Article
Ecology
Thomas E. Reimchen, Carolyn A. Bergstrom
Summary: The interaction between predation landscape and phenotypic variability within prey populations is a significant factor in evolutionary biology. Our study on wild-captured threespine stickleback in western Canada found that the incidence of injuries varied among different phenotypes and younger fish, and was inversely related to the population frequencies of plate phenotypes. The analysis of yearly cohorts revealed differences in strength and direction of selection, supporting the presence of multiple optimal phenotypes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryo Nakano, Akio Ito, Susumu Tokumaru
Summary: A study has found that using ultrasonic pulses that mimic bat echolocation calls can effectively suppress the intrusion of moths into agricultural fields, reducing plant damage and the need for insecticides.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Hae-Young Choi, Sung Kim
Summary: This study observed hydroids consuming pelagic fish eggs and used COI metabarcoding to identify the predator and prey species. The predator was determined to be Ectopleura crocea, and the prey species were Sillago japonica and Parajulis poecilepterus. Additionally, four arthropod species were consumed.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ying-Jie Wang, Nedim Tuzun, Arnaud Sentis, Robby Stoks
Summary: Warming and eutrophication have negative impacts on freshwater ecosystems by altering trophic interactions. Experimental results show that warming and turbidity affect predator and prey differently in high-latitude and low-latitude environments, influencing system stability in various water conditions. Studies suggest that thermal plasticity and evolution may play a role in shaping trophic system stability under warming, particularly in turbid waters.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lei Gu, Luc De Meester, Zhou Yang
Summary: Predators can impact population and community dynamics through direct predation and nonconsumptive effects, such as changes in prey species traits. However, little is known about how kairomones act on prey across diverse aquatic ecosystems. This study explored how predator and prey identity and species composition influenced the expression of inducible defenses in water fleas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Ghadiri, Seyed Hossein Hashemi, Touraj Nasrabadi
Summary: While characterizing urban stormwater runoff as a major pathway of pollutant transport is important, the lack of access to online sensors and infrequent grab sampling has limited the assessment of storm runoff quality in many urban systems. This study investigates whether turbidity and total suspended solids can serve as surrogates for measuring total metals concentration in storm events in highly urbanized catchments, specifically in Tehran City. The study finds robust relationships between total suspended solids and metals concentrations, indicating that total suspended solids can explain variations in total metals concentration in this highly urbanized catchment.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Arash Kheirodin, Pedro F. S. Toledo, Alvin M. Simmons, Jason M. Schmidt
Summary: Insect herbivore abundances in agricultural fields are influenced by the surrounding landscape complexity, which can regulate herbivore populations through direct and indirect effects. More research is needed to study how landscape complexity mediates multi-species interactions within fields.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Petri C. Betsi, Dionysios Ch Perdikis
Summary: The effects of different pesticides on the survival and predation rate of M. pygmaeus were investigated. It was found that deltamethrin and Beauveria bassiana had high mortality rates, while the prey in the paraffin oil treatment were fully consumed the most. The assessment of prey consumption at different levels provides a sensitive approach to detect impacts and can be useful for integrated pest management programs.
Article
Fisheries
Jiaqi Lu, Xiaohui Li, Qiongfen Qiu, Jiong Chen, Jinbo Xiong
Summary: This study investigated the gut microbiota in shrimps and its relationship with the onset of shrimp white feces syndrome (WFS). The study found significant differences in the communities of interkingdom predators (BALOs and phagotrophs) at the WFS onset stage, but not in the bacterial and protistan counterparts. The dynamics of pathogens were best predicted by BALOs or phagotrophs. Nine phagotrophic taxa were found to accurately diagnose shrimp health status at the WFS onset stage. The study also revealed the interactions among pathogens, BALOs, phagotrophs, and shrimp immune potentials. The findings provide a conceptual model to understand the etiology of shrimp WFS from ecological and molecular perspectives.
