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3,484 results for “Plastic”
Phenotypic plasticity may mediate habitat filtering in a forest edge community
A key process determining community assembly is habitat filtering, which reduces the range of trait values and thus leads to trait convergence. Habitat filtering is often assumed to involve a reduction in species richness, but such trait convergence could also result from phenotypic plasticity. By allowing more species in the community to show the "right" phenotype and pass the filter, phenotypic plasticity could maintain species richness despite trait convergence. If phenotypic plasticity plays this role, environmental changes should modify trait distribution but not species composition or richness. We tested this hypothesis in a forest edge community recently invaded by the alien shrub <i>Rubus praecox</i>. We measured functional traits beneath <i>Rubus </i>canopy (<i>Rubus</i>-invaded community) and in adjacent microsites naturally free from <i>Rubus </i>(original community), comparing trait dispersion and community structure parameters. We also characterized the microenvironments to seek functional explanations for the observed phenotypic changes. The functional dispersion parameter FDis showed habitat filtering in the <i>Rubus</i>-invaded community (trait convergence), while in the original community it did not differ from a null model. Species richness and composition did not differ between the two communities. Soil characteristics were similar in both communities but light availability was greatly reduced in the <i>Rubus</i>-invaded community. A Principal Component Analysis of community-weighted means of functional traits showed that phenotypic changes between communities were mostly consistent with functional responses to shading, including an increase in specific leaf area and a reduction in flavonoid concentration in the <i>Rubus</i>-invaded community. We verified the conditions necessary to infer that phenotypic plasticity mediates the outcome of habitat filtering driven by <i>Rubus </i>in the study system, i.e., plasticity would explain species persistence despite trait convergence. Phenotypic plasticity, often subsumed within intraspecific variation in community assembly studies, should be considered individually to improve our understanding of the causes and consequences of habitat filtering.
Data for: Larval environmental conditions influence plasticity in resource use by adults in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Recent studies have shown that intraspecific patterns of phenotypic plasticity can mirror patterns of evolutionary diversification among species. This appears to be the case in <i>Nicrophorus </i>beetles. Within species, body size is positively correlated with the size of carrion used to provision larvae and parental performance. Likewise, among species, variation in body size influences whether species exploit smaller or larger carrion and the extent to which larvae depend on parental care. However, it is unclear whether developmental plasticity in response to carcass size, parental care, or both underlie transitions to new carcass niches. We examined this by testing whether variation in the conditions experienced by <i>N. vespilloides </i>larvae influenced their ability to breed efficiently upon differently sized carcasses as adults. We found that the conditions experienced by larvae during development played a critical role in determining their ability to use large carcasses effectively as adults. Specifically, individuals that developed with parental care and on large carcasses were best able to convert the resources on a large carcass into offspring when breeding themselves. Our results suggest that parentally-induced plasticity can be important in the initial stages of niche expansion.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p>
Phenotypic plasticity in plant defense across life stages: inducibility, transgenerational induction, and transgenerational priming in wild radish
As they develop, many plants deploy shifts in anti-herbivore defense allocation due to changing costs and benefits of their defensive traits. Plant defenses are known to be primed or directly induced by herbivore damage within generations, and across generations by long-lasting epigenetic mechanisms. However, little is known about the ontogenetic trajectories of epigenetically inducible defensive traits across generations and their consequences. To help fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a multigenerational experiment to determine whether defense induction in wild radish plants was reflected in chromatin modifications (DNA methylation); we then examined ontogenetic trajectories (seedlings to reproductive plants) of current and transgenerational plasticity in anti-herbivore chemical (glucosinolates) and physical (trichomes) defenses in this species. Herbivory triggered genome methylation both in targeted plants and their offspring. Within one generation, both defenses were highly inducible at the seedling stage but only marginally or non-inducible in reproductive plants. Across generations, herbivory experienced by mother plants caused strong direct induction of physical defenses in their progeny, with effects lasting from seedling to reproductive stages. For chemical defenses, however, this transgenerational induction was evident only in adults. Transgenerational priming was observed in physical defenses both for seedlings and adult plants. Our results show that transgenerational induction and priming in response to herbivore offense differ for physical and chemical defense and change across plant life stages.
