1
|
Sokolowski MBC, Bottet G, Dacher M. Measuring honey bee feeding rhythms with the BeeBox, a platform for nectar foraging insects. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114598. [PMID: 38821143 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114598] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
In honey bees, most studies of circadian rhythms involve a locomotion test performed in a small tube, a tunnel, or at the hive entrance. However, despite feeding playing an important role in honey bee health or fitness, no demonstration of circadian rhythm on feeding has been performed until recently. Here, we present the BeeBox, a new laboratory platform for bees based on the concept of the Skinner box, which dispenses discrete controlled amounts of food (sucrose syrup) following entrance into an artificial flower. We compared caged groups of bees in 12 h-12 h light/dark cycles, constant darkness and constant light and measured average hourly syrup consumption per living bee. Food intake was higher in constant light and lower in constant darkness; mortality increased in constant light. We observed rhythmic consumption with a period longer than 24 h; this is maintained in darkness without environmental cues, but is damped in the constant light condition. The BeeBox offers many new research perspectives and numerous potential applications in the study of nectar foraging animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillaume Bottet
- Université de Picardie - Jules Verne, 1, rue des Louvels, 80000 Amiens, France
| | - Matthieu Dacher
- Sorbonne Université, INRAE, Université Paris Est Créteil, CNRS, IRD - Institute for Ecology and Environnemental Sciences of Paris, iEES Paris, 78026, Versailles, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Christenson MP, Sanz Diez A, Heath SL, Saavedra-Weisenhaus M, Adachi A, Nern A, Abbott LF, Behnia R. Hue selectivity from recurrent circuitry in Drosophila. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1137-1147. [PMID: 38755272 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
In the perception of color, wavelengths of light reflected off objects are transformed into the derived quantities of brightness, saturation and hue. Neurons responding selectively to hue have been reported in primate cortex, but it is unknown how their narrow tuning in color space is produced by upstream circuit mechanisms. We report the discovery of neurons in the Drosophila optic lobe with hue-selective properties, which enables circuit-level analysis of color processing. From our analysis of an electron microscopy volume of a whole Drosophila brain, we construct a connectomics-constrained circuit model that accounts for this hue selectivity. Our model predicts that recurrent connections in the circuit are critical for generating hue selectivity. Experiments using genetic manipulations to perturb recurrence in adult flies confirm this prediction. Our findings reveal a circuit basis for hue selectivity in color vision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias P Christenson
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alvaro Sanz Diez
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah L Heath
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maia Saavedra-Weisenhaus
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Atsuko Adachi
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aljoscha Nern
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - L F Abbott
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rudy Behnia
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, Li Z, Shen S, Wong TS. Geometric design of antireflective leafhopper brochosomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312700121. [PMID: 38498725 PMCID: PMC10998617 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312700121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In nature, leafhoppers cover their body surfaces with brochosomes as a protective coating. These leafhopper-produced brochosomes are hollow, buckyball-shaped, nanoscopic spheroids with through-holes distributed across their surfaces, representing a class of deployable optical materials that are rare in nature. Despite their discovery in the 1950s, it remains unknown why the sizes of brochosomes and their through-holes consistently fall within the range of hundreds of nanometers across different leafhopper species. Here, we demonstrate that the hierarchical geometries of brochosomes are engineered within a narrow size range with through-hole architecture to significantly reduce light reflection. By utilizing two-photon polymerization three-dimensional printing to fabricate high-fidelity synthetic brochosomes, we investigated the optical form-to-function relationship of brochosomes. Our results show that the diameters of brochosomes are engineered within a specific size range to maximize broadband light scattering, while the secondary through-holes are designed to function as short-wavelength, low-pass filters, further reducing light reflection. These synergistic effects enable brochosomes to achieve a substantial reduction in specular reflection, by up to approximately 80 to 94%, across a broadband wavelength range. Importantly, brochosomes represent a biological example demonstrating short-wavelength, low-pass filter functionality. Furthermore, our results indicate that the geometries of natural brochosomes may have evolved to effectively reduce reflection from ultraviolet to visible light, thereby enabling leafhoppers to evade predators whose vision spectrum encompasses both ultraviolet and visible light. Our findings offer key design insights into a class of deployable bioinspired optical materials with potential applications in omnidirectional antireflection coatings, optical encryption, and multispectral camouflage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Sheng Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Tak-Sing Wong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mitchell LJ, Phelan A, Cortesi F, Marshall NJ, Chung WS, Osorio DC, Cheney KL. Ultraviolet vision in anemonefish improves colour discrimination. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb247425. [PMID: 38586934 PMCID: PMC11057877 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247425] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
In many animals, ultraviolet (UV) vision guides navigation, foraging, and communication, but few studies have addressed the contribution of UV signals to colour vision, or measured UV discrimination thresholds using behavioural experiments. Here, we tested UV colour vision in an anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) using a five-channel (RGB-V-UV) LED display. We first determined that the maximal sensitivity of the A. ocellaris UV cone was ∼386 nm using microspectrophotometry. Three additional cone spectral sensitivities had maxima at ∼497, 515 and ∼535 nm. We then behaviourally measured colour discrimination thresholds by training anemonefish to distinguish a coloured target pixel from grey distractor pixels of varying intensity. Thresholds were calculated for nine sets of colours with and without UV signals. Using a tetrachromatic vision model, we found that anemonefish were better (i.e. discrimination thresholds were lower) at discriminating colours when target pixels had higher UV chromatic contrast. These colours caused a greater stimulation of the UV cone relative to other cone types. These findings imply that a UV component of colour signals and cues improves their detectability, which likely increases the prominence of anemonefish body patterns for communication and the silhouette of zooplankton prey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurie J. Mitchell
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Amelia Phelan
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fabio Cortesi
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - N. Justin Marshall
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Wen-sung Chung
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel C. Osorio
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Karen L. Cheney
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ernest HB, Tell LA, Bishop CA, González AM, Lumsdaine ER. Illuminating the Mysteries of the Smallest Birds: Hummingbird Population Health, Disease Ecology, and Genomics. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:161-185. [PMID: 38358836 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-044308] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Hummingbirds share biologically distinctive traits: sustained hovering flight, the smallest bird body size, and high metabolic rates fueled partially by nectar feeding that provides pollination to plant species. Being insectivorous and sometimes serving as prey to larger birds, they fulfill additional important ecological roles. Hummingbird species evolved and radiated into nearly every habitat in the Americas, with a core of species diversity in South America. Population declines of some of their species are increasing their risk of extinction. Threats to population health and genetic diversity are just beginning to be identified, including diseases and hazards caused by humans. We review the disciplines of population health, disease ecology, and genomics as they relate to hummingbirds. We appraise knowledge gaps, causes of morbidity and mortality including disease, and threats to population viability. Finally, we highlight areas of research need and provide ideas for future studies aimed at facilitating hummingbird conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly B Ernest
