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Klunk CL, Heethoff M, Hammel JU, Gorb SN, Krings W. Mechanical and elemental characterization of ant mandibles: consequences for bite mechanics. Interface Focus 2024; 14:20230056. [PMID: 38618235 PMCID: PMC11008963 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2023.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mandible morphology has an essential role in biting performance, but the mandible cuticle can have regional differences in its mechanical properties. The effects of such a heterogeneous distribution of cuticle material properties in the mandible responses to biting loading are still poorly explored in chewing insects. Here, we tested the mechanical properties of mandibles of the ant species Formica cunicularia by nanoindentation and investigated the effects of the cuticular variation in Young's modulus (E) under bite loading with finite-element analysis (FEA). The masticatory margin of the mandible, which interacts with the food, was the hardest and stiffest region. To unravel the origins of the mechanical property gradients, we characterized the elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The masticatory margin possessed high proportions of Cu and Zn. When incorporated into the FEA, variation in E effectively changed mandible stress patterns, leading to a relatively higher concentration of stresses in the stiffer mandibular regions and leaving the softer mandible blade with relatively lower stress. Our results demonstrated the relevance of cuticle E heterogeneity in mandibles under bite loading, suggesting that the accumulation of transition metals such as Cu and Zn has a relevant correlation with the mechanical characteristics in F. cunicularia mandibles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian L. Klunk
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Michael Heethoff
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, Darmstadt 64287, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Wencke Krings
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel 24118, Germany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstraße 12, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, Hamburg 20146, Germany
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2
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Amaral AP, Haug JT, Haug C, Linhart S, Müller P, Hammel JU, Baranov V. Expanding the Mesozoic Record of Early Brachyceran Fly Larvae, including New Larval Forms with Chimera-Type Morphologies. Insects 2024; 15:270. [PMID: 38667400 PMCID: PMC11049986 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Diptera are one of the four megadiverse groups of holometabolan insects. Flies perform numerous ecological functions, especially in their larval stages. We can assume that this was already the case in the past; however, fly larvae remain rare in most deposits. Here we report new dipteran larvae preserved in Cretaceous (about 99 Ma) Kachin amber from Myanmar and, even older, Jurassic (about 165 Ma) compression fossils from China. Through light microscopy and micro-CT scanning we explore their peculiar morphology and discuss their possible phylogenetic affinities. Several larvae seem to represent the lineage of Stratiomyomorpha. A few others present characters unique to Xylophagidae (awl-flies), as well as to Athericidae (water sniper-flies), resulting in a chimeric morphology. Understanding the exact relationships of most of these specimens with a particular lineage remains challenging, since they differ considerably from any other known dipteran larvae and present some unique traits. Additionally, we report new specimens of Qiyia jurassica Chen et al., 2014, supposedly parasitic larvae, most likely representatives of Athericidae. These new findings offer valuable insights into the evolution of the early diversification of the brachyceran flies and underscore the importance of immature stages in understanding the evolutionary history and ecology of flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- André P. Amaral
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (J.T.H.); (C.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Joachim T. Haug
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (J.T.H.); (C.H.); (S.L.)
- GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Carolin Haug
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (J.T.H.); (C.H.); (S.L.)
- GeoBio-Center at LMU, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Simon Linhart
- Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; (J.T.H.); (C.H.); (S.L.)
| | | | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany;
| | - Viktor Baranov
- Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, Avd. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
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Schmidt B, Freidank-Pohl C, Zillessen J, Stelzer L, Guitar TN, Lühr C, Müller H, Zhang F, Hammel JU, Briesen H, Jung S, Gusovius HJ, Meyer V. Mechanical, physical and thermal properties of composite materials produced with the basidiomycete Fomes fomentarius. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2023; 10:22. [PMID: 38049892 PMCID: PMC10694974 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-023-00169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve climate neutrality, fundamentally new concepts of circularity need to be implemented by the building sector as it contributes to 40% of anthropogenic CO2 emission. Fungal biotechnology can make a significant contribution here and help eliminate fossil dependency for building material production. Recently, we have shown that the medicinal polypore Fomes fomentarius feeds well on renewable lignocellulosic biomass and produces composite materials that could potentially replace fossil fuel-based expanded polystyrene as insulation material. RESULTS In this study, we explored the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of F. fomentarius-based composite materials in more detail and determined key performance parameters that are important to evaluate the usability of F. fomentarius-based composite materials in the construction sector. These parameters were determined according to European standards and included compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability, and flammability of uncompressed composites as well as flexural strength, transverse tensile strength, and water absorption capacity of heat-pressed composites, among others. We could show that uncompressed composites obtained from F. fomentarius and hemp shives display a thermal conductivity of 0.044 W (m K)-1 which is in the range of natural organic fibres. A water vapour permeability of 1.72 and classification into flammability class B1 clearly surpasses fossil-based insulation materials including expanded polystyrene and polyurethane. We could furthermore show that heat-pressing can be used to reliably generate stiff and firm particleboards that have the potential to replace current wood-based particleboards that contain synthetic additives. X-ray microcomputed tomography finally visualized for the first time the growth of hyphae of F. fomentarius on and into the hemp shive substrates and generated high-resolution images of the microstructure of F. fomentarius-based composites. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that fungal-based composites produced with F. fomentarius partially meet or even exceed key performance parameters of currently used fossil fuel-based insulation materials and can also be used to replace particleboards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertram Schmidt
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Freidank-Pohl
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Justus Zillessen
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Stelzer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tamara Núñez Guitar
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Lühr
- Department Systems Process Engineering, Leibniz-Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Henri Müller
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Fangxing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Sascha Jung
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Gusovius
- Department Systems Process Engineering, Leibniz-Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Str. des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
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Stanczak N, Harvey MS, Harms D, Hammel JU, Kotthoff U, Loria SF. A new pseudoscorpion genus (Garypinoidea: Garypinidae) from the Eocene supports extinction and range contraction in the European paleobiota. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15989. [PMID: 37953786 PMCID: PMC10637241 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
During the Paleogene, the Holarctic experienced drastic climatic oscillations, including periods of extensive glaciation. These changes had a severe impact on both the flora and fauna causing widespread extinction and range shifts with some taxa retreating to refugia in the Mediterranean Basin. Here we provide evidence for this hypothesis using fossils from the pseudoscorpion family Garypinidae Daday, 1889 (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones). This family comprises 21 extant genera from all continents except Antarctica but is restricted to low mid-latitudes (<44°N) in the Northern Hemisphere. We provide the second record of garypinids from the European succinite ambers of the Eocene by describing the first extinct genus in Garypinidae, Baltamblyolpium gen. nov., which includes two species: Baltamblyolpium gizmotum sp. nov. from Baltic amber and Baltamblyolpium grabenhorsti sp. nov. from Bitterfeld amber. The new genus exhibits a morphology that closely resembles Neoamblyolpium Hoff, 1956 from western North America and the genus Amblyolpium Simon, 1898, which is widespread but includes taxa restricted to Mediterranean refugia in Europe. The discovery of a new fossil genus of Garypinidae from Europe confirms that the family was found at more northerly latitudes during the Eocene, however, extinction and range contraction resulted in their present-day relictual distribution in southern Europe like many other lineages that once thrived in the European "Baltic amber forest" of the Eocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nova Stanczak
- Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Section Arachnology, Centre for Taxonomy and Morphology, Museum of Nature Hamburg—Zoology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mark S. Harvey
- Collections & Research, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Danilo Harms
- Section Arachnology, Centre for Taxonomy and Morphology, Museum of Nature Hamburg—Zoology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg, Germany
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
- Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kotthoff
- Centre for Biomonitoring and Conservation Science, Museum of Nature Hamburg—Geology-Paleontology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie F. Loria
- Section Arachnology, Centre for Taxonomy and Morphology, Museum of Nature Hamburg—Zoology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Müller H, Deffur C, Schmideder S, Barthel L, Friedrich T, Mirlach L, Hammel JU, Meyer V, Briesen H. Synchrotron radiation-based microcomputed tomography for three-dimensional growth analysis of Aspergillus niger pellets. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3244-3260. [PMID: 37475650 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi produce a wide range of relevant biotechnological compounds. The close relationship between fungal morphology and productivity has led to a variety of analytical methods to quantify their macromorphology. Nevertheless, only a µ-computed tomography (µ-CT) based method allows a detailed analysis of the 3D micromorphology of fungal pellets. However, the low sample throughput of a laboratory µ-CT limits the tracking of the micromorphological evolution of a statistically representative number of submerged cultivated fungal pellets over time. To meet this challenge, we applied synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microtomography at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron [German Electron Synchrotron Research Center], resulting in 19,940 3D analyzed individual fungal pellets that were obtained from 26 sampling points during a 48 h Aspergillus niger submerged batch cultivation. For each of the pellets, we were able to determine micromorphological properties such as number and density of spores, tips, branching points, and hyphae. The computed data allowed us to monitor the growth of submerged cultivated fungal pellets in highly resolved 3D for the first time. The generated morphological database from synchrotron measurements can be used to understand, describe, and model the growth of filamentous fungal cultivations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Müller
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Charlotte Deffur
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmideder
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Lars Barthel
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tiaan Friedrich
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Lukas Mirlach
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Briesen
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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Klunk CL, Argenta MA, Rosumek FB, Schmelzle S, van de Kamp T, Hammel JU, Pie MR, Heethoff M. Simulated biomechanical performance of morphologically disparate ant mandibles under bite loading. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16833. [PMID: 37803099 PMCID: PMC10558566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43944-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects evolved various modifications to their mouthparts, allowing for a broad exploration of feeding modes. In ants, workers perform non-reproductive tasks like excavation, food processing, and juvenile care, relying heavily on their mandibles. Given the importance of biting for ant workers and the significant mandible morphological diversity across species, it is essential to understand how mandible shape influences its mechanical responses to bite loading. We employed Finite Element Analysis to simulate biting scenarios on mandible volumetric models from 25 ant species classified in different feeding habits. We hypothesize that mandibles of predatory ants, especially trap-jaw ants, would perform better than mandibles of omnivorous species due to their necessity to subdue living prey. We defined simulations to allow only variation in mandible morphology between specimens. Our results demonstrated interspecific differences in mandible mechanical responses to biting loading. However, we found no evident differences in biting performance between the predatory and the remaining ants, and trap-jaw mandibles did not show lower stress levels than other mandibles under bite loading. These results suggest that ant feeding habit is not a robust predictor of mandible biting performance, a possible consequence of mandibles being employed as versatile tools to perform several tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Klunk
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil.
