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Jarman AK, Shaw ME, Liu SY, Grueber CE. An insight into vitamin E and lipid nutrition of the plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:213-223. [PMID: 38294092 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21815] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin E, as α-tocopherol, is an essential antioxidant protecting the body from free radicals. The vitamin E requirement of managed wildlife species is known to be greater than their wild counterparts, predominantly due to higher dietary lipid content and potentially stressful environments. The plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus, Family Pedionomidae [monotypical]) is a critically endangered, superficially quail-like bird that is the focus of an ongoing captive breeding programme in Australia. It is estimated that plains-wanderers have a high vitamin E requirement (compared with domestic poultry species) to offset a high lipid diet and their naturally flighty temperament. This study therefore aims to gain a greater understanding of the nutritional status and vitamin E requirements of plains-wanderers in managed environments. Total lipid and α-tocopherol intake were quantified for 26 zoo-managed plains-wanderers over a series of diet intake trials in addition to measurement of plasma α-tocopherol and cholesterol concentrations. Plains-wanderers that consumed higher portions of dietary fat had significantly lower circulating α-tocopherol concentrations than birds that consumed lower total dietary fat (p < .001). Additionally, plasma cholesterol concentrations of managed plains-wanderers were found to be significantly greater than all other bird species reviewed, irrespective of Family or feeding type. We also present the first published data quantifying the nutritional makeup of stomach contents of a wild plains-wanderer for use as a potential guide for diet formulation. This study forms a vital foundational insight into the nutritional management of plains-wanderers, but further research is required to understand their dietary habits and cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Jarman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Taronga Animal Nutrition Centre, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle E Shaw
- Taronga Animal Nutrition Centre, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sonia Y Liu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Poultry Research Foundation, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Zaguri M, Mogilevsky I, Raubenheimer D, Hawlena D. 'Dust you shall eat': The complex nutritional and functional considerations underlying a simple diet. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14414. [PMID: 38622965 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14414] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Animals assimilate macronutrients and mineral nutrients in specific quantities and ratios to maximise fitness. To achieve this, animals must ingest different foods that contain the needed nutrients or facilitate the digestion of those nutrients. We explored how these multidimensional considerations affect the desert isopods (Hemilepistus reaumuri) curious food selection, using field and laboratory experiments. Wild isopods consumed three-fold more macronutrient-poor biological soil crust (BSC) than plant litter. Isopods tightly regulated macronutrient and calcium intake, but not phosphorus when eating the two natural foods and when artificial calcium and phosphorus sources substituted the BSC. Despite the equivalent calcium ingestion, isopods performed better when eating BSC compared to artificial foods. Isopods that consumed BSC sterilised by gamma-radiation ate more but grew slower than isopods that ate live BSC, implying that ingested microorganisms facilitate litter digestion. Our work highlights the need to reveal the multifaceted considerations that affect food-selection when exploring trophic-interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Zaguri
- Department of Entomology, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization (Volcani Institute), Ramat Yishay, Israel
- Risk-Management Ecology Lab, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Irit Mogilevsky
- Risk-Management Ecology Lab, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dror Hawlena
- Risk-Management Ecology Lab, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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3
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Chang Y, Zhao C, Liu X, He L. Mapping multi-seasonal habitats of giant pandas to identify seasonal shifts. iScience 2024; 27:109115. [PMID: 38384834 PMCID: PMC10879713 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
As a flagship species of biodiversity conservation globally, the giant panda has seasonal migration to cope with seasonal changes in available resources. Here, we have mapped the spatial distribution of multi-seasonal habitats of the giant panda across the Baishuijiang reserve in China. Results show that the spatial patterns are different in different seasons, generally, large patches are observed in the western part, while staggered clusters occur in the middle and eastern parts. That is, suitable habitats for giant pandas are mostly distributed in the west part. More than 75% of the predicted suitable habitats are within the core zone of the reserve year-round, indicating the core zone essentially meet giant panda's ecological needs, although this range could potentially be expanded. This study provides valuable insights into the spatiotemporal migration patterns of endangered species and helps to guide conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, China
| | - Chuanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of Grassland Industry, Ministry of Education, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, China
| | - Xingming Liu
- Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve, Wenxian, Gansu 746400, China
| | - Liwen He
- Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve, Wenxian, Gansu 746400, China
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Ning R, Li C, Xia M, Zhang Y, Gan Y, Huang Y, Zhang T, Song H, Zhang S, Guo W. Pseudomonas-associated bacteria play a key role in obtaining nutrition from bamboo for the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0381923. [PMID: 38305171 PMCID: PMC10913395 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03819-23] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota plays a vital role in obtaining nutrition from bamboo for giant pandas. However, low cellulase activity has been observed in the panda's gut. Besides, no specific pathway has been implicated in lignin digestion by gut microbiota of pandas. Therefore, the mechanism by which they obtain nutrients is still controversial. It is necessary to elucidate the precise pathways employed by gut microbiota of pandas to degrade lignin. Here, the metabolic pathways for lignin degradation in pandas were explored by comparing 209 metagenomic sequencing data from wild species with different feeding habits. Lignin degradation central pathways, including beta-ketoadipate and homogentisate pathway, were enriched in the gut of wild bamboo-eating pandas. The gut microbiome of wild bamboo-eating specialists was enriched with genes from pathways implicated in degrading ferulate and p-coumarate into acetyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA, which can potentially provide the raw materials for metabolism in pandas. Specifically, Pseudomonas, as the most dominant gut bacteria genus, was found to be the main bacteria to provide genes involved in lignin or lignin derivative degradation. Herein, three Pseudomonas-associated strains isolated from the feces of wild pandas showed the laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase activity and extracellular lignin degradation ability in vitro. A potential mechanism for pandas to obtain nutrition from bamboo was proposed based on the results. This study provides novel insights into the adaptive evolution of pandas from the perspective of lignin metabolism. IMPORTANCE Although giant pandas only feed on bamboo, the mechanism of lignin digestion in pandas is unclear. Here, the metabolic pathways for lignin degradation in wild pandas were explored by comparing gut metagenomic from species with different feeding habits. Results showed that lignin degradation central pathways, including beta-ketoadipate and homogentisate pathway, were enriched in the gut of wild bamboo-eating pandas. Genes from pathways involved in degrading ferulate and p-coumarate via beta-ketoadipate pathway were also enriched in bamboo-eating pandas. The final products of the above process, such as acetyl-CoA, can potentially provide the raw materials for metabolism in pandas. Specifically, Pseudomonas, as the most dominant gut bacteria genus, mainly provides genes involved in lignin degradation. Herein, Pseudomonas-associated strains isolated from the feces of pandas could degrade extracellular lignin. These findings suggest that gut microbiome of pandas is crucial in obtaining nutrition from lignin via Pseudomonas, as the main lignin-degrading bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Ning
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Caiwu Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Chengdu, China
| | - Maohua Xia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technology, Beijing Zoo, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunong Gan
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Chengdu, China
| | - Tianyou Zhang
- Chimelong Safari Park in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Song
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Chengdu, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Sichuan Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Prevention and Control Technology of Veterinary Drug Residue in Animal-origin Food, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Hu Y, Hu Y, Zhou W, Wei F. Conservation Genomics and Metagenomics of Giant and Red Pandas in the Wild. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:69-89. [PMID: 37863091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-054730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Giant pandas and red pandas are endangered species with similar specialized bamboo diet and partial sympatric distribution in China. Over the last two decades, the rapid development of genomics and metagenomics research on these species has enriched our knowledge of their biology, ecology, physiology, genetics, and evolution, which is crucial and useful for their conservation. We describe the evolutionary history, endangerment processes, genetic diversity, and population structure of wild giant pandas and two species of red pandas (Chinese and Himalayan red pandas). In addition, we explore how genomics and metagenomics studies have provided insight into the convergent adaptation of pandas to the specialized bamboo diet. Finally, we discuss how these findings are applied to effective conservation management of giant and red pandas in the wild and in captivity to promote the long-term persistence of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisi Hu
- College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China;
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenliang Zhou
