavioural states (area-restricted search, ARS; or Transit) were decoded using a hidden-Markov model, based on step length and turning angle. Established dive profiles were then used as a proxy for foraging, to test the hypothesis that belugas cease foraging during these long-distance transiting movements, i.e., they suppress maintenance activities. RESULTS Belugas principally made directed horizontal movements when moving between summer and winter residency areas, remaining in a Transit state for an average of 75.4% (range = 58.5-87.2%) of the time. All individuals, however, exhibited persistent foraging during Transit movements (75.8% of hours decoded as the Transit state had ≥ 1 foraging dive). These data indicate that belugas actively search for and/or respond to resources during these long-distance movements that are typically called a migration. CONCLUSIONS The long-distance movements of belugas do not conform to the traits defining the classical migration syndrome, but instead have characteristics of both migratory and nomadic behaviour, which may prove adaptive in the face of unpredictable environmental change. Such patterns are likely present in other cetaceans that have been labeled as migratory. Examination of not only horizontal movement state, but also the vertical behaviour of aquatic animals during directed movements is essential for identifying whether a species exhibits traits of the classical migration syndrome or another long-distance movement strategy, enabling improved ecological inference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Storrie
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Lisa L Loseto
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Emma L Sutherland
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shannon A MacPhee
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Greg O'Corry-Crowe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Buss DL, Atmore LM, Zicos MH, Goodall-Copestake WP, Brace S, Archer FI, Baker CS, Barnes I, Carroll EL, Hart T, Kitchener AC, Sabin R, Sremba AL, Weir CR, Jackson JA. Historical Mitogenomic Diversity and Population Structuring of Southern Hemisphere Fin Whales. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1038. [PMID: 37239398 PMCID: PMC10218396 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fin whales Balaenoptera physalus were hunted unsustainably across the globe in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to vast reductions in population size. Whaling catch records indicate the importance of the Southern Ocean for this species; approximately 730,000 fin whales were harvested during the 20th century in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) alone, 94% of which were at high latitudes. Genetic samples from contemporary whales can provide a window to past population size changes, but the challenges of sampling in remote Antarctic waters limit the availability of data. Here, we take advantage of historical samples in the form of bones and baleen available from ex-whaling stations and museums to assess the pre-whaling diversity of this once abundant species. We sequenced 27 historical mitogenomes and 50 historical mitochondrial control region sequences of fin whales to gain insight into the population structure and genetic diversity of Southern Hemisphere fin whales (SHFWs) before and after the whaling. Our data, both independently and when combined with mitogenomes from the literature, suggest SHFWs are highly diverse and may represent a single panmictic population that is genetically differentiated from Northern Hemisphere populations. These are the first historic mitogenomes available for SHFWs, providing a unique time series of genetic data for this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Buss
- British Antarctic Survey, National Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, UK
| | - Lane M. Atmore
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, UK
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria H. Zicos
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - William P. Goodall-Copestake
- British Antarctic Survey, National Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Selina Brace
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Frederick I. Archer
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - C. Scott Baker
- Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Ian Barnes
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Emma L. Carroll
- Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora—School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Tom Hart
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Andrew C. Kitchener
- Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK
- School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK
| | - Richard Sabin
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Angela L. Sremba
- Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Caroline R. Weir
- Falklands Conservation, Ross Road, Stanley F1QQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands
| | - Jennifer A. Jackson
- British Antarctic Survey, National Environment Research Council, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Viewing animal migration through a social lens. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:985-996. [PMID: 35931583 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence of social learning is growing across the animal kingdom. Researchers have long hypothesized that social interactions play a key role in many animal migrations, but strong empirical support is scarce except in a few unique systems and species. In this review, we aim to catalyze advances in the study of social migrations by synthesizing research across disciplines and providing a framework for understanding when, how, and why social influences shape the decisions animals make during migration. Integrating research across the fields of social learning and migration ecology will advance our understanding of the complex behavioral phenomena of animal migration and help to inform conservation of animal migrations in a changing world.