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA; ,
| | - Lisa A Tell
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA; ,
| | - Christine A Bishop
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada; ,
| | - Ana M González
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada; ,
| | - Emily R Lumsdaine
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Niu X, Peng Y, Jiang Z, Huang S, Liu R, Zhu M, Shi L. Gamma-band-based dynamic functional connectivity in pigeon entopallium during sample presentation in a delayed color matching task. Cogn Neurodyn 2024; 18:37-47. [PMID: 38406198 PMCID: PMC10881935 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-022-09916-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds have developed visual cognitions, especially in discriminating colors due to their four types of cones in the retina. The entopallium of birds is thought to be involved in the processing of color information during visual cognition. However, there is a lack of understanding about how functional connectivity in the entopallium region of birds changes during color cognition, which is related to various input colors. We therefore trained pigeons to perform a delayed color matching task, in which two colors were randomly presented in sample stimuli phrases, and the neural activity at individual recording site and the gamma band functional connectivity among local population in entopallium during sample presentation were analyzed. Both gamma band energy and gamma band functional connectivity presented dynamics as the stimulus was presented and persisted. The response features in the early-stimulus phase were significantly different from those of baseline and the late-stimulus phase. Furthermore, gamma band energy showed significant differences between different colors during the early-stimulus phase, but the global feature of the gamma band functional network did not. Further decoding results showed that decoding accuracy was significantly enhanced by adding functional connectivity features, suggesting the global feature of the gamma band functional network did not directly contain color information, but was related to it. These results provided insight into information processing rules among local neuronal populations in the entopallium of birds during color cognition, which is important for their daily life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Niu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Yanyan Peng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Zhenyang Jiang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Shuman Huang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Ruibin Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Minjie Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
| | - Li Shi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 China
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100000 China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sun BJ, Li WM, Lv P, Wen GN, Wu DY, Tao SA, Liao ML, Yu CQ, Jiang ZW, Wang Y, Xie HX, Wang XF, Chen ZQ, Liu F, Du WG. Genetically Encoded Lizard Color Divergence for Camouflage and Thermoregulation. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae009. [PMID: 38243850 PMCID: PMC10835340 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae009] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Local adaptation is critical in speciation and evolution, yet comprehensive studies on proximate and ultimate causes of local adaptation are generally scarce. Here, we integrated field ecological experiments, genome sequencing, and genetic verification to demonstrate both driving forces and molecular mechanisms governing local adaptation of body coloration in a lizard from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We found dark lizards from the cold meadow population had lower spectrum reflectance but higher melanin contents than light counterparts from the warm dune population. Additionally, the colorations of both dark and light lizards facilitated the camouflage and thermoregulation in their respective microhabitat simultaneously. More importantly, by genome resequencing analysis, we detected a novel mutation in Tyrp1 that underpinned this color adaptation. The allele frequencies at the site of SNP 459# in the gene of Tyrp1 are 22.22% G/C and 77.78% C/C in dark lizards and 100% G/G in light lizards. Model-predicted structure and catalytic activity showed that this mutation increased structure flexibility and catalytic activity in enzyme TYRP1, and thereby facilitated the generation of eumelanin in dark lizards. The function of the mutation in Tyrp1 was further verified by more melanin contents and darker coloration detected in the zebrafish injected with the genotype of Tyrp1 from dark lizards. Therefore, our study demonstrates that a novel mutation of a major melanin-generating gene underpins skin color variation co-selected by camouflage and thermoregulation in a lizard. The resulting strong selection may reinforce adaptive genetic divergence and enable the persistence of adjacent populations with distinct body coloration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Jun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei-Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guan-Nan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dan-Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shi-Ang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ming-Ling Liao
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chang-Qing Yu
- Ecology Laboratory, Beijing Ecotech Science and Technology Ltd, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhong-Wen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Hong-Xin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xi-Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei-Guo Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharma N, Shekhar P, Kumar V, Kaur H, Jayasena V. Microbial pigments: Sources, current status, future challenges in cosmetics and therapeutic applications. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:4-21. [PMID: 37861279 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300214] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Color serves as the initial attraction and offers a pleasing aspect. While synthetic colorants have been popular for many years, their adverse environmental and health effects cannot be overlooked. This necessitates the search for natural colorants, especially microbial colorants, which have proven and more effective. Pigment-producing microorganisms offer substantial benefits. Natural colors improve product marketability and bestow additional benefits, including antioxidant, antiaging, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. This review covers the various types of microbial pigments, the methods to enhance their production, and their cosmetic and therapeutic applications. We also address the challenges faced during the commercial production of microbial pigments and propose potential solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Sharma
- Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Landran, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Vijay Jayasena
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guidetti G, Kim T, Dutcher A, Presti ML, Ovstrovsky-Snider N, Omenetto FG. Co-modulation of structural and pigmentary coloration in Lyropteryx apollonia butterfly. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:43712-43721. [PMID: 38178461 DOI: 10.1364/oe.500130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Nature produces some of the most striking optical effects through the combination of structural and chemical principles to give rise to a wide range of colors. However, creating non-spectral colors that extend beyond the color spectrum is a challenging task, as it requires meeting the requirements of both structural and pigmentary coloration. In this study, we investigate the magenta non-spectral color found in the scales of the ventral spots of the Lyropteryx apollonia butterfly. By employing correlated optical and electron microscopy, as well as pigment extraction techniques, we reveal how this color arises from the co-modulation of pigmentary and structural coloration. Specifically, the angle-dependent blue coloration results from the interference of visible light with chitin-based nanostructures, while the diffused red coloration is generated by an ommochrome pigment. The ability to produce such highly conspicuous non-spectral colors provides insights for the development of hierarchical structures with precise control over their optical response. These structures can be used to create hierarchically-arranged systems with a broadened color palette.
