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Shilovsky GA, Putyatina TS, Markov AV. Evolution of Longevity in Tetrapods: Safety Is More Important than Metabolism Level. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:322-340. [PMID: 38622099 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Various environmental morphological and behavioral factors can determine the longevity of representatives of various taxa. Long-lived species develop systems aimed at increasing organism stability, defense, and, ultimately, lifespan. Long-lived species to a different extent manifest the factors favoring longevity (gerontological success), such as body size, slow metabolism, activity of body's repair and antioxidant defense systems, resistance to toxic substances and tumorigenesis, and presence of neotenic features. In continuation of our studies of mammals, we investigated the characteristics that distinguish long-lived ectotherms (crocodiles and turtles) and compared them with those of other ectotherms (squamates and amphibians) and endotherms (birds and mammals). We also discussed mathematical indicators used to assess the predisposition to longevity in different species, including standard indicators (mortality rate, maximum lifespan, coefficient of variation of lifespan) and their derivatives. Evolutionary patterns of aging are further explained by the protective phenotypes and life history strategies. We assessed the relationship between the lifespan and various studied factors, such as body size and temperature, encephalization, protection of occupied ecological niches, presence of protective structures (for example, shells and osteoderms), and environmental temperature, and the influence of these factors on the variation of the lifespan as a statistical parameter. Our studies did not confirm the hypothesis on the metabolism level and temperature as the most decisive factors of longevity. It was found that animals protected by shells (e.g., turtles with their exceptional longevity) live longer than species that have poison or lack such protective adaptations. The improvement of defense against external threats in long-lived ectotherms is consistent with the characteristics of long-lived endotherms (for example, naked mole-rats that live in underground tunnels, or bats and birds, whose ability to fly is one of the best defense mechanisms).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Shilovsky
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems (Kharkevich Institute), Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 127051, Russia
| | - Tatyana S Putyatina
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Alexander V Markov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
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Hall J, Bengtson Nash S, Gautam A, Bender H, Pitcher BJ, McCallum H, Doyle C. Persistent organic pollutants and trace elements detected in New Zealand fur seals (long-nosed fur seal; Arctocephalus forsteri) from New South Wales, Australia, between 1998 and 2019. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166087. [PMID: 37549703 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a growing threat to wildlife health and biodiversity. The relationship between marine mammals and pollutants is, however, complex and as new chemicals are introduced to ecosystems alongside concomitant, interacting threats such as climate change and habitat degradation, the cumulative impact of these stressors to wildlife continues to expand. Understanding the health of wildlife populations requires a holistic approach to identify potential threatening processes. In the context of environmental pollution in little studied wildlife species, it is important to catalogue the current exposome to develop effective biomonitoring programs that can support diagnosis of health impacts and management and mitigation of pollution. In New South Wales, Australia, the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) is a resident species experiencing population growth following devastating historic hunting practices. This study presents a retrospective investigation into the exposure of New Zealand fur seals to a range of synthetic organic compounds and essential and non-essential trace elements. Liver tissue from 28 seals were broadly analyzed to assess concentrations of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and essential and non-essential trace elements. In addition to contributing extensive pollution baseline data for the species, the work explores the influence of sex, age, and body condition on accumulation patterns. Further, based on these findings, it is recommended that a minimum of 11 juvenile male New Zealand fur seals are sampled and analyzed annually in order to maintain a holistic biomonitoring approach for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Hall
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Anil Gautam
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Environment Protection Science Branch, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hannah Bender
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Pitcher
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hamish McCallum
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Christopher Doyle
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Environment Protection Science Branch, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Salton M, Carr M, Tarjan LM, Clarke J, Kirkwood R, Slip D, Harcourt R. Protected area use by two sympatric marine predators repopulating their historical range. