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Jiang Y, Zhao L, Luan X, Liao W. Testis Size Variation and Its Environmental Correlates in Andrew's Toad ( Bufo andrewsi). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3011. [PMID: 36359135 PMCID: PMC9657756 DOI: 10.3390/ani12213011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive investments influenced by environmental conditions vary extensively among geographically distinct populations. However, investigations of patterns of intraspecific variation in male reproductive investments and the mechanisms shaping this variation in anurans remain scarce. Here, we focused on the variation in testis size in 14 populations of the Andrew's toad Bufo andrewsi, a species with weak dispersal ability but wide distribution in southwestern China, to establish whether male reproductive investment varies on an environmental gradient. Our analysis revealed a significant variation in relative testis size across populations, and a positive correlation between testis size and body condition. We, however, found no geographic trends explaining the variability in the testis size. The relative testis size did not increase with increasing latitude or altitude. We also found no relationship between relative testis size and rainfall, but a negative correlation with the coefficient of variation of temperature, with larger testes under stable environments. These findings suggest that the decreased male reproductive investment of this species may be a consequence of harsher or fluctuating environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jiang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Xiaofeng Luan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
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Liu M, Liu Y, Wang H, Jia J, Liu K. Color Discrimination Provides Insight into the Relationship between Personality Cognition and Brain Morphology in the Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:274-283. [PMID: 35189620 DOI: 10.1159/000522483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies on the differences in cognitive ability between individuals focused on two aspects: one is whether the individual differences in cognitive ability are related to brain size, the other is whether they pertain to certain personality traits. To explore these two hypotheses, we tested the personality traits, cognitive abilities, and brain volumes of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). First, a color preference test was conducted to select two unbiased colors for G. affinis for subsequent cognitive tests. The results showed that G. affinis had a great preference for red and green to yellow and blue; therefore, the red-green combination was selected for the study of cognitive abilities. Then, we explored the relationship among cognition, personality, and brain morphology through cognitive abilities tests, personality traits, and brain volume measurements. We found that there was a trade-off among cognition, personality, and brain morphology. For example, more active individuals found food faster, but had also poor memory; Those individuals with larger corpus cerebelli were bolder while they were less likely to find food; The individuals that found food faster were more active and had a smaller inferior lobe. The color preference test provides a reliable way for selecting unbiased colors for behavioral studies in G. affinis. Meanwhile, our study indicates that there exists a balance mechanism among cognition, personality, and brain morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China,
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - He Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jia Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources and Eco-Environment, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
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Yao Z, Qi Y, Yue B, Fu J. Brain size variation along altitudinal gradients in the Asiatic Toad ( Bufo gargarizans). Ecol Evol 2021; 11:3015-3027. [PMID: 33841763 PMCID: PMC8019028 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Size changes in brain and brain regions along altitudinal gradients provide insight into the trade-off between energetic expenditure and cognitive capacity. We investigated the brain size variations of the Asiatic Toad (Bufo gargarizans) across altitudes from 700 m to 3,200 m. A total of 325 individuals from 11 sites and two transects were sampled. To reduce confounding factors, all sampling sites within each transect were within a maximum distance of 85 km and an altitudinal difference close to 2,000 m. Brains were dissected, and five regions were both measured directly and with 3D CT scan. There is a significant negative correlation between the relative whole-brain volume (to snout-vent length) and altitude. Furthermore, the relative volumes (to whole-brain volume) of optic tectum and cerebellum also decrease along the altitudinal gradients, while the telencephalon increases its relative volume along the gradients. Therefore, our results are mostly consistent with the expensive brain hypothesis and the functional constraint hypothesis. We suggest that most current hypotheses are not mutually exclusive and data supporting one hypothesis are often partially consistent with others. More studies on mechanisms are needed to explain the brain size evolution in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Yao
- Chengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesChengduChina
- College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yin Qi
- Chengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesChengduChina
| | - Bisong Yue
- College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jinzhong Fu
- Chengdu Institute of BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesChengduChina
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
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Tang T, Luo Y, Huang CH, Liao WB, Huang WC. Variation in somatic condition and testis mass in Feirana quadranus along an altitudinal gradient. ANIM BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The competition for fertilization among sperm from different males can drive variation in male reproductive investments. However, the mechanisms shaping reproductive allocation and the resulting variations in reproductive investment relative to environmental variables such as resource availability and male-male competition remain poorly known in frogs. Here, we investigated inter-population variation in male somatic condition and testis mass across four populations of the swelled vent frog Feirana quadranus along an altitudinal gradient. We found that relative testis mass did not increase with altitude, which was inconsistent with previous predictions that an increase in latitude and/or altitude should result in decreased sperm production in anurans due to shortened breeding seasons and the decline in resource availability. We also found no increase in somatic condition and male/female operational sex ratio with altitude. However, the somatic condition exhibited a positive correlation with testis mass, which indicated the condition-dependent testis size in F. quadranus. Moreover, an increase of testis mass with increasing male/female operational sex ratio suggest that male-male competition can result in an increased intensity of sperm competition, thereby increasing testis mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tang
