1
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England SJ, Robert D. Prey can detect predators via electroreception in air. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322674121. [PMID: 38768327 PMCID: PMC11161757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322674121] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Predators and prey benefit from detecting sensory cues of each other's presence. As they move through their environment, terrestrial animals accumulate electrostatic charge. Because electric charges exert forces at a distance, a prey animal could conceivably sense electrical forces to detect an approaching predator. Here, we report such a case of a terrestrial animal detecting its predators by electroreception. We show that predatory wasps are charged, thus emit electric fields, and that caterpillars respond to such fields with defensive behaviors. Furthermore, the mechanosensory setae of caterpillars are deflected by these electrostatic forces and are tuned to the wingbeat frequency of their insect predators. This ability unveils a dimension of the sensory interactions between prey and predators and is likely widespread among terrestrial animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam J. England
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, BristolBS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
- Department of Evolutionary Morphology, Museum für Naturkunde–Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin10115, Germany
| | - Daniel Robert
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, BristolBS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
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2
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Coulon N, Pilet S, Lizé A, Lacoue-Labarthe T, Sturbois A, Toussaint A, Feunteun E, Carpentier A. Shark critical life stage vulnerability to monthly temperature variations under climate change. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106531. [PMID: 38696933 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
In a 10-month experimental study, we assessed the combined impact of warming and acidification on critical life stages of small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). Using recently developed frameworks, we disentangled individual and group responses to two climate scenarios projected for 2100 (SSP2-4.5: Middle of the road and SSP5-8.5: Fossil-fueled Development). Seasonal temperature fluctuations revealed the acute vulnerability of embryos to summer temperatures, with hatching success ranging from 82% for the control and SSP2-4.5 treatments to only 11% for the SSP5-8.5 treatment. The death of embryos was preceded by distinct individual growth trajectories between the treatments, and also revealed inter-individual variations within treatments. Embryos with the lowest hatching success had lower yolk consumption rates, and growth rates associated with a lower energy assimilation, and almost all of them failed to transition to internal gills. Within 6 months after hatching, no additional mortality was observed due to cooler temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Coulon
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA) MNHN, CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Station Marine de Dinard, Dinard, France.
| | - Stanislas Pilet
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA) MNHN, CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Station Marine de Dinard, Dinard, France
| | - Anne Lizé
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA) MNHN, CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Station Marine de Dinard, Dinard, France; School of Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas Lacoue-Labarthe
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, La Rochelle, France
| | - Anthony Sturbois
- VivArmor Nature, Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539, France
| | - Aurèle Toussaint
- Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement (CRBE), UMR5300 - UPS-CNRS-IRD-INP, Université Paul-Sabatier - Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Feunteun
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA) MNHN, CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Station Marine de Dinard, Dinard, France; Centre de GéoEcologie Littorale (CGEL, EPHE-PSL), Dinard, France
| | - Alexandre Carpentier
- Université de Rennes, Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA) MNHN, CNRS, IRD, SU, UCN, UA, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, France
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3
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Hermans A, Winter HV, Gill AB, Murk AJ. Do electromagnetic fields from subsea power cables effect benthic elasmobranch behaviour? A risk-based approach for the Dutch Continental Shelf. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123570. [PMID: 38360387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Subsea power cables cause electromagnetic fields (EMFs) into the marine environment. Elasmobranchs (rays, skates, sharks) are particularly sensitive to EMFs as they use electromagnetic-receptive sensory systems for orientation, navigation, and locating conspecifics or buried prey. Cables may intersect with egg laying sites, mating, pupping, and nursery grounds, foraging habitat and migration routes of elasmobranchs and the effects of encountering EMFs on species of elasmobranchs are largely unknown. Demonstrated behavioural effects are attraction, disturbance and indifference, depending on EMF characteristics, exposed life stage, exposure level and duration. We estimated exposure levels of elasmobranchs to subsea power cable EMFs, based on modelled magnetic fields in the Dutch Continental Shelf and compared these to reported elasmobranch sensory sensitivity ranges and experimental effect levels. We conclude that the risk from subsea power cables has a large uncertainty and varies per life stage and species ecology. Based on estimated no-observed effect levels (from 10-3 to 10-1 μT) we discuss what will probably be the most affected species and life stage for six common benthic elasmobranchs in the Southern North Sea. We then identify critical knowledge gaps for reducing the uncertainty in the risk assessments for EMFs effects on benthic elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemiek Hermans
- Marine Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik V Winter
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. 68, 1970 AB, IJmuiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew B Gill
- Cefas, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Albertinka J Murk
- Marine Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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4
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Liu L, Huang B, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Tang X, Shi Y. Interactions between electromagnetic radiation and biological systems. iScience 2024; 27:109201. [PMID: 38433903 PMCID: PMC10906530 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109201] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) have been extensively investigated during the past several decades, our understandings of the bioeffects of EMR and the mechanisms of the interactions between the biological systems and the EMRs are still far from satisfactory. In this article, we introduce and summarize the consensus, controversy, limitations, and unsolved issues. The published works have investigated the EMR effects on different biological systems including humans, animals, cells, and biochemical reactions. Alternative methodologies also include dielectric spectroscopy, detection of bioelectromagnetic emissions, and theoretical predictions. In many studies, the thermal effects of the EMR are not properly controlled or considered. The frequency of the EMR investigated is limited to the commonly used bands, particularly the frequencies of the power line and the wireless communications; far fewer studies were performed for other EMR frequencies. In addition, the bioeffects of the complex EM environment were rarely discussed. In summary, our understanding of the bioeffects of the EMR is quite restrictive and further investigations are needed to answer the unsolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin-Ling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yingxian Lu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanyu Zhao