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China;
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Reid REB, Crowley BE, Haupt RJ. The prospects of poop: a review of past achievements and future possibilities in faecal isotope analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:2091-2113. [PMID: 37438959 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
What can the stable isotope values of human and animal faeces tell us? This often under-appreciated waste product is gaining recognition across a variety of disciplines. Faecal isotopes provide a means of monitoring diet, resource partitioning, landscape use, tracking nutrient inputs and cycling, and reconstructing past climate and environment. Here, we review what faeces are composed of, their temporal resolution, and how these factors may be impacted by digestive physiology and efficiency. As faeces are often used to explore diet, we clarify how isotopic offsets between diet and faeces can be calculated, as well as some differences among commonly used calculations that can lead to confusion. Generally, faecal carbon isotope (δ13 C) values are lower than those of the diet, while faecal nitrogen isotope values (δ15 N) values are higher than in the diet. However, there is considerable variability both within and among species. We explore the role of study design and how limitations stemming from a variety of factors can affect both the reliability and interpretability of faecal isotope data sets. Finally, we summarise the various ways in which faecal isotopes have been applied to date and provide some suggestions for future research. Despite remaining challenges, faecal isotope data are poised to continue to contribute meaningfully to a variety of fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E B Reid
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 4044 Derring Hall, 926 West Campus Dr, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Brooke Erin Crowley
- Department of Geosciences, University of Cincinnati, 500 Geology Physics Building, 345 Clifton Court, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0013, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Cincinnati, 481 Braunstein Hall, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0380, USA
| | - Ryan J Haupt
- National Youth Science Foundation, PO Box 3387, Charleston, WV, 25333-3387, USA
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Li J, Li D, Dong W. Coexistence patterns of sympatric giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Changqing National Nature Reserve, China. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1029447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar species may co-occur in sympatry because of the partitioning of habitat use and resources at different spatial and temporal scales. Understanding coexistence patterns of species may contribute to further uncovering the underlying coexistence mechanisms, and ultimately benefit the conservation of threatened species. In this study, camera trapping was used to investigate spatial and temporal activity patterns of sympatric giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Changqing National Nature Reserve in Qinling Mountains, China. Our study obtained 281 independent detections of giant pandas and 185 of Asiatic black bears during 93,606 camera-trap days from April 2014 to October 2017. We performed occupancy modeling and temporal overlap analyses to examine the spatial-temporal relationships between pandas and bears, and results showed that: (1) giant pandas had higher detection probabilities than Asiatic black bears, while having lower occupancy probabilities; (2) Elevation positively predicted giant panda and negatively predicted Asiatic black bear occupancy, understory vegetation type negatively predicted giant panda occupancy, and distance to nearest settlement positively predicted Asiatic black bear occupancy; (3) giant pandas were more active in spring and winter, while Asiatic black bears were more active in summer, and the two species had low spatial overlap with one another throughout the year; (4) both giant pandas and Asiatic black bears showed mainly diurnal activity patterns, and had high temporal overlap with one another in spring and moderate temporal overlap with one another in autumn. Our results provide detailed information of the spatial and temporal ecology of sympatric giant pandas and Asiatic black bears in the Qinling Mountains of China, which could act as a guide to construct conservation priorities as well as design efficient management programs.
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Zhou W, Wang M, Ma Y, Wang L, Hu Y, Wei F, Nie Y. Community structure of the solitary giant pandas is maintained by indirect social connections. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:53. [PMID: 36457062 PMCID: PMC9716724 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indirect interactions between individual solitary mammals, such as the giant panda, are often overlooked because of their nature, yet are important for maintaining the necessary sociality in solitary species. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we determined the genetic identity of all giant panda individuals in a local population and matched these identities with their associations to determine social network of this solitary animal. Total thirty-five giant panda individuals were found in our field survey, and we constructed genetic and social networks for thirty-three individuals who successfully obtained genetic, age and sex information. The results showed that sex had great impact on both social network and genetic network, and age may have the potential to influence the social network of the giant pandas. Adult males, mostly in the central of the social network, which appeared significantly larger network connections than adult females. Due to the female-biased dispersal pattern of wild giant pandas, male-male pairs showed higher relatedness than female-female ones and multi-generational patrilinear assemblages are expected in the study area. CONCLUSIONS The relatedness of individuals has an influence on the formation of community social structure of giant pandas, and indirect interactions among solitary giant pandas potentially function to reduce competition for resources and inbreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Le Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
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Wu Y, Liu J, Yang Y, Tu S, Liu Z, Wang Y, Peng C, Liu G, Jin Y. Special architecture and anti-wear strategies for giant panda tooth enamel: Based on wear simulation findings. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:985733. [PMID: 36187810 PMCID: PMC9516319 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.985733] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Giant pandas are the flagship species in world conservation. Due to bamboo being the primary food source for giant pandas, dental wear is common owing to the extreme toughness of the bamboo fiber. Even though research on tooth enamel wear in humans and domestic animals is well-established, research on tooth enamel wear in giant pandas is scarce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tooth enamel wear resistance in giant pandas to provide a basis for a better understanding of their evolutionary process. From microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, the abrasion resistance of dental enamel in giant pandas is compared with that of herbivorous cattle and carnivorous dogs in this study. This involves the use of micro-scratch and frictional wear tests. The results show that the boundary between the enamel prism and the enamel prism stroma is well-defined in panda and canine teeth, while bovine tooth enamel appears denser. Under constant load, the tribological properties of giant panda enamel are similar to those of canines and significantly different from those of bovines. Test results show that the depth of micro scratches in giant panda and canine enamel was greater than in cattle, with greater elastic recovery occurring in dogs. Scratch morphology indicates that the enamel substantive damage critical value is greater in pandas than in both dogs and cattle. The analysis suggests that giant panda enamel consists of a neatly arranged special structure that may disperse extrusion stress and absorb impact energy through a series of inelastic deformation mechanisms to cope with the wear caused by eating bamboo. In this study, the excellent wear resistance of giant panda's tooth enamel is verified by wear tests. A possible theoretical explanation of how the special structure of giant panda tooth enamel may improve its wear resistance is provided. This provides a direction for subsequent theoretical and experimental studies on giant panda tooth enamel and its biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanheng Wu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxing Liu
- Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence, Nonhuman Primate Research Center Tsingua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Yang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaotong Tu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zichen Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingyun Wang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Peng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Liu
| | - Yipeng Jin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Yipeng Jin
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10
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Chen Y, Wang X, Zheng X, Gong Y, Chen M, Qiu L, Zhou H, Wei W, Han H. Space use and microhabitat selection of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve, China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a special rare and endangered species in China and is the flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. This study used different methods including Kernel density, statistical analysis, and logistic regression analysis to investigated the spatial distribution, migration in different seasons and different distribution areas, as well as the foraging patch selection strategies of wild giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve in the Liangshan Mountains. The results demonstrated that, in the study area, giant pandas were mainly distributed in the Wahei-Yizi Yakou Habitat Corridor with an activity area of 144.93 km2, which accounted for 28.59% of the whole reserve. The core distribution area of the species was 92.07 km2 and the population density was 0.24 pcs km–2. There were two significant seasonal domains for the activities of giant pandas: the low-altitude winter habitat of Yushania maculata Yi and Yushania ailuropodina Yi bamboo species, as well as the high-altitude summer habitat of Bashania fangiana species. With seasonal changes, giant pandas migrated among different bamboo distribution regions. Giant pandas were mainly distributed in high-altitude areas that had secondary forest, tall trees with a large diameter at breast height (DBH) and bamboo forest. The spatial distribution pattern and microhabitat selection of giant pandas in Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve were determined. The findings of this study provide scientific implications for the local conservation and management of the habitat of wild giant pandas.
