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She H, Hao Y, Song G, Luo X, Lei F, Zhai W, Qu Y. Gene expression plasticity followed by genetic change during colonization in a high-elevation environment. eLife 2024; 12:RP86687. [PMID: 38470231 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86687] [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] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity facilitates organismal invasion of novel environments, and the resultant phenotypic change may later be modified by genetic change, so called 'plasticity first.' Herein, we quantify gene expression plasticity and regulatory adaptation in a wild bird (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) from its original lowland (ancestral stage), experimentally implemented hypoxia acclimation (plastic stage), and colonized highland (colonized stage). Using a group of co-expressed genes from the cardiac and flight muscles, respectively, we demonstrate that gene expression plasticity to hypoxia tolerance is more often reversed than reinforced at the colonized stage. By correlating gene expression change with muscle phenotypes, we show that colonized tree sparrows reduce maladaptive plasticity that largely associated with decreased hypoxia tolerance. Conversely, adaptive plasticity that is congruent with increased hypoxia tolerance is often reinforced in the colonized tree sparrows. Genes displaying large levels of reinforcement or reversion plasticity (i.e. 200% of original level) show greater genetic divergence between ancestral and colonized populations. Overall, our work demonstrates that gene expression plasticity at the initial stage of high-elevation colonization can be reversed or reinforced through selection-driven adaptive modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huishang She
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Song
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Faculty of Biodiversity and Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Fumin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yanhua Qu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Pu Z, Guo Y. Autumn migration of black-necked crane ( Grus nigricollis) on the Qinghai-Tibetan and Yunnan-Guizhou plateaus. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10492. [PMID: 37693936 PMCID: PMC10485337 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite previous research efforts, the majority migration routes of the black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) have remained veiled. In this study, we utilized satellite telemetry data from 45 cranes between 2015 and 2021 to unveil critical insights. Our results revealed 11 distinct autumn migration routes and one sedentary flock, of which eight routes and the sedentary flock were previously undocumented. Our findings highlighted the remarkable diversity in the migration routes of black-necked cranes, especially in terms of migration orientations, spatial-temporal patterns, and altitudinal movement patterns. Cranes breeding on the eastern, northern, and central Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau migrated southward, while those on the northern slopes of the Himalayas migrated eastward, westward, northward, or opted to remain sedentary. Moreover, we expanded the known range of migration distances to 84-1520 km at both ends (excluding sedentary individuals) and identified two long-term (Da Qaidam and Chaka) and one short-term (Gyatong grassland) stopover sites. Furthermore, our study revealed that the breeding colonies in the Qilian Mountains on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau utilized long-term stopover sites before embarking on significant altitude ascent, while other flocks displayed more urgent migration patterns, preferring to roost only at night. By unveiling the near-complete autumn migration routes of black-necked cranes, our research has contributed to discovering the critical habitats and connectivity among various breeding colonies, which is instrumental in developing effective seasonal conservation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Pu
- School of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yumin Guo
- School of Ecology and Nature ConservationBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
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3
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Highland adaptation of birds on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau via gut microbiota. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6701-6711. [PMID: 36097173 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12171-y] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Highland birds evolve multiple adaptive abilities to cope with the harsh environments; however, how they adapt to the high-altitude habitats via the gut microbiota remains understudied. Here we integrated evidences from comparative analysis of gut microbiota to explore the adaptive mechanism of black-necked crane, a typical highland bird in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Firstly, the gut microbiota diversity and function was compared among seven crane species (one high-altitude species and six low-altitude species), and then among three populations of contrasting altitudes for the black-necked crane. Microbiota community diversity in black-necked crane was significantly lower than its low-altitude relatives, but higher microbiota functional diversity was observed in black-necked crane, suggesting that unique bacteria are developed and acquired due to the selection pressure of high-altitude environments. The functional microbial genes differed significantly between the low- and high-altitude black-necked cranes, indicating that altitude significantly impacted microbial communities' composition and structure. Adaptive changes in microbiota diversity and function are observed in response to high-altitude environments. These findings provide us a new insight into the adaptation mechanism to the high-altitude environment for birds via the gut microbiota. KEY POINTS: • The diversity and function of gut microbiota differed significantly between the low- and high-altitude crane species. • Black-necked crane adapts to the high-altitude environment via specific gut microbiota. • Altitude significantly impacted microbial communities' composition and structure.