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As large carnivores recover from over-exploitation, managers often lack evidence-based information on species habitat requirements and the efficacy of management practices, particularly where species repopulate areas from which they have long been extirpated. We investigated the movement and habitat use by 2 semi-aquatic carnivores (Australian fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus and New Zealand fur seals A. forsteri) at the northern end of their distributions in Australia, where after a long absence both are recolonising their historic range. We also assessed male fur seal habitat use overlap with terrestrial and marine protected areas (PAs). While at the margin of the range during winter and early spring, the males remained inshore close to terrestrial sites and where interactions with humans often occur. From early spring, the males from the range margin showed uniform movement toward colonies in the core of the species’ range prior to their breeding seasons. This contrasts with males tracked from the core of the species’ range that returned periodically to colonies during the year, and highlights the importance of range-wide monitoring of a species to inform conservation planning. Habitat use by some males included over 90% of a marine PA at the margin of the species’ range. Most terrestrial haul-outs used were within terrestrial PAs, while sites not protected were on the margin of the range. Despite wide-ranging habits, their dependence on coastal sites, where human access and activities can be regulated and more readily enforced, suggests that terrestrial and marine PAs will continue to play an important role in managing the recovery of these fur seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Salton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia
| | - M Carr
- Department of Primary Industries, Jervis Bay Marine Park, New South Wales 2540, Australia
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - LM Tarjan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
- San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, 524 Valley Way, Milpitas, California 95035, USA
| | - J Clarke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - R Kirkwood
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Cowes, Victoria 3922, Australia
- SARDI Aquatic Sciences, West Beach, South Australia 5024, Australia
| | - D Slip
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - R Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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Ladds M, Rosen D, Gerlinsky C, Slip D, Harcourt R. Diving deep into trouble: the role of foraging strategy and morphology in adapting to a changing environment. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa111. [PMID: 34168880 PMCID: PMC8218901 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Physiology places constraints on an animal's ability to forage and those unable to adapt to changing conditions may face increased challenges to reproduce and survive. As the global marine environment continues to change, small, air-breathing, endothermic marine predators such as otariids (fur seals and sea lions) and particularly females, who are constrained by central place foraging during breeding, may experience increased difficulties in successfully obtaining adequate food resources. We explored whether physiological limits of female otariids may be innately related to body morphology (fur seals vs sea lions) and/or dictate foraging strategies (epipelagic vs mesopelagic or benthic). We conducted a systematic review of the increased body of literature since the original reviews of Costa et al. (When does physiology limit the foraging behaviour of freely diving mammals? Int Congr Ser 2004;1275:359-366) and Arnould and Costa (Sea lions in drag, fur seals incognito: insights from the otariid deviants. In Sea Lions of the World Fairbanks. Alaska Sea Grant College Program, Alaska, USA, pp. 309-324, 2006) on behavioural (dive duration and depth) and physiological (total body oxygen stores and diving metabolic rates) parameters. We estimated calculated aerobic dive limit (cADL-estimated duration of aerobic dives) for species and used simulations to predict the proportion of dives that exceeded the cADL. We tested whether body morphology or foraging strategy was the primary predictor of these behavioural and physiological characteristics. We found that the foraging strategy compared to morphology was a better predictor of most parameters, including whether a species was more likely to exceed their cADL during a dive and the ratio of dive time to cADL. This suggests that benthic and mesopelagic divers are more likely to be foraging at their physiological capacity. For species operating near their physiological capacity (regularly exceeding their cADL), the ability to switch strategies is limited as the cost of foraging deeper and longer is disproportionally high, unless it is accompanied by physiological adaptations. It is proposed that some otariids may not have the ability to switch foraging strategies and so be unable adapt to a changing oceanic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Ladds
- Marine Ecosystems Team, Department of Conservation, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113, Australia
| | - David Rosen
- Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Carling Gerlinsky
- Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - David Slip
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113, Australia
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman 2088, Australia
| | - Robert Harcourt
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113, Australia
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Hoekstra LA, Schwartz TS, Sparkman AM, Miller DAW, Bronikowski AM. The untapped potential of reptile biodiversity for understanding how and why animals age. Funct Ecol 2020; 34:38-54. [PMID: 32921868 PMCID: PMC7480806 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
1. The field of comparative aging biology has greatly expanded in the past 20 years. Longitudinal studies of populations of reptiles with a range of maximum lifespans have accumulated and been analyzed for evidence of mortality senescence and reproductive decline. While not as well represented in studies of amniote senescence, reptiles have been the subjects of many recent demographic and mechanistic studies of the biology of aging. 2. We review recent literature on reptile demographic senescence, mechanisms of senescence, and identify unanswered questions. Given the ecophysiological and demographic diversity of reptiles, what is the expected range of reptile senescence rates? Are known mechanisms of aging in reptiles consistent with canonical hallmarks of aging in model systems? What are the knowledge gaps in our understanding of reptile aging? 