Article
Ecology
Wagner Luiz Dos Santos, Jucara Bordin, Katia Cavalcanti Porto, Fabio Pinheiro
Summary: Life-history traits, such as reproductive allocation, sexual expression, sex ratio, and reproductive success, are important for the ecology and evolution of species. In this study, we investigated reproductive traits in 10 meta-populations of Fissidens flaccidus Mitt. Our results showed that relative reproductive allocation in perigonia and sporophytes is greater than perichaetia. Furthermore, we found a trade-off between sexual relative reproductive allocation and asexual gemma production, highlighting the importance of female ramets in asexual reproduction.
Article
Zoology
Shengnan Yang, Jiapeng Qu, Ke Tang, Xinquan Zhao, Huakun Zhou, Junhua Hu
Summary: Highland environments pose challenges to wildlife survival due to resource scarcity and harsh conditions. This study quantified the trophic niches of two lizard species living in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and explored their correlation with morphological and environmental factors. The results showed that sexual dimorphism and environmental factors played influential roles in shifting trophic niches, highlighting the importance of understanding adaptation strategies in plateau environments for lizard species.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Gergely Balazs, Anna Biro, Ziga Fiser, Cene Fiser, Gabor Herczeg
Summary: Research on the cave-dwelling Asellus aquaticus species complex in Europe revealed significant population divergence in 10 out of 17 functional morphological traits, habitat-dependent sexual dimorphism in 15 traits, and habitat-specific variation in the degree of sexual dimorphism in eight traits. Cave-related morphological changes were found to be highly trait- and function-specific, suggesting differing strengths of sexual/fecundity selection between cave and surface habitats, warranting further investigation of cave-specific adaptations.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kai Xin Toh, Sean Yap, Thary Gazi Goh, Nalini Puniamoorthy
Summary: This study investigates intraspecific variation in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and relative investment in precopulatory and postcopulatory traits in different populations of the tropical rainforest dung beetle Onthophagus babirussa across Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. The findings suggest that male-biased SSD is more pronounced in populations with smaller overall body size, and this may be due to stronger sexual selection on male body size. The study also found significant investment in horns as a weapon likely used in male-male competition, indicating a higher priority on precopulatory sexual traits in the mating system of this species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Huiqun Chen, Rongping Bu, Meihong Ning, Bo Yang, Zhengjun Wu, Huayuan Huang
Summary: In this study, the sexual dimorphism of Hynobius maoershanensis, a rare and endangered species, was examined. The results showed that males and females exhibited significant differences in morphological traits, with males having wider heads, longer tails, thicker limbs, and greater height than females. Females, on the other hand, had a wider space between the axilla and groin. These differences can be explained by sexual selection and fecundity theories.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeremy J. Midgley, Michael D. Cramer
Summary: This study found significant differences between female and male plants in terms of sexual reproduction and vegetative growth. Female plants tend to allocate more resources to sexual reproduction, while male plants prioritize vegetative growth. However, the sex ratios and basal stem areas are equal between the sexes. This suggests that plant traits are not only related to nutrition, but also to reproduction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Yan-Da Li, Robin Kundrata, Tian-Quan Qu, Di-Ying Huang, Chen-Yang Cai
Summary: A new species of Brachypsectridae, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi, is described from Burmese amber, showing distinct differences from the previously reported V. burmitica, primarily in the pedicel-scape attachment and other morphological features. Sexual dimorphism is common in Brachypsectridae.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Elena Zambrano, Consuelo Lomas-Soria, Peter W. Nathanielsz
Summary: Compelling evidence suggests that developmental programming influences ageing, affecting organ phenotype and predisposing to diseases that shorten lifespan. Studies demonstrate effects of maternal under- and overnutrition on offspring's pancreatic islets, adipose tissue, and oxidative stress, impacting ageing.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomohiko Sasaki, Sileshi Semaw, Michael J. Rogers, Scott W. Simpson, Yonas Beyene, Berhane Asfaw, Tim D. White, Gen Suwa
Summary: Accurate characterization of sexual dimorphism is essential in evolutionary biology. The new pdPeak method utilizes Bayesian inference to provide unbiased estimates and reliable interval estimates of dimorphism levels. Despite limitations, this method allows for more precise estimates at lower dimorphism levels, which is crucial for illuminating human evolution.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Michaela Kerschbaumer, Lisbeth Postl, Christian Sturmbauer
Summary: This study compared the shape of viscerocranial bones among different Tropheus populations and found significant morphological differences between sympatric and non-sympatric populations, as well as extensive variation within and among species. Sexual dimorphism was also evident in the viscerocranial bones analyzed. The study suggests that differences in ecologically relevant traits, such as bones of the preorbital region, play an important role in the process of niche separation and cichlid fishes diversification.
