Article
Ecology
Tao Liang, Lei Shi, Godfred Bempah, Chang-hu Lu
Summary: The study found that Chinese lizards generally exhibit female-biased sexual size dimorphism, with clutch size positively correlated. Only Agamidae species followed Rensch's rule, while other groups showed a correlation between clutch size and sexual size dimorphism.
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriel Jorgewich-Cohen, Rafael S. Henrique, Pedro Henrique Dias, Marcelo R. Sanchez-Villagra
Summary: Optimal egg size theory suggests that changes in egg and clutch characteristics are driven by selection, aiming for the largest possible production of offspring with the highest fitness. Our study found that large-bodied turtles tend to produce larger clutches with small and round eggs, while smaller species produce small clutches with large and elongated eggs. We also observed inverse correlations between egg shape and size with clutch size, with different evolutionary rates. Additionally, there is evidence of convergence in reproductive strategies among different turtle lineages. Climatic zone and diet were identified as important ecological factors influencing egg and clutch traits among turtles.
Article
Biology
Dylan Padilla J. Perez, Dale F. DeNardo, Michael J. Angilletta
Summary: Life-history theory suggests that the optimal reproductive effort of an organism is affected by factors such as energy acquisition and predation risk. The foraging-mode paradigm proposes that widely foraging species have evolved greater reproductive effort compared to sit-and-wait species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Alvaro Dugo-Cota, Carles Vila, Ariel Rodriguez, Alejandro Gonzalez-Voyer
Summary: The study found that in Caribbean Eleutherodactylus frogs, females are larger and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) increases with species size, contrary to Rensch's rule. Fecundity and parental care also influence SSD.
Article
Entomology
Alois Honek, Zdenka Martinkova
Summary: This study investigated the benefits of copulation with large males in the firebug species, Pyrrhocoris apterus. The results showed that increasing male body size did not have a positive effect on the reproductive characteristics of females. Several reasons for this deficiency were discussed.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kun Guo, Xiang-Mo Li, Yan-Qing Wu, Yan-Fu Qu, Xiang Ji
Summary: The study of female reproductive traits of the red-banded wolf snake (Lycodon rufozonatus) in Zhejiang, East China over four years showed that postpartum body mass, clutch mass, and egg size were significantly greater in 2010 compared to other years, after accounting for female size. Contrary to traditional views, females did not trade off egg size against number.
Article
Zoology
Ken S. Toyama, Christopher K. Boccia
Summary: Opposing life history strategies between insular and continental species are common due to different ecological settings. This study on Microlophus lizards in South America and the Galapagos Islands found some differences in sexual size dimorphism and life history traits between island and mainland species, but unexplained patterns remain for future ecological, morphological, and behavioral studies to resolve.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tong Lei Yu, Gang Wang, Mariana M. Vasconcellos, Yu Jie Li
Summary: The study found that sexual size dimorphism in toad populations is influenced by the sex ratio and growth rate. Despite fecundity selection favoring larger female body size, Rensch's rule did not apply in these populations.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Artur Golawski, Sylwia Golawska
Summary: Climate change has affected the breeding parameters of a bird species, the Red-backed Shrike. A 23-year study found a 5-day shift towards delayed breeding in a central European population. The increase in rainfall was identified as the probable cause for the delayed nesting. These findings demonstrate the rarity of delayed nesting in recent years among birds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Carl G. Lundblad, Courtney J. Conway
Summary: Variation in life-history strategies is crucial for understanding population dynamics and adaptation, with nest microclimate driving important trade-offs and thermal gradients often explaining observed biogeographic and seasonal patterns. Our study implies an indirect effect of climate change on reproductive success and recruitment.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tjasa Kodela, Dusan Jesensek, Simona Susnik Bajec
Summary: European grayling is an endangered salmonid fish species with decreasing populations in European waters. This study analyzed the reproductive parameters of grayling females in a hatchery, including fecundity, egg size, and embryo survival. The results showed significant differences between first time spawners and repeat spawners, with repeat spawners producing more eggs. Absolute fecundity was correlated with the total length and weight of grayling females, while relative fecundity was not. Heavier eggs had a higher rate of survival, particularly for first time spawners. This suggests that larger and older grayling females should be prioritized for hatchery reproduction.
