Search Results (123)

Multiple paternity in litters and a female’s choice of mate can significantly influence siring success and the success and survival of offspring. In captive agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis), a small, carnivorous marsupial that exhibits obligate semelparity, females choose to mate with multiple males and mate choice is profoundly influenced by genetic dissimilarity between mates, not male size. However, female mate choice has not been examined in wild agile antechinus. Our study encompassed one year in which the operational sex ratio was at parity and a second in which the ratio was female biased, and animal weight, survival and litter size were significantly decreased due to severe drought conditions. Using genetic data from 204 pouch young, we show that genetically dissimilar males sired a higher proportion of young when the sex ratio was at parity, but there was no influence of relatedness on siring success during drought conditions. Larger males sired a higher proportion of young in both years, suggesting that female choice may be partially over-ridden by male behaviour. We highlight concerns for semelparous marsupials during increasingly frequent environmental disruptions, including drought, which could influence mate choice behaviours, reproductive success, genetic health and population survival. Full article

Sleeping-site selection is a critical decision-making process in animals, influenced by evolutionary pressures. However, the key factors controlling this choice under group demography, and how these vary seasonally, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the selection of arboreal versus terrestrial sleeping sites and the underlying decision-making processes in a free-ranging group of Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Huangshan, China, across mating (July–January) and non-mating (February–April) seasons. Generally, Tibetan macaques slept arboreally during mating season (July–September), switched to terrestrial sites afterward (October–March), and returned to trees in the following April. As for the decision-making, females consistently played a central role, initiating collective movements to arboreal sites more frequently and attracting more followers during the mating season, and joining the collective movements earlier across all seasons. Decision-making rules also varied seasonally. Females and middle-aged/older individuals mainly initiated movements to arboreal sites during the mating season, whereas terrestrial movements were led primarily by older individuals, with high social centrality attracting more followers. In the non-mating season, no specific social traits predicted initiators across sleeping sites, though females consistently attracted more followers and joined movements earlier. In terrestrial movements specifically, older individuals joined later, whereas highly socially central individuals joined earlier. Our research reveals that the sleeping-site selection decisions of Tibetan macaques are influenced by their matrilineal group structure. This study provides insights into the ecological adaptability of primates, demonstrating how dynamic decision-making supports survival in seasonal environments among social animals. Full article

Insects rely on their olfactory systems for host finding, mate choice, and oviposition. These odor-guided behaviors are mediated by the peripheral chemosensory system. The solanaceous pests Phthorimaea operculella and Phthorimaea absoluta cause severe damage to solanaceous crops worldwide. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the olfactory molecular mechanisms of these two pests. We first screened and identified odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) from the genomes of P. operculella and P. absoluta. We then used RNA sequencing to characterize the tissue expression profiles of OBPs, CSPs, and SNMPs in P. operculella across developmental stages and adult chemosensory organs. From P. operculella, 47 OBPs, 26 CSPs, and 2 SNMPs were identified, and from P. absoluta, 39 OBPs, 24 CSPs, and 2 SNMPs were identified. RNA-seq-based expression profiling in P. operculella was used to resolve sex-biased deployment in antennae: DESeq2 analysis (|log₂FC| > 1, FDR < 0.05) identified 24 OBPs and four CSPs with significant sexual dimorphism, with 14 OBPs and four CSPs upregulated in female antennae (FAn) and 10 OBPs and one CSP, together with SNMP2, upregulated in male antennae (MAn). In reproductive tissues (FOv vs. MGe), three OBPs and one CSP were enriched in the female ovipositor (FOv), whereas six OBPs and five CSPs were enriched in male genitalia (MGe), and no SNMPs met the differential-expression threshold. These candidate genes provide molecular entry points for functional studies and for developing behavior-based, environmentally compatible management strategies for P. operculella and P. absoluta. Full article

