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Fuxjager MJ, Ryder TB, Moody NM, Alfonso C, Balakrishnan CN, Barske J, Bosholn M, Boyle WA, Braun EL, Chiver I, Dakin R, Day LB, Driver R, Fusani L, Horton BM, Kimball RT, Lipshutz S, Mello CV, Miller ET, Webster MS, Wirthlin M, Wollman R, Moore IT, Schlinger BA. Systems biology as a framework to understand the physiological and endocrine bases of behavior and its evolution-From concepts to a case study in birds. Horm Behav 2023; 151:105340. [PMID: 36933440 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Organismal behavior, with its tremendous complexity and diversity, is generated by numerous physiological systems acting in coordination. Understanding how these systems evolve to support differences in behavior within and among species is a longstanding goal in biology that has captured the imagination of researchers who work on a multitude of taxa, including humans. Of particular importance are the physiological determinants of behavioral evolution, which are sometimes overlooked because we lack a robust conceptual framework to study mechanisms underlying adaptation and diversification of behavior. Here, we discuss a framework for such an analysis that applies a "systems view" to our understanding of behavioral control. This approach involves linking separate models that consider behavior and physiology as their own networks into a singular vertically integrated behavioral control system. In doing so, hormones commonly stand out as the links, or edges, among nodes within this system. To ground our discussion, we focus on studies of manakins (Pipridae), a family of Neotropical birds. These species have numerous physiological and endocrine specializations that support their elaborate reproductive displays. As a result, manakins provide a useful example to help imagine and visualize the way systems concepts can inform our appreciation of behavioral evolution. In particular, manakins help clarify how connectedness among physiological systems-which is maintained through endocrine signaling-potentiate and/or constrain the evolution of complex behavior to yield behavioral differences across taxa. Ultimately, we hope this review will continue to stimulate thought, discussion, and the emergence of research focused on integrated phenotypes in behavioral ecology and endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
| | - T Brandt Ryder
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | - Nicole M Moody
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Camilo Alfonso
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | | | - Julia Barske
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mariane Bosholn
- Animal Behavior Lab, Ecology Department, National Institute for Amazon Research, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - W Alice Boyle
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Edward L Braun
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Ioana Chiver
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | - Roslyn Dakin
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | - Lainy B Day
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Robert Driver
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Leonida Fusani
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, and Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
| | - Brent M Horton
- Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551, USA
| | - Rebecca T Kimball
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Sara Lipshutz
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Claudio V Mello
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Michael S Webster
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Morgan Wirthlin
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Melon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Roy Wollman
- Department of Physiology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ignacio T Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Barney A Schlinger
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Physiology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama.
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Monge O, Schulze CH, Dullinger S, Fusani L, Maggini I. Unshaded coffee imposes a heavier load on thermoregulation than shaded coffee for birds in a tropical mountainous region. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Messeder JVS, Silveira FAO, Cornelissen TG, Fuzessy LF, Guerra TJ. Frugivory and seed dispersal in a hyperdiverse plant clade and its role as a keystone resource for the Neotropical fauna. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2021; 127:577-595. [PMID: 33151331 PMCID: PMC8052926 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Much of our understanding of the ecology and evolution of seed dispersal in the Neotropics is founded on studies involving the animal-dispersed, hyperdiverse plant clade Miconia (Melastomataceae). Nonetheless, no formal attempt has been made to establish its relevance as a model system or indeed provide evidence of the role of frugivores as Miconia seed dispersers. METHODS We built three Miconia databases (fruit phenology/diaspore traits, fruit-frugivore interactions and effects on seed germination after gut passage) to determine how Miconia fruiting phenology and fruit traits for >350 species interact with and shape patterns of frugivore selection. In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of animal gut passage/seed handling on Miconia germination. KEY RESULTS Miconia produce numerous small berries that enclose numerous tiny seeds within water- and sugar-rich pulps. In addition, coexisting species provide sequential, year long availability of fruits within communities, with many species producing fruits in periods of resource scarcity. From 2396 pairwise interactions, we identified 646 animal frugivore species in five classes, 22 orders and 60 families, including birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and ants that consume Miconia fruits. Endozoochory is the main dispersal mechanism, but gut passage effects on germination were specific to animal clades; birds, monkeys and ants reduced seed germination percentages, while opossums increased it. CONCLUSIONS The sequential fruiting phenologies and wide taxonomic and functional diversity of animal vectors associated with Miconia fruits underscore the likely keystone role that this plant clade plays in the Neotropics. By producing fruits morphologically and chemically accessible to a variety of animals, Miconia species ensure short- and long-distance seed dispersal and constitute reliable resources that sustain entire frugivore assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Vitor S Messeder
