Article
Entomology
Xiaomi Liu, Erica L. Culbert, Jennifer A. Brisson
Summary: This study investigates the epigenetic regulation of sexual dimorphism in pea aphids by focusing on microRNAs. It identifies 19 male-biased microRNAs enriched on the X chromosome and predicts 10 target genes with lower expression in males. The study provides foundational work for future research on the epigenetic control of sex differences in pea aphids.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chengzhi Yan, Hui Ma, Yuejun Yang, Zhiping Mi
Summary: The limb bones of the Bufo gargarizans in southwest China were found to exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males had longer forelimb skeletons, but shorter hand length compared to females. Additionally, males had larger deltoid and medial crest areas, as well as heavier humerus and radioulna weights. In terms of hindlimbs, males had greater lengths in various bone measurements, but no significant weight differences. These findings suggest that sexual selection plays a role in the evolution of sexual size and shape dimorphism in the limb bones of B. gargarizans.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zi-Yong Xiang, Chi-Ying Zhang, Wei-Cheng Zheng, Shui-Sheng Yu, Lin Zhang, Guo-Hua Ding
Summary: This study assembled the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Chong'an Mustache Toad and revealed its close relationship with other species within the genus Leptobrachium in the phylogenetic tree.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2021)
Review
Zoology
Glauco Machado, Mercedes Burns
Summary: Harvestmen, a major arachnid order, have seen significant advancement in our understanding of their biology in the 21st century. This review aims to provide an updated overview of their reproductive biology, covering pre-copulatory, copulatory, and post-copulatory phases. Gaps in knowledge and areas for further research are highlighted throughout the review.
Article
Biology
William Toubiana, David Armisen, Corentin Dechaud, Roberto Arbore, Abderrahman Khila
Summary: The study shows that there is a specific gene expression signature in the exaggerated legs of male Microvelia longipes, with male-biased genes evolving rapidly and female-biased genes over-represented on the X chromosome. Sex-biased genes tend to arrange in large genomic regions or small clusters along the chromosomes, and their number and expression are associated with the exaggerated legs of males. This suggests a pattern of common regulation through genomic proximity in association with trait exaggeration.
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Graeme C. Hays, Takahiro Shimada, Gail Schofield
Summary: In a warming climate, male sea turtles may become rarer, but certain biological characteristics of male turtles could help balance female-biased hatchling sex ratios.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Troy A. Baird, Dalton C. Leibold
Summary: A widely accepted principle in behavioral ecological research is that polygynous social systems evolve through either direct male defense of females or male defense of resources. This study examined the relative importance of female defense versus resource defense in male collared lizards. By temporarily removing females from male territories, the researchers observed changes in male activity in response to the presence or absence of females. The results indicated that male collared lizards directly defend females, utilizing the strong female philopatry.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Long-Feng Lu, Jing-Yu Jiang, Wen-Xuan Du, Xue-Li Wang, Zhuo-Cong Li, Xiao-Yu Zhou, Can Zhang, Cheng-Yan Mou, Dan-Dan Chen, Zhi Li, Li Zhou, Jian-Fang Gui, Xi-Yin Li, Shun Li
Summary: From insects to mammals, females generally have higher innate and adaptive immune response than males. This study investigates the role of the autosomal gene cyp19a1a in the antiviral response of zebrafish. Results show that females with high expression of cyp19a1a exhibit a weaker antiviral response, and this gene mediates autophagic degradation of MITA to suppress interferon expression. These findings broaden our understanding of sex differences in the immune response.
Article
Plant Sciences
William J. Hatchett, Alexander O. Jueterbock, Martina Kopp, James A. Coyer, Susana M. Coelho, Galice Hoarau, Agnieszka P. Lipinska
Summary: Sex-biased gene expression is important in sexual differentiation and is conserved in the brown algal species Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus. Male-biased genes in these species show remarkable conservation and are enriched in functions related to gamete production and sperm competition. These findings suggest that evolutionary forces affect male and female sex-biased genes differently in Fucus algae.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Lynda F. Delph, Keely E. Brown, Luis Diego Rios, John K. Kelly
Summary: Sex-specific selection plays a crucial role in the evolution of sexual dimorphism. This study directly measured selection on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in a dioecious plant species and found clear evidence for sex-specific selection. The results highlight the importance of sex-specific fitness effects and provide insights into the genetic basis of sexual dimorphism.