Collapse
|
10
|
Qiu Y, Cai C, Mo X, Zhao X, Wu L, Liu F, Li R, Liu C, Chen J, Tian M. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the effect of flavonoids on flower color variation in Dendrobium nobile Lindl. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1220507. [PMID: 37680360 PMCID: PMC10481954 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1220507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Dendrobium nobile L. is a rare orchid plant with high medicinal and ornamentalvalue, and extremely few genetic species resources are remaining in nature. In the normal purple flower population, a type of population material with a white flower variation phenotype has been discovered, and through pigment component determination, flavonoids were preliminarily found to be the main reason for the variation. Methods This study mainly explored the different genes and metabolites at different flowering stages and analysed the flower color variation mechanism through transcriptome- and flavonoid-targeted metabolomics. The experimental materials consisted of two different flower color phenotypes, purple flower (PF) and white flower (WF), observed during three different periods. Results and discussion The results identified 1382, 2421 and 989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the white flower variety compared with the purple flower variety at S1 (bud stage), S2 (chromogenic stage) and S3 (flowering stage), respectively. Among these, 27 genes enriched in the ko00941, ko00942, ko00943 and ko00944 pathways were screened as potential functional genes affecting flavonoid synthesis and flower color. Further analysis revealed that 15 genes are potential functional genes that lead to flavonoid changes and flower color variations. The metabolomics results at S3 found 129 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), which included 8 anthocyanin metabolites, all of which (with the exception of delphinidin-3-o-(2'''-o-malonyl) sophoroside-5-o-glucoside) were found at lower amounts in the WF variety compared with the PF variety, indicating that a decrease in the anthocyanin content was the main reason for the inability to form purple flowers. Therefore, the changes in 19 flavone and 62 flavonol metabolites were considered the main reasons for the formation of white flowers. In this study, valuable materials responsible for flower color variation in D. nobile were identified and further analyzed the main pathways and potential genes affecting changes in flavonoids and the flower color. This study provides a material basis and theoretical support for the hybridization and molecular-assisted breeding of D. nobile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ji Chen
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengliang Tian
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Christenson MP, Díez ÁS, Heath SL, Saavedra-Weisenhaus M, Adachi A, Abbott LF, Behnia R. Hue selectivity from recurrent circuitry in Drosophila. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.12.548573. [PMID: 37502934 PMCID: PMC10369983 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.548573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
A universal principle of sensory perception is the progressive transformation of sensory information from broad non-specific signals to stimulus-selective signals that form the basis of perception. To perceive color, our brains must transform the wavelengths of light reflected off objects into the derived quantities of brightness, saturation and hue. Neurons responding selectively to hue have been reported in primate cortex, but it is unknown how their narrow tuning in color space is produced by upstream circuit mechanisms. To enable circuit level analysis of color perception, we here report the discovery of neurons in the Drosophila optic lobe with hue selective properties. Using the connectivity graph of the fly brain, we construct a connectomics-constrained circuit model that accounts for this hue selectivity. Unexpectedly, our model predicts that recurrent connections in the circuit are critical for hue selectivity. Experiments using genetic manipulations to perturb recurrence in adult flies confirms this prediction. Our findings reveal the circuit basis for hue selectivity in color vision.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lustofin K, Świątek P, Miranda VFO, Płachno BJ. Phylogenetical Position versus Pollination Syndromes: Floral Trichomes of Central American and Mexican Pinguicula. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098423. [PMID: 37176130 PMCID: PMC10179228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Central American and Mexican Pinguicula species are characterized by enormous divergence in size and color of flowers and are pollinated by butterflies, flies, bees, and hummingbirds. It is known that floral trichomes are key characters in plant-pollinator interaction. The main aim of our study was to verify our hypothesis that the distribution and diversity of non-glandular and glandular trichomes are related to the pollinator syndromes rather than the phylogenetic relationships. The studied sample consisted of Central American and Mexican species. In our study, we relied on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with a phylogenetic perspective based on ITS DNA sequences. The flower morphology of species pollinated by butterflies and hummingbirds was similar in contrast to species pollinated by flies and bees. Species pollinated by butterflies and hummingbirds contained low diversity of non-glandular trichomes, which occurred mostly in the tube and basal part of the spur. Surprisingly, in P. esseriana and P. mesophytica, non-glandular trichomes also occurred at the base of lower lip petals. In the case of species pollinated by flies/bees, we observed a high variety of non-glandular trichomes, which occurred on the surface of corolla petals, in the tube, and at the entrance to the spur. Furthermore, we did not identify any non-glandular trichomes in the spur. The capitate glandular trichomes were of similar morphology in all examined species. There were minor differences in the shape of the trichome head, as well as the length and the number of stalk cells. The distribution and the diversity of non-glandular and glandular trichomes and pollinator syndromes were mapped onto a phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus. Most micromorphological characters appear to be associated more with floral adaptation to pollinators and less with phylogeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Lustofin
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, 9 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Piotr Świątek
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, 9 Bankowa St., 40-007 Katowice, Poland
| | - Vitor F O Miranda
- Laboratory of Plant Systematics, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Bartosz J Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Cracow, 9 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lawrence SL, Hazlehurst J. Hummingbird foraging preferences during extreme heat events. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10053. [PMID: 37181210 PMCID: PMC10171992 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10053] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is projected to increase global mean annual temperatures as well as the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. These changes are anticipated to alter the behavior of animals as they seek to thermoregulate in extreme heat. An important area of research is understanding how mutualistic interactions between animals and plants, such as pollination, will be affected by the cascading effects of extreme heat on animal foraging behavior. In this study, we used an experimental and observational approach to quantify the effects of extreme heat on hummingbird foraging preferences for nectar sources in shady versus sunny microsites. We also quantified pollen deposition using artificial stigmas at these sites to quantify potential cascading effects on plant reproduction. We hypothesized that hummingbirds would respond to extreme heat by preferentially foraging in shady microsites, and that this would reduce pollen deposition in sunny microsites on hot days. We found little support for this hypothesis, instead hummingbirds preferred to forage in sunny microsites regardless of ambient temperature. We also found weak evidence for higher pollen deposition in sunny microsites on hot days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Lucke Lawrence
- Department of Biological SciencesCalifornia State University East BayHaywardCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jenny Hazlehurst
- Department of Biological SciencesCalifornia State University East BayHaywardCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Costa A, Moré M, Sérsic AN, Cocucci AA, Drewniak ME, Izquierdo JV, Coetzee A, Pauw A, Traveset A, Paiaro V. Floral colour variation of Nicotiana glauca in native and non-native ranges: Testing the role of pollinators' perception and abiotic factors. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2023; 25:403-410. [PMID: 36744723 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Invasive plants displaying disparate pollination environments and abiotic conditions in native and non-native ranges provide ideal systems to test the role of different ecological factors driving flower colour variation. We quantified corolla reflectance of the ornithophilous South American Nicotiana glauca in native populations, where plants are pollinated by hummingbirds, and in populations from two invaded regions: South Africa, where plants are pollinated by sunbirds, and the Balearic island of Mallorca, where plants reproduce by selfing. Using visual modelling we examined how corolla reflectance could be perceived by floral visitors present in each region. Through Mantel tests we assessed a possible association between flower colour and different abiotic factors. Corolla reflectance variation (mainly along medium to long wavelengths, i.e. human green-yellow to red colours) was greater among studied regions than within them. Flower colour was more similar between South America and South Africa, which share birds as pollinators. Within invaded regions, corolla reflectance variation was lower in South Africa, where populations could not be distinguished from each other by sunbirds, than in Spain, where populations could be distinguished from each other by their occasional visitors. Differences in corolla colour among populations were partially associated with differences in temperature. Our findings suggest that shifts in flower colour of N. glauca across native and invaded ranges could be shaped by changes in both pollination environment and climatic factors. This is the first study on plant invasions considering visual perception of different pollinators and abiotic drivers of flower colour variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Costa
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M Moré
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A N Sérsic
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A A Cocucci
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M E Drewniak
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J V Izquierdo
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A Coetzee
- Fitz Patrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - A Pauw
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - A Traveset
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (CSIC, UIB), Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - V Paiaro