Collapse
|
5
|
Stronen AV, Norman AJ, Vander Wal E, Paquet PC. The relevance of genetic structure in ecotype designation and conservation management. Evol Appl 2022; 15:185-202. [PMID: 35233242 PMCID: PMC8867706 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of ecotypes is complex, partly because of its interdisciplinary nature, but the idea is intrinsically valuable for evolutionary biology and applied conservation. The complex nature of ecotypes has spurred some confusion and inconsistencies in the literature, thereby limiting broader theoretical development and practical application. We provide suggestions for how incorporating genetic analyses can ease confusion and help define ecotypes. We approach this by systematically reviewing 112 publications across taxa that simultaneously mention the terms ecotype, conservation and management, to examine the current use of the term in the context of conservation and management. We found that most ecotype studies involve fish, mammals and plants with a focus on habitat use, which at 60% was the most common criterion used for categorization of ecotypes. Only 53% of the studies incorporated genetic analyses, and major discrepancies in available genomic resources among taxa could have contributed to confusion about the role of genetic structure in delineating ecotypes. Our results show that the rapid advances in genetic methods, also for nonmodel organisms, can help clarify the spatiotemporal distribution of adaptive and neutral genetic variation and their relevance to ecotype designations. Genetic analyses can offer empirical support for the ecotype concept and provide a timely measure of evolutionary potential, especially in changing environmental conditions. Genetic variation that is often difficult to detect, including polygenic traits influenced by small contributions from several genes, can be vital for adaptation to rapidly changing environments. Emerging ecotypes may signal speciation in progress, and findings from genome‐enabled organisms can help clarify important selective factors driving ecotype development and persistence, and thereby improve preservation of interspecific genetic diversity. Incorporation of genetic analyses in ecotype studies will help connect evolutionary biology and applied conservation, including that of problematic groups such as natural hybrid organisms and urban or anthropogenic ecotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid V. Stronen
- Department of Biology Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Ljubljana Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Insubria University Varese Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience Aalborg University Aalborg Denmark
| | - Anita J. Norman
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Environmental Studies Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Umeå Sweden
| | - Eric Vander Wal
- Department of Biology Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s NL Canada
| | - Paul C. Paquet
- Department of Geography University of Victoria Victoria BC Canada
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation Sidney BC Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oswald JN, Walmsley SF, Casey C, Fregosi S, Southall B, Janik VM. Species information in whistle frequency modulation patterns of common dolphins. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20210046. [PMID: 34482716 PMCID: PMC8419585 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The most flexible communication systems are those of open-ended vocal learners that can acquire new signals throughout their lifetimes. While acoustic signals carry information in general voice features that affect all of an individual's vocalizations, vocal learners can also introduce novel call types to their repertoires. Delphinids are known for using such learned call types in individual recognition, but their role in other contexts is less clear. We investigated the whistles of two closely related, sympatric common dolphin species, Delphinus delphis and Delphinus bairdii, to evaluate species differences in whistle contours. Acoustic recordings of single-species groups were obtained from the Southern California Bight. We used an unsupervised neural network to categorize whistles and compared the resulting whistle types between species. Of the whistle types recorded in more than one encounter, 169 were shared between species and 60 were species-specific (32 D. delphis types, 28 D. bairdii types). Delphinus delphis used 15 whistle types with an oscillatory frequency contour while only one such type was found in D. bairdii. Given the role of vocal learning in delphinid vocalizations, we argue that these differences in whistle production are probably culturally driven and could help facilitate species recognition between Delphinus species. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vocal learning in animals and humans’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie N Oswald
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Sam F Walmsley
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Caroline Casey
- Southall Environmental Associates, 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
| | - Selene Fregosi
- Southall Environmental Associates, 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
| | - Brandon Southall
- Southall Environmental Associates, 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA.,Long Marine Laboratory, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Vincent M Janik
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moran NP, Caspers BA, Chakarov N, Ernst UR, Fricke C, Kurtz J, Lilie ND, Lo LK, Müller C, R R, Takola E, Trimmer PC, van Benthem KJ, Winternitz J, Wittmann MJ. Shifts between cooperation and antagonism driven by individual variation: a systematic synthesis review. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. Moran
- Centre for Ocean Life DTU‐Aqua, Technical Univ. of Denmark Lyngby Denmark
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld Univ. Bielefeld Germany
| | | | | | - Ulrich R. Ernst
- Inst. for Evolution and Biodiversity, Univ. of Münster Münster Germany
- Apicultural State Inst., Univ. of Hohenheim Stuttgart Germany
| | - Claudia Fricke
- Inst. for Evolution and Biodiversity, Univ. of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Joachim Kurtz
- Inst. for Evolution and Biodiversity, Univ. of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Navina D. Lilie
- Dept of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld Univ. Bielefeld Germany
- Dept of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld Univ. Bielefeld Germany
| | - Lai Ka Lo
- Inst. for Evolution and Biodiversity, Univ. of Münster Münster Germany
| | | | - Reshma R
- Inst. for Evolution and Biodiversity, Univ. of Münster Münster Germany
| | - Elina Takola
- Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, Friedrich Schiller Univ. Jena Jena Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Papale EB, Azzolin MA, Cascão I, Gannier A, Lammers MO, Martin VM, Oswald JN, Perez-Gil M, Prieto R, Silva MA, Torri M, Giacoma C. Dolphin whistles can be useful tools in identifying units of conservation. BMC ZOOL 2021; 6:22. [PMID: 37170140 PMCID: PMC10127015 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prioritizing groupings of organisms or ‘units’ below the species level is a critical issue for conservation purposes. Several techniques encompassing different time-frames, from genetics to ecological markers, have been considered to evaluate existing biological diversity at a sufficient temporal resolution to define conservation units. Given that acoustic signals are expressions of phenotypic diversity, their analysis may provide crucial information on current differentiation patterns within species. Here, we tested whether differences previously delineated within dolphin species based on i) geographic isolation, ii) genetics regardless isolation, and iii) habitat, regardless isolation and genetics, can be detected through acoustic monitoring. Recordings collected from 104 acoustic encounters of Stenella coeruleoalba, Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus in the Azores, Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea and the Western Mediterranean basin between 1996 and 2012 were analyzed. The acoustic structure of communication signals was evaluated by analyzing parameters of whistles in relation to the known genetic and habitat-driven population structure.