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Luo
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Hua Huang
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Bo Liao
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
- 2Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Chao Huang
- 3Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
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Liu Q, Feng H, Jin L, Mi ZP, Zhou ZM, Bo Liao W. Latitudinal variation in body size in Fejervarya limnocharis supports the inverse of Bergmann’s rule. ANIM BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Bergmann’s rule states that within a species of endotherms smaller individuals are found in warmer conditions, which is consistent for nearly all endotherms, while in ectotherms body size patterns are less consistent. As ectothermic vertebrates, the morphology of amphibians is likely impacted by climatic conditions. Here, we examined latitudinal variation in body size in the ranid frog, Fejervarya limnocharis, based on literature and our own data on mean body size of 3637 individuals from 50 populations and average age of 2873 individuals from 40 populations in China. The results showed that body size was positively correlated with environmental temperature, but not with precipitation. Body size was negatively correlated with latitude among populations in this species, which supported the inverse of Bergmann’s rule. Our findings suggest that a larger body size in low-latitude populations is associated with a longer growing season related to the higher environmental temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Liu
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
- 2Institute of Eco-Adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Feng
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
- 2Institute of Eco-Adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Long Jin
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
- 2Institute of Eco-Adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Ping Mi
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
- 2Institute of Eco-Adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhao Min Zhou
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
- 2Institute of Eco-Adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Bo Liao
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
- 2Institute of Eco-Adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
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Zhao CL, Jin L, Zhong MJ, Xie F, Jiang JP, Li DY, Liao WB. Cerebellum size is positively correlated with geographic distribution range in anurans. ANIM BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The ‘cognitive buffer’ hypothesis predicts that the costs of relatively large brains are compensated for later in life by the increased benefits of large brains providing a higher chance of survival under changing environments through flexible behaviors in the animal kingdom. Thus, animals that live in a larger range (with a higher probability of environmental variation) are expected to have larger brains than those that live in a restricted geographic range. Here, to test the prediction of the ‘cognitive buffer’ hypothesis that larger brains should be expected to occur in species living in geographic ranges of larger size, we analyzed the relationship between the size of the geographic range and brain size and the size of various brain regions among 42 species of anurans using phylogenetic comparative methods. The results show that there is no correlation between relative brain size and size of the species’ geographic range when correcting for phylogenetic effects and body size. Our findings suggest that the effects of the cognitive buffer and the energetic constraints on brains result in non-significant variation in overall brain size. However, the geographic range is positively correlated with cerebellum size, but not with optic tecta, suggesting that species distributed in a wider geographic range do not exhibit larger optic tecta which would provide behavioral flexibility to allow for an early escape from potential predators and discovery of new food resources in unpredictable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Lin Zhao
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Long Jin
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Mao Jun Zhong
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Xie
- 2Chengdu Institute Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Ping Jiang
- 2Chengdu Institute Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Da Yong Li
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
- 3Institute of Rare Animals and Plants, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Bo Liao
- 1Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
- 3Institute of Rare Animals and Plants, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan, China
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Yang SN, Feng H, Jin L, Zhou ZM, Liao WB. No evidence for the expensive-tissue hypothesis in Fejervarya limnocharis. ANIM BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Because the brain is one of the energetically most expensive organs of animals, trade-offs have been hypothesized to exert constraints on brain size evolution. The expensive-tissue hypothesis predicts that the cost of a large brain should be compensated by decreasing size of other metabolically costly tissues, such as the gut. Here, we analyzed the relationships between relative brain size and the size of other metabolically costly tissues (i.e., gut, heart, lung, kidney, liver, spleen or limb muscles) among four Fejervarya limnocharis populations to test the predictions of the expensive-tissue hypothesis. We did not find that relative brain size was negatively correlated with relative gut length after controlling for body size, which was inconsistent with the prediction of the expensive-tissue hypothesis. We also did not find negative correlations between relative brain mass and relative size of the other energetically expensive organs. Our findings suggest that the cost of large brains in F. limnocharis cannot be compensated by decreasing size in other metabolically costly tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Nan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Long Jin
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhao Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Bo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
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