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502 results for “natural populations”
A droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay to detect rare helminth parasites infecting natural host populations (Vancouver Island 2023, University of Wisconsin Madison Laboratory colony 2024)
Helminth infections represent a significant challenge to human, livestock, and wildlife health, yet they remain relatively under-studied, especially in terms of their ecological impacts. Better understanding of how these parasites spread in wildlife populations could improve our ability to predict and manage disease transmission across various species. Traditional detection methods, such as visually identifying parasites in environmental samples or infected hosts, often fall short, especially during the early stages of infection when parasite loads are minimal. In this study, we introduce a highly sensitive and precise droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay that quantifies helminth DNA in aquatic habitats, focusing on the 18S rRNA gene as a marker. These data utilize the model host-parasite system between the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus, and its cyclopoid copepod host, Acanthocyclops robustus. The molecular assays are built around creating an infection standard in the lab, where copepods were singly infected with a single tapeworm parasite. We extracted DNA from 100 infected adults and used this as a standard to translate gene copy numbers from the ddPCR reactions to actual animal values. After creating a known lab standard, we then use the generated probes and primers to detect (and quantify!) infection burdens in field samples, which include both water filter samples (eDNA) and zooplankton tows from several lakes around Vancouver Island, B.C. The data presented here include well-specific data from ddPCR runs (amplitude of individual level oil droplets in the reaction) as well as each ddPCR analysis in its entirety. In order to prove the specificity of probes and probe-primers, we include here ddPCR runs of closely related helminth species, Schistocephalus cotti and Schistocephalus pungitii. We also consider the binding to another genera of copepod, the calanoid Eurytomora. All of the data wrangling, analysis, and data visualization are included as .Rmd files in th
Long-term (1935-2019) tree population data from remeasurements of a large network of permanent study plots in old-growth forest, Dukes Research Natural Area, Marquette Co., MI, USA
The Dukes Research Natural Area (Hiawatha National Forest, Marquette Co., MI) amounts to ca. 100 ha of minimally disturbed original forests, including a mix of mesic 'hemlock-northern hardwood' types and peaty wetlands dominated by several species of swamp conifers and black ash (Fraxinus nigra). The RNA hosts a regular grid of 250 0.2-acre (~0.08 ha) permanent monitoring (CFI) plots. This package includes tree censuses for subsets of CFI plots conducted in 1935, 1948, and 1974-1980, and repeated censuses with mapped stems from 1989 to 2019. This 84-year record constitutes one of the longest repeated-measurement, permanent-plot data-sets for old-growth temperate forest.
Long-term (1993-2019) tree population measurements from a mapped 2.9-ha permanent plot in old-growth northern hardwood forest, Dukes Research Natural Area, Marquette Co., MI, USA
The Dukes Research Natural Area (Hiawatha National Forest, Marquette Co., MI) amounts to ca. 100 ha of minimally disturbed original forests, including a mix of mesic 'hemlock-northern hardwood' types and peaty wetlands dominated by several species of swamp conifers and black ash (Fraxinus nigra). The RNA hosts a regular grid of 250 permanent monitoring plots (data to be provided in a separate package). In 1993-95, a macroplot of 2.91 ha was established in a mixed mesic upland forest area within the RNA, in which all woody stems >2 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified, measured, and mapped. In 1999 and again every five years subsequently through 2019, the macroplot was recensused; all stems were remeasured, stems newly recruited (>2 cm DBH) were measured and mapped, and any mortality since previous census was noted and described. A severe storm in 2002 resulted in extensive mortality throughout the RNA, particularly in the area in and around the macroplot.
Supplementary material for "Increased sensitivity of marine invertebrates to metal toxicity in the past two decades linked to Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: revelations from a natural population of sea urchins in the Mediterranean Sea." by "Davide Sartori, Guido Scatena, Cristina Vrinceanu, Andrea Gaion".
