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de Souza PE, Gonçalves BDSB, Souza-Silva M, Ferreira RL. Divergent patterns of locomotor activity in cave isopods (Oniscidea: Styloniscidae) in Neotropics. Chronobiol Int 2024; 41:1199-1216. [PMID: 39158061 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2391865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
In cave environments, stable conditions devoid of light-dark cycles and temperature fluctuations sustain circadian clock mechanisms across various species. However, species adapted to these conditions may exhibit disruption of circadian rhythm in locomotor activity. This study examines potential rhythm loss due to convergent evolution in five semi-aquatic troglobitic isopod species (Crustacea: Styloniscidae), focusing on its impact on locomotor activity. The hypothesis posits that these species display aperiodic locomotor activity patterns. Isopods were subjected to three treatments: constant red light (DD), constant light (LL), and light-dark cycles (LD 12:12), totaling 1656 h. Circadian rhythm analysis employed the Sokolove and Bushell periodogram chi-square test, Hurst coefficient calculation, intermediate stability (IS), and activity differences for each species. Predominantly, all species exhibited an infradian rhythm under DD and LL. There was synchronization of the locomotor rhythm in LD, likely as a result of masking. Three species displayed diurnal activity, while two exhibited nocturnal activity. The Hurst coefficient indicated rhythmic persistence, with LD showing higher variability. LD conditions demonstrated higher IS values, suggesting synchronized rhythms across species. Significant individual variations were observed within species across the three conditions. Contrary to the hypothesis, all species exhibited synchronization under light-dark conditions. Analyzing circadian activity provides insights into organism adaptation to non-cyclical environments, emphasizing the importance of exploring underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Emanuela de Souza
- Center of Studies on Subterranean Biology, Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Applied Ecology, Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
| | | | - Marconi Souza-Silva
- Center of Studies on Subterranean Biology, Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Applied Ecology, Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
- Center of Studies on Subterranean Biology, Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Applied Ecology, Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
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de Souza PE, Souza-Silva M, Ferreira RL. The ticking clock in the dark: Review of biological rhythms in cave invertebrates. Chronobiol Int 2024; 41:738-756. [PMID: 38722073 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2348010] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Circadian clocks, internal mechanisms that generate 24-hour rhythms, play a crucial role in coordinating biological events with day-night cycles. In light-deprived environments such as caves, species, particularly isolated obligatory troglobites, may exhibit evolutionary adaptations in biological rhythms due to light exposure. To explore rhythm expression in these settings, we conducted a comprehensive literature review on invertebrate chronobiology in global subterranean ecosystems, analyzing 44 selected studies out of over 480 identified as of September 2023. These studies revealed significant taxonomic diversity, primarily among terrestrial species like Coleoptera, with research concentrated in the United States, Italy, France, Australia, and Brazil, and a notable gap in African records. Troglobite species displayed a higher incidence of aperiodic behavior, while troglophiles showed a robust association with rhythm expression. Locomotor activity was the most studied aspect (>60%). However, approximately 4% of studies lacked information on periodicity or rhythm asynchrony, and limited research under constant light conditions hindered definitive conclusions. This review underscores the need to expand chronobiological research globally, encompassing diverse geographical regions and taxa, to deepen our understanding of biological rhythms in subterranean species. Such insights are crucial for preserving the resilience of subsurface ecosystems facing threats like climate change and habitat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marconi Souza-Silva
- Department of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
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Manenti R, Di Nicola MR, Zampieri V, Grassi G, Creanza T, Mauri E, Ficetola GF, Barzaghi B. Wandering outside of the Styx: Surface activity of an iconic subterranean vertebrate, the olm (Proteus anguinus). Ecology 2024; 105:e4252. [PMID: 38329178 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Manenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Laboratorio di Biologia Sotterranea "Enrico Pezzoli", Parco Regionale del Monte Barro, Galbiate, Italy
| | - Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Leganés, Spain
| | - Veronica Zampieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Thomas Creanza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Benedetta Barzaghi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Laboratorio di Biologia Sotterranea "Enrico Pezzoli", Parco Regionale del Monte Barro, Galbiate, Italy
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Wang K, Wang J, Liang B, Chang J, Zhu Y, Chen J, Agnarsson I, Li D, Peng Y, Liu J. Eyeless cave-dwelling Leptonetela spiders still rely on light. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj0348. [PMID: 38117895 PMCID: PMC10732526 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Subterranean animals living in perpetual darkness may maintain photoresponse. However, the evolutionary processes behind the conflict between eye loss and maintenance of the photoresponse remain largely unknown. We used Leptonetela spiders to investigate the driving forces behind the maintenance of the photoresponse in cave-dwelling spiders. Our behavioral experiments showed that all eyeless/reduced-eyed cave-dwelling species retained photophobic response and that they had substantially decreased survival at cave entrances due to weak drought resistance. The transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that nearly all phototransduction pathway genes were present and that all tested phototransduction pathway genes were subjected to strong functional constraints in cave-dwelling species. Our results suggest that cave-dwelling eyeless spiders still use light and that light detection likely plays a role in avoiding the cave entrance habitat. This study confirms that some eyeless subterranean animals have retained their photosensitivity due to natural selection and provides a case of mismatch between phenotype and genotype or physiological function in a long-term evolutionary process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Bing Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Jian Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Yang Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Jian Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Ingi Agnarsson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Daiqin Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yu Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
| | - Jie Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering of China, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, China
- School of Nuclear Technology and Chemistry and Biology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, China
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Medina MJ, Antić D, Borges PAV, Borko Š, Fišer C, Lauritzen SE, Martín JL, Oromí P, Pavlek M, Premate E, Puliafico KP, Sendra A, Reboleira ASPS. Temperature variation in caves and its significance for subterranean ecosystems. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20735. [PMID: 38007573 PMCID: PMC10676404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48014-7] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change affects all ecosystems, but subterranean ecosystems are repeatedly neglected from political and public agendas. Cave habitats are home to unknown and endangered species, with low trait variability and intrinsic vulnerability to recover from human-induced disturbances. We studied the annual variability and cyclicity of temperatures in caves vis-à-vis surface in different climatic areas. We hypothesize that cave temperatures follow the average temperature pattern at the surface for each location with a slight delay in the signal, but we found three different thermal patterns occurring in caves: (1) high positive correlation and a similar thermal pattern to the surface, (2) low correlation and a slight thermal delay of the signal from the surface, and (3) high negative correlation with an extreme delay from the surface. We found daily thermal cycles in some caves, which may potentially control the circadian rhythms of cave organisms. Our results show that caves had lower thermal amplitude than the surface, and that thermal averages within caves approximately correspond to the to the annual average of surface temperature. Caves buffer external temperature and act as refugia for biota in extreme climatic events. Likewise, temperature increases at surface will lead to increment in caves, threatening subterranean biota and ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Medina
