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Van Der Wal C, Ahyong ST, Adams MWD, Ewart KM, Ho SYW, Lo N. Genomic analysis reveals strong population structure in the Giant Sydney Crayfish (Euastacus spinifer (Heller, 1865)). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 178:107629. [PMID: 36191898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107629] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Australia is home to over 140 species of freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae), representing a centre of diversity for this group in the Southern Hemisphere. Species delimitation in freshwater crayfish is difficult because many species show significant variation in colouration and morphology. This is particularly evident in the genus Euastacus, which exhibits large variations in colour and spination throughout its putative range. To understand this variation, we investigated the genetic diversity, population structure, phylogeny, and evolutionary timescale of the Giant Sydney Crayfish (Euastacus spinifer (Heller, 1865)). Our data set is sampled from over 70 individuals from across the ∼600 km range of the species, and includes a combination of two mitochondrial markers and more than 7000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the nuclear genome. Data were also obtained for representatives of the close relative, Euastacus vesper McCormack and Ahyong, 2017. Genomic SNP analyses revealed strong population structure, with multiple distinct populations showing little evidence of gene flow or migration. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial data revealed similar structure between populations. Taken together, our analyses suggest that E. spinifer, as currently understood, represents a species complex, of which E. vesper is a member. Molecular clock estimates place the divergences within this group during the Pleistocene. The isolated and highly fragmented populations identified in our analyses probably represent relict populations of a previously widespread ancestral species. Periodic flooding events during the Pleistocene are likely to have facilitated the movement of these otherwise restricted freshwater crayfish within and between drainage basins, including the Murray-Darling and South East Coast Drainages. We present evidence supporting the recognition of populations in the southern parts of the range of E. spinifer as one or two separate species, which would raise the number of species within the E. spinifer complex to at least three. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that many freshwater crayfish exhibit highly fragmented, range-restricted distributions. In combination with the life-history traits of these species, the restricted distributions exacerbate the threats already placed on freshwater crayfish, which are among the five most endangered animal groups globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Van Der Wal
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Shane T Ahyong
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maxim W D Adams
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kyle M Ewart
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Simon Y W Ho
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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2
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Stewart J, Bino G, Hawke T, Kingsford RT. Seasonal and geographic variation in packed cell volume and selected serum chemistry of platypuses. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15932. [PMID: 34354187 PMCID: PMC8342447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95544-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) inhabit the permanent rivers and creeks of eastern Australia, from north Queensland to Tasmania, but are experiencing multiple and synergistic anthropogenic threats. Baseline information of health is vital for effective monitoring of populations but is currently sparse for mainland platypuses. Focusing on seven hematology and serum chemistry metrics as indicators of health and nutrition (packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides), we investigated their variation across the species' range and across seasons. We analyzed 249 unique samples collected from platypuses in three river catchments in New South Wales and Victoria. Health metrics significantly varied across the populations' range, with platypuses from the most northerly catchment, having lower PCV, and concentrations of albumin and triglycerides and higher levels of globulin, potentially reflecting geographic variation or thermal stress. The Snowy River showed significant seasonal patterns which varied between the sexes and coincided with differential reproductive stressors. Male creatinine and triglyceride levels were significantly lower than females, suggesting that reproduction is energetically more taxing on males. Age specific differences were also found, with juvenile PCV and TP levels significantly lower than adults. Additionally, the commonly used body condition index (tail volume index) was only negatively correlated with urea, and triglyceride levels. A meta-analysis of available literature revealed a significant latitudinal relationship with PCV, TP, albumin, and triglycerides but this was confounded by variation in sampling times and restraint methods. We expand understanding of mainland platypuses, providing reference intervals for PCV and six blood chemistry, while highlighting the importance of considering seasonal variation, to guide future assessments of individual and population condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Stewart
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tahneal Hawke
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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3
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Pearson RG, Connolly NM, Davis AM, Brodie JE. Fresh waters and estuaries of the Great Barrier Reef catchment: Effects and management of anthropogenic disturbance on biodiversity, ecology and connectivity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112194. [PMID: 33690082 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112194] [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: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We review the literature on the ecology, connectivity, human impacts and management of freshwater and estuarine systems in the Great Barrier Reef catchment (424,000 km2), on the Australian east coast. The catchment has high biodiversity, with substantial endemicity (e.g., lungfish). Freshwater and estuarine ecosystems are closely linked to the land and are affected by human disturbance, including climate change, flow management, land clearing, habitat damage, weed invasion, and excessive sediments, nutrients and pesticides. They require holistic integrated management of impacts, interactions, and land-sea linkages. This requirement is additional to land management aimed at reducing pollutant delivery to reef waters. Despite advances in research and management over recent decades, there are substantial deficiencies that need addressing, including understanding of physical and biological processes and impacts in ground waters, large rivers and estuaries; ecological effects of pesticides; management and mitigation for invasive species and climate change; and explicit protection of non-marine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Pearson
- TropWater and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Niall M Connolly
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Townsville, Queensland 4814, Australia.