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaping Tang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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5
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Hüttner T, von Fersen L, Miersch L, Dehnhardt G. Passive electroreception in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): implication for micro- and large-scale orientation. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245845. [PMID: 38035544 PMCID: PMC10714143 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
For the two dolphin species Sotalia guianensis (Guiana dolphin) and Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphin), previous research has shown that the vibrissal crypts located on the rostrum represent highly innervated, ampullary electroreceptors and that both species are correspondingly sensitive to weak electric fields. In the present study, for a comparative assessment of the sensitivity of the bottlenose dolphin's electroreceptive system, we determined detection thresholds for DC and AC electric fields with two bottlenose dolphins. In a psychophysical experiment, the animals were trained to respond to electric field stimuli using the go/no-go paradigm. We show that the two bottlenose dolphins are able to detect DC electric fields as low as 2.4 and 5.5 µV cm-1, respectively, a detection threshold in the same order of magnitude as those in the platypus and the Guiana dolphin. Detection thresholds for AC fields (1, 5 and 25 Hz) were generally higher than those for DC fields, and the sensitivity for AC fields decreased with increasing frequency. Although the electroreceptive sensitivity of dolphins is lower than that of elasmobranchs, it is suggested that it allows for both micro- and macro-scale orientation. In dolphins pursuing benthic foraging strategies, electroreception may facilitate short-range prey detection and target-oriented snapping of their prey. Furthermore, the ability to detect weak electric fields may enable dolphins to perceive the Earth's magnetic field through induction-based magnetoreception, thus allowing large-scale orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hüttner
- Institute for Biosciences, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Lab, Nuremberg Zoo, Am Tiergarten 30, 90480 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Lorenzo von Fersen
- Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Lab, Nuremberg Zoo, Am Tiergarten 30, 90480 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Lars Miersch
- Institute for Biosciences, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Guido Dehnhardt
- Institute for Biosciences, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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Varela J, Martins S, Court M, Santos CP, Paula JR, Ferreira IJ, Diniz M, Repolho T, Rosa R. Impacts of Deoxygenation and Hypoxia on Shark Embryos Anti-Predator Behavior and Oxidative Stress. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040577. [PMID: 37106777 PMCID: PMC10136306 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is leading to the loss of oxygen content in the oceans and endangering the survival of many marine species. Due to sea surface temperature warming and changing circulation, the ocean has become more stratified and is consequently losing its oxygen content. Oviparous elasmobranchs are particularly vulnerable as they lay their eggs in coastal and shallow areas, where they experience significant oscillations in oxygen levels. Here, we investigated the effects of deoxygenation (93% air saturation) and hypoxia (26% air saturation) during a short-term period (six days) on the anti-predator avoidance behavior and physiology (oxidative stress) of small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) embryos. Their survival rate decreased to 88% and 56% under deoxygenation and hypoxia, respectively. The tail beat rates were significantly enhanced in the embryos under hypoxia compared to those exposed to deoxygenation and control conditions, and the freeze response duration showed a significant opposite trend. Yet, at the physiological level, through the analyses of key biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST activities as well as HSP70, Ubiquitin, and MDA levels), we found no evidence of increased oxidative stress and cell damage under hypoxia. Thus, the present findings show that the projected end-of-the-century deoxygenation levels elicit neglectable biological effects on shark embryos. On the other hand, hypoxia causes a high embryo mortality rate. Additionally, hypoxia makes embryos more vulnerable to predators, because the increased tail beat frequency will enhance the release of chemical and physical cues that can be detected by predators. The shortening of the shark freeze response under hypoxia also makes the embryos more prone to predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelino Varela
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
- Sphyrna Association, Sal Rei 5110, Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde
| | - Sandra Martins
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
- Comparative Molecular and Integrative Biology, Centro de Ciências do Mar, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Melanie Court
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pereira Santos
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
- Sphyrna Association, Sal Rei 5110, Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde
- Environmental Economics Knowledge Center, Nova School of Business and Economics, New University of Lisbon, 2775-405 Carcavelos, Portugal
| | - José Ricardo Paula
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
| | - Inês João Ferreira
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- LAQV-Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Mário Diniz
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Tiago Repolho
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
| | - Rui Rosa
- MARE-Marine and Environmetal Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
- Sphyrna Association, Sal Rei 5110, Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 2750-374 Cascais, Portugal
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Staggl MA, Ruthensteiner B, Straube N. Head anatomy of a lantern shark wet-collection specimen (Chondrichthyes: Etmopteridae). J Anat 2023; 242:872-890. [PMID: 36695312 PMCID: PMC10093163 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we apply a two-step (untreated and soft tissue stained) diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography array to a wet-collection Lantern Shark specimen of Etmopterus lucifer. The focus of our scanning approach is the head anatomy. The unstained CT data allow the imaging of mineralized (skeletal) tissue, while results for soft tissue were achieved after staining for 120 h in a 1% ethanolic iodine solution. Three-dimensional visualization after the segmentation of hard as well as soft tissue reveals new details of tissue organization and allows us to draw conclusions on the significance of organs in their function. Outstanding are the ampullae of Lorenzini for electroreception, which appear as the dominant sense along with the olfactory system. Corresponding brain areas of these sensory organs are significantly enlarged as well and likely reflect adaptations to the lantern sharks' deep-sea habitat. While electroreception supports the capture of living prey, the enlarged olfactory system can guide the scavenging of these opportunistic feeders. Compared to other approaches based on the manual dissection of similar species, CT scanning is superior in some but not all aspects. For example, fenestrae of the cranial nerves within the chondrocranium cannot be identified reflecting the limitations of the method, however, CT scanning is less invasive, and the staining is mostly reversible and can be rinsed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Andreas Staggl
