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Mitchell DR, Sherratt E, Weisbecker V. Facing the facts: adaptive trade-offs along body size ranges determine mammalian craniofacial scaling. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:496-524. [PMID: 38029779 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian cranium (skull without lower jaw) is representative of mammalian diversity and is thus of particular interest to mammalian biologists across disciplines. One widely retrieved pattern accompanying mammalian cranial diversification is referred to as 'craniofacial evolutionary allometry' (CREA). This posits that adults of larger species, in a group of closely related mammals, tend to have relatively longer faces and smaller braincases. However, no process has been officially suggested to explain this pattern, there are many apparent exceptions, and its predictions potentially conflict with well-established biomechanical principles. Understanding the mechanisms behind CREA and causes for deviations from the pattern therefore has tremendous potential to explain allometry and diversification of the mammalian cranium. Here, we propose an amended framework to characterise the CREA pattern more clearly, in that 'longer faces' can arise through several kinds of evolutionary change, including elongation of the rostrum, retraction of the jaw muscles, or a more narrow or shallow skull, which all result in a generalised gracilisation of the facial skeleton with increased size. We define a standardised workflow to test for the presence of the pattern, using allometric shape predictions derived from geometric morphometrics analysis, and apply this to 22 mammalian families including marsupials, rabbits, rodents, bats, carnivores, antelopes, and whales. Our results show that increasing facial gracility with size is common, but not necessarily as ubiquitous as previously suggested. To address the mechanistic basis for this variation, we then review cranial adaptations for harder biting. These dictate that a more gracile cranium in larger species must represent a structural sacrifice in the ability to produce or withstand harder bites, relative to size. This leads us to propose that facial gracilisation in larger species is often a product of bite force allometry and phylogenetic niche conservatism, where more closely related species tend to exhibit more similar feeding ecology and biting behaviours and, therefore, absolute (size-independent) bite force requirements. Since larger species can produce the same absolute bite forces as smaller species with less effort, we propose that relaxed bite force demands can permit facial gracility in response to bone optimisation and alternative selection pressures. Thus, mammalian facial scaling represents an adaptive by-product of the shifting importance of selective pressures occurring with increased size. A reverse pattern of facial 'shortening' can accordingly also be found, and is retrieved in several cases here, where larger species incorporate novel feeding behaviours involving greater bite forces. We discuss multiple exceptions to a bite force-mediated influence on facial proportions across mammals which lead us to argue that ecomorphological specialisation of the cranium is likely to be the primary driver of facial scaling patterns, with some developmental constraints as possible secondary factors. A potential for larger species to have a wider range of cranial functions when less constrained by bite force demands might also explain why selection for larger sizes seems to be prevalent in some mammalian clades. The interplay between adaptation and constraint across size ranges thus presents an interesting consideration for a mechanistically grounded investigation of mammalian cranial allometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rex Mitchell
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
| | - Emma Sherratt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
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Balcarcel AM, Geiger M, Sánchez-Villagra MR. Cranial form differences in goats by breed and domestic status. Sci Rep 2024; 14:917. [PMID: 38195639 PMCID: PMC10776561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic goats (Capra hircus) are globally represented by over 300 breeds, making them a useful model for investigating patterns of morphological change related to domestication. However, they have been little studied, likely due to their poor representation in museum collections and the difficulty in obtaining truly wild goat (Capra aegagrus, the bezoar) samples. Similar studies on other species reveal that domestication correlates with craniofacial alterations in domestics, which are non-uniform and often species-specific. Here, we use three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods (3DGMM) to describe and quantify cranial shape variation in wild (n = 21) versus domestic (n = 54) goats. We find that mean cranial shapes differ significantly between wild and domestic goats as well as between certain breeds. The detected differences are lower in magnitude than those reported for other domestic groups, possibly explained by the fewer directions of artificial selection in goat breeding, and their low global genetic diversity compared to other livestock. We also find tooth-row length reduction in the domestics, suggestive of rostral shortening-a prediction of the "domestication syndrome" (DS). The goat model thus expands the array-and combinations of-morphological changes observed under domestication, notably detecting alterations to the calvarium form which could be related to the ~ 15% brain size reduction previously reported for domestic compared to wild goats. The global success of domestic goats is due more to their ability to survive in a variety of harsh environments than to systematized human management. Nonetheless, their domestication has resulted in a clear disruption from the wild cranial form, suggesting that even low-intensity selection can lead to significant morphological changes under domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Balcarcel
