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1,186 results for “defensiveness”
Data from: Location, but not defensive genotype, determines ectomycorrhizal community composition in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings
<p class="western"><span><span><span>1. For successful colonisation of host roots, ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi must overcome host defence systems, and <span>defensive phenotypes have previously been shown to affect the community composition of EM fungi associated with hosts</span>. Secondary metabolites, such as terpenes, form a core part of these defence systems, but it is not yet understood whether variation in these constitutive defences can result in variation in colonisation of hosts by specific fungal species.</span></span></span></p> <p class="western"><span>2. We planted seedlings from twelve maternal families of Scots pine (<i>Pinus sylvestris</i>) of known terpene genotype reciprocally in the field in each of six sites. After three months we characterised the mycorrhizal fungal community of each seedling using a combination of morphological categorisation and molecular barcoding, and assessed the terpene chemodiversity for a subset of the seedlings. We examined whether parental genotype or terpene chemodiversity affected the diversity or composition of a seedling's mycorrhizal community.</span></p> <p class="western"><span><span><span><span>3. While we found that terpene chemodiversity was highly heritable, w</span>e found no evidence that parental defensive genotypeor defensive phenoytpeaffected associations with EM fungi. Instead, we found that the location of seedlings, both <span>within and between sites</span>, was the only determinant of the diversity and makeup of EM communities.</span></span></span></p> <p class="western"><span><span><span>4. These results suggest that <span>while EM community composition varies within Scotland at both large and small scales</span>, variation in constitutive defensive compounds does not determine the EM communities of closely cohabiting pine seedlings. Patchy distributions of EM fungi at small scales may render any genetic variation in associations with different species unrealisable in field conditions. <span>The case for selection on traits mediating associations with specific fungal species may thus be overstated, at least in seedlings.</span></span></span></span></p>
Chemical defense strategies, induction timing, growth, and tradeoffs in Pinus aristata and Pinus flexilis
<p>Tradeoffs among plant defense investment and fitness traits, including growth, are often invoked to explain evolutionary strategies targeted at resisting herbivores. Many Pinus species have specialized herbivores, including the mountain pine beetle, <em>Dendroctonus ponderosae</em>, (MPB), and have historically been a focus of defense investigations. We compared defense traits of two high-elevation <em>Pinus </em>species, <em>P. aristata</em> and <em>P. flexilis</em>, that are hosts to MPB and hypothesized to have different growth and defense traits and potential tradeoffs. Interspecific differences were assessed by sampling trees within the same stands, and intraspecific differences were assessed by sampling stands at sites across latitudes where both species co-occurred. Constitutive defenses were measured at day 0, and the timing, concentration, and composition of an induced resin defense response was assessed by sampling at 1, 4, and 30 days following either mechanical wounding only or a simulated MPB attack using its primary fungal symbiont <em>Grosmannia clavigera</em>. At day 4, induced resin concentrations did not differ between mechanical wounding and simulated MPB attack in either species. By day 30, resin defense concentrations in response to simulated MPB attack were greater than response to mechanical wounding and were >19-fold greater than constitutive levels. Results suggest that initial induced resin defense responses in the two species are likely generalized, with a delayed response that is targeted specifically at MPB and <em>G. clavigera</em>. At all sites, <em>P. aristata</em> had higher concentrations of constitutive and day 30 induced resin defenses compared to <em>P. flexilis</em>, although <em>P. flexilis</em> induced proportionately more. Tradeoffs in growth and defense between the species were only found at the two most climatically favorable sites where<em> P. aristata</em> grew slower than <em>P. flexilis</em>. No tradeoffs were found between the two defense types at either biological scale. Overall, our findings highlight that the two pine species growing in the same stands 1) have a delayed response to a specialized native herbivore and fungal symbiont, 2) only exhibited interspecific defense-growth tradeoffs at two climatically favorable sites, and showed no intraspecific defense-growth tradeoffs, 3) showed no tradeoffs between constitutive and induced defenses at either biological scale, and 4) have evolved different defense strategies.</p>