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Mozaffer F, Menon GI, Ishtiaq F. Exploring the thermal limits of malaria transmission in the western Himalaya. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9278. [PMID: 36110885 PMCID: PMC9465399 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental temperature is a key driver of malaria transmission dynamics. Using detailed temperature records from four sites: low elevation (1800), mid elevation (2200 m), and high elevation (2600-3200 m) in the western Himalaya, we model how temperature regulates parasite development rate (the inverse of the extrinsic incubation period, EIP) in the wild. Using a Briére parametrization of the EIP, combined with Bayesian parameter inference, we study the thermal limits of transmission for avian (Plasmodium relictum) and human Plasmodium parasites (P. vivax and P. falciparum) as well as for two malaria-like avian parasites, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon. We demonstrate that temperature conditions can substantially alter the incubation period of parasites at high elevation sites (2600-3200 m) leading to restricted parasite development or long transmission windows. The thermal limits (optimal temperature) for Plasmodium parasites were 15.62-34.92°C (30.04°C) for P. falciparum, 13.51-34.08°C (29.02°C) for P. vivax, 12.56-34.46°C (29.16°C) for P. relictum and for two malaria-like parasites, 12.01-29.48°C (25.16°C) for Haemoproteus spp. and 11.92-29.95°C (25.51°C) for Leucocytozoon spp. We then compare estimates of EIP based on measures of mean temperature versus hourly temperatures to show that EIP days vary in cold versus warm environments. We found that human Plasmodium parasites experience a limited transmission window at 2600 m. In contrast, for avian Plasmodium transmission was not possible between September and March at 2600 m. In addition, temperature conditions suitable for both Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon transmission were obtained from June to August and in April, at 2600 m. Finally, we use temperature projections from a suite of climate models to predict that by 2040, high elevation sites (~2600 m) will have a temperature range conducive for malaria transmission, albeit with a limited transmission window. Our study highlights the importance of accounting for fine-scale thermal effects in the expansion of the range of the malaria parasite with global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhina Mozaffer
- The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT CampusChennaiIndia
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School ComplexMumbaiIndia
| | - Gautam I. Menon
- The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT CampusChennaiIndia
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School ComplexMumbaiIndia
- Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (3CS)Ashoka UniversityIndia
- Present address:
Departments of Physics & BiologyAshoka UniversityIndia
| | - Farah Ishtiaq
- Centre for Ecological SciencesIndian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
- Present address:
Tata Institute for Genetics and SocietyBangaloreIndia
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5
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Lele A, Garrod HM, Ferguson E, Azahara Prieto Gil C, Ellis M. Variation in avian morphology along a short tropical elevational gradient. Biotropica 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Lele
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center The Field Museum Chicago Illinois USA
- Third Millennium Alliance Quito Pichincha Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - Mike Ellis
- Third Millennium Alliance Quito Pichincha Ecuador
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Tulane University Louisiana USA
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6
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Barve S, Cadena CD. Variation in insulative feather structure in songbirds replacing each other along a tropical elevation gradient. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8698. [PMID: 35342618 PMCID: PMC8928881 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
High‐elevation organisms are expected to evolve physiological adaptations to cope with harsh environmental conditions. Yet, evidence for such adaptive differences, especially compared to closely related lowland taxa occurring along the same elevational gradient, is rare. Revisiting an anecdotal natural history observation by O. Bangs from 1899 and based on new measurements of museum specimens, we confirmed that the high‐elevation hermit wood wren (Henicorhina anachoreta) from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, has longer, more insulative feathers on the chest and back, than its lower‐elevation counterpart the grey‐breasted wood wren (H. leucophrys). However, we did not find evidence for the same specializations in subspecies of H. leucophrys that live at high elevations on other elevational gradients in the Colombian Andes, although similar adaptive solutions have arisen in separate mountain systems like the Himalayas. Adaptations in plumage may be associated with the recurrence of elevational species replacements throughout the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahas Barve
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Washington District of Columbia USA
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7
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Ekanayake KB, Gnanapragasam JJ, Ranawana K, Vidanapathirana DR, Abeyawardhana UT, Fernando C, McQueen A, Weston MA, Symonds MRE. Ecological and environmental predictors of escape among birds on a large tropical island. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Ecological and environmental traits can influence avian escape behaviour but most data underpinning our current understanding relates to continental and temperate areas and species. We conducted a phylogenetically controlled comparative analysis of flight-initiation distance (FID) against a variety of environmental, behavioural and life history attributes for Sri Lankan birds (202 species; n = 2540). As with other studies, body mass was positively associated with FID, and longer FIDs occurred in areas where human population density was lower. We also found that the effect of human population density was more pronounced in larger birds. Birds that were in groups when approached tended to have longer FIDs. Unlike the findings of other comparative analyses, based mostly on continental, temperate populations, most other ecological variables did not feature in the best models predicting FID (time of year, breeding system, clutch size, habitat, migratory behaviour, development [altricial/precocial], elevation and diet). Thus, some associations (body mass and exposure to humans) may be universal, while others may not manifest themselves among tropical avifaunas. Further tropical datasets are required to confirm truly universal associations of environmental and ecological attributes and escape distances among birds.
