Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erik D. Enbody, Mats E. Pettersson, C. Grace Sprehn, Stefan Palm, Hakan Wickstrom, Leif Andersson
Summary: Research shows that European eels belong to a single panmictic population with no geographical genetic differentiation. The predominant mechanism for European eels to respond to diverse environmental conditions is phenotypic plasticity rather than genetic adaptation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guillaume Wos, Doubravka Pozarova, Filip Kolar
Summary: Plasticity is an important component of organism's response to environmental changes. In this study, the evolution of ancestral plasticity during alpine colonization in Arabidopsis arenosa was explored using transcriptomic and phenotypic data. The results showed that initial plastic changes tended to be reinforced in adapted alpine populations, supporting the facilitating role of plasticity in alpine adaptation. However, plasticity may also lead to potential maladaptation at the transcriptomic level.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nannan Liu, Yuanhao Du, Marilyn L. Warburton, Yingjie Xiao, Jianbing Yan
Summary: The study found rich phenotypic plasticity variation among maize F-1 hybrids, involving hundreds of quantitative trait loci, most of which contributed little variance. Heterosis in terms of phenotypic plasticity was also observed, which is crucial for understanding the genetic structure and breeding of maize.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Dominic P. Brass, Christina A. Cobbold, David A. Ewing, Bethan V. Purse, Amanda Callaghan, Steven M. White
Summary: Predicting complex species-environment interactions is crucial, but the effects of phenotypic plasticity on population adaptation are difficult to predict directly.
Article
Biology
Anton S. S. Zadorin, Olivier Rivoire
Summary: The environment can shape phenotypic plasticity, and sexual dimorphism can affect the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. However, sexual selection may have a negative impact on this process.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luhua Yao, Dengke Wang, Dangjun Wang, Shixiong Li, Youjun Chen, Yanjun Guo
Summary: In this study, six alpine herbs were reciprocally transplanted to evaluate their responses to changing environments. The results showed that the plants exhibited different responses when transplanted to different locations. Furthermore, a correlation was found between leaf cuticular waxes and leaf functional traits.
Article
Immunology
Yuzhe Hu, Chen Liu, Wenling Han, Pingzhang Wang
Summary: This study proposes a theoretical framework for immune cell phenotypic classification based on gene plasticity, and suggests that loss and gain of phenotype are accompanied by changes in gene plasticity. Transcriptome data analysis from multiple immune cell types supports the logical rationality and generality of this framework, providing a new perspective on understanding diverse immune cell phenotypes and intrinsic regulation in the immune system. Moreover, the results obtained provide a useful resource for big-data-driven experimental studies and knowledge discoveries.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jay F. Storz, Graham R. Scott
Summary: Studies on high-altitude vertebrates have shown that physiological adaptation mechanisms involve both genetic assimilation and genetic compensation, which may either reduce plasticity to achieve genetic evolution or mitigate maladaptive plastic responses for genetic adaptation.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Osazee O. Oyanoghafo, Adam D. Miller, Madeline Toomey, Collin W. Ahrens, David T. Tissue, Paul D. Rymer
Summary: The increasing frequency and intensity of drought events caused by climate change pose a threat to biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. This study focuses on the adaptive capacity of a functionally important plant species, Banksia marginata, to water-limited environments in southeastern Australia. The findings suggest that populations from drier climate-origins exhibit greater growth in well-watered conditions and that environmental factors drive variations in physiological and structural traits. The study provides evidence for the adaptive capacity of B. marginata to drought conditions and contributes to predicting its response to climate change.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Darija Lemic, Mario Bjelis, Pave Nincevic, Ivana Pajac Zivkovic, Luka Popovic, Helena Viric Gasparic, Hugo A. Benitez
Summary: The study found sexual dimorphism in wing shape among medfly populations, with host plants influencing wing shape and conditioning variability. There was significant variability between laboratory-reared sterile individuals and wild populations, and high phenotypic plasticity was observed across study sites for medfly populations.