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) & CHANGE-Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dragan Antić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11 000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Paulo A V Borges
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c)/Azorean Biodiversity Group & CHANGE-Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Universidade dos Açores, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Açores, Portugal
| | - Špela Borko
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, SubBioLab, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cene Fišer
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, SubBioLab, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stein-Erik Lauritzen
- Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen, Allegt. 41, 5007, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jose L Martín
- Parque Nacional del Teide, C/Dr. Sixto Perera González, 25. La Orotava, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pedro Oromí
- Department of Animal Biology, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Martina Pavlek
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Biospeleological Society, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ester Premate
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, SubBioLab, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ken P Puliafico
- Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, Colorado State University, Asan, Guam
| | - Alberto Sendra
- Colecciones Entomológicas Torres-Sala, Servei de Patrimoni Històric, Ajuntament de València, Passeig de La Petxina, 15, 46008, València, Spain
- Departament de Didàctica de Les Cièncias Experimentals I Socials, Facultat de Magisteri, Universitat de València, Avda. Tarongers 4, 46022, València, Spain
| | - Ana Sofia P S Reboleira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c) & CHANGE-Institute for Global Change and Sustainability, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Niida T, Terashima Y, Aonuma H, Koshikawa S. Photoreceptor genes in a trechine beetle, Trechiama kuznetsovi, living in the upper hypogean zone. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2023; 9:9. [PMID: 37173794 PMCID: PMC10176714 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-023-00208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
To address how organisms adapt to a new environment, subterranean organisms whose ancestors colonized subterranean habitats from surface habitats have been studied. Photoreception abilities have been shown to have degenerated in organisms living in caves and calcrete aquifers. Meanwhile, the organisms living in a shallow subterranean environment, which are inferred to reflect an intermediate stage in an evolutionary pathway to colonization of a deeper subterranean environment, have not been studied well. In the present study, we examined the photoreception ability in a trechine beetle, Trechiama kuznetsovi, which inhabits the upper hypogean zone and has a vestigial compound eye. By de novo assembly of genome and transcript sequences, we were able to identify photoreceptor genes and phototransduction genes. Specifically, we focused on opsin genes, where one long wavelength opsin gene and one ultraviolet opsin gene were identified. The encoded amino acid sequences had neither a premature stop codon nor a frameshift mutation, and appeared to be subject to purifying selection. Subsequently, we examined the internal structure of the compound eye and nerve tissue in the adult head, and found potential photoreceptor cells in the compound eye and nerve bundle connected to the brain. The present findings suggest that T. kuznetsovi has retained the ability of photoreception. This species represents a transitional stage of vision, in which the compound eye regresses, but it may retain the ability of photoreception using the vestigial eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Niida
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Yuto Terashima
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Aonuma
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Koshikawa
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Royzenblat S, Kulacic J, Friedrich M. Evidence of ancestral nocturnality, locomotor clock regression, and cave zone-adjusted sleep duration modes in a cave beetle. SUBTERRANEAN BIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.45.100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The small carrion beetle Ptomaphagus hirtus is an abundant inhabitant of the exceptionally biodiverse Mammoth Cave system. Previous studies revealed negative phototaxis and the expression of biological clock genes in this microphthalmic cave beetle. Here we present results from probing P. hirtus for the entrainment of locomotor rhythms using the TriKinetics activity monitor setup. Although curtailed by low adjustment frequency of animals to the test environment, the data obtained from successfully monitoring two animals in constant darkness (DD) and six animals exposed to 12 hour light-dark cycles (LD) revealed a strong effect of light on locomotor activity in P. hirtus. In LD, activity was prevalent during the artificial night phases while close to absent during the presumptive day phases, suggesting conserved nocturnality. Upon transitioning LD animals to constant darkness, none displayed detectable evidence of free-running activity rhythms, suggesting complete regression of the central circadian clock. Equally notable, overall locomotor activity of the two DD-monitored animals was about three-fold lower compared to LD animals due to longer rest durations in the former. We, therefore, propose the existence of cave zone-specific energy expenditure modes that are mediated through light schedule responsive modification of sleep duration in P. hirtus.
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Both Light Stimuli and Predation Risk Affect the Adult Behavior of a Stygobiont Crustacean. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Stygobiont species show common, typical traits derived from their adaptation to subterranean life. Due to the general absence of light in cave environments, the majority of them are eyeless. Although the absence of eyes generally does not allow them to perceive luminous stimuli, some stygobionts still present phototaxis. Previous studies determined that different species of the eyeless amphipod crustaceans of the genus Niphargus are able to react to light; this has been interpreted as an adaptation to avoid dangerous surface habitats, even if recent studies suggest that this could also be an adaptation to exploit them when a situation is less dangerous (i.e., during the night). Niphargus thuringius is a stygobiont amphipod that can also be observed in spring environments despite possessing all the main morphological features of subterranean organisms, such as depigmentation and a lack of eyes. In the present study, we test how the species respond to light stimuli according to the light cycle and predation risk experienced during a conditioning period. We assessed the reactions to light stimuli of adult individuals of N. thuringius after 30 days of rearing in microcosms with different conditions of light occurrence (total darkness or a light/darkness daily cycle) and predation risk (without predators, with one predator, and with two predators). Both light stimuli during the test and rearing conditions affected the behavior of Niphargus thuringius. With light stimuli, individuals presented a strong photophobic response. Moreover, individuals reared in conditions of high predation risk preferred a more sheltered environment during behavioral tests than individuals reared in safe conditions. Our results add a new species to those of stygobiont amphipods known to display negative phototaxis, confirming that this pattern is widespread and conserved in the field. N. thuringius could be a good candidate model to perform further studies aiming to assess if differences occur between spring populations and populations present in deeper groundwater.