- Biology Department & Ecology Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Centre for Ecological Synthesis and Conservation, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernando A O Silveira
- Centre for Ecological Synthesis and Conservation, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tatiana G Cornelissen
- Centre for Ecological Synthesis and Conservation, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lisieux F Fuzessy
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências de Rio Claro, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Tadeu J Guerra
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- For correspondence. E-mail
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Moreno SA, Gelambi M, Biganzoli A, Molinari J. Small nutrient molecules in fruit fuel efficient digestion and mutualism with plants in frugivorous bats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19376. [PMID: 31852966 PMCID: PMC6920426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Frugivorous bats often possess short intestines, and digest rapidly. These characters are thought to be weight-saving adaptations for flight. The hypothesis that they limit digestive efficiency was tested by assaying glucose and protein in fecal samples of a free-ranging bat, and in fruit of its main food plant. To assure the correct calculation of digestive efficiencies, seeds were used as a mass marker for nutrients in fruit and feces. Glucose represents 32.86%, and protein 0.65%, of the nutrient content of fruit. Digestive efficiencies for these nutrients respectively are 92.46% and 84.44%, clearly negating the hypothesis for glucose. Few studies have quantified protein in fruit. Instead, "crude protein", a dietary parameter solely based on nitrogen determinations, is used as a surrogate of protein content. This study shows that, for fruit consumed by bats, crude protein estimates typically are much greater than true protein values, implying that a large fraction of the crude protein reported in previous studies consists of free amino acids. The rapid digestion of frugivores has the potential to limit protein digestion, thus it may require free amino acids for efficient assimilation of nitrogen; therefore, the crude protein approach is inadequate for the fruit that they consume because it does not differentiate free amino acids from protein. Adding simple sugars and free amino acids, instead of protein, to fruit reduce metabolic costs for plants. Direct assimilation of these small nutrient molecules increases digestive and foraging efficiencies. Both factors contribute to the persistence of the mutualism between plants and frugivores, with community-wide repercussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Andrea Moreno
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, 05101, Venezuela
| | - Mariana Gelambi
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, 05101, Venezuela
| | - Alejandro Biganzoli
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, 05101, Venezuela
| | - Jesús Molinari
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, 05101, Venezuela.
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Zungu MM, Downs CT. Digestive efficiencies of Cape white-eyes (Zosterops virens), red-winged starlings (Onychognathus morio) and speckled mousebirds (Colius striatus) fed varying concentrations of equicaloric glucose or sucrose artificial fruit diets. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 199:28-37. [PMID: 27174647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Digestive physiology is important for understanding the feeding behaviour of organisms. Specifically, studies on the digestive physiology of frugivorous and nectarivorous birds are important for elucidating their preference patterns in the wild and the selective pressures they exert on fruit pulp and nectar. In this study, digesta transit times and digestive efficiencies of three species of birds, the Cape white-eyes (Zosterops virens), red-winged starlings (Onychognathus morio) and speckled mousebirds (Colius striatus) were investigated on equicaloric glucose or sucrose artificial fruit diets. Three concentrations, approximating the natural range of sugar concentrations in sugary, bird-dispersed fruits were used: low (6.6%), medium (12.4%) and high (22%). Digesta transit times of birds increased with an increase in concentration for all diets but were generally higher on glucose diets. Intake rates, on the other hand, decreased with an increase in sugar concentration. All species of birds failed to maintain a constant assimilated energy intake on glucose diets but mousebirds and white-eyes maintained it on sucrose diets. Apparent assimilation efficiencies of glucose diets for all species were comparable and typical of those found in other frugivorous birds. However, assimilation efficiencies for sucrose diets differed widely with red-winged starlings displaying very low assimilation efficiencies and as a consequence; they lost significant body mass on all sucrose diets. These results demonstrate the importance of digestive physiology in explaining fruit selection patterns in frugivorous birds and how a seemingly trivial physiological trait can have dire ecological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manqoba M Zungu
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
| | - Colleen T Downs
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa.