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany.,SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich, Germany.,Department of Palaeontology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution (VDSEE), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nicolas Straube
- SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich, Germany.,Department of Natural History, University Museum of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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8
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Albert L, Olivier F, Jolivet A, Chauvaud L, Chauvaud S. Insights into the behavioural responses of juvenile thornback ray Raja clavata to alternating and direct current magnetic fields. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 100:645-659. [PMID: 34921400 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As part of energy transition, marine renewable energy devices (MRED) are currently expanding in developed countries inducing the deployment of dense networks of submarine power cables. Concern has thus raised about the cable magnetic emissions (direct or alternating current) because of potential interference with the sensorial environment of magneto-sensitive species, such as sharks and rays. This study sought to assess the short-term behavioural responses of juvenile thornback rays (Raja clavata) (n = 15) to direct and alternating (50 Hz) uniform 450-μT artificial magnetic fields using 1 h focal-sampling design based on a detailed ethogram. Careful control of magnetic fields' temporal and spatial scales was obtained in laboratory conditions through a custom-made Helmholtz coil device. Overall, qualitative or quantitative behavioural responses of juvenile rays did not significantly vary between control vs. exposed individuals over the morning period. Nonetheless, rays under direct current magnetic field increased their activity over the midday period. Synchronisation patterns were also observed for individuals receiving alternating current exposure (chronologic and qualitative similarities) coupled with a high inter-individual variance. Further studies should consider larger batches of juveniles to address the effect of long-term exposure and explore the sensitivity range of rays with dose-response designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Albert
- TBM environnement, Auray, France
- Université de Brest, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR - UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER), LIA BeBEST, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, rue Dumont d'Urville, Technopôle, Plouzané, France
| | - Frédéric Olivier
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Biologie des Organismes et Écosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), UMR 7208 MNHN/SU/UNICAEN/UA/CNRS/IRD, Concarneau Cedex, France
| | | | - Laurent Chauvaud
- Université de Brest, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR - UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER), LIA BeBEST, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, rue Dumont d'Urville, Technopôle, Plouzané, France
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9
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Du WG, Shine R. The behavioural and physiological ecology of embryos: responding to the challenges of life inside an egg. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1272-1286. [PMID: 35166012 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adaptations of post-hatching animals have attracted far more study than have embryonic responses to environmental challenges, but recent research suggests that we have underestimated the complexity and flexibility of embryos. We advocate a dynamic view of embryos as organisms capable of responding - on both ecological and evolutionary timescales - to their developmental environments. By viewing embryos in this way, rather than assuming an inability of pre-hatching stages to adapt and respond, we can broaden the ontogenetic breadth of evolutionary and ecological research. Both biotic and abiotic factors affect embryogenesis, and embryos exhibit a broad range of behavioural and physiological responses that enable them to deal with changes in their developmental environments in the course of interactions with their parents, with other embryos, with predators, and with the physical environment. Such plasticity may profoundly affect offspring phenotypes and fitness, and in turn influence the temporal and spatial dynamics of populations and communities. Future research in this field could benefit from an integrated framework that combines multiple approaches (field investigations, manipulative experiments, ecological modelling) to clarify the mechanisms and consequences of embryonic adaptations and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Guo Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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10
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Embryonic antipredator defenses and behavioral carryover effects in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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11
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England SJ, Robert D. The ecology of electricity and electroreception. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:383-413. [PMID: 34643022 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Electricity, the interaction between electrically charged objects, is widely known to be fundamental to the functioning of living systems. However, this appreciation has largely been restricted to the scale of atoms, molecules, and cells. By contrast, the role of electricity at the ecological scale has historically been largely neglected, characterised by punctuated islands of research infrequently connected to one another. Recently, however, an understanding of the ubiquity of electrical forces within the natural environment has begun to grow, along with a realisation of the multitude of ecological interactions that these forces may influence. Herein, we provide the first comprehensive collation and synthesis of research in this emerging field of electric ecology. This includes assessments of the role electricity plays in the natural ecology of predator-prey interactions, pollination, and animal dispersal, among many others, as well as the impact of anthropogenic activity on these systems. A detailed introduction to the ecology and physiology of electroreception - the biological detection of ecologically relevant electric fields - is also provided. Further to this, we suggest avenues for future research that show particular promise, most notably those investigating the recently discovered sense of aerial electroreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam J England
- School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K
| | - Daniel Robert
- School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K
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12
