Download or read book A Behavioral Ecology Approach to the Causes and Consequences of Sibling Growth Rate Variation in the Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus Undulatus written by Renee Rosier and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ecological and Evolutionary Sources of Geographic Variation in Individual Growth Rates of the Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus Undulatus iguanidae written by Peter Henryk Niewiarowski and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Causes and Consequences of Adaptation to a Novel Invader in the Eastern Fence Lizard Sceloporus Undulatus written by Christopher Thawley and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many environments are changing rapidly due to human impacts including habitat alteration, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species. This global environmental change has numerous direct and indirect effects on species that can exert novel pressures. In some cases organisms must adapt to these changes or face extirpation or extinction. Understanding the diversity and extent of these effects of global change, and the processes by which species adapt to it, is critical to future conservation and can provide important insights into ecological and evolutionary processes. My dissertation addresses questions about the effects imposed by invasive species on native species and how native species adapt to associated novel pressures by using a system of native fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) subject to differing levels of exposure to an invasive predatory fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). In the southeastern United States, fence lizard populations have adapted to this novel predator via an increase in anti-ant behaviors, including twitching and fleeing which promote escape from and removal of attacking ants; longer hind limbs which support this behavior; and a heightened stress response. Novel pressures induced by invasive species may include lethal (e.g. predation, injury) and sublethal (e.g. altered energy or habitat availability) effects. The nature of these effects may vary with characteristics of an organism (e.g., sex, age, size) and history of exposure to the invader. I explored how the effects of fire ants on fence lizards varied with life stage of the lizard and their evolutionary exposure (adaptation) to the ants. I first investigated the effects of fire ants on the vulnerable life history stage of fence lizard eggs by creating artificial nests in the field and monitoring them daily. I found that fire ants do prey on fence lizard eggs in the field and may predate up to 60% of fence lizard nests in fire ant-invaded areas. Eggs from lizards from fire ant-invaded and -uninvaded sites were equally susceptible to predation, suggesting a lack of adaptation to this threat. I next quantified the effects of fire ants on juvenile and adult lizards from fire ant-invaded and -uninvaded sites by placing them in large field enclosures with natural and reduced densities of fire ants for two weeks. Fire ants reduced survival of adult but not juvenile lizards, regardless of their evolutionary history with fire ants. Juvenile lizards grew less in enclosures with fire ants than in fire ant-free enclosures, but there was no effect of fire ant density on adult growth. This research shows that fire ants have both lethal and sublethal effects on lizards, and that these vary with lizard life stage. I conducted field surveys and manipulations to examine the consequences of behavioral adaptations of fence lizards to fire ants. I exposed lizards from fire ant-invaded and -uninvaded sites to encounters with predatory fire ants and non-threatening native ants, and to simulated attacks by a native predator (a taxidermied American Kestrel). While lizards responded similarly to the native predator, lizards from fire ant-invaded sites showed a generalized increase in responsiveness to all ants. While this behavior is adaptive against fire ants, it may also attract attention from native predators as evidenced by my findings of higher injury rates of lizards at fire ant-invaded sites. At a geographic scale, I found that the presence of fire ants reverses natural latitudinal gradients in behavior, stress responsiveness, and morphology of fence lizards. This implies that fire ants are driving these traits away from historical values that evolved under fire ant-free conditions and suggests potential costs to adapting to fire ants. As a whole, this work shows that invasive species can have broad impacts on native taxa, and that these impacts may vary with the life stage of affected native species and the degree to which they have adapted to the invader. Adaptive responses by native species may be strong enough to reverse pre-existing latitudinal clines in relevant traits over large portions of an affected species' range. However, while native species can adapt to novel invaders, these adaptations may incur also costs that should be considered when assessing population persistence and management in the face of these increasing perturbations.