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Thabethe V, Wilson AL, Hart LA, Downs CT. Digestive efficiency of indigenous and invasive avian species fed fruit of invasive alien plants in South Africa. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2015.1106924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Cestari C, Pizo MA. Frugivory by the White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus, Pipridae) in restinga forest, an ecosystem associated to the Atlantic forest. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s1676-06032013000200038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Manakins (Pipridae) are one of the most abundant fruit-eaters and seed dispersers in the understory of neotropical forests. We describe the fruit diet of the White-beaded Manakin (Manacus manacus) based on a two-year study of its foraging behavior on fruiting plants, collecting seeds from feces and regurgitations of trapped individuals, and from lekking males' courts in restinga forests at the southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Manacus manacus consumed 58 species of fruits from 30 different plant families. Fruits were taken at 3.5 ± 1.9 m height and 1.5 ± 1.6 m below the forest canopy using mainly sally-strike and glean manoeuvres. Most of the fruits were berries ranging from 3.1 to 17 mm in diameter and containing from 1 to 86 seeds. Fruits up to 12 mm in diameter were swallowed whole. Ripe and unripe fruits were equally consumed. Our results corroborate with the great variety of small fruits consumed by manakin species, and indicate that M. manacus is an important seed disperser, potentially contributing to recruitment of plants in restinga.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Cestari
- Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Brasil; Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Brasil
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Downs CT, Mqokeli B, Singh P. Sugar assimilation and digestive efficiency in Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 161:344-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bennett DC, Kaneko A, Karasawa Y. Maintenance nitrogen requirements of adult female ostriches (Struthio camelus). J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2011; 96:600-9. [PMID: 21699584 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01184.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Successful ostrich farming requires knowledge of the nutritional needs of the birds. While much information is available on the nutritional value of various feed ingredients fed to ostriches, there is little known about their specific nutrient requirements. In this study, we measured the maintenance nitrogen requirements (MNR) of ostriches by nitrogen balance. We predict, based on the previous analysis of nitrogen requirements of various species of birds, that ostriches would have a MNR of 13.6-19.1 g N/day and a total endogenous nitrogen loss (TENL) of 2.8-5.1 g N/day. Three adult female ostriches were fed five pelleted diets containing 0.6-2.3% N [4-14.6% crude protein (CP)], 17.5 kJ/g gross energy (11.4 kJ/g ME) and 30% neutral detergent fibre. Each dietary trial consisted of a 10-day adaptation period, followed by a 5-day total excreta collection period. Body mass (109 ± 3 kg) and metabolizable energy intake (20.5 ± 0.7 MJ/day) were unaffected by dietary nitrogen levels. After correcting for excreta nitrogen losses during drying, MNR was calculated to be 481 mg N/kg(0.75) /day or 16.2 g N/day (100 g CP/day), and TENL as 310 mg N/kg(0.75) /day or 10.5 g N/day. Failure to correct for the 10.9 ± 4.1% average N losses during drying would underpredict the 'true' MNR by 35% and TENL by 46%. Our estimate for MNR of ostriches predicts a dietary requirement of 6.7% protein. Our estimate of TENL was nearly twice that predicted, possibly reflecting the high fibre content of their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Bennett
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed Science, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Nagano-ken, Japan.
