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Molcan L, Babarikova K, Cvikova D, Kincelova N, Kubincova L, Mauer Sutovska H. Artificial light at night suppresses the day-night cardiovascular variability: evidence from humans and rats. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:295-306. [PMID: 38177874 PMCID: PMC10847188 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects most of the population. Through the retinohypothalamic tract, ALAN modulates the activity of the central circadian oscillator and, consequently, various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular one. We summarised the current knowledge about the effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system in diurnal and nocturnal animals. Based on published data, ALAN reduces the day-night variability of the blood pressure and heart rate in diurnal and nocturnal animals by increasing the nocturnal values of cardiovascular variables in diurnal animals and decreasing them in nocturnal animals. The effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system are mainly transmitted through the autonomic nervous system. ALAN is also considered a stress-inducing factor, as glucocorticoid and glucose level changes indicate. Moreover, in nocturnal rats, ALAN increases the pressure response to load. In addition, ALAN induces molecular changes in the heart and blood vessels. Changes in the cardiovascular system significantly depend on the duration of ALAN exposure. To some extent, alterations in physical activity can explain the changes observed in the cardiovascular system after ALAN exposure. Although ALAN acts differently on nocturnal and diurnal animals, we can conclude that both exhibit a weakened circadian coordination among physiological systems, which increases the risk of future cardiovascular complications and reduces the ability to anticipate stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubos Molcan
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Babarikova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Diana Cvikova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Natalia Kincelova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Kubincova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hana Mauer Sutovska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovicova 6, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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2
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Feng WW, Chen HC, Audira G, Suryanto ME, Saputra F, Kurnia KA, Vasquez RD, Casuga FP, Lai YH, Hsiao CD, Hung CH. Evaluation of Tacrolimus' Adverse Effects on Zebrafish in Larval and Adult Stages by Using Multiple Physiological and Behavioral Endpoints. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:112. [PMID: 38392330 PMCID: PMC10886482 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Tacrolimus (FK506) is a common immunosuppressant that is used in organ transplantation. However, despite its importance in medical applications, it is prone to adverse side effects. While some studies have demonstrated its toxicities to humans and various animal models, very few studies have addressed this issue in aquatic organisms, especially zebrafish. Here, we assessed the adverse effects of acute and chronic exposure to tacrolimus in relatively low doses in zebrafish in both larval and adult stages, respectively. Based on the results, although tacrolimus did not cause any cardiotoxicity and respiratory toxicity toward zebrafish larvae, it affected their locomotor activity performance in light-dark locomotion tests. Meanwhile, tacrolimus was also found to slightly affect the behavior performance, shoaling formation, circadian rhythm locomotor activity, and color preference of adult zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, alterations in the cognitive performance of the fish were also displayed by the treated fish, indicated by a loss of short-term memory. To help elucidate the toxicity mechanism of tacrolimus, molecular docking was conducted to calculate the strength of the binding interaction between tacrolimus to human FKBP12. The results showed a relatively normal binding affinity, indicating that this interaction might only partly contribute to the observed alterations. Nevertheless, the current research could help clinicians and researchers to further understand the toxicology of tacrolimus, especially to zebrafish, thus highlighting the importance of considering the toxicity of tacrolimus prior to its usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wei Feng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Dr. Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chao Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, E-Da Cancer Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
- Dr. Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Gilbert Audira
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Michael Edbert Suryanto
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ferry Saputra
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Adi Kurnia
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ross D Vasquez
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
- The Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Franelyne P Casuga
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
- The Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Research Center for Aquatic Toxicology and Pharmacology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Hung
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
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Hölker F, Jechow A, Schroer S, Tockner K, Gessner MO. Light pollution of freshwater ecosystems: principles, ecological impacts and remedies. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220360. [PMID: 37899012 PMCID: PMC10613548 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Light pollution caused by artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognized as a major driver of global environmental change. Since emissions are rapidly growing in an urbanizing world and half of the human population lives close to a freshwater shoreline, rivers and lakes are ever more exposed to light pollution worldwide. However, although light conditions are critical to aquatic species, and freshwaters are biodiversity hotspots and vital to human well-being, only a small fraction of studies conducted on ALAN focus on these ecosystems. The effects of light pollution on freshwaters are broad and concern all levels of biodiversity. Experiments have demonstrated diverse behavioural and physiological responses of species, even at low light levels. Prominent examples are skyglow effects on diel vertical migration of zooplankton and the suppression of melatonin production in fish. However, responses vary widely among taxa, suggesting consequences for species distribution patterns, potential to create novel communities across ecosystem boundaries, and cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. Understanding, predicting and alleviating the ecological impacts of light pollution on freshwaters requires a solid consideration of the physical properties of light propagating in water and a multitude of biological responses. This knowledge is urgently needed to develop innovative lighting concepts, mitigation strategies and specifically targeted measures. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Hölker