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Pavlova VV, Krylov VV. Cavefishes in Chronobiological Research: A Narrative Review. Clocks Sleep 2023; 5:62-71. [PMID: 36810844 PMCID: PMC9944484 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep5010007] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cavefish are vertebrates living in extreme subterranean environments with no light, temperature changes, and limited food. Circadian rhythms in these fish are suppressed in natural habitats. However, they can be found in artificial light-dark cycles and other zeitgebers. The molecular circadian clock has its peculiarities in cavefish. In Astyanax mexicanus, the core clock mechanism is tonically repressed in the caves due to the overactivation of the light input pathway. A lack of functional light input pathway but rather the entrainment of circadian genes' expression by scheduled feeding were revealed in more ancient Phreatichthys andruzzii. Different evolutionarily determined irregularities in the functioning of molecular circadian oscillators can be expected in other cavefish. The unique property of some species is the existence of surface and cave forms. Along with the ease of maintenance and breeding, it made cavefish a promising model for chronobiological studies. At the same time, a divergence of the circadian system between cavefish populations requires the strain of origin to be indicated in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera V. Pavlova
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, 152742 Borok, Russia
| | - Viacheslav V. Krylov
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, 152742 Borok, Russia
- Scientific and Technological Center of Unique Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117342 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Hose GC, Chariton A, Daam MA, Di Lorenzo T, Galassi DMP, Halse SA, Reboleira ASPS, Robertson AL, Schmidt SI, Korbel KL. Invertebrate traits, diversity and the vulnerability of groundwater ecosystems. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. C. Hose
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia
| | - A. Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia
| | - M. A. Daam
- CENSE ‐ Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research NOVA School of Science and Technology NOVA University Lisbon, 2829‐516 Caparica Portugal
| | - T. Di Lorenzo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems of the National Research Council Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino Firenze Italy
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology Romanian Academy, Clinicilor 5, Cluj Napoca 400006 Romania
| | - D. M. P. Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences University of L'Aquila Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - S. A. Halse
- Bennelongia Environmental Consultants, Jolimont WA 6014 Australia
| | - A. S. P. S. Reboleira
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
- Natural History Museum of Life and Health Sciences Denmark and University of Copenhagen Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - A. L. Robertson
- School of Life and Health Sciences University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD UK
| | - S. I. Schmidt
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Hydrobiology Na Sádkách 7, 37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic
- Present address: Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Magdeburg Germany
| | - K. L. Korbel
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia
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11
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Exploring Compound Eyes in Adults of Four Coleopteran Species Using Synchrotron X-ray Phase-Contrast Microtomography (SR-PhC Micro-CT). Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050741. [PMID: 35629408 PMCID: PMC9145526 DOI: 10.3390/life12050741] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound eyes in insects are primary visual receptors of surrounding environments. They show considerable design variations, from the apposition vision of most day-active species to the superposition vision of nocturnal insects, that sacrifice resolution to increase sensitivity and are able to overcome the challenges of vision during lightless hours or in dim habitats. In this study, Synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast microtomography was used to describe the eye structure of four coleopteran species, showing species-specific habitat demands and different feeding habits, namely the saproxylic Clinidium canaliculatum (Costa, 1839) (Rhysodidae), the omnivorous Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbest, 1797) (Tenebrionidae), and the generalist predator Pterostichus melas italicus (Dejean, 1828) (Carabidae). Virtual sections and 3D volume renderings of the heads were performed to evaluate the application and limitations of this technique for studying the internal dioptrical and sensorial parts of eyes, and to avoid time-consuming methods such as ultrastructural analyses and classic histology. Morphological parameters such as the area of the corneal facet lens and cornea, interocular distance, facet density and corneal lens thickness were measured, and differences among the studied species were discussed concerning the differences in lifestyle and habitat preferences making different demands on the visual system. Our imaging results provide, for the first time, morphological descriptions of the compound eyes in these species, supplementing their ecological and behavioural traits.
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Abstract
The Mammoth Cave System in the Interior Low Plateau karst region in central Kentucky, USA is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity, particularly terrestrial species. We searched the literature, museum accessions, and database records to compile an updated list of troglobiotic and stygobiotic species for the Mammoth Cave System and compare our list with previously published checklists. Our list of cave-limited fauna totals 49 species, with 32 troglobionts and 17 stygobionts. Seven species are endemic to the Mammoth Cave System and other small caves in Mammoth Cave National Park. The Mammoth Cave System is the type locality for 33 cave-limited species. The exceptional diversity at Mammoth Cave is likely related to several factors, such as the high dispersal potential of cave fauna associated with expansive karst exposures, high surface productivity, and a long history of exploration and study. Nearly 80% of the cave-limited fauna is of conservation concern, many of which are at an elevated risk of extinction because of small ranges, few occurrences, and several potential threats.
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Mack KL, Jaggard JB, Persons JL, Roback EY, Passow CN, Stanhope BA, Ferrufino E, Tsuchiya D, Smith SE, Slaughter BD, Kowalko J, Rohner N, Keene AC, McGaugh SE. Repeated evolution of circadian clock dysregulation in cavefish populations. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009642. [PMID: 34252077 PMCID: PMC8297936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are nearly ubiquitous throughout nature, suggesting they are critical for survival in diverse environments. Organisms inhabiting largely arrhythmic environments, such as caves, offer a unique opportunity to study the evolution of circadian rhythms in response to changing ecological pressures. Populations of the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, have repeatedly invaded caves from surface rivers, where individuals must contend with perpetual darkness, reduced food availability, and limited fluctuations in daily environmental cues. To investigate the molecular basis for evolved changes in circadian rhythms, we investigated rhythmic transcription across multiple independently-evolved cavefish populations. Our findings reveal that evolution in a cave environment has led to the repeated disruption of the endogenous biological clock, and its entrainment by light. The circadian transcriptome shows widespread reductions and losses of rhythmic transcription and changes to the timing of the activation/repression of core-transcriptional clock. In addition to dysregulation of the core clock, we find that rhythmic transcription of the melatonin regulator aanat2 and melatonin rhythms are disrupted in cavefish under darkness. Mutants of aanat2 and core clock gene rorca disrupt diurnal regulation of sleep in A. mexicanus, phenocopying circadian modulation of sleep and activity phenotypes of cave populations. Together, these findings reveal multiple independent mechanisms for loss of circadian rhythms in cavefish populations and provide a platform for studying how evolved changes in the biological clock can contribute to variation in sleep and circadian behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya L. Mack
- Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - James B. Jaggard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jenna L. Persons
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Emma Y. Roback
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Courtney N. Passow
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Bethany A. Stanhope
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Estephany Ferrufino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Smith
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brian D. Slaughter
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Johanna Kowalko
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nicolas Rohner
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Alex C. Keene
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Suzanne E. McGaugh
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
