Article
Biology
Jack G. Rayner, Samantha L. Sturiale, Nathan W. Bailey
Summary: Behavioural traits are more likely to persist after the relaxation of selection pressure compared to morphological traits. However, little research has been conducted on non-adaptive vestigial behavioural variation. These vestigial behaviours may hinder adaptive evolution or contribute to future evolutionary trajectories. The persistence of these behaviours may be due to high levels of non-genetic variation and association with morphological features.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Samantha C. Macklin, Rachel O. Mariani, Emily N. Young, Rosalyn Kish, Kimberley A. Cathline, Gavin Robertson, Adam R. Martin
Summary: This study evaluated the variation in traits within five common wine grape varieties and found that these varieties exhibit intraspecific variation along a leaf economics spectrum (LES). Variety identity was the main factor influencing physiological and morphological traits, while growth stage influenced chemical traits and leaf mass. All varieties exhibited greater resource-conserving traits later in the growing season. Leaf hydraulic traits, including water-use efficiency, were unrelated to other resource capture traits and were better explained by spatial location.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel B. Cooney, Simon A. Levin, Yoichiro Mori, Joshua B. Plotkin
Summary: Biological and social systems are structured at multiple scales, and individuals in a group may have different incentives from the group as a whole. Mechanisms to resolve this tension are important for evolutionary transitions in history. This article synthesizes a growing literature on multilevel evolutionary dynamics and analyzes how different mechanisms influence evolutionary outcomes within and among groups.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Katherine E. E. Eisen, Sotiria Boutsi, John M. M. Halley, Loretta Pace, Hampus Petren, Hanna Thosteman, Magne Friberg
Summary: This study examined variation in honest signals across different populations and mating systems in Arabis alpina. The results suggest that larger flowers generally produce more nectar and corolla area may be correlated with pollen limitation across populations. However, total scent emission is not correlated with nectar production and two specific compounds may act as honest signals in some populations.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongzhong Lu, Eduard J. Kerkhoven, Jens Nielsen
Summary: In this study, draft metabolic models were constructed for 332 yeast species, and the evolutionary trend of metabolism among these species was investigated. The results showed a high level of conservatism in yeast metabolic evolution. Additionally, it was found that the evolutionary distance and genotype to some extent determine model similarity, but not trait similarity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Wang, Wenli Yang, Xianchun Zhang, Danke Zhang, Gangmin Zhang
Summary: In this study, the phylogeny of the endemic Chinese genus Sinopteris was reconstructed using multiple datasets. The results showed that Sinopteris is closely related to the genus Aleuritopteris, and they formed a stable monophyletic group. Divergence time estimation indicated that Sinopteris originated in the late Miocene and began diversifying following the intense uplift of the Hengduan Mountains. Ancestral character reconstruction revealed that certain traits of Sinopteris were derived rather than early diverged. Both molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses supported the inclusion of Sinopteris in Aleuritopteris.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Soichiro Kijima, Tom O. Delmont, Urara Miyazaki, Morgan Gaia, Hisashi Endo, Hiroyuki Ogata
Summary: The discovery of myosin homologous genes in viruses suggests potential transfers of these genes between viruses and eukaryotes, as well as between different viruses. Phylogenetic analyses reveal complex relationships among these genes, indicating possible co-infections of the same host leading to gene transfers.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Floris van Breugel
Summary: The study found that fruit flies tend to walk longer distances when approaching an odor source, and their flight trajectory may also play a role in their search behavior. Additionally, flies also walk longer distances when the time elapsed between visits to a location is longer, which can slightly increase search efficiency, potentially due to a noisy decision-making process. These stochastic decision-making algorithms can enhance search efficiency in challenging scenarios compared to deterministic strategies.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Lu Qi, Biyang Xu, Lingfeng Kong, Qi Li
Summary: Neritidae is a species-rich family with controversial classification, particularly regarding the taxonomic position of Smaragdiinae. Through sequencing mitochondrial genomes and reassembling transcriptome data, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Neritidae with 23 species and found two monophyletic groups, Neritinae and Neritininae, with Smaragdia rangiana nested within Neritininae. The monophyly of Clithon and Neritina was not recovered, and the most recent common ancestor of Neritidae had a smooth shell.
Article
Plant Sciences
Oliver Gericke, Rachael M. Fowler, Allison M. Heskes, Michael J. Bayly, Susan J. Semple, Chi P. Ndi, Dan Staerk, Claus J. Loland, Daniel J. Murphy, Bevan J. Buirchell, Birger Lindberg Moller
Summary: Eremophila is the largest genus in the plant tribe Myoporeae, exhibiting incredible morphological diversity across the Australian continent. Many Eremophila species are recognized by Australian Aboriginal Peoples as important sources of traditional medicine, with leaves being the most frequently used plant parts. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed complex evolutionary relationships between Eremophila and related genera in the tribe, showcasing the unique and structurally diverse metabolites found in this group.