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - M A Argenta
- Department of Civil Construction, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - F B Rosumek
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - S Schmelzle
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - T van de Kamp
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - J U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - M R Pie
- Biology Department, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK
| | - M Heethoff
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany.
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Bruns S, Krüger D, Galli S, Wieland DF, Hammel JU, Beckmann F, Wennerberg A, Willumeit-Römer R, Zeller-Plumhoff B, Moosmann J. On the material dependency of peri-implant morphology and stability in healing bone. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:155-166. [PMID: 37250865 PMCID: PMC10212791 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The microstructural architecture of remodeled bone in the peri-implant region of screw implants plays a vital role in the distribution of strain energy and implant stability. We present a study in which screw implants made from titanium, polyetheretherketone and biodegradable magnesium-gadolinium alloys were implanted into rat tibia and subjected to a push-out test four, eight and twelve weeks after implantation. Screws were 4 mm in length and with an M2 thread. The loading experiment was accompanied by simultaneous three-dimensional imaging using synchrotron-radiation microcomputed tomography at 5 μm resolution. Bone deformation and strains were tracked by applying optical flow-based digital volume correlation to the recorded image sequences. Implant stabilities measured for screws of biodegradable alloys were comparable to pins whereas non-degradable biomaterials experienced additional mechanical stabilization. Peri-implant bone morphology and strain transfer from the loaded implant site depended heavily on the biomaterial utilized. Titanium implants stimulated rapid callus formation displaying a consistent monomodal strain profile whereas the bone volume fraction in the vicinity of magnesium-gadolinium alloys exhibited a minimum close to the interface of the implant and less ordered strain transfer. Correlations in our data suggest that implant stability benefits from disparate bone morphological properties depending on the biomaterial utilized. This leaves the choice of biomaterial as situational depending on local tissue properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bruns
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Diana Krüger
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Silvia Galli
- University of Malmö, Faculty of Odontology, Department of Prosthodontics, Carl Gustafs Väg 34, Klerken, 20506, Malmö, Sweden
| | - D.C. Florian Wieland
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Felix Beckmann
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ann Wennerberg
- University of Gothenburg, Institute of Odontology, Department of Prosthodontics, Medicinaregatan 12 f, 41390, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Regine Willumeit-Römer
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
- Institute of Metallic Biomaterials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Julian Moosmann
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
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Jahn H, Hammel JU, Göpel T, Wirkner CS, Mayer G. A multiscale approach reveals elaborate circulatory system and intermittent heartbeat in velvet worms (Onychophora). Commun Biol 2023; 6:468. [PMID: 37117786 PMCID: PMC10147947 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An antagonistic hemolymph-muscular system is essential for soft-bodied invertebrates. Many ecdysozoans (molting animals) possess neither a heart nor a vascular or circulatory system, whereas most arthropods exhibit a well-developed circulatory system. How did this system evolve and how was it subsequently modified in panarthropod lineages? As the closest relatives of arthropods and tardigrades, onychophorans (velvet worms) represent a key group for addressing this question. We therefore analyzed the entire circulatory system of the peripatopsid Euperipatoides rowelli and discovered a surprisingly elaborate organization. Our findings suggest that the last common ancestor of Onychophora and Arthropoda most likely possessed an open vascular system, a posteriorly closed heart with segmental ostia, a pericardial sinus filled with nephrocytes and an impermeable pericardial septum, whereas the evolutionary origin of plical and pericardial channels is unclear. Our study further revealed an intermittent heartbeat-regular breaks of rhythmic, peristaltic contractions of the heart-in velvet worms, which might stimulate similar investigations in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Jahn
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany.
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon at DESY, Notkestraße 85, D-22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torben Göpel
- Multiscale Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institut für Zoologie und Anthropologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, D-37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #305220, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | - Christian S Wirkner
- Institut für Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Rostock, Universitätsplatz 2, D-18055, Rostock, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, D-34132, Kassel, Germany
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9
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Bossen J, Prange R, Kühle JP, Künzel S, Niu X, Hammel JU, Krieger L, Knop M, Ehrhardt B, Uliczka K, Krauss-Etschmann S, Roeder T. Adult and Larval Tracheal Systems Exhibit Different Molecular Architectures in Drosophila. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065628. [PMID: 36982710 PMCID: PMC10052349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowing the molecular makeup of an organ system is required for its in-depth understanding. We analyzed the molecular repertoire of the adult tracheal system of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster using transcriptome studies to advance our knowledge of the adult insect tracheal system. Comparing this to the larval tracheal system revealed several major differences that likely influence organ function. During the transition from larval to adult tracheal system, a shift in the expression of genes responsible for the formation of cuticular structure occurs. This change in transcript composition manifests in the physical properties of cuticular structures of the adult trachea. Enhanced tonic activation of the immune system is observed in the adult trachea, which encompasses the increased expression of antimicrobial peptides. In addition, modulatory processes are conspicuous, in this case mainly by the increased expression of G protein-coupled receptors in the adult trachea. Finally, all components of a peripheral circadian clock are present in the adult tracheal system, which is not the case in the larval tracheal system. Comparative analysis of driver lines targeting the adult tracheal system revealed that even the canonical tracheal driver line breathless (btl)-Gal4 is not able to target all parts of the adult tracheal system. Here, we have uncovered a specific transcriptome pattern of the adult tracheal system and provide this dataset as a basis for further analyses of the adult insect tracheal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Bossen
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- German Lung Center (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ruben Prange
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Philip Kühle
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sven Künzel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Xiao Niu
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Laura Krieger
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Mirjam Knop
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Birte Ehrhardt
- Research Center Borstel, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Early Life Origins of CLD, 23485 Borstel, Germany
| | - Karin Uliczka
- Research Center Borstel, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Early Life Origins of CLD, 23485 Borstel, Germany
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etschmann
- German Lung Center (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), 24118 Kiel, Germany
- Research Center Borstel, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Early Life Origins of CLD, 23485 Borstel, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Department Zoology, Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- German Lung Center (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), 24118 Kiel, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-431-880-81
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10
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Peris D, Hammel JU, Cai C, Solórzano-Kraemer MM. First record of Jacobsoniidae (Coleoptera) on the African continent in Holocene copal from Tanzania: biogeography since the Cretaceous. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3735. [PMID: 36878923 PMCID: PMC9988830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neither fossil nor living Jacobsoniidae are found in abundance. Derolathrus cavernicolus Peck, 2010 is recorded here preserved in Holocene copal from Tanzania with an age of 210 ± 30 BP years. This leads us to three interesting conclusions: (1) This is the first time the family was found on the African continent, extending the family's distribution range to hitherto unknown localities. Derolathrus cavernicolus in Holocene copal from Tanzania expands the known distribution of the species, previously only recorded in the USA (Hawaii and Florida), Barbados, and Japan, both spatially and temporally. (2) All fossil specimens of the family have been found preserved in amber, which might be due to the small size of the specimens that prevents their discovery in other types of deposits. However, we here add a second aspect, namely the occurrence of this cryptic and currently scarce family of beetles in resinous environments, where they live in relationship with resin-producing trees. (3) The discovery of a new specimen from a family unknown on the African continent supports the relevance of these younger resins in preserving arthropods that lived in pre-Anthropocene times. Although we cannot demonstrate their extinction in the region, since it is possible that the family still survives in the already fragmented coastal forests of East Africa, we are detecting a loss of local biodiversity during the so-called Anthropocene, probably due to human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Peris
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), 08038, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Outstation at DESY, 22607, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Chenyang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, and Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008, Nanjing, China.,School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Mónica M Solórzano-Kraemer
- Department of Palaeontology and Historical Geology, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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11
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Schwarzenberg FL, Schütz P, Hammel JU, Riedel M, Bartl J, Bordbari S, Frank SC, Walkenfort B, Busse M, Herzen J, Lohr C, Wülfing C, Henne S. Three-dimensional analyses of vascular network morphology in a murine lymph node by X-ray phase-contrast tomography with a 2D Talbot array. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947961. [PMID: 36524111 PMCID: PMC9745095 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
With growing molecular evidence for correlations between spatial arrangement of blood vasculature and fundamental immunological functions, carried out in distinct compartments of the subdivided lymph node, there is an urgent need for three-dimensional models that can link these aspects. We reconstructed such models at a 1.84 µm resolution by the means of X-ray phase-contrast imaging with a 2D Talbot array in a short time without any staining. In addition reconstructions are verified in immunohistochemistry staining as well as in ultrastructural analyses. While conventional illustrations of mammalian lymph nodes depict the hilus as a definite point of blood and lymphatic vessel entry and exit, our method revealed that multiple branches enter and emerge from an area that extends up to one third of the organ's surface. This could be a prerequisite for the drastic and location-dependent remodeling of vascularization, which is necessary for lymph node expansion during inflammation. Contrary to corrosion cast studies we identified B-cell follicles exhibiting a two times denser capillary network than the deep cortical units of the T-cell zone. In addition to our observation of high endothelial venules spatially surrounding the follicles, this suggests a direct connection between morphology and B-cell homing. Our findings will deepen the understanding of functional lymph node composition and lymphocyte migration on a fundamental basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian L. Schwarzenberg