Article
Ecology
Gergely Balazs, Anna Biro, Ziga Fiser, Cene Fiser, Gabor Herczeg
Summary: Research on the cave-dwelling Asellus aquaticus species complex in Europe revealed significant population divergence in 10 out of 17 functional morphological traits, habitat-dependent sexual dimorphism in 15 traits, and habitat-specific variation in the degree of sexual dimorphism in eight traits. Cave-related morphological changes were found to be highly trait- and function-specific, suggesting differing strengths of sexual/fecundity selection between cave and surface habitats, warranting further investigation of cave-specific adaptations.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Henry Goehlich, Linda Sartoris, Kim-Sara Wagner, Carolin C. Wendling, Olivia Roth
Summary: The study found that broad-nosed pipefish are locally adapted to low salinity environments, but still retain phenotypic plasticity to cope with ancestral salinity levels and prevailing pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tim Burton, Irja Ida Ratikainen, Sigurd Einum
Summary: This article examines the rate at which reversible phenotypic plasticity (RPP) occurs and its potential impact on how organisms overcome environmental challenges. The study suggests that current theoretical models do not consider the evolutionary potential of RPP rates. If the rate of plasticity itself can evolve, it may alter the organism's perception of environmental predictability and influence the slope of the evolved reaction norm. The optimization of phenotypic plasticity rates, their evolutionary dynamics in different environments, and the costs associated with them warrant further exploration in future research.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Hajriz Berisha, Gergely Horvath, Ziga Fiser, Gergely Balazs, Cene Fiser, Gabor Herczeg
Summary: Populations experiencing negligible predation pressure are expected to evolve higher behavioral activity. However, when sexes have different expected benefits from high activity, the adaptive shift is expected to be sex-specific. Here, we compared movement activity of one cave (lack of predation) and three adjacent surface (high and diverse predation) populations of Asellus aquaticus, a freshwater isopod known for its independent colonization of several caves across Europe. We predicted 1) higher activity in cave than in surface populations, with 2) the difference being more pronounced in males as they are known for active mate searching behavior, while females are not. Activity was assessed both in the presence and absence of light. Our results supported both predictions: movement activity was higher in the cave than in the surface populations, particularly in males. Relaxed predation pressure in the cave-adapted population is most likely the main selective factor behind increased behavioral activity, but we also showed that the extent of increase is sex-specific.
Article
Plant Sciences
Vijay Kumar, Cherukuri Raghvendra Babu
Summary: The functional response traits of four perennial grass species growing on fly ash dumps were evaluated, and it was found that these grass species showed significant plasticity in root and shoot traits, enabling them to adapt to harsh environments. This has implications for the rapid development of vegetation cover on fly ash dumps.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Stefano Mammola, Enrico Lunghi, Helena Bilandzija, Pedro Cardoso, Volker Grimm, Susanne I. Schmidt, Thomas Hesselberg, Alejandro Martinez
Summary: Caves and other subterranean habitats are suitable experimental model systems for addressing general questions in ecology and evolution, but the harsh working conditions and uniqueness of subterranean organisms make standardized research challenging. The main obstacles are related to habitat difficulties and the rarity of subterranean species, which limit sample size and complicate laboratory experiments.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Morgan O'Gorman, Sunishka Thakur, Gillian Imrie, Rachel L. Moran, Stefan Choy, Itzel Sifuentes-Romero, Helena Bilandzija, Kenneth J. Renner, Erik Duboue, Nicolas Rohner, Suzanne E. McGaugh, Alex C. Keene, Johanna E. Kowalko
Summary: Adaptation to novel environments often leads to the evolution of multiple morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits, such as regression of eyes, loss of pigmentation, and enhancement of non-visual sensory systems in cave animals. The study found that Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, in caves have evolved traits including reduced pigmentation, eye loss, and alterations to behavior, and that these traits are shared genetic basis between pigmented and albino hybrid fish. Furthermore, mutations in oculocutaneous albinism 2 (oca2) underlie the adaptive evolution of albinism and sleep loss in cavefish and other species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zongji Wang, Jilin Zhang, Xiaoman Xu, Christopher Witt, Yuan Deng, Guangji Chen, Guanliang Meng, Shaohong Feng, Luohao Xu, Tamas Szekely, Guojie Zhang, Qi Zhou
Summary: The sex chromosome evolution of paleognathous birds shows different rates and patterns. The Z-linked regions of paleognaths have an excess of species-specific autosomal duplicated genes, while the W chromosome suffers more serious functional gene loss. This defeminization of the Z chromosome and slow divergence of sex chromosomes might be related to the distinctive mode of sexual selection targeting females in their common ancestors.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Vedrana Filic, Lucija Mijanovic, Darija Putar, Antea Talajic, Helena Cetkovic, Igor Weber
Summary: Despite diverging more than a billion years ago, Dictyostelium amoebae and mammalian cells share remarkable similarities in cellular motility and actin cytoskeleton, including chemotactic migration, endocytosis, adhesion, and signaling networks such as Rho GTPases. These similarities suggest a potential evolutionary conservation in cellular functions and mechanisms across different organisms.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shanlin Liu, Dandan Lang, Guanliang Meng, Jiahui Hu, Min Tang, Xin Zhou
Summary: Research using machine learning methods for geographical tracing of honey origins shows that biological components provide characteristic traits for successful identification of nearly all honey samples.