Article
Agronomy
L. Kissing Kucek, E. B. Mallory, H. M. Darby, J. C. Dawson, M. E. Sorrells
Summary: Weed competition can greatly reduce wheat yields, especially in organic systems or with herbicide-resistant weeds. Breeding wheat for increased competitive ability is important, and traits like early vigor and plant height show promise as secondary selection traits that are easier to measure and have higher heritability. Decentralized breeding may be the best approach due to genotype by environment interactions.
Article
Neurosciences
Robert J. Loughnan, Alexey A. Shadrin, Oleksandr Frei, Dennis van der Meer, Weiqi Zhao, Clare E. Palmer, Wesley K. Thompson, Carolina Makowski, Terry L. Jernigan, Ole A. Andreassen, Chun Chieh Fan, Anders M. Dale
Summary: Recent research has shown that Multivariate Omnibus Statistic Test (MOSTest) is powerful in discovering genomic effects distributed across multiple phenotypes. By replicating the findings in independent datasets, researchers have demonstrated a higher replication yield of MOSTest compared to established approaches. This finding emphasizes the importance of using multivariate techniques in Genome-Wide Association studies.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sarah Signor, Jeffrey Vedanayagam, Bernard Y. Kim, Filip Wierzbicki, Robert Kofler, Eric C. Lai, Harmit S. Malik
Summary: The flamenco gene plays a key role in suppressing transposable elements in Drosophila, producing piRNAs to target active transposons. However, the sequence and copy number of the flamenco gene have changed in different Drosophila species. The flamenco genes in D. simulans and D. mauritiana show features of dual-stranded clusters and have increased copy numbers of germline transposons.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
George Powell, Michelle M. Simon, Sara Pulit, Ann-Marie Mallon, Cecilia M. Lindgren
Summary: The study quantified mouse gene constraint using a new metric called NOER and found positive correlations between mouse gene constraint and associated knockout phenotypes, as well as pathogenic variant sites in their human orthologues. This highlights the importance of pleiotropy in selective constraint and supports the utility of mouse models in investigating human disease variants. Further research with larger sample sizes can refine constraint estimates in mice and enable more comprehensive comparisons of constraint between mouse and human orthologues.
Article
Ecology
Jessie L. Williamson, Ethan B. Linck, Emil Bautista, Ashley Smiley, Jimmy A. McGuire, Robert Dudley, Christopher C. Witt
Summary: Predictable trait variation suggests shared adaptive responses, while mismatch implies evolutionary divergence has changed trait-environment covariation. In this study, we tested if species adaptation alters elevational variation in blood traits of Andean hummingbirds. Unexpectedly, elevational variation in haemoglobin concentration was scale independent, but mechanisms of adjustment showed signals of species adaptation. This suggests genetic adaptation to high altitude has changed how these traits respond to shifts in oxygen availability.
Article
Agronomy
Xiu-Jing Shen, Li-Jun Cao, Jin-Cui Chen, Li-Jun Ma, Jia-Xu Wang, Ary A. Hoffmann, Shu-Jun Wei
Summary: This study investigated the frequency and distribution pattern of resistance mutations in the diamondback moth (DBM) across China. The results showed a widespread distribution of resistance alleles in DBM populations, with some mutations near fixation and others less common or absent in most populations. The frequency of resistance alleles remained relatively stable among different years, although there was a decrease in the frequency of certain mutations. Principal component analysis revealed clustering of immigrant populations with other populations, indicating a migration pattern from the Sichuan area of southwestern China. The study also found that most resistant mutations deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting the influence of heterogeneous selection pressures on resistance mutations.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Veronique Paris, Rahul V. Rane, Peter T. Mee, Stacey E. Lynch, Ary A. Hoffmann, Thomas L. Schmidt
Summary: This study investigated the dispersal ecology and population structure of Aedes notoscriptus, an important disease transmitting mosquito, in the Mornington Peninsula, Australia. It found high mobility and low genetic structure of this mosquito species, which presents challenges for localized intervention strategies.
Article
Ecology
Joshua A. Thia, Pasi K. Korhonen, Neil D. Young, Robin B. Gasser, Paul A. Umina, Qiong Yang, Owain Edwards, Tom Walsh, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Genomic data provides insights into pest management, resistance evolution, pest invasions, and population dynamics. The first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, was assembled to study pesticide adaptation and population demographics using whole-genome pool-seq data. Genetic mutations have been identified that contribute to organophosphate and pyrethroid resistance. Population genomic analyses reveal regional structuring in H. destructor populations, while demographic analyses indicate reduced genetic diversity and smaller effective population sizes in eastern populations. These findings have important implications for genetic markers, understanding resistance mechanisms, and predictive modeling of resistance evolution and spread.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xiu-Jing Shen, Yu-Jie Zhang, Shuai-Yu Wang, Jin-Cui Chen, Li-Jun Cao, Ya-Jun Gong, Bin-Shuang Pang, Ary Anthony Hoffmann, Shu-Jun Wei
Summary: This study reveals the high frequency of resistant mutations in two-spotted spider mite populations across China, indicating the urgency of managing multiple acaricide resistance.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Ecology
Ary A. Hoffmann, Jon Bridle
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lisa Bjerregaard Jorgensen, Andrea Milena Hansen, Quentin Willot, Johannes Overgaard
Summary: By studying the mitochondrial substrate oxidation in flight muscle of different Drosophila species, it was found that low temperature significantly affects complex I respiration in cold-sensitive species more than in cold-adapted species. Additionally, the oxidation of other substrates increases at low temperature. It is still unclear whether the oxidation of alternative substrates can compensate for the effects of temperature-sensitive complex I, and the potential functional consequences of this substrate switch are discussed.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ary A. Hoffmann, Moshe Jasper, Vanessa L. White, Hiromi Yagui, Michael R. Kearney
Summary: Low-vagility species can hold strong genetic signatures and face vulnerability due to habitat loss. The genetic variation of Vandiemenella viatica populations in Tasmania and Victoria was analyzed, revealing low genetic diversity associated with past biogeographical processes. This study highlights the importance of preserving genetic variation.