Long-term ecological data are rare but are highly desirable for assessing responses to ongoing environmental change. To assess temporal trends in abundance over time and establish a baseline for future comparison, we monitored a plethodontid salamander community for ten years. From 2014 to 2023, we sampled forest plots at Wooster Memorial Park (OH, USA) using a regular and standardized monitoring scheme. Of nine salamander species detected, four were common enough to permit statistical analysis. Three species (Eurycea bislineata, Plethodon cinereus and P. electromorphus) had no statistically significant abundance trends over time. The slimy salamander (P. glutinosus), however, showed a statistically significant decline in abundance. We also report on ecological differences between P. cinereus and P. electromorphus, which occur in sympatry at this site. Specifically, we document significant microhabitat differences between these species, which are suggestive of competition avoidance. Additional data are presented on color morph frequency, body size, sexual dimorphism, frequency of hybridization, mate choices, and phenology of surface activity. As global environmental change accelerates, such baseline information is essential to track organismal responses. We also provide a brief review of other long-term field studies in plethodontid salamanders. Full article

In Europe, due to reduced availability and efficacy of active ingredients, strategies against grapevine pests based on alternative tools to synthetic pesticides need to be developed. So far, attention has been mainly focused on biological control (arthropod natural enemies and entomopathogens) and mating disruption, but other means can also help keep pests below economic injury levels. This paper aims to review information on the direct effects of farmers’ choices on grapevine pest populations, ranging from vineyard design (e.g., growing habitat, grapevine cultivar, and training system) to annual agronomic practices (e.g., fertilization, irrigation, and pruning), and specific cultural and physical methods. Information was based on the CABI Digital Library, websites and books on grapevine pests. The data presentation is based on control strategies rather than pests, as it was considered more important to focus on the mode of action of different practices and to know which pests they affect simultaneously. The widespread availability of insecticides has long led to the neglect of the potential of cultural practices, which can effectively integrate other pest control tools. Full article

The insect gut microbiome contributes to various host physiological processes and behaviors, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, mate choice, and fecundity. The social environment can shape gut microbial communities. Mixed-sex vs. female-only rearing is an important social context because it differs in exposure to the opposite sex and mating opportunities, which may in turn affect female physiology that may influence their gut microbiome. Despite the growing recognition of these social-microbial interactions, most studies have relied on 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing or qPCR, which provide only coarse taxonomic resolution and limited functional insight. In this study, we used whole-genome shotgun metagenomics to examine changes in microbial diversity and functional gene composition in the female field cricket Teleogryllus occipitalis (Serville) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) reared under two social conditions: mixed-sex rearing and female-only rearing. Species richness and diversity analyses revealed that community composition separated between females from mixed-sex and female-only rearing. Functional profiling indicated higher relative abundances of genes annotated to nutrient processing and inter-bacterial competition in females from mixed-sex rearing, whereas females from female-only rearing showed relative enrichment of genes annotated to stress resistance and nitrogen fixation. These findings provide a genome-resolved foundation for testing how social rearing conditions covary with gut microbiome composition and functional potential in female crickets. Full article

Living systems can be understood as organized entities that capture, transform, and reproduce information. Classical gene-centered models explain adaptation through frequency changes driven by differential fitness, yet they often overlook the higher-order organization and causal closure that characterize living systems. Here we revisit several evolutionary frameworks, from the replicator equation to group selection and holobiont dynamics, and show that evolutionary change in population frequencies can be expressed as a Jeffreys divergence. Building on this foundation, we introduce a categorical model of Information Handlers (IHs), entities capable of self-maintenance, mutation, and combination. This abstract architecture illustrates the usefulness of category theory for framing evolutionary processes that range from very simple to highly complex. The same categorical scheme can represent basic allele-frequency change as well as more elaborate scenarios involving reproductive interactions, symbiosis, and other organizational layers. A key feature of the framework is that different levels of evolutionary change can be summarized through a measure that quantifies the information generated, thereby distinguishing diverse types of evolutionary transformation, such as individual and sexual selection, mate choice, or even holobiont selection. Finally, we show that the informational partition associated with host–microbiome pairings in holobionts generalizes the information-theoretic structure previously developed for non-random mating, revealing a common underlying architecture across biological scales. Full article