Significance statement
Escape responses in birds are influenced by the environment in which they live, the conditions under which they face a threat and their own biological characteristics. The vast majority of our knowledge of avian escape behaviour is derived from continental, temperate species. We examined the environmental and ecological factors that shape flight-initiation distance (FID), the distance at which a bird reacts to an approaching threat (a walking human) by escaping, using 2540 observations of 202 bird species on a large tropical island—Sri Lanka. Several predictors of FIDs in birds are clearly influential for Sri Lankan birds: body mass, human population density and whether the bird is alone or in as group. However, many other putative predictors are not, suggesting that tropical island avifaunas may have different responses to approaching threats compared to their temperate continental counterparts.
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8
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Ishtiaq F. Ecology and Evolution of Avian Malaria: Implications of Land Use Changes and Climate Change on Disease Dynamics. J Indian Inst Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41745-021-00235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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9
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Climate Change Impacts on Himalayan Biodiversity: Evidence-Based Perception and Current Approaches to Evaluate Threats Under Climate Change. J Indian Inst Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41745-021-00237-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Rodríguez-Hernández K, Álvarez-Mendizábal P, Chapa-Vargas L, Escobar F, González-García F, Santiago-Alarcon D. Haemosporidian prevalence, parasitaemia and aggregation in relation to avian assemblage life history traits at different elevations. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:365-378. [PMID: 33454363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of vector-borne protozoa such as parasites of the Order Haemosporida is dependent on both biotic and abiotic factors such as host life history traits and environmental conditions. This study aimed to identify the variables that determine haemosporidian prevalence, parasitaemia and aggregation within the context of elevation and avian life history traits in Central Veracruz, Mexico. We sampled 607 birds from 88 species; we used microscopy and the mtDNA cytochrome b gene to detect parasites. We found an overall prevalence of 32.3%. Haemosporidian prevalence was 21.6% in tropical sub-deciduous forest (at sea level), 38% in tropical deciduous forest (265 m above sea level (asl)), 19.4% in montane cloud forest (1630 m asl), and 51.7% in pine-oak forest (2790 m asl). The prevalence of each parasite genus was strongly influenced by elevation (a proxy of habitat type). Plasmodium showed the highest prevalence at low elevation. Haemoproteus increased in prevalence with elevation. Leucocytozoon displayed the highest prevalence at the highest elevation (pine-oak forest). Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. prevalences were higher in open cup than in closed nests. Haemoproteus prevalence and haemosporidian parasitaemia were lower in solitary birds than birds with pairing and gregarious behavior. Haemosporidian aggregation decreased with elevation, yielding the significantly lowest values at the pine-oak forest. Elevation distribution patterns of prevalence for each genus were similar to those previously reported in other geographical areas (e.g., South America, Europe).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Rodríguez-Hernández
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Paulina Álvarez-Mendizábal
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Chapa-Vargas
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A. C., Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Colonia Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Federico Escobar
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Fernando González-García
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
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11
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Haas M, Janiga M. Variation in erythrocyte morphology in alpine accentors (Prunella collaris Scop.) from Tian Shan, Rila and the High Tatra mountains and effects of molting. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1813821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Haas
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
| | - M. Janiga
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, University of Žilina, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
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12