| | - Aaron M Davis
- TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Jon E Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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4
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Martin A, Carver S, Proft K, Fraser TA, Polkinghorne A, Banks S, Burridge CP. Isolation, marine transgression and translocation of the bare-nosed wombat ( Vombatus ursinus). Evol Appl 2019; 12:1114-1123. [PMID: 31293627 PMCID: PMC6597867 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Island populations can represent genetically distinct and evolutionarily important lineages relative to mainland conspecifics. However, phenotypic divergence of island populations does not necessarily reflect genetic divergence, particularly for lineages inhabiting islands periodically connected during Pleistocene low sea stands. Marine barriers may also not be solely responsible for any divergence that is observed. Here, we investigated genetic divergence among and within the three phenotypically distinct subspecies of bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in south-east Australia that are presently-but were not historically-isolated by marine barriers. Using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms, we identified three genetically distinct groups (mainland Australia, Bass Strait island, and Tasmania) corresponding to the recognized subspecies. However, isolation by distance was observed in the Tasmanian population, indicating additional constraints on gene flow can contribute to divergence in the absence of marine barriers, and may also explain genetic structuring among fragmented mainland populations. We additionally confirm origins and quantify the genetic divergence of an island population 46 years after the introduction of 21 individuals from the Vulnerable Bass Strait subspecies. In the light of our findings, we make recommendations for the maintenance of genetic variation and fitness across the species range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alynn Martin
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Kirstin Proft
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Tamieka A. Fraser
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Animal Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsQueenslandAustralia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Animal Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsQueenslandAustralia
| | - Sam Banks
- College of Engineering, IT and EnvironmentCharles Darwin UniversityCasuarinaNorthern TerritoryAustralia
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5
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Mutton TY, Phillips MJ, Fuller SJ, Bryant LM, Baker AM. Systematics, biogeography and ancestral state of the Australian marsupial genus Antechinus (Dasyuromorphia: Dasyuridae). Zool J Linn Soc 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zly062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Y Mutton
- Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew J Phillips
- Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susan J Fuller
- Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Litticia M Bryant
- Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew M Baker
- Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Natural Environments Program, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, Australia
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6
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Bino G, Kingsford RT, Archer M, Connolly JH, Day J, Dias K, Goldney D, Gongora J, Grant T, Griffiths J, Hawke T, Klamt M, Lunney D, Mijangos L, Munks S, Sherwin W, Serena M, Temple-Smith P, Thomas J, Williams G, Whittington C. The platypus: evolutionary history, biology, and an uncertain future. J Mammal 2019; 100:308-327. [PMID: 31043761 PMCID: PMC6479513 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of the world's most evolutionarily distinct mammals, one of five extant species of egg-laying mammals, and the only living species within the family Ornithorhynchidae. Modern platypuses are endemic to eastern mainland Australia, Tasmania, and adjacent King Island, with a small introduced population on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and are widely distributed in permanent river systems from tropical to alpine environments. Accumulating knowledge and technological advancements have provided insights into many aspects of its evolutionary history and biology but have also raised concern about significant knowledge gaps surrounding distribution, population sizes, and trends. The platypus' distribution coincides with many of Australia's major threatening processes, including highly regulated and disrupted rivers, intensive habitat destruction, and fragmentation, and they were extensively hunted for their fur until the early 20th century. Emerging evidence of local population declines and extinctions identifies that ecological thresholds have been crossed in some populations and, if threats are not addressed, the species will continue to decline. In 2016, the IUCN Red Listing for the platypus was elevated to "Near Threatened," but the platypus remains unlisted on threatened species schedules of any Australian state, apart from South Australia, or nationally. In this synthesis, we review the evolutionary history, genetics, biology, and ecology of this extraordinary mammal and highlight prevailing threats. We also outline future research directions and challenges that need to be met to help conserve the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne H Connolly
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.,Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jenna Day
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kimberly Dias
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Goldney
- Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaime Gongora
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tom Grant
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Tahneal Hawke
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Klamt
- Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Lunney
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Office of Environment and Heritage, Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luis Mijangos
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Munks
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia.,Forest Practices Authority, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - William Sherwin
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melody Serena
- Australian Platypus Conservancy, Wiseleigh, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Temple-Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southern Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geoff Williams
- Australian Platypus Conservancy, Wiseleigh, Victoria, Australia
| | - Camilla Whittington
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Martin HC, Batty EM, Hussin J, Westall P, Daish T, Kolomyjec S, Piazza P, Bowden R, Hawkins M, Grant T, Moritz C, Grutzner F, Gongora J, Donnelly P. Insights into Platypus Population Structure and History from Whole-Genome Sequencing. Mol Biol Evol 2018; 35:1238-1252. [PMID: 29688544 PMCID: PMC5913675 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msy041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The platypus is an egg-laying mammal which, alongside the echidna, occupies a unique place in the mammalian phylogenetic tree. Despite widespread interest in its unusual biology, little is known about its population structure or recent evolutionary history. To provide new insights into the dispersal and demographic history of this iconic species, we sequenced the genomes of 57 platypuses from across the whole species range in eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. Using a highly improved reference genome, we called over 6.7 M SNPs, providing an informative genetic data set for population analyses. Our results show very strong population structure in the platypus, with our sampling locations corresponding to discrete groupings between which there is no evidence for recent gene flow. Genome-wide data allowed us to establish that 28 of the 57 sampled individuals had at least a third-degree relative among other samples from the same river, often taken at different times. Taking advantage of a sampled family quartet, we estimated the de novo mutation rate in the platypus at 7.0 × 10-9/bp/generation (95% CI 4.1 × 10-9-1.2 × 10-8/bp/generation). We estimated effective population sizes of ancestral populations and haplotype sharing between current groupings, and found evidence for bottlenecks and long-term population decline in multiple regions, and early divergence between populations in different regions. This study demonstrates the power of whole-genome sequencing for studying natural populations of an evolutionarily important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary C Martin
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M Batty
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Hussin
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Portia Westall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tasman Daish
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephen Kolomyjec
- School of Biological Sciences, Lake Superior State University, Sault Sainte Marie, MI
| | - Paolo Piazza
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rory Bowden
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tom Grant
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Craig Moritz
- Research School of Biology and Centre for Biodiversity Analysis, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Frank Grutzner
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jaime Gongora
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Donnelly
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Campbell CD, Sarre SD, Stojanovic D, Gruber B, Medlock K, Harris S, MacDonald AJ, Holleley CE. When is a native species invasive? Incursion of a novel predatory marsupial detected using molecular and historical data. DIVERS DISTRIB 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen D. Sarre
- Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Bruce ACT Australia
| | - Dejan Stojanovic
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; Australian National University; Acton ACT Australia
| | - Bernd Gruber
- Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Bruce ACT Australia
| | | | - Stephen Harris
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Anna J. MacDonald
- Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Bruce ACT Australia
| | - Clare E. Holleley
- Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Bruce ACT Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection; National Research Collections Australia; CSIRO; Canberra ACT Australia
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9
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Abstract