<p>Satellite observations of environmental factors and effect concentration 50 for copper to sea urchin, from 2003 to 2022.</p>
Mammalian herbivores restrict the altitudinal range limits of three alpine grass species (transplant and herbivore exclusion experiment and demographic data from natural populations), West Elk Mountains, Colorado, USA 2015-2018
Though rarely experimentally tested, biotic interactions have long been hypothesized to limit low-elevation range boundaries of species. We tested the effects of herbivory on three alpine-restricted plant species by transplanting plants below (novel), at the edge (limit), or in the center (core) of their current elevational range and factorially fencing-out above- and belowground mammals in the West Elk Mountains, Colorado, USA from 2015-2018. Herbivore damage was greater in range limit and novel habitats than in range cores. Exclosures increased plant biomass and reproduction more in novel habitats than in range cores, suggesting demographic costs of novel interactions with herbivores. We then used demographic models to project population growth rates, which increased 5-20% more under herbivore exclosure at range limit and novel sites than in core habitats. Our results identify mammalian herbivores as key drivers of the low-elevation range limits of alpine plants and indicate that upward encroachment of herbivores could trigger local extinctions by depressing plant population growth.
Data from: Natural selection on antihelminth antibodies in a wild mammal population
<p>An effective immune response is expected to confer fitness benefits through improved resistance to parasites but also energetic costs which negatively impact fitness-related traits such as reproduction. These fitness costs and benefits of an immune response are likely to depend on host age, sex, and levels of parasite exposure. Few studies have examined the full extent to which patterns of natural selection on immune phenotypes vary across demographic groups and environments in the wild. Here, we assessed natural selection on plasma levels of three functionally distinct isotypes (IgA, IgE and IgG) of antibodies against a prevalent nematode parasite measured in a wild Soay sheep population over 25 years. We found little support for environment-dependent selection or reproductive costs. However, antibody levels were negatively associated with parasite egg counts and positively associated with subsequent survival, albeit in a highly age- and isotype-dependent manner. Raised levels of anti-parasite IgA best predicted reduced egg counts but this did not predict survival in lambs, whilst in adult females increased anti-parasite IgG predicted reduced egg counts and improved survival. Our results highlight the potential importance of age-dependent selection on immune phenotypes in nature, and that patterns of selection can vary even amongst functionally-related immune markers.</p>
Mountain landscape connectivity and subspecies appurtenance shape genetic differentiation in natural plant populations of the snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.)
<p>This dataset provides the raw data for the population genetic analyses for the article: "Mountain landscape connectivity and subspecies appurtenance shape genetic differentiation in natural plant populations of the snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.)" by Benoit Pujol; Juliette Archambeau; Aurore Bontemps; Mylène Lascoste; Sara Marin; and Alexandre Meunier found in the journal "Botany Letters", Vol 164 pp. 111-119 (DOI: 10.1080/23818107.2017.1310056).</p> <p>Link to journal open access article: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23818107.2017.1310056</p> <p>Link to Zenodo article reporsitory: https://zenodo.org/record/801169</p> <p>The datafile includes three data sheets:</p> <p>Data, which contains for each plant : the name of the population, the name of the sampled individual, the subspecies, the latitude of the population, the longitude of the population, the altitudinal elevation of the population in meters, and the microsatellite genotype of each plant. Genotype data is recorded by locus (two columns for the two alleles at one locus). Locus name is found as the title of the column. The record for each allele is its allele size.</p> <p>valleys 1 and valleys 2, which contains the association between populations and valleys following the two scenarios that we analyzed in the paper.</p> <p>Microsatelite loci were developed during previous work: see the following paper for more details: Debout, G., E. Lhuillier, P.-J. Malé, B. Pujol, and C. Thébaud. 2012. Development and characterization of 24 polymorphic microsatellite loci in two Antirrhinum majus subspecies (Plantaginaceae) using pyrosequencing technology. Conservation Genetics Resources 4:75-79.</p>
Data for: Multi-generational fitness effects of natural immigration indicate strong heterosis and epistatic breakdown in a wild bird population