Results
Recordings from the Atlantic and Mediterranean were accurately assigned to their respective basins of origin through Discriminant Function Analysis, with a minimum 83.8% and a maximum 93.8% classification rate. A parallel pattern between divergence in acoustic features and in the genetic and ecological traits within the basins was highlighted through Random Forest analysis. Although it is not yet possible to establish a causal link between each driver and acoustic differences between basins, we showed that signal variation reflects fine-scale diversity and may be used as a proxy for recognizing discrete units.
Conclusion
We recommend that acoustic analysis be included in assessments of delphinid population structure, together with genetics and ecological tracer analysis. This cost-efficient non-invasive method can be applied to uncover distinctiveness and local adaptation in other wide-ranging marine species.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hartigan J. Knowing Animals: Multispecies Ethnography and the Scope of Anthropology. AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aman.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
10
|
Belkina EG, Shiglik A, Sopilko NG, Lysenkov SN, Markov AV. Mate choice copying in Drosophila is probably less robust than previously suggested. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
11
|
Franks VR, Ewen JG, McCready M, Thorogood R. Foraging behaviour alters with social environment in a juvenile songbird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201878. [PMID: 33234077 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1878] [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: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Early independence from parents is a critical period where social information acquired vertically may become outdated, or conflict with new information. However, across natural populations, it is unclear if newly independent young persist in using information from parents, or if group-level effects of conformity override previous behaviours. Here, we test if wild juvenile hihi (Notiomystis cincta, a New Zealand passerine) retain a foraging behaviour from parents, or if they change in response to the behaviour of peers. We provided feeding stations to parents during chick-rearing to seed alternative access routes, and then tracked their offspring's behaviour. Once independent, juveniles formed mixed-treatment social groups, where they did not retain preferences from their time with parents. Instead, juvenile groups converged over time to use one access route- per group, and juveniles that moved between groups switched to copy the locally favoured option. Juvenile hihi did not copy specific individuals, even if they were more familiar with the preceding bird. Our study shows that early social experiences with parents affect initial foraging decisions, but social environments encountered later on can update transmission of arbitrary behaviours. This suggests that conformity may be widespread in animal groups, with potential cultural, ecological and evolutionary consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Franks
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.,Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - John G Ewen
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Mhairi McCready
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.,Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Rotorua, New Zealand
| | - Rose Thorogood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.,Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.,Research program in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Evolutionary explanations for mammalian sociality typically center on inclusive-fitness benefits of associating and cooperating with close kin, or close maternal kin as in some whale societies, including killer and sperm whales. Their matrilineal structure has strongly influenced the thinking about social structure in less well-studied cetaceans, including beluga whales. In a cross-sectional study of group structure and kinship we found that belugas formed a limited number of distinct group types, consistently observed across populations and habitats. Certain behaviours were associated with group type, but group membership was often dynamic. MtDNA-microsatellite profiling combined with relatedness and network analysis revealed, contrary to predictions, that most social groupings were not predominantly organized around close maternal relatives. They comprised both kin and non-kin, many group members were paternal rather than maternal relatives, and unrelated adult males often traveled together. The evolutionary mechanisms that shape beluga societies are likely complex; fitness benefits may be achieved through reciprocity, mutualism and kin selection. At the largest scales these societies are communities comprising all ages and both sexes where multiple social learning pathways involving kin and non-kin can foster the emergence of cultures. We explore the implications of these findings for species management and the evolution of menopause.