Unraveling the roles of genotype and environment in the expression of plant defense phenotypes
<p>1. Phenotypic variability results from interactions between genotype and environment and is a major driver of ecological and evolutionary interactions. Measuring the relative contributions of genetic variation, the environment, and their interaction to phenotypic variation remains a fundamental goal of evolutionary ecology.</p> <p>2. In this study, we assess the question: How do genetic variation and local environmental conditions interact to influence phenotype within a single population? We explored this question using seed from a single population of common milkweed, <i>Asclepias syriaca</i>, in northern Michigan. We first measured resistance and resistance traits of 14 maternal lines in two common garden experiments (field and greenhouse) to detect genetic variation within the population. We carried out a reciprocal transplant experiment with three of these maternal lines to assess effects of local environment on phenotype. Finally, we compared the phenotypic traits measured in our experiments with the phenotypic traits of the naturally-growing maternal genets to be able to compare relative effect of genetic and environmental variation on naturally-occurring phenotypic variation. We measured defoliation levels, arthropod abundances, foliar cardenolide concentrations, foliar latex exudation, foliar carbon and nitrogen concentrations, and plant growth.</p> <p>3. We found a striking lack of correlation in trait expression of the maternal lines between the common gardens, or between the common gardens and the naturally-growing maternal genets, suggesting that environment plays a larger role in phenotypic trait variation of this population. We found evidence of significant genotype-by-environment interactions for all traits except foliar concentrations of nitrogen and cardenolide. Milkweed resistance to chewing herbivores was associated more strongly with the growing environment. We observed no variation in foliar cardenolide concentrations among maternal lines but did observe variation among maternal lines in foliar latex exudation.</p> <p>4. Overall, our data reveal powerful genotype-by-environment interactions on the expression of most resistance traits in milkweed.</p>
Data condition dependence in biosynthesized chemical defenses of an aposematic and mimetic Heliconius butterfly
<p><span>Aposematic animals advertise their toxicity or unpalatability with bright warning coloration. However, acquiring and maintaining chemical defenses can be energetically costly, and consequent associations with other important traits could shape chemical defense evolution. Here, we have tested whether chemical defenses are involved in energetic trade-offs with other traits, or whether the levels of chemical defenses are condition dependent, by studying associations between biosynthesized cyanogenic toxicity and a suite of key life-history and fitness traits in a <em>Heliconius </em>butterfly under a controlled laboratory setting. <em>Heliconius </em>butterflies are well known for the diversity of their warning color patterns and widespread mimicry, and can both sequester the cyanogenic glucosides of their <em>Passiflora </em>host plants and biosynthesize these toxins <em>de novo</em>. We find energetically costly life-history traits to be either unassociated or to show a general positive association with biosynthesized cyanogenic toxicity. More toxic individuals developed faster, had higher mass as adults, and a tendency for increased lifespan and fecundity. These results thus indicate that toxicity level of adult butterflies may be dependent on individual condition, influenced by genetic background or earlier conditions, with maternal effects as one strong candidate mechanism. Additionally, toxicity was higher in older individuals, consistent with previous studies indicating accumulation of toxins with age. As toxicity level at death was independent of lifespan, cyanogenic glucoside compounds may have been recycled to release resources relevant for longevity in these long-living butterflies. Understanding the origins and maintenance of variation in defenses is necessary in building a more complete picture of factors shaping the evolution of aposematic and mimetic systems.</span></p>
Data set for: Leaf trait association in relation to herbivore defense, drought resistance, and economics in a tropical invasive plant