Download or read book Geographic Variation in Life History Tactics Adaptive Growth Rates and Habitat specific Adaptations in Phylogenetically Similar Species written by Travis R. Robbins and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: To understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of geographic variation in life history traits, we must understand whether the patterns are induced through plastic or adaptive responses. The Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, exhibits countergradient variation (larger body sizes, et cetera, in northern, cooler environments; presumed adaptive) in life history traits across its large geographic range. However, cogradient variation (the expected result from a plastic response, although not necessarily inconsistent with adaptation) has been suggested as a null hypothesis, especially on fine geographic scales because of relatively small environmental changes. Here we focus on life history variation on a fine geographic scale to test whether cogradient variation is exhibited even though countergradient variation is exhibited at larger scales, and if so, what mechanisms are involved in the switch. We examined north and south populations (~2° latitude between) of the S. undulatus, and the Florida Scrub Lizard, S. woodi, by measuring adult body sizes, reproduction, and hatchling body sizes over a two year period and conducting reciprocal transplants of juvenile lizards each year. Our results indicate cogradient variation (larger body size in the southern population experiencing a warmer environment) in life history traits of S. undulatus and countergradient variation, a lack of variation in adult body size, in S. woodi along the Florida peninsula. Thus, S. undulatus exhibits cogradient variation at fine geographic scales and countergradient variation at larger scales. Reciprocal transplants revealed that the larger adult body sizes in the southern population of S. undulatus could be explained by longer growth periods allowed by greater intrinsic survival. In S. woodi, the larger than expected adult body sizes in the north could be explained by faster intrinsic and extrinsic juvenile growth rates in the northern population. Because S. undulatus and S. woodi remain distinct species associated with distinct, though adjacent, habitats, we also looked for habitat-specific adaptations. The second reciprocal transplant (between species and habitats) revealed habitat-specific adaptations in juvenile growth rates, but not juvenile survival. Each native species grew faster and had a higher average probability of reaching size at maturity in their native environment than did the foreign species.
Download or read book Androgens and Ectoparasites as Proximate Factors Influencing Growth in the Sexually Dimorphic Lizard Sceloporus Undulatus written by Nicholas Pollock and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A growing body of evidence indicates that testosterone (T) plays an important role in regulating patterns of growth in lizards. Testosterone has also been found to facilitate the development of male-typical coloration and a suite of male behaviors that increase reproductive success. However, while T promotes male fitness through these characteristics, it appears to hinder fitness through direct molecular inhibition of growth and through indirect potential costs associated with increased parasitism. The relationship between T and ectoparasitism is complicated by seasonal variation in host circulating T levels and ectoparasite life cycles. It is unclear whether sex differences in ectoparasite loads are present year-round, are present only when circulating T is high in males, or are present only when ectoparasite abundances are high. Furthermore, it is often assumed that because ectoparasites feed by taking nutrients and energy from their hosts, then ectoparasites likely impact host growth. Effects of ectoparasitism on host growth may be particularly high in males if they have greater ectoparasite loads than females. This could indirectly lead to slower male growth and smaller overall male body size. To address the lack of information regarding direct and indirect effects of T on growth, seasonal variation in sex- biased ectoparasite loads, and of the relationship between ectoparasitism and growth, I investigated (1) whether growth inhibition in eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) is regulated through androgen or estrogen receptors, (2) seasonal correlations of mite loads with environmental mite abundances, and (3) whether sex differences in growth are correlated with sex differences in mite loads. I found that DHT inhibits male growth in S. undulatus, suggesting that T inhibits growth through direct androgenic molecular regulation. Furthermore, as indicated by the negative correlation between male growth and mite load, I found that T may also inhibit growth in males indirectly through costs associated with increased mite parasitism. Mite loads on S. undulatus varied seasonally, with peak mite loads occurring during months of high environmental mite abundance, coincident with seasonally high circulating T in yearling males and negatively correlated with male growth. This suggests that mites may impose a cost to growth in S. undulatus and contribute to male growth-inhibition, sex-specific growth rates, and the development of sexual size dimorphism (SSD).
Download or read book Hormones Brain and Behavior written by Carl Gans and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 1992 with total page 588 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Volume 18.
Download or read book Natural Hybridization and Evolution written by Michael L. Arnold and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1997-01-30 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Michael L. Arnold offers an exploration of the evolutionary process of natural hybridisation, and presents data from various sources that support the paradigm of natural hybridisation as an important evolutionary process.