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 12587 Berlin and 16775 Stechlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Jechow
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 12587 Berlin and 16775 Stechlin, Germany
| | - Sibylle Schroer
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 12587 Berlin and 16775 Stechlin, Germany
| | - Klement Tockner
- Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, 60325 Frankfurt Germany
- Department of BioSciences, Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mark O. Gessner
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 12587 Berlin and 16775 Stechlin, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Berlin Institute of Technology, 10587 Berlin, Germany
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Poulin R. Light pollution may alter host-parasite interactions in aquatic ecosystems. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:1050-1059. [PMID: 37722935 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.08.013] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
With growing human populations living along freshwater shores and marine coastlines, aquatic ecosystems are experiencing rising levels of light pollution. Through its effects on hosts and parasites, anthropogenic light at night can disrupt host-parasite interactions evolved under a normal photoperiod. Yet its impact on aquatic parasites has been ignored to date. Here, I discuss the direct effects of light on the physiology and behaviour of parasite infective stages and their hosts. I argue that night-time lights can change the spatiotemporal dynamics of infection risk and drive the rapid evolution of parasites. I then highlight knowledge gaps and how impacts on parasitic diseases should be incorporated into the design of measures aimed at mitigating the impact of anthropogenic light on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Horn K, Shidemantle G, Velasquez I, Ronan E, Blackwood J, Reinke BA, Hua J. Evaluating the interactive effects of artificial light at night and background color on tadpole crypsis, background adaptation efficacy, and growth. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122056. [PMID: 37343910 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122056] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a global pollutant of rising concern. While alterations to natural day-night cycles caused by ALAN can affect a variety of traits, the broader fitness and ecological implications of these ALAN-induced shifts remain unclear. This study evaluated the interactive effects of ALAN and background color on traits that have important implications for predator-prey interactions and fitness: crypsis, background adaptation efficacy, and growth. Using three amphibian species as our models, we discovered that: (1) Exposure to ALAN reduced the ability for some species to match their backgrounds (background adaptation efficacy), (2) Crypsis and background adaptation efficacy were enhanced when tadpoles were exposed to dark backgrounds only, emphasizing the importance of environmental context when evaluating the effects of ALAN, (3) ALAN and background color have a combined effect on a common metric of fitness (growth), and (4) Effects of ALAN were not generalizable across amphibian species, supporting calls for more studies that utilize a diversity of species. Notably, to our knowledge, we found the first evidence that ALAN can diminish background adaptation efficacy in an amphibian species (American toad tadpoles). Collectively, our study joins others in highlighting the complex effects of ALAN on wildlife and underscores the challenges of generalizing ALAN's effect across species, emphasizing the need for a greater diversity of species and approaches used in ALAN research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Horn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Grascen Shidemantle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Isabela Velasquez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA; Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Emily Ronan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Jurnee Blackwood
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Beth A Reinke
- Department of Biology, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
| | - Jessica Hua
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY 13902, USA; Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Christoforou E, Dominoni D, Lindström J, Diamantopoulou C, Czyzewski J, Mirzai N, Spatharis S. The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the gaping activity and feeding of mussels. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115105. [PMID: 37290299 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is a common environmental pollutant which affects >22 % of the world's coastlines. However, the impact of ALAN wavelengths on coastal organisms is under-investigated. Here, we tested the impact of red, green, and white ALAN on the gaping activity and phytoplankton consumption of Mytilus edulis mussels and compared these to dark night. Mussels exhibited a semi-diel activity pattern. Although ALAN did not significantly affect the time open nor the phytoplankton consumption, it did have a colour-specific effect on the gaping frequency with red and white ALAN resulting in lower activity compared to the dark night. Green ALAN caused higher gaping frequency and a negative relationship between consumption and proportion of time open compared to the other treatments. Our findings suggest colour-specific ALAN effects on mussels and call for further investigation on the associated physiological mechanisms and potential ecological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Christoforou
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK; Cyprus University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Davide Dominoni
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Jan Lindström
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Christina Diamantopoulou
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK; University of Amsterdam, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jakub Czyzewski
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, BioElectronics Unit, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Nosrat Mirzai
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, BioElectronics Unit, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Sofie Spatharis
- University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
