Article
Ornithology
Michael P. Lombardo, Patrick A. Thorpe, Sango Otieno, Dan Weglarz, Alyssa Hawker
Summary: The study revealed that the initial investment a female bird makes in an offspring by producing eggs can have important evolutionary consequences for both the female and her offspring. Interestingly, the hatched eggs weighed significantly more than those that did not hatch, and egg weight increased with its position in the laying sequence. Additionally, there was low narrow sense heritability of egg mass between mother and daughter.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chi Yen Tseng, Christine M. Custer, Thomas W. Custer, Paul M. Dummer, Natalie Karouna-Renier, Cole W. Matson
Summary: A multi-omics approach was used to assess the effects of chemical mixtures in the Maumee River on biological responses and functions. The study identified altered gene expression related to cell growth and cell cycle regulation, as well as upregulation of lipogenesis genes. The study highlights the potential health risks associated with increased pollutant concentrations in the river.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Miquel Planas
Summary: This study assessed the influence of pre-breeding diet on seahorse reproduction for the first time, showing that feeding a mixed diet (Artemia and mysidaceans) throughout the pre-breeding period can enhance breeding performance and newborn size and quality. Isotopic analysis revealed a stable state in newborn batches after the second month of the breeding period, highlighting the importance of pre-breeding diet on seahorse reproduction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takaomi Arai, Naoko Chino
Summary: The recent depletion of catadromous eel populations has raised global concerns, but little is known about the biology and ecology of tropical eels. By studying the otolith microchemistry of silver eels, it was found that there are two migratory types of eels in estuarine and marine habitats, but no typical freshwater resident eels. This suggests that eels inhabiting coastal areas may contribute significantly to reproduction in this region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nils Teichert, Anne Lize, Henrique Cabral, Anthony Acou, Thomas Trancart, Laure-Sarah Virag, Eric Feunteun, Alexandre Carpentier
Summary: The expression of life-history traits in fish is influenced by both current and past environmental conditions. This study investigates the effects of carry-over from larval traits and environmental conditions on the life-history traits of European seabass using otolith microstructure analysis. The results show that larval traits have a minor impact compared to the nursery environment on post-settlement traits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Zoology
K. J. MacLeod, L. Naugle, M. C. Brittingham, J. D. Avery
Summary: This study investigated the effects of gas compressor noise on juvenile tree swallows, finding that the predicted impacts did not occur, highlighting the significant variability in noise effects on juvenile birds.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anik P. Obomsawin, Gabriela F. Mastromonaco, Marty L. Leonard
Summary: The study found that exposure to noise did not alter nestling stress physiology or immune function overall, but light nestlings raised in noise showed lower baseline plasma and integrated feather corticosterone levels than heavier nestlings, indicating different physiological responses to anthropogenic stimuli. Additionally, light nestlings in larger broods had reduced immune responses, which were associated with higher levels of baseline plasma and feather corticosterone. These findings suggest that noise can affect the stress physiology of developing birds, but the effects may be influenced by developmental conditions and other environmental stressors.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Charalambos Neophytou, Hubert Hasenauer, Johan Kroon
Summary: This study used microsatellite markers to identify the origin of selected clones within the Swedish breeding programme and analyzed their bud burst timing. The results showed a significant effect of origin on bud burst timing, which will support further breeding efforts.
Article
Zoology
Daniel R. Garrett, Stephane Lamoureux, Sebastien Rioux Paquette, Fanie Pelletier, Dany Garant, Marc Belisle
Summary: The decline of avian aerial insectivores, primarily caused by climate change and agricultural intensification, is exacerbated by cold snaps and the negative effects of agricultural landscapes on nestling growth and body condition.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Juli Broggi, Hannah Watson, Johan Nilsson, Jan-Ake Nilsson
Summary: In a study conducted in southern Sweden, we found that winter supplementary feeding had a positive effect on the breeding performance of wild great tits. The study showed that birds breeding in the supplemented area had larger clutch sizes compared to birds in the control area, although the laying date was not affected. The results suggest a carry-over effect of winter feeding on subsequent breeding performance.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. T. Bussolini, R. Crates, A. Herrod, M. J. L. Magrath, S. Troy, D. Stojanovic
Summary: Conservation breeding programs are important for supplementing declining wild populations, but the survival of captive-bred animals after release is generally low. This study investigates the carry-over effects of captivity on the survival of critically endangered orange-bellied parrots. The study finds that wild nestlings have better body condition than captive-bred nestlings and that individual body condition is a stronger predictor of survival than the source of origin. The findings can be used to improve the success of release programs and inform management techniques for other conservation breeding programs.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
M. D. Tillotson, M. C. Arostegui, C. S. Austin, A. E. Lincoln, W. Matsubu, K. N. McElroy, T. P. Quinn
Summary: Migration timing in animals can evolve to match seasonal changes in abiotic conditions and resource pulses, but shifts due to climate change may disrupt this synchronization. Climate change can influence migration timing through various pathways, while factors unrelated to climate like anthropogenic modifications, demographic effects, and fisheries can also impact phenology. This makes it challenging to determine the causal basis of observed patterns, requiring rigorous testing of mechanistic hypotheses and systematic ruling out of alternative causes. Salmon exemplify the complexities of migration timing changes, from climate shifts to anthropogenic influences.