Article
Plant Sciences
M. Teresa Boquete, Ingeborg Lang, Marieluise Weidinger, Christina L. Richards, Conchita Alonso
Summary: The study investigates intraspecific phenotypic variation in bryophytes' response to heavy metal stress, focusing on two moss species with different affinities for heavy metals. The results show that different isolates of Scopelophila cataractae exhibit varying levels of tolerance to heavy metals based on their accumulation patterns, while Ceratodon purpureus displays differences in tolerance to Cd based on gender. This research provides insight into the mechanisms used by bryophytes to cope with heavy metal stress and reveals sex-specific differences in heavy metal tolerance.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Biswajit Shit, Arun Prakash, Saubhik Sarkar, Pedro F. F. Vale, Imroze Khan
Summary: The study confirms that non-specific enhancement of immune response and reduced specificity to target pathogens are consequences of aging in fruit flies. In addition, there are differences in immune response requirements between sexes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Nafeesa Nazlee, Gordon D. Waiter, Anca-Larisa Sandu
Summary: This study analyzed the changes in cortical morphology and complexity with age and sex differences using data from the UK Biobank imaging cohort. The results showed significant age-related and sex-related differences in cortical complexity, with males being more affected by age. Additionally, patterns of asymmetry were observed between hemispheres, lobes, and sexes. The findings provide valuable insights into the understanding of age-related sex and asymmetry differences in the brain.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
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
Biology
Anton S. S. Zadorin, Olivier Rivoire
Summary: The environment can shape phenotypic plasticity, and sexual dimorphism can affect the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. However, sexual selection may have a negative impact on this process.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Carly D. Barone, Janneke Wit, Eric P. Hoberg, John S. Gilleard, Dante S. Zarlenga
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Vanessa Kellermann, Shane F. McEvey, Carla M. Sgro, Ary A. Hoffmann
AMERICAN NATURALIST
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Matthew L. Workentine, Rebecca Chen, Shawna Zhu, Stefan Gavriliuc, Nicolette Shaw, Jill de Rijke, Elizabeth M. Redman, Russell W. Avramenko, Janneke Wit, Jocelyn Poissant, John S. Gilleard
Review
Ecology
Belinda van Heerwaarden, Vanessa Kellermann
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Tong Wang, Russell W. Avramenko, Elizabeth M. Redman, Janneke Wit, John S. Gilleard, Douglas D. Colwell
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2020)
Article
Biology
Carmen R. B. da Silva, Julian E. Beaman, James B. Dorey, Sarah J. Barker, Nicholas C. Congedi, Matt C. Elmer, Stephen Galvin, Marika Tuiwawa, Mark Stevens, Lesley A. Alton, Michael P. Schwarz, Vanessa Kellermann
Summary: Invasive bee species in Fiji exhibit greater thermal and desiccation stress resistance compared to endemic bee species, while the endemic species show greater capacity for seasonal adjustments. This suggests that invasive bees in Fiji may be more resilient to climate change due to their increased thermal tolerance and desiccation resistance.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kathryn S. Evans, Janneke Wit, Lewis Stevens, Steffen R. Hahnel, Briana Rodriguez, Grace Park, Mostafa Zamanian, Shannon C. Brady, Ellen Chao, Katherine Introcaso, Robyn E. Tanny, Erik C. Andersen
Summary: Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to study macrocyclic lactone (ML) resistance, identifying three genomic regions on chromosome V that contribute to natural differences in response to abamectin. Two novel loci were discovered, likely representing new resistance mechanisms. By comparing genes in these new loci to those in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, potential shared resistance genes between nematode species were identified. Overall, this study highlights the advantages of using C. elegans to understand anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes.