Collapse
|
13
|
Integrating Genetic, Environmental, and Social Networks to Reveal Transmission Pathways of a Dolphin Foraging Innovation. Curr Biol 2020; 30:3024-3030.e4. [PMID: 32589911 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cultural behavior, which is transmitted among conspecifics through social learning [1], is found across various taxa [2-6]. Vertical social transmission from parent to offspring [7] is thought to be adaptive because of the parental generation being more skilled than maturing individuals. It is found throughout the animal kingdom, particularly in species with prolonged parental care, e.g., [8, 9]. Social learning can also occur among members of the same generation [4, 10, 11] or between older, non-parental individuals and younger generations [7] via horizontal or oblique transmission, respectively. Extensive work on primate culture has shown that horizontal transmission of foraging behavior is biased toward species with broad cultural repertoires [12] and those with increased levels of social tolerance [13, 14], such as great apes. Vertical social transmission has been established as the primary transmission mechanism of foraging behaviors in the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) population of Shark Bay, Western Australia [6, 9, 15, 16]. Here, we investigated the spread of another foraging strategy, "shelling" [17], whereby some dolphins in this population feed on prey trapped inside large marine gastropod shells. Using a multi-network version of "network-based diffusion analysis" (NBDA), we show that shelling behavior spreads primarily through non-vertical social transmission. By statistically accounting for both environmental and genetic influences, our findings thus represent the first evidence of non-vertical transmission of a foraging tactic in toothed whales. This research suggests there are multiple transmission pathways of foraging behaviors in dolphins, highlighting the similarities between cetaceans and great apes in the nature of the transmission of cultural behaviors. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gilman RT, Johnson F, Smolla M. Competition for resources can promote the divergence of social learning phenotypes. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192770. [PMID: 32070258 PMCID: PMC7062025 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Social learning occurs when animals acquire knowledge or skills by observing or interacting with others and is the fundamental building block of culture. Within populations, some individuals use social learning more frequently than others, but why social learning phenotypes differ among individuals is poorly understood. We modelled the evolution of social learning frequency in a system where foragers compete for resources, and there are many different foraging options to learn about. Social learning phenotypes diverged when some options offered much better rewards than others and expected rewards changed moderately quickly over time. When options offered similar rewards or when rewards changed slowly, a single social learning phenotype evolved. This held for fixed and simple conditional social learning rules. Sufficiently complex conditional social learning rules prevented the divergence of social learning phenotypes under all conditions. Our results explain how competition can promote the divergence of social learning phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Tucker Gilman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester UK
| | - Fern Johnson
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester UK
| | - Marco Smolla
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lewin-Epstein O, Hadany L. Host-microbiome coevolution can promote cooperation in a rock-paper-scissors dynamics. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192754. [PMID: 32075531 PMCID: PMC7031668 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooperation is a fundamental behaviour observed in all forms of life. The evolution of cooperation has been widely studied, but almost all theories focused on the cooperating individual and its genes. We suggest a different approach, taking into account the microbes carried by the interacting individuals. Accumulating evidence reveals that microbes can affect their host's well-being and behaviour, yet hosts can evolve mechanisms to resist the manipulations of their microbes. We thus propose that coevolution of microbes with their hosts may favour microbes that induce their host to cooperate. Using computational modelling, we show that microbe-induced cooperation can evolve and be maintained in a wide range of conditions, including when facing hosts' resistance to the microbial effect. We find that host-microbe coevolution leads the population to a rock-paper-scissors dynamics that enables maintenance of cooperation in a polymorphic state. Our results suggest a mechanism for the evolution and maintenance of cooperation that may be relevant to a wide variety of organisms, including cases that are difficult to explain by current theories. This study provides a new perspective on the coevolution of hosts and their microbiome, emphasizing the potential role of microbes in shaping their host's behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Lewin-Epstein
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Lilach Hadany
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Armansin NC, Stow AJ, Cantor M, Leu ST, Klarevas-Irby JA, Chariton AA, Farine DR. Social Barriers in Ecological Landscapes: The Social Resistance Hypothesis. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:137-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
17
|
Abstract
Intergroup variation (IGV) refers to variation between different groups of the same species. While its existence in the behavioural realm has been expected and evidenced, the potential effects of IGV are rarely considered in studies that aim to shed light on the evolutionary origins of human socio-cognition, especially in our closest living relatives—the great apes. Here, by taking chimpanzees as a point of reference, we argue that (i) IGV could plausibly explain inconsistent research findings across numerous topics of inquiry (experimental/behavioural studies on chimpanzees), (ii) understanding the evolutionary origins of behaviour requires an accurate assessment of species' modes of behaving across different socio-ecological contexts, which necessitates a reliable estimation of variation across intraspecific groups, and (iii) IGV in the behavioural realm is increasingly likely to be expected owing to the progressive identification of non-human animal cultures. With these points, and by extrapolating from chimpanzees to generic guidelines, we aim to encourage researchers to explicitly consider IGV as an explanatory variable in future studies attempting to understand the socio-cognitive and evolutionary determinants of behaviour in group-living animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan P Kaufhold
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Edwin J C van Leeuwen