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Schütz
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Mirko Riedel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany,Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany,Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Jasmin Bartl
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sharareh Bordbari
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Svea-Celina Frank
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Walkenfort
- Imaging Center Essen (IMCES), Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Madleen Busse
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany,Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Julia Herzen
- Department of Physics, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany,Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Christian Lohr
- Division of Neurophysiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Wülfing
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Henne
- INI-Research, Group for Interdisciplinary Neurobiology and Immunology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Stephan Henne,
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12
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Boudinot BE, Richter AK, Hammel JU, Szwedo J, Bojarski B, Perrichot V. Genomic-Phenomic Reciprocal Illumination: Desyopone hereon gen. et sp. nov., an Exceptional Aneuretine-like Fossil Ant from Ethiopian Amber (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae). Insects 2022; 13:796. [PMID: 36135497 PMCID: PMC9502205 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fossils are critical for understanding the evolutionary diversification, turnover, and morphological disparification of extant lineages. While fossils cannot be sequenced, phenome-scale data may be generated using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT), thus revealing hidden structures and internal anatomy, when preserved. Here, we adduce the male caste of a new fossil ant species from Miocene Ethiopian amber that resembles members of the Aneuretinae, matching the operational definition of the subfamily. Through the use of synchrotron radiation for µ-CT, we critically test the aneuretine-identity hypothesis. Our results indicate that the new fossils do not belong to the Aneuretinae, but rather the Ponerini (Ponerinae). Informed by recent phylogenomic studies, we were able to place the fossils close to the extant genus Cryptopone based on logical character analysis, with the two uniquely sharing absence of the subpetiolar process among all ponerine genera. Consequently, we: (1) revise the male-based key to the global ant subfamilies; (2) revise the definitions of Aneuretinae, Ponerinae, Platythyreini, and Ponerini; (3) discuss the evolution of ant mandibles; and (4) describe the fossils as †Desyopone hereon gen. et sp. nov. Our study highlights the value of males for ant systematics and the tremendous potential of phenomic imaging technologies for the study of ant evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon E. Boudinot
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Vor dem Neutor 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Adrian K. Richter
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Vor dem Neutor 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jacek Szwedo
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Entomology and Museum of Amber Inclusions, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 59 Wita Stwosza Street, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Błażej Bojarski
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Entomology and Museum of Amber Inclusions, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 59 Wita Stwosza Street, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Vincent Perrichot
- CNRS, Géosciences Rennes, University Rennes, UMR 6118, 35000 Rennes, France
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13
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Palazzo Q, Stagioni M, Raaijmakers S, Belleman RG, Prada F, Hammel JU, Fermani S, Kaandorp J, Goffredo S, Falini G. Multiscale analysis on otolith structural features reveals differences in ontogenesis and sex in Merluccius merluccius in the western Adriatic Sea. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:211943. [PMID: 35620014 PMCID: PMC9114930 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Otolith biomineralization results from biochemical processes regulated by the interaction of internal (physiological) and external (environmental) factors which lead to morphological and ultrastructural variability at intra- and interspecific levels. The aim of this study was to conduct a multi-scale analysis of the sagittal otoliths of the Merlucius merlucius (European hake) from the western Adriatic Sea in order to correlate otolith features with fish ontogeny and sex. We show that otoliths of sexually undifferentiated (non-sexed) individuals having a fish body total length (TL) less than 15 cm had faster growth in length, width, area, perimeter, volume and weight and a higher amount of organic matrix compared with otoliths of sexually differentiated individuals (females and males) having a fish size range of 15-50 cm. Most importantly, with increasing fish TL, female saccular otoliths contained a higher number of protuberances and rougher surface compared with male specimens, which showed more uniform mean curvature density. The differences between females and males discovered in this study could be associated with fish hearing adaptation to reproductive behavioural strategies during the spawning season. The outcomes of this research provide insights on how size and sex-related variations in otolith features may be affected by fish ecological and behavioural patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinzia Palazzo
- Department of Chemistry ‘Giacomo Ciamician’, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Marco Stagioni
- Laboratory of Fisheries and Marine Biology at Fano, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Steven Raaijmakers
- Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert G. Belleman
- Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fiorella Prada
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Geesthacht, D-21502, Germany
| | - Simona Fermani
- Department of Chemistry ‘Giacomo Ciamician’, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI Health Sciences and Technologies (HST), University of Bologna, I-40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jaap Kaandorp
- Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Goffredo
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Falini
- Department of Chemistry ‘Giacomo Ciamician’, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
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14
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Zippel A, Baranov VA, Hammel JU, Hörnig MK, Haug C, Haug JT. The first fossil immature of Elmidae: an unusual riffle beetle larva preserved in Baltic amber. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13025. [PMID: 35415015 PMCID: PMC8995018 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Elmidae, riffle beetles, have both adult and immature stages that show specializations for water environments. Fossils of adults of Elmidae are already known from amber, however a record of immatures was so far lacking. We report here the first fossil larva of Elmidae, preserved in Baltic amber. To be able to access details of the body hidden by inclusions and "Verlumung" we conducted, in addition to optical documentation methods, micro-CT and synchrotron documentation methods. The larva is characterised by prominent dorso-lateral and lateral processes and a plate-like ventral operculum at the end of the abdomen. The new fossil has similarities in the general body shape and the prominent characters with some modern larvae of Elmidae. The posterior protrusions on the trunk end possibly represent gills, which would imply that fossil larvae of Elmidae also led a water-related life style similar to modern representatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Zippel
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Biocenter, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Marie K. Hörnig
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carolin Haug
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Biocenter, Munich, Germany,GeoBio-Center at LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim T. Haug
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Biocenter, Munich, Germany,GeoBio-Center at LMU, Munich, Germany
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15
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Moritz L, Borisova E, Hammel JU, Blanke A, Wesener T. A previously unknown feeding mode in millipedes and the convergence of fluid feeding across arthropods. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabm0577. [PMID: 35171667 PMCID: PMC8849289 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm0577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We report fluid feeding with a sucking pump in the arthropod class Diplopoda, using a combination of synchrotron tomography, histology, electron microscopy, and three-dimensional reconstructions. Within the head of nine species of the enigmatic Colobognatha, we found a pumping chamber, which acts as positive displacement pump and is notably similar to that of insects, showing even fine structural convergences. The sucking pump of these millipedes works together with protractible mouthparts and externally secreted saliva for the acquisition of liquid food. Fluid feeding is one of the great evolutionary innovations of terrestrial arthropods, and our study suggests that it evolved with similar biomechanical solutions convergent across all major arthropod taxa. While fluid-feeding insects are megadiverse today, it remains unclear why other lineages, such as Colobognatha, are comparably species poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Moritz
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Section Myriapoda, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Elena Borisova
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Alexander Blanke
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Wesener
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Section Myriapoda, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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16
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Martin C, Jahn H, Klein M, Hammel JU, Stevenson PA, Homberg U, Mayer G. The velvet worm brain unveils homologies and evolutionary novelties across panarthropods. BMC Biol 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35073910 PMCID: PMC9136957 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01196-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evolution of the brain and its major neuropils in Panarthropoda (comprising Arthropoda, Tardigrada and Onychophora) remains enigmatic. As one of the closest relatives of arthropods, onychophorans are regarded as indispensable for a broad understanding of the evolution of panarthropod organ systems, including the brain, whose anatomical and functional organisation is often used to gain insights into evolutionary relations. However, while numerous recent studies have clarified the organisation of many arthropod nervous systems, a detailed investigation of the onychophoran brain with current state-of-the-art approaches is lacking, and further inconsistencies in nomenclature and interpretation hamper its understanding. To clarify the origins and homology of cerebral structures across panarthropods, we analysed the brain architecture in the onychophoran Euperipatoides rowelli by combining X-ray micro-computed tomography, histology, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction. Results Here, we use this detailed information to generate a consistent glossary for neuroanatomical studies of Onychophora. In addition, we report novel cerebral structures, provide novel details on previously known brain areas, and characterise further structures and neuropils in order to improve the reproducibility of neuroanatomical observations. Our findings support homology of mushroom bodies and central bodies in onychophorans and arthropods. Their antennal nerve cords and olfactory lobes most likely evolved independently. In contrast to previous reports, we found no evidence for second-order visual neuropils, or a frontal ganglion in the velvet worm brain. Conclusion We imaged the velvet worm nervous system at an unprecedented level of detail and compiled a comprehensive glossary of known and previously uncharacterised neuroanatomical structures to provide an in-depth characterisation of the onychophoran brain architecture. We expect that our data will improve the reproducibility and comparability of future neuroanatomical studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01196-w.