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Wilson AL, Downs CT. Digestive efficiency of Knysna and purple-crested turacos fed varying concentrations of equicaloric and equimolar artificial fruit. J Exp Biol 2011; 214:607-12. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.047209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Avian frugivores have been somewhat poorly studied with regards to the effects that different fruit sugar types and concentrations have on their digestive efficiencies. Therefore, two relatively large South African frugivores, the Knysna turaco (Tauraco corythaix) and the purple-crested turaco (Gallirex porphyreolophus), were fed artificial fruit that contained equicaloric and equimolar concentrations of different sugars, to determine their daily food and energy intake, digestive efficiencies and digestive transit times. The artificial fruit contained 6.6, 12.4 or 22%, or 0.42, 0.83 or 1.66 mol l–1 sucrose or glucose. Food intake of both turaco species increased with decreasing sugar concentration and molarity, irrespective of sugar type, suggesting compensatory mechanisms for energy requirements. Apparent assimilation efficiencies of both turaco species ranged from 61.4-90.0% and 60.2-92.4% for equicaloric and equimolar artificial fruit diets, respectively. Digestive transit times for both turaco species were slowed with an increase in sugar concentration and molarity, irrespective of sugar type. Consequently these two frugivores appear to be tolerant of sugar type and would be expected to select fruits based on energy yields. Future studies of the composition of indigenous forest fruit sugars may give insight into food preferences of the turaco species and their role as potential seed dispersers of fruiting tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy-Leigh Wilson
- School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
| | - Colleen T. Downs
- School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
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Blendinger PG, Blake JG, Loiselle BA. Composition and clumping of seeds deposited by frugivorous birds varies between forest microsites. OIKOS 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2010.18963.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Courtship behaviour of manakins and seed bank composition in a French Guianan rain forest. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467400010774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Santiago-Quesada F, Masero JA, Albano N, Villegas A, Sánchez-Guzmán JM. Sex differences in digestive traits in sexually size-dimorphic birds: Insights from an assimilation efficiency experiment on Black-tailed Godwit. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2009; 152:565-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Markman S, Tadmor-Melamed H, Arieli A, Izhaki I. Sex differences in food intake and digestive constraints in a nectarivorous bird. J Exp Biol 2006; 209:1058-63. [PMID: 16513932 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Sex-specific foraging behaviour might be influenced by digestive constraints. However, evidence for sex differences in digestive performance is limited. Various physiological traits are known to be body size dependent. Therefore, we hypothesized that body size differences between male and female birds may lead to differences in their digestive characteristics. We predicted that if food intake and digestive functions are only governed by body mass,then males that are heavier than females would have higher food intake, food assimilation efficiency and gut transit time, but not after controlling for the effect of body mass.
We fed a diet of equicaloric solutions of sucrose and a 1:1 mixture of glucose and fructose (hexose mixture) solutions to Palestine sunbirds(Nectarinia osea). When fed sucrose solutions, males had longer transit times but similar absorption efficiencies as females. Transit times,corrected for differences in body mass and food intake, were still longer in males than in females when fed on sucrose solutions. The sex-specific differences in transit time disappeared when the birds were fed the hexose mixture.
Our results suggest that males take longer to digest than females when fed on sucrose-rich nectars as opposed to hexose-rich nectars, and therefore can allow themselves a relatively lower digestive capacity. This may suggest sex-specific co-evolution of sunbirds within mixed plant communities, which have both sucrose- and hexose-rich nectar-producing plants. Furthermore,future studies on digestion in birds may pay attention to sex-specific differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Markman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Science Education, University of Haifa at Oranim, Tivon, 36006, Israel.