Exploring causal components of plasticity in grey seal birthdates: effects of intrinsic traits, demography, and climate
<p>Change in breeding phenology is often a response to environmental forcing, but less is known of the mechanism underlying such changes and their fitness consequences. Here we report on changes in the breeding phenology from a 27-year longitudinal study (1991-2017) of individually marked, known-aged grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.</p> <p>We used Generalized Linear Mixed Models to test hypotheses about the influence of fixed factors (maternal age, parity, previous reproductive success, pup sex, colony density, AMO, NAO, and SST) and a random factor (female identity) on parturition dates. We also examined the consequences of the shift in birthdates on maternal energy investment in offspring as measured by pup weaning mass. Birthdates were known for 2768 pups of 660 known-age females. For 494 females with ≥ 2 parturition dates, repeatability as measured by the intraclass correlation was high (mean=0.66). 87% of the variation in birthdates was explained by a mixed effects model that included intrinsic and extrinsic fixed effects. Most of the explained variation was associated with the random effect of female identity.</p> <p>Parity was the most important intrinsic fixed effect, with inexperienced mothers giving birth later in the season than multiparous females. Over almost 3 decades, mean birthdates advanced by 15 days. The mixed model with intrinsic effects and population size, the detrended AMO from the previous year and mean NAO in the previous 3 years explained 80 % of the variation with 21 % of variation from the fixed effects. Both primiparous and multiparous individuals responded to the climate forcing, and there was strong evidence for heterogeneity in the response. The shift in birthdates did not impact pup weaning mass. Females exhibited considerable phenotypic plasticity indicating that climate driven changes in breeding phenology may not always have measurable consequences.</p>
FIGURE 7 in Morpho (Morpho) helenor (Cramer) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Morphinae) in Bolivia: Geographical distribution and ecological plasticity, with a description of a new subspecies
FIGURE 7. Specimens from Río Undumo (U) and from Rurrenabaque (R).
FIGURE 8 in Morpho (Morpho) helenor (Cramer) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Morphinae) in Bolivia: Geographical distribution and ecological plasticity, with a description of a new subspecies
FIGURE 8. Northeastern specimens with theodorus (a), intermediate (b) and coelestis (c) phenotypes.
FIGURE 4 in Morpho (Morpho) helenor (Cramer) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Morphinae) in Bolivia: Geographical distribution and ecological plasticity, with a description of a new subspecies
FIGURE 4. Altitudinal distribution of Morpho helenor subspecies.
Secondary sexual trait melanization in black scavenger flies: nutritional plasticity and its evolution
<p>The black scavenger fly <em>Sepsis thoracica</em> exhibits polyphenic development resulting in alternate small black and large amber male morphs. Although the behavior, ecology, and physiology of both morphs are being scrutinized, the evolutionary origins of the nutritional polyphenism remain poorly understood. I here use a comparative approach to study variation in the degree of melanization of the forefemur —a secondary sexual trait. Melanization showed nutritional plasticity in all species and character mapping suggests polyphenic development to represent the ancestral character state that was lost repeatedly. That is, interspecific variation among the studied species is mainly caused by the loss and not the gain of polyphenic development. Coevolution between male melanization and mating system differences further implicates sexual selection in the evolution of male melanization. These findings highlight the usefulness of comparative and natural history data in shedding new light on the evolution of phenotypic variation.</p>
Fig. 5 in Plasticity in the Nesting Behavior of Ontherus sulcator (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Fig. 5. Schematic drawings of two brood masses by Ontherus sulcator. Scale bar = 2.0 cm.