REVIEWS IN FISHERIES SCIENCE & AQUACULTURE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jeffrey R. Baldock, Robert K. Al-Chokhachy, Matthew R. Campbell, Annika Walters
Summary: Life history diversity in Yellowstone cutthroat trout is maintained by density-dependent fitness tradeoffs associated with the timing of reproduction. Early breeders experience reduced reproductive success due to nest superimposition, but this negative impact declines with lower population density. Offspring of early breeders have longer growing seasons and larger body sizes, suggesting a size-dependent competitive advantage and offsetting the fitness losses caused by superimposition.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jessica A. Haines, David M. Delaney, Andrea E. Wishart, Andrew G. McAdam, David W. Coltman, Jeffrey E. Lane, Ben Dantzer, Stan Boutin
Summary: Reproduction is energetically expensive for both sexes, and if males and females have different timing of reproduction, there is an opportunity for sex-specific selection to act on energetic resource acquisition. In North American red squirrels, males have larger caches than females, and this is likely driven by a stronger positive connection between cache size and fitness components for males. Males with larger caches have greater siring success, while females with larger caches only experience a positive effect on the number of recruits produced if they breed early. Additionally, males and females with larger caches sire pups and give birth earlier. These findings demonstrate that sexual selection extends beyond mating behavior traits and can act on traits related to acquiring resources needed for reproduction.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Dustin J. Marshall, Tim Connallon
Summary: Most marine organisms have complex life histories, where the individual stages of a life cycle are often morphologically and ecologically distinct. The degree to which genetic and phenotypic links among stages hamper adaptation in any one stage remains unclear. This study explores the impact of carry-over effects and genetic links on fitness trade-offs between different life-history stages, and finds that evolutionary conflicts among stages can be ameliorated by carry-over effects. The results suggest that organisms with complex life histories may face greater constraints in adapting to global change.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jordanna N. Bergman, Christine Beaudoin, Isha Mistry, Audrey Turcotte, Chantal Vis, Valerie Minelga, Kate Neigel, Hsien-Yung Lin, Joseph R. Bennett, Nathan Young, Colin Rennie, Lindsay L. Trottier, Alice E. Abrams, Patrick Beaupre, Danny Glassman, Gabriel Blouin-Demers, Dany Garant, Lisa Donaldson, Jesse C. Vermaire, John P. Smol, Steven J. Cooke
Summary: The article discusses the negative impacts of canal systems on freshwater biodiversity and the challenges of preserving historical elements while protecting biodiversity. Using the Rideau Canal as a case study, it emphasizes the importance of viewing canals as social-ecological systems and implementing coordinated multi-stakeholder governance for effective management.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Samantha L. R. Capel, Juan L. Bouzat, Julian M. Catchen, Jeff A. Johnson, Peter O. Dunn, Ken N. Paige
Summary: Various conservation strategies have been developed to address biodiversity loss driven by human activities. This study uses the greater prairie-chicken as a case study and demonstrates that translocations can alleviate inbreeding, restore genetic diversity, and maintain local variation. The findings highlight the value of genome-wide analysis in assessing the effects of translocations and genetic restoration success.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Esther Carle-Pruneau, Marc Belisle, Fanie Pelletier, Dany Garant
Summary: The study evaluated the determinants of nest box local recruitment and natal dispersal distances in declining aerial insectivore, the tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor. Results showed that heavier chicks and those fledging earlier were more likely to recruit, and natal dispersal distances were generally short influenced by different factors depending on sex.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas D. Sly, Corey R. Freeman-Gallant, Amberleigh E. Henschen, Piotr Minias, Linda A. Whittingham, Peter O. Dunn
Summary: This study uses whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomics to determine the genetic basis of ornament size preference in different populations of common yellowthroat. The research shows that females in each population prefer different ornaments but the size preference is linked to genes related to male quality.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Luca Montana, Wendy J. King, Graeme Coulson, Dany Garant, Marco Festa-Bianchet
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between male dominance and reproductive success in a population of eastern grey kangaroos. The results suggest that body size and weapons are important determinants of dominance status and male reproductive success, although other traits also play a considerable role. Despite a clear-cut dominance hierarchy and strong sexual selection, monopolization of reproduction by the most dominant males is weak in this species.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Daniel R. Garrett, Fanie Pelletier, Dany Garant, Marc Belisle