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Eliason CM, Cooper JC, Hackett SJ, Zahnle E, Pequeño Saco TZ, Maddox JD, Hains T, Hauber ME, Bates JM. Interspecific hybridization explains rapid gorget colour divergence in Heliodoxa hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221603. [PMID: 36866078 PMCID: PMC9974296 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hybridization is a known source of morphological, functional and communicative signal novelty in many organisms. Although diverse mechanisms of established novel ornamentation have been identified in natural populations, we lack an understanding of hybridization effects across levels of biological scales and upon phylogenies. Hummingbirds display diverse structural colours resulting from coherent light scattering by feather nanostructures. Given the complex relationship between feather nanostructures and the colours they produce, intermediate coloration does not necessarily imply intermediate nanostructures. Here, we characterize nanostructural, ecological and genetic inputs in a distinctive Heliodoxa hummingbird from the foothills of eastern Peru. Genetically, this individual is closely allied with Heliodoxa branickii and Heliodoxa gularis, but it is not identical to either when nuclear data are assessed. Elevated interspecific heterozygosity further suggests it is a hybrid backcross to H. branickii. Electron microscopy and spectrophotometry of this unique individual reveal key nanostructural differences underlying its distinct gorget colour, confirmed by optical modelling. Phylogenetic comparative analysis suggests that the observed gorget coloration divergence from both parentals to this individual would take 6.6-10 My to evolve at the current rate within a single hummingbird lineage. These results emphasize the mosaic nature of hybridization and suggest that hybridization may contribute to the structural colour diversity found across hummingbirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Eliason
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Grainger Bioinformatics Center, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Jacob C. Cooper
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
- Directora de Monitoreo y Evaluacion de Recursos Naturales del Territorio, Plataforma digital única del Estado Peruano, Iquitos, Perú
| | - Shannon J. Hackett
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systematics and Evolution, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Erica Zahnle
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
| | - Tatiana Z. Pequeño Saco
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Bioenergética, Universidad Científica del Perú, Iquitos, Perú
| | - Joseph Dylan Maddox
- Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systematics and Evolution, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Bioenergética, Universidad Científica del Perú, Iquitos, Perú
| | - Taylor Hains
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
- Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systematics and Evolution, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Mark E. Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behaviour, School at Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - John M. Bates
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eyster HN, Satterfield T, Chan KMA. Empirical examples demonstrate how relational thinking might enrich science and practice. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harold N. Eyster
- Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Gund Institute for Environment University of Vermont Burlington Vermont USA
| | - Terre Satterfield
- Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Kai M. A. Chan
- Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lüthi MN, Berardi AE, Mandel T, Freitas LB, Kuhlemeier C. Single gene mutation in a plant MYB transcription factor causes a major shift in pollinator preference. Curr Biol 2022; 32:5295-5308.e5. [PMID: 36473466 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of reproductive isolation and speciation is a key goal of evolutionary genetics. In the South American genus Petunia, the R2R3-MYB transcription factor MYB-FL regulates the biosynthesis of UV-absorbing flavonol pigments, a major determinant of pollinator preference. MYB-FL is highly expressed in the hawkmoth-pollinated P. axillaris, but independent losses of its activity in sister taxa P. secreta and P. exserta led to UV-reflective flowers and associated pollinator shifts in each lineage (bees and hummingbirds, respectively). We created a myb-fl CRISPR mutant in P. axillaris and studied the effect of this single gene on innate pollinator preference. The mutation strongly reduced the expression of the two key flavonol-related biosynthetic genes but only affected the expression of few other genes. The mutant flowers were UV reflective as expected but additionally contained low levels of visible anthocyanin pigments. Hawkmoths strongly preferred the wild-type P. axillaris over the myb-fl mutant, whereas both social and solitary bee preference depended on the level of visible color of the mutants. MYB-FL, with its specific expression pattern, small number of target genes, and key position at the nexus of flavonol and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathways, provides a striking example of evolution by single mutations of large phenotypic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina N Lüthi
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Berardi
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Therese Mandel
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Loreta B Freitas
- Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, POB 15053, Porto Alegre, 91501970 Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cris Kuhlemeier
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
McCulloch KJ, Macias-Muñoz A, Briscoe AD. Insect opsins and evo-devo: what have we learned in 25 years? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210288. [PMID: 36058243 PMCID: PMC9441233 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The visual pigments known as opsins are the primary molecular basis for colour vision in animals. Insects are among the most diverse of animal groups and their visual systems reflect a variety of life histories. The study of insect opsins in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has led to major advances in the fields of neuroscience, development and evolution. In the last 25 years, research in D. melanogaster has improved our understanding of opsin genotype-phenotype relationships while comparative work in other insects has expanded our understanding of the evolution of insect eyes via gene duplication, coexpression and homologue switching. Even so, until recently, technology and sampling have limited our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that evolution uses to shape the diversity of insect eyes. With the advent of genome editing and in vitro expression assays, the study of insect opsins is poised to reveal new frontiers in evolutionary biology, visual neuroscience, and animal behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding colour vision: molecular, physiological, neuronal and behavioural studies in arthropods'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. McCulloch
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Aide Macias-Muñoz
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Adriana D. Briscoe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Christenson MP, Mousavi SN, Oriol E, Heath SL, Behnia R. Exploiting colour space geometry for visual stimulus design across animals. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210280. [PMID: 36058250 PMCID: PMC9441238 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colour vision represents a vital aspect of perception that ultimately enables a wide variety of species to thrive in the natural world. However, unified methods for constructing chromatic visual stimuli in a laboratory setting are lacking. Here, we present stimulus design methods and an accompanying programming package to efficiently probe the colour space of any species in which the photoreceptor spectral sensitivities are known. Our hardware-agnostic approach incorporates photoreceptor models within the framework of the principle of univariance. This enables experimenters to identify the most effective way to combine multiple light sources to create desired distributions of light, and thus easily construct relevant stimuli for mapping the colour space of an organism. We include methodology to handle uncertainty of photoreceptor spectral sensitivity as well as to optimally reconstruct hyperspectral images given recent hardware advances. Our methods support broad applications in colour vision science and provide a framework for uniform stimulus designs across experimental systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding colour vision: molecular, physiological, neuronal and behavioural studies in arthropods'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias P Christenson
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - S Navid Mousavi
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Elie Oriol
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sarah L Heath
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rudy Behnia
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Miller AE, Hogan BG, Stoddard MC. Color in motion: Generating 3-dimensional multispectral models to study dynamic visual signals in animals. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.983369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyzing color and pattern in the context of motion is a central and ongoing challenge in the quantification of animal coloration. Many animal signals are spatially and temporally variable, but traditional methods fail to capture this dynamism because they use stationary animals in fixed positions. To investigate dynamic visual displays and to understand the evolutionary forces that shape dynamic colorful signals, we require cross-disciplinary methods that combine measurements of color, pattern, 3-dimensional (3D) shape, and motion. Here, we outline a workflow for producing digital 3D models with objective color information from museum specimens with diffuse colors. The workflow combines multispectral imaging with photogrammetry to produce digital 3D models that contain calibrated ultraviolet (UV) and human-visible (VIS) color information and incorporate pattern and 3D shape. These “3D multispectral models” can subsequently be animated to incorporate both signaler and receiver movement and analyzed in silico using a variety of receiver-specific visual models. This approach—which can be flexibly integrated with other tools and methods—represents a key first step toward analyzing visual signals in motion. We describe several timely applications of this workflow and next steps for multispectral 3D photogrammetry and animation techniques.
Collapse
|
21
|
Hummingbird plumage color diversity exceeds the known gamut of all other birds. Commun Biol 2022; 5:576. [PMID: 35739263 PMCID: PMC9226176 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A color gamut quantitatively describes the diversity of a taxon’s integumentary coloration as seen by a specific organismal visual system. We estimated the plumage color gamut of hummingbirds (Trochilidae), a family known for its diverse barbule structural coloration, using a tetrahedral avian color stimulus space and spectra from a taxonomically diverse sample of 114 species. The spectra sampled occupied 34.2% of the total diversity of colors perceivable by hummingbirds, which suggests constraints on their plumage color production. However, the size of the hummingbird color gamut is equivalent to, or greater than, the previous estimate of the gamut for all birds. Using the violet cone type visual system, our new data for hummingbirds increases the avian color gamut by 56%. Our results demonstrate that barbule structural color is the most evolvable plumage coloration mechanism, achieving unique, highly saturated colors with multi-reflectance peaks. An analysis of the plumage colors in 114 hummingbird species finds that the breadth of the hummingbird color gamut exceeds or is equivalent to that of the previous estimate of all living birds. These data for hummingbirds increases the known avian color gamut by 56%.