- Behavioral Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.,Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, K. Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium.,Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Wundtlaan 1, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Richard G, Titova OV, Fedutin ID, Steel D, Meschersky IG, Hautin M, Burdin AM, Hoyt E, Filatova OA, Jung JL. Cultural Transmission of Fine-Scale Fidelity to Feeding Sites May Shape Humpback Whale Genetic Diversity in Russian Pacific Waters. J Hered 2019; 109:724-734. [PMID: 30184088 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differences between humpback whales on different feeding grounds can reflect the cultural transmission of migration destinations over generations, and therefore represent one of the very few cases of gene-culture coevolution identified in the animal kingdom. In Russian Pacific waters, photo-identification (photo-ID) studies have shown minimal interchange between whales feeding off the Commander Islands and those feeding in the Karaginsky Gulf, regions that are separated by only 500 km and have previously been lumped together as a single Russian feeding ground. Here, we assessed whether genetic differentiation exists between these 2 groups of humpback whales. We discovered a strong mtDNA differentiation between the 2 feeding sites (FST = 0.18, ΦST = 0.14, P < 0.001). In contrast, nuclear DNA (nuDNA) polymorphisms, determined at 8 microsatellite loci, did not reveal any differentiation. Comparing our mtDNA results with those from a previous ocean-basin study reinforced the differences between the 2 feeding sites. Humpback whales from the Commanders appeared most similar to those of the western Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian feeding grounds, whereas Karaginsky differed from all other North Pacific feeding grounds. Comparison to breeding grounds suggests mixed origins for the 2 feeding sites; there are likely connections between Karaginsky and the Philippines and to a lesser extent to Okinawa, Japan, whereas the Commanders are linked to the Mexican breeding grounds. The mtDNA differentiation between the Commander Islands and Karaginsky Gulf suggests a case of gene-culture coevolution, correlated to fidelity to a specific feeding site within a particular feeding ground. From a conservation perspective, our findings emphasize the importance of considering these 2 feeding sites as separate management units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Richard
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
| | - Olga V Titova
- Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
| | - Ivan D Fedutin
- Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Debbie Steel
- Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Marie Hautin
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Alexander M Burdin
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France.,Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
| | - Erich Hoyt
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), Park House, Allington Park, Bridport, Dorset, UK
| | | | - Jean-Luc Jung
- Laboratoire BioGeMME (Biologie et Génétique des Mammifères Marins dans leur Environnement), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Community through Culture: From Insects to Whales. Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900060. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
20
|
Owen C, Rendell L, Constantine R, Noad MJ, Allen J, Andrews O, Garrigue C, Michael Poole M, Donnelly D, Hauser N, Garland EC. Migratory convergence facilitates cultural transmission of humpback whale song. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190337. [PMID: 31598287 PMCID: PMC6774987 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cultural transmission of behaviour is important in a wide variety of vertebrate taxa from birds to humans. Vocal traditions and vocal learning provide a strong foundation for studying culture and its transmission in both humans and cetaceans. Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) perform complex, culturally transmitted song displays that can change both evolutionarily (through accumulations of small changes) or revolutionarily (where a population rapidly adopts a novel song). The degree of coordination and conformity underlying song revolutions makes their study of particular interest. Acoustic contact on migratory routes may provide a mechanism for cultural revolutions of song, yet these areas of contact remain uncertain. Here, we compared songs recorded from the Kermadec Islands, a recently discovered migratory stopover, to multiple South Pacific wintering grounds. Similarities in song themes from the Kermadec Islands and multiple wintering locations (from New Caledonia across to the Cook Islands) suggest a location allowing cultural transmission of song eastward across the South Pacific, active song learning (hybrid songs) and the potential for cultural convergence after acoustic isolation at the wintering grounds. As with the correlations in humans between genes, communication and migration, the migration patterns of humpback whales are written into their songs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Owen
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Luke Rendell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, UK
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
| | - Rochelle Constantine
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Michael J. Noad
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Jenny Allen
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Olive Andrews
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Conservation International, Pacific Islands Programme, Science Building 302, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Niue Whale Research Project, Alofi, Niue
| | - Claire Garrigue
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Opération Cétacés, Noumea 98802, New Caledonia
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Laboratoire d'excellence-CORAIL), BPA5, 98848 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - M. Michael Poole
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Marine Mammal Research Program, BP 698, Maharepa, 98728 Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - David Donnelly
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Killer Whales Australia, 8 Campbell Parade, Box Hill South, Victoria 3128, Australia
| | - Nan Hauser
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Cook Islands Whale Research, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
| | - Ellen C. Garland
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, UK
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
- South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, PO Box 3069, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Author for correspondence: Ellen C. Garland e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hobson EA, Ferdinand V, Kolchinsky A, Garland J. Rethinking animal social complexity measures with the help of complex systems concepts. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
22
|