Article
Zoology
Mateusz Augustyniak, Kalina Kolacka, Jaroslaw Kobak, Piotr Hliwa, Piotr Klosinski, Malgorzata Poznanska-Kakareko, Lukasz Jermacz, Tomasz Kakareko
Summary: After invasive fish are detected by native predators, their antipredator behaviors can shape their role in the invaded community and contribute to the success of the invasion. Comparing the behaviors of invasive and native fish species, it was found that the invasive fish were equivalent to or more profitable prey for native predators, facilitating their integration into local food webs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aiqing Lin, Jiqian Li, Yinli Hu, Maojun Zhong, Minglun Yu, Nina Ma, Tingting Wei, Jinhong Luo, Jiang Feng
Summary: A study shows that the defensive tactics of moths, the countertactics of bats, and the availability of moths collectively shape the diets of insectivorous bats. This highlights the importance of using a combination of behavioral experiments and molecular genetic techniques to understand the complex interactions between predators and prey in nature.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Spoljar, Natalia Kuczynska-Kippen, Tvrtko Drazina, Jelena Fressl, Ivancica Ternjej, Tea Tomljanovic, Chen Zhang, Marija Purgar, Marko Corkalo, Lana Kekelj
Summary: The littoral zone of shallow water bodies plays an important role in predator-prey interactions, with sediment serving as a refuge for planktonic microcrustaceans. The study showed that the assemblage and size structure of crustaceans and fish, as well as biotic interactions, vary along the heterogeneity gradient of the littoral zone. This research contributes to understanding the defense strategies developed by zooplankton against predators.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bonsignore Maria, Messina Concetta Maria, Bellante Antonio, Manuguerra Simona, Arena Rosaria, Santulli Andrea, Maricchiolo Giulia, Del Core Marianna, Sprovieri Mario
Summary: Specimens of Sparus aurata were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Hg and Cd for 25 days. Bioaccumulation of Hg was highest in gills, while Cd bioaccumulation was highest in the liver. Gills and skin were reliable targets for biomonitoring after short-term exposure. Exposure to both metals caused significant increases in metal concentrations in the kidney and liver. Biochemical analysis showed a reduction in lipid levels and decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the liver, indicating oxidative stress. Molecular markers related to oxidative stress and lipid metabolism were also affected by exposure. The study suggests the possibility of using these biomarkers to explore fish metabolic responses to environmental pollution.
Article
Entomology
Fawad Z. A. Khan, Shimat Joseph
Summary: Predatory arthropods in turfgrass provide effective control of lepidopteran pests, and clay models have been used in studying predation. The characteristics of clay models, such as color, shape, and size, influence arthropod interactions in turfgrass. Caterpillar-shaped models and larger models capture more impressions from arthropods.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chia-Ting Chen, Francois Carlotti, Mireille Harmelin-Vivien, Benoit Lebreton, Gael Guillou, Laura Vassallo, Marjorie Le Bihan, Daniela Banaru
Summary: The diet and trophic interactions of seven species of planktivorous fishes in the Bay of Marseille were studied. The study analyzed the taxonomic composition and size distribution of prey using stomach content analysis and continuous zooplankton sampling. The results showed differences in food composition and prey size among species, and suggested potential trophic competition between Engraulidae and Clupeidae.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brooke A. Williams, James E. M. Watson, Hawthorne L. Beyer, Carissa J. Klein, Jamie Montgomery, Rebecca K. Runting, Leslie A. Roberson, Benjamin S. Halpern, Hedley S. Grantham, Caitlin D. Kuempel, Melanie Frazier, Oscar Venter, Amelia Wenger
Summary: Management of the land-sea interface is crucial for global conservation and sustainability objectives. However, current assessments of coastal regions are limited by their focus on either the terrestrial or marine realm. The global assessment revealed that only 15.5% of coastal regions have low anthropogenic pressure, while 47.9% are heavily affected by human activities. In most countries, more than half of their coastal regions are degraded. Additionally, nearly half of the protected areas in coastal regions are exposed to high human pressures.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marco Andrello, Emily S. Darling, Amelia Wenger, Andres F. Suarez-Castro, Sharla Gelfand, Gabby N. Ahmadia