Article
Parasitology
Janneke Wit, Briana C. Rodriguez, Erik C. Andersen
Summary: The study reveals that the new anthelmintic drug emodepside is effective against nematodes resistant to other anthelmintic drug classes, with a distinct mode of action. Natural variation in wild nematode populations affects emodepside sensitivity, with some variations related to amino acid substitutions in the slo-1 gene.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Camille Beaumelle, Elizabeth M. Redman, Jill de Rijke, Janneke Wit, Slimania Benabed, Francois Debias, Jeanne Duhayer, Sylvia Pardonnet, Marie-Therese Poirel, Gilles Capron, Stephane Chabot, Benjamin Rey, Glenn Yannic, John S. Gilleard, Gilles Bourgoin
Summary: The study found that gastrointestinal nematode communities in roe deer vary in different hosts, regions, and circumstances, with some livestock parasite species unexpectedly present. Young roe deer host the highest diversity of gastrointestinal nematodes, with age having a more pronounced effect in Trois Fontaines.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sarah Katherine Jaboor, Carmen Rose Buke da Silva, Vanessa Kellermann
Summary: The response of bees to environmental temperatures is important for pollination, and the activity temperature varies among different bee species, which may have implications for community composition and plant pollination.
Article
Ecology
Vanessa Kellermann, Johannes Overgaard, Carla M. Sgro, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Sex-based differences in physiological traits, including desiccation resistance, body size, starvation resistance, and thermal tolerance, may be influenced by both evolutionary and environmental factors. Female flies tend to have higher resistance in desiccation and starvation, while there is low divergence in thermal resistance between sexes. The degree of sex-based differences varies among species, with the Sophophora clade showing larger differences. Additionally, sex-based differences are weakly associated with climate, and the association depends on phylogenetic position.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carmen R. B. da Silva, Julian E. Beaman, Jacob P. Youngblood, Vanessa Kellermann, Sarah E. Diamond
Summary: The resilience of ecosystem function under global climate change is influenced by individual species vulnerabilities and their contributions to functional groups. This study investigated the vulnerability of different functional groups to climate change using upper thermal limit data of terrestrial species. The results showed that vulnerability varied among functional groups and changed across geographic space.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Janneke Wit, Matthew L. Workentine, Elizabeth Redman, Roz Laing, Lewis Stevens, James A. Cotton, Umer Chaudhry, Qasim Ali, Erik C. Andersen, Samuel Yeaman, James D. Wasmuth, John S. Gilleard
Summary: This study fills the knowledge gaps in the detection of selection signatures in parasitic nematodes and provides a framework for maximizing the power of genome-wide approaches in detecting drug resistance loci. The study detected clear signatures of drug selection in Haemonchus contortus populations and identified the isotype-1 6-tubulin gene as the most important resistance locus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Janneke Wit, Clayton M. Dilks, Erik C. Andersen
Summary: The discovery of anthelmintic resistance and modes of action has largely been informed by research on the nonparasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. By utilizing the strengths of both species, a 'cycle of discovery' has been established where findings from one species inform experimental design in the other, leading to a deeper understanding of anthelmintic mechanisms and resistance.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Stephen R. Doyle, Alan Tracey, Roz Laing, Nancy Holroyd, David Bartley, Wojtek Bazant, Helen Beasley, Robin Beech, Collette Britton, Karen Brooks, Umer Chaudhry, Kirsty Maitland, Axel Martinelli, Jennifer D. Noonan, Michael Paulini, Michael A. Quail, Elizabeth Redman, Faye H. Rodgers, Guillaume Salle, Muhammad Zubair Shabbir, Geetha Sankaranarayanan, Janneke Wit, Kevin L. Howe, Neil Sargison, Eileen Devaney, Matthew Berriman, John S. Gilleard, James A. Cotton
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2020)
