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434 results for “conspecifics”
Supplementary material 2 from: Grimm J, Dick JTA, Verreycken H, Jeschke JM, Linzmaier S, Ricciardi A (2020) Context-dependent differences in the functional responses of conspecific native and non-native crayfishes. NeoBiota 54: 71-88. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.54.38668
: Data type: statistical data
Data from: The effect of conspecific density on honey bee foraging behavior
Foraging honey bees (Apis mellifera) seem to use the presence of conspecific foragers as cues for flower quality. However, there is disagreement regarding how a conspecific cue is perceived by other foragers (enhancement or inhibition). Most studies manipulate the total number of bees foraging in an arena or the presence or absence of a bee on a flower and then observe the behavior of one forager in response to a single conspecific, which does not reflect natural foraging. We tested how a range of conspecifics on flowers affected on which flowers foraging honey bees landed. We trained students from a biology class for non-STEM majors to collect data and tested whether the number of conspecifics on flowers influences on which flower foragers land. We found that foragers land more frequently on flowers occupied by more conspecifics, which supports the hypothesis that conspecifics are cues for local enhancement. Our results increase our understanding of how honey bees forage once at a flower patch.
Traits mediate a tradeoff in seedling growth response to light and conspecific density in a diverse subtropical forest
<p>Understanding tree species responses to biotic and abiotic factors is fundamental for stronger predictions of community assembly and dynamics. However, several challenges remain. These include a failure to investigate whether there is evidence for key hypothesized life-history tradeoffs and to link these tradeoffs to functional traits.</p> <p>In this study, we seek to explicitly address the above outstanding challenges by constructing models for individual seedling growth in response to abiotic and biotic factors using three years of seedling census data from a 20-ha subtropical forest dynamics plot in a diverse subtropical forest and correlated these responses with functional traits.</p> <p>We found that light and conspecific neighbours increase and decrease the relative growth rate of tree seedlings, respectively. We also found that the ability of a species to positively respond to canopy openness trades off against susceptibility to CNDD. This tradeoff was evident across seasons and could be predicted on functional trait - stem and leaf dry matter content.</p> <p><i>Synthesis</i>. Our findings indicate species that can grow quickly in high light environments also tend to suffer more conspecific negative density dependence. The results highlight strong evidence of a tradeoff relating to growth and defence widely hypothesized to be of importance in diverse tree communities and that this tradeoff occurs across seasons and can be linked to a commonly measured functional trait.</p>
The smell of cooperation: rats increase helpful behaviour when receiving odour cues of a conspecific performing a cooperative task
<p>Reciprocity can explain cooperative behaviour among non-kin, where individuals help others depending on their experience in previous interactions. Norway rats <i>(Rattus norvegicus)</i> cooperate reciprocally according to direct and generalized reciprocity. In a sequence of four consecutive experiments, we show that odour cues from a cooperating conspecific are sufficient to induce altruistic help of rats in a food-exchange task. When rats were enabled to help a non-cooperative partner while receiving olfactory information from a rat helping a conspecific in a different room, they helped their non-cooperative partner as if it was a cooperative one. We further show that the cues inducing altruistic behaviour are released during the act of cooperation and do not depend on the identity of the cue provider. Remarkably, olfactory cues seem to be more important for cooperation decisions than experiencing a cooperative act per se. This suggests that rats signal their cooperation propensity to social partners, which increases their chances to receive help in return.</p>
Data from: Conspecific sperm precedence is reinforced, but postcopulatory sexual selection weakened, in sympatric populations of Drosophila
Sexual selection can accelerate speciation by driving the evolution of reproductive isolation, but forces driving speciation could also reciprocally feedback on sexual selection. This might be particularly important in the context of 'reinforcement', where selection acts directly to increase prezygotic barriers to reduce the cost of heterospecific matings. Using assays of sperm competition within and between two sister species, we show a signature of reinforcement where these species interact: populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura that co-occur with sister species D. persimilis have an elevated ability to outcompete heterospecific sperm, consistent with selection for increased postcopulatory isolation. We also find these D. pseudoobscura populations have decreased sperm competitive ability against conspecifics, reducing the opportunity for sexual selection within these populations. Our findings demonstrate that direct selection to increase reproductive isolation against other species can compromise the efficacy of sexual selection within species, a collateral effect of reproductive traits responding to heterospecific interactions.