- Department of Paleontology, University of Zurich, Karl-Schmid-Str. 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - M Geiger
- Naturmuseum St.Gallen, Rorschacher Strasse 263, 9016, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - M R Sánchez-Villagra
- Department of Paleontology, University of Zurich, Karl-Schmid-Str. 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
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Santifort KM, Carrera I, Bossens K, Mandigers PJJ. Phenotypic characterization of Pomeranians with or without Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1320942. [PMID: 38169622 PMCID: PMC10758411 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1320942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are frequently diagnosed conditions in small and toy dog breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Griffon Bruxellois. CM/SM is only rarely reported in Pomeranians in literature to date. The aims of this study are to 1/describe the phenotype of Pomeranians with or without CM/SM and 2/evaluate for differences and associations between CM/SM and owner-reported clinical signs (ORCS) or signalment factors. Materials and methods From February 2015 to June 2023, historical data and signalment (including country of origin, pedigree, sex and neuter status, age, and body weight) and ORCS of Pomeranians were recorded at multiple institutions. MRI studies of all dogs were evaluated for classification of CM/SM. Additionally, quantitative measurements were performed for SM. Results A total of 796 dogs from 22 different countries were included. Total prevalence of CM was 54.9% (437/796) and the prevalence of SM was 23.9% (190/796). The top 5 ORCS included 1/scratching with skin contact, rubbing head or ears, or both (57.6% of dogs with ORCS), 2/air licking (30.7% of dogs with ORCS), 3/spontaneous signs of pain (26.0% of dogs with ORCS), 4/persistent licking front and/or hind paws (22.6% of dogs with ORCS), 5/phantom scratching (22.6% of dogs with ORCS). Phantom scratching, vocalization, head shaking, spontaneous signs of pain, and air licking were associated with having SM. There were no statistically significant associations between quantitative syrinx measurements and ORCS. There were statistically significant associations between CM classification and 1/country of origin, 2/having a pedigree, and 3/age. There were statistically significant associations between SM classification and 1/age and 2/body weight. Discussion This is the first large study evaluating CM/SM in the Pomeranian dog breed. Veterinary clinicians can use these findings to increase the likelihood of correctly determining the presence or absence of CM/SM in Pomeranians. Breeders may consider using the information regarding signalment factors as well as ORCS associated with CM/SM classifications to select dogs for screening procedures. But an MRI-based diagnosis is needed to properly ascertain the exact CM/SM status of their breeding stock until a fool-proof characteristic or genetic marker is found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen M. Santifort
- Neurology, IVC Evidensia Referral Hospital Arnhem, Arnhem, Netherlands
- Neurology, IVC Evidensia Referral Hospital Hart van Brabant, Waalwijk, Netherlands
- Expertise Centre of Genetics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ines Carrera
- Vet Oracle Teleradiology, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Kenny Bossens
- Department of Neurology, Orion Small Animal Hospital, Herentals, Belgium
| | - Paul J. J. Mandigers
- Neurology, IVC Evidensia Referral Hospital Arnhem, Arnhem, Netherlands
- Expertise Centre of Genetics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Türkcü JD, Meller S, Wiegel PS, Nolte I, Volk HA. Evaluation of the Submaximal Treadmill-Based Fitness Test in Six Brachycephalic Breeds-A Follow-Up Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3413. [PMID: 37958168 PMCID: PMC10648995 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in dogs challenges veterinary surgeons both with a complex clinical picture as well as wide-ranging ways to diagnose the disease, often not easily implemented nor standardised in clinical practice. The assessment of a combination of exercise testing, the occurrence of breathing noises, recovery time, and respiratory effort proved to be an appropriate method to identify Pugs with BOAS. The purpose of this study was to apply an established standardised, submaximal, treadmill-based fitness test for Pugs to other brachycephalic dog breeds. A total of 79 participants, belonging to 6 different brachycephalic breeds, trotted 15 min with an individual comfort speed of 3-7 km/h on a treadmill. Additionally, functional BOAS grading based on respiratory clinical signs before and after exercise was applied. The test was passed if the dogs presented with a BOAS grade of 0 or 1 and their vital parameters recovered to baseline within 15 min after exercise. A total of 68% showed a BOAS grade of 0 or 1 and passed the fitness test. Of the failed participants, 65% failed due to BOAS affectedness, 9% were categorised as not affected by BOAS and failed due to not passing the fitness test only, and 26% showed both failure criteria. The fitness test can be a useful method to identify BOAS-affected dogs in other brachycephalic breeds and to diagnose BOAS in dogs that only show clinical signs under exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (J.D.T.); (S.M.); (P.S.W.); (I.N.)