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Mammola S, Lunghi E, Bilandžija H, Cardoso P, Grimm V, Schmidt SI, Hesselberg T, Martínez A. Collecting eco-evolutionary data in the dark: Impediments to subterranean research and how to overcome them. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5911-5926. [PMID: 34141192 PMCID: PMC8207145 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caves and other subterranean habitats fulfill the requirements of experimental model systems to address general questions in ecology and evolution. Yet, the harsh working conditions of these environments and the uniqueness of the subterranean organisms have challenged most attempts to pursuit standardized research.Two main obstacles have synergistically hampered previous attempts. First, there is a habitat impediment related to the objective difficulties of exploring subterranean habitats and our inability to access the network of fissures that represents the elective habitat for the so-called "cave species." Second, there is a biological impediment illustrated by the rarity of most subterranean species and their low physiological tolerance, often limiting sample size and complicating laboratory experiments.We explore the advantages and disadvantages of four general experimental setups (in situ, quasi in situ, ex situ, and in silico) in the light of habitat and biological impediments. We also discuss the potential of indirect approaches to research. Furthermore, using bibliometric data, we provide a quantitative overview of the model organisms that scientists have exploited in the study of subterranean life.Our over-arching goal is to promote caves as model systems where one can perform standardized scientific research. This is important not only to achieve an in-depth understanding of the functioning of subterranean ecosystems but also to fully exploit their long-discussed potential in addressing general scientific questions with implications beyond the boundaries of this discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Dark‐MEG: Molecular Ecology GroupWater Research Institute (IRSA)National Research Council (CNR)VerbaniaItaly
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and EvolutionInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze“La Specola”FirenzeItaly
| | - Helena Bilandžija
- Department of Molecular BiologyRudjer Boskovic InstituteZagrebCroatia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Susanne I. Schmidt
- Institute of HydrobiologyBiology Centre CASČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | | | - Alejandro Martínez
- Dark‐MEG: Molecular Ecology GroupWater Research Institute (IRSA)National Research Council (CNR)VerbaniaItaly
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15
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Zheng S, Shao F, Tao W, Liu Z, Long J, Wang X, Zhang S, Zhao Q, Carleton KL, Kocher TD, Jin L, Wang Z, Peng Z, Wang D, Zhang Y. Chromosome-level assembly of southern catfish (silurus meridionalis) provides insights into visual adaptation to nocturnal and benthic lifestyles. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 21:1575-1592. [PMID: 33503304 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) is a nocturnal and benthic freshwater fish endemic to the Yangtze River and its tributaries. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level draft genome of S. meridionalis using 69.7-Gb Nanopore long reads and 49.5-Gb Illumina short reads. The genome assembly was 741.2 Mb in size with a contig N50 of 13.19 Mb. An additional 116.4 Gb of Bionano and 77.4 Gb of Hi-C data were applied to assemble contigs into scaffolds and further into 29 chromosomes, resulting in a 738.9-Mb genome with a scaffold N50 of 28.04 Mb. A total of 22,965 protein-coding genes were predicted from the genome with 22,519 (98.06%) genes functionally annotated. Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed a rod-dominated visual system which was responsible for scotopic vision. The absence of cone opsins SWS1 and SWS2 resulted in the lack of ultraviolet and blue violet sensitivity. Mutations at key amino acid sites of RH1.1, RH1.2 and RH2 resulted in spectral tuning good for dim light vision and narrow colour vision. A higher expression level of rod phototransduction genes than that of cone genes and higher rod-to-cone ratio led to higher optical sensitivity under dim light conditions. In addition, analysis of the genes involved in eye morphogenesis and development revealed the loss of some conserved noncoding elements, which might be associated with the small eyes in catfish. Together, our study provides important clues for the adaptation of the catfish visual system to the nocturnal and benthic lifestyles. The draft genome of S. meridionalis represents a valuable resource for studies of the molecular mechanisms of ecological adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Feng Shao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhilong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Juan Long
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoshuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Qingyuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Karen L Carleton
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Thomas D Kocher
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Li Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhijian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zuogang Peng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yaoguang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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16
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Guillaume O, Deluen M, Raffard A, Calvez O, Trochet A. Reduction in the metabolic levels due to phenotypic plasticity in the Pyrenean newt, Calotriton asper, during cave colonization. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:12983-12989. [PMID: 33304510 PMCID: PMC7713917 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to theories on cave adaptation, cave organisms are expected to develop a lower metabolic rate compared to surface organisms as an adaptation to food scarcity in the subterranean environments. To test this hypothesis, we compared the oxygen consumption rates of the surface and subterranean populations of a surface-dwelling species, the newt Calotriton asper, occasionally found in caves. In this study, we designed a new experimental setup in which animals with free movement were monitored for several days in a respirometer. First, we measured the metabolic rates of individuals from the surface and subterranean populations, both maintained for eight years in captivity in a natural cave. We then tested individuals from these populations immediately after they were caught and one year later while being maintained in the cave. We found that the surface individuals that acclimated to the cave significantly reduced their oxygen consumption, whereas individuals from the subterranean population maintained in the cave under a light/dark cycle did not significantly modify their metabolic rates. Second, we compared these metabolic rates to those of an obligate subterranean salamander (Proteus anguinus), a surface aquatic Urodel (Ambystoma mexicanum), and a fish species (Gobio occitaniae) as references for surface organisms from different phyla. As predicted, we found differences between the subterranean and surface species, and the metabolic rates of surface and subterranean C. asper populations were between those of the obligate subterranean and surface species. These results suggest that the plasticity of the metabolism observed in surface C. asper was neither directly due to food availability in our experiments nor the light/dark conditions, but due to static temperatures. Moreover, we suggest that this adjustment of the metabolic level at a temperature close to the thermal optimum may further allow individual species to cope with the food limitations of the subterranean environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Guillaume
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleUMR 5321 CNRSUniversité Paul SabatierMoulisFrance
| | - Marine Deluen
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleUMR 5321 CNRSUniversité Paul SabatierMoulisFrance
| | - Allan Raffard
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleUMR 5321 CNRSUniversité Paul SabatierMoulisFrance
| | - Olivier Calvez
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleUMR 5321 CNRSUniversité Paul SabatierMoulisFrance
| | - Audrey Trochet
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleUMR 5321 CNRSUniversité Paul SabatierMoulisFrance
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17
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Mammola S, Amorim IR, Bichuette ME, Borges PAV, Cheeptham N, Cooper SJB, Culver DC, Deharveng L, Eme D, Ferreira RL, Fišer C, Fišer Ž, Fong DW, Griebler C, Jeffery WR, Jugovic J, Kowalko JE, Lilley TM, Malard F, Manenti R, Martínez A, Meierhofer MB, Niemiller ML, Northup DE, Pellegrini TG, Pipan T, Protas M, Reboleira ASPS, Venarsky MP, Wynne JJ, Zagmajster M, Cardoso P. Fundamental research questions in subterranean biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1855-1872. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS) University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG) Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR) Corso Tonolli, 50 Pallanza 28922 Italy
| | - Isabel R. Amorim
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Rua Capitão João d'Àvila Pico da Urze Angra do Heroísmo Azores 9700‐042 Portugal
| | - Maria E. Bichuette
- Laboratory of Subterranean Studies Federal University of São Carlos Rodovia Washington Luís km 235 São Carlos São Paulo 13565‐905 Brazil
| | - Paulo A. V. Borges
- cE3c – Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores, Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Rua Capitão João d'Àvila Pico da Urze Angra do Heroísmo Azores 9700‐042 Portugal
| | - Naowarat Cheeptham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science Thompson Rivers University 805 TRU Way Kamloops British Columbia Canada
| | - Steven J. B. Cooper
- Evolutionary Biology Unit South Australian Museum North Terrace Adelaide South Australia 5000 Australia