Data from: Transmission risk predicts avoidance of infected conspecifics in Trinidadian guppies
1.Associating with conspecifics afflicted with infectious diseases increases the risk of becoming infected, but engaging in avoidance behaviour incurs the cost of lost social benefits. Across systems, infected individuals vary in the transmission risk they pose, so natural selection should favour risk‐sensitive avoidance behaviour that optimally balances the costs and benefits of sociality. 2.Here we use the guppy Poecilia reticulata‐Gyrodactylus turnbulli host‐parasite system to test the prediction that individuals avoid infected conspecifics in proportion to the transmission risk they pose. 3.In dichotomous choice tests, uninfected fish avoided both the chemical and visual cues, presented separately, of infected conspecifics only in the later stages of infection. 4.A transmission experiment indicated that this avoidance behaviour accurately tracked transmission risk (quantified as both the speed at which transmission occurs and the number of parasites transmitting) through the course of infection. 5.Together, these findings reveal that uninfected hosts can use redundant cues across sensory systems to inform dynamic risk‐sensitive avoidance behaviour. This correlation between the transmission risk posed by infected individuals and the avoidance response they elicit has implications for the evolutionary ecology of infectious disease, and its explicit inclusion may improve the ability of epidemic models to predict disease spread.
Data from: Lineages evolved under stronger sexual selection show superior ability to invade conspecific competitor populations
Despite limitations on offspring production, almost all multicellular species use sex to reproduce. Sex gives rise to sexual selection, a widespread force operating through competition and choice within reproduction, however, it remains unclear whether sexual selection is beneficial for total lineage fitness, or if it acts as a constraint. Sexual selection could be a positive force because of selection on improved individual condition and purging of mutation load, summing into lineages with superior fitness. On the other hand, sexual selection could negate potential net fitness through the actions of sexual conflict, or because of tensions between investment in sexually selected and naturally selected traits. Here, we explore these ideas using a multigenerational invasion challenge to measure consequences of sexual selection for the overall net fitness of a lineage. After applying experimental evolution under strong versus weak regimes of sexual selection for 77 generations with the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, we measured the overall ability of introductions from either regime to invade into conspecific competitor populations across eight generations. Results showed that populations from stronger sexual selection backgrounds had superior net fitness, invading more rapidly and completely than counterparts from weak sexual selection backgrounds. Despite comprising only 10% of each population at the start of the invasion experiment, colonizations from strong sexual selection histories eventually achieved near total introgression, almost completely eliminating the original competitor genotype. Population genetic simulations using the design and parameters of our experiment indicate that this invasion superiority could be explained if strong sexual selection had improved both juvenile and adult fitness, in both sexes. Using a combination of empirical and modeling approaches, our findings therefore reveal positive and wide-reaching impacts of sexual selection for net population fitness when facing the broad challenge of invading competitor populations across multiple generations.
Data from: Chemical suppression of embryonic cane toads Rhinella marina by larval conspecifics
1. Mechanisms that evolved to suppress the development of potential competitors may offer novel methods for species-specific control of invasive organisms. The tadpoles of cane toads Rhinella marina compete for limited food resources in small ponds, and older tadpoles eliminate competitors not only by eating newly-laid eggs, but also by releasing a chemical that suppresses development of conspecific eggs. 2. We conducted laboratory trials to assess the magnitude and generality of this suppression effect, and to identify the developmental stages capable of producing the suppressor cue and those that are vulnerable to its presence. 3. In all clutches that we tested, the suppressor cue reduced larval growth, development and survival (>95% mortality vs. <50% in controls). The suppressor exerts a general effect on larval development, rather than causing malformations of specific organ systems. 4. Free-swimming tadpoles of all developmental stages produce the cue (but are not affected by it), whereas embryos do not produce the cue, but are vulnerable to it. Tadpoles produce the cue consistently rather than facultatively (e.g. in response to detecting eggs). 5. A preliminary trial shows that the cue is effective in natural spawning ponds as well as in the laboratory. 6. Synthesis and applications. Our data have strong implications for current methods of toad control (culling tadpoles will remove suppression effects on the next generation, so it may be better to maintain live toad tadpoles in secure containers rather than removing them from the pond). Longer-term, understanding the chemical basis of this powerful mechanism for intraspecific competition may facilitate invader control.