In 1803, the French anatomist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire decided that the newly described echidna and platypus should be placed in a separate order, the monotremes, intermediate between reptiles and mammals. The first physiological observations showed monotremes had low body temperatures and metabolic rates, and the consensus was that they were at a stage of physiological development intermediate between "higher mammals" and "lower vertebrates." Subsequent studies demonstrated that platypuses and echidnas are capable of close thermoregulation in the cold although less so under hot conditions. Because the short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus, may show very large daily variations in body temperature, as well as seasonal hibernation, it has been suggested that it may provide a useful model of protoendotherm physiology. Such analysis is complicated by the very significant differences in thermal relations between echidnas from different climates. In all areas female echidnas regulate Tb within 1°C during egg incubation. The lactation period is considered to be the most energetically expensive time for most female mammals but lactating echidnas showed no measurable difference in field metabolic rate from non-lactating females, while the lactation period is more than 200 days for Kangaroo Island echidnas but only 150 days in Tasmania. In areas with mild winters echidnas show reduced activity and shallow torpor in autumn and early winter, but in areas with cold winters echidnas enter true hibernation with Tb falling as low as 4.5°C. Monotremes do not possess brown adipose tissue and maximum rates of rewarming from hibernation in echidnas were only half those of marmots of the same mass. Although echidnas show very large seasonal variations in fat stores associated with hibernation there is no relationship between plasma leptin and adiposity. Leptin levels are lowest during post-reproductive fattening, supporting suggestions that in evolutionary terms the anorectic effects of leptin preceded the adiposity signal. BMR of platypuses is twice that of echidnas although maximum metabolism is similar. High levels of thyroid hormones in platypuses may be driving metabolism limited by low body temperature. Monotremes show a mosaic of plesiomorphic and derived features but can still inform our understanding of the evolution of endothermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart C. Nicol
- Biological Sciences, University of TasmaniaHobart, TAS, Australia
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10
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Asahara M, Koizumi M, Macrini TE, Hand SJ, Archer M. Comparative cranial morphology in living and extinct platypuses: Feeding behavior, electroreception, and loss of teeth. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1601329. [PMID: 27757425 PMCID: PMC5061491 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The modern platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, has an eye structure similar to aquatic mammals; however, platypuses also have a "sixth sense" associated with the bill electro- and mechanoreception that they use without opening their eyes underwater. We hypothesize that Ornithorhynchus and the Miocene taxon Obdurodon have different sensory capacities, which may have resulted from differences in foraging behavior. To estimate differences in foraging, sensory systems, and anatomical divergence between these monotremes, we compared their skull morphologies. Results indicate that the bill of Obdurodon is more dorsally deflected than that of Ornithorhynchus, suggesting a pelagic foraging behavior in Obdurodon compared to the bottom-feeding behavior in Ornithorhynchus. The infraorbital foramen of Obdurodon, through which the maxillary nerve passes sensory data from the bill to the brain, is relatively less developed than that of Ornithorhynchus. Whereas bill-focused sensory perception was likely shared among Mesozoic monotremes, the highly developed electrosensory system of Ornithorhynchus may represent an adaptation to foraging in cloudy water. Computed tomography imagery indicates that the enlarged infraorbital canal of Ornithorhynchus restricts the space available for maxillary tooth roots. Hence, loss of functional teeth in Ornithorhynchus may possibly have resulted from a shift in foraging behavior and coordinate elaboration of the electroreceptive sensory system. Well-developed electroreceptivity in monotremes is known at least as far back as the early Cretaceous; however, there are differences in the extent of elaboration of the feature among members of the ornithorhynchid lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Asahara
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mie University, Kurima-machiya-cho 1577, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Koizumi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, 2-9-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
| | - Thomas E. Macrini
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. Mary’s University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228, USA
| | - Suzanne J. Hand
- Palaeontology, Geobiology and Earth Archives Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- Palaeontology, Geobiology and Earth Archives Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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11
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Bino G, Grant TR, Kingsford RT. Life history and dynamics of a platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) population: four decades of mark-recapture surveys. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16073. [PMID: 26536832 PMCID: PMC4633588 DOI: 10.1038/srep16073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the life-history and population dynamics of Australia's iconic and evolutionarily distinct platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) remains poor. We marked-recaptured 812 unique platypuses (total 1,622 captures), over four decades (1973-2014) in the Shoalhaven River, Australia. Strong sex-age differences were observed in life-history, including morphology and longevity. Apparent survival of adult females (Φ = 0.76) were higher than adult males (Φ = 0.57), as in juveniles: females Φ = 0.27, males Φ = 0.13. Females were highly likely to remain in the same pool (adult: P = 0.85, juvenile: P = 0.88), while residency rates were lower for males (adult: P = 0.74, juvenile: P = 0.46). We combined survival, movement and life-histories to develop population viability models and test the impact of a range of life-history parameters. While using estimated apparent survival produced unviable populations (mean population growth rate r = -0.23, extinction within 20 years), considering residency rates to adjust survival estimates, indicated more stable populations (r = 0.004, p = 0.04 of 100-year extinction). Further sensitivity analyses highlighted adult female survival and overall success of dispersal as most affecting viability. Findings provide robust life-history and viability estimates for a difficult study species. These could support developing large-scale population dynamics models required to underpin a much needed national risk assessment for the platypus, already declining in parts of its current distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052 NSW, Australia