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11
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Zhuang Y, Xu Y, Yang M, Zhao H, Ye X. Impacts of Japanese Larch Invasion on Soil Bacterial Communities of the Giant Panda Habitat in the Qinling Mountains. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091807. [PMID: 36144409 PMCID: PMC9500889 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091807] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi), a non-native tree species, has been widely planted in the Qinling Mountains since the last century, but it does not meet the habitat needs of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), mainly because of food, further causing habitat degradation and fragmentation. However, how soil microorganisms, considered as predictors of the soil environment, respond to Japanese larch remains poorly explored, especially compared with native forests. Here, we collected 40 soil samples from plantation, bamboo, and natural (excluding bamboo) forests in the Changqing Nature Reserve and Foping Nature Reserve in Qinling to compare soil bacterial community composition and diversity using high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The soil chemical properties and bacterial communities differed noticeably under forest-type classification patterns. The soil of the Japanese larch planted forests underwent substantial degradation, with higher acidity, lower alpha diversity, and more significant enrichment in the oligotrophic bacteria Acidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, in contrast to the other two primary forests with elevated soil nutrient levels. The application of PICRUSt2 indicated the down-regulation of amino acid-related metabolism in planted forests. Moreover, pH was the primary factor determining the whole bacterial community structures. To avoid the uncertainty of a single sampling region, we chose different sampling sites that could be considered as geographical factors, possibly due to environmental heterogeneity or dispersal limitations, which also explained the specific community patterns of microorganisms. Overall, this paper may help provide a scientific basis for future revegetation in giant panda habitats, highlighting the urgent need for ecological restoration and sustainable forestry management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zhuang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yadong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Meiling Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Huiru Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Xinping Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- Changqing Field Station for Ecological Research & Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-029-8531-0266
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12
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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Mode Cloning (NIR-MC) for In-Situ Analysis of Crude Protein in Bamboo. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14061302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study develops Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Mode-Cloning (MC) for the rapid assessment of the nutritional quality of bamboo leaves, the primary diet of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens). To test the NIR-MC approach, we evaluated three species of bamboo (Phyllostachys bissetii, Phyllostachys rubromarginata, Phyllostachys aureosulcata). Mode-Cloning incorporated a Slope and Bias Correction (SBC) transform to crude protein prediction models built with NIR spectra taken from Fine–Ground leaves (master mode). The modified models were then applied to spectra from leaves in the satellite minimal processing modes (Course–Ground, Dry–Whole, and Fresh–Whole). The NIR-MC using the SBC yielded a residual prediction deviation (RPD) = 2.73 and 1.84 for Course–Ground and Dry–Whole sample modes, respectively, indicating a good quantitative prediction of crude protein for minimally processed samples that could be easily acquired under field conditions using a portable drier and grinder. The NIR-MC approach also improved the model of crude protein for spectra collected from Fresh–Whole bamboo leaves in the field. Thus, NIR-MC has the potential to provide a real-time prediction of the macronutrient distribution in bamboo in situ, which affects the foraging behavior and dispersion of giant and red pandas in their natural habitats.
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13
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Huang G, Wang L, Li J, Hou R, Wang M, Wang Z, Qu Q, Zhou W, Nie Y, Hu Y, Ma Y, Yan L, Wei H, Wei F. Seasonal shift of the gut microbiome synchronizes host peripheral circadian rhythm for physiological adaptation to a low-fat diet in the giant panda. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110203. [PMID: 35045306 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Characteristics of the gut microbiome vary synchronously with changes in host diet. However, the underlying effects of these fluctuations remain unclear. Here, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) of diet-specific feces from an endangered mammal (the giant panda) into a germ-free mouse model. We demonstrated that the butyrate-producing bacterium Clostridium butyricum was more abundant during shoot-eating season than during the leaf-eating season, congruent with the significant increase in host body mass. Following season-specific FMT, the microbiota of the mouse model resembled that of the donor, and mice transplanted with the microbiota from the shoot-eating season grew faster and stored more fat. Mechanistic investigations revealed that butyrate extended the upregulation of hepatic circadian gene Per2, subsequently increasing phospholipid biosynthesis. Validation experiments further confirmed this causal relationship. This study demonstrated that seasonal shifts in the gut microbiome affect growth performance, facilitating a deeper understanding of host-microbe interactions in wild mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangping Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Le Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jian Li
- Institute of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Meng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhilin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qingyue Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wenliang Zhou
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yingjie Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Li Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Fuwen Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
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14
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Furness JB. Comparative and Evolutionary Aspects of the Digestive System and Its Enteric Nervous System Control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1383:165-177. [PMID: 36587156 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-05843-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
All life forms must gain nutrients from the environment and from single cell organisms to mammals a digestive system is present. Components of the digestive system that are recognized in mammals can be seen in the sea squirt that has had its current form for around 500my. Nevertheless, in mammals, the organ system that is most varied is the digestive system, its architecture being related to the dietary niche of each species. Forms include those of foregut or hindgut fermenters, single or multicompartment stomachs and short or capacious large intestines. Dietary niches include nectarivores, folivores, carnivores, etc. The human is exceptional in that, through food preparation (>80% of human consumption is prepared food in modern societies), humans can utilize a wider range of foods than other species. They are cucinivores, food preparers. In direct descendants of simple organisms, such as sponges, there is no ENS, but as the digestive tract becomes more complex, it requires integrated control of the movement and assimilation of its content. This is achieved by the nervous system, notably the enteric nervous system (ENS) and an array of gut hormones. An ENS is first observed in the phylum cnidaria, exemplified by hydra. But hydra has no collections of neurons that could in any way be regarded as a central nervous system. All animals more complex than hydra have an ENS, but not all have a CNS. In mammals, the ENS is extensive and is necessary for control of movement, enteric secretions and local blood flow, and regulation of the gut immune system. In animals with a CNS, the ENS and CNS have reciprocal connections. From hydra to human, an ENS is essential to life.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Furness
- Digestive Physiology and Nutrition Laboratories, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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15
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Hu Y, Bernatchez L. Fuwen Wei-Recipient of the 2021 Molecular Ecology Prize. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:31-36. [PMID: 34962012 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Louis Bernatchez
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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16
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A fat chance of survival: Body condition provides life-history dependent buffering of environmental change in a wild mammal population. CLIMATE CHANGE ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecochg.2021.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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17
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Cui Z, Holmes AJ, Zhang W, Hu D, Shao Q, Wang Z, Lu J, Raubenheimer D. Seasonal diet and microbiome shifts in wild rhesus macaques are better correlated at the level of nutrient components than food items. Integr Zool 2021; 17:1147-1161. [PMID: 34767280 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Food supply is one of the major drivers of animal behavior, and the gut microbiome is an important mediator between food supply and its effects on physiology. However, predicting the outcome of diet change on microbiome and consequences for the animal has proven extremely challenging. We propose this reflects processes occurring at different scales. Inadequate accounting for the multi-level complexity of nutrition (nutrients, foods, diets) obscures the diet influence on microbiome and subsequently animal. Here, we present a detailed year-round, multi-level analysis of diet and microbiome changes in a wild population of a temperate primate, the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Total daily food and nutrient intake of 6 male and 6 female macaques was monitored in each of the 4 seasons (total 120 days observations). For each individual, we found significant variation in the microbiome between all 4 seasons. This response was more strongly correlated with changes in macronutrient intake than with food items and much of the response could be explained at the level of 6 ecological guilds-sets of taxa sharing similar responses to nutrient intake. We conclude that study of diet, microbiome, and animal performance in ecology will more effectively identify patterns if diet is recorded at the level of nutrient intake. Although microbiome response to diet does show variation in species-level taxa in response to food items, there is greater commonality in response at the level of guilds. A goal for microbiome researchers should be to identify genes encoding microbial attributes that can define such guilds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Cui
- Centre for Nutritional Ecology, Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Andrew J Holmes
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dalong Hu
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qi Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiqi Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Centre for Nutritional Ecology, Centre for Sport Nutrition and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Balluffi-Fry J, Leroux SJ, Wiersma YF, Richmond IC, Heckford TR, Rizzuto M, Kennah JL, Vander Wal E. Integrating plant stoichiometry and feeding experiments: state-dependent forage choice and its implications on body mass. Oecologia 2021; 198:579-591. [PMID: 34743229 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-05069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Intraspecific feeding choices comprise a large portion of herbivore foraging decisions. Plant resource quality is heterogeneously distributed, affected by nutrient availability and growing conditions. Herbivores navigate landscapes, foraging not only according to food qualities, but also energetic and nutritional demands. We test three non-exclusive foraging hypotheses using the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus): (1) herbivore feeding choices and body conditions respond to intraspecific plant quality variation; (2) high energetic demands mitigate feeding responses; and (3) feeding responses are inflated when nutritional demands are high. We measured black spruce (Picea mariana) nitrogen, phosphorus and terpene compositions, as indicators of quality, within a snowshoe hare trapping grid and found plant growing conditions to explain spruce quality variation (R2 < 0.36). We then offered two qualities of spruce (H1) from the trapping grid to hares in cafeteria-style experiments and measured their feeding and body condition responses (n = 75). We proxied energetic demands (H2) with ambient temperature and coat insulation (% white coat) and nutritional demands (H3) with the spruce quality (nitrogen and phosphorus content) in home ranges. Hares with the strongest preference for high-quality spruce lost on average 2.2% less weight than hares who ate the least high-quality spruce relative to low-quality spruce. The results supported our energetic predictions as follows: hares in colder temperatures and with less-insulative coats (lower % white) consumed more spruce and were less selective towards high-quality spruce. Collectively, we found variation in plant growing conditions within herbivore home ranges substantial enough to affect herbivore body conditions, but energetic stats mediate plant-herbivore interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Balluffi-Fry