Reduction in the metabolic levels due to phenotypic plasticity in the Pyrenean newt, Calotriton asper, during cave colonization
According to theories on cave adaptation, cave organisms are expected to develop a lower metabolic rate compared to surface organisms as an adaptation to food scarcity in the subterranean environments. To test this hypothesis, we compared the oxygen consumption rates of the surface and subterranean populations of a surface-dwelling species, the newt Calotriton asper, occasionally found in caves. In this study, we designed a new experimental setup in which animals with free movement were monitored for several days in a respirometer. First, we measured the metabolic rates of individuals from the surface and subterranean populations, both maintained for eight years in captivity in a natural cave. We then tested individuals from these populations immediately after they were caught and one year later while being maintained in the cave. We found that the surface individuals that acclimated to the cave significantly reduced their oxygen consumption, whereas individuals from the subterranean population maintained in the cave under a light/dark cycle did not significantly modify their metabolic rates. Second, we compared these metabolic rates to those of an obligate subterranean salamander (Proteus anguinus), a surface aquatic Urodel (Ambystoma mexicanum), and a fish species (Gobio occitaniae) as references for surface organisms from different phyla. As predicted, we found differences between the subterranean and surface species, and the metabolic rates of surface and subterranean C. asper populations were between those of the obligate subterranean and surface species. These results suggest that the plasticity of the metabolism observed in surface C. asper was neither directly due to food availability in our experiments nor the light/dark conditions, but due to static temperatures. Moreover, we suggest that this adjustment of the metabolic level at a temperature close to the thermal optimum may further allow individual species to cope with the food limitations of the subterranean environment.
Supplementary material 1 from: Minnaar IA, Hui C, Clusella-Trullas S (2022) Jack, master or both? The invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis performs better than a native coccinellid despite divergent trait plasticity. NeoBiota 77: 179-207. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.77.91402
Tables and figures
Data from: Thermal plasticity in behavioral traits mediates mating and reproductive dynamics in an ectotherm.
<p>Environmental temperatures potentially influence reproductive performance and sexual selection by restricting opportunities for activity. However, explicit tests of the behavioral mechanisms linking thermal variation to mating and reproductive performance are rare. We address this gap in a temperate lizard by combining social network analysis with molecular pedigree reconstruction in a large-scale thermal manipulation experiment. Populations exposed to cool thermal regimes presented fewer high activity days compared to populations exposed to a warmer regime. While plasticity in thermal activity responses in males masked overall differences in activity levels, prolonged restriction nevertheless affected the timing and consistency of male-female interactions. Females were less capable than males of compensating for lost activity time under cold stress, and less active females in this group were significantly less likely to reproduce. While sex-biased activity suppression appeared to limit male mating rates, this did not correspond to a heightened intensity of sexual selection or shifts in the targets of sexual selection. In many populations facing thermal activity restriction, sexual selection on males may play a limited role relative to other thermal performance traits in facilitating adaptation. </p>
Data for: Machine Intelligence-Accelerated Discovery of All-Natural Plastic Substitutes
<p>Data for: Machine Intelligence-Accelerated Discovery of All-Natural Plastic Substitutes</p>
Data for 'Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs'
<p>Dataset and R code for the manuscript entitled 'Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs' by Nava et al. (<a href="http://www.nature.com/articles/s4186-023-06168-4">www.nature.com/articles/s4186-023-06168-4</a>) - Article DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06168-4</p>
Fig. 1 in Comparing essential oils from Australia's 'Victorian Christmas Bush' (Prostanthera lasianthos Labill., Lamiaceae) to closely allied new species: Phenotypic plasticity and taxonomic variability
Fig. 1. Prostanthera sp. Point Lookout displaying tell-tale leaf spots caused by fungal damage.
FIGURE 2 in Oviparity, viviparity or plasticity in reproductive mode of the olm Proteus anguinus: an epic misunderstanding caused by prey regurgitation?
FIGURE 2 Regurgitated salamander (Salamandra salamandra) larvae. The first image A) shows the larva (3.1 cm of total length) still alive after regurgitation with no obvious damage visible; B) shows the second larva (3.2 cm of total length), with heavier damage around the gills. A close-up of the respective damaged area of the C) neck and gills of the larva is shown.