Porter CK, Benkman CW. Character displacement of a learned behaviour and its implications for ecological speciation. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190761. [PMID: 31362636 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultural evolution may accelerate population divergence and speciation, though most support for this hypothesis is restricted to scenarios of allopatric speciation driven by random cultural drift. By contrast, the role of cultural evolution in non-allopatric speciation (i.e. speciation with gene flow) has received much less attention. One clade in which cultural evolution may have figured prominently in speciation with gene flow includes the conifer-seed-eating finches in the red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) complex. Here we focus on Cassia crossbills (Loxia sinesciuris; an ecotype recently split taxonomically from red crossbills) that learn social contact calls from their parents. Previous work found that individuals modify their calls throughout life such that they become increasingly divergent from a closely related, sympatric red crossbill ecotype. This open-ended modification of calls could lead to character displacement if it causes population-level divergence in call structure that, in turn, reduces (maladaptive) heterospecific flocking. Heterospecific flocking is maladaptive because crossbills use public information from flockmates to assess resource quality, and feeding rates are depressed when flockmates differ in their ability to exploit a shared resource (i.e. when flockmates are heterospecifics). We confirm the predictions of character displacement by documenting substantial population-level divergence in Cassia crossbill call structure over just two decades and by using field experiments to demonstrate that Cassia and red crossbills differentially respond to these evolved differences in call structure, reducing heterospecific flock formation. Moreover, because crossbills choose mates from within flocks, a reduction in heterospecific flocking should increase assortative mating and may have been critical for speciation of Cassia crossbills in the face of ongoing gene flow in as few as 5000 years. Our results provide evidence for a largely neglected yet potentially widespread mechanism by which reproductive isolation can evolve between sympatric lineages as a byproduct of adaptive cultural evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody K Porter
- Program in Ecology, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Craig W Benkman
- Program in Ecology, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Whitehead H, Laland KN, Rendell L, Thorogood R, Whiten A. The reach of gene-culture coevolution in animals. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2405. [PMID: 31160560 PMCID: PMC6546714 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture (behaviour based on socially transmitted information) is present in diverse animal species, yet how it interacts with genetic evolution remains largely unexplored. Here, we review the evidence for gene-culture coevolution in animals, especially birds, cetaceans and primates. We describe how culture can relax or intensify selection under different circumstances, create new selection pressures by changing ecology or behaviour, and favour adaptations, including in other species. Finally, we illustrate how, through culturally mediated migration and assortative mating, culture can shape population genetic structure and diversity. This evidence suggests strongly that animal culture plays an important evolutionary role, and we encourage explicit analyses of gene-culture coevolution in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hal Whitehead
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Kevin N Laland
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9TF, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Rendell
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9TF, United Kingdom
| | - Rose Thorogood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences (Research Program in Organismal & Evolutionary Biology), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Andrew Whiten
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Danchin E, Nöbel S, Pocheville A, Dagaeff AC, Demay L, Alphand M, Ranty-Roby S, van Renssen L, Monier M, Gazagne E, Allain M, Isabel G. Cultural flies: Conformist social learning in fruitflies predicts long-lasting mate-choice traditions. Science 2019; 362:1025-1030. [PMID: 30498121 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite theoretical justification for the evolution of animal culture, empirical evidence for it beyond mammals and birds remains scant, and we still know little about the process of cultural inheritance. In this study, we propose a mechanism-driven definition of animal culture and test it in the fruitfly. We found that fruitflies have five cognitive capacities that enable them to transmit mating preferences culturally across generations, potentially fostering persistent traditions (the main marker of culture) in mating preference. A transmission chain experiment validates a model of the emergence of local traditions, indicating that such social transmission may lead initially neutral traits to become adaptive, hence strongly selecting for copying and conformity. Although this situation was suggested decades ago, it previously had little empirical support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Danchin
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
| | - Sabine Nöbel
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France.,Université Toulouse 1 Capitole and Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Pocheville
- Department of Philosophy and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anne-Cecile Dagaeff
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Léa Demay
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Mathilde Alphand
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Sarah Ranty-Roby
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Lara van Renssen
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Magdalena Monier
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Eva Gazagne
- Behavioural Biology Unit, Department of Biology, Ecology and Evolution, University of Liège, 4020 Liège, Belgium
| | - Mélanie Allain
- Laboratoire Évolution and Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, 118 route de Narbonne, Bat 4R1, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France.,Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Guillaume Isabel
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Richerson PJ. An integrated bayesian theory of phenotypic flexibility. Behav Processes 2019; 161:54-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
26
|
|
27
|
Van Cise AM, Mahaffy SD, Baird RW, Mooney TA, Barlow J. Song of my people: dialect differences among sympatric social groups of short-finned pilot whales in Hawai’i. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
28
|
Autenrieth M, Hartmann S, Lah L, Roos A, Dennis AB, Tiedemann R. High-quality whole-genome sequence of an abundant Holarctic odontocete, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Mol Ecol Resour 2018; 18:1469-1481. [PMID: 30035363 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a highly mobile cetacean found across the Northern hemisphere. It occurs in coastal waters and inhabits basins that vary broadly in salinity, temperature and food availability. These diverse habitats could drive subtle differentiation among populations, but examination of this would be best conducted with a robust reference genome. Here, we report the first harbour porpoise genome, assembled de novo from an individual originating in the Kattegat Sea (Sweden). The genome is one of the most complete cetacean genomes currently available, with a total size of 2.39 Gb and 50% of the total length found in just 34 scaffolds. Using 122 of the longest scaffolds, we were able to show high levels of synteny with the genome of the domestic cattle (Bos taurus). Our draft annotation comprises 22,154 predicted genes, which we further annotated through matches to the NCBI nucleotide database, GO categorization and motif prediction. Within the predicted genes, we have confirmed the presence of >20 genes or gene families that have been associated with adaptive evolution in other cetaceans. Overall, this genome assembly and draft annotation represent a crucial addition to the genomic resources currently available for the study of porpoises and Phocoenidae evolution, phylogeny and conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Autenrieth
