1
|
Semenov GA, Sonnenberg BR, Branch CL, Heinen VK, Welklin JF, Padula SR, Patel AM, Bridge ES, Pravosudov VV, Taylor SA. Genes and gene networks underlying spatial cognition in food-caching chickadees. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1930-1939.e4. [PMID: 38636515 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Substantial progress has been made in understanding the genetic architecture of phenotypes involved in a variety of evolutionary processes. Behavioral genetics remains, however, among the least understood. We explore the genetic architecture of spatial cognitive abilities in a wild passerine bird, the mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli). Mountain chickadees cache thousands of seeds in the fall and require specialized spatial memory to recover these caches throughout the winter. We previously showed that variation in spatial cognition has a direct effect on fitness and has a genetic basis. It remains unknown which specific genes and developmental pathways are particularly important for shaping spatial cognition. To further dissect the genetic basis of spatial cognitive abilities, we combine experimental quantification of spatial cognition in wild chickadees with whole-genome sequencing of 162 individuals, a new chromosome-scale reference genome, and species-specific gene annotation. We have identified a set of genes and developmental pathways that play a key role in creating variation in spatial cognition and found that the mechanism shaping cognitive variation is consistent with selection against mildly deleterious non-coding mutations. Although some candidate genes were organized into connected gene networks, about half do not have shared regulation, highlighting that multiple independent developmental or physiological mechanisms contribute to variation in spatial cognitive abilities. A large proportion of the candidate genes we found are associated with synaptic plasticity, an intriguing result that leads to the hypothesis that certain genetic variants create antagonism between behavioral plasticity and long-term memory, each providing distinct benefits depending on ecological context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgy A Semenov
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Benjamin R Sonnenberg
- Department of Biology and Evolution, Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Carrie L Branch
- Department of Psychology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Virginia K Heinen
- Department of Biology and Evolution, Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Joseph F Welklin
- Department of Biology and Evolution, Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sara R Padula
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Ajay M Patel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Eli S Bridge
- Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Vladimir V Pravosudov
- Department of Biology and Evolution, Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Scott A Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Extra-pair paternity (EPP) benefits to improve the reproductive success via extra-pair fertilizations without the costs of parental care in males and through improved offspring quality with additional food and parental care in females among species of birds. Variations in the EPP appear to link to behavioral and ecological factors and sexual selection. According to the "relationship intelligence hypothesis", the cognitive abilities of the birds play an important role in maintaining long-term relationships. Here, we undertook the first comparative test of the relationships between extra-pair paternity and brain size, testis size, and life histories among 315 species of birds using phylogenetically controlled comparative analyses and path analysis. After controlling for the effects of shared ancestry and body mass, the frequency of EPP was negatively correlated with relative brain size, but positively with testis size across species of birds. However, the frequency of EPP was not linked to life-history traits (e.g. incubation period, fledging period, clutch size, egg mass, and longevity). Our findings suggest that large-brained birds associated with enhanced cognitive abilities are more inclined to maintain long-term stable relationships with their mates and to mutualism with them than to increase the frequency of EPP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhengjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thanks for the multiple memory systems: Introduction to the special issue in honor of David Sherry. Learn Behav 2022; 50:8-10. [DOI: 10.3758/s13420-022-00510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
4
|
Understanding hippocampal neural plasticity in captivity: Unique contributions of spatial specialists. Learn Behav 2022; 50:55-70. [PMID: 35237946 DOI: 10.3758/s13420-021-00504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neural plasticity in the hippocampus has been studied in a wide variety of model systems, including in avian species where the hippocampus underlies specialized spatial behaviours. Examples of such behaviours include navigating to a home roost over long distances by homing pigeons or returning to a potential nest site for egg deposit by brood parasites. The best studied example, however, is food storing in parids and the interaction between this behaviour and changes in hippocampus volume and neurogenesis. However, understanding the interaction between brain and behaviour necessitates research that includes studies with at least some form of captivity, which may itself affect hippocampal plasticity. Captivity might particularly affect spatial specialists where free-ranging movement on a large scale is especially important in daily, and seasonal, behaviours. This review examines how captivity might affect hippocampal plasticity in avian spatial specialists and specifically food-storing parids, and also considers how the effects of captivity may be mitigated by researchers studying hippocampal plasticity when the goal is understanding the relationship between behaviour and hippocampal change.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ruiz-Raya F. Ecophysiology of egg rejection in hosts of avian brood parasites: new insights and perspectives. Curr Zool 2021; 67:631-638. [PMID: 34805540 PMCID: PMC8599070 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg rejection is the most effective and widespread defense used by host species to counteract the extreme fitness costs frequently imposed by obligate avian brood parasites. Yet, the proximate mechanisms underlying between- and within-individual variation in host responses remain poorly explored. Emerging evidence suggests that egg rejection is dependent on individual physiological states, and draws attention to the role of hormones as mediators of flexible antiparasitic responses. In this perspective article, I outline recent advances in our understanding of the proximate factors that mediate egg rejection. I also point out some areas where knowledge remains still lacking, especially those related to the development and maintenance of effective cognitive functions, the potential role of oxidative stress, immunological state, and developmental stressors. I propose new hypotheses that stimulate future research on behavioral host responses toward brood parasitism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ruiz-Raya