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Zharikov Y, Skilleter GA. Nonbreeding eastern curlews Numenius madagascariensis do not increase the rate of intake or digestive efficiency before long-distance migration because of an apparent digestive constraint. Physiol Biochem Zool 2004; 76:704-15. [PMID: 14671718 DOI: 10.1086/376427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2003] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of premigratory modulation in gastric digestive performance was investigated in a long-distance migrant, the eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), in eastern Australia. The rate of intake in the curlews was limited by the rate of digestion but not by food availability. It was hypothesized that before migration, eastern curlews would meet the increased energy demand by increasing energy consumption. It was predicted that (1) an increase in the rate of intake and the corresponding rate of gastric throughput would occur or (2) the gastric digestive efficiency would increase between the mid-nonbreeding and premigratory periods. Neither crude intake rate (the rate of intake calculated including inactive pauses; 0.22 g DM [grams dry mass] or 3.09 kJ min(-1)) nor the rate of gastric throughput (0.15 g DM or 2.85 kJ min(-1)) changed over time. Gastric digestive efficiency did not improve between the periods (91%) nor did the estimated overall energy assimilation efficiency (63% and 58%, respectively). It was concluded that the crustacean-dominated diet of the birds is processed at its highest rate and efficiency throughout a season. It appears that without a qualitative shift in diet, no increase in intake rate is possible. Accepting these findings at their face value poses the question of how and over what time period the eastern curlews store the nutrients necessary for the ensuing long, northward nonstop flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Zharikov
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Saxton V, Hickling G, Trought M, Creasy G. Comparative behavior of free-ranging blackbirds (Turdus merula) and silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) with hexose sugars in artificial grapes. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2003.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Herrera LG, Hobson KA, Rodríguez M, Hernandez P. Trophic partitioning in tropical rain forest birds: insights from stable isotope analysis. Oecologia 2003; 136:439-44. [PMID: 12802673 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-003-1293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2002] [Accepted: 04/18/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Bird communities reach their highest taxonomic and trophic diversity in tropical rain forest, but the use of different foraging strategies to meet food requirements in such competitive environments is poorly understood. Conventional dietary analyses are poorly suited to investigate dietary patterns in complex systems. We used stable carbon ((13)C/(12)C) and nitrogen ((15)N/(14)N) isotope analysis of whole blood to examine avian trophic patterns and sources of diet in the tropical rain forest of Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. We used stable nitrogen isotope analysis to delineate trophic levels, and stable carbon isotope analysis to distinguish the relative contribution of C-3 and CAM/C-4 ultimate sources of proteins to diets. There was large inter- and intraspecific variation in whole blood delta(13)C and delta(15)N values in 23 species of birds. Stable nitrogen isotope analysis separated birds into several trophic levels, including species that obtained their dietary protein mostly from plants, insects or a combination of both food sources. Stable carbon isotope analysis showed that most birds fed on C3-based foods but Stub-tailed Spadebills (Platyrinchus cancrominus) included C-3- and C-4/CAM-specialist individuals. Our analyses provided insights into the nutritional contribution of plant and animal sources of protein and distinguish their photosynthetic origin over relatively long average time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gerardo Herrera
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Apartado Postal 70-153, 04510 Mexico, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
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Brown KJ, Downs CT. Digestive efficiency of a generalist avian feeder, the Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2003; 134:739-48. [PMID: 12814782 DOI: 10.1016/s1095-6433(03)00005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Digestive processes determine whether the particular diet of a bird is utilized efficiently and whether energetic demands are met. Assimilation efficiency is often used as an index of whether a diet is digested optimally. Studies on the digestive processing of generalist feeders are scarce. Cape White-eyes (Zosterops pallidus) have a diverse diet of fruit, nectar and insects. The nutrient contents of these three diets vary considerably and require quite different digestive processing. This study compared the digestive efficiencies of Cape White-eyes on these three diets by measuring transit times and assimilation efficiency. Cape White-eyes lost body mass significantly when fed fruit, while they maintained and gained body mass on nectar and mealworm diets, respectively. Assimilation efficiency varied significantly between the three diet types (nectar>mealworms>apples). When given a choice of diets, Cape White-eyes selected the diet, which was most efficiently digested and yielded the greatest energetic reward. Diet preference trials further showed that Cape White-eyes regulated daily energy intake. Assimilation efficiency depends on the accessibility of nutritional contents of a diet. Cape White-eyes did not maximize assimilation efficiency. Instead, they adjusted transit time to maximize the rate of energy gain per gram of food in order to maintain energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Brown
- School of Botany and Zoology, University of Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