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, and Environment Institute, School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - David C. Culver
- Department of Environmental Science American University 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington DC 20016 U.S.A
| | - Louis Deharveng
- UMR7205 – ISYEB Museum national d'Histoire naturelle 45 rue Buffon (CP50) Paris 75005 France
| | - David Eme
- IFREMER Centre Atlantique Unité Ecologie et Modèles pour l'Halieutique Rue de l'Île d'Yeu Nantes 44980 France
| | - Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
- Center of Studies in Subterranean Biology, Biology Department Federal University of Lavras Campus Universitário Lavras Minas Gerais CEP 37202‐553 Brazil
| | - Cene Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Jamnikarjeva 101, PO BOX 2995 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
| | - Žiga Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Jamnikarjeva 101, PO BOX 2995 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
| | - Daniel W. Fong
- Department of Biology American University 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington DC 20016 U.S.A
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Division of Limnology University of Vienna Althanstrasse 14 Vienna 1090 Austria
| | - William R. Jeffery
- Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park MD 20742 U.S.A
| | - Jure Jugovic
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies University of Primorska Glagoljaška 8 Koper SI‐6000 Slovenia
| | - Johanna E. Kowalko
- Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College Florida Atlantic University 5353 Parkside Dr Jupiter FL 33458 U.S.A
| | - Thomas M. Lilley
- BatLab Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
| | - Florian Malard
- UMR5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés Univ. Lyon 1, ENTPE, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Bat. Forel 6 rue Raphaël Dubois Villeurbanne cedex 69622 France
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy Università degli Studi di Milano Via Celoria 26 Milan 20113 Italy
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG) Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR) Corso Tonolli, 50 Pallanza 28922 Italy
| | - Melissa B. Meierhofer
- BatLab Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Texas A&M University 534 John Kimbrough Blvd. College Station TX 77843 U.S.A
| | - Matthew L. Niemiller
- Department of Biological Sciences The University of Alabama in Huntsville 301 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville AL 35899 U.S.A
| | - Diana E. Northup
- Department of Biology University of New Mexico Albuquerque NM 87131‐0001 U.S.A
| | - Thais G. Pellegrini
- Center of Studies in Subterranean Biology, Biology Department Federal University of Lavras Campus Universitário Lavras Minas Gerais CEP 37202‐553 Brazil
| | - Tanja Pipan
- ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute Novi trg 2 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
- UNESCO Chair on Karst Education University of Nova Gorica Vipavska cesta Nova Gorica 5000 Slovenia
| | - Meredith Protas
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Domenicas University of California 50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael CA 94901 U.S.A
| | - Ana Sofia P. S. Reboleira
- Natural History Museum of Denmark University of Copenhagen Universitetsparken 15 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Michael P. Venarsky
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffith University 170 Kessels Road Nathan Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - J. Judson Wynne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes Northern Arizona University Box 5640 Flagstaff AZ 86011 U.S.A
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- SubBio Lab, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty University of Ljubljana Jamnikarjeva 101, PO BOX 2995 Ljubljana SI‐1000 Slovenia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS) University of Helsinki Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13 Helsinki 00100 Finland
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18
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Distribution patterns, carbon sources and niche partitioning in cave shrimps (Atyidae: Typhlatya). Sci Rep 2020; 10:12812. [PMID: 32732979 PMCID: PMC7393362 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69562-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cave shrimps of the Typhlatya genus are common and widespread in fresh, brackish and marine groundwater throughout the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico). These species are ideal models to test niche partitioning within sympatric species in oligotrophic systems. Nevertheless, their food sources remain unidentified, and despite their frequency and functional importance, distribution and abundance patterns of these species within caves have not been fully recognized. Here, we describe the abundance of three Typhlatya species in different temporal and spatial scales, investigate changes in water conditions, and potential sources of carbon as an indication of food origin. Species composition and abundance varied markedly in space and time revealing patterns that differed from one system to another and in relation to environmental parameters. Isotope analysis showed that each species reflects a particular δ13C and Δ14C fingerprint, suggesting they feed in different proportions from the available carbon sources. Overall, our findings suggest a niche partitioning of habitat and feeding sources amongst the three Typhlatya species investigated, where environmental characteristics and physiological differences could play an important role governing their distribution patterns.
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20
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Mojaddidi H, Fernandez FE, Erickson PA, Protas ME. Embryonic origin and genetic basis of cave associated phenotypes in the isopod crustacean Asellus aquaticus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16589. [PMID: 30409988 PMCID: PMC6224564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Characteristics common to animals living in subterranean environments include the reduction or absence of eyes, lessened pigmentation and enhanced sensory systems. How these characteristics have evolved is poorly understood for the majority of cave dwelling species. In order to understand the evolution of these changes, this study uses an invertebrate model system, the freshwater isopod crustacean, Asellus aquaticus, to examine whether adult differences between cave and surface dwelling individuals first appear during embryonic development. We hypothesized that antennal elaboration, as well as eye reduction and pigment loss, would be apparent during embryonic development. We found that differences in pigmentation, eye formation, and number of segments of antenna II were all present by the end of embryonic development. In addition, we found that cave and surface hatchlings do not significantly differ in the relative size of antenna II and the duration of embryonic development. To investigate whether the regions responsible for eye and pigment differences could be genetically linked to differences in article number, we genotyped F2 hybrids for the four previously mapped genomic regions associated with eye and pigment differences and phenotyped these F2 hybrids for antenna II article number. We found that the region previously known to be responsible for both presence versus absence of pigment and eye size also was significantly associated with article number. Future experiments will address whether pleiotropy and/or genetic linkage play a role in the evolution of cave characteristics in Asellus aquaticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafasa Mojaddidi
- Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA, 94901, USA
| | - Franco E Fernandez
- Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA, 94901, USA
| | | | - Meredith E Protas
- Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA, 94901, USA.
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21
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Mammola S, Isaia M. Day–night and seasonal variations of a subterranean invertebrate community in the twilight zone. SUBTERRANEAN BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.27.28909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Being characterized by the absence of light and a reduced environmental cyclicity, the subterranean domain is generally regarded as temporally stable. Yet, in the proximity of cave entrances (twilight zones), patterns of sunlight and darkness can be detected within the 24-hour day–night cycle. In parallel, changes in the abiotic and biotic conditions are expected; however, these patterns have been rarely explored in animal communities dwelling in the twilight zone. We performed a biological investigation in a small abandoned mine in the Western Alps, monitoring it once per season, both during the day and at night. At each survey, we collected data on the spatial distribution of the resident species, their activity patterns, and the main microclimatic parameters. We observed significant daily variations in the environmental conditions during winter and spring, namely higher temperature, relative humidity and availability of trophic resources at night. In conjunction with these disparate nocturnal conditions, the abundance of troglophile species was also higher, as well as the activity patterns of one of the most frequent species inhabiting the entrance area – the orb-weaver spiderMetamenardi. We further documented temporal changes in the composition of the parietal community, due to species using the mine as a diurnal, nocturnal or overwintering shelter. Overall, our results suggest that the communities of the twilight zone are not temporally stable and we highlight the importance of taking into account not only their seasonal, but also their daily variations.