Article
Agronomy
Yong-Fu Gao, Ya-Jing Ren, Jin-Cui Chen, Li-Jun Cao, Guang-Hang Qiao, Shi-Xiang Zong, Ary A. Hoffmann, Shu-Jun Wei, Qiong Yang
Summary: This study examined the effects of three fungicides on the cotton aphid. The results showed that two of the fungicides significantly reduced the lifespan and fecundity of the aphids, and increased the density of their endosymbiont. The study highlights the potential impact of non-insecticidal components of fungicides on aphids and their endosymbionts.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joshua A. A. Thia, Paul A. A. Umina, Ary A. A. Hoffmann
Summary: Invasive Australian populations of redlegged earth mite have evolved increasing organophosphate resistance, which is associated with increased copy number and target-site mutations at the canonical ace gene.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelly Richardson, Perran A. Ross, Brandon Cooper, William Conner, Tom Schmidt, Ary Hoffmann
Summary: MK Wolbachia was identified at a low frequency (around 4%) in natural populations of Drosophila pseudotakahashii. It had a stable density and transmission during laboratory culture, but the MK phenotype was lost rapidly. MK Wolbachia coexisted with another strain expressing a different reproductive manipulation. Genomic analysis revealed diverged Wolbachia regions involving 17 genes, and identification of the wmk and cif genes implicated in MK and CI. A dominant suppressor genetic element affecting MK was identified through backcrossing and genome analysis. These findings highlight the complexity of endosymbiont detection and dynamics, and the challenges of linking them to host phenotypes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meng-Jia Lau, Shuai Nie, Qiong Yang, Lawrence G. Harshman, Cungui Mao, Nicholas A. Williamson, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: We analyzed the lipid composition of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at different time points during feeding and reproduction. The abundance of lipids showed two temporal increases, with more than 80% of lipids identified during feeding and from 16 to 30 hours after blood meal. Certain lipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, cardiolipin, hexosylceramide, and lyso-phosphatidic acid, exhibited a strong temporal pattern during the second peak. Different patterns of change were observed in lyso-glycerophospholipids, with some membrane lipids showing little change and signaling lipids showing a significant increase. Our findings suggest that specific lipids play a role in the reproductive process of Ae. aegypti, particularly in the formation and growth of ovarian follicles.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas L. Schmidt, Nancy M. Endersby-Harshman, Nina Kurucz, William Pettit, Vicki L. Krause, Gerhard Ehlers, Mutizwa Odwell Muzari, Bart J. Currie, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Biosecurity strategies for invasive pests can benefit from genomic databanks to trace incursions. This study used deep learning methods to trace mosquito incursions in Australia and found high precision even with limited genetic differentiation and samples collected generations ago. PCAs performed poorly for tracing when drift effects were strong. Targeted assays provided additional information on the origin of the mosquitoes. The study highlights the value of genomic databanks for long-term and diverse biological conditions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wanzhen Liu, Xue Xia, Ary A. Hoffmann, Yamei Ding, Ji-Chao Fang, Hui Yu
Summary: This study discovered novel Wolbachia strains in a pollinator species through genome sequencing, investigated their phylogenetic relationship and cytoplasmic incompatibility, and identified mobile genetic elements and metabolic genes. The findings provide important resources for further research on Wolbachia-pollinator-host plant interactions.
Article
Biology
Mahmoud I. El-Saadi, Kaylen Brzezinski, Aaron Hinz, Laura Phillips, Alex Wong, Lucie Gerber, Johannes Overgaard, Heath A. Macmillan
Summary: This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of bacterial leakage in the insect gut under cold conditions and its possible effect on the immune system. The experiment found that no bacteria were detected in the hemolymph of locusts exposed to cold for 48 hours. The ex vivo experiment also showed no increase in FITC-dextran leakage caused by cold exposure.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John G. Black, Anthony R. J. van Rooyen, Dean Heinze, Robbie Gaffney, Ary A. Hoffmann, Thomas L. Schmidt, Andrew R. Weeks
Summary: Identifying and analysing isolated populations is crucial for conservation. This study investigates the genetic structure and individual heterozygosity patterns of the eastern barred bandicoot in Tasmania, Australia. The findings reveal isolated populations undergoing significant genetic drift and multiple fine-scale differentiation regions. The study also highlights variations in individual heterozygosity within populations and spatial patterns of heterozygosity.