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Shawn J Leroux
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Yolanda F Wiersma
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Isabella C Richmond
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Travis R Heckford
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Matteo Rizzuto
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Joanie L Kennah
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Eric Vander Wal
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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19
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Magnus G, Dutton C, Mastromonaco G, Gartley C, MacDonald S, Franke M. Luteal phase length, endometrial edema, and behavior differentiate post-ovulatory events in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Zoo Biol 2021; 41:130-142. [PMID: 34672395 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21655] [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: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of reproductive research on the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), the post-ovulatory phase continues to confound zoologists in conservation and breeding centers around the world, often resulting in significant investments of time and resources without reproductive success. The purpose of this project was to document and compare post-ovulatory characteristics during a non-productive and productive breeding in the same individual in consecutive years. A multidisciplinary approach was used to monitor the visiting female giant panda at the Toronto Zoo through the luteal phase of her first two full reproductive cycles in 2014 and 2015. Monitoring occurred via urine-endocrine analysis, weekly ultrasound examinations, and continuous behavioral observations. The 2014 reproductive cycle consisted of a pseudopregnancy, characterized by an extended luteal phase (241 days), the identification of endometrial edema and folding during ultrasound examinations, and a lack of strong association between behavior patterns and urinary progestagen secretion. The 2015 reproductive cycle included increased feeding time through the primary progestagen rise compared to the previous year, followed by simultaneous decrease in appetite and increases in inactivity, resting, sitting upright, and pre-partum-associated behaviors. These changes began 25 days before the birth of twins on Day 153 post-ovulation. Both fetuses were detected via ultrasound 15 days pre-partum. These results suggest that an absence of pre-partum behaviors, ultrasound evidence of endometrial edema without a fetus, and an extended luteal phase may be indicative of pseudopregnancy in giant pandas. Simultaneous monitoring of morphology, behavior, and urinary-endocrine profiles showed clear differences between successful and unsuccessful reproductive years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Magnus
- Department of Wildlife and Science, Toronto Zoo, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Cathy Gartley
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Maria Franke
- Department of Wildlife and Science, Toronto Zoo, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Wang L, Huang G, Hou R, Qi D, Wu Q, Nie Y, Zuo Z, Ma R, Zhou W, Ma Y, Hu Y, Yang Z, Yan L, Wei F. Multi-omics reveals the positive leverage of plant secondary metabolites on the gut microbiota in a non-model mammal. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:192. [PMID: 34548111 PMCID: PMC8456708 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flavonoids are important plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) that have been widely used for their health-promoting effects. However, little is known about overall flavonoid metabolism and the interactive effects between flavonoids and the gut microbiota. The flavonoid-rich bamboo and the giant panda provide an ideal system to bridge this gap. RESULTS Here, integrating metabolomic and metagenomic approaches, and in vitro culture experiment, we identified 97 flavonoids in bamboo and most of them have not been identified previously; the utilization of more than 70% flavonoid monomers was attributed to gut microbiota; the variation of flavonoid in bamboo leaves and shoots shaped the seasonal microbial fluctuation. The greater the flavonoid content in the diet was, the lower microbial diversity and virulence factor, but the more cellulose-degrading species. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows an unprecedented landscape of beneficial PSMs in a non-model mammal and reveals that PSMs remodel the gut microbiota conferring host adaptation to diet transition in an ecological context, providing a novel insight into host-microbe interaction. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guangping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zuo
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), 511458, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Wenliang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Li Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), 511458, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Twining CW, Parmar TP, Mathieu-Resuge M, Kainz MJ, Shipley JR, Martin-Creuzburg D. Use of Fatty Acids From Aquatic Prey Varies With Foraging Strategy. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.735350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Across ecosystems, resources vary in their nutritional composition and thus their dietary value to consumers. Animals can either access organic compounds, such as fatty acids, directly from diet or through internal biosynthesis, and the extent to which they use these two alternatives likely varies based on the availability of such compounds across the nutritional landscape. Cross-ecosystem subsidies of important dietary nutrients, like omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), may provide consumers with the opportunity to relax the demands of synthesis and rely upon dietary flexibility rather than internal metabolic processes. Here, we examined how dietary flexibility and distance from a lake influenced the degree to which generalist insectivores relied upon dietary n-3 LC-PUFA from emergent aquatic insects versus n-3 LC-PUFA synthesized from precursor compounds found in terrestrial insects. We used bulk and compound-specific stable isotope analyses to understand spider and insectivorous bird (Blue Tit; Cyanistes caeruleus) reliance on aquatic and terrestrial resources, including dietary PUFA sources, along a riparian to upland gradient from a lake. We simultaneously investigated n-3 LC-PUFA synthesis ability in nestlings using 13C fatty acid labeling. We found that riparian spiders took advantage of emergent aquatic insect subsidies, deriving their overall diet and their n-3 PUFA from aquatic resources whereas nestling birds at all distances and upland spiders relied upon terrestrial resources, including PUFA. Our 13C labeling experiment demonstrated that nestling tits were able to synthesize the n-3 LC-PUFA docosahexaenoic acid from the dietary precursor α-linolenic acid, suggesting that they are not limited by aquatic resources to satisfy their LC-PUFA requirements. Overall, this study suggests that habitat generalist insectivores vary in the degree to which they can shift diet to take advantage of high-quality aquatic resources depending upon both their foraging flexibility and internal synthesis capacity.
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22
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Frauendorf M, Allen AM, Verhulst S, Jongejans E, Ens BJ, van der Kolk HJ, de Kroon H, Nienhuis J, van de Pol M. Conceptualizing and quantifying body condition using structural equation modelling: A user guide. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2478-2496. [PMID: 34437709 PMCID: PMC9291099 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Body condition is an important concept in behaviour, evolution and conservation, commonly used as a proxy of an individual's performance, for example in the assessment of environmental impacts. Although body condition potentially encompasses a wide range of health state dimensions (nutritional, immune or hormonal status), in practice most studies operationalize body condition using a single (univariate) measure, such as fat storage. One reason for excluding additional axes of variation may be that multivariate descriptors of body condition impose statistical and analytical challenges. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used in many fields to study questions relating multidimensional concepts, and we here explain how SEM is a useful analytical tool to describe the multivariate nature of body condition. In this 'Research Methods Guide' paper, we show how SEM can be used to resolve different challenges in analysing the multivariate nature of body condition, such as (a) variable reduction and conceptualization, (b) specifying the relationship of condition to performance metrics, (c) comparing competing causal hypothesis and (d) including many pathways in a single model to avoid stepwise modelling approaches. We illustrated the use of SEM on a real-world case study and provided R-code of worked examples as a learning tool. We compared the predictive power of SEM with conventional statistical approaches that integrate multiple variables into one condition variable: multiple regression and principal component analyses. We show that model performance on our dataset is higher when using SEM and led to more accurate and precise estimates compared to conventional approaches. We encourage researchers to consider SEM as a flexible framework to describe the multivariate nature of body condition and thus understand how it affects biological processes, thereby improving the value of body condition proxies for predicting organismal performance. Finally, we highlight that it can be useful for other multidimensional ecological concepts as well, such as immunocompetence, oxidative stress and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Frauendorf
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew M Allen
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology & Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eelke Jongejans
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology & Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno J Ens
- Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Sovon-Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan van der Kolk
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans de Kroon
- Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology & Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Nienhuis
- Sovon-Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn van de Pol
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Centre for Avian Population Studies, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Crumière AJJ, James A, Lannes P, Mallett S, Michelsen A, Rinnan R, Shik JZ. The multidimensional nutritional niche of fungus-cultivar provisioning in free-ranging colonies of a neotropical leafcutter ant. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:2439-2451. [PMID: 34418263 PMCID: PMC9292433 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Foraging trails of leafcutter colonies are iconic scenes in the Neotropics, with ants collecting freshly cut plant fragments to provision a fungal food crop. We hypothesised that the fungus‐cultivar's requirements for macronutrients and minerals govern the foraging niche breadth of Atta colombica leafcutter ants. Analyses of plant fragments carried by foragers showed how nutrients from fruits, flowers and leaves combine to maximise cultivar performance. While the most commonly foraged leaves delivered excess protein relative to the cultivar's needs, in vitro experiments showed that the minerals P, Al and Fe may expand the leafcutter foraging niche by enhancing the cultivar's tolerance to protein‐biased substrates. A suite of other minerals reduces cultivar performance in ways that may render plant fragments with optimal macronutrient blends unsuitable for provisioning. Our approach highlights how the nutritional challenges of provisioning a mutualist can govern the multidimensional realised niche available to a generalist insect herbivore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonin J J Crumière