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hartmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ljerka Lah
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anna Roos
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alice B Dennis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ralph Tiedemann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Evolutionary Biology/Systematic Zoology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gong T, Shuai L, Wu Y. Rethinking foundations of language from a multidisciplinary perspective. Phys Life Rev 2018; 26-27:120-138. [PMID: 29709463 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The issue of language foundations has been of great controversy ever since it was first raised in Lenneberg's (1967) monograph Biological Foundations of Language. Based on a survey of recent findings relevant to the study of language acquisition and evolution, we propose that: (i) the biological predispositions for language are largely domain-general, not necessarily language-specific or human-unique; (ii) the socio-cultural environment of language serves as another important foundation of language, which helps shape language components, induce and drive language shift; and (iii) language must have coevolved with the cognitive mechanisms associated with it through intertwined biological and cultural evolution. In addition to theoretical issues, this paper also evaluates the primary approaches recently joining the endeavor of studying language foundations and evolution, including human experiments and computer simulations. Most of the evidence surveyed in this paper comes from a variety of disciplines, and methodology therein complements each other to form a global picture of language foundations. These reflect the complexity of the issue of language foundations and the necessity of taking a multidisciplinary perspective to address it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Gong
- Center for Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China; Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Lan Shuai
- Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, United States of America
| | - Yicheng Wu
- Department of Linguistics and Translation, School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
O’Corry-Crowe G, Suydam R, Quakenbush L, Potgieter B, Harwood L, Litovka D, Ferrer T, Citta J, Burkanov V, Frost K, Mahoney B. Migratory culture, population structure and stock identity in North Pacific beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194201. [PMID: 29566001 PMCID: PMC5863979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The annual return of beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, to traditional seasonal locations across the Arctic may involve migratory culture, while the convergence of discrete summering aggregations on common wintering grounds may facilitate outbreeding. Natal philopatry and cultural inheritance, however, has been difficult to assess as earlier studies were of too short a duration, while genetic analyses of breeding patterns, especially across the beluga's Pacific range, have been hampered by inadequate sampling and sparse information on wintering areas. Using a much expanded sample and genetic marker set comprising 1,647 whales, spanning more than two decades and encompassing all major coastal summering aggregations in the Pacific Ocean, we found evolutionary-level divergence among three geographic regions: the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas, and the Sea of Okhotsk (Φst = 0.11-0.32, Rst = 0.09-0.13), and likely demographic independence of (Fst-mtDNA = 0.02-0.66), and in many cases limited gene flow (Fst-nDNA = 0.0-0.02; K = 5-6) among, summering groups within regions. Assignment tests identified few immigrants within summering aggregations, linked migrating groups to specific summering areas, and found that some migratory corridors comprise whales from multiple subpopulations (PBAYES = 0.31:0.69). Further, dispersal is male-biased and substantial numbers of closely related whales congregate together at coastal summering areas. Stable patterns of heterogeneity between areas and consistently high proportions (~20%) of close kin (including parent-offspring) sampled up to 20 years apart within areas (G = 0.2-2.9, p>0.5) is the first direct evidence of natal philopatry to migration destinations in belugas. Using recent satellite telemetry findings on belugas we found that the spatial proximity of winter ranges has a greater influence on the degree of both individual and genetic exchange than summer ranges (rwinter-Fst-mtDNA = 0.9, rsummer-Fst-nDNA = 0.1). These findings indicate widespread natal philopatry to summering aggregation and entire migratory circuits, and provide compelling evidence that migratory culture and kinship helps maintain demographically discrete beluga stocks that can overlap in time and space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg O’Corry-Crowe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert Suydam
- North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management, Barrow, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Lori Quakenbush
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Brooke Potgieter
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lois Harwood
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Dennis Litovka
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, ChukotTINRO, Anadyr, Chukotka, Russia
| | - Tatiana Ferrer
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - John Citta
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Vladimir Burkanov
- North Pacific Wildlife Consulting, Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kathy Frost
- University of Alaska, School of Fisheries and Ocean Science, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Barbara Mahoney
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Barragán-Barrera DC, May-Collado LJ, Tezanos-Pinto G, Islas-Villanueva V, Correa-Cárdenas CA, Caballero S. High genetic structure and low mitochondrial diversity in bottlenose dolphins of the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama: A population at risk? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189370. [PMID: 29236757 PMCID: PMC5728558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current conservation status of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) under the IUCN is ‘least concern’. However, in the Caribbean, small and localized populations of the ‘inshore form’ may be at higher risk of extinction than the ‘worldwide distributed form’ due to a combination of factors including small population size, high site fidelity, genetic isolation, and range overlap with human activities. Here, we study the population genetic structure of bottlenose dolphins from the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama. This is a small population characterized by high site fidelity and is currently heavily-impacted by the local dolphin-watching industry. We collected skin tissue samples from 25 dolphins to study the genetic diversity and structure of this population. We amplified a portion of the mitochondrial Control Region (mtDNA-CR) and nine microsatellite loci. The mtDNA-CR analyses revealed that dolphins in Bocas del Toro belong to the ‘inshore form’, grouped with the Bahamas-Colombia-Cuba-Mexico population unit. They also possess a unique haplotype new for the Caribbean. The microsatellite data indicated that the Bocas del Toro dolphin population is highly structured, likely due to restricted movement patterns. Previous abundance estimates obtained with mark-recapture methods reported a small population of 80 dolphins (95% CI = 72–87), which is similar to the contemporary effective population size estimated in this study (Ne = 73 individuals; CI = 18.0 - ∞; 0.05). The combination of small population size, high degree of genetic isolation, and intense daily interactions with dolphin-watching boats puts the Bocas del Toro dolphin to at high risk of extinction. Despite national guidelines to regulate the dolphin-watching industry in Bocas del Toro and ongoing educational programs for tour operators, only in 2012 seven animals have died due to boat collisions. Our results suggest that the conservation status of bottlenose dolphins in Bocas del Toro should be elevated to ‘endangered’ at the national level, as a precautionary measure while population and viability estimates are conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalia C. Barragán-Barrera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio J-202, Bogotá, Colombia