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Kämpf S, Fenk S, Van Cromvoirt A, Bogdanov N, Hartnack S, Stirn M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Reichler IM, Bogdanova A. Differences in selected blood parameters between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1166032. [PMID: 37649563 PMCID: PMC10464621 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1166032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cranial and upper-airway anatomy of short-nosed, flat-faced brachycephalic dogs predisposes them to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Periodic apnoea increased inspiratory resistance, and an inability to thermoregulate effectively are characteristic of BOAS, but internationally accepted objective markers of BOAS severity are missing. The objective of this study was to compare the selected blood parameters between non-brachycephalic (NC) and brachycephalic (BC) dogs, exploring the possibility of developing a blood test for BOAS severity grading in the future. Methods We evaluated blood biochemistry, complete blood cell counts, red blood cell (RBC) indices, reticulocyte counts, a blood-born marker of intermittent hypoxia (glutathione, NO production), RBC hydration, deformability, and blood markers of metabolic changes and stress between BC (n = 18) and NC (meso- and dolichocephalic, n = 22) dogs. Results Reticulocyte counts and the abundance of middle-fluorescence immature reticulocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. BC dogs had significantly more NO-derived NO2 - /NO3 - in plasma than NC dogs. RBCs of BC dogs were shedding significantly more membrane, as follows from the intensity of eosin maleimide staining, and had a significantly higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than NC dogs. Intracellular reduced glutathione content in RBCs of BC dogs was significantly lower, while plasma lactate was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly lower, and cortisol was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Eosinophil counts were significantly lower and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Discussion Taken together, our findings suggest that the brachycephalic phenotype in dogs is associated with alterations at the level of blood cells and, systemically, with oxidation and metabolic changes. The parameters identified within this study should be further investigated for their potential as objective indicators for BOAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kämpf
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Fenk
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ankie Van Cromvoirt
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nikolay Bogdanov
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Stirn
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Iris Margaret Reichler
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Bogdanova
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Meadows JRS, Kidd JM, Wang GD, Parker HG, Schall PZ, Bianchi M, Christmas MJ, Bougiouri K, Buckley RM, Hitte C, Nguyen AK, Wang C, Jagannathan V, Niskanen JE, Frantz LAF, Arumilli M, Hundi S, Lindblad-Toh K, Ginja C, Agustina KK, André C, Boyko AR, Davis BW, Drögemüller M, Feng XY, Gkagkavouzis K, Iliopoulos G, Harris AC, Hytönen MK, Kalthoff DC, Liu YH, Lymberakis P, Poulakakis N, Pires AE, Racimo F, Ramos-Almodovar F, Savolainen P, Venetsani S, Tammen I, Triantafyllidis A, vonHoldt B, Wayne RK, Larson G, Nicholas FW, Lohi H, Leeb T, Zhang YP, Ostrander EA. Genome sequencing of 2000 canids by the Dog10K consortium advances the understanding of demography, genome function and architecture. Genome Biol 2023; 24:187. [PMID: 37582787 PMCID: PMC10426128 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The international Dog10K project aims to sequence and analyze several thousand canine genomes. Incorporating 20 × data from 1987 individuals, including 1611 dogs (321 breeds), 309 village dogs, 63 wolves, and four coyotes, we identify genomic variation across the canid family, setting the stage for detailed studies of domestication, behavior, morphology, disease susceptibility, and genome architecture and function. RESULTS We report the analysis of > 48 M single-nucleotide, indel, and structural variants spanning the autosomes, X chromosome, and mitochondria. We discover more than 75% of variation for 239 sampled breeds. Allele sharing analysis indicates that 94.9% of breeds form monophyletic clusters and 25 major clades. German Shepherd Dogs and related breeds show the highest allele sharing with independent breeds from multiple clades. On average, each breed dog differs from the UU_Cfam_GSD_1.0 reference at 26,960 deletions and 14,034 insertions greater than 50 bp, with wolves having 14% more variants. Discovered variants include retrogene insertions from 926 parent genes. To aid functional prioritization, single-nucleotide variants were annotated with SnpEff and Zoonomia phyloP constraint scores. Constrained positions were negatively correlated with allele frequency. Finally, the utility of the Dog10K data as an imputation reference panel is assessed, generating high-confidence calls across varied genotyping platform densities including for breeds not included in the Dog10K collection. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a dense dataset of 1987 sequenced canids that reveals patterns of allele sharing, identifies likely functional variants, informs breed structure, and enables accurate imputation. Dog10K data are publicly available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R S Meadows
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75132, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jeffrey M Kidd
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48107, USA.