Collapse
|
22
|
Latitudinal gradients in avian colourfulness. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:622-629. [PMID: 35379937 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
It has long been suggested that tropical species are generally more colourful than temperate species, but whether latitudinal gradients in organismal colourfulness exist remains controversial. Here we quantify global latitudinal trends in colourfulness (within-individual colour diversity) by collating and analysing a photographic dataset of whole-body plumage reflectance information for >4,500 species of passerine birds. We show that male and female birds of tropical passerine species are generally more colourful than their temperate counterparts, both on average and in the extreme. We also show that these geographic gradients can be explained in part by the effects of several latitude-related factors related to classic hypotheses for climatic and ecological determinants of organismal colourfulness. Taken together, our results reveal that species' colourfulness peaks in the tropics for passerine birds, confirming the existence of a long-suspected yet hitherto elusive trend in the distribution of global biodiversity.
Collapse
|
23
|
Qi Y, Zhou C, Qiu Y, Cao X, Niu W, Wu S, Zheng Y, Ma W, Ye H, Zhang S. Biomimetic Janus photonic soft actuator with structural color self-reporting. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:1243-1252. [PMID: 35080571 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01693h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators with variable signal/color play an important role in the fields of targeted locomotion, artificial phototropism, drug screening, cargo transportation, and interactive sensing. The ability to achieve rapid response, large curvature, wide bending angle, and full-color display continues to be an unresolved challenge for artificial actuating materials. Inspired by the angle-dependent structural color of broad-tailed hummingbird and the Janus wettability of the lotus leaf, a Janus photonic soft actuator (JPSA) was fabricated by integrating an underwater super-oleophilic copper micro-nano array and oil-phobic inverse opal through a Laplace channel. The JPSA exhibits unidirectional permeability to underwater oil droplets. Attractively, with the combination of a swellable super-oleophilic surface and photonic crystals, JPSAs were endowed with oil-controlled reversible bending behavior with self-reporting angle-dependent color indication. We described for the first time the directional actuating mechanism induced by underwater oil unidirectional penetration and revealed the corresponding actuating kinetics and the inner-stress distribution/transfer by using structural color. As an extension of such theory, a rapid responsive JPSA with a wide bending angle and full-color self-reporting is further fabricated. This work provides an efficient strategy for oil directional transportation and separation in aqueous media and inspires the fabrication of a soft actuator/sensor with structural color self-reporting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Changtong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yisong Qiu
- International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xianfei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Wenbin Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Suli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Yonggang Zheng
- International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Hongfei Ye
- International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Faculty of Vehicle Engineering and Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Shufen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, P. O. Box 89, West Campus, 2# Linggong Rd, Dalian 116024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cheney KL, Hudson J, de Busserolles F, Luehrmann M, Shaughnessy A, van den Berg C, Green NF, Marshall NJ, Cortesi F. Seeing Picasso: an investigation into the visual system of the triggerfish Rhinecanthus aculeatus. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:jeb243907. [PMID: 35244167 PMCID: PMC9080752 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vision is used by animals to find food and mates, avoid predators, defend resources and navigate through complex habitats. Behavioural experiments are essential for understanding animals' perception but are often challenging and time-consuming; therefore, using species that can be trained easily for complex tasks is advantageous. Picasso triggerfish, Rhinecanthus aculeatus, have been used in many behavioural studies investigating vision and navigation. However, little is known about the molecular and anatomical basis of their visual system. We addressed this knowledge gap here and behaviourally tested achromatic and chromatic acuity. In terms of visual opsins, R. aculeatus possessed one rod opsin gene (RH1) and at least nine cone opsins: one violet-sensitive SWS2B gene, seven duplicates of the blue-green-sensitive RH2 gene (RH2A, RH2B, RH2C1-5) and one red-sensitive LWS gene. However, only five cone opsins were expressed: SWS2B expression was consistent, while RH2A, RH2C-1 and RH2C-2 expression varied depending on whether fish were sampled from the field or aquaria. Levels of LWS expression were very low. Using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, we found SWS2B was expressed exclusively in single cones, whereas RH2A and RH2Cs were expressed in opposite double cone members. Anatomical resolution estimated from ganglion cell densities was 6.8 cycles per degree (cpd), which was significantly higher than values obtained from behavioural testing for black-and-white achromatic stimuli (3.9 cpd) and chromatic stimuli (1.7-1.8 cpd). These measures were twice as high as previously reported. This detailed information on their visual system will help inform future studies with this emerging focal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Cheney
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jemma Hudson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fanny de Busserolles
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Martin Luehrmann
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Abigail Shaughnessy
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Cedric van den Berg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Naomi F. Green
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - N. Justin Marshall
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fabio Cortesi
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Convergent evolution of a blood-red nectar pigment in vertebrate-pollinated flowers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2114420119. [PMID: 35074876 PMCID: PMC8812537 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114420119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond sugars, many types of nectar solutes play important ecological roles; however, the molecular basis for the diversity of nectar composition across species is less explored. One rare trait among flowering plants is the production of colored nectar, which may function to attract and guide prospective pollinators. Our findings indicate convergent evolution of a red-colored nectar has occurred across two distantly related plant species. Behavioral data show that the red pigment attracts diurnal geckos, the likely pollinator of one of these plants. These findings join a growing list of examples of distinct biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary convergence and provide a fascinating system for testing how interactions across species drive the evolution of novel pigments in an understudied context. Nearly 90% of flowering plants depend on animals for reproduction. One of the main rewards plants offer to pollinators for visitation is nectar. Nesocodon mauritianus (Campanulaceae) produces a blood-red nectar that has been proposed to serve as a visual attractant for pollinator visitation. Here, we show that the nectar’s red color is derived from a previously undescribed alkaloid termed nesocodin. The first nectar produced is acidic and pale yellow in color, but slowly becomes alkaline before taking on its characteristic red color. Three enzymes secreted into the nectar are either necessary or sufficient for pigment production, including a carbonic anhydrase that increases nectar pH, an aryl-alcohol oxidase that produces a pigment precursor, and a ferritin-like catalase that protects the pigment from degradation by hydrogen peroxide. Our findings demonstrate how these three enzymatic activities allow for the condensation of sinapaldehyde and proline to form a pigment with a stable imine bond. We subsequently verified that synthetic nesocodin is indeed attractive to Phelsuma geckos, the most likely pollinators of Nesocodon. We also identify nesocodin in the red nectar of the distantly related and hummingbird-visited Jaltomata herrerae and provide molecular evidence for convergent evolution of this trait. This work cumulatively identifies a convergently evolved trait in two vertebrate-pollinated species, suggesting that the red pigment is selectively favored and that only a limited number of compounds are likely to underlie this type of adaptation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Justyn NM, Nallapaneni A, Parnell AJ, Karim A, Shawkey MD. A synergistic combination of structural and pigmentary colour produces non-spectral colour in the purple-breasted cotinga, Cotinga cotinga (Passeriformes: Cotingidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Most studies of animal coloration focus on spectral colours, which are colours evoked by single peaks within the wavelengths of visible light. It is poorly understood how non-spectral colours (those produced by a combination of reflectance peaks) are produced, despite their potential significance to both animal communication and biomimicry. Moreover, although both pigmentary and structural colour production mechanisms have been well characterized in feathers independently, their interactions have received considerably less attention, despite their potential to broaden the available colour spectrum. Here, we investigate the colour production mechanisms of the purple feathers of the purple-breasted cotinga (Cotinga cotinga). The purple feather colour results from both the coherent scattering of light by a sphere-type nanomatrix of β-keratin and air (spongy layer) in the barbs, which produces a blue–green colour, and the selective absorption of light in the centre of the bird-visible spectrum by the methoxy-carotenoid, cotingin. This unusual combination of carotenoid and nanostructure with a central air vacuole, in the absence of melanin, is a blueprint of a synergistic way to produce a non-spectral colour that would be difficult to achieve with only a single colour production mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Justyn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Andrew J Parnell
