Article
Ecology
Samuel Jacquiod, Tiffany Raynaud, Eric Pimet, Chantal Ducourtieux, Leonardo Casieri, Daniel Wipf, Manuel Blouin
Summary: The study found that plant genotype and phenotypic plasticity have the greatest impact on rhizosphere microbiota, while chemical inputs such as fertilizer, fungicide, and herbicide have minimal effects. Phenotypic plasticity is particularly important in explaining variations in bacteria and fungi diversity, but does not affect mycorrhizal associations.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raquel Castillo-Contreras, Gregorio Mentaberre, Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Carles Conejero, Andreu Colom-Cadena, Arian Raez-Bravo, Carlos Gonzalez-Crespo, Johan Espunyes, Santiago Lavin, Jorge R. Lopez-Olvera
Summary: The study investigated the impact of urbanisation on wild boars, showing that urban wild boars have larger body size, higher body mass, better body condition, and different serum metabolite concentrations compared to non-urban wild boars. Urban wild boars also consumed food from anthropogenic origin more frequently. These results suggest that urbanisation can induce adaptive changes in morphology and physiology in wild boars.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nannan Liu, Yuanhao Du, Marilyn L. Warburton, Yingjie Xiao, Jianbing Yan
Summary: The study found rich phenotypic plasticity variation among maize F-1 hybrids, involving hundreds of quantitative trait loci, most of which contributed little variance. Heterosis in terms of phenotypic plasticity was also observed, which is crucial for understanding the genetic structure and breeding of maize.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Haniel C. Oliveira, Martijn F. L. Derks, Marcos S. Lopes, Ole Madsen, Barbara Harlizius, Maren van Son, Eli H. Grindflek, Marta Godia, Arne B. Gjuvsland, Pamela Itajara Otto, Martien A. M. Groenen, Simone E. F. Guimaraes
Summary: Backfat is an important trait in pork production, and excessive fat can result in economic losses. Through genome-wide association analysis, we identified a QTL for backfat thickness located within the third intron of the CCND2 gene, and further discovered core haplotypes associated with low backfat.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tea Sala, Damiano Puglisi, Luisa Ferrari, Filippo Salamone, Maria Rosaria Tassone, Giuseppe Leonardo Rotino, Agostino Fricano, Alessia Losa
Summary: In this study, reduced-representation sequencing was used to analyze 378 diverse asparagus genotypes, identifying over 200,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Genome-wide association studies and genome-enabled prediction models were used to study various traits in asparagus. Results showed that cultivated asparagus has a narrow genetic basis compared to wild and hybrid genotypes, which hinders the genetic improvement of this crop.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cynthia Idhigu Aghogho, Saviour J. Y. Eleblu, Moshood A. A. Bakare, Ismail Siraj Kayondo, Isaac Asante, Elizabeth Y. Y. Parkes, Peter Kulakow, Samuel Kwame Offei, Ismail Rabbi
Summary: The study aimed to assess the impact of genetic and genotype-by-environment interaction on the conversion of cassava roots into gari and fufu. The results showed that the environment and interaction explained more of the phenotypic variation among genotypes, indicating a strong genotype-by-environment interaction. Additionally, several high-performing genotypes with high product conversion rates were identified.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Eva Serrano-Davies, Nina Bircher, Bernice Sepers, Kees van Oers
Summary: Habitat characteristics during rearing are associated with behavioral phenotypes. This study explores how rearing habitat characteristics relate to exploratory behavior, food selection, and foraging performance during winter in wild great tits. The results show that faster explorers are raised in lower quality habitats and visit feeders more frequently. Additionally, the rearing environment influences diet selection during winter. This study highlights the importance of habitat characteristics in shaping behavior.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra M. Sparks, Susan E. Johnston, Ian Handel, Jill G. Pilkington, Jacqueline Berry, Josephine M. Pemberton, Daniel H. Nussey, Richard J. Mellanby
Summary: This study reveals that vitamin D levels in wild Soay sheep are genetically influenced and positively associated with female survival and fecundity. It provides evidence for the potential response of vitamin D levels to natural selection and offers new insights into the association between vitamin D metabolism and fitness in wild environments.
