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McCaffrey KR, Balaguera-Reina SA, Falk BG, Gati EV, Cole JM, Mazzotti FJ. How to estimate body condition in large lizards? Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae, Duméril and Bibron, 1839) as a case study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282093. [PMID: 36827271 PMCID: PMC9955610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Body condition is a measure of the health and fitness of an organism represented by available energy stores, typically fat. Direct measurements of fat are difficult to obtain non-invasively, thus body condition is usually estimated by calculating body condition indices (BCIs) using mass and length. The utility of BCIs is contingent on the relationship of BCIs and fat, thereby validation studies should be performed to select the best performing BCI before application in ecological investigations. We evaluated 11 BCIs in 883 Argentine black and white tegus (Salvator merianae) removed from their non-native range in South Florida, United States. Because the length-mass relationship in tegus is allometric, a segmented linear regression model was fit to the relationship between mass and length to define size classes. We evaluated percent, residual, and scaled fat and determined percent fat was the best measure of fat, because it was the least-associated with snout-vent length (SVL). We evaluated performance of BCIs with the full dataset and within size classes and identified Fulton's K as the best performing BCI for our sampled population, explaining up to 19% of the variation in fat content. Overall, we found that BCIs: 1) maintained relatively weak relationships with measures of fat and 2) splitting data into size classes reduced the strength of the relationship (i.e., bias) between percent fat and SVL but did not improve the performance of BCIs. We postulate that the weak performance of BCIs in our dataset was likely due to the weak association of fat with SVL, the body plan and life-history traits of tegus, and potentially inadequate accounting of available energy resources. We caution against assuming that BCIs are strong indicators of body condition across species and suggest that validation studies be implemented, or that alternative or complimentary measures of health or fitness should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R. McCaffrey
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergio A. Balaguera-Reina
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bryan G. Falk
- South Florida Natural Resources Center, National Park Service, Homestead, Florida, United States of America
| | - Emily V. Gati
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jenna M. Cole
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, Florida, United States of America
| | - Frank J. Mazzotti
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, Florida, United States of America
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Guzy JC, Falk BG, Smith BJ, Willson JD, Reed RN, Aumen NG, Avery ML, Bartoszek IA, Campbell E, Cherkiss MS, Claunch NM, Currylow AF, Dean T, Dixon J, Engeman R, Funck S, Gibble R, Hengstebeck KC, Humphrey JS, Hunter ME, Josimovich JM, Ketterlin J, Kirkland M, Mazzotti FJ, McCleery R, Miller MA, McCollister M, Parker MR, Pittman SE, Rochford M, Romagosa C, Roybal A, Snow RW, Spencer MM, Waddle JH, Yackel Adams AA, Hart KM. Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools. NB 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.80.90439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are native to southeastern Asia, however, there is an established invasive population inhabiting much of southern Florida throughout the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Pythons have severely impacted native species and ecosystems in Florida and represent one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe. The difficulty stems from a unique combination of inaccessible habitat and the cryptic and resilient nature of pythons that thrive in the subtropical environment of southern Florida, rendering them extremely challenging to detect. Here we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the science relevant to managing invasive Burmese pythons. We describe existing control tools and review challenges to productive research, identifying key knowledge gaps that would improve future research and decision making for python control.
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Currylow AF, Falk BG, Yackel Adams AA, Romagosa CM, Josimovich JM, Rochford MR, Cherkiss MS, Nafus MG, Hart KM, Mazzotti FJ, Snow RW, Reed RN. Size distribution and reproductive phenology of the invasive Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA. NB 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.78.93788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The design of successful invasive species control programs is often hindered by the absence of basic demographic data on the targeted population. Establishment of invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida USA has led to local precipitous declines (> 90%) of mesomammal populations and is also a major threat to native populations of reptiles and birds. Efforts to control this species are ongoing but are hampered by the lack of access to and information on the expected biological patterns of pythons in southern Florida. We present data from more than 4,000 wild Burmese pythons that were removed in southern Florida over 26 years (1995–2021), the most robust dataset representing this invasive population to date. We used these data to characterize Burmese python size distribution, size at maturity, clutch size, and seasonal demographic and reproductive trends. We broadened the previously described size ranges by sex and, based on our newly defined size-stage classes, showed that males are smaller than females at sexual maturity, confirmed a positive correlation between maternal body size and potential clutch size, and developed predictive equations to facilitate demographic predictions. We also refined the annual breeding season (approx.100 days December into March), oviposition timing (May), and hatchling emergence and dispersal period (July through October) using correlations of capture morphometrics with observations of seasonal gonadal recrudescence (resurgence) and regression. Determination of reproductive output and timing can inform population models and help managers arrest population growth by targeting key aspects of python life history. These results define characteristics of the species in Florida and provide an enhanced understanding of the ecology and reproductive biology of Burmese pythons in their invasive Everglades range.