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Daniel Pincheira-Donoso, Lilly P. Harvey, Jack V. Johnson, Dave Hudson, Catherine Finn, Luke E. B. Goodyear, Jacinta Guirguis, Edel M. Hyland, Dave J. Hodgson
Summary: Genome size is proposed to influence extinction risk, but our global-scale analysis using amphibians as a model shows no support for this hypothesis. The only consistent predictor of extinction risk is decreasing geographical range size.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
M. Prchalova, J. Zak, M. Riha, M. Smejkal, P. Blabolil, M. Vasek, J. Matena, J. Peterka, J. Sed'a, J. Kubecka
Summary: Many fish species exhibit female-biased size dimorphism but sexes do not segregate spatially. Female perch satisfies its different dietary demands from males through higher feeding rate, while ruffe satisfies different dietary demands between sexes by selecting different prey items.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Adamu Mani Isa, Yanyan Sun, Yunlei Li, Yuanmei Wang, Aixin Ni, Jingwei Yuan, Hui Ma, Lei Shi, Hailai Hagos Tesfay, Jing Fan, Panlin Wang, Jilan Chen
Summary: This study investigates the miRNA expression in the pre-hierarchical follicles of purebred and hybrid laying hens and their role in modulating heterosis for egg number and clutch size. The results suggest that miRNAs with non-additive expression play a regulatory role in heterosis. Functional analysis reveals the involvement of these miRNAs in regulatory processes such as transcription, metabolism, and gene expression. Specific miRNAs, including gga-miR-19a, gga-miR-19b, gga-miR-375, gga-miR-135a, and gga-miR-7 and 7b, are found to synergistically enhance processes related to egg number and clutch size in hybrid hens.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Thassya C. dos Santos Schmidt, Doug E. Hay, Svein Sundby, Jennifer A. Devine, Guomundur J. Oskarsson, Aril Slotte, Mark J. Wuenschel, Dmitry Lajus, Arne Johannessen, Cindy J. G. van Damme, Rikke H. Bucholtz, Olav S. Kjesbu
Summary: The study extensively reviewed the life-history traits of Pacific and Atlantic herring populations, finding that body size of Pacific herring increased with latitude, while the pattern was inconsistent for Atlantic herring. Atlantic herring summer and autumn spawners produced many small eggs compared to spring spawners, aligning with findings from decades ago.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Alejandro Gonzalez-Voyer, Gavin H. Thomas, Andras Liker, Oliver Kruger, Jan Komdeur, Tamas Szekely
Summary: Sex roles describe sex differences in courtship, mate competition, social pair-bonds and parental care. A key challenge is to identify associations among the components and the drivers of sex roles. We found that proxies of sex roles showed extensive variation and lability, indicating independent evolution among sex role components. Climate and life history weakly associated with sex roles, while adult sex ratio was associated with sexual dimorphism, mating system and parental care.
Article
Ornithology
Grant C. Mcdonald, Akos Bede-Fazekas, Anton Ivanov, Lorenzo Crecco, Tamas Szekely, Andras Kosztolanyi
Summary: The populations of shorebirds worldwide are experiencing decline due to climate change, predation, human disturbance, and habitat degradation. This study focused on the Kentish Plover in Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, to assess its breeding distribution and population size. The researchers conducted a wide-scale survey during the breeding season and used species distribution modeling to identify key factors influencing the presence of Kentish Plovers. The results revealed a widespread distribution of Kentish Plovers in Kazakhstan, with low breeding densities. Proximity to water bodies and climate were found to be the main predictors of Kentish Plover presence, while the association with human disturbance was weak. The study also provided the first quantitative estimate of the breeding population size, indicating a modest number of individuals in Kazakhstan. These findings highlight the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of Kentish Plovers and lay the groundwork for future studies in similar regions with vast and inaccessible areas.