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Lövy M, Lavrenchenko LA, Kostin DS, Martynov AA, Šumbera R, Bryja J, Okrouhlík J. The effect of elevation on haematocrit in Ethiopian rodents. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.20011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matěj Lövy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; e-mail:
| | - Leonid A. Lavrenchenko
- A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Danila S. Kostin
- A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Martynov
- A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Radim Šumbera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; e-mail:
| | - Josef Bryja
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Okrouhlík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; e-mail:
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Strinella E, Scridel D, Brambilla M, Schano C, Korner-Nievergelt F. Potential sex-dependent effects of weather on apparent survival of a high-elevation specialist. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8386. [PMID: 32433523 PMCID: PMC7239909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65017-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mountain ecosystems are inhabited by highly specialised and endemic species which are particularly susceptible to climatic changes. However, the mechanisms by which climate change affects species population dynamics are still largely unknown, particularly for mountain birds. We investigated how weather variables correlate with survival or movement of the white-winged snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis, a specialist of high-elevation habitat. We analysed a 15-year (2003-2017) mark-recapture data set of 671 individuals from the Apennines (Italy), using mark-recapture models. Mark-recapture data allow estimating, forgiven time intervals, the probability that individuals stay in the study area and survive, the so called apparent survival. We estimated annual apparent survival to be around 0.44-0.54 for males and around 0.51-0.64 for females. Variance among years was high (range: 0.2-0.8), particularly for females. Apparent survival was lower in winter compared to summer. Female annual apparent survival was negatively correlated with warm and dry summers, whereas in males these weather variables only weakly correlated with apparent survival. Remarkably, the average apparent survival measured in this study was lower than expected. We suggest that the low apparent survival may be due to recent changes in the environment caused by global warming. Possible, non-exclusive mechanisms that potentially also could explain sexual differential apparent survival act via differential breeding dispersal, hyperthermia, weather-dependent food availability, and weather-dependent trade-off between reproduction and self-maintenance. These results improve our current understanding of the mechanisms driving population dynamics in high-elevation specialist birds, which are particularly at risk due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Scridel
- Museo delle Scienze di Trento (MUSE), Sezione Zoologia dei Vertebrati, Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, 38122, Trento, Italy
- Ente Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino, loc. Castelpietra, 2-Tonadico, Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Brambilla
- Museo delle Scienze di Trento (MUSE), Sezione Zoologia dei Vertebrati, Corso del Lavoro e della Scienza 3, 38122, Trento, Italy
- Fondazione Lombardia per l'Ambiente, Largo 10 luglio 1976 1, I-20822, Seveso, MB, Italy
| | - Christian Schano
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, CH, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Blood oxygen-carrying capacity is one of the important determinants of the amount of oxygen supplied to the tissue per unit time and plays a key role in oxidative metabolism. In wild vertebrates, blood oxygen-carrying capacity is most commonly measured with the total blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct), which is the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood. Here, I used published estimates of avian Hb and Hct (nearly 1,000 estimates from 300 species) to examine macroevolutionary patterns in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood in birds. Phylogenetically informed comparative analysis indicated that blood oxygen-carrying capacity was primarily determined by species distribution (latitude and elevation) and morphological constraints (body mass). I found little support for the effect of life-history components on blood oxygen-carrying capacity except for a positive association of Hct with clutch size. Hb was also positively associated with diving behavior, but I found no effect of migratoriness on either Hb or Hct. Fluctuating selection was identified as the major force shaping the evolution of blood oxygen-carrying capacity. The results offer novel insights into the evolution of Hb and Hct in birds, and they provide a general, phylogenetically robust support for some long-standing hypotheses in avian ecophysiology.