Download or read book The Biology and Identification of the Coccidia Apicomplexa of Turtles of the World written by Donald W. Duszynski and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2014-08-04 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Biology and Identification of the Coccidia (Apicomplexa) of Turtles of the World is an invaluable resource for researchers in protozoology, coccidia, and parasitology, veterinary sciences, animal sciences, zoology, and biology. This first-of-its-kind work offers a taxonomic guide to apicomplexan parasites of turtles that enables easy parasite identification, with a summary of virtually everything known about the biology of each known parasite species. It is an important documentation of this specific area, useful to a broad base of readers, including researchers in biology, parasitology, animal husbandry, diseases of wild and domestic animals, veterinary medicine, and faculty members in universities with graduate programs in these areas. There are about 330 turtle species on Earth; many are endangered, a growing number of species are kept as pets, and some are still used as food by humans. Turtles, like other vertebrate animals have many different kinds of parasites (viruses, bacteria, protozoa, worms, arthropods, and others). Coccidiosis in turtles has prevented large-scale turtle breeding, and represents a serious problem in need of control. This succinct and highly focused book will aid in that effort. Offers line drawings and photomicrographs of each parasite from each hosts species Provides methods of identification and treatment Presents a complete historical rendition of all known publications on coccidia (and their closest relatives) from all turtle species on Earth, and evaluates the scientific and scholarly merit of each Provides a complete species analysis of the known biology of every coccidian described from turtles Reviews the most current taxonomy of turtles and their phylogenetic relationships needed to help assess host-specificity and evaluate what little cross-transmission work is available
Download or read book Pheromones and Reproduction written by Yasuhiko Sagara and published by Parthenon Publishing. This book was released on 1990 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Molecular Markers Natural History and Evolution written by J. C. Avise and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 522 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Molecular approaches have opened new windows on a host of ecological and evolutionary disciplines, ranging from population genetics and behavioral ecology to conservation biology and systematics. Molecular Markers, Natural History and Evolution summarizes the multi-faceted discoveries about organisms in nature that have stemmed from analyses of genetic markers provided by polymorphic proteins and DNAs. The first part of the book introduces rationales for the use of molecular markers, provides a history of molecular phylogenetics, and describes a wide variety of laboratory methods and interpretative tools in the field. The second and major portion of the book provides a cornucopia of biological applications for molecular markers, organized along a scale from micro-evolutionary topics (such as forensics, parentage, kinship, population structure, and intra-specific phylogeny) to macro-evolutionary themes (including species relationships and the deeper phylogenetic structure in the tree of life). Unlike most prior books in molecular evolution, the focus is on organismal natural history and evolution, with the macromolecules being the means rather than the ends of scientific inquiry. Written as an intellectual stimulus for the advanced undergraduate, graduate student, or the practicing biologist desiring a wellspring of research ideas at the interface of molecular and organismal biology, this book presents material in a manner that is both technically straightforward, yet rich with concepts and with empirical examples from the world of nature.
Download or read book Reptile Biodiversity written by Roy W. McDiarmid and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2012-01-10 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Authoritative and comprehensive—provides an up-to-date description of the tool box of methods for inventorying and monitoring the diverse spectrum of reptiles. All biodiversity scientists will want to have it during project planning and as study progresses. A must for field biologists, conservation planners, and biodiversity managers.”—Jay M. Savage, San Diego State University “Kudos to the editors and contributors to this book. From the perspective of a non-ecologist such as myself, who only occasionally needs to intensively sample a particular site or habitat, the quality and clarity of this book has been well worth the wait.”—Jack W. Sites, Jr.
Download or read book Come Again written by Nat Eliason and published by . This book was released on 2017-02-16 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Come Again? is the first in-depth book for men on becoming great in bed without the ego and bad information that usually come with the genre. It's a conversation about everything you could want to know, ranging from communication to oral to positions to exploring the taboo. In it, you'll learn: Techniques for amazing foreplay, teasing, and oral that help women orgasm. Strategies for any man to easily last 20 minutes or longer in bed. How to start having multiple, non-ejaculatory orgasms. Ways to explore kinks and other taboo sexual interests. How to develop a more open, sex-positive dialogue with your partner. And much more... If you've ever been interested in improving your abilities in bed, this is your book.