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Tan H, Martin JM, Alton LA, Lesku JA, Wong BBM. Widespread psychoactive pollutant augments daytime restfulness and disrupts diurnal activity rhythms in fish. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 326:138446. [PMID: 36940830 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical pollution is a major driver of global change, with the capacity to alter key behavioural and physiological traits in exposed animals. Antidepressants are among the most commonly detected pharmaceuticals in the environment. Despite well-documented pharmacological effects of antidepressants on sleep in humans and other vertebrates, very little is known about their ecologically relevant impacts as pollutants on non-target wildlife. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of acute 3-day exposure of eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) to field-realistic levels (nominal concentrations: 30 and 300 ng/L) of the widespread psychoactive pollutant, fluoxetine, on diurnal activity patterns and restfulness, as indicators of disruptions to sleep. We show that exposure to fluoxetine disrupted diel activity patterns, which was driven by augmentation of daytime inactivity. Specifically, unexposed control fish were markedly diurnal, swimming farther during the day and exhibiting longer periods and more bouts of inactivity at night. However, in fluoxetine-exposed fish, this natural diel rhythm was eroded, with no differences in activity or restfulness observed between the day and night. As a misalignment in the circadian rhythm has been shown to adversely affect fecundity and lifespan in animals, our findings reveal a potentially serious threat to the survival and reproductive success of pollutant-exposed wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lesley A Alton
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John A Lesku
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Research Centre for Future Landscapes, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Bonfoey AM, Chen J, Stahlschmidt ZR. Stress tolerance is influenced by artificial light at night during development and life-history strategy. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:286276. [PMID: 36606751 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly prevalent worldwide, but life-history strategy may mitigate the costs of ALAN for animals. Yet, interactions among ALAN, life-history strategy and tolerance to climate-related stressors are unknown. We determined if developmental ALAN exposure (1) affects development, (2) affects adult phenotype, including heat and desiccation tolerance, and (3) affects and/or interacts with life-history strategy. We used the variable field cricket (Gryllus lineaticeps) because its geographic range is increasingly exposed to ALAN, heat, and drought conditions, and it exhibits different life-history strategies (flight-capability versus flight-incapability). ALAN affected adult phenotype, with positive effects on body mass (and size) and female reproductive investment, and a negative effect on heat tolerance. Life-history strategy also affected stress tolerance; flight-incapable females had greater heat tolerance and their desiccation tolerance was improved by ALAN exposure. Key features of environmental change (i.e. exposure to ALAN, heat and drought) may favor some life-history strategies over others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Bonfoey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA, 95211, USA
| | - Jessica Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA, 95211, USA
| | - Zachary R Stahlschmidt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA, 95211, USA
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Sato A, Takahashi Y. Responses in thermal tolerance and daily activity rhythm to urban stress in Drosophila suzukii. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9616. [PMCID: PMC9744627 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9616] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cities experience changes in abiotic factors, such as warming, increases in noise and light. These changes can lead to phenotypic changes. Several studies have revealed that altered environments change phenotypes in plants and animals in cities. However, limited studies have isolated evolutionary from nongenetic changes. Here, we analyzed the evolution of thermal tolerance and diurnal activity patterns in the urban population of the fruit pest, Drosophila suzukii. Urban and rural isofemale lines were reared under constant conditions. We compared the lower and upper thermal limits (CTmin and CTmax, respectively), and effects of temperature exposure on the thermal limits of urban and rural populations. Common garden experiments showed that urban populations exhibit a lower CTmin than rural populations, suggesting genetic difference in CTmin among populations. On the other hand, the difference in CTmax between urban and rural populations was not significant. Exposure to cold temperature did not affect CTmin in both urban and rural populations. In contrast, exposure to hot temperature increased CTmax especially in urban population, suggesting that urban populations evolved in response to urban heat. We also investigated the daily activity patterns of urban and rural populations and the effect of lifelong artificial light at night on daily activity. We found that night‐time light (dim light) reduced the total amount of activity compared to dark night condition. In addition, dim light at night altered the daily rhythm of activity and increased the activity rate at night. The effect of night light on total activity was less in urban than that in rural populations, suggesting that populations in cities evolved to mitigate decreased activity under night light. Our results showed that environmental temperature and artificial light at night evolutionarily and plastically influence ecologically important traits, such as temperature tolerance and diurnal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayame Sato
- Graduate School of Science and EngineeringChiba UniversityChibaJapan
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Zielinska-Dabkowska KM, Szlachetko K, Bobkowska K. An Impact Analysis of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on Bats. A Case Study of the Historic Monument and Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdansk, Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11327. [PMID: 34769843 PMCID: PMC8582723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The artificial light at night (ALAN) present in many cities and towns has a negative impact on numerous organisms that live alongside humans, including bats. Therefore, we investigated if the artificial illumination of the historic Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdańsk, Poland (part of the Natura 2000 network), during nighttime events, which included an outdoor electronic dance music (EDM) festival, might be responsible for increased light pollution and the decline in recent years of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme). An assessment of light pollution levels was made using the methods of geographical information system (GIS) and free-of-charge satellite remote sensing (SRS) technology. Moreover, this paper reviewed the most important approaches for environmental protection of bats in the context of ecological light pollution, including International, European, and Polish regulatory frameworks. The analysis of this interdisciplinary study confirmed the complexity of the problem and highlighted, too, the need for better control of artificial illumination in such sensitive areas. It also revealed that SRS was not the best light pollution assessment method for this particular case study due to several reasons listed in this paper. As a result, the authors' proposal for improvements also involved practical recommendations for devising suitable strategies for lighting research and practice in the Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress site located adjacent to urban areas to reduce the potential negative impact of ALAN on bats and their natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Bobkowska
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland;
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