<p><strong><span>Premsie</span></strong><span>: </span><span>Exploring how functional traits vary and covary is important to understand plant responses to environmental change. However, we have limited understanding of the ways multiple functional traits vary and covary within invasive species.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Methods</span></strong><span>:</span> <span>We measured 12 leaf traits of an invasive plant <em>Chromolaena odorata</em>, associated with plant or leaf economics, herbivore defense, and drought resistance on 10 introduced populations from Asia and 12 native populations from America, selected across a broad range of climatic conditions, and grown in a common garden</span><span>.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Results</span></strong><span>: </span><span>Species'</span> <span>range and climatic conditions influenced leaf traits, but trait variation across climate space differed between the introduced and native ranges. Traits that confer defense against herbivores and drought resistance were associated with economic strategy, but the patterns differed by range. Plants from introduced populations that were at the fast-return end of the spectrum (high photosynthetic capacity) had high physical defense traits (high trichome density), whereas plants from native populations that were at the fast-return end of the spectrum had high drought escape traits (early leaf senescence and high percentage of withered shoots).</span></p> <p><strong> <span>Conclusions</span></strong><span>:</span> <span>Our results indicate that invasive plants can rapidly adapt to novel environmental conditions. <em>C. odorata</em> showed multiple different functional trait covariation patterns and clines in the native and introduced ranges. Our results emphasize that interaction between multiple traits or functions should be considered when investigating the adaptive evolution of invasive plants.</span></p>
Latitudinal resource gradient shapes multi-variate defense strategies in a long-lived shrub
<p>Herein lies the data and R code for the analyses for the manuscript titled, "Latitudinal resource gradient shapes multi-variate defense strategies in a long-lived shrub", published in <em>Ecology.</em></p>
Defensive mutualists affect outcross pollen transfer and male fitness in their host plant
<p>Ant guards can increase plant fitness by deterring herbivores, but they may also reduce it by interfering with pollination. While ant impacts on herbivory have been well-studied, much less is known about their impacts on pollinators and associated consequences for plant pollination, particularly pollen transfer dynamics and outcrossing/selfing rates. We used field experiments to quantify the effect of ant guards on pollinator community composition, frequency and duration of flower visits, and cascading effects on outcrossing pollen transfer and pollen exports in Turnera velutina (Passifloraceae). Although ant patrolling did not affect pollinator community composition or visitation frequency, it decreased flower visit duration and the time pollinators spent foraging inside flowers. Such behavioural changes resulted in reduced pollen deposition on stigmas, decreased pollen exports (a proxy for male fitness) and significantly doubled outcross pollen transfer. This study contributes to our understanding of how nonpollinator mutualists can shape plant reproductive processes. We discuss the downstream effects that variation in biotic defences, such as rewards for guarding ants, can have on plant pollen transfer patterns and fitness. In conclusion, guarding ants influence pollen transfer patterns in Turnera velutina, increasing outcrossing in a self-compatible species at the cost of male fitness. We show how non-pollinators, such as defensive ant mutualists, can shape plant reproductive traits and discuss the consequences these interactions may have for plant mating systems.</p>
Endogenous rhythmic growth modulates priming of antiherbivore defenses in subsequently formed new leaves of oak trees
<ul> <li>Priming of plant defenses provides increased plant protection against herbivores and reduces the allocation costs of defense. Defense priming in woody plants remains obscure, in particular due to plant development traits such as the endogenous rhythmic growth displayed by oaks (<em>Quercus robur</em>).</li> <li>By using bioassays with oak microcuttings, and by combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we investigated how leaf herbivory by <em>Lymantria dispar</em> and root inoculation with the ectomycorrhizal fungus <em>Piloderma croceum</em> prime oak defenses. We further investigated how defense priming is modulated by rhythmic growth of the oaks.</li> <li>A first herbivory challenge in oak leaves primed newly grown leaves for an enhanced induction of jamonic acid (JA)-related direct defenses, or enhanced emission of volatiles, depending on the specific growth stage at which the plants where challenged. Root inoculation with <em>Piloderma</em> abolished the enhanced induction of JA-related defenses and volatile emission.</li> <li>Our results indicate that a first herbivore attack primes direct and indirect defenses of newly formed oak leaves, and that the specific display of defense priming is modulated by rhythmic growth. Our results further show that the priming memory in oaks can be transmitted to the next growth cycle - even to the leaves of the new shoot unit.</li> </ul>
