1
|
Patterson SK, Petersen RM, Brent LJN, Snyder-Mackler N, Lea AJ, Higham JP. Natural Animal Populations as Model Systems for Understanding Early Life Adversity Effects on Aging. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:681-692. [PMID: 37279895 PMCID: PMC10503476 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse experiences in early life are associated with aging-related disease risk and mortality across many species. In humans, confounding factors, as well as the difficulty of directly measuring experiences and outcomes from birth till death, make it challenging to identify how early life adversity impacts aging and health. These challenges can be mitigated, in part, through the study of non-human animals, which are exposed to parallel forms of adversity and can age similarly to humans. Furthermore, studying the links between early life adversity and aging in natural populations of non-human animals provides an excellent opportunity to better understand the social and ecological pressures that shaped the evolution of early life sensitivities. Here, we highlight ongoing and future research directions that we believe will most effectively contribute to our understanding of the evolution of early life sensitivities and their repercussions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam K Patterson
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York City, 10003, USA
| | - Rachel M Petersen
- Department of Biological Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 37232, USA
| | - Lauren J N Brent
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QG, United Kingdom
| | - Noah Snyder-Mackler
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Evolution and Medicine, and School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, 85281, USA
| | - Amanda J Lea
- Department of Biological Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 37232, USA
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Study, Toronto, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York City, 10003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krasnov BR, Korallo-Vinarskaya N, Vinarski MV, Khokhlova IS. Temporal variation of metacommunity structure in arthropod ectoparasites harboured by small mammals: the effects of scale and climatic fluctuations. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:537-549. [PMID: 35076775 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07416-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We applied the elements of metacommunity structure (EMS) approach and studied the temporal dynamics of metacommunity structure in arthropod ectoparasites (fleas, gamasid mites and ixodid ticks) harboured by six small mammalian hosts sampled for three decades in the same locality in Western Siberia at three hierarchical scales (inframetacommunities, component metacommunities and a compound metacommunity). All metacommunities were positively coherent. Inframetacommunity structures varied across sampling periods in all host species. The main structural pattern in an inframetacommunity of the same host varied across sampling times but was mostly characterized by clumped species distributions (Clementsian, Gleasonian and their quasi-versions). Component metacommunities in five of the six host species were characterized by either a Clementsian or a quasi-Clementsian distribution. In four of the six host species, this pattern was driven by mite distribution. The temporal structure of compound metacommunity was characterized by a Clementsian pattern. In contrast to the majority of component metacommunities, this pattern was driven by fleas, whereas the temporal structure of gamasid mite compound metacommunities demonstrated a Gleasonian distribution. The temporal gradient in infracommunity composition was not associated with temporal changes in either air temperature or precipitation, whereas the precipitation gradient was positively correlated with the structure of component (in five host species) and compound metacommunities. In conclusion, the best-fit metacommunity structure of ectoparasites varies temporally due to temporal changes in distribution patterns that can be associated with year-to-year climatic variation, affecting both hosts and parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris R Krasnov
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
| | - Natalia Korallo-Vinarskaya
- Laboratory of Arthropod-Borne Viral Infections, Omsk Research Institute of Natural Foci Infections, Mira str. 7, 644080, Omsk, Russia.,Omsk State Pedagogical University, Tukhachevskogo Emb. 14, 644099, Omsk, Russia
| | - Maxim V Vinarski
- Laboratory of Macroecology and Biogeography of Invertebrates, Saint-Petersburg State University, University Emb. 7/9, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.,Omsk State University, Neftezavodskaya Str. 11, 644053, Omsk, Russia
| | - Irina S Khokhlova
- Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Myakushko S. Shrinkage of body size in rodents as a strategy of populations under anthropogenic conditions (results of 50 years of study of rodent populations). THERIOLOGIA UKRAINICA 2021. [DOI: 10.15407/tu2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on results of 50 years of continuous observations of populations of the pine vole (Microtus subterraneus de Selys-Longchamps, 1836) and yellow-necked wood mouse (Sylvaemus flavicollis Melchior, 1834), the phenomenon of reducing body size of individuals was revealed, particularly a significant reduction in body dimensions and body mass. The research was conducted at the Kaniv Nature Reserve covering various stages of the local ecosystem's existence under anthropogenic impact. Four cycles of density dynamics of two populations are chosen for comparison of their characteristics. The first three cycles correspond to qualitatively different periods in the existence of the protected ecosystem and populations of the studied species, whereas the last