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Haarsma AJ, Jongejans E, Duijm E, van der Graaf C, Lammers Y, Sharma M, Siepel H, Gravendeel B. Female pond bats hunt in other areas than males and consume lighter prey when pregnant. J Mammal 2023; 104:1191-1204. [PMID: 38059006 PMCID: PMC10697422 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyad096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals with large energy requirements are forced to optimize their hunting strategy, which may result in differentiation of the diet between sexes and across seasons. Here, we examined spatiotemporal variation in the diet of both sexes of the Pond Bat Myotis dasycneme, a species known to have spatial segregation of sexes when the young are born and lactating. Fecal pellets were collected from live animals for a period of 15 years at various locations in the Netherlands. A total of 535 pellets were successfully analyzed by microscopy and an additional 160 pellets by DNA metabarcoding. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that the diet of pregnant and lactating pond bats differed significantly from the diet of females with no reproductive investment. Further analyses of the data showed that pregnant female pond bats are highly dependent on small prey and pupae, mainly nonbiting midges and mosquitoes (Diptera: Chironomidae and Culicidae). These insects can be found in large quantities in peatlands intersected with shallow waterways, the habitat type in which female pond bats were observed more often than males. Our results suggest that during pregnancy the spatial segregation of sexes coincides with sex-specific diets, which might reflect habitat selection based on energy requirements, in addition to lowered intraspecific competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Jifke Haarsma
- Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eelke Jongejans
- Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Department of Animal Ecology, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elza Duijm
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien van der Graaf
- Bat Research Consultancy Vroegvlieger, Ellekomstraat 70, 2573 XG Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Youri Lammers
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Milan Sharma
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- HZ University of Applied Sciences, Life Sciences cluster, Edisonweg 4, 4382 NW Vlissingen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Siepel
- Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Gravendeel
- Radboud University, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
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Chen W, Zhou W, Li Q, Mao X. Sex differences in gene expression and alternative splicing in the Chinese horseshoe bat. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15231. [PMID: 37123006 PMCID: PMC10135408 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic traits are common in sexually reproducing organisms and can be encoded by differential gene regulation between males and females. Although alternative splicing is common mechanism in generating transcriptional diversity, its role in generating sex differences relative to differential gene expression is less clear. Here, we investigate the relative roles of differential gene expression and alternative splicing between male and female the horseshoe bat species, Rhinolophus sinicus. Horseshoe bats are an excellent model to study acoustic differences between sexes. Using RNA-seq analyses of two somatic tissues (brain and liver) from males and females of the same population, we identified 3,471 and 2,208 differentially expressed genes between the sexes (DEGs) in the brain and liver, respectively. DEGs were enriched with functional categories associated with physiological difference of the sexes (e.g.,gamete generation and energy production for reproduction in females). In addition, we also detected many differentially spliced genes between the sexes (DSGs, 2,231 and 1,027 in the brain and liver, respectively) which were mainly involved in regulation of RNA splicing and mRNA metabolic process. Interestingly, we found a significant enrichment of DEGs on the X chromosome, but not for DSGs. As for the extent of overlap between the two sets of genes, more than expected overlap of DEGs and DSGs was observed in the brain but not in the liver. This suggests that more complex tissues, such as the brain, may require the intricate and simultaneous interplay of both differential gene expression and splicing of genes to govern sex-specific functions. Overall, our results support that variation in gene expression and alternative splicing are important and complementary mechanisms governing sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Chen
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Zhou
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuguang Mao
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Owen RD, López-González C, González de Weston G. Sharing the Space: Variation in Morphometric, Ecoregional, Migratory and Reproductive Patterns of Three Sympatric Artibeus Species. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2022.24.1.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Owen
- Centro para el Desarrollo de Investigación Científica, 1371 Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Celia López-González
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR Unidad Durango, Calle Sigma 119, Fraccionamiento 20 de Noviembre II, Durango 34220, Mexico
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Vannatta JM, Carver BD. Sexual size dimorphism and geographic variation in forearm length of Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius). MAMMALIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2021-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism is common in many taxa and results from various pressures, including competition, reproductive requirements, functional differences, and sexual recognition. For mammals, males are typically the larger sex; however, for vespertilionid bats, females are more often the larger sex. Forearm length, a feature that influences overall wing and body size and is often sexually dimorphic, is a standard morphological measurement taken from bats. Forearm length was measured in two vesper bat species (Corynorhinus rafinesquii and Myotis austroriparius) that co-occur across much of the southeastern United States. Forearm length was greater in females of both species, and females of both species also exhibited regional variation in forearm length. By having a longer forearm and therefore being larger in size, females may be more maneuverable and better equipped to carry young. While this study did not directly investigate the mechanisms behind regional variation in forearm length, it is possible this is the result of variability in habitat types, resources, or thermodynamic constraints. Knowledge of sexually dimorphic characteristics is important for obtaining a general understanding of a species and its morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Vannatta
- Department of Biology , Tennessee Technological University , Cookeville , TN 38505 , USA
| | - Brian D. Carver
- Department of Biology , Tennessee Technological University , Cookeville , TN 38505 , USA