Data from: Great spotted cuckoo disregard information on conspecific breeding success while parasitizing magpie
The study of mechanisms underlying host selection by brood parasites usually lays on selection by parasites of host traits that inform on host parental abilities or location. However, brood parasites might use information extracted from past reproductive performance of either their hosts or themselves, a possibility almost neglected. In this study, we use a long-term data set to analyse whether the probability of parasitism by great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) of a magpie (Pica pica) nest in a given year is related with the reproductive outcome of any of the two species in the surroundings of that nest the previous year. We found that probability of parasitism for a nest in a year was explained by previous year cuckoo reproductive outcome and parasitism rate in the area surrounding the focal nest, but not by host reproductive outcome. To discern between the effect of parasitism rate and that of parasite reproductive success on parasite choices we carried out an experiment modifying the natural correlation found between parasitism status and host and parasite success in the patches. The results showed that neither host nor cuckoo reproductive outcome in a patch after the experiment explained probability of parasitism the following year. Only parasitism rate in the surroundings of a nest before the experiment explained probability of parasitism for this nest in the following year. Hence, these results indicate that great spotted cuckoos disregard social information related to past parasitism outcome, probably because parasitism outcome is tightly correlated with parasitism itself.
Data from: Chimpanzees trust conspecifics to engage in low-cost reciprocity
Many of humans' most important social interactions rely on trust, including most notably among strangers. But little is known about the evolutionary roots of human trust. We presented chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) with a modified version of the human trust game—trust in reciprocity—in which subjects could opt either to obtain a small but safe reward on their own or else to send a larger reward to a partner and trust her to reciprocate a part of the reward that she could not access herself. In a series of three studies, we found strong evidence that in interacting with a conspecific, chimpanzees show spontaneous trust in a novel context; flexibly adjust their level of trust to the trustworthiness of their partner and develop patterns of trusting reciprocity over time. At least in some contexts then, trust in reciprocity is not unique to humans, but rather has its evolutionary roots in the social interactions of humans' closest primate relatives.
Data from: Learning of efficient behaviour in spatial exploration through observation of behaviour of conspecific in laboratory rats
Recent studies have suggested that rodent behaviour is influenced by the behaviour of surrounding conspecifics (e.g. emotional contagion and prosocial behaviour). However, little is known about deferred imitation and complex observational learning in rats. The purpose of this study was to reveal whether rats can learn from another rat's experiences. In a maze, observer rats watched the foraging behaviour of other rats (demonstrators) and then foraged in turn. The results showed that demonstrators explored inefficiently, but observers explored more efficiently after observing inefficient exploration by the demonstrators. This observational learning probably involved the acquisition of an efficient strategy through spatial exploration.
Data from: Does local conspecific density and floral display size influence fruit set via pollinator visitation in Orchis militaris?
Plant density varies naturally, from isolated plants to clumped individuals, and can influence pollinator foraging behaviour and plant reproductive success. The effect of conspecific density could depend on the pollination system, and deceptive species differ from rewarding ones in this regard, a high density being often associated with low fruit set in deceptive plants. In our study, we aimed to determine how local conspecific density and floral display size (i.e. number of flowers per plant) affect fruit set in a deceptive orchid (Orchis militaris) through changes in pollinator visitation. We measured fruit set in a natural population and recorded pollinator abundance and foraging behaviour within plots of different O. militaris densities. Detailed data were recorded for the most abundant potential pollinators of O. militaris, i.e. solitary bees. Floral display size was negatively correlated to fruit set in medium-density plots, but uncorrelated in low- and high-density plots. Plot density had no effect on solitary bee abundance and visitation, which may be due to low pollinator abundance within the study site. The proportion of visited flowers per inflorescence was negatively influenced by floral display size, which is in line with previous studies. In addition, solitary bees spent decreasing time in successive flowers within an inflorescence, and the time spent per flower was negatively affected by ambient temperature. Our results suggest that pollinator behaviour during visitation is poorly linked to pollen deposition and reproductive success in O. militaris.