Summary: Mapping human pressures on coral reefs is crucial for conservation strategies and resource prioritization. The study ranks local pressures including fishing and water pollution as the top stressors worldwide, highlighting the need for effective management even in potential climate refugia. The findings and datasets provide valuable information for managing local pressures on coral reefs globally.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Nathalie Butt, Benjamin S. Halpern, Casey C. O'Hara, A. Louise Allcock, Beth Polidoro, Samantha Sherman, Maria Byrne, Charles Birkeland, Ross G. Dwyer, Melanie Frazier, Bradley K. Woodworth, Claudia P. Arango, Michael J. Kingsford, Vinay Udyawer, Pat Hutchings, Elliot Scanes, Emily Jane McClaren, Sara M. Maxwell, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Emma Dugan, Blake Alexander Simmons, Amelia S. Wenger, Christi Linardich, Carissa J. Klein
Summary: Marine species and ecosystems are profoundly impacted by human activities such as pollution, fishing, and climate change. This study presents a framework for assessing the vulnerability of marine species to different stressors using life-history traits. The findings highlight the importance of considering the susceptibility of various taxonomic groups to different stressors in predicting marine biodiversity response.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jingliang Kang, Ivan Nagelkerken, Jodie L. Rummer, Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa, Philip L. Munday, Timothy Ravasi, Celia Schunter
Summary: Ocean acidification affects different fish species in different ways, with some species showing the ability to adapt and cope with elevated pCO(2) levels.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Magena R. Marzonie, Line K. Bay, David G. Bourne, Andrew S. Hoey, Samuel Matthews, Josephine J. Nielsen, Hugo B. Harrison
Summary: Scleractinian coral populations are facing increasing exposure to temperatures above their upper limits, leading to declines in coral reef ecosystem health. Variations in thermal tolerance exist among species, individual coral colonies, and populations. This study conducted heat stress experiments to assess heat tolerance across a large environmental gradient. The results showed variations in heat tolerance among species and within reefs, with mild heatwave exposure positively correlated with heat tolerance over the past 35 years, but recent severe heatwaves showing a negative relationship. These findings suggest that marine heatwaves are selecting for tolerant individuals and populations, but recent severe heatwaves may compromise this adaptive potential.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jose E. Trujillo, Ian Bouyoucos, William J. Rayment, Paolo Domenici, Serge Planes, Jodie L. Rummer, Bridie J. M. Allan
Summary: This study quantitatively assessed the escape performance of neonate tropical sharks, finding that they have high maneuverability and low propulsive performance, but short reaction times. These results are of importance for understanding the vulnerability of these sharks to predation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Carolyn R. R. Wheeler, Duncan J. J. Irschick, John W. W. Mandelman, Jodie L. L. Rummer
Summary: Body condition is an important indicator of the overall health and energetic status of fishes. The commonly used Fulton's condition factor requires length and mass measurements, but mass can be difficult to obtain in large species. Girth measurements can replace mass for wild pelagic sharks, but the validity of this method has not been fully confirmed.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Peyton A. Thomas, Emily E. Peele, Carolyn R. Wheeler, Kara Yopak, Jodie L. Rummer, John W. Mandelman, Stephen T. Kinsey
Summary: This study examined the differences in skeletal muscle morphological and metabolic properties in neonate epaulette sharks exposed to their current-day ambient or projected end-of-century habitat temperatures. The results showed that sharks hatched earlier but were similar in body size at the end of the study. Muscle fiber size, nuclear density, and capillary density were similar between temperature regimes. However, fiber density was lower, satellite cell density was higher, and fibers associated with satellite cells were smaller in sharks reared at the projected end-of-century temperature.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua S. Madin, Michael McWilliam, Kate Quigley, Line K. Bay, David Bellwood, Christopher Doropoulos, Leanne Fernandes, Peter Harrison, Andrew S. Hoey, Peter J. Mumby, Juan C. Ortiz, Zoe T. Richards, Cynthia Riginos, Nina M. D. Schiettekatte, David J. Suggett, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: Humans have focused on restoring species, but little attention has been given to selecting the best subset of foundation species for maintaining threatened ecosystems. We propose a two-part hedging approach that prioritizes phenotypic traits and ecological characteristics. By applying this approach to reef building corals, we found that current restoration programs could be improved by including species with different traits.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Kim B. Eustache, Emiel van Loon, Jodie L. Rummer, Serge Planes, Isabel Smallegange