<p><span>The fitness of immigrants and their descendants produced within recipient populations fundamentally underpins the genetic </span><span>and population dynamic</span><span> consequences of immigration. </span><span>I</span><span>mmigrants can </span><span>in principle </span><span>induce contrasting genetic effects on fitness across generations, reflecting multi-faceted additive, dominance, and epistatic effects. Y</span><span>et, full multi-generational and sex-specific fitness effects of regular immigration have not been quantified within naturally structured systems, precluding inference on underlying genetic architectures </span><span>and population outcomes</span><span>. We used four decades of song sparrow </span><span>(<em>Melospiza melodia</em>)</span> <span>life-history and pedigree data to quantify fitness of natural immigrants, natives, and their F1, F2, and backcross descendants, and test for evidence of non-additive genetic effects. Values of key fitness components (including adult lifetime reproductive success and zygote survival) of F1 offspring of immigrant-native matings substantially exceeded their parent mean, indicating strong heterosis. Meanwhile, F2 offspring of F1-F1 matings had notably low values, indicating surprisingly strong epistatic breakdown. Further, magnitudes of effects varied among fitness components, and</span> <span>differed between female</span><span>s</span><span> and male</span><span>s</span><span> descendants. These results demonstrate that strong non-additive genetic effects on fitness can arise within </span><span>weakly </span><span>structured </span><span>and fragmented </span><span>populations </span><span>experiencing </span><span>frequent </span><span>natural </span><span>immigration. </span><span>Such effects will substantially affect the net </span><span>degree of effective gene flow and resulting local genetic introgression and adaptation.</span></p>
Data from: Chrysolaena obovata, A SPECIES NATIVE OF BRAZILIAN CERRADO: GENETIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE OF NATURAL POPULATIONS AND POTENTIAL FOR INULIN PRODUCTION
<p><em>Chrysolaena obovata</em> (Less.) M. Dematteis, an herbaceous Asteraceae species widely distributed across different Brazilian Cerrado physiognomies, has underground organs, named rhizophores, that accumulate high concentrations of inulin-type fructans. These carbohydrates are recognized as beneficial soluble fibers for human health and are currently used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Considering that fructans, in addition to their economic potential, provide plants with greater tolerance to drought, heat and cold, it is important to understand whether their metabolism is conserved in natural populations. In this work, we aimed to investigate if the levels of genetic diversity in the populations studied allow the selection of localities with a high genetic base and higher fructan content for future programs of <em>in</em> <em>situ</em> conservation and genetic improvement for inulin production. Therefore, we characterized the diversity, structure, and gene flow of seven natural populations from Brazilian Cerrado, using nine microsatellite loci (SSR). In addition, we compared whether the fructan composition varied between populations of different Cerrado phytophysiognomies. Overall, we found that <em>C. obovata</em> populations exhibited moderate levels of genetic diversity, low genetic differentiation, and high gene flow. This study identified two populations with less genetic diversity and therefore, greater attention should be given to conservation programs including these populations. Fructan metabolism is conserved in all populations, indicating that <em>C. obovata</em> is an important genetic resource with high potential for inulin production.</p> <p><strong>File descriptions</strong></p> <p>Population_code.txt - Contains a matrix that indicates the population_code, Population_name, Brazilian-state, Phytophysiognomy, Collection coordinates and Altitudes (m).</p> <p>Date_ Diaz et al.xlsx – Contains Genotypes crude of the individuals analyzed. Primer used for nine microsatellite loci (Camacho <em>et al</em> 2017). </p> <p>Carbohydrates_Diaz et al - Contains data for carbohydrates in <em>C. obovata</em> plant rhizophores in each population (BRA, UB, SD, SP).</p> <p><strong>Location: Brazilian Cerrado</strong></p>
Effects of insularity on genetic diversity within and among natural populations
<p>We conducted a review of genetic diversity (GD) within and among populations in relation to categorical population size and isolation (together "insularity"). Using populations from within the same studies, we were able to control for between-study variation in methodology, as well as demographic and life histories. Contradictory to typical expectations, insularity had relatively minor effects on GD within and among population, which points to the more important roles of other factors in shaping evolutionary processes. Such effects of insularity were sometimes seen – particularly in systems (i.e. studies) where GD was already high overall. That is, insularity influenced GD in a study system when GD was high even in non-insular populations of the same system – suggesting an important role for the "scope" of influences on GD. These conclusions were more robust for within - population GD than among - population GD, although a number of biases might underlie this difference. Overall, our findings indicate that population-level genetic assumptions need to be tested rather than assumed in nature, particularly for topics highly relevant to current conservation management practices.</p> <p> </p>