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Josimovich JM, Falk BG, Grajal-Puche A, Hanslowe EB, Bartoszek IA, Reed RN, Currylow AF. Clutch may predict growth of hatchling Burmese pythons better than food availability or sex. Biol Open 2021; 10:273482. [PMID: 34796905 PMCID: PMC8609237 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying which environmental and genetic factors affect growth pattern phenotypes can help biologists predict how organisms distribute finite energy resources in response to varying environmental conditions and physiological states. This information may be useful for monitoring and managing populations of cryptic, endangered, and invasive species. Consequently, we assessed the effects of food availability, clutch, and sex on the growth of invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus Kuhl) from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem in Florida, USA. Though little is known from the wild, Burmese pythons have been physiological model organisms for decades, with most experimental research sourcing individuals from the pet trade. Here, we used 60 hatchlings collected as eggs from the nests of two wild pythons, assigned them to High or Low feeding treatments, and monitored growth and meal consumption for 12 weeks, a period when pythons are thought to grow very rapidly. None of the 30 hatchlings that were offered food prior to their fourth week post-hatching consumed it, presumably because they were relying on internal yolk stores. Although only two clutches were used in the experiment, we found that nearly all phenotypic variation was explained by clutch rather than feeding treatment or sex. Hatchlings from clutch 1 (C1) grew faster and were longer, heavier, in better body condition, ate more frequently, and were bolder than hatchlings from clutch 2 (C2), regardless of food availability. On average, C1 and C2 hatchling snout-vent length (SVL) and weight grew 0.15 cm d−1 and 0.10 cm d−1, and 0.20 g d−1 and 0.03 g d−1, respectively. Additional research may be warranted to determine whether these effects remain with larger clutch sample sizes and to identify the underlying mechanisms and fitness implications of this variation to help inform risk assessments and management. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Hatchling pythons from an invasive population displayed substantial phenotypic variation in morphometrics, growth rates, and behaviors. This information may be useful for managing populations of cryptic, endangered, and invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M Josimovich
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center - South Florida Field Station, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA
| | - Bryan G Falk
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center - South Florida Field Station, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA
| | - Alejandro Grajal-Puche
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center - South Florida Field Station, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA
| | - Emma B Hanslowe
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center - South Florida Field Station, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA
| | | | - Robert N Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Andrea F Currylow
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center - South Florida Field Station, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA
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Currylow AF, Collier MAM, Hanslowe EB, Falk BG, Cade BS, Moy SE, Grajal‐Puche A, Ridgley FN, Reed RN, Yackel Adams AA. Thermal stability of an adaptable, invasive ectotherm: Argentine giant tegus in the Greater Everglades ecosystem, USA. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea F. Currylow
- U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Field Station Fort Collins Science Center 40001 SR 9336 Homestead Florida 33034 USA
| | - Michelle A. M. Collier
- U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Field Station Fort Collins Science Center 40001 SR 9336 Homestead Florida 33034 USA
| | - Emma B. Hanslowe
- U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Field Station Fort Collins Science Center 40001 SR 9336 Homestead Florida 33034 USA
| | - Bryan G. Falk
- U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Field Station Fort Collins Science Center 40001 SR 9336 Homestead Florida 33034 USA
| | - Brian S. Cade
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue Building C Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Sarah E. Moy
- U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Field Station Fort Collins Science Center 40001 SR 9336 Homestead Florida 33034 USA
| | - Alejandro Grajal‐Puche
- U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Field Station Fort Collins Science Center 40001 SR 9336 Homestead Florida 33034 USA
| | - Frank N. Ridgley
- Conservation and Research Department Zoo Miami 12400 SW 152nd Street Miami Florida 33177 USA
| | - Robert N. Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue Building C Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Amy A. Yackel Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue Building C Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
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Miller MA, Kinsella JM, Snow RW, Falk BG, Reed RN, Goetz SM, Mazzotti FJ, Guyer C, Romagosa CM. Highly competent native snake hosts extend the range of an introduced parasite beyond its invasive Burmese python host. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences Auburn University Auburn Alabama36849USA
| | | | - Ray W. Snow
- Everglades National Park National Park Service Homestead Florida33034USA
| | - Bryan G. Falk
- Fort Collins Science Center US Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado80526USA
| | - Robert N. Reed
- Fort Collins Science Center US Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado80526USA
| | - Scott M. Goetz
- Department of Biological Sciences Auburn University Auburn Alabama36849USA
| | - Frank J. Mazzotti
- Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center University of Florida Davie Florida USA
| | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological Sciences Auburn University Auburn Alabama36849USA
