Article
Ornithology
Huan Xia, Cecilia Nilsson, Kasper Thorup, Chenxi Jia, Fumin Lei
Summary: We used solar-powered GPS-GSM loggers to track the Black-tailed Gull year-round and found that they have a long post-breeding period near the breeding islet and a short pre-breeding period. Migration routes and wintering sites vary among individuals and years, and the gulls' movement is influenced by their feeding behavior.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min-Seung Yang, Seongho Yun, Mi-Jin Hong, Young-Min Moon, Jeong-Chil Yoo, Who-Seung Lee
Summary: This study quantitatively demonstrates the exposure of breeding colonies of Black-tailed gulls to marine litter pollution during the breeding period, and further shows that these birds mainly forage in fishing areas close to their breeding colonies during this period.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Hossein Barahoei, Lorenzo Prendini, Shahrokh Navidpour, H. Muhammad Tahir, Mansour Aliabadian, Roohollah Siahsarvie, Omid Mirshamsi
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the diversity of the Odontobuthus genus in Iran, identifying three new species and providing new morphological diagnoses and an identification key. The systematic relationships among the nine species were determined through statistical and molecular analyses, highlighting the endemic or subendemic nature of six species on the Iranian Plateau.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gyojin Choo, Okon Dominic Ekpe, Ki Wan Park, David Chung, Jangho Lee, Jeong-Eun Oh
Summary: This study monitored eggs of black-tailed gulls for the first time to assess trends of emerging pollutants in South Korea. The results showed an increasing concentration of pollutants from 2012 to 2018, with levels predicted to double within three years. The study emphasizes the impact of industrial-related contamination on pollutant concentration and highlights the need for continuous environmental management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Yichen Zhu, Jinjun Wang, Yang Xu, Yuan Qu, Yanguang Long
Summary: This experiment investigates the three-dimensional flow over a low-aspect-ratio trapezoidal plate, focusing on the impact of tip effects on the structure and dynamics of the separation bubble. The results show that a swallow-tailed structure is first observed for low-AR plates, which then transitions into a conventional single-tailed structure as the angle of attack increases. The transformation of the leading-edge vortex from a C-shape to an M-shape is revealed to be caused by the mass transport of near-wall spanwise flow.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos J. Pavon-Vazquez, Damien Esquerre, Alison J. Fitch, Brad Maryan, Paul Doughty, Stephen C. Donnellan, J. Scott Keogh
Summary: The combination of genomic and morphological data can better elucidate evolutionary history and propose species delimitation hypotheses. This study used extensive data to investigate the evolutionary history of ridge-tailed monitors, identifying genetic structure and geographically clustered populations. The study proposes a new taxonomic scheme and highlights the importance of large datasets in understanding admixture patterns, biogeographic history, and species limits.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhong-Xin Ge, Yi-Min Wang, Jiang-Tao Sun, Zi-Yun Zhang, Ying-Gang Jia, Mei Tian, Dan-Shu Yao
Summary: In this study, two novel aromatic ester swallow-tailed liquid crystal monomers (M-1 and M-2) and a straight chain cholesteric liquid crystal monomer (M-3) were designed and synthesized. These monomers were then graft-copolymerized with polymethylhydrosiloxane (PHMS) to obtain two series of liquid crystal polymers (P-1 and P-2). The synthesized monomers and polymers were characterized and their liquid crystal and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed that M-1 exhibited monotropic nematic liquid crystal behavior while M-2 exhibited enantiotropic nematic liquid crystal behavior. M-3 exhibited thermotropic enantiotropic cholesteric phase behavior. The polymer samples P-1 and P-2 showed typical Grand-Jean texture, and the addition of M-3 increased the clearing point temperature, widened the liquid crystal mesophase range, and increased the specific rotation value.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mi Jang, Won Joon Shim, Gi Myung Han, Sung Yong Ha, Youna Cho, Miran Kim, Sang Hee Hong
Summary: This study monitored the spatiotemporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination along the Korean coasts using black-tailed gull eggs. The results showed higher levels of emerging POPs, such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), in eggs from certain areas influenced by urban pollution characteristics. The study highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring of PFAAs in the marine environment of Korea.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tino Reppe, Christian Dressel, Silvio Poppe, Alexey Eremin, Carsten Tschierske
Summary: This study investigates the self-assembly of functional π-conjugated rod-like molecules in soft systems, showing that different spatial organization forms can be achieved by adjusting chain length and temperature. This work establishes rules for controlling the self-assembly of functional π-conjugated rods in soft matter and fluids.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Chung, Jang-Ho Lee, Soo-Yong Lee, Yun-Suk Oh, Ho-Sang Shin
Summary: This study described the simultaneous determination of PCBs, OCPs, and PAHs in black-tailed gull eggs using ultrasound-assisted extraction and GC-MS/MS. The proposed method exhibited low limits of detection for the target compounds and good precision and accuracy. Analysis of samples collected from different sites revealed differences in the concentration ranges of PCBs, OCPs, and PAHs, as well as variations in their patterns among the different sampling sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ernesto E. Vargas-Parra, Melanie J. Hopkins
Summary: This study evaluated the modular organization patterns of the trilobite head using geometric morphometrics and found a strong covariation between the eyes and anterior region of the head. This suggests a developmental signal corresponding to the anteriormost ocular segment of early arthropods.
EVOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Zoology
T. Hanai, Y. Iwami, N. Tomita, T. Tsuihiji
Summary: This study focused on the postnatal ontogeny of the avian skull in a wild population of black-tailed gulls and found that the adult larid skull form is mainly achieved through proportional changes among cranial structures after hatching. Early acquisition of swallowing abilities by nestling gulls may be an adaptive trait that enhances their survival, especially considering their need to feed without parental aid.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Nicole D. S. Grunstra, Julien Louys, Sarah Elton
Summary: The study on the skull morphology of long-tailed macaques found that there is little difference in skull morphology among different islands, but there is a strong correlation between skull morphology and climate.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Seth T. Rankins, Randy W. DeYoung, David B. Wester, Aaron M. Foley, J. Alfonso Ortega-S, Timothy E. Fulbright, David G. Hewitt, Landon R. Schofield, Tyler A. Campbell
Summary: This study examines the influence of ecoregion and soil boundaries on the body size differences in ungulates and the role of nutrition in driving these differences. The research focuses on white-tailed deer in South Texas and investigates the relationship between forage quantity, forage quality, and body/antler size differences. The findings indicate that forage quantity does not drive the ecogeographic variation in physical traits of white-tailed deer, but the role of forage quality, specifically plant diversity, remains inconclusive.
RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oki Hayasaka, Hao-Yi Chang, Li-Chun Li, Yung-Che Tseng, Yi Ta Shao
Summary: The light characteristics of an ecosystem influence the visual traits of organisms, leading to enhanced diversity and abundance. This study investigated the impact of habitat depth on the visual adaptations of nocturnal slipper lobsters. The results showed that species living at different depths exhibited variations in eye structures and spectral sensitivities, while maintaining similar temporal resolutions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ryaan EL-Andari, Felipe Cunha, Barbara Tschirren, Andrew N. Iwaniuk
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. B. Smaers, R. S. Rothman, D. R. Hudson, A. M. Balanoff, B. Beatty, D. K. N. Dechmann, D. de Vries, J. C. Dunn, J. G. Fleagle, C. C. Gilbert, A. Goswami, A. N. Iwaniuk, W. L. Jungers, M. Kerney, D. T. Ksepka, P. R. Manger, C. S. Mongle, F. J. Rohlf, N. A. Smith, C. Soligo, V Weisbecker, K. Safi
Summary: Research has found that shifts in allometric slope underpin major transitions in mammalian evolution, primarily characterized by marked changes in body size. The largest-brained mammals achieved large relative brain sizes through highly divergent paths. This prompts a reevaluation of the traditional paradigm of relative brain size and opens new opportunities to improve understanding of genetic and developmental mechanisms influencing brain size.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Felipe Cunha, Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, Kelsey Racicot, Douglas R. Wylie, Andrew N. Iwaniuk
Summary: The study revealed that the variations in size and shape of the cerebellum are largely influenced by neuron numbers, rather than neuron sizes. The rate of increase in neuron numbers varied across different types of neurons, highlighting the complexity of cerebellar anatomy across species. Additionally, while the folding index was a poor predictor of surface area and Purkinje cell numbers, surface area was found to be the best predictor of Purkinje cell numbers.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelsey J. Racicot, Christina Popic, Felipe Cunha, Dominic Wright, Rie Henriksen, Andrew N. Iwaniuk
Summary: This research quantified cell layer volumes, neuron numbers, and neuron sizes in the cerebella of chickens and junglefowl, finding that chickens have larger, more folded cerebella with more and larger granule cells compared to junglefowl. The study suggests that the chicken cerebellum can be considered a scaled-up version of the junglefowl cerebellum, but with enlarged granule cells. The findings partially support a recent theory that domestication does not affect neuronal density within brain regions, but further quantitative analyses in other domesticated species and brain regions are needed to determine if these neuroanatomical changes are typical of domestication.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Simeon Q. Smeele, Dalia A. Conde, Annette Baudisch, Simon Bruslund, Andrew Iwaniuk, Johanna Staerk, Timothy F. Wright, Anna M. Young, Mary Brooke McElreath, Lucy Aplin