| | - Tom R. Grant
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052 NSW, Australia
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052 NSW, Australia
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12
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Krosch MN, Cranston PS, Baker AM, Vink S. Molecular data extend AustralianCricotopusmidge (Chironomidae) species diversity, and provide a phylogenetic hypothesis for biogeography and freshwater monitoring. Zool J Linn Soc 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matt N. Krosch
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry; Sustainable Minerals Institute; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences; Queensland University of Technology; Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Peter S. Cranston
- Department of Entomology; University of California; Davis CA 95616-8584 USA
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology; Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Andrew M. Baker
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences; Queensland University of Technology; Brisbane QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Sue Vink
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry; Sustainable Minerals Institute; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
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Todd EV, Blair D, Jerry DR. Influence of drainage divides versus arid corridors on genetic structure and demography of a widespread freshwater turtle, Emydura macquarii krefftii, from Australia. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:606-22. [PMID: 25035802 PMCID: PMC4098141 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of Pleistocene climatic cycles on Southern Hemisphere biotas is not yet well understood. Australia's eastern coastal margin provides an ideal setting for examining the relative influence of landscape development, sea level fluctuation, and cyclic climatic aridity on the evolution of freshwater biodiversity. We examined the impact of climatic oscillations and physical biogeographic barriers on the evolutionary history of the wide-ranging Krefft's river turtle (Emydura macquarii krefftii), using range-wide sampling (649 individuals representing 18 locations across 11 drainages) and analysis of mitochondrial sequences (∼1.3-kb control region and ND4) and nuclear microsatellites (12 polymorphic loci). A range of phylogeographic (haplotype networks, molecular dating), demographic (neutrality tests, mismatch distributions), and population genetic analyses (pairwise F ST, analysis of molecular variance, Bayesian clustering analysis) were implemented to differentiate between competing demographic (local persistence vs. range expansion) and biogeographic (arid corridor vs. drainage divide) scenarios. Genetic data reveal population genetic structure in Krefft's river turtles primarily reflects isolation across drainage divides. Striking north-south regional divergence (2.2% ND4 p-distance; c. 4.73 Ma, 95% higher posterior density (HPD) 2.08-8.16 Ma) was consistent with long-term isolation across a major drainage divide, not an adjacent arid corridor. Ancient divergence among regional lineages implies persistence of northern Krefft's populations despite the recurrent phases of severe local aridity, but with very low contemporary genetic diversity. Stable demography and high levels of genetic diversity are inferred for southern populations, where aridity was less extreme. Range-wide genetic structure in Krefft's river turtles reflects contemporary and historical drainage architecture, although regional differences in the extent of Plio-Pleistocene climatic aridity may be reflected in current levels of genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica V Todd
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia ; Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia ; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - David Blair
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Dean R Jerry
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia ; Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia ; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
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14