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22
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Carlson BM, Klingler IB, Meyer BJ, Gross JB. Genetic analysis reveals candidate genes for activity QTL in the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5189. [PMID: 30042884 PMCID: PMC6054784 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models provide useful tools for exploring the genetic basis of morphological, physiological and behavioral phenotypes. Cave-adapted species are particularly powerful models for a broad array of phenotypic changes with evolutionary, developmental and clinical relevance. Here, we explored the genetic underpinnings of previously characterized differences in locomotor activity patterns between the surface-dwelling and Pachón cave-dwelling populations of Astyanax mexicanus. We identified multiple novel QTL underlying patterns in overall levels of activity (velocity), as well as spatial tank use (time spent near the top or bottom of the tank). Further, we demonstrated that different regions of the genome mediate distinct patterns in velocity and tank usage. We interrogated eight genomic intervals underlying these activity QTL distributed across six linkage groups. In addition, we employed transcriptomic data and draft genomic resources to generate and evaluate a list of 36 potential candidate genes. Interestingly, our data support the candidacy of a number of genes, but do not suggest that differences in the patterns of behavior observed here are the result of alterations to certain candidate genes described in other species (e.g., teleost multiple tissue opsins, melanopsins or members of the core circadian clockwork). This study expands our knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying activity differences in surface and cavefish. Future studies will help define the role of specific genes in shaping complex behavioral phenotypes in Astyanax and other vertebrate taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Carlson
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, United States of America
| | - Ian B Klingler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Bradley J Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Joshua B Gross
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
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Tierney SM, Langille B, Humphreys WF, Austin AD, Cooper SJB. Massive Parallel Regression: A Précis of Genetic Mechanisms for Vision Loss in Diving Beetles. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 58:465-479. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Tierney
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Barbara Langille
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - William F Humphreys
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA 6986, Australia
- School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6907, Australia
| | - Andrew D Austin
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Carlson BM, Gross JB. Characterization and comparison of activity profiles exhibited by the cave and surface morphotypes of the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 208:114-129. [PMID: 28823830 PMCID: PMC5817046 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Departure from normal circadian rhythmicity and exposure to atypical lighting cues has been shown to adversely affect human health and wellness in a variety of ways. In contrast, adaptation to extreme environments has led many species to alter or even entirely abandon their reliance upon cyclic environmental inputs, principally daily cycles of light and darkness. The extreme darkness, stability and isolation of cave ecosystems has made cave-adapted species particularly attractive systems in which to study the consequences of life without light and the strategies that allow species to survive and even thrive in such environments. In order to further explore these questions, we have assessed the rhythmicity of locomotion in the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, under controlled laboratory conditions. Using high-resolution video tracking assays, we characterized patterns in locomotor activity and spatial tank usage for members of the surface and Pachón cave populations. Here we demonstrate that cavefish have a higher overall level of activity and use the space within the trial tank differently than surface fish. Further, Pachón cavefish show circadian rhythmicity in both activity and spatial tank usage under a 12:12 light/dark cycle. We provide further evidence that these cavefish retain a weakly light-entrainable, endogenous circadian oscillator with limited capability to sustain rhythms in activity, but not spatial tank usage, in the absence of photic cues. Finally, we demonstrate a putative behavioral "masking effect" contributing to behavioral rhythms and provide evidence that exposure to constant darkness during development may alter behavioral patterns later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.
| | - Joshua B Gross
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA.
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25
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Perreau M, Růžička J. Ptomaphaginus troglodytes sp. n., the first anophthalmic species of Ptomaphaginina from China (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Ptomaphagini). Zookeys 2018; 749:135-147. [PMID: 29674925 PMCID: PMC5904491 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.749.24964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ptomaphaginus troglodytessp. n., the first anophthalmic species of Ptomaphaginus Portevin, 1914 is described from two close caves in Libo Karst, south Guizhou Province, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Perreau
- IUT Paris Diderot, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris cité, case 7139, 5 rue Thomas Mann, 75205 Paris cedex 13, France
| | - Jan Růžička
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
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26
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Perreau M, Růžička J. Ptomaphaginus troglodytes sp. n., the first anophthalmic species of Ptomaphaginina from China (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Ptomaphagini). Zookeys 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.748.24964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ptomaphaginustroglodytessp. n., the first anophthalmic species ofPtomaphaginusPortevin, 1914 is described from two close caves in Libo Karst, south Guizhou Province, China.
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Lebhardt F, Desplan C. Retinal perception and ecological significance of color vision in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:75-83. [PMID: 29208227 PMCID: PMC5726413 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Color vision relies on the ability to discriminate different wavelengths and is often improved in insects that inhabit well-lit, spectrally rich environments. Although the Opsin proteins themselves are sensitive to specific wavelength ranges, other factors can alter and further restrict the sensitivity of photoreceptors to allow for finer color discrimination and thereby more informed decisions while interacting with the environment. The ability to discriminate colors differs between insects that exhibit different life styles, between female and male eyes of the same species, and between regions of the same eye, depending on the requirements of intraspecific communication and ecological demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur Lebhardt
- Department of Biology, New York University, NY 10003, USA
| | - Claude Desplan
- Department of Biology, New York University, NY 10003, USA.
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Berry SE, Gilchrist J, Merritt DJ. Homeostatic and circadian mechanisms of bioluminescence regulation differ between a forest and a facultative cave species of glowworm, Arachnocampa. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 103:1-9. [PMID: 28899751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Glowworms, members of the keroplatid fly genus, Arachnocampa, glow to attract prey. Here we describe substantial differences in the bioluminescence regulatory systems of two species; one is a troglophile with populations both in caves and outside of caves in wet forest (Arachnocampa tasmaniensis) and the other has no known cave populations (Arachnocampa flava). We find that A. tasmaniensis is ready to initiate bioluminescence at any time darkness is encountered. In contrast, A. flava shows a homeostatic control of bioluminescence; it is unlikely to initiate bioluminescence when exposed to dark pulses during the photophase and it does so with a long latency. Another difference between the two species is that A. tasmaniensis individuals synchronize their bioluminescence in the dark zone of caves under the control of the circadian system and A. flava individuals do not synchronize to each other, rather their circadian control system entrains to the light:dark cycle to promote nocturnal bioluminescence. Consequently, we produced a phase-response curve in response to photic entrainment under constant darkness for both species. The shape of the phase-response curves differs between the two species as does the overall sensitivity to the identical entrainment conditions. The phase-response curve of A. tasmaniensis facilitates synchronization whereas that of A. flava facilitates nocturnal glowing. The two-species comparison highlights possible pathways of divergence of circadian control of physiological functions that could be associated with the extreme ecological differences experienced in cave and surface habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Berry
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia,.