Thermal challenges reveal low phenotypic plasticity in common shallow water fish
<p>Climate variations in recent decades have led to an increase in ocean temperatures and an escalation in the number, intensity, and duration of marine heatwaves. Species such as <em>Pomatoschistus microps</em>, which inhabit shallow marine environments, are particularly exposed to these environmental extremes. This makes them ideal model species for assessing the impacts of ocean warming in these areas.</p> <p>Thermal tolerance, metabolic rate, and cellular stress response of this species were assessed after exposure to both present-day and projected future summer scenarios, along with their respective heatwaves.</p> <p>The thermal maximum did not appear to vary among the different scenarios tested, suggesting a limited acclimation capacity. Additionally, their metabolic rate remained stable, and there were no significant alterations in the levels of cellular stress response biomarkers. This lack of change suggests that their homeostatic state was not disrupted.</p> <p>Temperature data collected at the sampling site indicates that this species maintains a substantial thermal safety margin, which equips it to withstand thermal challenges not only in the present but also in anticipated future summer and heatwave conditions.</p>
The Plastic Surgery Hypothesis in the Era of Large Language Models
<p>Correct Patches generated by FitRepair and Source code.</p>
Data from: A multi-trait evaluation of patterns and fitness consequences of breeding phenology plasticity with nocturnal warming and food restriction in a lizard
<p><span>Faced with climate warming, ectothermic species shift their breeding phenology, which is in part attributed to an acceleration of gestation or incubation in warmer environments. Thermal acceleration of gestation may have important fitness implications for breeding females and their offspring by impacting maternal homeostasis, embryonic development and hatching date, but these benefits and costs have been poorly documented. In addition, while climate change is characterised by a stronger trend for night-time than for daytime warming and concurrent alterations of food availability, few studies have quantified phenology-trait effects of increasing nocturnal temperatures and decreasing food intake.</span><span><span> Here, we exposed female common lizards (</span><em>Zootoca vivipara</em><span>)</span><span> to contrasted nocturnal temperatures and prey availability during gestation.</span> <span>We investigated multiple traits to quantify the functional impacts of nocturnal warming and food availability on breeding phenology, maternal condition, physiology and behaviour, current reproductive output and both females and offspring life-history traits.</span></span><span><span> Nocturnal warming advanced parturition dates, but food restriction further accelerated gestation and females muscle catabolism under moderate nocturnal warming. Nocturnal warming and food restriction during gestation had negative effects on reproductive output and increased physiological imbalances in breeding females. Hot nocturnal temperatures down-regulated </span>basal corticosterone levels<span> and </span>immunocompetence<span>, while food restriction reduced </span>antioxidant capacity <span>of females.</span></span><span><span> The thermal acceleration of gestation induced by nocturnal warming had positive effects on offspring life history traits related to fitness such as endurance at birth and body growth during the first few months of life.</span></span><span><span> By analysing multiple traits, our study provides an integrated understanding of the intra- and intergenerational effects of nocturnal warming and resource availability during gestation in a viviparous ectotherm. Our results underline the importance of considering nocturnal warming and resource availability as factors causing increased physiological imbalances and negative effects on ectotherm reproduction. They also show the need to consider the benefits and costs of phenological advances for breeding females and their offspring in order to improve our understanding of the consequences of phenological changes in the context of climate change.</span></span></p>
Plastic Waste Pollution in Lorry Stations in Accra: Challenges and Solutions; An In-Depth Analysis and Action Plan
<p>This report aims to document the extent of plastic waste pollution in lorry stations in Accra, assess its impact on public health and propose actionable solutions for effective waste management in stations. By highlighting the severity of the issue as well as providing recommendations for solutions, we seek to inform and inspire municipal assemblies, policymakers and other stakeholders to take decisive action against plastic waste pollution in lorry stations in Accra. </p> <p>Plastic waste pollution is a growing concern in Ghana, with lorry stations being particularly affected due to high foot traffic and inadequate waste management infrastructure within stations. This report is significant because of its implications for addressing public health hazards, continuing the ongoing efforts to reduce plastic pollution in Ghana and addressing community concerns. Through this comprehensive analysis, Mckingtorch Africa aims to drive meaningful change and create a cleaner, healthier Ghana for present and future generations.</p>
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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)
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DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
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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.
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