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Burridge CP, Brown WE, Wadley J, Nankervis DL, Olivier L, Gardner MG, Hull C, Barbour R, Austin JJ. Did postglacial sea-level changes initiate the evolutionary divergence of a Tasmanian endemic raptor from its mainland relative? Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20132448. [PMID: 24174114 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations on continental islands are often distinguishable from mainland conspecifics with respect to body size, appearance, behaviour or life history, and this is often congruent with genetic patterns. It is commonly assumed that such differences developed following the complete isolation of populations by sea-level rise following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, population divergence may predate the LGM, or marine dispersal and colonization of islands may have occurred more recently; in both cases, populations may have also diverged despite ongoing gene flow. Here, we test these alternative hypotheses for the divergence between wedge-tailed eagles from mainland Australia (Aquila audax audax) and the threatened Tasmanian subspecies (Aquila audax fleayi), based on variation at 20 microsatellite loci and mtDNA. Coalescent analyses indicate that population divergence appreciably postdates the severance of terrestrial habitat continuity and occurred without any subsequent gene flow. We infer a recent colonization of Tasmania by marine dispersal and cannot discount founder effects as the cause of differences in body size and life history. We call into question the general assumption of post-LGM marine transgression as the initiator of divergence of terrestrial lineages on continental islands and adjacent mainland, and highlight the range of alternative scenarios that should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Burridge
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, , Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia, Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Water and Environment, , Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, , North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia, School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, , GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia, Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, , North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia, Hydro Tasmania, , GPO Box 355, Hobart 7001, Australia, Sciences Department, Museum Victoria, , Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
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Dispersal patterns and population structuring among platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, throughout south-eastern Australia. CONSERV GENET 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-013-0478-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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16
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Kolomyjec SH, Grant TR, Johnson CN, Blair D. Regional population structuring and conservation units in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). AUST J ZOOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1071/zo13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has a wide distribution in Australia, encompassing the southern island of Tasmania and a broad latitudinal range of the mainland from the temperate south to the tropical north. We used 12 microsatellite markers from 235 individuals sampled from 13 river systems to examine patterns of genetic differentiation and gene flow throughout the species’ range. Using a Bayesian approach we identified three large-scale groupings that correspond closely to geographically distinct regions of the species’ distribution: the tropical northern mainland, the subtropical and temperate southern mainland, and Tasmania. Six additional clusters were found within the regional groups, three in the northern, two in the southern mainland regions, and the last in Tasmania. These clusters coincided with major river drainages. Genetic differentiation was generally high, with pairwise Fst values ranging from 0.065 to 0.368 for regions and 0.037 to 0.479 for clusters. We found no evidence of contemporary gene flow among the three clusters in the north, but some migration may occur between the larger clusters in the south. Due to the high genetic structuring and lack of gene flow between these three regional populations of the platypus we recommend their treatment as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) within the platypus species. We have also detailed several smaller management units (MUs) existing within our study area based on subregional clusters and geographically significant features.
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Furlan E, Griffiths J, Gust N, Armistead R, Mitrovski P, Handasyde KA, Serena M, Hoffmann AA, Weeks AR. Is body size variation in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) associated with environmental variables? AUST J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/zo11056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The body size of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is known to vary across both its latitudinal range and relatively short geographic distances. Here we consider how variation in platypus length and weight associates with environmental variables throughout the species’ range. Based on data from over 800 individuals, a Bergmann’s cline (increased body size in regions of lower temperature) was detected across the species latitudinal range. The opposite association, however, was present at smaller scales when comparing platypus body size and temperature within southern mainland Australia, or within an individual river basin. Temperature regimes alone clearly did not dictate body size in platypuses, although disentangling the effects of different climatic variables on body size variation was difficult because of correlations amongst variables. Nevertheless, within suitable platypus habitat in south-eastern Australia, areas of relatively lower rainfall and higher temperatures were typically associated with larger-bodied platypuses. The potential benefits to larger-bodied animals living under these conditions are explored, including consideration of variation in energy expenditure and food availability. Assuming these associations with environmental variables are biologically significant, a shift in platypus body size is anticipated in the future with predicted changes in climate.
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