Growth, defense, and storage responses of 12 oak (Quercus) species to varying locations and intensities of simulated herbivory
<p>The evolution of plant defenses is often constrained by phylogeny. Many of the differences between competing plant-defense theories hinge upon the differences in the location of meristem damage (apical vs. auxiliary) and the amount of tissue removed. We analyzed the growth and defense responses of 12 <i>Quercus </i>(oak) species from a well-resolved molecular phylogeny using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Access to light is paramount for forest-dwelling tree species, such as many members of the genus <i>Quercus. </i>We therefore predicted a greater investment in defense when apical meristem tissue was removed. We also predicted a greater investment in defense when large amounts of tissue were removed and a greater investment in growth when less tissues were removed. We conducted five simulated-herbivory treatments including a control with no damage and alterations of the location of meristem damage (apical vs. auxiliary shoots) and intensity (25% vs. 75% tissue removal). We measured growth, defense, and nutrient re-allocation traits in response to simulated herbivory. Phylomorphospace models were used to demonstrate the phylogenetic nature of trade-offs between characteristics of growth, chemical defenses, and nutrient re-allocation. We found that growth-defense trade-offs in control treatments were under phylogenetic constraints, but phylogenetic constraints and growth-defense trade-offs were not common in the simulated-herbivory treatments. Growth-defense constraints exist within the <i>Quercus </i>genus, although there are adaptations to herbivory that vary among species.</p>
Supplementary material 1 from: Haemig P (2014) Aztec introduction of the great-tailed grackle in ancient Mesoamerica: Formal defense of the Sahaguntine historical account. NeoBiota 22: 59-75. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.22.6791
This file show in bold type the novel parts of my submitted manuscript
Number of SHB in the colonies and colony defensiveness
<p>Small hive beetles (SHB), <em>Aethina tumida</em>, are free-flying parasites, which actively seek and invade honeybee host colonies. It seems as if SHB may prefer colonies in the shade. Further, it has been stated that SHB invade any colony with equal impunity. However, the impact of colony aggressiveness on SHB infestation levels has never been quantified. Here, we confirm significantly higher SHB infestation levels in shaded colonies and further suggest that host colony aggression is of minor importance only. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, local Africanized honeybee colonies at a sunny (N=10) and at a shaded apiary (N=11) were tested for aggression and visually screened for SHB infestations using standard methods. Both colony aggression and infestation levels were variable, but not significantly correlated. The results confirm that infestation levels are significantly higher in the shaded apiary compared to the sun-exposed one. Further, host colony aggression is unlikely to interfere with SHB infestation levels of colonies. Instead, SHB seem to remain even in aggressive colonies. The underlying mechanisms for the significant differences in colony infestation levels due to sun exposure remain unknown. Beekeepers are advised to prefer sun-exposed apiary locations in regions, where SHB are a pest of concern.</p>
Effects of nest-site availability on male-male competition and the foraging costs associated with paternal care in a resource-defense species
<p><strong>Effects of nest-site availability on male-male competition and associated costs of nest site maintenance and paternal care in a resource-defense species</strong></p> <p>This repository contains the .csv files used for the statistical analyses of the study "Effects of nest-site availability on male-male competition and associated costs of nest site maintenance and paternal care in a resource-defense species". In case of questions, please email Laís A. Grossel: <a href="mailto:laisgrossel@gmail.com">laisgrossel@gmail.com</a></p> <p><strong>Data files and structure</strong></p> <p>We have files for the analysis with field and experimental data.