Review
Ecology
Enrico Lunghi, Helena Bilandzija
Summary: This paper reviews the current knowledge on the longevity of cave species, points out the limitations of previous studies, and provides suggestions for future research. It also argues that studying the longevity of cave animals contributes to understanding the evolution of aging.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvestar Beljan, Kristina Dominko, Antea Talajic, Andrea Hlousek-Kasun, Nikolina Skrobot Vidacek, Maja Herak Bosnar, Kristian Vlahovicek, Helena Cetkovic
Summary: Cancer is a disease caused by errors within the multicellular system. Research on cancer origin and mechanisms of spreading is essential. Comparative genomic studies have found that most cancer-related genes emerged during early evolution of multicellular organisms. Sponge, as a basal animal without true tissues and organs, could be an innovative model system for understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer biology.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anastasia Klimova, Ricardo Rodriguez-Estrella, Guanliang Meng, Jesus Neftali Gutierrez-Rivera, Maria Luisa Jimenez-Jimenez, Shanlin Liu
Summary: This study investigated the biodiversity dynamics in two contrasting and highly threatened ecosystems - deserts and oases - using arthropod community diversity and distribution patterns. The results showed that the community composition of arthropods in oases fluctuated more in space than in time, and anthropic activities negatively impacted arthropod diversity in oases. On the other hand, the season and biotic characteristics significantly affected the diversity of desert arthropod communities. Therefore, each oasis should be conserved individually to preserve the unique assemblages of invertebrates.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marisa McDonald, Megan Porter
Summary: This study examines how light environment and time of day affect feeding behavior in larval stomatopods. The researchers found that light is important for successful feeding, and there are differences in feeding activity and consumption between the two species studied.
JOURNAL OF CRUSTACEAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Shaoying Liu, Chengran Zhou, Guanliang Meng, Tao Wan, Mingkun Tang, Chentao Yang, Robert W. W. Murphy, Zhenxin Fan, Yang Liu, Tao Zeng, Yun Zhao, Shanlin Liu
Summary: This study provides insights into the phylogeny and evolution of the Cricetid genus Neodon by sampling across its range in the Hengduan and Himalayan Mountains in China. The research reveals the presence of new species and identifies positively selected genes related to high-elevation adaptation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Han, Junhong Zhang, Shuang Han, Sun Li Chong, Guanliang Meng, Minyan Song, Yang Wang, Shengcai Zhou, Chengcheng Liu, Luhuan Lou, Xiongzhen Lou, Longjun Cheng, Erpei Lin, Huahong Huang, Qi Yang, Zaikang Tong
Summary: This study investigates the genomic characteristics of Phoebe bournei, a Lauraceae tree known for its high accumulation of sesquiterpenoids. The research demonstrates the contribution of terpenoid variation to the pathogen resistance of Phoebe species and provides valuable resources for enhancing plant immunity in various trees and crops.
PLANT COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Bernhard A. Huber, Guanliang Meng
Summary: The Pholcidae subfamily Smeringopinae has undergone extensive revision in the past decade, with most of its genera being confidently placed in the family's phylogeny. However, the endemic Seychellois genus Cenemus has remained an exception. This study presents a morphology revision and molecular data for the genus, revealing conflicting results on its sister taxon. The analysis supports Cenemus's position within the northern group of Smeringopinae, indicating its ancient origin dating back to the breakup of Gondwana.
ARTHROPOD SYSTEMATICS & PHYLOGENY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Marisa S. McDonald, Jonathan H. Cohen, Megan L. Porter
Summary: In this study, larval stomatopods were found to possess multiple distinct photoreceptor classes and displayed clear responses to wavelengths across the spectrum. These findings suggest that the visual system of larval stomatopods may be involved in various visually guided ecological tasks.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Rui-Xiang Tang, Jiao Wang, Yi-Fei Li, Cheng-Ran Zhou, Guan-Liang Meng, Feng-Jun Li, Yue Lan, Megan Price, Lars Podsiadlowski, Yan Yu, Xu-Ming Wang, Yin-Xun Liu, Bi-Song Yue, Shan-Lin Liu, Zhen-Xin Fan, Shao-Ying Liu
Summary: By studying the morphology and genome sequencing of pikas, it was found that different subgenera of pikas have differences in morphology, habitat, and morphology-related genes. Alienauroa and Ochotona have smaller size and earlier divergence, and their habitats differ from other subgenera. Variations in genes related to mitochondrial function and low-light visual sensitivity were found in Alienauroa and Ochotona. As individuals of these two subgenera mainly inhabit different environments, changes in sensory acuity and energy enhancement may be required in their new environments.
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Bernhard A. Huber, Guanliang Meng, Andrea E. Acurio, Jonas J. Astrin, Diego J. Inclan, Matias Izquierdo, Alejandro Valdez-Mondragon
Summary: This study reports new species of the Metagonia spider genus on the Galapagos Islands. Previously, only two blind species inhabiting lava tubes had been found, but two epigean species and one blind hypogean species were discovered during a collecting trip in 2019. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, these five species have been classified and added to the existing knowledge of Pholcidae.
INVERTEBRATE SYSTEMATICS
(2022)