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aidan James
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pol Lannes
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophie Mallett
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Michelsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Riikka Rinnan
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Z Shik
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon, Panama
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24
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De Cuyper A, Winkler DE, Tütken T, Bosch G, Hummel J, Kreuzer M, Muñoz Saravia A, Janssens GPJ, Clauss M. Digestion of bamboo compared to grass and lucerne in a small hindgut fermenting herbivore, the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 337:128-140. [PMID: 34411456 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bamboo is an enigmatic forage, representing a niche food for pandas and bamboo lemurs. Bamboo might not represent a suitable forage for herbivores relying on fermentative digestion, potentially due to its low fermentability. To test this hypothesis, guinea pigs (n = 36) were used as model species and fed ad libitum with one of three forages (bamboo, lucerne, or timothy grass) in a fresh or dried state, with six individuals per group, for 3 weeks. The nutrient composition and in vitro fermentation profile of bamboo displayed low fermentation potential, i.e. high lignin and silica levels together with a gas production (Hohenheim gas test) at 12 h of only 36% of that of lucerne and grass. Although silica levels were more abundant in the leftovers of (almost) all groups, guinea pigs did not select against lignin on bamboo. Dry matter (DM) intake was highest and DM digestibility lowest on the bamboo forage. Total short-chain fatty acid levels in caecal content were highest for lucerne and lowest for grass and bamboo. Bamboo-fed guinea pigs had a lower body weight gain than the grass and lucerne group. The forage hydration state did not substantially affect digestion, but dry forage led to a numerically higher total wet gut fill. Although guinea pigs increased DM intake on the bamboo diet, the negative effects on fermentation of lignin and silica in bamboo seemed overriding. For herbivores that did not evolutionary adapt, bamboo as an exclusive food resource can be considered as inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies De Cuyper
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Daniela E Winkler
- Applied and Analytical Palaeontology, Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Natural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of 12 Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Thomas Tütken
- Applied and Analytical Palaeontology, Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Guido Bosch
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Hummel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Kreuzer
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arturo Muñoz Saravia
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert P J Janssens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marcus Clauss
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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25
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Rizzuto M, Leroux SJ, Vander Wal E, Richmond IC, Heckford TR, Balluffi-Fry J, Wiersma YF. Forage stoichiometry predicts the home range size of a small terrestrial herbivore. Oecologia 2021; 197:327-338. [PMID: 34131817 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04965-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Home range size of consumers varies with food quality, but the many ways of defining food quality hamper comparisons across studies. Ecological stoichiometry studies the elemental balance of ecological processes and offers a uniquely quantitative, transferrable way to assess food quality using elemental ratios, e.g., carbon (C):nitrogen (N). Here, we test whether snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) vary their home range size in response to spatial patterns of C:N, C:phosphorus (P), and N:P ratios of two preferred boreal forage species, lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and red maple (Acer rubrum), in summer months. Boreal forests are N- and P-limited ecosystems and access to N- and P-rich forage is paramount to snowshoe hares' survival. Accordingly, we consider forage with higher C content relative to N and P to be lower quality than forage with lower relative C content. We combine elemental distribution models with summer home range size estimates to test the hypothesis that home range size will be smaller in areas with access to high, homogeneous food quality compared to areas of low, heterogeneous food quality. Our results show snowshoe hares had smaller home ranges in areas where lowbush blueberry foliage quality was higher or more spatially homogenous than in areas of lower, more heterogeneous food quality. By responding to spatial patterns of food quality, consumers may influence community and ecosystem processes by, for example, varying nutrient recycling rates. Our reductionist biogeochemical approach to viewing resources leads us to holistic insights into consumer spatial ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rizzuto
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
| | - Shawn J Leroux
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Eric Vander Wal
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Isabella C Richmond
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Travis R Heckford
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | | | - Yolanda F Wiersma
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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26
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Takahashi MQ, Rothman JM, Raubenheimer D, Cords M. Daily protein prioritization and long-term nutrient balancing in a dietary generalist, the blue monkey. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animals make dietary choices to achieve adequate nutrient intake; however, it is challenging to study such nutritional strategies in wild populations. We explored the nutritional strategy of a generalist social primate, the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis). We hypothesized that females balance intake of nutrients, specifically non-protein energy and protein, both on a daily and long-term basis. When balancing was not possible, we expected subjects to prioritize constant protein intake, allowing non-protein energy to vary more. To understand the ecology of nutrient balancing, we examined how habitat use, food availability, diet composition, social dominance rank, and reproductive demand influenced nutrient intake. Over 9 months, we conducted 371 all-day focal follows on 24 subjects in Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Females exhibited short- and long-term nutritional strategies. Daily, they balanced non-protein energy to protein intake but when balancing was impossible, monkeys prioritized protein intake. Longer term, they balanced non-protein energy:protein intake in a 3.8:1 ratio. The ratio related positively to fruit in the diet and negatively to time in near-natural forest, but we found no evidence that it related to food availability, reproductive demand, or dominance rank. Lower-ranked females had broader daily diets, however, which may reflect behavioral feeding strategies to cope with social constraints. Overall, females prioritized daily protein, allowing less variation in protein intake than other aspects such as non-protein energy:protein ratio and non-protein energy intake. The emerging pattern in primates suggests that diverse dietary strategies evolved to allow adherence to a nutrient balance of non-protein energy:protein despite various social and environmental constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maressa Q Takahashi
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica M Rothman
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- PhD Program in Anthropology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Johns Hopkins Drive, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marina Cords
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Lawton D, Le Gall M, Waters C, Cease AJ. Mismatched diets: defining the nutritional landscape of grasshopper communities in a variable environment. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Lawton
- School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona85281USA
| | - Marion Le Gall
- School of Sustainability Arizona State University Tempe Arizona85281USA
| | - Cathy Waters
- School of Sustainability Arizona State University Tempe Arizona85281USA
- NSW Department of Primary Industries Dubbo New South Wales2000Australia
| | - Arianne J. Cease
- School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe Arizona85281USA
- School of Sustainability Arizona State University Tempe Arizona85281USA
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28
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Fowler NL, Spady TJ, Wang G, Leopold BD, Belant JL. Denning, metabolic suppression, and the realisation of ecological opportunities in Ursidae. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L. Fowler
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse NY13210USA
| | - Thomas J. Spady
- Department of Biological Sciences California State University San Marcos San Marcos CA92096USA
| | - Guiming Wang
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State Box 9690MS39762USA
| | - Bruce D. Leopold
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State Box 9690MS39762USA
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse NY13210USA
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29
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Mustafa GR, Li C, Zhao S, Jin L, He X, Shabbir MZ, He Y, Li T, Deng W, Xu L, Xiong Y, Zhang G, Zhang H, Huang Y, Zou L. Metagenomic analysis revealed a wide distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and biosynthesis of antibiotics in the gut of giant pandas. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:15. [PMID: 33413128 PMCID: PMC7792088 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-02078-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiome is essential for the host's health and serves as an essential reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). We investigated the effects of different factors, including the dietary shifts and age, on the functional characteristics of the giant panda's gut microbiome (GPs) through shotgun metagenome sequencing. We explored the association between gut bacterial genera and ARGs within the gut based on network analysis. RESULTS Fecal samples (n=60) from captive juvenile, adult, and geriatric GPs were processed, and variations were identified in the gut microbiome according to different ages, the abundance of novel ARGs and the biosynthesis of antibiotics. Among 667 ARGs identified, nine from the top ten ARGs had a higher abundance in juveniles. For 102 ARGs against bacteria, a co-occurrence pattern revealed a positive association for predominant ARGs with Streptococcus. A comparative KEGG pathways analysis revealed an abundant biosynthesis of antibiotics among three different groups of GPs, where it was more significantly observed in the juvenile group. A co-occurrence pattern further revealed a positive association for the top ten ARGs, biosynthesis of antibiotics, and metabolic pathways. CONCLUSION Gut of GPs serve as a reservoir for novel ARGs and biosynthesis of antibiotics. Dietary changes and age may influence the gut microbiome's functional characteristics; however, it needs further studies to ascertain the study outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Raza Mustafa
- Department of Applied Microbiology, College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Caiwu Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Siyue Zhao
- Department of Applied Microbiology, College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Applied Microbiology, College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xueping He
- Department of Applied Microbiology, College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair Shabbir
- Institute of Microbiology, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan
| | - Yongguo He
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Ti Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Wenwen Deng
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Yaowu Xiong
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Guiquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Hemin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in the Giant Panda National Park, The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), Dujiangyan, 611830, China.