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15
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Schumm M, White AE, Supriya K, Price TD. Ecological Limits as the Driver of Bird Species Richness Patterns along the East Himalayan Elevational Gradient. Am Nat 2020; 195:802-817. [PMID: 32364787 DOI: 10.1086/707665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Variation in species richness across environmental gradients results from a combination of historical nonequilibrium processes (time, speciation, extinction) and present-day differences in environmental carrying capacities (i.e., ecological limits affected by species interactions and the abundance and diversity of resources). In a study of bird richness along the subtropical east Himalayan elevational gradient, we test the prediction that species richness patterns are consistent with ecological limits using data on morphology, phylogeny, elevational distribution, and arthropod resources. Species richness peaks at midelevations. Occupied morphological volume is roughly constant from low elevations to midelevations, implying that more species are packed into the same space at midelevations compared with low elevations. However, variance in beak length and differences in beak length between close relatives decline with elevation, which is a consequence of the addition of many small insectivores at midelevations. These patterns are predicted from resource distributions: arthropod size diversity declines from low elevations to midelevations, largely because many more small insects are present at midelevations. Weak correlations of species mean morphological traits with elevation also match predictions based on resources and habitats. Elevational transects in the tropical Andes, New Guinea, and Tanzania similarly show declines in mean arthropod size and mean beak length and, in these cases, likely contribute to declining numbers of insectivorous bird species richness along these gradients. The results imply that conditions for ecological limits are met, although historical nonequilibrium processes are likely to also contribute to the pattern of species richness.
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Parr N, Wilkes M, Hawkes LA. Natural Climbers: Insights from Avian Physiology at High Altitude. High Alt Med Biol 2019; 20:427-437. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2019.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Parr
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Wilkes
- Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Alice Hawkes
- Hatherly Laboratories, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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17
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Yap KN, Tsai OHI, Williams TD. Haematological traits co-vary with migratory status, altitude and energy expenditure: a phylogenetic, comparative analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6351. [PMID: 31011157 PMCID: PMC6476874 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42921-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic capacity is assumed to be a main predictor of workload ability and haematocrit (Hct) and haemoglobin (Hb) have been suggested as key determinants of aerobic performance. Intraspecific studies have reported increases in Hct and Hb in response to increased workload. Furthermore, Hct and Hb vary markedly among individuals and throughout the annual cycle in free-living birds and it has been suggested that this variation reflects adaptive modulation of these traits to meet seasonal changes in energy demands. We used a comparative dataset of haematological traits, measures of metabolic rate (57 species), and life-history traits (160 species) to test several hypotheses for adaptive variation in haematology in relation to migration and altitude. We then extended these general ideas to test relationships between Hct and basal metabolic rate, daily energy expenditure and activity energy expenditure, using the 57 species that we have metabolic rate information for. We found that at the interspecific level, full migrants have higher Hct and Hb than partial migrants and non-migrants, and that altitude is positively correlated with Hb but not Hct. Hct is positively associated with activity energy expenditure (energy spent specifically on costly activities), suggesting that haematological traits could be adaptively modulated based on life-history traits and that Hct is a potential physiological mediator of energetic constraint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Nian Yap
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Olivia Hsin-I Tsai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Yap KN, Dick MF, Guglielmo CG, Williams TD. Effects of experimental manipulation of hematocrit on avian flight performance in high- and low-altitude conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.191056. [PMID: 30266786 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.191056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite widely held assumptions that hematocrit (Hct) is a key determinant of aerobic capacity and exercise performance, this relationship has not often been tested rigorously in birds and results to date are mixed. Migration in birds involves high-intensity exercise for long durations at various altitudes. Therefore, it provides a good model system to examine the effect of Hct on flight performance and physiological responses of exercise at high altitude. We treated yellow-rumped warblers (Setophaga coronata) with avian erythropoietin (EPO) and anti-EPO to experimentally manipulate Hct and assessed flight performance at low and high altitudes using a hypobaric wind tunnel. We showed that anti-EPO-treated birds had lower Hct than vehicle- and EPO--treated birds post-treatment. Anti-EPO-treated birds also had marginally lower exercise performance at low altitude, committing a higher number of strikes (mistakes) in the first 30 min of flight. However, anti-EPO-treated birds performed significantly better at high altitude, attaining a higher altitude in a ramped altitude challenge to 3000 m equivalent altitude, and with a longer duration of flight at high altitude. Birds exercising at high altitude showed decreased Hct, increased glucose mobilization and decreased antioxidant capacity, regardless of treatment. In summary, we provide experimental evidence that the relationship between Hct and exercise performance is dependent on altitude. Future studies should investigate whether free-living birds adaptively modulate their Hct, potentially through a combination of erythropoiesis and plasma volume regulation (i.e. hemodilution), based on the altitude they fly at during migratory flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Nian Yap