Article
Fisheries
Qian Yang, Xihong Li, Rui Shi, Peng Cheng, Na Wang, Songlin Chen
Summary: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (igfbp7) was found to be female-biased expressed in the gonad of Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). The expression level of igfbp7 was highest at 6 months during the different gonad developmental stages. In addition, igfbp7 exhibited lower methylation levels in females. Furthermore, igfbp7 was found to play a role in the activation of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway.
Article
Zoology
Bicheng Zhu, Xiaoqian Sun, Haodi Zhang, Yezhong Tang, Jianguo Cui
Summary: This study tested the circadian rhythm and intersexual differences of auditory sensitivity in the Emei music frog. The results showed that there were no differences in auditory thresholds and latencies between day and night, except for latencies in the 3.5-4.0 kHz frequencies. However, the thresholds of tone pip evoked auditory brainstem responses differed significantly between male and female frogs. Female frogs exhibited greater auditory sensitivity than male frogs, particularly at high frequencies.
ASIAN HERPETOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ahmad Barati, Rose L. Andrew, Paul G. McDonald
Summary: In cooperatively breeding species, the level of investment by both breeders and helpers may be influenced by the sex of offspring, with different fitness payoffs associated with male versus female offspring. However, this study found that despite the expectation of higher care levels from male offspring, the overall inclusive fitness benefits do not vary among the sexes.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rosane Segalla, Fabio Pinheiro, Gudryan J. Baronio, Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
Summary: The study found a significant male-biased sex ratio in endemic gymnosperm Zamia boliviana populations from the Brazilian savanna, with environmental factors not explaining the redundancy in reproductive characteristics. The differential reproductive expenditure between sexes is suggested as the main driver of sex ratio variation in this species.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Miyu Sugiyama, Takane Ozawa, Kunihiro Ohta, Kensuke Okada, Teruyuki Niimi, Katsushi Yamaguchi, Shuji Shigenobu, Yasukazu Okada
Summary: This study investigates the molecular basis of sexually selected exaggerated traits in broad-horned flour beetles. By analyzing the transcriptomic and functional characteristics of sex-biased genes, the researchers found that female-biased genes play a role in suppressing weapon structure development. Knockdown experiments targeting these genes further supported their involvement in the formation of male-exaggerated traits. These findings highlight the overlooked functions of female-biased genes in weapon development and suggest that the evolution of such traits involves the down-regulation of certain genes in males.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Cameron M. Hudson, Benjamin L. Phillips, Gregory P. Brown, Richard Shine
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2015)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cameron M. Hudson, Gregory P. Brown, Richard Shine
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2016)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Cameron M. Hudson, Gregory P. Brown, Katarina Stuart, Richard Shine
BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
C. M. Hudson, M. R. McCurry, P. Lundgren, C. R. McHenry, R. Shine
Article
Zoology
Cameron M. Hudson, Xianjin He, Jinzhong Fu
ASIAN HERPETOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2011)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cameron M. Hudson, Gregory P. Brown, Ryann A. Blennerhassett, Richard Shine
Summary: Research on cane toads has shown that gland dimensions are highly heritable, with females having larger glands than males, invasive populations having larger glands than native populations, and sexual size dimorphism varying significantly among invaded areas. Geographic variation in gland morphology may be driven by predation risk to both adult toads and offspring, with investment into chemical defences evolving rapidly during international dispersal.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Cameron M. Hudson, Kay Lucek, David A. Marques, Timothy J. Alexander, Marvin Moosmann, Piet Spaak, Ole Seehausen, Blake Matthews
Summary: Invasive threespine stickleback in Switzerland have experienced rapid phenotypic and genetic divergence between lake and stream populations, with individuals displaying considerable variation in foraging and occupying unusual habitats. The system in Switzerland presents a valuable model for studying contemporary evolution with and without secondary contact.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Cameron M. Hudson, S. Nemiah Ladd, Miguel C. Leal, Carsten J. Schubert, Ole Seehausen, Blake Matthews
Summary: The study compared the differences in fatty acid composition between different stickleback lineages and ecotypes. Wild fish and lab-reared fish exhibited different levels of fatty acids, while females had lower omega-6:omega-3 ratio than males.
Article
Biology
Cameron M. Hudson, Marta Vidal-Garcia, Trevor G. Murray, Richard Shine
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Cameron M. Hudson, Gregory P. Brown, Richard Shine
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Zoology
Cameron M. Hudson, Gregory P. Brown, Richard Shine