- Fundación Macuáticos Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura J. May-Collado
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
- Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | | | - Valentina Islas-Villanueva
- CONACYT, Universidad del Mar, Instituto de Genética, Ciudad Universitaria, Puerto Ángel, Distrito de San Pedro Pochutla, Oaxaca, México
| | - Camilo A. Correa-Cárdenas
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Básicas, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Central, Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Susana Caballero
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio J-202, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
|
33
|
Creanza N, Kolodny O, Feldman MW. Cultural evolutionary theory: How culture evolves and why it matters. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7782-7789. [PMID: 28739941 PMCID: PMC5544263 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620732114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cultural traits-behaviors, ideas, and technologies that can be learned from other individuals-can exhibit complex patterns of transmission and evolution, and researchers have developed theoretical models, both verbal and mathematical, to facilitate our understanding of these patterns. Many of the first quantitative models of cultural evolution were modified from existing concepts in theoretical population genetics because cultural evolution has many parallels with, as well as clear differences from, genetic evolution. Furthermore, cultural and genetic evolution can interact with one another and influence both transmission and selection. This interaction requires theoretical treatments of gene-culture coevolution and dual inheritance, in addition to purely cultural evolution. In addition, cultural evolutionary theory is a natural component of studies in demography, human ecology, and many other disciplines. Here, we review the core concepts in cultural evolutionary theory as they pertain to the extension of biology through culture, focusing on cultural evolutionary applications in population genetics, ecology, and demography. For each of these disciplines, we review the theoretical literature and highlight relevant empirical studies. We also discuss the societal implications of the study of cultural evolution and of the interactions of humans with one another and with their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Creanza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235
| | - Oren Kolodny
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Whiten A, Ayala FJ, Feldman MW, Laland KN. The extension of biology through culture. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7775-7781. [PMID: 28739924 PMCID: PMC5544333 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707630114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Whiten
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews KY16 9JP, United Kingdom;
| | - Francisco J Ayala
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | | | - Kevin N Laland
- Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews KY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Discoveries about the cultures and cultural capacities of the great apes have played a leading role in the recognition emerging in recent decades that cultural inheritance can be a significant factor in the lives not only of humans but also of nonhuman animals. This prominence derives in part from these primates being those with whom we share the most recent common ancestry, thus offering clues to the origins of our own thoroughgoing reliance on cumulative cultural achievements. In addition, the intense research focus on these species has spawned an unprecedented diversity of complementary methodological approaches, the results of which suggest that cultural phenomena pervade the lives of these apes, with potentially major implications for their broader evolutionary biology. Here I review what this extremely broad array of observational and experimental methodologies has taught us about the cultural lives of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans and consider the ways in which this knowledge extends our wider understanding of primate biology and the processes of adaptation and evolution that shape it. I address these issues first by evaluating the extent to which the results of cultural inheritance echo a suite of core principles that underlie organic Darwinian evolution but also extend them in new ways and then by assessing the principal causal interactions between the primary, genetically based organic processes of evolution and the secondary system of cultural inheritance that is based on social learning from others.
Collapse
|
36
|
Song hybridization events during revolutionary song change provide insights into cultural transmission in humpback whales. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7822-7829. [PMID: 28739940 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621072114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultural processes occur in a wide variety of animal taxa, from insects to cetaceans. The songs of humpback whales are one of the most striking examples of the transmission of a cultural trait and social learning in any nonhuman animal. To understand how songs are learned, we investigate rare cases of song hybridization, where parts of an existing song are spliced with a new one, likely before an individual totally adopts the new song. Song unit sequences were extracted from over 9,300 phrases recorded during two song revolutions across the South Pacific Ocean, allowing fine-scale analysis of composition and sequencing. In hybrid songs the current and new songs were spliced together in two specific ways: (i) singers placed a single hybrid phrase, in which content from both songs were combined, between the two song types when transitioning from one to the other, and/or (ii) singers spliced complete themes from the revolutionary song into the current song. Sequence analysis indicated that both processes were governed by structural similarity rules. Hybrid phrases or theme substitutions occurred at points in the songs where both songs contained "similar sounds arranged in a similar pattern." Songs appear to be learned as segments (themes/phrase types), akin to birdsong and human language acquisition, and these can be combined in predictable ways if the underlying structural pattern is similar. These snapshots of song change provide insights into the mechanisms underlying song learning in humpback whales, and comparative perspectives on the evolution of human language and culture.
Collapse
|