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Calede JJM, Brown A. Sexual dimorphism in cranial shape and size in geomyoid rodents: multivariate and evolutionary perspectives. Curr Zool 2021; 68:469-488. [PMID: 36090141 PMCID: PMC9450181 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab070] [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: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Geomyoid rodents provide a great study system for the analysis of sexual dimorphism. They are polygynic and many inhabit harsh arid environments thought to promote sexual dimorphism. In fact, there has been extensive work published on the sexual size dimorphism of individual populations and species within this rodent clade. However, little work has been undertaken to assess the evolutionary patterns and processes associated with this sexual dimorphism. We use multivariate analyses of cranial measurements in a phylogenetic framework to determine the distribution of size and shape dimorphism among geomyoids and test for Rensch’s rule. Our results suggest that sexual dimorphism is more common in geomyids than heteromyids, but it is not in fact universal. There is evidence for variation in sexual dimorphism across populations. Additionally, in many taxa, geographic variation appears to overwhelm existing sexual dimorphism. We find support for the repeated independent evolution of shape and size dimorphism across geomyoid taxa, but we do not find support for an association between size and shape dimorphism. There is no evidence for Rensch’s rule in geomyoids, whether at the superfamily or family level. Together, our findings suggest that there is no single explanation for the evolution of sexual dimorphism in geomyoids and that, instead, it is the product of numerous evolutionary events. Future studies incorporating phylogenetic relationships will be necessary to paint a more complete picture of the evolution of sexual dimorphism in geomyoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J M Calede
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Ave., 300 Aronoff Laboratory, Columbus, OH 43210, USA and
- The Ohio State University at Marion, 1459 Mount Vernon Avenue, Marion, OH 43302, USA
| | - Andrew Brown
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Ave., 300 Aronoff Laboratory, Columbus, OH 43210, USA and
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Blake Sasse D, Scherman SJ, Perry RW, Risch TS. Morphological Discrimination of Gray Bats and Southeastern Bats. SOUTHEAST NAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1656/058.018.0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Blake Sasse
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 213A Highway 89 South, Mayflower, AR 72106
| | | | - Roger W. Perry
- US Forest Service Southern Research Station, PO Box 1270, Hot Springs, AR 71902
| | - Thomas S. Risch
- Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, AR 72466
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Sexual size dimorphism, allometry and fecundity in a lineage of South American viviparous lizards (Liolaemidae: Phymaturus). ZOOL ANZ 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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High Duty Cycle Echolocation May Constrain the Evolution of Diversity within Horseshoe Bats (Family: Rhinolophidae). DIVERSITY-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/d10030085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The phenotype of organisms is the net result of various evolutionary forces acting upon their lineages over time. When an innovative trait arises that confers a substantial advantage in terms of survival and reproduction, the evolution of adaptive complexes between such an innovation and other traits may constrain diversification of that lineage. The specialized echolocation system of the Rhinolophidae may represent such an innovation which affects other parts of the phenotype. We investigated a potential constraint on the diversity of phenotypes of several species of horseshoe bats within a phylogenetic framework. If phenotypic convergence stems from stasis as a result of the specialized echolocation system, phenotypes should converge not only among members of the same species and between sexes but also among species. We analyzed the phenotypic diversity of >800 individuals of 13–16 species. The phenotypes in the horseshoe bats did indeed converge. There was no sexual size dimorphism in mass, forearm length and wingspan within species and there was marked interspecific similarity in both wing and echolocation variables but marked variability in body mass. Furthermore, correlations of wing and echolocation variables with mass suggest that variability within horseshoe bats was largely the result of selection on body size with allometric responses in wing and echolocation parameters, a potential consequence of constraints imposed by their specialized echolocation.
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Wu H, Jiang T, Huang X, Feng J. Patterns of sexual size dimorphism in horseshoe bats: Testing Rensch's rule and potential causes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2616. [PMID: 29422495 PMCID: PMC5805768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Rensch's rule, stating that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) becomes more evident and male-biased with increasing body size, has been well supported for taxa that exhibit male-biased SSD. Bats, primarily having female-biased SSD, have so far been tested for whether SSD allometry conforms to Rensch's rule in only three studies. However, these studies did not consider phylogeny, and thus the mechanisms underlying SSD variations in bats remain unclear. Thus, the present study reviewed published and original data, including body size, baculum size, and habitat types in 45 bats of the family Rhinolophidae to determine whether horseshoe bats follow Rensch's rule using a phylogenetic comparative framework. We also investigated the potential effect of postcopulatory sexual selection and habitat type on SSD. Our findings indicated that Rensch's rule did not apply to Rhinolophidae, suggesting that SSD did not significantly vary with increasing size. This pattern may be attributable interactions between weak sexual selection to male body size and strong fecundity selection for on female body size. The degree of SSD among horseshoe bats may be attributed to a phylogenetic effect rather than to the intersexual competition for food or to baculum length. Interestingly, we observed that species in open habitats exhibited greater SSD than those in dense forests, suggesting that habitat types may be associated with variations in SSD in horseshoe bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng ST 2888, Changchun, 130118, China
- Jilin Provincal Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue St 2555, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Tinglei Jiang
- Jilin Provincal Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue St 2555, Changchun, 130117, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology of Education Ministry, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Jilin Provincal Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue St 2555, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Jiang Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng ST 2888, Changchun, 130118, China.
- Jilin Provincal Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Jingyue St 2555, Changchun, 130117, China.
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology of Education Ministry, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo A. Martinez
- Departamento de Biologia; Universidade Federal de Sergipe; Av. Marechal Rondon, S/N - Jardim Rosa Elze São Cristóvão 49100-000 Brazil
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Dalhoumi R, Aissa P, Aulagnier S. Seasonal variations of sexual size dimorphism in two Mediterranean bat species from Tunisia: the Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and the Isabelline serotine (Eptesicus isabellinus). FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2016. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v65.i2.a11.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ridha Dalhoumi
- Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l'Environnement, Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisie
| | - Patricia Aissa
- Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l'Environnement, Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisie
| | - Stéphane Aulagnier
- Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, I.N.R.A., B.P. 52627, 31326 Castanet Tolosan cedex, France
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