</p> <p>With the file <strong>field.csv</strong> we tested the probability of males obtaining a nest and receiving eggs from females. In this file, we have the headers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>maleID:</strong> identity of males in the field</li> <li><strong>DSW:</strong> dorsal scute width, in mm</li> <li><strong>mass:</strong> to the nearest 0.001 g</li> <li><strong>nest_possession:</strong> with 2 levels: 0 if the male did not possess a nest and 1 if the male possessed a nest</li> <li><strong>nest_opening:</strong> in cm</li> <li><strong>parental_status:</strong> with 3 levels: 0 if the male did not have a nest, 1: if the male had a nest but no eggs, and 2: if the male had a nest and eggs</li> </ul> <p>With the file <strong>experiment_nests.csv</strong> we tested predictions related with the nest possession. In this file, we have the headers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>terrariaID:</strong> identity of the 14 terraria (containing 4 or 8 nests)</li> <li><strong>exp_group:</strong> experimental group, with 2 levels of nests availability: low (4 nests per terraria) and high (8 nests per terraria)</li> <li><strong>nestID:</strong> identity of the nests</li> <li><strong>occupation:</strong> if the nest was once occupied during the experiment, with 2 levels: 0 if it was never occupied and 1 if it was occupied at least once</li> <li><strong>occupied_scans:</strong> number of scans with any male inside the nest</li> <li><strong>vacant_scans:</strong> number of scans without any male inside the nest</li> <li><strong>total_scans:</strong> total number of observation scans </li> <li><strong>owners:</strong> number of different owners of the nest (at least 6 consecutive scans)</li> <li><strong>turnover:</strong> if there was at least a substitution of the nest owner without figths, with 2 levels: 0 if there was not any substitution and 1 if there was a substitution</li> <li><strong>turnovers_number:</strong> number of substitutions of the nest owner without figths</li> <li><strong>takeover:</strong> if there was at least a takeover attempt of the nest after figths, with 2 levels: 0 if there was not any attempt and 1 if there was an attempt</li> <li><strong>takeovers_number:</strong> number of takeover attempts of the nest after figths</li> <li><strong>fight:</strong> if there was at least a figth inside or close to the nest, with 2 levels: 0 if there was not any figth and 1 if there was a figth</li> <li><strong>fights_number:</strong> number of figths inside or close to the nest</li> <li><strong>canibalism:</strong> if there was at least a cannibalism event inside the nest, 2 levels: 0 if there was not any cannibalism event and 1 if there was a cannibalism event</li> <li><strong>canibalism_number:</strong> number of cannibalism events inside the nest</li> </ul> <p>With the file <strong>experiment_males.csv</strong> we tested predictions related to the males owners. In this file, we have the headers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>terrariaID:</strong> identity of the 14 terraria (containing 4 or 8 nests)</li> <li><strong>exp_group:</strong> experimental group, with 2 levels of nests availability: low (4 nests per terraria) and high (8 nests per terraria)</li> <li><strong>maleID:</strong> identitity of the males</li> <li><strong>DSW:</strong> dorsal scute width, in mm</li> <li><strong>nest_possession:</strong> with 2 levels: 0 if the male never possessed a nest during the experiment and 1 if the male possessed a nest at least once (6 consecutive scans)</li> <li><strong>nestID:</strong> identity of the nest possessed by the male</li> <li><strong>inside_scans:</strong> number of scans with the male inside his nest</li> <li><strong>outside_scans:</strong> number of scans with the male outside his nest</li> <li><strong>total_scans:</strong> total number of scans in which the male was the owner of the nest</li> <li><strong>takeover:</strong> if the male suffered a takeover attempt of his nest, with 2 levels: 0 if the male did not suffer any attempt and 1 if the male suffered an attempt</li> <li><strong>eggs:</strong> if the male received eggs from a female, with 2 levels: 0 if the male did not receive eggs and 1 if the male received eggs</li> <li><strong>eggs_number:</strong> number of eggs received </li> <li><strong>cannibalism:</strong> if the owner male cannibalized the eggs inside the nest, 2 levels: 0 if the male did not cannibalize eggs and 1 if the male cannibalized eggs</li> <li><strong>cannibalism_number:</strong> number of cannibalism events by the owner male </li> </ul> <p>With the file <strong>fights-takeovers.csv</strong> we tested predictions related with nest takeovers. In this file, we have the headers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>terrariaID:</strong> identity of the 14 terraria (containing 4 or 8 nests)</li> <li><strong>exp_group:</strong> experimental group, with 2 levels of nests availability: low (4 nests per terraria) and high (8 nests per terraria)</li> <li><strong>nestID:</strong> identity of the nest possessed by the male</li> <li><strong>focalID:</strong> identitity of the focal males (the owner nest)</li> <li><strong>DSW:</strong> dorsal scute width, in mm</li> <li><strong>fight:</strong> if the male was involved in at least a figth, with 2 levels: 0 if the male was not involved in any figth and 1 if the male was involved in a figth</li> <li><strong>takeover:</strong> if the male suffered a takeover attempt of his nest, with 2 levels: 0 if the male did not suffer any attempt and 1 if the male suffered an attempt. Obs: the nest takeover always happens after a fight. If there was a takeover, then there was a fight too.