cycle reflects the current situation. It has been established that the tendency to decrease body dimensions is also characteristic for other rodent species, its manifestations are observed for 35 years, and the scale gradually increases. By fatness indexes, individuals of the pine vole on average lose 23.3% and yellow-necked wood mice lose 16.7% of the former values. It was shown that the level of reduce in exterior parameters is always greater in females than in males, and in the group of breeding adults it can reach 32%. It has been found that the phenomenon also applies to juveniles, whose fatness decreases by an average of 21%. The phenomenon occurs against the background of violations of various aspects of population dynamics, which allows it to be associated with anthropogenic changes in the environment. It is suggested that shrinking can be realized by various mechanisms. First, as a result of mortality, the largest individuals and reproductive females with their greatest energy needs fall out of the population, and, second, the growth and weight gain of young animals is slower. As a result, the decrease in external parameters of individuals reduces their specific energy needs and allows them to better survive under adverse conditions. From these points of view, reducing body dimensions can be considered as a specific population strategy to maintain ecological balance.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kelemen KA, Urzi F, Buzan E, Horváth GF, Tulis F, Baláž I. Genetic variability and conservation of the endangered Pannonian root vole in fragmented habitats of an agricultural landscape. NATURE CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.43.58798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of the endangered glacial relict subspecies, the Pannonian root vole Alexandromys oeconomus mehelyi Éhik, 1928, is restricted to scattered localities in south-western Slovakia, which belong to the north-eastern zone of its range. Human-induced changes and fragmentation of the landscape have led to the gradual loss of suitable habitats and threaten its long-term survival. The study area in the Danubian Lowland is characterised by small habitat fragments and temporal fluctuations of the habitat area. Root voles were sampled at nine sites to study the level of genetic variability and structure of local subpopulations by scoring 13 microsatellite loci in 69 individuals. Genetic differentiation varied amongst local populations and we did not find a significant isolation-by-distance pattern. Bayesian clustering analysis suggested that dispersal effectively prevents marked genetic subdivision between studied habitat fragments. Significant pairwise differentiation between some subpopulations, however, may be the result of putatively suppressed gene flow. Low genetic diversity in the recent populations probably reflects the isolated location of the study area in the agricultural landscape, suggesting that long-term survival may not be assured. In order to maintain genetic diversity, it is essential to preserve (or even restore) habitats and ensure the possibility of gene flow; habitat protection is, therefore, recommended. Continuous assessment is necessary for effective conservation management and to predict the long-term survival chances of the Pannonian root vole in the study area.
Collapse
|
5
|
Taxonomic revision of the populations assigned to Octodon degus (Hystricomorpha: Octodontidae): With the designation of a neotype for Sciurus degus G. I. Molina, 1782 and the description of a new subspecies. ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
6
|
Cadenillas R, D'Elía G. The number of species of degus (genus Octodon) is currently underestimated: An appraisal of species limits and their phylogenetic relationships (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha: Octodontidae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 159:107111. [PMID: 33607277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As currently understood, the genus Octodon contains five species degus, lunatus, bridgesii, pacificus, and ricardojeda. Previous phylogenetic studies suggest that genus specific diversity is underestimated. In order to evaluate the taxonomic diversity of Octodon, we implemented unilocus (cytochrome-b) and multilocus (cytochrome-b + 4 nuclear genes) species delimitation methods. Octodon degus was recovered as a sister of the other species of the genus. The unilocus bGMYC and mPTP methods, based on cytochrome-b sequences, delimits 11 and 7 candidate species respectively, and both methods fail to recognize O. pacificus from O. ricardojeda. Results of the multilocus analysis (BPP) vary as a function of the dataset used. When the five genes are used 11 species are delimited, while eight species are delimited when only the nuclear genes are used. Octodon bridgesii is shown as comprising at least two species (one on the Pacific coast and the typical form found on the Andean slopes), while O. ricardojeda may comprise two species (one on the Chilean side of the Andes and the other in Argentina). Likewise, both multilocus matrices recover O. pacificus as a distinct species. This shows that species diversity of Octodon is underestimated. Remarkably, many of the delimited species based on genetic data are morphologically differentiated in cranio-dental characteristics. However, a pair of species has not achieved morphological differentiation, being cryptic species. Finally, the incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies suggests that processes such as incomplete lineage sorting and/or introgression have been present during the radiation of the genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Cadenillas
- Doctorado en Ciencias, Mención Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja s/n, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; Instituto de Paleontología, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura 20002, Peru.