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Gervais CR, Brown C. Impact of conspecific necromones on the oxygen uptake rates of a benthic elasmobranch. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Future thermal regimes for epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum): growth and metabolic performance cease to be optimal. Sci Rep 2021; 11:454. [PMID: 33436769 PMCID: PMC7804200 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is affecting thermal regimes globally, and organisms relying on their environment to regulate biological processes face unknown consequences. In ectotherms, temperature affects development rates, body condition, and performance. Embryonic stages may be the most vulnerable life history stages, especially for oviparous species already living at the warm edge of their distribution, as embryos cannot relocate during this developmental window. We reared 27 epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) embryos under average summer conditions (27 °C) or temperatures predicted for the middle and end of the twenty-first century with climate change (i.e., 29 and 31 °C) and tracked growth, development, and metabolic costs both in ovo and upon hatch. Rearing sharks at 31 °C impacted embryonic growth, yolk consumption, and metabolic rates. Upon hatch, 31 °C-reared sharks weighed significantly less than their 27 °C-reared counterparts and exhibited reduced metabolic performance. Many important growth and development traits in this species may peak after 27 °C and start to become negatively impacted nearing 31 °C. We hypothesize that 31 °C approximates the pejus temperature (i.e., temperatures at which performance of a trait begin to decline) for this species, which is alarming, given that this temperature range is well within ocean warming scenarios predicted for this species' distribution over the next century.
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Ripley DM, De Giorgio S, Gaffney K, Thomas L, Shiels HA. Ocean warming impairs the predator avoidance behaviour of elasmobranch embryos. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab045. [PMID: 34150212 PMCID: PMC8210470 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Embryogenesis is a vulnerable stage in elasmobranch development due in part to high predation mortality. Embryonic elasmobranchs respond to potential predators by displaying a freezing behaviour, characterized by the cessation of pharyngeal respiration followed immediately by coiling of the tail around the body. We hypothesized that the duration of this freeze response is limited by the embryo's requirement for oxygen. Here, Scyliorhinus canicula embryos were incubated at either 15°C or 20°C during embryogenesis and tested for the duration of, and metabolic consequence of, the freeze response at their respective incubation temperature. Freeze response duration was negatively impacted by routine metabolic rate; embryos at 20°C had 7-fold shorter freeze duration than those at 15°C, potentially increasing their susceptibility to predation. These data demonstrate the capacity for climate change stressors to affect animal behaviour and suggest that this may occur by eliciting changes in the organism's metabolism. We suggest altered predator avoidance behaviour is a new factor to consider when assessing the impact of climate change on the conservation and management of oviparous elasmobranch species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Ripley
- Corresponding authors: Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Research Facility, The University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, UK. ;
| | - Sara De Giorgio
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Research Facility, The University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Kirstin Gaffney
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Research Facility, The University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Lowri Thomas
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Research Facility, The University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Holly A Shiels
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Research Facility, The University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Corresponding authors: Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Research Facility, The University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, UK. ;
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15
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16
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Nyqvist D, Durif C, Johnsen MG, De Jong K, Forland TN, Sivle LD. Electric and magnetic senses in marine animals, and potential behavioral effects of electromagnetic surveys. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 155:104888. [PMID: 32072990 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electromagnetic surveys generate electromagnetic fields to map petroleum deposits under the seabed with unknown consequences for marine animals. The electric and magnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys can be detected by many marine animals, and the generated fields may potentially affect the behavior of perceptive animals. Animals using magnetic cues for migration or local orientation, especially during a restricted time-window, risk being affected by electromagnetic surveys. In electrosensitive animals, anthropogenic electric fields could disrupt a range of behaviors. The lack of studies on effects of the electromagnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of magneto- and electrosensitive animals is a reason for concern. Here, we review the use of electric and magnetic fields among marine animals, present data on survey generated and natural electromagnetic fields, and discuss potential effects of electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nyqvist
- Institute of Marine Research Bergen, Nordnesgaten 50, 5005, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Caroline Durif
- Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Sauganeset 16, 5392, Storebø, Norway
| | | | - Karen De Jong
- Institute of Marine Research Bergen, Nordnesgaten 50, 5005, Bergen, Norway
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17
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Warkentin KM, Jung J, Rueda Solano LA, McDaniel JG. Ontogeny of escape-hatching decisions: vibrational cue use changes as predicted from costs of sampling and false alarms. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2663-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Egeberg CA, Kempster RM, Hart NS, Ryan L, Chapuis L, Kerr CC, Schmidt C, Gennari E, Yopak KE, Collin SP. Not all electric shark deterrents are made equal: Effects of a commercial electric anklet deterrent on white shark behaviour. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212851. [PMID: 30856187 PMCID: PMC6411110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Personal shark deterrents offer the potential of a non-lethal solution to protect individuals from negative interactions with sharks, but the claims of effectiveness of most deterrents are based on theory rather than robust testing of the devices themselves. Therefore, there is a clear need for thorough testing of commercially available shark deterrents to provide the public with information on their effectiveness. Using a modified stereo-camera system, we quantified behavioural interactions between Carcharodon carcharias (white sharks) and a baited target in the presence of a commercially available electric anklet shark deterrent, the Electronic Shark Defense System (ESDS). The stereo-camera system enabled accurate assessment of the behavioural responses of C. carcharias when approaching an ESDS. We found that the ESDS had limited meaningful effect on the behaviour of C. carcharias, with no significant reduction in the proportion of sharks interacting with the bait in the presence of the active device. At close proximity (< 15.5 cm), the active ESDS did show a significant reduction in the number of sharks biting the bait, but this was countered by an increase in other, less aggressive, interactions. The ESDS discharged at a frequency of 7.8 Hz every 5.1 s for 2.5 s, followed by an inactive interval of 2.6 s. As a result, many sharks may have encountered the device in its inactive state, resulting in a reduced behavioural response. Consequently, decreasing the inactive interval between pulses may improve the overall effectiveness of the device, but this would not improve the effective deterrent range of the device, which is primarily a factor of the voltage gradient rather than the stimulus frequency. In conclusion, given the very short effective range of the ESDS and its unreliable deterrent effect, combined with the fact that shark-bite incidents are very rare, it is unlikely that the current device would significantly reduce the risk of a negative interaction with C. carcharias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channing A. Egeberg