</li> <li><strong>res_focal: </strong>result of the figth or takeover for the focal male, with 2 levels: 0 if the focal male did not lose the figth or the nest and 1 if the focal male lost the figth or the nest</li> <li><strong>intruderID:</strong> identity of the intruder male involved in the figth or the takeover with the owner male</li> <li><strong>intruder_DSL: </strong>dorsal scute width of the intruder male, in mm</li> <li><strong>dyad:</strong> identity of the two individuals involved in the figth or takeover (owner male and intruder male)</li> <li><strong>DSW_difference:</strong> difference between the dorsal scute width of the dyad (focal male minus intruder male)</li> </ul> <p>With the file <strong>foraging.csv</strong> we tested a prediction related with males foraging. In this file, we have the headers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>terrariaID:</strong> identity of the 14 terraria (containing 4 or 8 nests)</li> <li><strong>exp_group:</strong> experimental group, with 2 levels of nests availability: low (4 nests per terraria) and high (8 nests per terraria)</li> <li><strong>nestID:</strong> identity of the nest possessed by the male</li> <li><strong>maleID:</strong> identitity of the males</li> <li><strong>parental_status:</strong> with 2 levels: 0 if the male did not have eggs in the nest and 1: if the male had eggs</li> <li><strong>inside_scans:</strong> number of scans with the male inside his nest</li> <li><strong>outside_scans:</strong> number of scans with the male outside his nest</li> <li><strong>total_scans:</strong> total number of scans in which the male was the owner of the nest</li> </ul>
Data from: Patterns of constitutive and induced herbivore defense are complex, but share a common genetic basis in annual and perennial monkeyflower
<p>Despite multiple ecological and evolutionary hypotheses that predict patterns of phenotypic relationships between plant growth, reproduction, and constitutive and/or induced resistance to herbivores, these hypotheses do not make any predictions about the underlying molecular genetic mechanisms that mediate these relationships. We investigated how divergent plant life-history strategies in the yellow monkeyflower and a life-history altering locus, DIV1 influence plasticity of phytochemical herbivory resistance traits in response to attack by two herbivore species with different diet breadth. Life-history strategy (annual vs. perennial) and the DIV1 locus significantly influenced levels of constitutive herbivory resistance, as well as resistance induction following both generalist and specialist herbivory. Perennial plants had higher total levels of univariate constitutive and induced defense than annuals, regardless of herbivore type. Annuals induced less in response to generalist herbivory than did perennials, while induction response was equivalent across the ecotypes for specialist herbivory. The effects of the DIV1 locus on levels of constitutive and induced defense were dependent on genetic background, the annual versus perennial haplotype of DIV1, and herbivore identity. The patterns of univariate induction due to DIV1 were non-additive and did not always match expectations based on patterns of divergence for annual/perennial parents. For example, perennial plants had higher levels of constitutive and induced defense than did annuals, but when the annual DIV1 was present in the perennial genetic background induction response to herbivory was higher than for the perennial parent lines. Patterns for multivariate defense arsenals generally echoed those of univariate, with annual and perennial monkeyflowers and those with alternative versions of DIV1 differing significantly in constitutive and induced resistance. Like univariate resistance, induced multivariate defense arsenals were affected by herbivore identity. Our results highlight the complexity of the genetic mechanisms underlying plastic response to herbivory. While a genetic locus underlying substantial phenotypic variation in life-history strategy and constitutive defense also influences defense plasticity, the induction response also depends on genetic background. This result demonstrates the potential for some degree of evolutionary independence between constitutive and induced defense, or induced defense and life-history strategy, in monkeyflowers.</p>
Bacterial homologs of innate eukaryotic antiviral defenses provide phage protection.