| | - Guillermo D'Elía
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja s/n, Valdivia 5090000, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Abstract
The critical agenda for mammalian ecologists over this century is to obtain a synthetic and predictive understanding of the factors that limit the distribution and abundance of mammals on Earth. During the last 100 years, a start has been made on this agenda, but only a start. Most mammal species have been described, but there still are tropical areas of undisclosed species richness. We have been measuring changes in distribution and abundance of many common mammals during the last century, and this monitoring agenda has become more critical as climate change has accelerated and habitat destruction has increased with human population growth. There are a small number of factors that can limit the distribution and abundance of mammals: weather, predation, food supplies, disease, and social behavior. Weather limits distribution and abundance mostly in an indirect manner by affecting food supplies, disease, and predation in the short term and habitat composition and structure in the longer term. A good starting point for all studies of mammals is to define them within a well-structured trophic web, and then quantify the major linkages within that web. We still are far from having data on enough model systems to develop a complete theory and understanding of how food webs are structured and constrained as climate shifts and humans disturb habitats. We have many of the bits and pieces for some of our major ecosystems but a poor understanding of the links and the resilience of our mammalian communities to changes in trophic webs driven by climate change and human disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Krebs
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang FS, Wang Y, Wu K, Xu WY, Wu J, Liu JY, Wang XY, Shuai LY. Effects of artificial light at night on foraging behavior and vigilance in a nocturnal rodent. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138271. [PMID: 32268292 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night has greatly changed the physical environment for many organisms on a global scale. As an energy efficient light resource, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely used in recent years. As LEDs often have a broad spectrum, many biological processes may be potentially affected. In this study, we conducted manipulated experiments in rat-proof enclosures to explore the effects of LED night lighting on behavior of a nocturnal rodent, the Mongolian five-toed jerboa (Allactaga sibirica). We adopted the giving-up density (GUD) method and camera video trapping to study behavioral responses in terms of patch use, searching efficiency and vigilance. With the presence of white LED lighting, jerboas spent less time in patches, foraged less intensively (with higher GUDs) and became vigilant more frequently, while their searching efficiency was higher than under dark treatment. Although both positive and negative effects of LEDs on foraging were detected, the net effect of LEDs on jerboas is negative, which may further translate into changes in population dynamics, inter-specific interaction and community structure. To our knowledge, this is the first field study to explore how LED lighting affect foraging behavior and searching efficiency in rodents. Our results may have potential implications for practices such as pest control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Shun Zhang
- Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Yun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Ke Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Wen-Yan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Jing Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Jun-Yao Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Xiao-Yin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Ling-Ying Shuai
- College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Linking genetic merit to sparse behavioral data: behavior and genetic effects on lamb growth in Soay sheep. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWild quantitative genetic studies have focused on a subset of traits (largely morphological and life history), with others, such as behaviors, receiving much less attention. This is because it is challenging to obtain sufficient data, particularly for behaviors involving interactions between individuals. Here, we explore an indirect approach for pilot investigations of the role of genetic differences in generating variation in parental care. Variation in parental genetic effects for offspring performance is expected to arise from among-parent genetic variation in parental care. Therefore, we used the animal model to predict maternal breeding values for lamb growth and used these predictions to select females for field observation, where maternal and lamb behaviors were recorded. Higher predicted maternal breeding value for lamb growth was associated with greater suckling success, but not with any other measures of suckling behavior. Though our work cannot explicitly estimate the genetic basis of the specific traits involved, it does provide a strategy for hypothesis generation and refinement that we hope could be used to justify data collection costs needed for confirmatory studies. Here, results suggest that behavioral genetic variation is involved in generating maternal genetic effects on lamb growth in Soay sheep. Though important caveats and cautions apply, our approach may extend the ability to initiate more genetic investigations of difficult-to-study behaviors and social interactions in natural populations.
Collapse
|
10
|
Stokes RH, Sandel AA. Data quality and the comparative method: the case of pregnancy failure in rodents. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In mammalian species where infanticide by males is likely, females exhibit counterstrategies to prevent or mitigate the costs of infanticide. One putative mitigation strategy is the “Bruce effect,” in which pregnant or inseminated females exposed to an unfamiliar male experience pregnancy block or failure. Females then mate with the new male, thus shifting investment from a “doomed” pregnancy to a more fruitful one. However, the Bruce effect may be an adaptive response to other factors besides infanticide. For example, if paternal care is necessary for offspring survival, and an unfamiliar male replacing the original mate is unlikely to provide such care to offspring of a litter it did not sire, then a female may terminate a pregnancy to initiate a new one. The infanticide and paternal care hypotheses have not been rigorously tested because comparative data on the Bruce effect across mammals are scarce. We compiled data on the Bruce effect, infanticide, and paternal care from one particularly rich source of information, rodents, but found the data set to be less rich than expected. The Bruce effect, infanticide, and paternal care were common among rodent species, but we found no clear relationship among the traits. However, this was likely due to 1) a bias toward positive results, 2) missing data, and 3) a reliance on studies of captive animals. These are common problems in comparative research, and we outline standards that should be implemented to successfully answer questions of importance in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron A Sandel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|