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alamgir Karim
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Narbona E, del Valle JC, Arista M, Buide ML, Ortiz PL. Major Flower Pigments Originate Different Colour Signals to Pollinators. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.743850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Flower colour is mainly due to the presence and type of pigments. Pollinator preferences impose selection on flower colour that ultimately acts on flower pigments. Knowing how pollinators perceive flowers with different pigments becomes crucial for a comprehensive understanding of plant-pollinator communication and flower colour evolution. Based on colour space models, we studied whether main groups of pollinators, specifically hymenopterans, dipterans, lepidopterans and birds, differentially perceive flower colours generated by major pigment groups. We obtain reflectance data and conspicuousness to pollinators of flowers containing one of the pigment groups more frequent in flowers: chlorophylls, carotenoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids were subsequently classified in UV-absorbing flavonoids, aurones-chalcones and the anthocyanins cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, and malvidin derivatives. We found that flower colour loci of chlorophylls, carotenoids, UV-absorbing flavonoids, aurones-chalcones, and anthocyanins occupied different regions of the colour space models of these pollinators. The four groups of anthocyanins produced a unique cluster of colour loci. Interestingly, differences in colour conspicuousness among the pigment groups were almost similar in the bee, fly, butterfly, and bird visual space models. Aurones-chalcones showed the highest chromatic contrast values, carotenoids displayed intermediate values, and chlorophylls, UV-absorbing flavonoids and anthocyanins presented the lowest values. In the visual model of bees, flowers with UV-absorbing flavonoids (i.e., white flowers) generated the highest achromatic contrasts. Ours findings suggest that in spite of the almost omnipresence of floral anthocyanins in angiosperms, carotenoids and aurones-chalcones generates higher colour conspicuousness for main functional groups of pollinators.
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu FC, Li PR, Lin BR, Wu RJ, Cheng HL, Chou WY. Ultraviolet Light-Activated Charge Modulation Heterojunction for Versatile Organic Thin Film Transistors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45822-45832. [PMID: 34520181 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are a promising technology for the application of photosensors in smart wearable devices. Light-induced electrical behavior of OTFTs is explored to achieve diverse functional requirements. In most studies, OTFTs show an increased drain current (ID) under light irradiation. Here, we use an ultraviolet (UV) light absorption top layer, tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3), to improve the UV light response of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-based OTFTs. Unexpectedly, the Alq3-covered device operated at the accumulation mode demonstrates a decreased ID during the UV light irradiation. N,N'-Ditridecyl-3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI, electron acceptor), pentacene (electron donor), and lithium fluoride (LiF, insulator) as an interlayer were inserted between the P3HT and the Alq3 layers. The PTCDI/Alq3-covered device also shows an unusual decrease in ID under the UV light but an increase in ID under the green light. The pentacene/Alq3-covered device shows an increased ID during the UV light irradiation and, unexpectedly, a memory effect in ID after removing the UV light. The LiF/Alq3-covered device exhibits an electrical behavior similar to the bare P3HT-based device under the UV light. Results of spectroscopic analyses and theoretical calculations have shown that the occurrence of charge transfer at heterojunctions during the UV light irradiation causes charge modulation in the multilayered P3HT-based OTFTs and then results in an unusual decrease or memory effect in ID. In addition, the unexpected ID reduction can be observed in the Alq3-covered poly[2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene]-based OTFTs under UV light. The features, including opposite electrical responses to different wavelengths of light and optical memory effect, provide the multilayered P3HT-based OTFTs with potential for various optical applications, such as image recognition devices, optical logic gates, light dosimeters, and optical synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chiao Wu
- Department of Photonics, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Rong Li
- Department of Photonics, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Ren Lin
- Department of Photonics, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Jie Wu
- Department of Photonics, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Long Cheng
- Department of Photonics, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yang Chou
- Department of Photonics, Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
It is always difficult to even advance possible dimensions of consciousness, but Birch et al., 2020 have suggested four possible dimensions and this review discusses the first, perceptual richness, with relation to octopuses. They advance acuity, bandwidth, and categorization power as possible components. It is first necessary to realize that sensory richness does not automatically lead to perceptual richness and this capacity may not be accessed by consciousness. Octopuses do not discriminate light wavelength frequency (color) but rather its plane of polarization, a dimension that we do not understand. Their eyes are laterally placed on the head, leading to monocular vision and head movements that give a sequential rather than simultaneous view of items, possibly consciously planned. Details of control of the rich sensorimotor system of the arms, with 3/5 of the neurons of the nervous system, may normally not be accessed to the brain and thus to consciousness. The chromatophore-based skin appearance system is likely open loop, and not available to the octopus’ vision. Conversely, in a laboratory situation that is not ecologically valid for the octopus, learning about shapes and extents of visual figures was extensive and flexible, likely consciously planned. Similarly, octopuses’ local place in and navigation around space can be guided by light polarization plane and visual landmark location and is learned and monitored. The complex array of chemical cues delivered by water and on surfaces does not fit neatly into the components above and has barely been tested but might easily be described as perceptually rich. The octopus’ curiosity and drive to investigate and gain more information may mean that, apart from richness of any stimulus situation, they are consciously driven to seek out more information. This review suggests that cephalopods may not have a similar type of intelligence as the ‘higher’ vertebrates, they may not have similar dimensions or contents of consciousness, but that such a capacity is present nevertheless.
Collapse
|
30
|
Driver RJ, Balakrishnan CN. Highly contiguous genomes improve the understanding of avian olfactory receptor repertoires. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1281-1290. [PMID: 34180521 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Third generation (long read-based) sequencing technologies are reshaping our understanding of genome structure and function. One of the most persistent challenges in genome biology has been confidently reconstructing radiations of complex gene families. Olfactory receptors (ORs) represent just such a gene family with upwards of 1000s of receptors in some mammalian taxa. Whereas in birds olfaction was historically an overlooked sensory modality, new studies have revealed an important role for smell. Chromosome-level assemblies for birds allow a new opportunity to characterize patterns of OR diversity among major bird lineages. Previous studies of short read (second-generation) genome assemblies have associated OR gene family size with avian ecology, but such conclusions could be premature if new assembly methods reshape our understanding of avian OR evolution. Here we provide a fundamental characterization of OR repertoires in five recent genome assemblies, including the most recent assembly of golden-collared manakin (Manacus vitellinus). We find that short read-based assemblies systematically undercount the avian-specific gamma-c OR subfamily, a subfamily that comprises over 65% of avian OR diversity. Therefore, in contrast to previous studies we find a high diversity of gamma-c ORs across the avian tree of life. Building on these findings, ongoing sequencing efforts and improved genome assemblies will clarify the relationship between OR diversity and avian ecology.
