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Skelhorn J, Rowland HM. Eyespot configuration and predator approach direction affect the antipredator efficacy of eyespots. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.951967] [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
Many prey species possess eyespots: paired markings that often consist of two or more concentric circles. Predators are wary of such prey because eyespots are conspicuous and/or mistaken for vertebrate eyes. Here we used naïve domestic chicks as predators of artificial moth-like prey to test the hypothesis that both eyespots configuration and predator approach direction affect the antipredator efficacy of eyespots. We found that when chicks approached prey straight on, eyespots configuration did not influence attack latency. Chicks that approached from either the left or the right, were slower to attack prey in which the central circle of the eyespot was centrally placed or shifted in the direction of the chick’s approach, compared to prey in which the central circle had been shifted away from the direction of approach. These findings suggest that eyespots composed of concentric circles may protect prey against predators approaching from a wider range of directions than eyespots composed of eccentric circles. They are also consistent with the idea that eyespots are mistaken for eyes, and are perceived to pose a lesser risk when their “gaze” is averted from the approaching predator.
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Li H, Ranhotra HS, Mani S, Dvořák Z, Sokol H, Müller R. Human microbial metabolite mimicry as a strategy to expand the chemical space of potential drugs. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1575-1579. [PMID: 32562605 PMCID: PMC7572573 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.06.007] [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: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The concept of small-molecule mimicry even of weak microbial metabolites present in rodents and humans, as a means to expand drug repertoires, is new. Hitherto, there are few proof-of-concept papers demonstrating utility of this concept. More recently, papers demonstrating mimicry of intestinal microbial metabolites could expand the drug repertoire for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We opine that, as more functional metabolite-receptor pairings are discovered, small-molecule metabolite mimicry could be a significant effort in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Harmit S Ranhotra
- St Edmund's College, Shillong, Old Jowai Road, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003, India
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Palacký University, Olomouc 78371, Czech Republic.
| | - Harry Sokol
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Service de Gastroenterologie, F-75012 Paris, France; INRA, UMR1319 Micalis & AgroParisTech, Jouy en Josas, 78352, France; Paris Centre for Microbiome Medicine FHU, Paris, France.
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, GmbH Inhoffenstrasse, 738124 Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)University campus E8, 166123 Saarbrücken, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
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Radford C, McNutt JW, Rogers T, Maslen B, Jordan N. Artificial eyespots on cattle reduce predation by large carnivores. Commun Biol 2020; 3:430. [PMID: 32770111 PMCID: PMC7414152 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Eyespots evolved independently in many taxa as anti-predator signals. There remains debate regarding whether eyespots function as diversion targets, predator mimics, conspicuous startling signals, deceptive detection, or a combination. Although eye patterns and gaze modify human behaviour, anti-predator eyespots do not occur naturally in contemporary mammals. Here we show that eyespots painted on cattle rumps were associated with reduced attacks by ambush carnivores (lions and leopards). Cattle painted with eyespots were significantly more likely to survive than were cross-marked and unmarked cattle, despite all treatment groups being similarly exposed to predation risk. While higher survival of eyespot-painted cattle supports the detection hypothesis, increased survival of cross-marked cattle suggests an effect of novel and conspicuous marks more generally. To our knowledge, this is the first time eyespots have been shown to deter large mammalian predators. Applying artificial marks to high-value livestock may therefore represent a cost-effective tool to reduce livestock predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Radford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Botswana Predator Conservation, Private Bag 13,, Maun, Botswana
| | | | - Tracey Rogers
- Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ben Maslen
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Neil Jordan
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Botswana Predator Conservation, Private Bag 13,, Maun, Botswana.
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Taronga Conservation Society, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia.
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Caro T, Allen WL. Interspecific visual signalling in animals and plants: a functional classification. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0344. [PMID: 28533461 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms frequently gain advantages when they engage in signalling with individuals of other species. Here, we provide a functionally structured framework of the great variety of interspecific visual signals seen in nature, and then describe the different signalling mechanisms that have evolved in response to each of these functional requirements. We propose that interspecific visual signalling can be divided into six major functional categories: anti-predator, food acquisition, anti-parasite, host acquisition, reproductive and agonistic signalling, with each function enabled by several distinct mechanisms. We support our classification by reviewing the ecological and behavioural drivers of interspecific signalling in animals and plants, principally focusing on comparative studies that address large-scale patterns of diversity. Collating diverse examples of interspecific signalling into an organized set of functional and mechanistic categories places anachronistic behavioural and morphological labels in fresh context, clarifies terminology and redirects research effort towards understanding environmental influences driving interspecific signalling in nature.This article is part of the themed issue 'Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Caro
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - William L Allen
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
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Lövei GL, Ferrante M. A review of the sentinel prey method as a way of quantifying invertebrate predation under field conditions. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:528-542. [PMID: 27686246 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sentinel prey can provide a direct, quantitative measure of predation under field conditions. Live sentinel prey provides more realistic data but rarely allows the partitioning of the total predation pressure; artificial prey is less natural but traces left by different predators are identifiable, making it suitable for comparative studies. We reviewed the available evidence of the use of both types of invertebrate sentinel prey. Fifty-seven papers used real prey, usually measuring predation on a focal (often pest) species, with studies overwhelmingly from North America. The median predation was 25.8% d-1 . Artificial sentinel prey (45 papers) were used in both temperate and tropical areas, placed more above ground than at ground level. The most commonly used artificial prey imitated a caterpillar. Up to 14 predator groups were identified, registering a median of 8.8% d-1 predation; half the studies reported only bird predation. Predation on real prey was higher than on artificial ones, but invertebrate predation was not higher than vertebrate predation. Invertertebrate but not vertebrate predation was negatively related to prey size. Predation near the Equator was not higher than at higher latitudes, nor in cultivated than noncultivated habitats. The use of sentinel prey is not yet standardised in terms of prey size, arrangement, exposure period or data reporting. Due to the simplicity and ease of use of the method, such standardisation may increase the usefulness of comparative studies, contributing to the understanding of the importance and level of predation in various habitats worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor L Lövei
- Department of Agroecology, Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Marco Ferrante
- Department of Agroecology, Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, DK-4200 Slagelse, Denmark
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Taylor CH, Warrin J, Gilbert F, Reader T. Which traits do observers use to distinguish Batesian mimics from their models? Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Skelhorn et al. introduce eyespots the circular markings resembling vertebrate eyes found on many animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Skelhorn
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Grace G Holmes
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Thomas J Hossie
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Thomas N Sherratt
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
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Skelhorn J, Holmes GG, Hossie TJ, Sherratt TN. Multicomponent deceptive signals reduce the speed at which predators learn that prey are profitable. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Suzuki TN, Sakurai R. Bent posture improves the protective value of bird dropping masquerading by caterpillars. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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