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17
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Gustschin A, Riedel M, Taphorn K, Petrich C, Gottwald W, Noichl W, Busse M, Francis SE, Beckmann F, Hammel JU, Moosmann J, Thibault P, Herzen J. High-resolution and sensitivity bi-directional x-ray phase contrast imaging using 2D Talbot array illuminators. Optica 2021; 8:1588-1595. [PMID: 37829605 PMCID: PMC10567101 DOI: 10.1364/optica.441004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) Talbot array illuminators (TAIs) were designed, fabricated, and evaluated for high-resolution high-contrast x-ray phase imaging of soft tissue at 10-20 keV. The TAIs create intensity modulations with a high compression ratio on the micrometer scale at short propagation distances. Their performance was compared with various other wavefront markers in terms of period, visibility, flux efficiency, and flexibility to be adapted for limited beam coherence and detector resolution. Differential x-ray phase contrast and dark-field imaging were demonstrated with a one-dimensional, linear phase stepping approach yielding 2D phase sensitivity using unified modulated pattern analysis (UMPA) for phase retrieval. The method was employed for x-ray phase computed tomography reaching a resolution of 3 µm on an unstained murine artery. It opens new possibilities for three-dimensional, non-destructive, and quantitative imaging of soft matter such as virtual histology. The phase modulators can also be used for various other x-ray applications such as dynamic phase imaging, super-resolution structured illumination microscopy, or wavefront sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gustschin
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Mirko Riedel
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Kirsten Taphorn
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Christian Petrich
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gottwald
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Noichl
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Madleen Busse
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Sheila E. Francis
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Felix Beckmann
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Julian Moosmann
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste 34217, Italy
| | - Julia Herzen
- Department of Physics and Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
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18
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Musser JM, Schippers KJ, Nickel M, Mizzon G, Kohn AB, Pape C, Ronchi P, Papadopoulos N, Tarashansky AJ, Hammel JU, Wolf F, Liang C, Hernández-Plaza A, Cantalapiedra CP, Achim K, Schieber NL, Pan L, Ruperti F, Francis WR, Vargas S, Kling S, Renkert M, Polikarpov M, Bourenkov G, Feuda R, Gaspar I, Burkhardt P, Wang B, Bork P, Beck M, Schneider TR, Kreshuk A, Wörheide G, Huerta-Cepas J, Schwab Y, Moroz LL, Arendt D. Profiling cellular diversity in sponges informs animal cell type and nervous system evolution. Science 2021; 374:717-723. [PMID: 34735222 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj2949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Musser
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaske J Schippers
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Nickel
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst-Haeckel-Haus und Biologiedidaktik, 07743 Jena, Germany.,GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Giulia Mizzon
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea B Kohn
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Constantin Pape
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paolo Ronchi
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jörg U Hammel
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst-Haeckel-Haus und Biologiedidaktik, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Institute for Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Florian Wolf
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst-Haeckel-Haus und Biologiedidaktik, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Cong Liang
- Center for Applied Mathematics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ana Hernández-Plaza
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos P Cantalapiedra
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kaia Achim
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicole L Schieber
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leslie Pan
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Ruperti
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Collaboration for joint Ph.D. degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Warren R Francis
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paleontology & Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Sergio Vargas
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paleontology & Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Svenja Kling
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maike Renkert
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maxim Polikarpov
- Hamburg Unit c/o DESY, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg, 22607 Germany.,Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gleb Bourenkov
- Hamburg Unit c/o DESY, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg, 22607 Germany
| | - Roberto Feuda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Imre Gaspar
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Totipotency, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Pawel Burkhardt
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peer Bork
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Beck
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas R Schneider
- Hamburg Unit c/o DESY, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg, 22607 Germany
| | - Anna Kreshuk
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gert Wörheide
- GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 München, Germany.,Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paleontology & Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 München, Germany.,Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie (SNSB), 80333 München, Germany
| | - Jaime Huerta-Cepas
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain.,Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yannick Schwab
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonid L Moroz
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Detlev Arendt
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Franke M, Geier B, Hammel JU, Dubilier N, Leisch N. Coming together-symbiont acquisition and early development in deep-sea bathymodioline mussels. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211044. [PMID: 34403628 PMCID: PMC8370805 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
How and when symbionts are acquired by their animal hosts has a profound impact on the ecology and evolution of the symbiosis. Understanding symbiont acquisition is particularly challenging in deep-sea organisms because early life stages are so rarely found. Here, we collected early developmental stages of three deep-sea bathymodioline species from different habitats to identify when these acquire their symbionts and how their body plan adapts to a symbiotic lifestyle. These mussels gain their nutrition from chemosynthetic bacteria, allowing them to thrive at deep-sea vents and seeps worldwide. Correlative imaging analyses using synchrotron-radiation based microtomography together with light, fluorescence and electron microscopy revealed that the pediveliger larvae were aposymbiotic. Symbiont colonization began during metamorphosis from a planktonic to a benthic lifestyle, with the symbionts rapidly colonizing first the gills, the symbiotic organ of adults, followed by all other epithelia of their hosts. Once symbiont densities in plantigrades reached those of adults, the host's intestine changed from the looped anatomy typical for bivalves to a straightened form. Within the Mytilidae, this morphological change appears to be specific to Bathymodiolus and Gigantidas, and is probably linked to the decrease in the importance of filter feeding when these mussels switch to gaining their nutrition largely from their symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Franke
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- MARUM—Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Geier
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Materials Physics, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Nicole Dubilier
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- MARUM—Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Leisch
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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20
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Palazzo Q, Stagioni M, Raaijmakers S, Belleman RG, Prada F, Fermani S, Hammel JU, Kaandorp J, Goffredo S, Falini G. Ecomorphological, behavioural and physiological patterns in otoliths. Acta Crystallogr A Found Adv 2021. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767321086347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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21
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Rühr PT, van de Kamp T, Faragó T, Hammel JU, Wilde F, Borisova E, Edel C, Frenzel M, Baumbach T, Blanke A. Juvenile ecology drives adult morphology in two insect orders. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210616. [PMID: 34130499 PMCID: PMC8206691 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0616] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Most animals undergo ecological niche shifts between distinct life phases, but such shifts can result in adaptive conflicts of phenotypic traits. Metamorphosis can reduce these conflicts by breaking up trait correlations, allowing each life phase to independently adapt to its ecological niche. This process is called adaptive decoupling. It is, however, yet unknown to what extent adaptive decoupling is realized on a macroevolutionary scale in hemimetabolous insects and if the degree of adaptive decoupling is correlated with the strength of ontogenetic niche shifts. It is also unclear whether the degree of adaptive decoupling is correlated with phenotypic disparity. Here, we quantify nymphal and adult trait correlations in 219 species across the whole phylogeny of earwigs and stoneflies to test whether juvenile and adult traits are decoupled from each other. We demonstrate that adult head morphology is largely driven by nymphal ecology, and that adult head shape disparity has increased with stronger ontogenetic niche shifts in some stonefly lineages. Our findings implicate that the hemimetabolan metamorphosis in earwigs and stoneflies does not allow for high degrees of adaptive decoupling, and that high phenotypic disparity can even be realized when the evolution of distinct life phases is coupled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Rühr
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas van de Kamp
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Lepoldshafen, Germany.,Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tomáš Faragó
- Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Fabian Wilde
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Elena Borisova
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Carina Edel
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Melina Frenzel
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tilo Baumbach
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Lepoldshafen, Germany.,Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Alexander Blanke
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany.,Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group, School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
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22