Data from: What ecological factors favor parthenogenesis over sexual reproduction? A study on the facultatively parthenogenetic mayfly Alainites muticus in natural populations
<p>Different reproductive modes are characterized by costs and benefits which depend on ecological contexts. For example, sex can provide benefits under complex biotic interactions, while its costs increase under mate limitation. Furthermore, ecological contexts often vary along abiotic gradients. Here, we study how these factors simultaneously influence the frequency of sex in the facultatively parthenogenetic mayfly Alainites muticus . We first verified that parthenogenesis translates into female-biased population sex ratios. We then measured the density of individuals (a proxy for mate limitation) and community diversity (biotic interaction complexity) for 159 A. muticus populations covering a broad altitudinal gradient and used structural equation modeling to investigate their direct and indirect influences on sex ratios. We found no effect of community diversity or altitude on sex ratios. Furthermore, even when females can reproduce parthenogenetically, they generally reproduce sexually, indicating that the benefits of sex exceed its costs in most situations. Sex ratios only become female-biased under low population densities, as expected if mate limitation was the main factor selecting for parthenogenesis. Mate limitation might be widespread in mayflies because of their short adult lifespan and limited dispersal, which can generate strong selection for reproductive assurance and may provide a stepping-stone towards obligate parthenogenesis.</p>
The cost of self-promotion: Ecological and demographic implications of the mentor effect in natural Taraxacum populations
<p>This data accompanies the pending publication "The cost of self-promotion: Ecological and demographic implications of the mentor effect in natural <em>Taraxacum </em>populations" by Lynn et al. The work is also published under Austin Lynn's PhD Dissertation, which is under embargo until 2022.</p>
Genome-wide association implicates numerous genes underlying ecological trait variation in natural populations of Populus trichocarpa
In order to uncover the genetic basis of phenotypic trait variation, we used 448 unrelated wild accessions of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) from much of its range in western North America. Extensive data from large-scale trait phenotyping (with spatial and temporal replications within a common garden) and genotyping (with a 34 K Populus single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array) of all accessions were used for gene discovery in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). We performed GWAS with 40 biomass, ecophysiology and phenology traits and 29 355 filtered SNPs representing 3518 genes. The association analyses were carried out using a Unified Mixed Model accounting for population structure effects among accessions. We uncovered 410 significant SNPs using a Bonferroni-corrected threshold (P < 1.7 × 10−6). Markers were found across 19 chromosomes, explained 1–13% of trait variation, and implicated 275 unique genes in trait associations. Phenology had the largest number of associated genes (240 genes), followed by biomass (53 genes) and ecophysiology traits (25 genes). The GWAS results propose numerous loci for further investigation. Many traits had significant associations with multiple genes, underscoring their genetic complexity. Genes were also identified with multiple trait associations within and/or across trait categories. In some cases, traits were genetically correlated while in others they were not.
Genome-wide association implicates numerous genes underlying ecological trait variation in natural populations of Populus trichocarpa
In order to uncover the genetic basis of phenotypic trait variation, we used 448 unrelated wild accessions of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) from much of its range in western North America. Extensive data from large-scale trait phenotyping (with spatial and temporal replications within a common garden) and genotyping (with a 34 K Populus single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array) of all accessions were used for gene discovery in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). We performed GWAS with 40 biomass, ecophysiology and phenology traits and 29 355 filtered SNPs representing 3518 genes. The association analyses were carried out using a Unified Mixed Model accounting for population structure effects among accessions. We uncovered 410 significant SNPs using a Bonferroni-corrected threshold (P < 1.7 × 10−6). Markers were found across 19 chromosomes, explained 1–13% of trait variation, and implicated 275 unique genes in trait associations. Phenology had the largest number of associated genes (240 genes), followed by biomass (53 genes) and ecophysiology traits (25 genes). The GWAS results propose numerous loci for further investigation. Many traits had significant associations with multiple genes, underscoring their genetic complexity. Genes were also identified with multiple trait associations within and/or across trait categories. In some cases, traits were genetically correlated while in others they were not.