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Morag F Dick
- Department of Biology, Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, 1393 Western Road, London, ON, N6G 1G9, Canada
| | - Christopher G Guglielmo
- Department of Biology, Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, 1393 Western Road, London, ON, N6G 1G9, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Ishtiaq F, Barve S. Do avian blood parasites influence hypoxia physiology in a high elevation environment? BMC Ecol 2018; 18:15. [PMID: 29754586 PMCID: PMC5950187 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0171-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Montane birds which engage in elevational movements have evolved to cope with fluctuations in environmental hypoxia, through changes in physiological parameters associated with blood oxygen-carrying capacity such as haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct). In particular, elevational migrants which winter at low elevations, encounter varying intensities of avian haemosporidian parasites as they traverse heterogeneous environments. Whilst high intensity parasite infections lead to anaemia, one can expect that the ability to cope with haemosporidian infections should be a key trait for elevational migrants that must be balanced against reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood in response to high elevation. In this study, we explored the links between environmental hypoxia, migration, and disease ecology by examining natural variation in infections status and intensity of avian haemoporidians across a suite of Himalayan birds with different migratory strategies while controlling for host phylogeny. Results We found predictably large variation in haemoglobin levels across the elevational gradient and this pattern was strongly influenced by season and whether birds are elevational migrants. The overall malaria infection intensity declined with elevation whereas Hb and Hct decreased with increase in parasite intensity, suggesting an important role of malaria parasites on hypoxia stressed birds in high elevation environments. Conclusions Our results provide a key insight into how physiological measures and sub-clinical infections might affect dynamics of high-elevation bird populations. We suggest a potential impact of avian elevational migration on disease dynamics and exposure to high intensity infections with disease spread in the face of climate change, which will exacerbate hypoxic stress and negative effects of chronic avian malaria infection on survival and reproductive success in wild birds. Future work on chronic parasite infections must consider parasite intensity, rather than relying on infection status alone. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12898-018-0171-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ishtiaq
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
| | - Sahas Barve
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
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Villegas M, Blake JG, Sieving KE, Loiselle BA. Vocal variation in Chiroxiphia boliviana (Aves; Pipridae) along an Andean elevational gradient. Evol Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-018-9934-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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McCormick LR, Levin LA. Physiological and ecological implications of ocean deoxygenation for vision in marine organisms. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2017; 375:rsta.2016.0322. [PMID: 28784712 PMCID: PMC5559417 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has induced ocean deoxygenation and exacerbated eutrophication-driven hypoxia in recent decades, affecting the physiology, behaviour and ecology of marine organisms. The high oxygen demand of visual tissues and the known inhibitory effects of hypoxia on human vision raise the questions if and how ocean deoxygenation alters vision in marine organisms. This is particularly important given the rapid loss of oxygen and strong vertical gradients in oxygen concentration in many areas of the ocean. This review evaluates the potential effects of low oxygen (hypoxia) on visual function in marine animals and their implications for marine biota under current and future ocean deoxygenation based on evidence from terrestrial and a few marine organisms. Evolutionary history shows radiation of eye designs during a period of increasing ocean oxygenation. Physiological effects of hypoxia on photoreceptor function and light sensitivity, in combination with morphological changes that may occur throughout ontogeny, have the potential to alter visual behaviour and, subsequently, the ecology of marine organisms, particularly for fish, cephalopods and arthropods with 'fast' vision. Visual responses to hypoxia, including greater light requirements, offer an alternative hypothesis for observed habitat compression and shoaling vertical distributions in visual marine species subject to ocean deoxygenation, which merits further investigation.This article is part of the themed issue 'Ocean ventilation and deoxygenation in a warming world'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian R McCormick
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA 92093-0218, USA
| | - Lisa A Levin
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA 92093-0218, USA
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA 92093-0218, USA
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