| | - Joshua Gilchrist
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - David J Merritt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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29
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Abhilash L, Shindey R, Sharma VK. To be or not to be rhythmic? A review of studies on organisms inhabiting constant environments. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2017.1345426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lakshman Abhilash
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
| | - Radhika Shindey
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
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Shindey R, Varma V, Nikhil KL, Sharma VK. Evolution of circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster populations reared in constant light and dark regimes for over 330 generations. Chronobiol Int 2017; 34:537-550. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2016.1195397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Shindey
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vishwanath Varma
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - K. L. Nikhil
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Evolution of robust circadian clocks in Drosophila melanogaster populations reared in constant dark for over 330 generations. Naturwissenschaften 2016; 103:74. [PMID: 27585442 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-016-1399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Robustness is considered to be an important feature of biological systems which may evolve when the functionality of a trait is associated with higher fitness across multiple environmental conditions. Thus, the ability to maintain stable biological phenotypes across environments is thought to be of adaptive value. Previously, we have reported higher intrinsic activity levels (activity levels of free-running rhythm in constant darkness) and power of rhythm (as assessed by amplitude of the periodogram) in Drosophila melanogaster populations (stocks) reared in constant darkness (DD stocks) as compared to those reared in constant light (LL stocks) and 12:12-h light-dark cycles (LD stocks) for over 19 years (∼330 generations). In the current study, we intended to examine whether the enhanced levels of activity observed in DD stocks persist under various environments such as photoperiods, ambient temperatures, non-24-h light-dark (LD) cycles, and semi-natural conditions (SN). We found that DD stocks largely retain their phenotype of enhanced activity levels across most of the above-mentioned environments suggesting the evolution of robust circadian clocks in DD stocks. Furthermore, we compared the peak activity levels of the three stocks across different environmental conditions relative to their peaks in constant darkness and found that the change in peak activity levels upon entrainment was not significantly different across the three stocks for any of the examined environmental conditions. This suggests that the enhancement of activity levels in DD stocks is not due to differential sensitivity to environment. Thus, these results suggest that rearing in constant darkness (DD) leads to evolution of robust circadian clocks suggesting a possible adaptive value of possessing such rhythms under constant dark environments.
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Beale AD, Whitmore D, Moran D. Life in a dark biosphere: a review of circadian physiology in "arrhythmic" environments. J Comp Physiol B 2016; 186:947-968. [PMID: 27263116 PMCID: PMC5090016 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-016-1000-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most of the life with which humans interact is exposed to highly rhythmic and extremely predictable changes in illumination that occur with the daily events of sunrise and sunset. However, while the influence of the sun feels omnipotent to surface dwellers such as ourselves, life on earth is dominated, in terms of biomass, by organisms isolated from the direct effects of the sun. A limited understanding of what life is like away from the sun can be inferred from our knowledge of physiology and ecology in the light biosphere, but a full understanding can only be gained by studying animals from the dark biosphere, both in the laboratory and in their natural habitats. One of the least understood aspects of life in the dark biosphere is the rhythmicity of physiology and what it means to live in an environment of low or no rhythmicity. Here we describe methods that may be used to understand rhythmic physiology in the dark and summarise some of the studies of rhythmic physiology in "arrhythmic" environments, such as the poles, deep sea and caves. We review what can be understood about the adaptive value of rhythmic physiology on the Earth's surface from studies of animals from arrhythmic environments and what role a circadian clock may play in the dark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew David Beale
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - David Whitmore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, 21 University Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Damian Moran
- Plant and Food Research, Seafood Technologies Group, Nelson, New Zealand.
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33
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Fišer Ž, Novak L, Luštrik R, Fišer C. Light triggers habitat choice of eyeless subterranean but not of eyed surface amphipods. Naturwissenschaften 2016; 103:7. [PMID: 26757929 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-015-1329-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Boundaries of species distributions are the result of colonization-extinction processes. Survival on the boundary depends on how well individuals discriminate optimal from suboptimal habitat patches. Such behaviour is called habitat choice and was only rarely applied to macroecology, although it links species ecological niche and species distribution. Surface and subterranean aquatic species are spatially strongly segregated, even in the absence of physical barriers. We explored whether a behavioural response to light functions as a habitat choice mechanism that could explain species turnover between surface and subterranean aquatic ecosystems. In a controlled laboratory experiment, we studied the behavioural response to light of ten pairs of surface and subterranean amphipods that permanently co-occur in springs. Surface species showed a weak photophobic, photoneutral, and in one case, photophilic response, whereas all subterranean species showed a strong photophobic response. Eyeless subterranean but not eyed surface amphipods appear to orient themselves with light cues. On a local scale, this difference possibly diminishes harmful interactions between the co-occurring amphipods, whereas on a regional scale, photophobia could explain limited dispersal and a high degree of endemism observed among subterranean species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Fišer
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Luka Novak
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Roman Luštrik
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Cene Fišer
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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34
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Macias-Muñoz A, Smith G, Monteiro A, Briscoe AD. Transcriptome-Wide Differential Gene Expression in Bicyclus anynana Butterflies: Female Vision-Related Genes Are More Plastic. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 33:79-92. [PMID: 26371082 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision is energetically costly to maintain. Consequently, over time many cave-adapted species downregulate the expression of vision genes or even lose their eyes and associated eye genes entirely. Alternatively, organisms that live in fluctuating environments, with different requirements for vision at different times, may evolve phenotypic plasticity for expression of vision genes. Here, we use a global transcriptomic and candidate gene approach to compare gene expression in the heads of a polyphenic butterfly. Bicyclus anynana have two seasonal forms that display sexual dimorphism and plasticity in eye morphology, and female-specific plasticity in opsin gene expression. Nonchoosy dry season females downregulate opsin expression, consistent with the high physiological cost of vision. To identify other genes associated with sexually dimorphic and seasonally plastic differences in vision, we analyzed RNA-sequencing data from whole head tissues. We identified two eye development genes (klarsicht and warts homologs) and an eye pigment biosynthesis gene (henna) differentially expressed between seasonal forms. By comparing sex-specific expression across seasonal forms, we found that klarsicht, warts, henna, and another eye development gene (domeless) were plastic in a female-specific manner. In a male-only analysis, white (w) was differentially expressed between seasonal forms. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that warts and white are expressed in eyes only, whereas klarsicht, henna and domeless are expressed in both eyes and brain. We find that differential expression of eye development and eye pigment genes is associated with divergent eye phenotypes in B. anynana seasonal forms, and that there is a larger effect of season on female vision-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aide Macias-Muñoz
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action
| | - Gilbert Smith
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore Yale-NUS College, Singapore