| | - Guo-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Heidi G Parker
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Building 50 Room 5351, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Peter Z Schall
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48107, USA
| | - Matteo Bianchi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75132, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matthew J Christmas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75132, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katia Bougiouri
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Reuben M Buckley
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Building 50 Room 5351, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Christophe Hitte
- University of Rennes, CNRS, Institute Genetics and Development Rennes - UMR6290, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Anthony K Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48107, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75132, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julia E Niskanen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center, 02900, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laurent A F Frantz
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E14NS, UK and Palaeogenomics Group, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig Maximilian University, D-80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Meharji Arumilli
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center, 02900, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sruthi Hundi
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center, 02900, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75132, Uppsala, Sweden
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Catarina Ginja
- BIOPOLIS-CIBIO-InBIO-Centro de Investigação Em Biodiversidade E Recursos Genéticos - ArchGen Group, Universidade Do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | | | - Catherine André
- University of Rennes, CNRS, Institute Genetics and Development Rennes - UMR6290, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Adam R Boyko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Michaela Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xin-Yao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Konstantinos Gkagkavouzis
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology, ), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia 54124, Greece and Genomics and Epigenomics Translational Research (GENeTres), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH, Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgos Iliopoulos
- NGO "Callisto", Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society, 54621, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexander C Harris
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Building 50 Room 5351, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Marjo K Hytönen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center, 02900, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniela C Kalthoff
- NGO "Callisto", Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society, 54621, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Yan-Hu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete & Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71202, Irakleio, Greece
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Palaeogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics Lab, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Poulakakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete & Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71202, Irakleio, Greece
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Palaeogenomics and Evolutionary Genetics Lab, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ana Elisabete Pires
- BIOPOLIS-CIBIO-InBIO-Centro de Investigação Em Biodiversidade E Recursos Genéticos - ArchGen Group, Universidade Do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Fernando Racimo
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Savolainen
- Department of Gene Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, 17121, Solna, Sweden
| | - Semina Venetsani
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Imke Tammen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Alexandros Triantafyllidis
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology, ), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia 54124, Greece and Genomics and Epigenomics Translational Research (GENeTres), Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH, Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Bridgett vonHoldt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Robert K Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7246, USA
| | - Greger Larson
- Palaeogenomics and Bio-Archaeology Research Network, School of Archaeology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TG, UK
| | - Frank W Nicholas
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki and Folkhälsan Research Center, 02900, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Elaine A Ostrander
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Building 50 Room 5351, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Kyomen S, Murillo-Rincón AP, Kaucká M. Evolutionary mechanisms modulating the mammalian skull development. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220080. [PMID: 37183900 PMCID: PMC10184257 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals possess impressive craniofacial variation that mirrors their adaptation to diverse ecological niches, feeding behaviour, physiology and overall lifestyle. The spectrum of craniofacial geometries is established mainly during embryonic development. The formation of the head represents a sequence of events regulated on genomic, molecular, cellular and tissue level, with each step taking place under tight spatio-temporal control. Even minor variations in timing, position or concentration of the molecular drivers and the resulting events can affect the final shape, size and position of the skeletal elements and the geometry of the head. Our knowledge of craniofacial development increased substantially in the last decades, mainly due to research using conventional vertebrate model organisms. However, how developmental differences in head formation arise specifically within mammals remains largely unexplored. This review highlights three evolutionary mechanisms acknowledged to modify ontogenesis: heterochrony, heterotopy and heterometry. We present recent research that links changes in developmental timing, spatial organization or gene expression levels to the acquisition of species-specific skull morphologies. We highlight how these evolutionary modifications occur on the level of the genes, molecules and cellular processes, and alter conserved developmental programmes to generate a broad spectrum of skull shapes characteristic of the class Mammalia. This article is part of the theme issue 'The mammalian skull: development, structure and function'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Kyomen