| | - Likou Zou
- Department of Applied Microbiology, College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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30
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Balluffi‐Fry J, Leroux SJ, Wiersma YF, Heckford TR, Rizzuto M, Richmond IC, Vander Wal E. Quantity-quality trade-offs revealed using a multiscale test of herbivore resource selection on elemental landscapes. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13847-13859. [PMID: 33391685 PMCID: PMC7771173 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivores consider the variation of forage qualities (nutritional content and digestibility) as well as quantities (biomass) when foraging. Such selection patterns may change based on the scale of foraging, particularly in the case of ungulates that forage at many scales.To test selection for quality and quantity in free-ranging herbivores across scales, however, we must first develop landscape-wide quantitative estimates of both forage quantity and quality. Stoichiometric distribution models (StDMs) bring opportunity to address this because they predict the elemental measures and stoichiometry of resources at landscape extents.Here, we use StDMs to predict elemental measures of understory white birch quality (% nitrogen) and quantity (g carbon/m2) across two boreal landscapes. We analyzed global positioning system (GPS) collared moose (n = 14) selection for forage quantity and quality at the landscape, home range, and patch extents using both individual and pooled resource selection analyses. We predicted that as the scale of resource selection decreased from the landscape to the patch, selection for white birch quantity would decrease and selection for quality would increase.Counter to our prediction, pooled-models showed selection for our estimates of quantity and quality to be neutral with low explanatory power and no scalar trends. At the individual-level, however, we found evidence for quality and quantity trade-offs, most notably at the home-range scale where resource selection models explain the largest amount of variation in selection. Furthermore, individuals did not follow the same trade-off tactic, with some preferring forage quantity over quality and vice versa.Such individual trade-offs show that moose may be flexible in attaining a limiting nutrient. Our findings suggest that herbivores may respond to forage elemental compositions and quantities, giving tools like StDMs merit toward animal ecology applications. The integration of StDMs and animal movement data represents a promising avenue for progress in the field of zoogeochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Balluffi‐Fry
- Department of BiologyMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John’sNLCanada
- Present address:
Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Shawn J. Leroux
- Department of BiologyMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John’sNLCanada
| | - Yolanda F. Wiersma
- Department of BiologyMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John’sNLCanada
| | - Travis R. Heckford
- Department of BiologyMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John’sNLCanada
| | - Matteo Rizzuto
- Department of BiologyMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John’sNLCanada
| | | | - Eric Vander Wal
- Department of BiologyMemorial University of NewfoundlandSt. John’sNLCanada
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31
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Zhao Y, Chen YP, Zheng Y, Ma Q, Jiang Y. Quantifying the heavy metal risks from anthropogenic contributions in Sichuan panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca melanoleuca) habitat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140941. [PMID: 32731070 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HM) are ubiquitous in environments, and HM pollution has become a severe global crisis. Previous studies have identified HM levels in Qinling panda habitats but their levels and the associated risks in Sichuan panda habitats are still unknown. Risk-based conservation management is in urgent need and should rely upon identifying risk distributions, quantified risk-source apportionment and collaborative governance. We carried out research in Sichuan panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca melanoleuca) habitats taking soil, bamboo, and water samples from three different areas (nature reserves, potential habitats, and surrounding regions) of five mountains. The concentrations of HM in the soil were higher than those in bamboo, but both exceeded the background or national standards to varying degrees, suggesting long-term pollution and multi-element contamination. Regional and geographical distribution differences revealed a positive correlation between intensity of human activities and HM pollution. HM contaminants observed in the Sichuan panda habitats, based on their sources, were categorized into coal combustion (34%), industry (44%), and traffic (22%). In particular, our results showed the northern and southern parts of habitat were of highest concern, as they had environmental conditions that could be harmful to the health of giant pandas. Coupling models applying positive matrix factorization model/risk were used to quantify source contributions to various risk types, which was based on real-time monitoring and served as a positive role in multi-step process for developing countermeasures, with the goal of collaboratively reframing the vision and governance of panda conservation in order to incorporate regional disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China
| | - Yi-Ping Chen
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; Xi'an Institute for Innovative Earth Environment Research, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Yingjuan Zheng
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; Chinese Research Academy of environmental science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qingyi Ma
- Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center, Zhouzhi, Xi'an 710402, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Xi'an Institute for Innovative Earth Environment Research, Xi'an 710061, China
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32
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Zhou W, Gao K, Ma Y, Wang L, Wang M, Wei F, Nie Y. Seasonal dynamics of parasitism and stress physiology in wild giant pandas. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa085. [PMID: 33014375 PMCID: PMC7521442 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many factors, including the inner status of the individuals and external environment, can influence the parasite infections and stress physiology in mammals. Here, we explored the influence of the sex, age, reproductive season and seasonal food availability on the parasitism and stress physiology in wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) through nutrient and steroid hormone analysis and parasitic infection measurement. Diet composition had significant influences on the faecal cortisol levels and parasite load of wild giant pandas. The seasonal dynamic of the cortisol levels and parasite load in faeces co-vary with the seasonal nutrient intake levels of the pandas, which concurrently arrived the peaks at the wood bamboo shoot-eating period in May (parasite infection intensity, 41.47 ± 12.11 eggs/g of wet faeces; cortisol levels, 619.34 ± 70.55 ng/g dry faeces) that the nutrition intake by wild pandas was the highest (protein/fibre, 69.23 ± 9.93). Meanwhile, age class is also as an important factor to affect the parasite load and stress physiology of wild giant pandas. Cubs and sub-adults suffered more helminth burden and stress physiology than adults and old individuals. This is the first study to evaluate the inner and external factors influence on parasitism and stress physiology in wild giant pandas. The findings facilitate a better understanding of how environmental factors might influence the physiology, behaviour and health of pandas and other species and have implications for the conservation and management of the endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kai Gao
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yingjie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Le Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yonggang Nie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
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33
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Effects of ecological factors on growth of Arundinaria spanostachya shoots in Liziping National Nature Reserve, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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34
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Machovsky-Capuska GE, von Haeften G, Romero MA, Rodríguez DH, Gerpe MS. Linking cadmium and mercury accumulation to nutritional intake in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Patagonia, Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114480. [PMID: 32283460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of Hg and Cd from food is a complex ecological process that has been oversimplified in the past. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) provide a powerful model to biomonitor metal concentrations in marine environments worldwide. We combined proportions-based nutritional geometry with metal analysis, stomach content analysis and the proximate composition of prey, to yield novel insights into the accumulation of Hg and Cd. Our analysis showed an age-related accumulation trend for Cd and Hg in kidney and liver, with highest concentrations found at 18 years of age. When viewed through the lens of nutritional ecology, Argentine anchovy (58.1 Mass %) and South American long-finned squid (22.7 Mass %), provided most of the dietary intake of protein (P) and lipids (L) (P:L ratio = 2.6:1.0) and also represented the main source for Cd and Hg levels accumulated in their bodies. This study presents unprecedented evidence on metal accumulation in relation to age and nutritional intake in a marine predator.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Alejandra Romero
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni", Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, 8520, Rio Negro, Argentina; Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Martín 247, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Diego H Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, B7602AYL, Argentina; Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcela S Gerpe
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, B7602AYL, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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35
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Wang L, Yuan S, Nie Y, Zhao J, Cao X, Dai Y, Zhang Z, Wei F. Dietary flavonoids and the altitudinal preference of wild giant pandas in Foping National Nature Reserve, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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36
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Li Y, Ma G, Zhou Q, Li Y, Huang Z. Nutrient contents predict the bamboo-leaf-based diet of Assamese macaques living in limestone forests of southwest Guangxi, China. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:5570-5581. [PMID: 32607175 PMCID: PMC7319238 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the nutrient factors influencing food choice provides important insight into the feeding strategy of animals, which is crucial for understanding their behavioral response to environmental changes. A bamboo-leaf-based diet is rare among mammals. Animals' food choice and nutritional goals have been explained by several frameworks; however, the influence of nutrients on food choice in bamboo-leaf-based macaques is not yet available. Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) inhabiting limestone forests are characterized by such a bamboo-leaf-based diet, predominantly consuming young leaves of Bonia saxatilis, a shrubby, karst-endemic bamboo. We studied the feeding behavior of one group of Assamese macaques using instantaneous scan sampling in limestone forests of the Guangxi Nonggang National Nature Reserve in southwest Guangxi, China. We compared the nutrient content of staple food and nonfood items and examine the role of key nutrients in the food selection of macaques. Our results showed that young leaves of bamboo B. saxatilis contained more water, crude protein, phosphorus, and less tannin than nonfood items. Furthermore, staple foods contained a higher content of water and less content of calcium than nonfood items. More specifically, quantities of water, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus in food items were critical factors affecting feeding time on a specific plant item. Our results suggest that young bamboo leaves could meet macaques' required protein and water intake, while enabling them to maintain their mineral balance, consequently facilitating to maintain the primates' bamboo-leaf-diet in the limestone forest. Our findings confirm the effects of nutrient contents in food choice of Assamese macaques, highlighting the importance of the nutrient contents in maintaining their bamboo-based diet and the need to increase the knowledge on their nutritional strategy adapted to the bamboo-dominated diet inhabiting the unique limestone habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Guangzhi Ma