Mitochondrial influence on sex-specific phenotypes within natural populations
<p>Data and scripts for the manuscript entitled "Mitochondrial influence on sex-specific phenotypes within natural populations" submitted to <em>Evolution</em><em>. </em></p>
Supplementary material 1 from: Pontoppidan M, Nachman G (2013) Spatial Amphibian Impact Assessment – a management tool for assessment of road effects on regional populations of Moor frogs (Rana arvalis). Nature Conservation 5: 29-52. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.5.4612
Full model description following the protocol suggested by Grimm et al. (2006, 2010) and model parameterisation. (doi: 10.3897/natureconservation.5.4612.app). File format: Adobe PDF document (pdf).:
Рис. 3. КоΛичество фактически учтенных жиΛых гнезΑ в 2018–2019 гг. на особо охраняемых прироΑных территориях Амурской обΛасти Fig. 3. The actual number of inhabited nests in 2018–2019 in protected natural areas of the Amur region in Oriental stork (Ciconia boyciana Swinhoe) breeding population survey in the Amur region in 2018-2019
Рис. 3. КоΛичество фактически учтенных жиΛых гнезΑ в 2018–2019 гг. на особо охраняемых прироΑных территориях Амурской обΛасти Fig. 3. The actual number of inhabited nests in 2018–2019 in protected natural areas of the Amur region
Data from: Natural coral recovery despite negative population growth
<p>Demographic processes that ensure the recovery and resilience of marine populations are critical as climate change sends an increasing proportion on a trajectory of decline. Yet for some populations, recovery potential remains high. We conducted annual monitoring over 9-years (2012–2020) to assess the recovery of coral<em> </em>populations belonging to genus <em>Pocillopora</em>. These populations experienced a catastrophic collapse following a severe typhoon in 2009. From the start of the monitoring period, high initial recruitment led to the establishment of a juvenile population that rapidly transitioned to sexually mature adults, which dominated the population within six years after the disturbance. As a result, coral cover increased from 1.1% to 20.2% during this time. To identify key demographic drivers of recovery and population growth rates (λ), we applied kernel resampled Integral Projection Models (IPMs), constructing eight successive models to examine annual change. IPMs were able to capture reproductive traits as key demographic drivers over the initial 3 years, whilst individual growth was a continuous key demographic driver throughout the entire monitoring period. IPMs further detected a pulse of reproductive output subsequent to two further Category 5 typhoon events during the monitoring period, exemplifying key mechanisms of resilience for coral populations impacted by disturbance. Despite rapid recovery, (i.e., increased coral cover, individual colony growth, low mortality), IPMs estimated predominantly negative values of λ, indicating a declining population. Indeed, whilst λ translates to a change in the number of individuals, the recovery of coral populations can also be driven by an increase in the size of coral surviving colonies. Our results illustrate that accumulating long-term data of historical dynamics and applying IPMs to extract demographic drivers are crucial for future predictions that are based on comprehensive and robust understandings of ecological change. </p>
Fig.3 in Ancyrophora gracilis L , 1892 and Actinocephalus permagnus Wellmer, 1910 (Eugregarinorida: Apicomplexa) in natural populations of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) - hosts preferences, intensity and seasonal dynamic
Fig.3. The mean density ± SE of Actinocephalus permagnus (circle) and Ancyrophora gracilis (square) in consecutive seasons
Fig. 1 in Ancyrophora gracilis L , 1892 and Actinocephalus permagnus Wellmer, 1910 (Eugregarinorida: Apicomplexa) in natural populations of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) - hosts preferences, intensity and seasonal dynamic
Fig. 1. Mean density of Actinocephalus permagnus (AT) and Ancyrophora gracilis (AC) in relation to host size classes. circle – medium sized, squares – broad sized hosts
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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.