<p>Supplementary data regarding the 'Bacterial homologs of innate eukaryotic antiviral defenses provide phage protection' manuscript.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstract:</strong><br>Prokaryotes have evolved a multitude of defense systems to protect themselves from bacteriophage predation. Here, we discovered new phage defense systems related to innate antiviral genes from vertebrates and plants. Our search uncovered over 400 candidates from which eleven were selected and six novel phage defense systems validated. We identified a DNA replication helicase/nuclease 2 (Prometheus) which may act on transcription R-loops, an inositol-monophosphatase-like phage defense protein (Pan), and two ATPases from the NACHT family coupled to novel effectors NucS and SfsA (Nyx and Hypnos). In addition, a fused ubiquitin-like E1-E2-JAB protein combined with a putative MBL nuclease (6A-MBL) was found, and a novel member of the Thoeris family that contains four essential TIR domains with a putative effector SLOG domain (Thoeris type III). Collectively, these defense systems support the concept of deep evolutionary links and shared antiviral mechanisms between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.</p>
Content analysis of Spanish Defense institutions' NATO eFP social media messages (2017-2022)
<p>Content analysis of Spanish Defense institutions' social media messages about the NATO Enhanced Forward Forward (eFP) mission on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram and YouTube (2017-2022).</p>
Heat Stress and Microbial Stress Induced Defensive Phenol Accumulation in Medicinal Plant Sparganium stoloniferum
Open the record for dataset details and reuse information.
Navigating the landscape of fear: Fruit flies exhibit distinct anti-predator and anti-parasite defensive behaviours
<p>Most organisms are at risk of being consumed by a predator or infected by a parasite at some point in their life. Theoretical constructs such as the landscape of fear (perception of risk) and non-consumptive effects (NCEs, costly responses sans predation or infection) have been proposed to describe and quantify anti-predator and anti-parasite responses. How prey/host species identify and respond to these risks determines their survival, reproductive success and, ultimately, fitness. Most studies to date have focused on either predator-prey or parasite-host interactions, yet habitats and ecosystems contain both parasitic and/or predatory species that represent a complex and heterogenous mosaic of risk factors. Here, we experimentally investigated the behavioural responses of a cactophilic fruit fly, <em>Drosophila nigrospiracula</em>, exposed to a range of species that include parasites (ectoparasitic mite), predators (jumping spiders), as well harmless heterospecifics (non-parasitic mites, ants and weevils). We demonstrate that D. nigrospiracula can differentiate between threat and non-threat species, increase erratic movements and decrease velocity in the presence of parasites, but decrease erratic movements and time spent grooming in the presence of predators. Of particular importance, flies could distinguish between parasitic female mites and non-parasitic male mites of the same species, and respond accordingly. We also show that the direction of these non-consumptive effects differ when exposed to parasitic mites (i.e., risk of infection) versus spiders (i.e., risk of predation). Given the opposing effects of predation versus infection risk on fly behaviour, we discuss potential trade-offs between parasite and predator avoidance behaviours. Our findings illustrate the complexity of risk assessment in a landscape of fear and the fine-tuned non-consumptive effects that arise in response. Moreover, this study is the first to examine these behavioural NCEs in a terrestrial system.</p>
Ballistic high powered spider webs overcome dangerous prey defenses