Summary: Climate change leads to increased frequency and intensity of inclement weather, which affects avian species' reproductive success. Landscape changes, such as agricultural intensification, also contribute to avian population declines. This study found that cold snaps and increased precipitation negatively impact the fledging success of Tree Swallows, especially in more agro-intensive landscapes.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Daniel R. Garrett, Fanie Pelletier, Dany Garant, Marc Belisle
Summary: Aerial insectivores are experiencing global population declines due to changes in agricultural practices, with a reduction in insect abundance affecting their fitness. This study investigates the relationship between prey availability and the fitness of Tree Swallows in southern Quebec, Canada, across a gradient of agricultural intensification. The results demonstrate that prey availability impacts fledging success and nestling body mass, and this impact varies with agricultural intensity.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ewa Pikus, Peter O. Dunn, Piotr Minias
Summary: This study examined the relationship between MHC gene diversity and fitness-related traits in a population of Eurasian coot. The results showed that high MHC gene diversity was associated with poorer condition, weaker ornament expression, later onset of breeding, and smaller clutches. The study suggests that the costs of high MHC diversity outweighed the benefits in an urban landscape.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mathilde L. Tissier, Patrick Bergeron, Dany Garant, Sandrine Zahn, Francois Criscuolo, Denis Reale
Summary: Understanding the role of telomeres in life-history strategies is important in biology. In this study, the telomere length in wild Eastern chipmunks was examined and it was found that telomeres elongate with age and do not limit lifespan in this species. Furthermore, the findings suggest that telomere length is associated with life-history strategies in a sex-specific way.
Article
Biology
Clare J. Venney, Kyle W. Wellband, Eric Normandeau, Carolyne Houle, Dany Garant, Celine Audet, Louis Bernatchez
Summary: This study investigates the effects of parental and offspring temperatures on DNA methylation in brook charr. The results show that parental maturation temperature has a significant impact on offspring methylation, while offspring rearing temperature has a minimal effect. The intergenerational inheritance of DNA methylation could facilitate adaptation to a warming environment.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Daniel R. Garrett, Stephane Lamoureux, Sebastien Rioux Paquette, Fanie Pelletier, Dany Garant, Marc Belisle
Summary: The decline of avian aerial insectivores, primarily caused by climate change and agricultural intensification, is exacerbated by cold snaps and the negative effects of agricultural landscapes on nestling growth and body condition.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Daniel R. Garrett, Fanie Pelletier, Dany Garant, Marc Belisle
Summary: The historical rise of intensive agriculture is believed to contribute to the decline of grassland and aerial insectivorous birds. This study found that agro-intensive landscapes have lower provisioning rates for nestlings, leading to potential negative effects on bird populations.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maria Angelica Martinez-Silva, Aurelie Dupont-Prinet, Carolyne Houle, Marie Vagner, Dany Garant, Louis Bernatchez, Celine Audet
Summary: Fish growth can be controlled through genetic selection, but it is unclear if these mechanisms can explain variations in growth among families or populations. In this study, researchers investigated the genetic selection process of brook charr by analyzing the regulation of growth traits at different levels. The results showed that improved growth performance in the selected line was associated with the upregulation of genes involved in the growth hormone/insulin growth factor-1 axis. However, variations in growth still exist in the selected line, suggesting that the full genetic selection potential has not been reached.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Carolyne Houle, Philippine Gossieaux, Louis Bernatchez, Celine Audet, Dany Garant
Summary: Higher temperatures act as selective agents that shape traits and fitness of individuals. Transgenerational effects may play an important role in modulating adaptation of future generations. However, relatively few studies have assessed the presence and importance of transgenerational effects under natural conditions.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Camille Gaudreau-Rousseau, Patrick Bergeron, Denis Reale, Dany Garant
Summary: Habitat selection has significant impacts on individual fitness, especially for breeding sites. This study examined burrow-site selection in a population of wild eastern chipmunks using eight years of occupancy data. The results showed that chipmunks prefer microhabitats with more woody debris and steeper slopes. Factors influencing burrow occupation frequency and annual fidelity decisions include microhabitat canopy cover and density of large red maples.