Summary: Reef shark species have experienced significant declines due to human activities, and their conservation requires policies at local, federal, and global levels. This study monitored the blacktip reef shark population around Moorea and within the world's largest shark sanctuary for nine years. The results indicate that local and likely federal policies have been effective in maintaining stable juvenile shark density. However, some nursery areas showed increasing shark densities, potentially due to changes in reproductive behavior or habitat type and resources. Water temperature did not have a significant impact on juvenile shark density over time.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
So Young Jeong, Paul W. Gabrielson, Jeffery R. Hughey, Andrew S. Hoey, Tae Oh Cho, Muhammad A. Abdul Wahab, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Summary: Porolithon is an ecologically important genus of crustose coralline algae, distributed abundantly in tropical and subtropical shallow margins of coral reefs. Sequence comparisons of type specimens and field-collected specimens reveal four unique genetic lineages, suggesting the absence of P. gardineri and P. craspedium in eastern Australia. Furthermore, four new species are discovered, distinguished by growth form, margin shape, and medullary system. Urgent documentation of the taxonomic diversity of Porolithon species is necessary due to their ecological importance and sensitivity to ocean acidification.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jessica Zamborain-Mason, Joshua E. Cinner, M. Aaron Macneil, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Andrew S. Hoey, Maria Beger, Andrew J. Brooks, David J. Booth, Graham J. Edgar, David A. Feary, Sebastian C. A. Ferse, Alan M. Friedlander, Charlotte L. A. Gough, Alison L. Green, David Mouillot, Nicholas V. C. Polunin, Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Laurent Wantiez, Ivor D. Williams, Shaun K. Wilson, Sean R. Connolly
Summary: Sustainably managing fisheries requires evaluation of stock status, but many multispecies reef fisheries lack research and monitoring capacity to assess stocks against sustainable reference points. In this study, fish biomass data from >2000 coral reefs were used to estimate site-specific sustainable reference points for coral reef fisheries. The results show that >50% of sites and jurisdictions with available information have stocks of conservation concern. The study highlights the ecological benefits of increasing sustainability and provides a promising means for enhancing the sustainability of global coral reef fisheries.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kim B. Eustache, Emilie Boissin, Celine Tardy, Ian A. Bouyoucos, Jodie L. Rummer, Serge Planes
Summary: This study monitored and sampled blacktip reef sharks in nursery habitats to improve understanding of shark reproductive behavior and biology. The research revealed evidence of plastic philopatric behavior, with some female sharks changing parturition areas between seasons while others consistently returning to the same site. Additionally, resource allocation within some shark litters appeared to be unbalanced. These findings contribute to our knowledge of shark populations and can inform future conservation strategies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Morgan S. Pratchett, Ciemon F. Caballes, Jean-Paul A. Hobbs, Joseph D. DiBattista, Brock Bergseth, Peter Waldie, Curtis Champion, Samuel P. Mc Cormack, Andrew S. Hoey
Summary: This study explored the variation in physiological condition of common coral trout on Australia's Great Barrier Reef after severe mass bleaching and coral loss. The results showed that fish condition was largely influenced by fish size and varied with latitude, while there was no apparent effect of recent coral bleaching on the physiological condition of the fish. However, further changes to the environmental conditions and reef habitat may impact these important fisheries species.
Article
Biology
P. Ferreira, G. T. Kwan, S. Haldorson, J. L. Rummer, F. Tashiro, L. F. C. Castro, M. Tresguerres, J. M. Wilson
Summary: Puffer and porcupine fishes have the ability to inflate themselves by swallowing seawater to defend against predation, but this mechanism leads to the loss of stomach function. Through studying the stomach phenotype and genotype of four different fish species, it was found that this inflation mechanism is only present in Tetraodontiformes and is not a selective pressure for stomach loss in other gastric inflating fishes.