Download or read book Phylogeography written by John C. Avise and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2000-01-03 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Phylogeography is a discipline concerned with various relationships between gene genealogies—phylogenetics—and geography. This book captures the conceptual and empirical richness of the field, and also the sense of genuine innovation that phylogeographic perspectives have brought to evolutionary studies.
Download or read book Evolution s Rainbow written by Joan Roughgarden and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2013-09-14 with total page 491 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this innovative celebration of diversity and affirmation of individuality in animals and humans, Joan Roughgarden challenges accepted wisdom about gender identity and sexual orientation. A distinguished evolutionary biologist, Roughgarden takes on the medical establishment, the Bible, social science—and even Darwin himself. She leads the reader through a fascinating discussion of diversity in gender and sexuality among fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, including primates. Evolution's Rainbow explains how this diversity develops from the action of genes and hormones and how people come to differ from each other in all aspects of body and behavior. Roughgarden reconstructs primary science in light of feminist, gay, and transgender criticism and redefines our understanding of sex, gender, and sexuality. Witty, playful, and daring, this book will revolutionize our understanding of sexuality. Roughgarden argues that principal elements of Darwinian sexual selection theory are false and suggests a new theory that emphasizes social inclusion and control of access to resources and mating opportunity. She disputes a range of scientific and medical concepts, including Wilson's genetic determinism of behavior, evolutionary psychology, the existence of a gay gene, the role of parenting in determining gender identity, and Dawkins's "selfish gene" as the driver of natural selection. She dares social science to respect the agency and rationality of diverse people; shows that many cultures across the world and throughout history accommodate people we label today as lesbian, gay, and transgendered; and calls on the Christian religion to acknowledge the Bible's many passages endorsing diversity in gender and sexuality. Evolution's Rainbow concludes with bold recommendations for improving education in biology, psychology, and medicine; for democratizing genetic engineering and medical practice; and for building a public monument to affirm diversity as one of our nation's defining principles.
Download or read book Oxidative Stress and Hormesis in Evolutionary Ecology and Physiology written by David Costantini and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2014-03-27 with total page 359 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book discusses oxidative stress and hormesis from the perspective of an evolutionary ecologist or physiologist. In the first of ten chapters, general historical information, definitions, and background of research on oxidative stress physiology, hormesis, and life history are provided. Chapters 2-10 highlight the different solutions that organisms have evolved to cope with the oxidative threats posed by their environments and lifestyles. The author illustrates how oxidative stress and hormesis have shaped diversity in organism life-histories, behavioral profiles, morphological phenotypes, and aging mechanisms. The book offers fascinating insights into how organisms work and how they evolve to sustain their physiological functions under a vast array of environmental conditions.
Download or read book Herpetological Osteopathology written by Bruce M. Rothschild and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-01-05 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As scientific analysis of testable hypotheses has replaced the speculative approach to study of bone disease in recent and fossil amphibians and reptiles, the field has advanced from simply reporting observations to analyzing their implications. This process is predicated upon a reproducible data base which explains/diagnoses the nature of bony alterations and a secure review of the literature. Thereby hangs the rub. The herpetological literature are difficult to access (let alone read) and are scattered through many prominent and eclectic journals and in the lay literature. While older diagnoses often have not stood the test of time, the clarity of report descriptions usually allows confident identification of the underlying pathology.
Download or read book 50 Years of Bat Research written by Burton K. Lim and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-01-23 with total page 375 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With more than 1,400 species, bats are an incredibly diverse and successful group of mammals that can serve as model systems for many unique evolutionary adaptations. Flight has allowed them to master the sky, while echolocation enables them to navigate in the dark. Being small, secretive, nocturnal creatures has made bats a challenge to study, but over the past 50 years, innovative research has made it possible to dispel some of the mystery and myth surrounding them to give us a better understanding of the role these animals play in the ecosystem. The structure of the book is based on several broad themes across the biological sciences, including the evolution of bats, their ecology and behavior, and conservation of biodiversity. Within these themes are more specific topics on important aspects of bat research, such as morphology, molecular biology, echolocation, taxonomy, systematics, threats to bats, social structure, reproduction, movements, and feeding strategies. Given its scope, the book will appeal to the wider scientific community, environmental organizations, and government policymakers who are interested in the interdisciplinary aspects of biology and nature.