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ryan M. Kempster
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Nathan S. Hart
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Ryan
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucille Chapuis
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caroline C. Kerr
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carl Schmidt
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Enrico Gennari
- Oceans Research, Mossel Bay, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Kara E. Yopak
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, UNCW Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shaun P. Collin
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Gauthier ARG, Whitehead DL, Tibbetts IR, Bennett MB. Comparative morphology of the electrosensory system of the epaulette shark Hemiscyllium ocellatum and brown-banded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:313-319. [PMID: 30565231 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We compared the electrosensory system of two benthic elasmobranchs Hemiscyllium ocellatum and Chiloscyllium punctatum. The distribution of the ampullary pores on the head was similar for both species, with a higher density of pores anteriorly and a lower density posteriorly, although C. punctatum generally possessed larger pores. Ampullary canals of the mandibular cluster were quasi-sinusoidal in H. ocellatum, a shape previously found in benthic rays only, whereas ampullary canals in C. punctatum were of a linear morphology as reported for many shark and ray species previously. The ampullae proper were of the lobular type, as occurs in most galean sharks. Chiloscyllium punctatum had six sensory chambers compared with the five per ampulla in H. ocellatum, which were generally smaller than those of C. punctatum. The sensory epithelium comprised flattened receptor cells, compared with the usual pear-shaped receptor cells encountered in other elasmobranchs and their apically nucleated supportive cells did not protrude markedly into the ampullary lumen, unlike those in benthic rays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnault R G Gauthier
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darryl L Whitehead
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ian R Tibbetts
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael B Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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20
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Bellono NW, Leitch DB, Julius D. Molecular tuning of electroreception in sharks and skates. Nature 2018; 558:122-126. [PMID: 29849147 PMCID: PMC6101975 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ancient cartilaginous vertebrates, such as sharks, skates, and rays, possess specialized electrosensory organs that detect weak electric fields and relay this information to the central nervous system1–4. Sharks exploit this sensory modality for predation, whereas skates may also use it to detect signals from conspecifics5. Here we analyze shark and skate electrosensory cells to ask if discrete physiological properties could contribute to behaviorally-relevant sensory tuning. We show that sharks and skates use a similar low threshold voltage-gated calcium channel to initiate cellular activity but employ distinct potassium channels to modulate this activity. Electrosensory cells from sharks express specially adapted voltage-gated potassium channels that support large, repetitive membrane voltage spikes capable of driving near-maximal vesicular release from elaborate ribbon synapses. In contrast, skates use a calcium-activated potassium channel to produce small, tunable membrane voltage oscillations that elicit stimulus-dependent vesicular release. We propose that these sensory adaptations support amplified indiscriminate signal detection in sharks versus selective frequency detection in skates, potentially reflecting the electroreceptive requirements of these elasmobranch species. Our findings demonstrate how sensory systems adapt to suit an animal’s lifestyle or environmental niche through discrete molecular and biophysical modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Bellono
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Duncan B Leitch
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Julius
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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21
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Bedore CN, Kajiura SM, Johnsen S. Freezing behaviour facilitates bioelectric crypsis in cuttlefish faced with predation risk. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 282:20151886. [PMID: 26631562 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.1886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cephalopods, and in particular the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis, are common models for studies of camouflage and predator avoidance behaviour. Preventing detection by predators is especially important to this group of animals, most of which are soft-bodied, lack physical defences, and are subject to both visually and non-visually mediated detection. Here, we report a novel cryptic mechanism in S. officinalis in which bioelectric cues are reduced via a behavioural freeze response to a predator stimulus. The reduction of bioelectric fields created by the freeze-simulating stimulus resulted in a possible decrease in shark predation risk by reducing detectability. The freeze response may also facilitate other non-visual cryptic mechanisms to lower predation risk from a wide range of predator types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen M Kajiura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Sönke Johnsen
- Biology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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22
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Risk assessment and predator learning in a changing world: understanding the impacts of coral reef degradation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32542. [PMID: 27611870 PMCID: PMC5017198 DOI: 10.1038/srep32542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat degradation is among the top drivers of the loss of global biodiversity. This problem is particularly acute in coral reef system. Here we investigated whether coral degradation influences predator risk assessment and learning for damselfish. When in a live coral environment, Ambon damselfish were able to learn the identity of an unknown predator upon exposure to damselfish alarm cues combined with predator odour and were able to socially transmit this learned recognition to naïve conspecifics. However, in the presence of dead coral water, damselfish failed to learn to recognize the predator through alarm cue conditioning and hence could not transmit the information socially. Unlike alarm cues of Ambon damselfish that appear to be rendered unusable in degraded coral habitats, alarm cues of Nagasaki damselfish remain viable in this same environment. Nagasaki damselfish were able to learn predators through conditioning with alarm cues in degraded habitats and subsequently transmit the information socially to Ambon damselfish. Predator-prey dynamics may be profoundly affected as habitat degradation proceeds; the success of one species that appears to have compromised predation assessment and learning, may find itself reliant on other species that are seemingly unaffected by the same degree of habitat degradation.