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, GEA, Vigo 36310, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Decision-making at the time of parasitism: cowbirds prefer to peck eggs with weaker shells. Anim Cogn 2021; 25:275-285. [PMID: 34405287 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Interspecific avian brood parasites, like cuckoos and cowbirds, lay their eggs in nests of other species, the hosts, which take over the entire parental care of the parasite's eggs and chicks. This breeding strategy requires decisions that may affect the parasite's reproductive success. During the breeding season, cowbirds search for host nests and revisit them to monitor its progress and parasitize at the time host laying begins. When visiting hosts nests, they repeatedly peck the nest contents trying to destroy one or more eggs. This behaviour favours parasite's offspring by reducing the competition for food with nestmates. We evaluated if the egg-pecking behaviour of female shiny (Molothrus bonariensis) and screaming (M. rufoaxillaris) cowbirds is affected by the strength and the size of the eggs they find in the nest. We presented to wild-caught females artificial clutches with two natural eggs that differ in size and shell strength. We found that female shiny and screaming cowbirds adjusted egg-pecking behaviour based on the strength but not on the size of the eggs. When differences in strength between eggs were high, both cowbird species pecked more frequently the egg with the weaker shell, increasing the probability of a successful puncture. Our results indicate that female cowbirds can discriminate eggs through the strength of the shell, and by choosing the weaker egg to peck, they increase the probability of puncturing.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lois-Milevicich J, Kacelnik A, Reboreda JC. Sex differences in the use of spatial cues in two avian brood parasites. Anim Cogn 2020; 24:205-212. [PMID: 32980971 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01434-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Shiny and screaming cowbirds are avian interspecific brood parasites that locate and prospect host nests in daylight and return from one to several days later to lay an egg during the pre-dawn twilight. Thus, during nest location and prospecting, both location information and visual features are available, but the latter become less salient in the low-light conditions when the nests are visited for laying. This raises the question of how these different sources of information interact, and whether this reflects different behavioural specializations across sexes. Differences are expected, because in shiny cowbirds, females act alone, but in screaming cowbirds, both sexes make exploratory and laying nest visits together. We trained females and males of shiny and screaming cowbird to locate a food source signalled by both colour and position (cues associated), and evaluated performance after displacing the colour cue to make it misleading (cues dissociated). There were no sex or species differences in acquisition performance while the cues were associated. When the colour cue was relocated, individuals of both sexes and species located the food source making fewer visits to non-baited wells than expected by chance, indicating that they all retained the position as an informative cue. In this phase, however, shiny cowbird females, but not screaming, outperformed conspecific males, visiting fewer non-baited wells before finding the food location and making straighter paths in the search. These results are consistent with a greater reliance on spatial memory, as expected from the shiny cowbird female's specialization on nest location behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Lois-Milevicich
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución & IEGEBA - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alex Kacelnik
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Juan Carlos Reboreda
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución & IEGEBA - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ursino CA, Strong MJ, Reboreda JC, Riehl C. Genetic patterns of repeat and multiple parasitism by screaming cowbirds, a specialist brood parasite. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
9
|
Liu J, Yang C, Yu J, Wang H, Møller AP, Liang W. Egg recognition and brain size in a cuckoo host. Behav Processes 2020; 180:104223. [PMID: 32841719 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of animal brain size and cognitive ability is a topic of central significance in evolutionary ecology. Interspecific brood parasitism imposes severe selection pressures on hosts favoring the evolution of cuckoo egg recognition and rejection. However, recognizing and rejecting foreign parasitic eggs are enormous cognitive challenges for cuckoo hosts, which might select for an increase in brain size in birds with this capacity. To explore the association between cuckoo parasitism and the evolution of brain size in cinereous tits (Parus cinereus), we used two types of experimental parasitic eggs, real mimetic white-rumped munia (Lonchura striata) eggs and non-mimetic blue model eggs, to test the egg recognition ability of female cinereous tits, thereby comparing brain size variation among individuals that were able to recognize foreign eggs and those that lacked this ability. Interestingly, our results however did not support the prediction that cuckoo parasitism selects for an increase in brain size of host birds, since brain size of egg rejecters was not significantly larger than that of accepters. Hence, this study suggested that the evolution of cognitive ability did not allow recognition of foreign eggs by female cinereous tits. That was the case despite the evolution of a larger brain may have allowed for a reduction in the cost of brood parasitism by cuckoos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
| | - Canchao Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
| | - Jiangping Yu
- Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
| | - Haitao Wang
- Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Avian Ecology and Conservation Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
| | - Anders Pape Møller
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay Cedex, France.
| | - Wei Liang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gómez RO, Lois-Milevicich J. Phylogenetic signal in the skull of cowbirds (Icteridae) assessed by multivariate and cladistic approaches. ZOOL ANZ 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
11
|
Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Healy
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| |
Collapse
|