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan G. Navedo, Theunis Piersma, Jordi Figuerola, Wouter Vansteelant
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor Martin-Velez, Tomas Montalvo, Isabel Afan, Antoni Sanchez-Marquez, Raul Aymi, Jordi Figuerola, Adam Lovas-Kiss, Joan Navarro
Summary: The yellow-legged gull plays an important role in plant dispersal in the city of Barcelona, with average dispersal distances of around 700 m and maximum distances reaching up to 35 km. These gulls frequently disperse seeds, including alien species, within urban environments, posing a risk to native biodiversity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Alazne Diez-Fernandez, Jose Martin, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Laura Gangoso, Pilar Lopez, Ramon Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: DDT, a widely used pesticide, was banned in Europe in the 1970s and 1980s due to its high toxicity and environmental persistence. However, a recent study found DDT metabolites in the secretions of European Blackbirds in southern Spain. Despite the potential immunosuppressive effect of DDT, there was no association between haemosporidian infection and DDT presence.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
J. U. A. N. PATINO-MARTINEZ, L. E. N. O. DOS PASSOS, R. A. Q. U. E. L. AMADOR, A. R. N. A. U. TEIXIDOR, S. E. R. G. I. O. CARDOSO, A. D. O. L. F. O. MARCO, F. R. A. N. Z. I. S. K. A. KOENEN, A. M. A. N. D. A. DUTRA, C. H. R. I. S. T. O. P. H. E. EIZAGUIRRE, E. L. I. S. A. G. DIERICKX, M. A. N. J. U. L. A. TIWARI, T. A. M. A. S. SZEKELY, R. O. C. I. O. MORENO
Summary: This study reveals the high site fidelity and bet-hedging strategy of loggerhead turtles in nest site selection on Maio Island. The findings highlight the priority areas for conservation efforts and the potential for adaptive responses to rising sea levels.
Article
Parasitology
Rafael Gutierrez-Lopez, Jordi Figuerola, Josue Martinez-de la Puente
Summary: The risk of autochthonous transmission of Zika virus in Europe depends on the ability of Aedes albopictus to transmit the virus. Experimental studies have shown conflicting results in the vector competence of European populations of this mosquito species, possibly due to differences in mosquito populations and experimental procedures. A systematic review of published studies reveals that differences in infection and transmission rates are mainly attributed to variations in temperature, viral load, and the number of days post-exposure for analysis. The proportion of infected mosquitoes is affected by the viral load and post-exposure days, while the transmission rate is influenced by viral load and temperature. Therefore, methodological differences greatly affect the conclusions about the role of Aedes albopictus as a competent vector for Zika virus in Europe and its epidemiological relevance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Jimenez-Penuela, Martina Ferraguti, Josue Martinez-De la Puente, Ramon C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between infection of three common blood parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon) and oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in wild house sparrows along an urbanization gradient. The results showed that birds infected with Haemoproteus and living in urban areas had higher levels of lipid oxidative damage. Birds infected with Plasmodium showed lower antioxidant activity, while those infected with Leucocytozoon showed slightly higher antioxidant activity. Overall, this study highlights the effects of blood parasite infections and urbanization on the oxidative status of wild birds and the role of bird body condition in regulating oxidative stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Duarte S. Viana, Simone Santoro, Ramon C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: The European population of Eurasian Curlew has declined in the past 30 years, posing a threat to its survival. Demographic rates and survival probabilities at the flyway scale were examined to estimate population growth rates. The observed growth rates were higher than the expected rates from demographic models, indicating geographical variation in demography. The low productivity levels are the most probable cause of population declines, requiring immediate conservation actions.