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23
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Kempster RM, Egeberg CA, Hart NS, Ryan L, Chapuis L, Kerr CC, Schmidt C, Huveneers C, Gennari E, Yopak KE, Meeuwig JJ, Collin SP. How Close is too Close? The Effect of a Non-Lethal Electric Shark Deterrent on White Shark Behaviour. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157717. [PMID: 27368059 PMCID: PMC4930202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sharks play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems, but the potential threat that sharks pose to humans is a reminder of our vulnerability when entering the ocean. Personal shark deterrents are being marketed as the solution to mitigate the threat that sharks pose. However, the effectiveness claims of many personal deterrents are based on our knowledge of shark sensory biology rather than robust testing of the devices themselves, as most have not been subjected to independent scientific studies. Therefore, there is a clear need for thorough testing of commercially available shark deterrents to provide the public with recommendations of their effectiveness. Using a modified stereo-camera system, we quantified behavioural interactions between white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) and a baited target in the presence of a commercially available, personal electric shark deterrent (Shark Shield Freedom7™). The stereo-camera system enabled an accurate assessment of the behavioural responses of C. carcharias when encountering a non-lethal electric field many times stronger than what they would naturally experience. Upon their first observed encounter, all C. carcharias were repelled at a mean (± std. error) proximity of 131 (± 10.3) cm, which corresponded to a mean voltage gradient of 9.7 (± 0.9) V/m. With each subsequent encounter, their proximity decreased by an average of 11.6 cm, which corresponded to an increase in tolerance to the electric field by an average of 2.6 (± 0.5) V/m per encounter. Despite the increase in tolerance, sharks continued to be deterred from interacting for the duration of each trial when in the presence of an active Shark Shield™. Furthermore, the findings provide no support to the theory that electric deterrents attract sharks. The results of this study provide quantitative evidence of the effectiveness of a non-lethal electric shark deterrent, its influence on the behaviour of C. carcharias, and an accurate method for testing other shark deterrent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Kempster
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Channing A. Egeberg
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nathan S. Hart
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Ryan
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lucille Chapuis
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caroline C. Kerr
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carl Schmidt
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charlie Huveneers
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Enrico Gennari
- Oceans Research, Mossel Bay, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Kara E. Yopak
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica J. Meeuwig
- The Oceans Institute and the Centre for Marine Futures, School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shaun P. Collin
- The Oceans Institute and the School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Chrisman SD, Waite CB, Scoville AG, Carnell L. C. elegans Demonstrates Distinct Behaviors within a Fixed and Uniform Electric Field. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151320. [PMID: 26998749 PMCID: PMC4801214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
C. elegans will orient and travel in a straight uninterrupted path directly towards the negative pole of a DC electric field. We have sought to understand the strategy worms use to navigate to the negative pole in a uniform electric field that is fixed in both direction and magnitude. We examined this behavior by quantifying three aspects of electrotaxis behavior in response to different applied field strengths: the mean approach trajectory angles of the animals’ tracks, turning behavior (pirouettes) and average population speeds. We determined that C. elegans align directly to the negative pole of an electric field at sub-preferred field strength and alter approach trajectories at higher field strengths to maintain taxis within a preferred range we have calculated to be ~ 5V/cm. We sought to identify the sensory neurons responsible for the animals’ tracking to a preferred field strength. eat-4 mutant animals defective in glutamatergic signaling of the amphid sensory neurons are severely electrotaxis defective and ceh-36 mutant animals, which are defective in the terminal differentiation of two types of sensory neurons, AWC and ASE, are partially defective in electrotaxis. To further elucidate the role of the AWC neurons, we examined the role of each of the pair of AWC neurons (AWCOFF and AWCON), which are functionally asymmetric and express different genes. nsy-5/inx-19 mutant animals, which express both neurons as AWCOFF, are severely impaired in electrotaxis behavior while nsy-1 mutants, which express both neurons as AWCON, are able to differentiate field strengths required for navigation to a specific field strength within an electric field. We also tested a strain with targeted genetic ablation of AWC neurons and found that these animals showed only slight disruption of directionality and turning behavior. These results suggest a role for AWC neurons in which complete loss of function is less disruptive than loss of functional asymmetry in electrotaxis behavior within a uniform fixed field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Chrisman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, United States of America
| | - Christopher B. Waite
- Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, United States of America
| | - Alison G. Scoville
- Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, United States of America