Collapse
|
31
|
Beltrán DF, Shultz AJ, Parra JL. Speciation rates are positively correlated with the rate of plumage color evolution in hummingbirds. Evolution 2021; 75:1665-1680. [PMID: 34037257 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A fascinating pattern in nature is the uneven distribution of biodiversity among clades, some with low species richness and phenotypic variation in contrast to others with remarkable species richness and phenotypic diversity. In animals, communication signals are crucial for intra- and interspecific interactions and are likely an important factor in speciation. However, evidence for the association between the evolution of such signals and speciation is mixed. In hummingbirds, plumage coloration is an important communication signal, particularly for mate selection. Here, using reflectance data for 237 hummingbird species (∼66% of total diversity), we demonstrate that color evolution rates are associated with speciation rates, and that differences among feather patches are consistent with an interplay between natural and sexual selection. We found that female color evolution rates of multiple plumage elements, including the gorget, were similar to those of males. Although male color evolution in this patch was associated with speciation, female gorget color evolution was not. In other patches, the relationship between speciation and color evolution rates was pervasive between sexes. We anticipate that future studies on animal communication will likely find that evolution of signaling traits of both sexes has played a vital role in generating signal and species diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Beltrán
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
| | - Allison J Shultz
- Ornithology Department, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, 90007, USA
| | - Juan L Parra
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, 050010, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chatragadda R, Dufossé L. Ecological and Biotechnological Aspects of Pigmented Microbes: A Way Forward in Development of Food and Pharmaceutical Grade Pigments. Microorganisms 2021; 9:637. [PMID: 33803896 PMCID: PMC8003166 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial pigments play multiple roles in the ecosystem construction, survival, and fitness of all kinds of organisms. Considerably, microbial (bacteria, fungi, yeast, and microalgae) pigments offer a wide array of food, drug, colorants, dyes, and imaging applications. In contrast to the natural pigments from microbes, synthetic colorants are widely used due to high production, high intensity, and low cost. Nevertheless, natural pigments are gaining more demand over synthetic pigments as synthetic pigments have demonstrated side effects on human health. Therefore, research on microbial pigments needs to be extended, explored, and exploited to find potential industrial applications. In this review, the evolutionary aspects, the spatial significance of important pigments, biomedical applications, research gaps, and future perspectives are detailed briefly. The pathogenic nature of some pigmented bacteria is also detailed for awareness and safe handling. In addition, pigments from macro-organisms are also discussed in some sections for comparison with microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Chatragadda
- Biological Oceanography Division (BOD), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Dona Paula 403004, Goa, India
| | - Laurent Dufossé
- Chemistry and Biotechnology of Natural Products (CHEMBIOPRO Lab), Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieurs Réunion Océan Indien (ESIROI), Département Agroalimentaire, Université de La Réunion, F-97744 Saint-Denis, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Powell SB, Mitchell LJ, Phelan AM, Cortesi F, Marshall J, Cheney KL. A five‐channel LED display to investigate UV perception. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel B. Powell
- Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Laurie J. Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Amelia M. Phelan
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Fabio Cortesi
- Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Justin Marshall
- Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Karen L. Cheney
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Garcia JE, Phillips RD, Peter CI, Dyer AG. Changing How Biologists View Flowers-Color as a Perception Not a Trait. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:601700. [PMID: 33329670 PMCID: PMC7710862 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.601700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Studying flower color evolution can be challenging as it may require several different areas of expertise, ranging from botany and ecology through to understanding color sensing of insects and thus how they perceive flower signals. Whilst studies often view plant-pollinator interactions from the plant's perspective, there is growing evidence from psychophysics studies that pollinators have their own complex decision making processes depending on their perception of color, viewing conditions and individual experience. Mimicry of rewarding flowers by orchids is a fascinating system for studying the pollinator decision making process, as rewarding model flowering plants and mimics can be clearly characterized. Here, we focus on a system where the rewardless orchid Eulophia zeyheriana mimics the floral color of Wahlenbergia cuspidata (Campanulaceae) to attract its pollinator species, a halictid bee. Using recently developed psychophysics principles, we explore whether the color perception of an insect observer encountering variable model and mimic flower color signals can help explain why species with non-rewarding flowers can exist in nature. Our approach involves the use of color discrimination functions rather than relying on discrimination thresholds, and the use of statistical distributions to model intraspecific color variations. Results show that whilst an experienced insect observer can frequently make accurate discriminations between mimic and rewarding flowers, intraspecific signal variability leads to overlap in the perceived color, which will frequently confuse an inexperienced pollinator. This new perspective provides an improved way to incorporate pollinator decision making into the complex field of plant-pollinator interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jair E. Garcia
- Bio-Inspired Digital Sensing Laboratory (BIDS Lab), School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ryan D. Phillips
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions, Kings Park Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Craig I. Peter
- Department of Botany, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Adrian G. Dyer
- Bio-Inspired Digital Sensing Laboratory (BIDS Lab), School of Media and Communication, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Whitney KD, Smith AK, White TE, Williams CF. Birds Perceive More Intraspecific Color Variation in Bird-Pollinated Than Bee-Pollinated Flowers. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:590347. [PMID: 33281850 PMCID: PMC7705070 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.590347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollinator-mediated selection is expected to constrain floral color variation within plant populations. Here, we test for patterns of constraint on floral color variation in 38 bee- and/or hummingbird-pollinated plant species from Colorado, United States. We collected reflectance spectra for at least 15 individuals in each of 1-3 populations of each species (total 78 populations) and modeled perceived color variation in both bee and bird visual spaces. We hypothesized that bees would perceive less intraspecific color variation in bee-pollinated species (vs. bird-pollinated species), and reciprocally, birds would perceive less color variation in bird-pollinated species (vs. bee-pollinated species). In keeping with the higher dimensionality of the bird visual system, birds typically perceived much more color variation than bees, regardless of plant pollination system. Contrary to our hypothesis, bees perceived equal color variation within plant species from the two pollination systems, and birds perceived more color variation in species that they pollinate than in bee-pollinated species. We propose hypotheses to account for the results, including reduced long-wavelength sensitivity in bees (vs. birds), and the ideas that potential categorical color vision in birds and larger cognitive capacities of birds (vs. bees) reduces their potential discrimination against floral color variants in species that they pollinate, resulting in less stabilizing selection on color within bird-pollinated vs. bee-pollinated species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth D. Whitney
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Crested Butte, CO, United States
| | - Asher K. Smith
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Crested Butte, CO, United States
| | - Thomas E. White
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles F. Williams
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Crested Butte, CO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, United States