Article
Virology
Maria Jose Ruiz-Lopez, Milagros Munoz-Chimeno, Jordi Figuerola, Ana M. Gavilan, Sarai Varona, Isabel Cuesta, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Angel Zaballos, Francisca Molero, Ramon C. Soriguer, Maria Paz Sanchez-Seco, Santiago Ruiz, Ana Vazquez
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the genomes of the West Nile virus (WNV) circulating in wild-trapped mosquitoes in Andalusia, Spain in 2020 and 2021. The results showed that the WNV genomes recovered from mosquito samples in 2020 were closely related to those recovered from humans during the same outbreak, and the WNV strain circulating in 2021 was highly related to the strain that caused the 2020 outbreak, indicating overwintering of WNV in the area. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the eco-epidemiology of WNV in Spain.
Article
Ecology
Martina Ferraguti, Sergio Magallanes, Jessica Jimenez-Penuela, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Luz Garcia-Longoria, Jordi Figuerola, Jaime Muriel, Tamer Albayrak, Staffan Bensch, Camille Bonneaud, Rohan H. Clarke, Gabor A. Czirjak, Dimitar Dimitrov, Kathya Espinoza, John G. Ewen, Farah Ishtiaq, Wendy Flores-Saavedra, Laszlo Zsolt Garamszegi, Olof Hellgren, Dita Horakova, Kathryn P. Huyvaert, Henrik Jensen, Asta Krizanauskiene, Marcos R. Lima, Charlene Lujan-Vega, Eyofinn Magnussen, Lynn B. Martin, Kevin D. Matson, Anders Pape Moller, Pavel Munclinger, Vaidas Palinauskas, Peter L. Pap, Javier Perez-Tris, Swen C. Renner, Robert Ricklefs, Sergio Scebba, Ravinder N. M. Sehgal, Manuel Soler, Eszter Szoellosi, Gediminas Valkiunas, Helena Westerdahl, Pavel Zehtindjiev, Alfonso Marzal
Summary: This study investigated the ecological drivers affecting avian malaria parasite lineages in native and introduced house sparrows. The results showed that urbanization was positively related to parasite prevalence in both native and introduced populations, with higher infection in areas with intermediate levels of urbanization. In introduced populations, altitude and time since bird introduction were positively associated with the number of parasite lineages.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Wouter M. G. Vansteelant, Laura Gangoso, Duarte S. S. Viana, Judy Z. Z. Shamoun-Baranes, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: Migrant bird populations show substantial variation in route choice and timing, and understanding the factors driving this variation is important for understanding migration patterns. Repeatability (R), a measure of consistency in individual behavior, is commonly used to assess the contribution of between-individual differences to population-level variation. In this study, we GPS-tracked Eleonora's falcons and found that route repeatability was highest in the Horn of Africa during spring and during the rainforest-crossing in autumn. Timing repeatability was generally higher in spring, and males exhibited higher route repeatability while females showed stronger seasonal contrasts in timing repeatability. These findings suggest that individual variation and repeatability in migration routes and timings are influenced by environmental and annual cycle constraints.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Irene Saavedra, Julio Rabadan-Gonzalez, David Aragones, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: Global change is driving the increase in emerging infectious diseases. The interest in nature has led to the development of citizen science platforms for recording wildlife observations. This study examined the utility of bird observations on the platform Observation.org for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreaks. The results suggest that the increase in sick and dead bird records on the platform coincides with officially reported HPAIV outbreaks.
Article
Ecology
Grant C. McDonald, Innes C. Cuthill, Tamas Szekely, Andras Kosztolanyi
Summary: Parental care can have both benefits and costs, and understanding these is important in studying patterns of care. In this study, detailed observations of a small shorebird population revealed that females desert their offspring more frequently than males. The results suggest that female desertion is favored by potential benefits of extra mating opportunities and does not impose significant costs on the growth and survival of deserted offspring.
Article
Biology
A. A. Romero-Haro, J. Figuerola, C. Alonso-Alvarez
Summary: This study tested the link between glutathione concentration and telomere length, and found that female birds treated with a specific inhibitor of glutathione synthesis had longer telomeres than control females. This counterintuitive finding suggests that females mounted a compensatory response to changes in glutathione levels.
INTEGRATIVE ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