| | - Lucinda Carnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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King BL, Shi LF, Kao P, Clusin WT. Calcium activated K⁺ channels in the electroreceptor of the skate confirmed by cloning. Details of subunits and splicing. Gene 2015; 578:63-73. [PMID: 26687710 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Elasmobranchs detect small potentials using excitable cells of the ampulla of Lorenzini which have calcium-activated K(+) channels, first described in 1974. A distinctive feature of the outward current in voltage clamped ampullae is its apparent insensitivity to voltage. The sequence of a BK channel α isoform expressed in the ampulla of the skate was characterized. A signal peptide is present at the beginning of the gene. When compared to human isoform 1 (the canonical sequence), the largest difference was absence of a 59 amino acid region from the S8-S9 intra-cellular linker that contains the strex regulatory domain. The ampulla isoform was also compared with the isoform predicted in late skate embryos where strex was also absent. The BK voltage sensors were conserved in both skate isoforms. Differences between the skate and human BK channel included alternative splicing. Alternative splicing occurs at seven previously defined sites that are characteristic for BK channels in general and hair cells in particular. Skate BK sequences were highly similar to the Australian ghost shark and several other vertebrate species. Based on alignment of known BK sequences with the skate genome and transcriptome, there are at least two isoforms of Kcnma1α expressed in the skate. One of the β subunits (β4), which is known to decrease voltage sensitivity, was also identified in the skate genome and transcriptome and in the ampulla. These studies advance our knowledge of BK channels and suggest further studies in the ampulla and other excitable tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L King
- Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, United States
| | - Ling Fang Shi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Peter Kao
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - William T Clusin
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
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26
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Ball RE, Oliver MK, Gill AB. Early life sensory ability-ventilatory responses of thornback ray embryos (Raja clavata) to predator-type electric fields. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:721-9. [PMID: 26468062 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Predator avoidance is fundamental for survival and it can be particularly challenging for prey animals if physical movement away from a predatory threat is restricted. Many sharks and rays begin life within an egg capsule that is attached to the sea bed. The vulnerability of this sedentary life stage is exacerbated in skates (Rajidae) as the compulsory ventilatory activity of embryos makes them conspicuous to potential predators. Embryos can reduce this risk by mediating ventilatory activity if they detect the presence of a predator using an acute electrosense. To determine how early in embryonic life predator elicited behavioral responses can occur, the reactions of three different age groups (1/3 developed, 2/3 developed, and near hatching) of embryonic thornback rays Raja clavata were tested using predator-type electric field stimuli. Egg capsules were exposed to continuous or intermittent stimuli in order to assess varying predator-type encounter scenarios on the ventilatory behavior of different developmental stages. All embryos reacted with a "freeze response" following initial electric field (E-field) exposure, ceasing ventilatory behavior in response to predator presence, demonstrating electroreceptive functionality for the first time at the earliest possible stage in ontogeny. This ability coincided with the onset of egg ventilatory behavior and may represent an effective means to enhance survival. A continuous application of stimuli over time revealed that embryos can adapt their behavior and resume normal activity, whereas when presented intermittently, the E-field resulted in a significant reduction in overall ventilatory activity across all ages. Recovery from stimuli was significantly quicker in older embryos, potentially indicative of the trade-off between avoiding predation and adequate respiration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 721-729, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Emma Ball
- School of Energy, Environment and Agrifood, Cranfield University, Building 52, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom.,College of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Kenneth Oliver
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Bruce Gill
- School of Energy, Environment and Agrifood, Cranfield University, Building 52, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
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Höjesjö J, Axelsson M, Dahy R, Gustavsson L, Johnsson JI. Sight or smell? Behavioural and heart rate responses in subordinate rainbow trout exposed to cues from dominant fish. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1169. [PMID: 26339547 PMCID: PMC4558064 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals, including fish, can utilize both vision and the chemical senses in intra-specific communication. However, the relative influence of these sensory modalities on behavioral and physiological responses in social interactions is not well understood. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the relative effects of visual and chemical stimuli from dominant individuals on the behavioral and physiological responses of subordinate rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). External electrodes were used to detect ECG signals from free-swimming fish. This method allowed the simultaneous recording of behavioral and physiological responses, and possible sex differences in these responses were also investigated. The results suggest that, in this context, visual cues are more important than chemical cues in settling the social hierarchy in rainbow trout because a combination of chemical and visual exposure generally yielded a response in focal fish that was similar to the response elicited by visual exposure alone. Both activity and physiological responses were most pronounced during the first ten seconds after exposure, with subordinate fish moving closer to the dominant, accompanied by a strong bradycardic response. Furthermore, females acted more boldly and moved closer to the dominant fish than males, but here the effect of the modes was additive, with a stronger effect of the combined visual and chemical exposure. Overall, the extra information furnished to the fish in the form of chemical cues did not change either the behavioral or the physiological response. This result suggests that visual cues are more important than chemically mediated ones for social communication and individual recognition in rainbow trout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Höjesjö