<p>Spiders exhibit a remarkable range of silk-based predatory tactics, but usually avoid capturing ants since they are highly defended. Here we report on a spider that exclusively hunts aggressive <em>Oecophylla</em> ants by isolating and immobilising individual workers using a extraordinary ballistic snare that lures ants, then propels them into its core web at extreme speed. By serial arrangements of tension lines, small pre-strains of the silk are sufficient to reach power densities of up to two megawatts per kilogram actuator mass, which surpasses the performance of other natural spring-actuated systems. Thus, the ultimate prey specialisation in these spiders has led to the evolution of extreme web performance.</p>
Foliar phosphorus concentration modulates the defensive mutualism of an endophytic fungus in a perennial host grass
<p>Grasses hosting <em>Epichloë</em> endophytes are protected against herbivores due to the production of various fungal alkaloids. Previous research has found that high foliar phosphorus concentrations reduce the level of the alkaloid ergovaline, thereby reducing the endophyte-mediated herbivore resistance. Yet, the impact of phosphorus on ergovaline biosynthesis versus its influence on endophyte growth and synthesis of other fungal alkaloids remains unresolved. Our objective was to elucidate these relationships. We grew endophyte-symbiotic and non-symbiotic <em>Festuca arundinacea</em> plants and fertilized them with different doses of phosphorus. Later, half of the plants from each treatment were challenged with larvae of the generalist chewing insect <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em>. We assessed the relationships between foliar phosphorus levels, fungal mycelium, and alkaloid concentrations, as well as their impacts on larvae performance, herbivore-caused damage, and plant biomass. Endophyte mycelial biomass in plant tissue was found to be independent of foliar phosphorus concentration. The alkaloids lolines and peramine showed a linear relationship with mycelial biomass but no correlation with foliar phosphorus. Surprisingly, high ergovaline concentrations were positively associated with an interaction between endophyte mycelial biomass and foliar phosphorus concentration. Although herbivory increased loline concentration, only high concentrations of ergovaline and peramine were related to reduced <em>S. frugiperda</em> larvae weight gain. However, endophyte presence did not reduce herbivory damage to plants. Contrary to expectation, we did not find a negative but a positive association between concentrations of foliar phosphorus and ergovaline alkaloid, through its interaction with endophyte mycelial biomass. Alternatively, our findings suggest that phosphorus plays a crucial role in modulating the <em>Epichloë</em>-mediated defensive mutualism, primarily through its effects on ergovaline rather than on endophyte concentration or production of other alkaloids.</p>
Biogenic secondary organic aerosol participates in plant interactions and herbivory defense
<p>Biogenic secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) can be formed from the oxidation of plant volatiles in the atmosphere. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) can elicit plant defenses, but whether such ecological functions persist after they form SOAs was previously unknown. Here we show that Scots pine seedlings damaged by large pine weevils feeding on their roots release HIPVs that trigger defenses in neighboring conspecific plants. Interestingly, the biological activity persisted after HIPVs had been oxidized to form SOAs, which was indicated by receivers displaying enhanced photosynthesis, primed volatile defenses, and reduced weevil damage. The elemental composition and quantity of SOAs likely determines their biological functions. This work demonstrates that plant-derived SOAs can mediate interactions between plants, highlighting its ecological significance in ecosystems.</p>
ScienceDex guides
Understand access before you commit
These curated guides explain access requirements, typical timelines, costs, and reuse considerations for widely used research datasets.
Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.
DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
International Brain Laboratory public data
The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
OpenNeuro is a free, open platform for sharing neuroimaging datasets, with public search, dataset pages, and download paths for web, S3, DataLad, and the OpenNeuro CLI.