- Ray J. Davis Herbarium, Idaho Museum of Natural History, Pocatello, ID, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Arroyo MTK, Robles V, Tamburrino Í, Martínez-Harms J, Garreaud RD, Jara-Arancio P, Pliscoff P, Copier A, Arenas J, Keymer J, Castro K. Extreme Drought Affects Visitation and Seed Set in a Plant Species in the Central Chilean Andes Heavily Dependent on Hummingbird Pollination. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9111553. [PMID: 33198222 PMCID: PMC7697181 DOI: 10.3390/plants9111553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rising temperatures and increasing drought in Mediterranean-type climate areas are expected to affect plant–pollinator interactions, especially in plant species with specialised pollination. Central Chile experienced a mega drought between 2010 and 2020 which reached an extreme in the austral summer of 2019–2020. Based on intensive pollinator sampling and floral studies we show that the subalpine form of Mutisia subulata (Asteraceae) is a specialised hummingbird-pollinated species. In a two-year study which included the severest drought year, we quantified visitation frequency, flower-head density, flower-head visitation rates, two measures of floral longevity, nectar characteristics and seed set and monitored climatic variables to detect direct and indirect climate-related effects on pollinator visitation. Flower-head density, nectar standing crop and seed set were significantly reduced in the severest drought year while nectar concentration increased. The best model to explain visitation frequency included flower-head density, relative humidity, temperature, and nectar standing crop with highly significant effects of the first three variables. Results for flower-head density suggest hummingbirds were able to associate visual signals with reduced resource availability and/or were less abundant. The negative effect of lower relative humidity suggests the birds were able to perceive differences in nectar concentration. Reduced seed set per flower-head together with the availability of far fewer ovules in the 2019–2020 austral summer would have resulted in a major reduction in seed set. Longer and more intense droughts in this century could threaten local population persistence in M. subulata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary T. K. Arroyo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-9-622-4194
| | - Valeria Robles
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile;
| | - Ítalo Tamburrino
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile;
| | - Jaime Martínez-Harms
- INIA, La Cruz, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Chorrillos 86, 2280454 La Cruz, Chile;
| | - René D. Garreaud
- Departamento de Geofísica, Universidad de Chile, Avenida Blanco Encalada 2002, 8370449 Santiago, Chile;
- Centro de Ciencia del Clima y la Resiliencia (CR2), Avenida Blanco Encalada 2002, Universidad de Chile, 8370449 Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Jara-Arancio
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile;
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Republica 252, 8370134 Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Pliscoff
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 8331150 Santiago, Chile;
- Instituto de Geografía, Facultad de Historia, Geografía y Ciencia Política, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, 7820436 Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Copier
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
| | - Jonás Arenas
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
| | - Joaquín Keymer
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
| | - Kiara Castro
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, 7800003 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; (V.R.); (Í.T.); (A.C.); (J.A.); (J.K.); (K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hsiao YT, Chen TC, Yu PH, Huang DS, Hu FR, Chuong CM, Chang FC. Connectivity between nidopallium caudolateral and visual pathways in color perception of zebra finches. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19382. [PMID: 33168854 PMCID: PMC7653952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76542-z] [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: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers demonstrated an elegant ability for red discrimination in zebra finches. It is interested to understand whether red activates exhibit much stronger response than other colors in neural network levels. To reveal the question, local field potentials (LFPs) was recorded and analyzed in two visual pathways, the thalamofugal and the tectofugal pathways, of zebra finches. Human studies demonstrate visual associated telencephalons communicate with higher order brain areas such as prefrontal cortex. The present study determined whether a comparable transmission occurs in zebra finches. Telencephalic regions of the thalamofugal (the visual Wulst) and the tectofugal pathway (the entopallium) with their higher order telencephalon, nidopallium caudolateral (NCL) were simultaneously recorded. LFPs of relay nuclei (the nucleus rotundus, ROT) of tectofugal pathway were also acquired. We demonstrated that LFP powers in the tectofugal pathway were higher than those in the thalamofugal pathway when illuminating blue lights. In addition, the LFP synchronization was stronger between the entopallium and NCL. LFPs also revealed a higher Granger causality from the direction of entopallium to NCL and from ROT to entopallium. These results suggest that zebra finches' tectofugal pathway predominately processing color information from ROT to NCL, relayed by entopallium, and blue could trigger the strongest response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tse Hsiao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Ching Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Huan Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Siang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Rong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fang-Chia Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lunau K, Gerten S. Selective attraction in bird-pollinated flowers. A commentary on: 'Red flowers differ in shades between pollination systems and across continents'. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2020; 126:iv-v. [PMID: 32856689 PMCID: PMC7539357 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This article comments on: Zhe Chen, Yang Niu, Chang-Qiu Liu and Hang Sun, Red flowers differ in shades between pollination systems and across continents, Annals of Botany, Volume 126, Issue 5, 9 October 2020, Pages 837–848, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaa103
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Lunau
- Institute of Sensory Ecology, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Gerten
- Institute of Sensory Ecology, Heinrich-Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ogutcen E, Durand K, Wolowski M, Clavijo L, Graham C, Glauser G, Perret M. Chemical Basis of Floral Color Signals in Gesneriaceae: The Effect of Alternative Anthocyanin Pathways. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:604389. [PMID: 33381138 PMCID: PMC7767864 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.604389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Changes in floral pigmentation can have dramatic effects on angiosperm evolution by making flowers either attractive or inconspicuous to different pollinator groups. Flower color largely depends on the type and abundance of pigments produced in the petals, but it is still unclear whether similar color signals rely on same biosynthetic pathways and to which extent the activation of certain pathways influences the course of floral color evolution. To address these questions, we investigated the physical and chemical aspects of floral color in the Neotropical Gesnerioideae (ca. 1,200 spp.), in which two types of anthocyanins, hydroxyanthocyanins, and deoxyanthocyanins, have been recorded as floral pigments. Using spectrophotometry, we measured flower reflectance for over 150 species representing different clades and pollination syndromes. We analyzed these reflectance data to estimate how the Gesnerioideae flowers are perceived by bees and hummingbirds using the visual system models of these pollinators. Floral anthocyanins were further identified using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. We found that orange/red floral colors in Gesnerioideae are produced either by deoxyanthocyanins (e.g., apigenidin, luteolinidin) or hydroxyanthocyanins (e.g., pelargonidin). The presence of deoxyanthocyanins in several lineages suggests that the activation of the deoxyanthocyanin pathway has evolved multiple times in the Gesnerioideae. The hydroxyanthocyanin-producing flowers span a wide range of colors, which enables them to be discriminated by hummingbirds or bees. By contrast, color diversity among the deoxyanthocyanin-producing species is lower and mainly represented at longer wavelengths, which is in line with the hue discrimination optima for hummingbirds. These results indicate that Gesnerioideae have evolved two different biochemical mechanisms to generate orange/red flowers, which is associated with hummingbird pollination. Our findings also suggest that the activation of the deoxyanthocyanin pathway has restricted flower color diversification to orange/red hues, supporting the potential constraining role of this alternative biosynthetic pathway on the evolutionary outcome of phenotypical and ecological diversification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Ogutcen
- Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karine Durand
- Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marina Wolowski
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Laura Clavijo
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, National University of Colombia, UNAL, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catherine Graham
- Swiss Federal Research Institute (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Gaétan Glauser
- Neuchatel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchatel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Perret
- Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Department of Botany and Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Mathieu Perret,
| |
Collapse
|