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Ponz-Segrelles G, Glasby CJ, Helm C, Beckers P, Hammel JU, Ribeiro RP, Aguado MT. Integrative anatomical study of the branched annelid Ramisyllis multicaudata (Annelida, Syllidae). J Morphol 2021; 282:900-916. [PMID: 33813762 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The sponge-dwelling Syllidae Ramisyllis multicaudata and Syllis ramosa are the only annelid species for which a branched body with one head and multiple posterior ends is known. In these species, the head is located deep within the sponge, and the branches extend through the canal system of their host. The morphology of these creatures has captivated annelid biologists since they were first discovered in the late XIXth century, and their external characteristics have been well documented. However, how their branched bodies fit within their symbiotic host sponges and how branches translate into internal anatomy has not been documented before. These features are crucially relevant for understanding the body of these animals, and therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate these aspects. In order to assess these questions, live observation, as wells as histology, immunohistochemistry, micro-computed tomography, and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used on specimens of R. multicaudata. By using these techniques, we show that the complex body of R. multicaudata specimens extends greatly through the canal system of their host sponges. We demonstrate that iterative external bifurcation of the body is accompanied by the bifurcation of the longitudinal organ systems that are characteristic of annelids. Additionally, we also highlight that the bifurcation process leaves an unmistakable fingerprint in the form of newly-described "muscle bridges." These structures theoretically allow one to distinguish original and derived branches at each bifurcation. Last, we characterize some of the internal anatomical features of the stolons (reproductive units) of R. multicaudata, particularly their nervous system. Here, we provide the first study of the internal anatomy of a branched annelid. This information is not only crucial to deepen our understanding of these animals and their biology, but it will also be key to inform future studies that try to explain how this morphology evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J Glasby
- Natural Sciences Department, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Conrad Helm
- Animal Evolution & Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Beckers
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Rannyele P Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Teresa Aguado
- Animal Evolution & Biodiversity, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Walker M, Hammel JU, Wilde F, Hoehfurtner T, Humphries S, Schuech R. Estimation of sinking velocity using free-falling dynamically scaled models: Foraminifera as a test case. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 224:jeb.230961. [PMID: 33443040 PMCID: PMC7927657 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.230961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The velocity of settling particles is an important determinant of distribution in extinct and extant species with passive dispersal mechanisms, such as plants, corals and phytoplankton. Here, we adapted dynamic scaling, borrowed from engineering, to determine settling velocity. Dynamic scaling leverages physical models with relevant dimensionless numbers matched to achieve similar dynamics to the original object. Previous studies have used flumes, wind tunnels or towed models to examine fluid flow around objects with known velocities. Our novel application uses free-falling models to determine the unknown sinking velocity of planktonic Foraminifera – organisms important to our understanding of the Earth's current and historic climate. Using enlarged 3D printed models of microscopic Foraminifera tests, sunk in viscous mineral oil to match their Reynolds numbers and drag coefficients, we predicted sinking velocity of real tests in seawater. This method can be applied to study other settling particles such as plankton, spores or seeds. Summary: A novel method to determine the sinking velocity of biologically important micro-scale particles using 3D printed scale models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Walker
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Outstation at DESY, Building 66, Notkestr. 85, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Wilde
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Outstation at DESY, Building 66, Notkestr. 85, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Hoehfurtner
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Stuart Humphries
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Rudi Schuech
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
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24
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Naumann B, Schweiger S, Hammel JU, Müller H. Parallel evolution of direct development in frogs - Skin and thyroid gland development in African Squeaker Frogs (Anura: Arthroleptidae: Arthroleptis). Dev Dyn 2021; 250:584-600. [PMID: 33354814 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cases of parallel evolution offer the possibility to identify adaptive traits and to uncover developmental constraints on the evolutionary trajectories of these traits. The independent evolution of direct development from the ancestral biphasic life history in frogs is such a case of parallel evolution. In frogs, aquatic larvae (tadpoles) differ profoundly from their adult forms and exhibit a stunning diversity regarding their habitats, morphology and feeding behaviors. The transition from the tadpole to the adult is a climactic, thyroid hormone (TH)-dependent process of profound and fast morphological rearrangement called metamorphosis. One of the organ systems that experiences the most comprehensive metamorphic rearrangements is the skin. Direct-developing frogs lack a free-swimming tadpole and hatch from terrestrial eggs as fully formed froglets. In the few species examined, development is characterized by the condensed and transient formation of some tadpole-specific features and the early formation of adult-specific features during a "cryptic" metamorphosis. RESULTS We show that skin in direct-developing African squeaker frogs (Arthroleptis) is also repatterned from a tadpole-like to an adult-like histology during a cryptic metamorphosis. This repatterning correlates with histological thyroid gland maturation. A comparison with data from the Puerto Rican coqui (Eleutherodactylus coqui) reveals that the evolution of direct development in these frogs is associated with a comparable heterochronic shift of thyroid gland maturation. CONCLUSION This suggests that the development of many adult features is still dependent on, and possibly constrained by, the ancestral dependency on thyroid hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Schweiger
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Zentrum für Material- und Küstenforschung, Außenstelle am DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Müller
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Jena, Germany.,Zentralmagazin Naturwissenschaftlicher Sammlungen, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, UK
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25
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Hilken G, Rosenberg J, Edgecombe GD, Blüml V, Hammel JU, Hasenberg A, Sombke A. The tracheal system of scutigeromorph centipedes and the evolution of respiratory systems of myriapods. Arthropod Struct Dev 2021; 60:101006. [PMID: 33246291 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The tracheal system of scutigeromorph centipedes (Chilopoda) is special, as it consists of dorsally arranged unpaired spiracles. In this study, we investigate the tracheal systems of five different scutigeromorph species. They are strikingly similar to each other but depict unique characters compared to the tracheal systems of pleurostigmophoran centipedes, which has engendered an ongoing debate over a single versus independent origin of tracheal systems in Chilopoda. Up to now, only the respiratory system of Scutigera coleoptrata was investigated intensively using LM-, TEM-, and SEM-techniques. We supplement this with data for species from all three families of Scutigeromorpha. These reveal interspecific differences in atrial width and the shape and branching pattern of the tracheal tubules. Further, we investigated the tracheal system of Scutigera coleoptrata with three additional techniques: light sheet microscopy, microCT and synchrotron radiation based microCT analysis. This set of techniques allows a comparison between fresh versus fixed and dried material. The question of a unique vs. multiple origin of tracheal systems in centipedes and in Myriapoda as a whole is discussed with regard to their structural similarities and differences and the presence of hemocyanin as an oxygen carrier. We used morphological and molecular data and the fossil record to evaluate the alternative hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gero Hilken
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Clinic, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | | | - Gregory D Edgecombe
- Department of Earth Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Valentin Blüml
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- X-ray Imaging with Synchrotron Radiation, Helmholz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Materials Research, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anja Hasenberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Clinic, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Bemmann M, Schulz-Kornas E, Hammel JU, Hipp A, Moosmann J, Herrel A, Rack A, Radespiel U, Zimmermann E, Kaiser TM, Kupczik K. Movement analysis of primate molar teeth under load using synchrotron X-ray microtomography. J Struct Biol 2020; 213:107658. [PMID: 33207268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian teeth have to sustain repetitive and high chewing loads without failure. Key to this capability is the periodontal ligament (PDL), a connective tissue containing a collagenous fibre network which connects the tooth roots to the alveolar bone socket and which allows the teeth to move when loaded. It has been suggested that rodent molars under load experience a screw-like downward motion but it remains unclear whether this movement also occurs in primates. Here we use synchroton micro-computed tomography paired with an axial loading setup to investigate the form-function relationship between tooth movement and the morphology of the PDL space in a non-human primate, the mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). The loading behavior of both mandibular and maxillary molars showed a three-dimensional movement with translational and rotational components, which pushes the tooth into the alveolar socket. Moreover, we found a non-uniform PDL thickness distribution and a gradual increase in volumetric proportion of the periodontal vasculature from cervical to apical. Our results suggest that the PDL morphology may optimize the three-dimensional tooth movement to avoid high stresses under loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Bemmann
- Max Planck Weizmann Center for Integrative Archaeology and Anthropology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Department of Cariology, Endodontics and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 12, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ellen Schulz-Kornas
- Max Planck Weizmann Center for Integrative Archaeology and Anthropology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Department of Cariology, Endodontics and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 12, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Center of Natural History (CeNak), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Alexander Hipp
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Julian Moosmann
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179 C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Alexander Rack
- ESRF The European Synchrotron, 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Zimmermann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas M Kaiser
- Center of Natural History (CeNak), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kupczik
- Max Planck Weizmann Center for Integrative Archaeology and Anthropology, Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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27