Review
Plant Sciences
Hannah M. Schneider
Summary: Plastic responses of plants are widespread, occurring in many forms and at various biological scales, and their adaptive value depends on the specific environment and interactions with other plant traits and organisms. However, the complex nature of plasticity has posed challenges in characterizing its expression, determining its adaptive value, and understanding the environmental cues that regulate it.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Velumani Pranneshraj, Manjeet Kaur Sangha, Ivica Djalovic, Jegor Miladinovic, Maduraimuthu Djanaguiraman
Summary: High-temperature stress is a major concern for crop productivity due to global warming. The need to develop high-temperature-tolerant genotypes has emerged. Studies have shown that membrane lipid remodelling may play a crucial role in providing high-temperature tolerance. The combination of lipidomics and genomic research can be a promising approach to enhance crop resilience to high-temperature stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Ann Christin Ronnberg-Wastljung, Anneli Adler, Almir Karacic, Kaspars Liepins, Thomas J. Richards, Par K. Ingvarsson, Martin Weih
Summary: The study analyzed the growth and phenotypic traits of 63 Populus trichocarpa clones suitable for growth in the Nordic-Baltic region, identifying some clones with high and stable performance across different field sites. These clones are of particular interest for future breeding and commercial deployment of Populus material in the region.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Peter K. Wahinya, Gilbert M. Jeyaruban, Andrew A. Swan, Julius H. J. van der Werf
Summary: Genotype by environment interaction affects the effectiveness of dairy cattle breeding programs in developing countries. This study aimed to optimize breeding programs for dairy cattle in different environments within Kenya. Simulation results showed that breeding strategies involving progeny testing bulls within each production system and using both phenotypic and genomic information can maximize genetic responses. Additionally, a joint breeding program with bull testing in all three environments produced the highest response using phenotypes alone.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Haibo Lu, Yachun Wang, Henk Bovenhuis
Summary: The study found significant effects of season on milk production traits, especially on fat yield, fat content, and protein content. Genetic correlations between different seasons suggest that the genetic background of protein content and lactose content is sensitive to seasonal effects.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Saeedeh Bani Assadi, Kevin Charles Fraser
Summary: Previous laboratory studies have shown the role of photoperiod in small land bird migration timing, but this study investigates how manipulation of photoperiod during nestling development affects post-breeding movements in the wild. The research found that birds exposed to an extended photoperiod had a longer nesting period and later fledge and autumn departure dates. This study demonstrates the phenotypic plasticity of first-year birds in response to their hatch date and discusses the implications for altering migration timing with climate change through assisted evolution approaches.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ella F. Cole, Charlotte E. Regan, Ben C. Sheldon
Summary: Studies have found small-scale spatial variation in the timing of egg laying for great tits, linked to the health of nearby oak trees, in response to climate change. This suggests spatial differences in the impact of climate change on animals and plants, highlighting the importance of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in responding to climate change, as well as the role of behavioral responses like habitat selection and dispersal in mitigating challenges from climate extremes.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronika N. Laine, Bernice Sepers, Melanie Lindner, Fleur Gawehns, Suvi Ruuskanen, Kees van Oers
Summary: The field of molecular biology is rapidly advancing and there is a growing interest in studying ecological epigenetics, particularly in wild vertebrates. This review provides a practical guide for researchers studying DNA methylation variation in wild vertebrates, discussing technical aspects, limitations, and data analysis methods.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
R. Lande, V. Grotan, S. Engen, M. E. Visser, B. -e. Saether
Summary: A method for analyzing long-term demographic data is proposed to compare populations with different life histories. The method involves estimating the key parameters that determine the density dependence and environmental fluctuations in life history. The study also evaluates the long-term selection gradient on the life history.