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Strasse 2, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Andrea P Murillo-Rincón
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Strasse 2, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Markéta Kaucká
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Strasse 2, Plön 24306, Germany
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Veit A, Weißhaupt S, Bruat A, Wondrak M, Huber L. Emulative learning of a two-step task in free-ranging domestic pigs. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:929-942. [PMID: 36652043 PMCID: PMC10066142 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01740-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous research showed that young domestic pigs learn through observation of conspecifics by using social learning mechanisms like social facilitation, enhancement effects, and even object movement re-enactment. The latter suggests some form of emulative learning in which the observer learns about the object's movements and affordances. As it remains unclear whether pigs need a social agent to learn about objects, we provided 36 free-ranging domestic pigs with varying degrees of social to non-social demonstrations on how to solve a two-step manipulative foraging task: observers watched either a conspecific or a human demonstrator, or self-moving objects ("ghost control"), or a ghost control accompanied by an inactive conspecific bystander. In addition, 22 subjects that were previously tested without any demonstrator were used as a non-observer control. To solve the task, the subjects had to first remove a plug from its recess to then be able to slide a cover to the side, which would lay open a food compartment. Observers interacted longer with the relevant objects (plugs) and were more successful in solving the task compared to non-observers. We found no differences with regard to success between the four observer groups, indicating that the pigs mainly learned about the apparatus rather than about the actions. As the only common feature of the different demonstrations was the movement of the plug and the cover, we conclude the observer pigs learned primarily by emulation, suggesting that social agents are not necessary for pigs when learning through observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Veit
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Stefanie Weißhaupt
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arnaud Bruat
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marianne Wondrak
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Bostedt H, Blim S, Ossig B, Sparenberg M, Failing K. [Real-time analysis of parturition in bitches of a medium-sized breed]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:82-94. [PMID: 37230114 DOI: 10.1055/a-2056-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Observation of the birth processes in healthy bitches under controlled conditions. The primary aim was to gain more insight into the natural birth process. Additional goal was to determine under which circumstances caregivers seek veterinary assistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data regarding length of gestation, the course of the parturition process, litter size, as well as neonatal characteristics were collected from 345 Boxer bitches. A real-time evaluation supplied the data concerning the birth process itself. Statistical analysis included single- and multi-factor variance analyses, as well as correlation, regression, and rank correlation analyses. RESULTS Mother dogs with fewer fetuses were gravid for a significantly longer period than those with a high number (p=0.0012). The proportion of live neonates decreased significantly from the 5th litter onwards (p=0.0072). Female neonates exhibited a lower birth weight than male neonates (p<0.0001). Diurnal influences on the onset of stage II were not found. Birth processes could be divided into 3 groups based on the recorded progression: group 1 - eutocia (54.6%), group II - eutocia with prophylactic measures by the caregiver (20.5%), and group III - dystocia (24.9%). Bitches of group 1 were slightly younger than those of groups 2 and 3. In groups 2 and 3, the proportion of older primiparae (≥4 years) was significantly higher than in group 1 (p<0.05). The total duration of labor differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (p<0.0001). Significant differences were seen between the groups in labor activity. In group 3, the proportion of bitches with a type I (=primary) weakness in labor was strikingly high (45.2%). In 83.8% of the births (groups 1 and 2), one or more pauses in labor (>60 min) occurred during the expulsive phase. This was correlated with litter size (p=0.0025), but not with age or birth number. The rate of stillbirth was positively correlated with duration of the birth process. Reasons for veterinary intervention primarily pertained to conditions of type II and III labor weakness (inadequate contractions of the uterus during parturition). The average time span between identification of a birth disorder and presentation of the bitch to a practice/clinic was 4.8±3.3 hours. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In pre-partum-counselling, special attention should be paid to conditions of hyperfetia (>20% above the mean) as well as uniparous and biparous gravidity and these dams should be classified as risk patients with regard to the course of parturition. In the case of birth complications, rapid veterinary intervention is warranted in order to minimize the development of maternal inanition and fetal vitality depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartwig Bostedt
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
| | - Sarah Blim
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
| | - Barbara Ossig
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
| | - Marion Sparenberg
- AG Biomathematik, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
| | - Klaus Failing
- AG Biomathematik, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