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Engelkes K, Kath L, Kleinteich T, Hammel JU, Beerlink A, Haas A. Ecomorphology of the pectoral girdle in anurans (Amphibia, Anura): Shape diversity and biomechanical considerations. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11467-11487. [PMID: 33144978 PMCID: PMC7593145 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Frogs and toads (Lissamphibia: Anura) show a diversity of locomotor modes that allow them to inhabit a wide range of habitats. The different locomotor modes are likely to be linked to anatomical specializations of the skeleton within the typical frog Bauplan. While such anatomical adaptations of the hind limbs and the pelvic girdle are comparably well understood, the pectoral girdle received much less attention in the past. We tested for locomotor-mode-related shape differences in the pectoral girdle bones of 64 anuran species by means of micro-computed-tomography-based geometric morphometrics. The pectoral girdles of selected species were analyzed with regard to the effects of shape differences on muscle moment arms across the shoulder joint and stress dissipation within the coracoid. Phylogenetic relationships, size, and locomotor behavior have an effect on the shape of the pectoral girdle in anurans, but there are differences in the relative impact of these factors between the bones of this skeletal unit. Remarkable shape diversity has been observed within locomotor groups indicating many-to-one mapping of form onto function. Significant shape differences have mainly been related to the overall pectoral girdle geometry and the shape of the coracoid. Most prominent shape differences have been found between burrowing and nonburrowing species with headfirst and backward burrowing species significantly differing from one another and from the other locomotor groups. The pectoral girdle shapes of burrowing species have generally larger moment arms for (simulated) humerus retractor muscles across the shoulder joint, which might be an adaptation to the burrowing behavior. The mechanisms of how the moment arms were enlarged differed between species and were associated with differences in the reaction of the coracoid to simulated loading by physiologically relevant forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin Engelkes
- Center of Natural History (CeNak)Universität HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Lena Kath
- Center of Natural History (CeNak)Universität HamburgHamburgGermany
| | | | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials ResearchHelmholtz‐Zentrum GeesthachtGeesthachtGermany
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst‐Hackel‐Haus und BiologiedidaktikFriedrich‐Schiller‐Universität JenaJenaGermany
| | | | - Alexander Haas
- Center of Natural History (CeNak)Universität HamburgHamburgGermany
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28
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Naumann B, Reip HS, Akkari N, Neubert D, Hammel JU. Inside the head of a cybertype – three-dimensional reconstruction of the head muscles of Ommatoiulus avatar (Diplopoda: Juliformia: Julidae) reveals insights into the feeding movements of Juliformia. Zool J Linn Soc 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz109] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe origin and diversification of the arthropod head is one of the major topics in the field of evolutionary morphology of Arthropoda. Among the major arthropod groups, Myriapoda and, more precisely Diplopoda, are generally poorly studied regarding their head anatomy. However, this group is of pivotal importance to understand the evolutionary functional morphology of the arthropod head. In this study, we investigate the complete musculoskeletal system of the diplopod head with a detailed description of the cephalic anatomy of the recently described species Ommatoiulus avatar. The comparison of our data with the literature on the few other species available show that the morphology of the musculoskeletal system within Juliformia, a subgroup of the Diplopoda, is relatively conservative. Using video recordings of the feeding movements in addition to the anatomical data, we revise the mechanism of the mandibular movements in Juliformia. There was a controversy whether mandibular abduction is an active process, facilitated by contraction of an abductor muscle, or if it is a passive process, mediated by tentorial and gnathochilarial movements not involving a direct abduction by muscular contraction. We show that mandibular abduction in Ommatoiulus is an active movement involving the contraction of an abductor muscle. This is similar to the mandibular abduction in other arthropod groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Naumann
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Hans S Reip
- Department of Soil Zoology, Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, Görlitz, Germany
| | - Nesrine Akkari
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Neubert
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany
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Engelkes K, Helfsgott J, Hammel JU, Büsse S, Kleinteich T, Beerlink A, Gorb SN, Haas A. Measurement error in μCT-based three-dimensional geometric morphometrics introduced by surface generation and landmark data acquisition. J Anat 2019; 235:357-378. [PMID: 31062345 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Computed-tomography-derived (CT-derived) polymesh surfaces are widely used in geometric morphometric studies. This approach is inevitably associated with decisions on scanning parameters, resolution, and segmentation strategies. Although the underlying processing steps have been shown to potentially contribute artefactual variance to three-dimensional landmark coordinates, their effects on measurement error have rarely been assessed systematically in CT-based geometric morphometric studies. The present study systematically assessed artefactual variance in landmark data introduced by the use of different voxel sizes, segmentation strategies, surface simplification degrees, and by inter- and intra-observer differences, and compared their magnitude to true biological variation. Multiple CT-derived surface variants of the anuran (Amphibia: Anura) pectoral girdle were generated by systematic changes in the factors that potentially influence the surface geometries. Twenty-four landmarks were repeatedly acquired by different observers. The contribution of all factors to the total variance in the landmark data was assessed using random-factor nested permanovas. Selected sets of Euclidean distances between landmark sets served further to compare the variance among factor levels. Landmark precision was assessed by landmark standard deviation and compared among observers and days. Results showed that all factors, except for voxel size, significantly contributed to measurement error in at least some of the analyses performed. In total, 6.75% of the variance in landmark data that mimicked a realistic biological study was caused by measurement error. In this landmark dataset, intra-observer error was the major source of artefactual variance followed by inter-observer error; the factor segmentation contributed < 1% and slight surface simplification had no significant effect. Inter-observer error clearly exceeded intra-observer error in a different landmark dataset acquired by six partly inexperienced observers. The results suggest that intra-observer error can potentially be reduced by including a training period prior to the actual landmark acquisition task and by acquiring landmarks in as few sessions as possible. Additionally, the application of moderate and careful surface simplification and, potentially, also the use of case-specific optimal combinations of automatic local thresholding algorithms and parameters for segmentation can help reduce intra-observer error. If landmark data are to be acquired by several observers, it is important to ensure that all observers are consistent in landmark identification. Despite the significant amount of artefactual variance, we have shown that landmark data acquired from microCT-derived surfaces are precise enough to study the shape of anuran pectoral girdles. Yet, a systematic assessment of measurement error is advisable for all geometric morphometric studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin Engelkes
- Center of Natural History (CeNak), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennice Helfsgott
- Center of Natural History (CeNak), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany.,Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst-Hackel-Haus und Biologiedidaktik, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Büsse
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Haas
- Center of Natural History (CeNak), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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30
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Sadowski EM, Hammel JU, Denk T. Synchrotron X-ray imaging of a dichasium cupule of Castanopsis from Eocene Baltic amber. Am J Bot 2018; 105:2025-2036. [PMID: 30548995 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY The Eocene Baltic amber deposit represents the largest accumulation of fossil resin worldwide, and hundreds of thousands of entrapped arthropods have been recovered. Although Baltic amber preserves delicate plant structures in high fidelity, angiosperms of the "Baltic amber forest" remain poorly studied. We describe a pistillate partial inflorescence of Castanopsis (Fagaceae), expanding the knowledge of Fagaceae diversity from Baltic amber. METHODS The amber specimen was investigated using light microscopy and synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray micro-computed tomography (SRμCT). KEY RESULTS The partial inflorescence is a cymule, consisting of an involucre of scales that surround all four pistillate flowers, indicating a dichasium cupule. Subtending bracts are basally covered with peltate trichomes. Flowers possess an urecolate perianth of six nearly free lobes, 12 staminodia hidden by the perianth, and a tri-locular ovary that is convex-triangular in cross section. The exceptional three-dimensional preservation suggests that the fossil belongs to the extant East Asian genus Castanopsis. The amber inclusion represents the first record of Castanopsis from Baltic amber and the first pistillate inflorescence of Fagaceae from Eurasia. CONCLUSIONS The partial female inflorescence reported here provides an important addition to acorns of Castanopsis described from middle Eocene strata of Europe. Furthermore, the intercontinental distribution of Castanopsis in the Eocene is confirmed. The amber fossil also broadens the picture of the Baltic amber source area, indicating oligotrophic, sandy, bog-like habitats. Finally, this study underscores the great benefit of SRμCT as a powerful tool to investigate plant inclusions from amber in a nondestructive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Sadowski
- Department of Geobiology, University of Göttingen, Goldschmidtstraße 3, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Thomas Denk
- Department of Palaeobiology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 10405, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hehn L, Gradl R, Voss A, Günther B, Dierolf M, Jud C, Willer K, Allner S, Hammel JU, Hessler R, Morgan KS, Herzen J, Hemmert W, Pfeiffer F. Propagation-based phase-contrast tomography of a guinea pig inner ear with cochlear implant using a model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm. Biomed Opt Express 2018; 9:5330-5339. [PMID: 30460131 PMCID: PMC6238946 DOI: 10.1364/boe.9.005330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography has become a valuable tool for visualization of three-dimensional biological samples, due to its high contrast between materials with similar attenuation properties. However, one of the most-widely used phase-retrieval algorithms imposes a homogeneity assumption onto the sample, which leads to artifacts for numerous applications where this assumption is violated. Prominent examples are biological samples with highly-absorbing implants. Using synchrotron radiation, we demonstrate by the example of a guinea pig inner ear with a cochlear implant electrode, how a recently developed model-based iterative algorithm for propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography yields distinct benefits for such a task. We find that the model-based approach improves the overall image quality, removes the detrimental influence of the implant and accurately visualizes the cochlea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Hehn