- School of Life SciencesSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qihai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Youbang Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Zhonghao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University)Ministry of EducationGuilinChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal EcologyGuangxi Normal UniversityGuilinChina
- School of Life SciencesSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhouChina
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37
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Hu X, Wang G, Shan L, Sun S, Hu Y, Wei F. TAS2R20 variants confer dietary adaptation to high-quercitrin bamboo leaves in Qinling giant pandas. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:5913-5921. [PMID: 32607200 PMCID: PMC7319149 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitivity to bitter tastes provides animals with an important means of interacting with their environment and thus, influences their dietary preferences. Genetic variants encoding functionally distinct receptor types contribute to variation in bitter taste sensitivity. Our previous study showed that two nonsynonymous sites, A52V and Q296H, in the TAS2R20 gene are directionally selected in giant pandas from the Qinling Mountains, which are speculated to be the causative base-pair changes of Qinling pandas for the higher preference for bamboo leaves in comparison with other pandas. Here, we used functional expression in engineered cells to identify agonists of pTAS2R20 (i.e., giant panda's TAS2R20) and interrogated the differences in perception in the in vitro responses of pTAS2R20 variants to the agonists. Our results show that pTAS2R20 is specifically activated by quercitrin and that pTAS2R20 variants exhibit differences in the sensitivity of their response to the agonist. Compared with pTAS2R20 in pandas from other areas, the receptor variant with A52V and Q296H, which is most commonly found in Qinling pandas, confers a significantly decreased sensitivity to quercitrin. We subsequently quantified the quercitrin content of the leaves of bamboo distributed in the Qinling Mountains, which was found to be significantly higher than that of the leaves of bamboo from panda habitats in other areas. Our results suggest that the decreased sensitivity to quercitrin in Qinling pandas results in higher-quercitrin-containing bamboo leaves to be tasting less bitter to them and thus, influences their dietary preference. This study illustrates the genetic adaptation of Qinling pandas to their environments and provides a fine example of the functional effects of directional selection in the giant panda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineBoston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Lei Shan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and BiotechnologyCollege of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shuyan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yibo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and GeneticsChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
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38
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Ru X, Zhang L, Liu S, Yang H. Plasticity of Respiratory Function Accommodates High Oxygen Demand in Breeding Sea Cucumbers. Front Physiol 2020; 11:283. [PMID: 32300308 PMCID: PMC7145410 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological plasticity allows animals to adjust their physiological function to abiotic and biotic variations. It has been mostly studied in the context of response to external factors and not much is known on how animals adjust their physiology to cope with variations in internal conditions. The process of reproduction implies gonadal maturation and other internal changes, bringing various challenges to the animal such as an increased demand for energy and oxygen. Here, the capacity of the sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus to adjust its respiratory function and physiological mechanisms during reproduction was studied using a time-lapse videography and metabolomics approach. The results showed that reproduction caused a significant increase in oxygen consumption in A. japonicus. Interestingly, breeding sea cucumbers can accommodate the high oxygen demand by accelerating respiratory rate. However, to maintain a necessary high level of respiratory activity during reproduction, sea cucumbers need consume large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In addition, the metabolomic data suggests that oxidative stress and hormone regulation are the physiological mechanisms linking reproduction and respiratory function. Altogether, these findings suggest that plasticity of respiratory function is an effective tactic to cope with high oxygen demand during reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshang Ru
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Libin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Shilin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
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39
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Cabana F, Yusof O, Kawi J, Li D, Huang Y, Wang P, Tay T. Seasonal diet switching in captive giant pandas. URSUS 2020. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-17-00023.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Cabana
- Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826
| | - Omar Yusof
- Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826
| | - Josephine Kawi
- Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), 1275 Xiongmao Ave, Chengua, Chendu, Sichuan, China, 610016
| | - Yan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), 1275 Xiongmao Ave, Chengua, Chendu, Sichuan, China, 610016
| | | | - Trisha Tay
- Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826
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40
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He X, Hsu WH, Hou R, Yao Y, Xu Q, Jiang D, Wang L, Wang H. Comparative genomics reveals bamboo feeding adaptability in the giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Zookeys 2020; 923:141-156. [PMID: 32292275 PMCID: PMC7142162 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.923.39665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the world's most endangered mammals and remains threatened as a result of intense environmental and anthropogenic pressure. The transformation and specialization of the giant panda's diet into a herbivorous diet have resulted in unique adaptabilities in many aspects of their biology, physiology and behavior. However, little is known about their adaptability at the molecular level. Through comparative analysis of the giant panda's genome with those of nine other mammalian species, we found some genetic characteristics of the giant panda that can be associated with adaptive changes for effective digestion of plant material. We also found that giant pandas have similar genetic characteristics to carnivores in terms of olfactory perception but have similar genetic characteristics to herbivores in terms of immunity and hydrolytic enzyme activity. Through the analysis of gene family expansion, 3752 gene families were found, which were enriched in functions such as digestion. A total of 93 genes under positive selection were screened out and gene enrichment identified these genes for the following processes: negative regulation of cellular metabolic process, negative regulation of nitrogen compound metabolic process, negative regulation of macromolecule metabolic process and negative regulation of metabolic process. Combined with the KEGG pathway, it was found that genes such as CREB3L1, CYP450 2S1, HSD11B2, LRPAP1 play a key role in digestion. These genes may have played a key role in the pandas' adaptation to its bamboo diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Walter H Hsu
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Ying Yao
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Dandan Jiang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Longqiong Wang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Hairui Wang
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610081, China.,Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
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41
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Machovsky-Capuska GE, Raubenheimer D. The Nutritional Ecology of Marine Apex Predators. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2020; 12:361-387. [PMID: 31487471 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010318-095411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Apex predators play pivotal roles in marine ecosystems, mediated principally through diet and nutrition. Yet, compared with terrestrial animals, the nutritional ecology of marine predators is poorly understood. One reason is that the field has adhered to an approach that evaluates diet principally in terms of energy gain. Studies in terrestrial systems, by contrast, increasingly adopt a multidimensional approach, the nutritional geometry framework, that distinguishes specific nutrients and calories. We provide evidence that a nutritional approach is likewise relevant to marine apex predators, then demonstrate how nutritional geometry can characterize the nutrient and energy content of marine prey. Next, we show how this framework can be used to reconceptualize ecological interactions via the ecological niche concept, and close with a consideration of its application to problems in marine predator research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia;
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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42
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Ma Y, Bao H, Bencini R, Raubenheimer D, Dou H, Liu H, Wang S, Jiang G. Macro-Nutritional Adaptive Strategies of Moose ( Alces alces) Related to Population Density. Animals (Basel) 2019; 10:ani10010073. [PMID: 31906149 PMCID: PMC7022907 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution area of moose in China has been shrinking back toward the north and northeast because of climate change and human disturbance, and the population number has been declining. Between 2011 and 2015, we studied moose at six sites in the northeast of China during the snowy seasons. We collected fecal samples and plant samples that were used to estimate population densities for moose, as well as their macro-nutrient selection. Out of a total of 257 fecal samples collected at six sites, we identified a total of 120 individual moose (57 females and 63 males). The population density (moose/km2 ± SE) was highest at Hanma with 0.305 ± 0.064 moose/km2 and lowest at Meitian with only 0.028 ± 0.013 moose/km2. Forage availability was different among sites, with the lowest availability at Mohe (58.17 number/20 m2) and highest was Zhanhe (250.44 number/20 m2). Moose at Zhanhe, Hanma, and Nanwenghe had a balanced diet with higher N:C (1:7), while at Meitian, Shuanghe and Mohe the N:C was 1:8. Our results indicate that the southern areas had low forage quality and quantity and this may be the reason for the distribution of the population of moose shrinking northward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Ma
- Feline Research Center of Chinese State Forestry Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China; (Y.M.); (H.B.); (S.W.)