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Westfall AK, Miller MA, Murray CM, Falk BG, Guyer C, Romagosa CM. Host-specific phenotypic variation of a parasite co-introduced with invasive Burmese pythons. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209252. [PMID: 30601869 PMCID: PMC6314578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus Kuhl, 1820) have introduced a lung parasite, Raillietiella orientalis, (Hett, 1915) from the python's native range in Southeast Asia to its introduced range in Florida, where parasite spillover from pythons to two families and eight genera of native snakes has occurred. Because these novel host species present a diversity of ecological and morphological traits, and because these parasites attach to their hosts with hooks located on their cephalothorax, we predicted that R. orientalis would exhibit substantial, host-associated phenotypic plasticity in cephalothorax shape. Indeed, geometric morphometric analyses of 39 parasites from five host species revealed significant variation among host taxa in R. orientalis cephalothorax shape. We observed differences associated with host ecology, where parasites from semi-aquatic and aquatic snakes exhibited the greatest morphological similarity. Morphological analyses of R. orientalis recovered from invasive pythons, native pit vipers, and terrestrial snakes each revealed distinct shapes. Our results suggest R. orientalis can exhibit significant differences in morphology based upon host species infected, and this plasticity may facilitate infection with this non-native parasite in a wide array of novel squamate host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aundrea K. Westfall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Melissa A. Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher M. Murray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Bryan G. Falk
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Christina M. Romagosa
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Miller MA, Kinsella JM, Snow RW, Hayes MM, Falk BG, Reed RN, Mazzotti FJ, Guyer C, Romagosa CM. Parasite spillover: indirect effects of invasive Burmese pythons. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:830-840. [PMID: 29375757 PMCID: PMC5773325 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the origin of parasites of nonindigenous species (NIS) can be complex. NIS may introduce parasites from their native range and acquire parasites from within their invaded range. Determination of whether parasites are non-native or native can be complicated when parasite genera occur within both the NIS' native range and its introduced range. We explored potential for spillover and spillback of lung parasites infecting Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) in their invasive range (Florida). We collected 498 indigenous snakes of 26 species and 805 Burmese pythons during 2004-2016 and examined them for lung parasites. We used morphology to identify three genera of pentastome parasites, Raillietiella, a cosmopolitan form, and Porocephalus and Kiricephalus, both New World forms. We sequenced these parasites at one mitochondrial and one nuclear locus and showed that each genus is represented by a single species, R. orientalis, P. crotali, and K. coarctatus. Pythons are host to R. orientalis and P. crotali, but not K. coarctatus; native snakes are host to all three species. Sequence data show that pythons introduced R. orientalis to North America, where this parasite now infects native snakes. Additionally, our data suggest that pythons are competent hosts to P. crotali, a widespread parasite native to North and South America that was previously hypothesized to infect only viperid snakes. Our results indicate invasive Burmese pythons have affected parasite-host dynamics of native snakes in ways that are consistent with parasite spillover and demonstrate the potential for indirect effects during invasions. Additionally, we show that pythons have acquired a parasite native to their introduced range, which is the initial condition necessary for parasite spillback.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ray W. Snow
- Everglades National ParkNational Park ServiceHomesteadFLUSA
| | | | - Bryan G. Falk
- Fort Collins Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Robert N. Reed
- Fort Collins Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Frank J. Mazzotti
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and ConservationFt. Lauderdale Research and Education CenterUniversity of FloridaFt. LauderdaleFLUSA
| | - Craig Guyer
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnALUSA
| | - Christina M. Romagosa
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and ConservationUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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Falk BG, Snow RW, Reed RN. Prospects and Limitations of Citizen Science in Invasive Species Management: A Case Study with Burmese Pythons in Everglades National Park. SOUTHEAST NAT 2016. [DOI: 10.1656/058.015.sp806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G. Falk
- US Geological Survey, Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
| | - Ray W. Snow
- National Park Service, Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL 33034
| | - Robert N. Reed
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526
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Hanslowe EB, Falk BG, Collier MA, Josimovich JM, Rahill TA, Reed RN. First Record of Invasive Burmese Python Oviposition and Brooding Inside an Anthropogenic Structure. SOUTHEAST NAT 2016. [DOI: 10.1656/058.015.sp809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma B. Hanslowe
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
| | - Bryan G. Falk
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
| | - Michelle A.M. Collier
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
| | - Jillian M. Josimovich
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
| | | | - Robert N. Reed
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526
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Falk BG, Reed RN. Challenges to a molecular approach to prey identification in the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1445. [PMID: 26623196 PMCID: PMC4662595 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular approaches to prey identification are increasingly useful in elucidating predator-prey relationships, and we aimed to investigate the feasibility of these methods to document the species identities of prey consumed by invasive Burmese pythons in Florida. We were particularly interested in the diet of young snakes, because visual identification of prey from this size class has proven difficult. We successfully extracted DNA from the gastrointestinal contents of 43 young pythons, as well as from several control samples, and attempted amplification of DNA mini-barcodes, a 130-bp region of COX1. Using a PNA clamp to exclude python DNA, we found that prey DNA was not present in sufficient quality for amplification of this locus in 86% of our samples. All samples from the GI tracts of young pythons contained only hair, and the six samples we were able to identify to species were hispid cotton rats. This suggests that young Burmese pythons prey predominantly on small mammals and that prey diversity among snakes of this size class is low. We discuss prolonged gastrointestinal transit times and extreme gastric breakdown as possible causes of DNA degradation that limit the success of a molecular approach to prey identification in Burmese pythons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G Falk