3. We find ample evidence of increasing mortality with advancing age in many reptiles. Testudines stand out as slower aging than other orders, but data on crocodilians and tuatara are sparse. Sex-specific analyses are generally not available. Studies of female reproduction suggest that reptiles are less likely to have reproductive decline with advancing age than mammals. 4. Reptiles share many physiological and molecular pathways of aging with mammals, birds, and laboratory model organisms. Adaptations related to stress physiology coupled with reptilian ectothermy suggest novel comparisons and contrasts that can be made with canonical aging phenotypes in mammals. These include stem cell and regeneration biology, homeostatic mechanisms, IIS/TOR signaling, and DNA repair. 5. To overcome challenges to the study of reptile aging, we recommend extending and expanding long-term monitoring of reptile populations, developing reptile cell lines to aid cellular biology, conducting more comparative studies of reptile morphology and physiology sampled along relevant life-history axes, and sequencing more reptile genomes for comparative genomics. Given the diversity of reptile life histories and adaptations, achieving these directives will likely greatly benefit all aging biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Hoekstra
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50010, USA
| | - Tonia S Schwartz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA
| | - Amanda M Sparkman
- Department of Biology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, 93108, USA
| | - David A W Miller
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anne M Bronikowski
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50010, USA
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Ajayi OO, Yakubu A, Jayeola OO, Imumorin IG, Takeet MI, Ozoje MO, Ikeobi CON, Peters SO. Multivariate analysis of sexual size dimorphism in local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2011; 44:1089-95. [PMID: 22205223 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-011-0044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism is a key evolutionary feature that can lead to important biological insights. To improve methods of sexing live birds in the field, we assessed sexual size dimorphism in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) using multivariate techniques. Measurements were taken on 125 twenty-week-old birds reared under the intensive management system. The body parameters measured were body weight, body length, breast girth, thigh length, shank length, keel length, wing length and wing span. Univariate analysis revealed that toms (males) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean values than hens (females) in all the measured traits. Positive phenotypic correlations between body weight and body measurements ranged from 0.445 to 0.821 in toms and 0.053-0.660 in hens, respectively. Three principal components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) were extracted in toms, each accounting for 63.70%, 19.42% and 5.72% of the total variance, respectively. However, four principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) were extracted in hens, which explained 54.03%, 15.29%, 11.68% and 6.95%, respectively of the generalised variance. A stepwise discriminant function analysis of the eight morphological traits indicated that body weight, body length, tail length and wing span were the most discriminating variables in separating the sexes. The single discriminant function obtained was able to correctly classify 100% of the birds into their source population. The results obtained from the present study could aid future management decisions, ecological studies and conservation of local turkeys in a developing economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyeyemi O Ajayi
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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English S, Bateman AW, Clutton-Brock TH. Lifetime growth in wild meerkats: incorporating life history and environmental factors into a standard growth model. Oecologia 2011; 169:143-53. [PMID: 22108854 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-011-2192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad English
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Osman LP, Moreno CA, Trites AW. Growth rates and differential investment in male and female Juan Fernández fur seal pups. J Mammal 2010. [DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-a-197.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Age, Body Size, and Sexual Dimorphism in Size and Shape in Salamandrella keyserlingii (Caudata: Hynobiidae). Evol Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-010-9080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gibbens J, Arnould J. Age-specific growth, survival, and population dynamics of female Australian fur seals. CAN J ZOOL 2009. [DOI: 10.1139/z09-080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Postsealing population recovery rates of fur seals and sea lions have differed markedly, perhaps owing to habitat type. Australian fur seals ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus Wood Jones, 1925) employ a benthic foraging mode similar to sea lions, and have exhibited similarly slow population recovery. Nonetheless, the population doubled in recent decades, suggesting a recent change in demographic rates. In the present study, the frequency and size of known-age females (n = 297) were used to create body growth and survivorship models. These were compared with models obtained in the 1970s before the recent population increase. Body growth, which is relatively rapid in comparison to other fur seal species, remains unchanged since the 1970s, suggesting that density-dependent effects are absent despite the population increases. Adult survival rates (weighted mean: 0.885) have increased greatly since the 1970s and are the likely mechanism of the recent increases. Total population abundance was estimated to be 4.5 times that of pups. Australian fur seals display high survivorship, rapid body growth, low fecundity, and low population growth rates; all are characteristics typical of benthic foraging sea lions rather than other fur seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Gibbens
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - J.P.Y. Arnould
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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