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Paul ES, Packer RMA, McGreevy PD, Coombe E, Mendl E, Neville V. That brachycephalic look: Infant-like facial appearance in short-muzzled dog breeds. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e5. [PMID: 38487431 PMCID: PMC10936394 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2022.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Brachycephalic dog breeds are highly popular, yet their conformation-related disorders represent a major welfare concern. It has been suggested that the current popularity of such breeds can be explained by their cute, infant-like facial appearances. The concept of 'kindchenschema' refers to the observation that certain physical features of infant humans and other animals can automatically stimulate positive and nurturant feelings in adult observers. But the proposal that brachycephalic dogs possess heightened 'kindchenschema' facial features, even into adulthood, has never been formally investigated. Here, we hypothesised that relative muzzle shortening across a range of breeds would be associated with known 'kindchenschema' facial features, including a relatively larger forehead, larger eyes and smaller nose. Relative fronto-facial feature sizes in exemplar photographs of adult dogs from 42 popular breeds were measured and associated with existing data on the relative muzzle length and height-at-withers of the same breeds. Our results show that, in adulthood, shorter-muzzled breeds have relatively larger (taller) foreheads and relatively larger eyes (i.e. area of exposed eyeball relative to overall face area) than longer-muzzled breeds, and that this effect is independent of breed size. In sum, brachycephalic dog breeds do show exaggeration of some, but not all, known fronto-facial 'kindchenschema' features, and this may well contribute to their apparently cute appearance and to their current popularity as companion animals. We conclude that the challenge of addressing conformation-related disorders in companion dogs needs to take account of the cute, 'kindchenschema' looks that many owners are likely to be attracted to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Paul
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
| | - Rowena MA Packer
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, HertsAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Paul D McGreevy
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW2351, Australia
| | - Emily Coombe
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
- Positive Dog Training, Long Ashton, Bristol, UK
| | - Elsa Mendl
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
| | - Vikki Neville
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, LangfordBS40 5DU, UK
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11
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Geiger M, Sánchez‐Villagra MR, Sherratt E. Cranial shape variation in domestication: A pilot study on the case of rabbits. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2022; 338:532-541. [PMID: 35934897 PMCID: PMC9804214 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Domestication leads to phenotypic characteristics that have been described to be similar across species. However, this "domestication syndrome" has been subject to debate, related to a lack of evidence for certain characteristics in many species. Here we review diverse literature and provide new data on cranial shape changes due to domestication in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as a preliminary case study, thus contributing novel evidence to the debate. We quantified cranial shape of 30 wild and domestic rabbits using micro-computed tomography scans and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics. The goal was to test (1) if the domesticates exhibit shorter and broader snouts, smaller teeth, and smaller braincases than their wild counterparts; (2) to what extent allometric scaling is responsible for cranial shape variation; (3) if there is evidence for more variation in the neural crest-derived parts of the cranium compared with those derived of the mesoderm, in accordance with the "neural crest hypothesis." Our own data are consistent with older literature records, suggesting that although there is evidence for some cranial characteristics of the "domestication syndrome" in rabbits, facial length is not reduced. In accordance with the "neural crest hypothesis," we found more shape variation in neural crest versus mesoderm-derived parts of the cranium. Within the domestic group, allometric scaling relationships of the snout, the braincase, and the teeth shed new light on ubiquitous patterns among related taxa. This study-albeit preliminary due to the limited sample size-adds to the growing evidence concerning nonuniform patterns associated with domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Geiger
- Paleontological Institute and MuseumUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland,Naturmuseum St.GallenSt.GallenSwitzerland,SWILD, Urban Ecology & Wildlife ResearchZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Emma Sherratt
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
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12
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Wilson LAB. Developmental instability in domesticated mammals. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2022; 338:484-494. [PMID: 34813170 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Measures of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) have been adopted widely as an estimate of developmental instability. Arising from various sources of stress, developmental instability is associated with an organism's capacity to maintain fitness. The process of domestication has been framed as an environmental stress with human-specified parameters, suggesting that FA may manifest to a larger degree among domesticates compared to their wild relatives. This study used three-dimensional geometric morphometric landmark data to (a) quantify the amount of FA in the cranium of six domestic mammal species and their wild relatives and, (b) provide novel assessment of the commonalities and differences across domestic/wild pairs concerning the extent to which random variation arising from the developmental system assimilates into within-population variation. The majority of domestic mammals showed greater disparity for asymmetric shape, however, only two forms (Pig, Dog) showed significantly higher disparity as well as a higher degree of asymmetry compared to their wild counterparts (Wild Boar, Wolf). Contra to predictions, most domestic and wild forms did not show a statistically significant correspondence between symmetric shape variation and FA, however, a moderate correlation value was recorded for most pairs (r-partial least squares >0.5). Within pairs, domestic and wild forms showed similar correlation magnitudes for the relationship between the asymmetric and symmetric components. In domesticates, new variation may therefore retain a general, conserved pattern in the gross structuring of the cranium, whilst also being a source for response to selection on specific features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A B Wilson
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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