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STANLEY MARGARETC, LILL ALAN. Avian fruit consumption and seed dispersal in a temperate Australian woodland. AUSTRAL ECOL 2002. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-9993.2002.01166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Guillemette M. The effect of time and digestion constraints in Common Eiders while feeding and diving over Blue Mussel beds. Funct Ecol 2002. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.1998.00164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Shanahan M, So S, Compton SG, Corlett R. Fig-eating by vertebrate frugivores: a global review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2001; 76:529-72. [PMID: 11762492 DOI: 10.1017/s1464793101005760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of figs (the fruit of Ficus spp.: Moraceae) by vertebrates is reviewed using data from the literature, unpublished accounts and new field data from Borneo and Hong Kong. Records of frugivory from over 75 countries are presented for 260 Ficus species (approximately 30% of described species). Explanations are presented for geographical and taxonomic gaps in the otherwise extensive literature. In addition to a small number of reptiles and fishes, 1274 bird and mammal species in 523 genera and 92 families are known to eat figs. In terms of the number of species and genera of fig-eaters and the number of fig species eaten we identify the avian families interacting most with Ficus to be Columbidae, Psittacidae, Pycnonotidae, Bucerotidae, Sturnidae and Lybiidae. Among mammals, the major fig-eating families are Pteropodidae, Cercopithecidae, Sciuridae, Phyllostomidae and Cebidae. We assess the role these and other frugivores play in Ficus seed dispersal and identify fig-specialists. In most, but not all, cases fig specialists provide effective seed dispersal services to the Ficus species on which they feed. The diversity of fig-eaters is explained with respect to fig design and nutrient content, phenology of fig ripening and the diversity of fig presentation. Whilst at a gross level there exists considerable overlap between birds, arboreal mammals and fruit bats with regard to the fig species they consume, closer analysis, based on evidence from across the tropics, suggests that discrete guilds of Ficus species differentially attract subsets of sympatric frugivore communities. This dispersal guild structure is determined by interspecific differences in fig design and presentation. Throughout our examination of the fig-frugivore interaction we consider phylogenetic factors and make comparisons between large-scale biogeographical regions. Our dataset supports previous claims that Ficus is the most important plant genus for tropical frugivores. We explore the concept of figs as keystone resources and suggest criteria for future investigations of their dietary importance. Finally, fully referenced lists of frugivores recorded at each Ficus species and of Ficus species in the diet of each frugivore are presented as online appendices. In situations where ecological information is incomplete or its retrieval is impractical, this valuable resource will assist conservationists in evaluating the role of figs or their frugivores in tropical forest sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shanahan
- Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation, School of Biology, University of Leeds, UK.
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Kvist A, Lindström A. Maximum daily energy intake: it takes time to lift the metabolic ceiling. Physiol Biochem Zool 2000; 73:30-6. [PMID: 10685904 DOI: 10.1086/316719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Conventionally, maximum capacities for energy assimilation are presented as daily averages. However, maximum daily energy intake is determined by the maximum metabolizable energy intake rate and the time available for assimilation of food energy. Thrush nightingales (Luscinia luscinia) in migratory disposition were given limited food rations for 3 d to reduce their energy stores. Subsequently, groups of birds were fed ad lib. during fixed time periods varying between 7 and 23 h per day. Metabolizable energy intake rate, averaged over the available feeding time, was 1.9 W and showed no difference between groups on the first day of refueling. Total daily metabolizable energy intake increased linearly with available feeding time, and for the 23-h group, it was well above suggested maximum levels for animals. We conclude that both intake rate and available feeding time must be taken into account when interpreting potential constraints acting on animals' energy budgets. In the 7-h group, energy intake rates increased from 1.9 W on the first day to 3.1 W on the seventh day. This supports the idea that small birds can adaptively increase their energy intake rates on a short timescale.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kvist
- Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, Ecology Building, S-22362 Lund, Sweden.
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Fuentes M. Diets of fruit-eating birds: what are the causes of interspecific differences? Oecologia 1994; 97:134-142. [PMID: 28313598 DOI: 10.1007/bf00317917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/1993] [Accepted: 10/25/1993] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Differences in fruit choice among the bird species of a Spanish shrubland were related to the size of fruits and to the lipid content of pulp. Lipid-rich fruits were selected by the bird species with slower food passage rates through the digestive tract. These bird species also fed frequently on insects and seeds. Bird species with faster food passage rates fed less on insects and seeds, and ate mainly fruits with pulp poor in lipids (rich in sugars and water). Studies of digestion in birds indicate that lipids require slower food passage rates for efficient digestion and intestinal transport than simple sugars. The available evidence indicates that the European bird species that show stronger preferences for lipid-rich fruits are no better as seed dispersers, from the point of view of the plants, than species choosing lipidpoor fruits. Thus, the degree of frugivory of birds, their fruit choice patterns and their effects on seed dispersal do not seem to be related to each other in the ways expected by the early models of the evolution of fleshy fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelino Fuentes
- Area de Ecoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago, E-15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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