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich,
Germany
| | - Regine Gradl
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Andrej Voss
- Bio-Inspired Information Processing, Munich School of BioEngineering, Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Benedikt Günther
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Martin Dierolf
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Christoph Jud
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Konstantin Willer
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich,
Germany
| | - Sebastian Allner
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, 21502 Geesthacht,
Germany
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst-Haeckel-Haus und Biologiedidaktik, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena,
Germany
| | | | - Kaye S. Morgan
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800,
Australia
| | - Julia Herzen
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Werner Hemmert
- Bio-Inspired Information Processing, Munich School of BioEngineering, Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich,
Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching,
Germany
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32
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Jahn H, Oliveira IDES, Gross V, Martin C, Hipp A, Mayer G, Hammel JU. Evaluation of contrasting techniques for X-ray imaging of velvet worms (Onychophora). J Microsc 2018; 270:343-358. [PMID: 29469207 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive imaging techniques like X-ray computed tomography have become very popular in zoology, as they allow for simultaneous imaging of the internal and external morphology of organisms. Nevertheless, the effect of different staining approaches required for this method on samples lacking mineralized tissues, such as soft-bodied invertebrates, remains understudied. Herein, we used synchrotron radiation-based X-ray micro-computed tomography to compare the effects of commonly used contrasting approaches on onychophorans - soft-bodied invertebrates important for studying animal evolution. Representatives of Euperipatoides rowelli were stained with osmium tetroxide (vapour or solution), ruthenium red, phosphotungstic acid, or iodine. Unstained specimens were imaged using both standard attenuation-based and differential phase-contrast setups to simulate analyses with museum material. Our comparative qualitative analyses of several tissue types demonstrate that osmium tetroxide provides the best overall tissue contrast in onychophorans, whereas the remaining staining agents rather favour the visualisation of specific tissues and/or structures. Quantitative analyses using signal-to-noise ratio measurements show that the level of image noise may vary according to the staining agent and scanning medium selected. Furthermore, box-and-whisker plots revealed substantial overlap in grey values among structures in all datasets, suggesting that a combination of semiautomatic and manual segmentation of structures is required for comprehensive 3D reconstructions of Onychophora, irrespective of the approach selected. Our results show that X-ray micro-computed tomography is a promising technique for studying onychophorans and, despite the benefits and disadvantages of different staining agents for specific tissues/structures, this method retrieves informative data that may eventually help address evolutionary questions long associated with Onychophora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Jahn
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Ivo DE Sena Oliveira
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany.,Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vladimir Gross
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Christine Martin
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Alexander Hipp
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany.,Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
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33
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Dunlop JA, Kotthoff U, Hammel JU, Ahrens J, Harms D. Arachnids in Bitterfeld amber: A unique fauna of fossils from the heart of Europe or simply old friends? EvolSyst 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.2.22581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitterfeld amber, sometimes referred to as Saxon or Saxonian amber, is a potentially significant but poorly known source of arthropod data for the Palaeogene of northern Europe. An important aspect is a long-standing controversy about the age of this amber: namely whether it is equivalent to, and perhaps merely a southerly extension of, the better-known Baltic amber, or whether it is a unique and geological younger deposit sampling a different fauna. Here, we briefly review the Bitterfeld arachnids with particular emphasis on how these data could be used to elucidate the age of this deposit. Five arachnid orders have been recorded from Bitterfeld amber: spiders (Araneae), acariform mites (Acariformes), parasitiform mites (Parasitiformes), harvestmen (Opiliones) and pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones). This is a lower diversity than Baltic amber, where scorpions (Scorpiones) and camel spiders (Solifugae) have also been recorded. Spiders are the most comprehensively studied group, with more than 75 described species. Other groups such as pseudoscorpions and mites appear to be very diverse, but are virtually undescribed. Morphological overlap is apparent in the arachnid fauna and 40 species are currently shared between Baltic and Bitterfeld amber whilst 50 species are unique to the Bitterfeld deposit. At the family level overlap is even higher, but in all groups Baltic amber appears more diverse than Bitterfeld. This overlap may be interpreted as evidence for temporal conspecifity of the Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers, albeit with the Bitterfeld and Baltic ambers possibly representing independent localities within a larger Eocene European amber area which also included the Rovno amber from the Ukraine. However, caution should be exercised because the taxonomic foundation for such assumptions is far from comprehensive, most of the material remains to be studied in detail using modern techniques of morphological reconstruction. There are further issues with date estimates because some arachnid groups show extraordinary morphological stasis over time, even at species level, which may bias the analyses available. Here, we review the available knowledge on Bitterfeld arachnids and discuss how a detailed assessment of this fauna, and other arthropod taxa, could be generated. Several natural history museums – including Hamburg and Berlin – as well as private collectors host major assemblages of Bitterfeld fossils which may help to clarify the debate about the age and provenance of the material, and the extent to which (morpho)-species were maintained both over geographical distances and potentially geological time.
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Willumeit-Römer R, Moosmann J, Zeller-Plumhoff B, Florian Wieland DC, Krüger D, Wiese B, Wennerberg A, Peruzzi N, Galli S, Beckmann F, Hammel JU. Visualization of Implant Failure by Synchrotron Tomography. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72526-0_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Henne S, Friedrich F, Hammel JU, Sombke A, Schmidt-Rhaesa A. Reconstructing the anterior part of the nervous system ofGordius aquaticus(Nematomorpha, cycloneuralia) by a multimethodological approach. J Morphol 2016; 278:106-118. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Henne
- Invertebrates I; University of Hamburg, Center of Natural History (CeNak), Zoological Museum Hamburg; Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3 Hamburg 20146 Germany
| | - Frank Friedrich
- Electron Microscopy; University of Hamburg, Biocenter Grindel; Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3 Hamburg 20146 Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- X-ray Imaging with Synchrotron Radiation, Helmholz-Zentrum Geesthacht; Institute of Materials Research; Max-Planck-Straße 1 Geesthacht 21502 Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Cytology and Evolutionary Biology; Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum; Soldmannstrasse 23 Greifswald 17489 Germany
| | - Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa
- Invertebrates I; University of Hamburg, Center of Natural History (CeNak), Zoological Museum Hamburg; Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3 Hamburg 20146 Germany
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36
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Stebner F, Szadziewski R, Rühr PT, Singh H, Hammel JU, Kvifte GM, Rust J. A fossil biting midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from early Eocene Indian amber with a complex pheromone evaporator. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34352. [PMID: 27698490 PMCID: PMC5048152 DOI: 10.1038/srep34352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The life-like fidelity of organisms captured in amber is unique among all kinds of fossilization and represents an invaluable source for different fields of palaeontological and biological research. One of the most challenging aspects in amber research is the study of traits related to behaviour. Here, indirect evidence for pheromone-mediated mating behaviour is recorded from a biting midge (Ceratopogonidae) in 54 million-year-old Indian amber. Camptopterohelea odora n. sp. exhibits a complex, pocket shaped structure on the wings, which resembles the wing folds of certain moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and scent organs that are only known from butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) so far. Our studies suggests that pheromone releasing structures on the wings have evolved independently in biting midges and might be much more widespread in fossil as well as modern insects than known so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Stebner
- Steinmann-Institut, Abteilung Paläontologie, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ryszard Szadziewski
- University of Gdańsk, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Wita Stwosza 59, 80- 308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Peter T Rühr
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Zentrum für Molekulare Biodiversitätsforschung, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hukam Singh
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, 53 University Road, Lucknow, India
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institut für Werkstoffforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Gunnar Mikalsen Kvifte
- University Museum of Bergen, Department of Natural History, P.O. Box 7800, University of Bergen, 5040 Bergen, Norway.,Universität Kassel, Institut für Biologie, Fachgebiet Limnologie, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, 34132 Kassel-Oberzwehren, Germany
| | - Jes Rust
- Steinmann-Institut, Abteilung Paläontologie, Nussallee 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Abstract
Spider males have evolved a remarkable way of transferring sperm by using a modified part of their pedipalps, the so-called palpal organ. The palpal organ is ontogenetically derived from tarsal claws; however, no nerves, sensory organs or muscles have been detected in the palpal bulb so far, suggesting that the spider male copulatory organ is numb and sensorily blind. Here, we document the presence of neurons and a nerve inside the male palpal organ of a spider for the first time. Several neurons that are located in the embolus are attached to the surrounding cuticle where stresses and strains lead to a deformation (stretching) of the palpal cuticle on a local scale, suggesting a putative proprioreceptive function. Consequently, the male copulatory organ of this species is not just a numb structure but likely able to directly perceive sensory input during sperm transfer. In addition, we identified two glands in the palpal organ, one of which is located in the embolus (embolus gland). The embolus gland appears to be directly innervated, which could allow for rapid modulation of secretory activity. Thus, we hypothesize that the transferred seminal fluid can be modulated to influence female processes.