AMERICAN NATURALIST
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Stefan J. G. Vriend, Vidar Grotan, Marlene Gamelon, Frank Adriaensen, Markus P. Ahola, Elena Alvarez, Liam D. Bailey, Emilio Barba, Jean-Charles Bouvier, Malcolm D. Burgess, Andrey Bushuev, Carlos Camacho, David Canal, Anne Charmantier, Ella F. Cole, Camillo Cusimano, Blandine F. Doligez, Szymon M. Drobniak, Anna Dubiec, Marcel Eens, Tapio Eeva, Kjell Einar Erikstad, Peter N. Ferns, Anne E. Goodenough, Ian R. Hartley, Shelley A. Hinsley, Elena Ivankina, Rimvydas Juskaitis, Bart Kempenaers, Anvar B. Kerimov, John Atle Kalas, Claire Lavigne, Agu Leivits, Mark C. Mainwaring, Jesus Martinez-Padilla, Erik Matthysen, Kees van Oers, Markku Orell, Rianne Pinxten, Tone Kristin Reiertsen, Seppo Rytkonen, Juan Carlos Senar, Ben C. Sheldon, Alberto Sorace, Janos Torok, Emma Vatka, Marcel E. Visser, Bernt-Erik Saether
Summary: Identifying the environmental drivers of variation in fitness-related traits is important in ecology and evolution. This study examined the influence of local climatic variables on spatial synchrony in fitness-related traits among bird populations in Europe. The researchers found that temperature strongly affected spatial synchrony in laying date for blue tits and great tits but not for pied flycatchers. Understanding how environmental conditions influence trait values improves our understanding of environmental impacts on populations.
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Meike T. Wortel, Deepa Agashe, Susan F. Bailey, Claudia Bank, Karen Bisschop, Thomas Blankers, Johannes Cairns, Enrico Sandro Colizzi, Davide Cusseddu, Michael M. Desai, Bram van Dijk, Martijn Egas, Jacintha Ellers, Astrid T. Groot, David G. Heckel, Marcelle L. Johnson, Ken Kraaijeveld, Joachim Krug, Liedewij Laan, Michael Laessig, Peter A. Lind, Jeroen Meijer, Luke M. Noble, Samir Okasha, Paul B. Rainey, Daniel E. Rozen, Shraddha Shitut, Sander J. Tans, Olivier Tenaillon, Henrique Teotonio, J. Arjan G. M. de Visser, Marcel E. Visser, Renske M. A. Vroomans, Gijsbert D. A. Werner, Bregje Wertheim, Pleuni S. Pennings
Summary: Evolution has traditionally been a historical and descriptive science, but with advancements in technology and understanding, predictions about future evolutionary processes are now being developed and used in various fields. These predictions serve different purposes, such as preparation, intervention, or evaluation of our knowledge about evolution.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Veronika N. Laine, Tiina Savilammi, Niklas Wahlberg, Katarina Meramo, Gonzalo Ossa, Joseph S. Johnson, Anna S. Blomberg, Aidyn B. Yeszhanov, Veronica Yung, Steve Paterson, Thomas M. Lilley
Summary: By analyzing the whole-genome of three closely related species in the Eptesicus (Histiotus) subgenus, it was found that there is recent gene flow and hybridization between Eptesicus (Histiotus) montanus and Eptesicus (Histiotus) macrotus, while Eptesicus (Histiotus) magellanicus tends to be more isolated. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in resolving phylogenetic relationships and species histories.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Eva Serrano-Davies, Nina Bircher, Bernice Sepers, Kees van Oers
Summary: Habitat characteristics during rearing are associated with behavioral phenotypes. This study explores how rearing habitat characteristics relate to exploratory behavior, food selection, and foraging performance during winter in wild great tits. The results show that faster explorers are raised in lower quality habitats and visit feeders more frequently. Additionally, the rearing environment influences diet selection during winter. This study highlights the importance of habitat characteristics in shaping behavior.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucyna Halupka, Debora Arlt, Jere Tolvanen, Alexandre Millon, Pierre Bize, Peter Adamik, Pascal Albert, Wayne J. Arendt, Alexander V. Artemyev, Vittorio Baglione, Jerzy Banbura, Miroslawa Banbura, Emilio Barba, Robert T. Barrett, Peter H. Becker, Eugen Belskii, Mark Bolton, E. Keith Bowers, Joel Bried, Lyanne Brouwer, Monika Bukacinska, Dariusz Bukacinski, Lesley Bulluck, Kate F. Carstens, Ines Catry, Motti Charter, Anna Chernomorets, Rita Covas, Monika Czuchra, Donald C. Dearborn, Florentino de Lope, Adrian S. Di Giacomo, Valery C. Dombrovski, Hugh Drummond, Michael J. Dunn, Tapio Eeva, Louise M. Emmerson, Yngve Espmark, Juan A. Fargallo, Sergey I. Gashkov, Elena Yu. Golubova, Michael