| | - Adriana D Briscoe
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action
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35
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Guadanucci JPL, Braga PLM, Sá FDS. Aspects of the activity rhythm and population size of troglophilic mygalomorph spiders ( Trechonasp., Dipluridae) in a quartzite cave in Minas Gerais, Brazil. J NAT HIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2014.946108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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36
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Stegner MEJ, Stemme T, Iliffe TM, Richter S, Wirkner CS. The brain in three crustaceans from cavernous darkness. BMC Neurosci 2015; 16:19. [PMID: 25880533 PMCID: PMC4387709 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-015-0138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While a number of neuroanatomical studies in other malacostracan taxa have recently contributed to the reconstruction of the malacostracan ground pattern, little is known about the nervous system in the three enigmatic blind groups of peracarids from relict habitats, Thermosbaenacea, Spelaeogriphacea, and Mictocarididae. This first detailed description of the brain in a representative of each taxon is largely based on a combination of serial semi-thin sectioning and computer-aided 3D-reconstructions. In addition, the mictocaridid Mictocaris halope was studied with a combination of immunolabeling (tubulin, nuclear counter-stains) and confocal laser scanning microscopy, addressing also the ventral nerve cord. RESULTS Adjacent to the terminal medulla, all three representatives exhibit a distal protocerebral neuropil, which is reminiscent of the lobula in other Malacostraca, but also allows for an alternative interpretation in M. halope and the thermosbaenacean Tethysbaena argentarii. A central complex occurs in all three taxa, most distinctively in the spelaeogriphacean Spelaeogriphus lepidops. The deutocerebral olfactory lobe in M. halope and S. lepidops is large. The comparably smaller olfactory lobe in T. argentarii appears to be associated with a unique additional deutocerebral neuropil. A small hemiellipsoid body exists only in the protocerebrum of T. argentarii. Distinctive mechanosensory neuropils corresponding to other malacostracans are missing. CONCLUSIONS The considerable reduction of the optic lobe in the studied taxa is higher than in any other blind malacostracan. The large size of deutocerebral olfactory centers implies an important role of the olfactory sense. The presence of a distinctive central complex in the blind S. lepidops adds further support to a central-coordinating over a visual function of this structure. The lack of a hemiellipsoid body in M. halope and S. lepidops suggests that their terminal medulla takes over the function of a second order olfactory center completely, as in some other peracarids. The reduction of the optic lobe and hemiellipsoid body is suggested to have occurred several times independently within Peracarida. The missing optic sense in the studied taxa is not correlated with an emphasized mechanosense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin E J Stegner
- Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, 18055, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Torben Stemme
- Division of Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischhofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Thomas M Iliffe
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX, 77553, USA.
| | - Stefan Richter
- Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, 18055, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christian S Wirkner
- Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, 18055, Rostock, Germany.
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Tierney SM, Cooper SJB, Saint KM, Bertozzi T, Hyde J, Humphreys WF, Austin AD. Opsin transcripts of predatory diving beetles: a comparison of surface and subterranean photic niches. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:140386. [PMID: 26064586 DOI: 10.5061/dryad.0dq8s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The regressive evolution of eyes has long intrigued biologists yet the genetic underpinnings remain opaque. A system of discrete aquifers in arid Australia provides a powerful comparative means to explore trait regression at the genomic level. Multiple surface ancestors from two tribes of diving beetles (Dytiscidae) repeatedly invaded these calcrete aquifers and convergently evolved eye-less phenotypes. We use this system to assess transcription of opsin photoreceptor genes among the transcriptomes of two surface and three subterranean dytiscid species and test whether these genes have evolved under neutral predictions. Transcripts for UV, long-wavelength and ciliary-type opsins were identified from the surface beetle transcriptomes. Two subterranean beetles showed parallel loss of all opsin transcription, as expected under 'neutral' regressive evolution. The third species Limbodessus palmulaoides retained transcription of a long-wavelength opsin (lwop) orthologue, albeit in an aphotic environment. Tests of selection on lwop indicated no significant differences between transcripts derived from surface and subterranean habitats, with strong evidence for purifying selection acting on L. palmulaoides lwop. Retention of sequence integrity and the lack of evidence for neutral evolution raise the question of whether we have identified a novel pleiotropic role for lwop, or an incipient phase of pseudogene development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Tierney
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia 5005, Australia ; Evolutionary Biology Unit , South Australian Museum, North Terrace , Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Kathleen M Saint
- Evolutionary Biology Unit , South Australian Museum, North Terrace , Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Terry Bertozzi
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia 5005, Australia ; Evolutionary Biology Unit , South Australian Museum, North Terrace , Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Josephine Hyde
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - William F Humphreys
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia 5005, Australia ; Terrestrial Zoology , Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC , Western Australia 6986, Australia ; School of Animal Biology , University of Western Australia , Nedlands, Western Australia 6907, Australia
| | - Andrew D Austin
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences , University of Adelaide , South Australia 5005, Australia
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38
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Tierney SM, Cooper SJB, Saint KM, Bertozzi T, Hyde J, Humphreys WF, Austin AD. Opsin transcripts of predatory diving beetles: a comparison of surface and subterranean photic niches. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:140386. [PMID: 26064586 PMCID: PMC4448788 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The regressive evolution of eyes has long intrigued biologists yet the genetic underpinnings remain opaque. A system of discrete aquifers in arid Australia provides a powerful comparative means to explore trait regression at the genomic level. Multiple surface ancestors from two tribes of diving beetles (Dytiscidae) repeatedly invaded these calcrete aquifers and convergently evolved eye-less phenotypes. We use this system to assess transcription of opsin photoreceptor genes among the transcriptomes of two surface and three subterranean dytiscid species and test whether these genes have evolved under neutral predictions. Transcripts for UV, long-wavelength and ciliary-type opsins were identified from the surface beetle transcriptomes. Two subterranean beetles showed parallel loss of all opsin transcription, as expected under 'neutral' regressive evolution. The third species Limbodessus palmulaoides retained transcription of a long-wavelength opsin (lwop) orthologue, albeit in an aphotic environment. Tests of selection on lwop indicated no significant differences between transcripts derived from surface and subterranean habitats, with strong evidence for purifying selection acting on L. palmulaoides lwop. Retention of sequence integrity and the lack of evidence for neutral evolution raise the question of whether we have identified a novel pleiotropic role for lwop, or an incipient phase of pseudogene development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M. Tierney
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Authors for correspondence: Simon M. Tierney e-mail:
| | - Steven J. B. Cooper
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- Authors for correspondence: Steven J. B. Cooper e-mail:
| | - Kathleen M. Saint
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Terry Bertozzi
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Josephine Hyde
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - William F. Humphreys
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Terrestrial Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6907, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Austin
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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Fišer C, Pipan T, Culver DC. The Vertical Extent of Groundwater Metazoans: An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective. Bioscience 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biu148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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