Summary: Previous studies have shown a correlation between longevity and brain size across different animal taxa. This study focused on parrots, which are known for their long lifespan and cognitive complexity. Using a large-scale comparative analysis, the researchers found a consistent correlation between relative brain size and life expectancy in parrots. This correlation was best explained by the direct effect of relative brain size, rather than developmental time, clutch size or age at first reproduction.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aubrey Keirnan, Trevor H. Worthy, Jeroen B. Smaers, Karine Mardon, Andrew N. Iwaniuk, Vera Weisbecker
Summary: Nocturnal birds, including the letter-winged kite, show adaptations in their visual system for low-light conditions. The transition to nocturnality can occur rapidly without changes to hard-tissue indicators of vision. Skull measurements can provide insights into raptor behaviors beyond just nocturnality.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
B. Brinkman, A. Ngwenya, K. Fjordbotten, O. Stephen, A. N. Iwaniuk
Summary: Seasonally reproducing small mammals undergo changes in hippocampal neuron morphology and dendritic spine density, which may be influenced by activity levels, stress hormones, and photoperiod.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
R. A. Stark, B. Brinkman, R. L. Gibb, A. N. Iwaniuk, S. M. Pellis
Summary: This study found that rats without play or with limited access to play during the juvenile period exhibit more branching of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), suggesting that play is important for pruning these neurons. However, previous rearing paradigms that limit play may cause stress that disrupts pruning. In this study, playful rats were paired with low playing rats throughout the juvenile period to minimize stress. The results showed that rats reared with another playful rat had greater pruning of mPFC pyramidal neurons compared to rats reared with a low playing rat. Additionally, the study found that play influences neuronal pruning in both sexes.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Felipe Cunha, Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, Benjamin Brinkman, Douglas R. Wylie, Andrew N. Iwaniuk
Summary: Eye movements are important for visually guided behaviors. The size and neuron numbers of the oculomotor nuclei vary among bird species. Owls have smaller oculomotor nuclei, while falcons and hawks have larger nuclei, reflecting differences in eye movements and foraging strategies.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A-NEUROETHOLOGY SENSORY NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catherine L. J. Brown, Sarah J. M. Zaytsoff, Andrew N. Iwaniuk, Gerlinde A. S. Metz, Tony Montina, G. Douglas Inglis
Summary: The impact of physiological stress on the metabolome of multiple tissues in broiler chicks was investigated. Different stressors including corticosterone, heat treatment, and isolation were compared. Metabolomic analysis revealed that amino acids, particularly glycine and alanine, showed potential as biomarkers of stress. The study also identified specific metabolic pathways that were significantly altered by corticosterone, isolation, and heat treatment in different tissues. The findings support the use of corticosterone as a stress model and suggest potential biomarkers for monitoring stress in chickens.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ghislaine Cardenas-Posada, Andrew N. Iwaniuk, Matthew J. Fuxjager
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive test of the extractive foraging hypothesis in woodpeckers, showing strong support for the hypothesis. Woodpeckers that use extractive foraging have relatively larger brains compared to other species. Comparative analyses suggest that big brains are likely the ancestral phenotype among all woodpecker taxa and are associated with innovation in foraging behavior.
Article
Biology
Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, Clara Amaral-Pecanha, Andrew N. Iwaniuk, Douglas R. Wylie, Jerome Baron
Summary: The ability to manipulate objects with limbs has evolved repeatedly among land tetrapods, but most of the research has been limited to mammals. This study focuses on examining foot manipulative skills in birds and finds that niche, diet, and phylogeny all play a role in the evolution of these skills. Additionally, an arboreal niche is identified as a key factor in the evolution of manipulation in land vertebrates.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
M. Martin, A. N. Iwaniuk, D. Logue
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
A. R. Keirnan, V Weisbecker, A. N. Iwaniuk
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
F. Cunha, C. Gutierrez-Ibanez, D. R. Wylie, A. N. Iwaniuk
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