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center , Fort Collins, CO , USA
| | - Robert N Reed
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center , Fort Collins, CO , USA
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Falk BG, Glor RE, Perkins SL. Clonal reproduction shapes evolution in the lizard malaria parasite Plasmodium floridense. Evolution 2015; 69:1584-1596. [PMID: 25959003 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The preponderant clonal evolution hypothesis (PCE) predicts that frequent clonal reproduction (sex between two clones) in many pathogens capable of sexual recombination results in strong linkage disequilibrium and the presence of discrete genetic subdivisions characterized by occasional gene flow. We expand on the PCE and predict that higher rates of clonal reproduction will result in: (1) morphologically cryptic species that exhibit (2) low within-species variation and (3) recent between-species divergence. We tested these predictions in the Caribbean lizard malaria parasite Plasmodium floridense using 63 single-infection samples in lizards collected from across the parasite's range, and sequenced them at two mitochondrial, one apicoplast, and five nuclear genes. We identified 11 provisionally cryptic species within P. floridense, each of which exhibits low intraspecific variation and recent divergence times between species (some diverged approximately 110,000 years ago). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that clonal reproduction can profoundly affect diversification of species capable of sexual recombination, and suggest that clonal reproduction may have led to a large number of unrecognized pathogen species. The factors that may influence the rates of clonal reproduction among pathogens are unclear, and we discuss how prevalence and virulence may relate to clonal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G Falk
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics and Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York, 10024.,U.S. Geological Survey, Daniel Beard Center, Everglades National Park, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, Florida, 33034
| | - Richard E Glor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, The University of Kansas, 2041 Haworth Hall, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045
| | - Susan L Perkins
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics and Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York, 10024
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Falk BG, Perkins SL. Host specificity shapes population structure of pinworm parasites in Caribbean reptiles. Mol Ecol 2013; 22:4576-90. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G. Falk
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology; Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79 Street New York NY 10024 USA
| | - Susan L. Perkins
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology; Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79 Street New York NY 10024 USA
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Falk BG, Mahler DL, Perkins SL. Tree-based delimitation of morphologically ambiguous taxa: a study of the lizard malaria parasites on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:967-80. [PMID: 21718698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites in the genus Plasmodium have been classified primarily on the basis of differences in morphology. These single-celled organisms often lack distinguishing morphological features, and this can encumber both species delimitation and identification. Six saurian malaria parasites have been described from the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. All six infect lizards in the genus Anolis, but only two of these parasites can be distinguished using morphology. The remaining four species overlap in morphology and geography, and cannot be consistently identified using traditional methods. We compared a morphological approach with a molecular phylogenetic approach for assessing the taxonomy of these parasites. We surveyed for blood parasites from 677 Anolis lizards, representing 26 Anolis spp. from a total of 52 sites across Hispaniola. Fifty-five of these lizards were infected with Plasmodium spp., representing several new host records, but only 24 of these infections could be matched to previously described species using traditional morphological criteria. We then estimated the phylogeny of these parasites using both mitochondrial (cytb and coxI) and nuclear (EF2) genes, and included carefully selected GenBank sequences to confirm identities for certain species. Our molecular results unambiguously corroborated our morphology-based species identifications for only the two species previously judged to be morphologically distinctive. The remaining infections fell into two well-supported and reciprocally monophyletic clades, which contained the morphological variation previously reported for all four of the morphologically ambiguous species. One of these clades was identified as Plasmodium floridense and the other as Plasmodium fairchildi hispaniolae. We elevate the latter to Plasmodium hispaniolae comb. nov. because it is polyphyletic with the mainland species Plasmodium fairchildifairchildi and we contribute additional morphological and molecular characters for future species delimitation. Our phylogenetic hypotheses indicate that two currently recognised taxa, Plasmodium minasense anolisi and Plasmodium tropiduri caribbense, are not valid on Hispaniola. These results illustrate that molecular data can improve taxonomic hypotheses in Plasmodium when reliable morphological characters are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G Falk
- Richard Gilder Graduate School, Division of Invertebrate Zoology and Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA.
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