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Fantazzini P, Mengoli S, Pasquini L, Bortolotti V, Brizi L, Mariani M, Di Giosia M, Fermani S, Capaccioni B, Caroselli E, Prada F, Zaccanti F, Levy O, Dubinsky Z, Kaandorp JA, Konglerd P, Hammel JU, Dauphin Y, Cuif JP, Weaver JC, Fabricius KE, Wagermaier W, Fratzl P, Falini G, Goffredo S. Gains and losses of coral skeletal porosity changes with ocean acidification acclimation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7785. [PMID: 26183259 PMCID: PMC4518299 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification is predicted to impact ecosystems reliant on calcifying organisms, potentially reducing the socioeconomic benefits these habitats provide. Here we investigate the acclimation potential of stony corals living along a pH gradient caused by a Mediterranean CO2 vent that serves as a natural long-term experimental setting. We show that in response to reduced skeletal mineralization at lower pH, corals increase their skeletal macroporosity (features >10 μm) in order to maintain constant linear extension rate, an important criterion for reproductive output. At the nanoscale, the coral skeleton's structural features are not altered. However, higher skeletal porosity, and reduced bulk density and stiffness may contribute to reduce population density and increase damage susceptibility under low pH conditions. Based on these observations, the almost universally employed measure of coral biomineralization, the rate of linear extension, might not be a reliable metric for assessing coral health and resilience in a warming and acidifying ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Fantazzini
- 1] Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy [2] Centro Enrico Fermi, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mengoli
- Department of Management, University of Bologna, Via Capo di Lucca 34, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Villiam Bortolotti
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brizi
- 1] Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy [2] Centro Enrico Fermi, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Mariani
- 1] Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy [2] Centro Enrico Fermi, Piazza del Viminale 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Giosia
- Department of Chemistry 'G. Ciamician', University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Fermani
- Department of Chemistry 'G. Ciamician', University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruno Capaccioni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Geology, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato 1, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Erik Caroselli
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Biology, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fiorella Prada
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Biology, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Zaccanti
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Biology, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Oren Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Zvy Dubinsky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Jaap A Kaandorp
- Section Computational Science, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, room C3.147, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pirom Konglerd
- Section Computational Science, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, room C3.147, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Outstation at DESY, Building 25c Notkestr. 85, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yannicke Dauphin
- Micropaléontologie, UFR TEB Université P. &M. Curie, 75252 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Cuif
- Micropaléontologie, UFR TEB Université P. &M. Curie, 75252 Paris, France
| | - James C Weaver
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, 60 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Katharina E Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, 4810 Queensland, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Wagermaier
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Falini
- Department of Chemistry 'G. Ciamician', University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Goffredo
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Biology, University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Mayer G, Oliveira IS, Baer A, Hammel JU, Gallant J, Hochberg R. Capture of Prey, Feeding, and Functional Anatomy of the Jaws in Velvet Worms (Onychophora). Integr Comp Biol 2015; 55:217-27. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Hammel JU, Nickel M. A new flow-regulating cell type in the Demosponge Tethya wilhelma - functional cellular anatomy of a leuconoid canal system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113153. [PMID: 25409176 PMCID: PMC4237394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Demosponges possess a leucon-type canal system which is characterized by a highly complex network of canal segments and choanocyte chambers. As sponges are sessile filter feeders, their aquiferous system plays an essential role in various fundamental physiological processes. Due to the morphological and architectural complexity of the canal system and the strong interdependence between flow conditions and anatomy, our understanding of fluid dynamics throughout leuconoid systems is patchy. This paper provides comprehensive morphometric data on the general architecture of the canal system, flow measurements and detailed cellular anatomical information to help fill in the gaps. We focus on the functional cellular anatomy of the aquiferous system and discuss all relevant cell types in the context of hydrodynamic and evolutionary constraints. Our analysis is based on the canal system of the tropical demosponge Tethya wilhelma, which we studied using scanning electron microscopy. We found a hitherto undescribed cell type, the reticuloapopylocyte, which is involved in flow regulation in the choanocyte chambers. It has a highly fenestrated, grid-like morphology and covers the apopylar opening. The minute opening of the reticuloapopylocyte occurs in an opened, intermediate and closed state. These states permit a gradual regulation of the total apopylar opening area. In this paper the three states are included in a theoretical study into flow conditions which aims to draw a link between functional cellular anatomy, the hydrodynamic situation and the regular body contractions seen in T. wilhelma. This provides a basis for new hypotheses regarding the function of bypass elements and the role of hydrostatic pressure in body contractions. Our study provides insights into the local and global flow conditions in the sponge canal system and thus enhances current understanding of related physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg U. Hammel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstr. 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Nickel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstr. 1, 07743, Jena, Germany
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Steinmetz PRH, Kraus JEM, Larroux C, Hammel JU, Amon-Hassenzahl A, Houliston E, Wörheide G, Nickel M, Degnan BM, Technau U. Independent evolution of striated muscles in cnidarians and bilaterians. Nature 2012; 487:231-4. [PMID: 22763458 PMCID: PMC3398149 DOI: 10.1038/nature11180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Striated muscles are present in bilaterian animals (for example, vertebrates, insects and annelids) and some non-bilaterian eumetazoans (that is, cnidarians and ctenophores). The considerable ultrastructural similarity of striated muscles between these animal groups is thought to reflect a common evolutionary origin. Here we show that a muscle protein core set, including a type II myosin heavy chain (MyHC) motor protein characteristic of striated muscles in vertebrates, was already present in unicellular organisms before the origin of multicellular animals. Furthermore, 'striated muscle' and 'non-muscle' myhc orthologues are expressed differentially in two sponges, compatible with a functional diversification before the origin of true muscles and the subsequent use of striated muscle MyHC in fast-contracting smooth and striated muscle. Cnidarians and ctenophores possess striated muscle myhc orthologues but lack crucial components of bilaterian striated muscles, such as genes that code for titin and the troponin complex, suggesting the convergent evolution of striated muscles. Consistently, jellyfish orthologues of a shared set of bilaterian Z-disc proteins are not associated with striated muscles, but are instead expressed elsewhere or ubiquitously. The independent evolution of eumetazoan striated muscles through the addition of new proteins to a pre-existing, ancestral contractile apparatus may serve as a model for the evolution of complex animal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R H Steinmetz
- Department for Molecular Evolution and Development, Centre for Organismal Systems Biology, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Rivera AS, Hammel JU, Haen KM, Danka ES, Cieniewicz B, Winters IP, Posfai D, Wörheide G, Lavrov DV, Knight SW, Hill MS, Hill AL, Nickel M. RNA interference in marine and freshwater sponges: actin knockdown in Tethya wilhelma and Ephydatia muelleri by ingested dsRNA expressing bacteria. BMC Biotechnol 2011; 11:67. [PMID: 21679422 PMCID: PMC3146823 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-11-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The marine sponge Tethya wilhelma and the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri are emerging model organisms to study evolution, gene regulation, development, and physiology in non-bilaterian animal systems. Thus far, functional methods (i.e., loss or gain of function) for these organisms have not been available. Results We show that soaking developing freshwater sponges in double-stranded RNA and/or feeding marine and freshwater sponges bacteria expressing double-stranded RNA can lead to RNA interference and reduction of targeted transcript levels. These methods, first utilized in C. elegans, have been adapted for the development and feeding style of easily cultured marine and freshwater poriferans. We demonstrate phenotypic changes result from 'knocking down' expression of the actin gene. Conclusion This technique provides an easy, efficient loss-of-function manipulation for developmental and gene regulatory studies in these important non-bilaterian animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajna S Rivera
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA
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Nickel M, Scheer C, Hammel JU, Herzen J, Beckmann F. The contractile sponge epithelium sensu lato – body contraction of the demosponge Tethya wilhelma is mediated by the pinacoderm. J Exp Biol 2011; 214:1692-8. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.049148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Sponges constitute one of the two metazoan phyla that are able to contract their bodies despite a complete lack of muscle cells. Two competing hypotheses on the mechanisms behind this have been postulated to date: (1) mesohyl-mediated contraction originating from fusiform smooth muscle-like actinocytes (‘myocytes’) and (2) epidermal contraction originating in pinacocytes. No direct support exists for either hypothesis. The question of agonist–antagonist interaction in sponge contraction seems to have been completely neglected so far. In the present study we addressed this by studying sponge contraction kinetics. We also tested both hypotheses by carrying out volumetric studies of 3D synchrotron radiation-based x-ray microtomography data obtained from contracted and expanded specimens of Tethya wilhelma. Our results support the pinacoderm contraction hypothesis. Should mesohyl contraction be present, it is likely to be part of the antagonist system. We conclude that epithelial contraction plays a major role in sponges. Contractile epithelia sensu lato may be regarded as part of the ground pattern of the Metazoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nickel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Corina Scheer
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Herzen
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Materials Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
- Physik-Department, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Felix Beckmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Materials Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
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Hammel JU, Filatov MV, Herzen J, Beckmann F, Kaandorp JA, Nickel M. The non-hierarchical, non-uniformly branching topology of a leuconoid sponge aquiferous system revealed by 3D reconstruction and morphometrics using corrosion casting and X-ray microtomography. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2010.00492.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hammel JU, Herzen J, Beckmann F, Nickel M. Sponge budding is a spatiotemporal morphological patterning process: Insights from synchrotron radiation-based x-ray microtomography into the asexual reproduction of Tethya wilhelma. Front Zool 2009; 6:19. [PMID: 19737392 PMCID: PMC2749020 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-6-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary agametic-asexual reproduction mechanisms such as budding and fission are present in all non-bilaterian and many bilaterian animal taxa and are likely to be metazoan ground pattern characters. Cnidarians display highly organized and regulated budding processes. In contrast, budding in poriferans was thought to be less specific and related to the general ability of this group to reorganize their tissues. Here we test the hypothesis of morphological pattern formation during sponge budding. RESULTS We investigated the budding process in Tethya wilhelma (Demospongiae) by applying 3D morphometrics to high resolution synchrotron radiation-based x-ray microtomography (SR-muCT) image data. We followed the morphogenesis of characteristic body structures and identified distinct morphological states which indeed reveal characteristic spatiotemporal morphological patterns in sponge bud development. We discovered the distribution of skeletal elements, canal system and sponge tissue to be based on a sequential series of distinct morphological states. Based on morphometric data we defined four typical bud stages. Once they have reached the final stage buds are released as fully functional juvenile sponges which are morphologically and functionally equivalent to adult specimens. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that budding in demosponges is considerably more highly organized and regulated than previously assumed. Morphological pattern formation in asexual reproduction with underlying genetic regulation seems to have evolved early in metazoans and was likely part of the developmental program of the last common ancestor of all Metazoa (LCAM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg U Hammel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstr, 1, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Abstract
Climate change is advancing the onset of the growing season and this is happening at a particularly fast rate in the High Arctic. However, in most species the relative fitness implications for males and females remain elusive. Here, we present data on 10 successive cohorts of the wolf spider Pardosa glacialis from Zackenberg in High-Arctic, northeast Greenland. We found marked inter-annual variation in adult body size (carapace width) and this variation was greater in females than in males. Earlier snowmelt during both years of its biennial maturation resulted in larger adult body sizes and a skew towards positive sexual size dimorphism (females bigger than males). These results illustrate the pervasive influence of climate on key life-history traits and indicate that male and female responses to climate should be investigated separately whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toke Thomas Høye
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Biodiversity, National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Rønde, Denmark.
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