Data from: Not just passengers: Pigeons, Columba livia, can learn homing routes while flying with a more experienced conspecific
For animals that travel in groups, the directional choices of conspecifics are potentially a rich source of information for spatial learning. In this study, we investigate how the opportunity to follow a locally experienced demonstrator affects route learning by pigeons over repeated homing flights. This test of social influences on navigation takes advantage of the individually distinctive routes that pigeons establish when trained alone. We found that pigeons learn routes just as effectively while flying with a partner as control pigeons do while flying alone. However, rather than learning the exact route of the demonstrator, the paired routes shifted over repeated flights, which suggests that the birds with less local experience also took an active role in the navigational task. The efficiency of the original routes was a key factor in how far they shifted, with less efficient routes undergoing the greatest changes. In this context, inefficient routes are unlikely to be maintained through repeated rounds of social transmission, and instead more efficient routes are achieved because of the interaction between social learning and information pooling.
Data from: Behavioural flexibility in spider mites: oviposition site shifts based on past and present stimuli from conspecifics and predators
Predator-experienced individuals often change their predation avoidance response when they re-encounter the same predators or their cues. Recent reports show that behavioural change sometimes occurs even before the re-encounter. To function as an adaptive strategy in the wild, such prospective experience-induced behaviour should change flexibly in response to changing situations. We assessed flexibility of experience-induced oviposition site shift in two closely related species of spider mites, Tetranychus kanzawai and T. urticae, from the viewpoint of reducing future predation risk on their eggs. We found that: (i) individuals of T. kanzawai shifted oviposition site depending on the presence of conspecific eggs; (ii) after experiencing predation threat T. kanzawai females shifted oviposition site even in the absence of any current predation threat; (iii) this experience-induced shift of oviposition site was weakened in the presence of conspecific males; and (iv) experience-induced behaviour was retained for a shorter period in T. urticae than in T. kanzawai, possibly because the demand for learning may differ with regard to biological conditions encountered in the wild.
Data from: Interactive effects of predation risk and conspecific density on the nutrient stoichiometry of prey
The mere presence of predators (i.e., predation risk) can alter consumer physiology by restricting food intake and inducing stress, which can ultimately affect prey-mediated ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. However, many environmental factors, including conspecific density, can mediate the perception of risk by prey. Prey conspecific density has been defined as a fundamental feature that modulates perceived risk. In this study, we tested the effects of predation risk on prey nutrient stoichiometry (body and excretion). Using a constant predation risk, we also tested the effects of varying conspecific densities on prey responses to predation risk. To answer these questions, we conducted a mesocosm experiment using caged predators (Belostoma sp.), and small bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) as prey. We found that L. catesbeianus tadpoles adjust their body nutrient stoichiometry in response to predation risk, which is affected by conspecific density. We also found that the prey exhibited strong morphological responses to predation risk (i.e., an increase in tail muscle mass), which were positively correlated to body nitrogen content. Thus, we pose the notion that in risky situations, adaptive phenotypic responses rather than behavioral ones might partially explain why prey might have a higher nitrogen content under predation risk. In addition, the interactive roles of conspecific density and predation risk, which might result in reduced perceived risk and physiological restrictions in prey, also affected how prey stoichiometry responded to the fear of predation.
FIGURE 12 in A new species of the genus Obolopteryx Cohn et al. 2014 and a conspecific gynandromorph (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
FIGURE 12. Female of Obolopteryx truncoangulata n. sp., ovipositor in lateral view.
FIGURE 30 in A new species of the genus Obolopteryx Cohn et al. 2014 and a conspecific gynandromorph (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
FIGURE 30. Distribution map of Obolopteryx truncoangulata n. sp., and O. brevihastata.
FIGURE 7 in A new species of the genus Obolopteryx Cohn et al. 2014 and a conspecific gynandromorph (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
FIGURE 7. Male of Obolopteryx truncoangulata n. sp., subgenital plate in ventral view.
FIGURE 8 in A new species of the genus Obolopteryx Cohn et al. 2014 and a conspecific gynandromorph (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
FIGURE 8. Male of Obolopteryx truncoangulata n. sp., internal genitalia, in dorsal view.
FIGURE 3 in A new species of the genus Obolopteryx Cohn et al. 2014 and a conspecific gynandromorph (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
FIGURE 3. Male of Obolopteryx truncoangulata n. sp., head and pronotum in dorsal view.
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