- Key Lab of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1-5 Beichenxi Road, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Heng Bao
- Feline Research Center of Chinese State Forestry Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China; (Y.M.); (H.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Roberta Bencini
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth 6009, Australia;
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Hongliang Dou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jinlin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China;
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, No. 58, Renmin Avenue, Haikou 570228, China;
| | - Sirui Wang
- Feline Research Center of Chinese State Forestry Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China; (Y.M.); (H.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Guangshun Jiang
- Feline Research Center of Chinese State Forestry Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China; (Y.M.); (H.B.); (S.W.)
- Correspondence:
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43
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Li P, Smith KK. Comparative skeletal anatomy of neonatal ursids and the extreme altriciality of the giant panda. J Anat 2019; 236:724-736. [PMID: 31792960 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian neonates are born at a wide range of maturity levels. Altricial newborns are born with limited sensory agency and require extensive parental care. In contrast, precocial neonates are relatively mature physically and often capable of independent function shortly after birth. In extant mammals, placental newborns vary from altricial to precocial, while marsupials and monotremes are all extremely altricial at birth. Bears (family Ursidae) have one of the lowest neonatal-maternal mass ratios in placental mammals, and are thought to also have the most altricial placental newborns. In particular, giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are thought to be exceptionally altricial at birth, and possibly marsupial-like. Here we used micro-computer (micro-computed) tomography scanning to visualize the skeletal anatomy of ursid neonates and compare their skeletal maturity with the neonates of other caniform outgroups. Specifically, we asked whether ursid neonates have exceptionally altricial skeletons at birth compared with other caniform neonates. We found that most bear neonates are similar to outgroup neonates in levels of skeletal ossification, with little variation in degree of ossification between ursine bears neonates (i.e. bears of the subfamily Ursinae). Perinatal giant pandas, however, have skeletal maturity levels most similar to a 42-45-day-old beagle fetus (~70% of total beagle gestation period). No bear exhibits the skeletal heterochronies seen in marsupial development. With regards to skeletal development, ursine bears are not exceptionally altricial relative to other caniform outgroups, but characterized largely by the drastic difference between newborn and adult body sizes. A review on the existing hypotheses for ursids' unique reproductive strategy suggests that the extremely small neonatal-maternal mass ratio of ursids may be related to the recent evolution of large adult body size, while life history characteristics retained an ancestral condition. A relatively short post-implantation gestation time may be the proximal mechanism behind the giant panda neonates' small size relative to maternal size and altricial skeletal development at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishu Li
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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44
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Raubenheimer D, Simpson SJ. Protein Leverage: Theoretical Foundations and Ten Points of Clarification. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2019; 27:1225-1238. [PMID: 31339001 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Much attention has been focused on fats and carbohydrates as the nutritional causes of energy overconsumption and obesity. In 2003, a model of intake regulation was proposed in which the third macronutrient, protein, is not only involved but is a primary driver of calorie intake via its interactions with carbohydrates and fats. This model, called protein leverage, posits that the strong regulation of protein intake causes the overconsumption of fats and carbohydrates (hence total energy) on diets with a low proportion of energy from protein and their underconsumption on diets with a high proportion of protein. Protein leverage has since been demonstrated in a range of animal studies and in several studies of human macronutrient regulation, and its potential role in contributing to the obesity epidemic is increasingly attracting discussion. Over recent years, however, several misconceptions about protein leverage have arisen. Our aim in this paper is to briefly outline some key aspects of the underlying theory and clarify 10 points of misunderstanding that have the potential to divert attention from the substantive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen J Simpson
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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45
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Machovsky-Capuska GE, Amiot C, Denuncio P, Grainger R, Raubenheimer D. A nutritional perspective on plastic ingestion in wildlife. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:789-796. [PMID: 30530148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although the perils of plastics to living organisms including humans have been neglected for decades, they have recently been recognized as a major environmental problem worldwide. Little progress has been made on understanding the factors that drive species' and populations' susceptibilities to the ingestion of plastic. Here, we propose using nutritional ecology as a multidisciplinary framework for bridging the gaps that link nutrition, behavior, plastics, physiology and ecology. We show that nutritional niches are tightly linked to plastic ingestion, illustrating the application of our framework in the context of nutritional niche theory, habitat-specific foraging from species to populations, and transfer patterns in food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christophe Amiot
- Université d'Angers, LETG-Angers, LEESA UMR 6554 CNRS, UFR Sciences, France
| | - Pablo Denuncio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata B7602AYL, Argentina
| | - Richard Grainger
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Raubenheimer
- The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia
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46
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Profile of Dr. Fuwen Wei. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:165-167. [PMID: 30645723 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-9468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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47
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He K, Dai Q, Gu X, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Qi D, Gu X, Yang X, Zhang W, Yang B, Yang Z. Effects of roads on giant panda distribution: a mountain range scale evaluation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1110. [PMID: 30710093 PMCID: PMC6358623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have focused on the mountain ranges scale effects of roads on wildlife. This lack of data could lead to an underestimation of the negative impact of roads on animal populations. We analyzed a dataset that included 74.4% of the giant panda population and covered 78.7% of the global giant panda habitat to estimate road-effect zones for major roads, and to investigate how these major roads influenced the distribution of giant pandas on a mountain range spatial scale. We found that the density of giant panda signs was significantly decreased by proximity to major roads. The effect zone reached 5,000 m from national roads and 1,500 m from provincial roads. Structural equation model analysis revealed that the strongest negative impact of major roads on giant pandas was via the reduction of nearby forest cover. The results should provide a better understanding of the impact of anthropogenic infrastructure and regional economic development on wildlife, thus providing a basis for conservation policy decisions. We suggest that the environmental impact assessment of proposed roadways or further researches on road ecological effects should expand to a larger scale and consider the possible habitat degradation caused by road access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke He
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xianghui Gu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.,School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu, 610086, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Sichuan Station of Wild life survey and Management, Chengdu, 610082, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wild life survey and Management, Chengdu, 610082, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Institute of Forestry Survey and Planning, Chengdu, 610082, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China.
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry Of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637002, China.
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48
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Wei W, Han H, Zhou H, Hong M, Cao S, Zhang Z. Microhabitat use and separation between giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), takin (Budorcas taxicolor), and goral (Naemorhedus griseus) in Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, China. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2018. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v67.i3-4.a10.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Han Han
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Hong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Mingsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Shanshan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
| | - Zejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China Wes
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49
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Morán‐López T, Carlo TA, Amico G, Morales JM. Diet complementation as a frequency‐dependent mechanism conferring advantages to rare plants via dispersal. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Morán‐López
- Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA, CRUB Univ. Nacional del Comahue Bariloche, Rıo Negro Argentina
| | - Tomás A. Carlo
- Biology Department 208 Mueller Laboratory The Pennsylvania State University State College Pennsylvania
| | - Guillermo Amico
- Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA, CRUB Univ. Nacional del Comahue Bariloche, Rıo Negro Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel Morales
- Laboratorio Ecotono INIBIOMA, CRUB Univ. Nacional del Comahue Bariloche, Rıo Negro Argentina
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50
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Cui ZW, Wang ZL, Shao Q, Raubenheimer D, Lu JQ. Macronutrient signature of dietary generalism in an ecologically diverse primate in the wild. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Wei Cui
- School of life sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zhen-Long Wang
- School of life sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Shao
- School of life sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ji-Qi Lu
- School of life sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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