Griesser, Michael P. Harris, Jeffrey P. Hoover, Zuzanna Jagielio, Patrik Korell, Janusz Kloskowski, Walter D. Koenig, Heikki Kolunen, Magorzata Korczak-Abshire, Erkki Korpimaeki, Indrikis Krams, Milos Krist, Sonja C. Kruger, Boris D. Kuranov, Xavier Lambin, Michael P. Lombardo, Andrey Lyakhov, Alfonso Marzal, Anders P. Moller, Veronica C. Neves, Jan Tottrup Nielsen, Alexander Numerov, Beata Orlowska, Daniel Oro, Markus oest, Richard A. Phillips, Hannu Pietiaeinen, Vicente Polo, Jiri Porkert, Jaime Potti, Hannu Poeysae, Thierry Printemps, Jouke Prop, Petra Quillfeldt, Jaime A. Ramos, Pierre-Alain Ravussin, Robert N. Rosenfield, Alexandre Roulin, Dustin R. Rubenstein, Irina E. Samusenko, Denis A. Saunders, Michael Schaub, Juan C. Senar, Fabrizio Sergio, Tapio Solonen, Diana V. Solovyeva, Janusz Stepniewski, Paul M. Thompson, Marcin Tobolka, Janos Toeroek, Martijn van de Pol, Louis Vernooij, Marcel E. Visser, David F. Westneat, Nathaniel T. Wheelwright, Jaroslaw Wiacek, Karen L. Wiebe, Andrew G. Wood, Andrzej Wuczynski, Dariusz Wysocki, Marketa Zarybnicka, Antoni Margalida, Konrad Halupka
Summary: Climate change has different effects on the annual reproductive output of bird species, with some populations experiencing a decline in offspring production while others show an increase. The study finds that changes in ecological and life history traits, as well as temperature, play a role in these variations. Migratory and larger-bodied species tend to produce fewer offspring with increasing temperatures, while smaller-bodied, sedentary species tend to produce more.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melanie Lindner, Jip J. C. Ramakers, Irene Verhagen, Barbara M. Tomotani, A. Christa Mateman, Phillip Gienapp, Marcel E. Visser
Summary: Global warming has caused changes in phenological traits in many species. Whether species are able to adapt to further increasing temperatures depends on the fitness consequences of additional shifts in phenological traits. A study on great tits (Parus major) with genotypes for extremely early and late egg lay dates found that females with early genotypes advanced lay dates, but not compared to nonselected females. However, fitness outcomes in terms of fledgling production were similar between females with early and late genotypes. This study suggests the presence of constraints on early lay dates.
Article
Biology
Kamiel Spoelstra, Sven Teurlincx, Matthijs Courbois, Zoe M. Hopkins, Marcel E. Visser, Theresa M. Jones, Gareth R. Hopkins
Summary: Artificial light at night affects biodiversity, with a significant impact on the composition of ground-dwelling invertebrate communities. However, it does not have a significant effect on diversity.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Natalie E. van Dis, Geert-Jan Sieperda, Vidisha Bansal, Bart van Lith, Bregje Wertheim, Marcel E. Visser
Summary: Climate change can cause phenological mismatches between species, affecting their fitness and population dynamics. The study focuses on the winter moth, whose eggs hatch before their food source becomes available due to warmer winters. The mismatch leads to increased mortality rates and affects caterpillar growth. Long-term data analysis shows that population density is significantly influenced by phenological mismatch, with smaller mismatches resulting in higher population growth rates.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Joanie Van de Walle, Remi Fay, Jean-Michel Gaillard, Fanie Pelletier, Sandra Hamel, Marlene Gamelon, Christophe Barbraud, F. Guillaume Blanchet, Daniel T. Blumstein, Anne Charmantier, Karine Delord, Benjamin Larue, Julien Martin, James A. Mills, Emmanuel Milot, Francine M. Mayer, Jay Rotella, Bernt-Erik Saether, Celine Teplitsky, Martijn van de Pol, Dirk H. Van Vuren, Marcel E. Visser, Caitlin P. Wells, John Yarrall, Stephanie Jenouvrier
Summary: The slow-fast continuum is commonly used to describe variation in life-history strategies across species. However, it remains unclear whether this continuum explains life-history variation among individuals within a population.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Cherine C. Jantzen, Marcel E. Visser
Summary: Climate change leads to changes in the strength of directional selection on seasonal timing, and this selection varies spatially. Spatial variation in selection patterns is caused by spatial variation in temperature and habitat characteristics to which birds and caterpillars respond.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)