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Michael Axelsson
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Ronja Dahy
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Lena Gustavsson
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Jörgen I Johnsson
- Animal Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
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Atherton JA, McCormick MI. Active in the sac: damselfish embryos use innate recognition of odours to learn predation risk before hatching. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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COLLIN SP, HART NS. Vision and photoentrainment in fishes: The effects of natural and anthropogenic perturbation. Integr Zool 2015; 10:15-28. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun P. COLLIN
- School of Animal Biology and the Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Nathan S. HART
- School of Animal Biology and the Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan S. HART
- School of Animal Biology and the Oceans Institute; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Perth Australia
| | - Shaun P. COLLIN
- School of Animal Biology and the Oceans Institute; The University of Western Australia; Crawley Perth Australia
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32
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Stratmann A, Taborsky B. Antipredator defences of young are independently determined by genetic inheritance, maternal effects and own early experience in mouthbrooding cichlids. Funct Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Stratmann
- Behavioural Ecology; Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Wohlenstrasse 50A CH-3032 Hinterkappelen Switzerland
- Division of Animal Welfare; Veterinary Public Health Institute; University of Bern; Burgerweg 22 CH-3052 Zollikofen Switzerland
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Behavioural Ecology; Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Wohlenstrasse 50A CH-3032 Hinterkappelen Switzerland
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Camilieri-Asch V, Kempster RM, Collin SP, Johnstone RW, Theiss SM. A comparison of the electrosensory morphology of a euryhaline and a marine stingray. ZOOLOGY 2013; 116:270-6. [PMID: 23988133 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Camilieri-Asch
- Neuroecology Group, School of Animal Biology and The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Coastal Systems Laboratory, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, Sir Fred Schonell Drive, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Kempster RM, Garza-Gisholt E, Egeberg CA, Hart NS, O'Shea OR, Collin SP. Sexual dimorphism of the electrosensory system: a quantitative analysis of nerve axons in the dorsal anterior lateral line nerve of the blue-spotted Fantail Stingray (Taeniura lymma). BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2013; 81:226-35. [PMID: 23817033 DOI: 10.1159/000351700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative studies of sensory axons provide invaluable insights into the functional significance and relative importance of a particular sensory modality. Despite the important role electroreception plays in the behaviour of elasmobranchs, to date, there have been no studies that have assessed the number of electrosensory axons that project from the peripheral ampullae to the central nervous system (CNS). The complex arrangement and morphology of the peripheral electrosensory system has a significant influence on its function. However, it is not sufficient to base conclusions about function on the peripheral system alone. To fully appreciate the function of the electrosensory system, it is essential to also assess the neural network that connects the peripheral system to the CNS. Using stereological techniques, unbiased estimates of the total number of axons were obtained for both the electrosensory bundles exiting individual ampullary organs and those entering the CNS (via the dorsal root of the anterior lateral line nerve, ALLN) in males and females of different sizes. The dorsal root of the ALLN consists solely of myelinated electrosensory axons and shows both ontogenetic and sexual dimorphism. In particular, females exhibit a greater abundance of electrosensory axons, which may result in improved sensitivity of the electrosensory system and may facilitate mate identification for reproduction. Also presented are detailed morphological data on the peripheral electrosensory system to allow a complete interpretation of the functional significance of the sexual dimorphism found in the ALLN.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Kempster
- Oceans Institute and School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia.
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Bedore CN, Kajiura SM. Bioelectric fields of marine organisms: voltage and frequency contributions to detectability by electroreceptive predators. Physiol Biochem Zool 2013; 86:298-311. [PMID: 23629880 DOI: 10.1086/669973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral responses of elasmobranch fishes to weak electric fields have been well studied. These studies typically employ a stimulator that produces a dipole electric field intended to simulate the natural electric field of prey items. However, the characteristics of bioelectric fields have not been well described. The magnitude and frequency of the electric field produced by 11 families of marine organisms were quantified in this study. Invertebrate electric potentials ranged from 14 to 28 μV and did not differ from those of elasmobranchs, which ranged from 18 to 30 μV. Invertebrates and elasmobranchs produced electric potentials smaller than those of teleost fishes, which ranged from 39 to 319 μV. All species produced electric fields within the frequency range that is detectable by elasmobranch predators (<16 Hz), with the highest frequencies produced by the penaeids (10.3 Hz) and the gerreids (4.6 Hz). Although voltage differed by family, there was no relationship between voltage and mass or length of prey. Differences in prey voltage may be related to osmoregulatory strategies; invertebrates and elasmobranchs are osmoconformers and have less ion exchange with the surrounding seawater than teleosts species, which are hyposmotic. As predicted, voltage production was greatest at the mucous membrane-lined mouth and gills, which are sites of direct ion exchange with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine N Bedore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, USA.
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