The reproductive behavior and nest-building activity of the sand-dwelling goby Hazeus ammophilus were investigated to examine its nesting characteristics and to determine how and why this species builds radial structures around its nests. Field observations revealed that males spawned with multiple females in open muddy-sand bottoms, using bivalve shells or fallen leaves as spawning substrates. Males cared for eggs after spawning and repeatedly mated with multiple females, suggesting a male-territory-visiting polygamous mating system. A distinctive feature of this species was the presence of radial ditches extending from the nest. These ditches developed through repeated male behaviors of digging from the nest toward the surrounding area and sweeping accumulated sand out of the nest, resulting in a crater-like structure around the nest. These behaviors may contribute to cleaning and stabilizing the spawning substrate, and the resulting structures themselves may also be involved in female mate choice. Taken together, these findings indicate that H. ammophilus has evolved a flexible reproductive strategy, and nest-building behavior possibly adapted to unstable open sandy environments, highlighting the behavioral diversity and ecological plasticity within gobiid fishes. Full article

Host odour may be affected by symbiotic microbes that produce metabolites. As a result, chemical signal production may be influenced. Few studies to date have assessed how symbiotic microbes influence variation in geography of animal chemical signals. This is important because chemical signal divergence can affect mate choice, species recognition, and ultimately speciation in a broad range of animals. However, the underlying driving forces of chemical signal divergence are still rather poorly understood. To study chemical signals, bats provide a good model system because they are such social mammals. Because males roost in dark spaces during the daytime, they rely on chemical and acoustic signals. We identified three colonies across a large geographic area and collected male forehead gland secretions from Pratt’s leaf-nosed bats (Hipposideros pratti). We examined the role symbiotic microbes played in potential variation in the geography of chemical signals. We observed significant colony-level differences in compound categories and in the amount of specific compounds. We also found significant colony-level differences in forehead gland microbiota. However, there was no significant relationship between bat-gland bacterial community composition and variation in chemical composition across colonies. These results suggest that bacterial communities may fail to shape the chemical signalling profiles of the different colonies in Pratt’s leaf-nosed bats. Full article

Several people in contemporary postindustrial societies experience difficulties retaining intimate partners. This paper investigates the proximate reasons (the immediate causes of reduced capacity) and the ultimate reasons (the evolutionary causes behind those proximate mechanisms) that lead to such difficulties. I argue that the mechanisms or adaptations involved in partner retention evolved in ancestral preindustrial contexts and may not be effective in contemporary postindustrial settings. Relevant mismatches include the protection of human rights, dependence on intimate partners, freedom in mate choice, and access to parenting resources. I further argue that these mismatches have affected adaptations involved in partner retention, including the expression of undesirable traits, such as aggression and jealousy, insufficient mating effort, poor initial mate choice, and an impaired ability to meet the demands of parenting. As a consequence, many individuals today experience reduced mate-retention capacity, with implications that I explore. Full article

This study investigates Egyptian seafarers’ perceptions, barriers, and adoption intentions towards renewable and low-carbon energy technologies. Recognizing the maritime sector’s significant contribution to global emissions and Egypt’s strategic role via the Suez Canal, the authors conducted a cross-sectional survey of 120 seafarers covering masters, engineers, and cadets. A questionnaire gauged familiarity with renewable energy, perceived relevance to maritime work, preferred energy sources, and factors influencing choice and perceived enablers, and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact tests. Respondents showed moderate–high awareness of renewable energy. Climate change was primarily associated with sea level rise, rising temperatures, and flooding. Most participants considered renewable energy highly relevant to maritime operations, with stronger endorsement from masters and second mates than from first mates. Solar, wind, and hydrogen were viewed as having the greatest future potential, while availability and cost effectiveness were critical selection factors. Advanced technology and better training were the most valued enablers, whereas high investment costs, limited infrastructure, safety concerns, and training gaps were key barriers. The findings suggest that, although Egyptian seafarers recognize the importance of renewable energy, the main barriers consist of establishment cost, needed infrastructure, safety, and necessity for training. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is increasingly utilized for the management of acute decompensated heart failure (HF) and cardiogenic shock (CS). The primary goals of MCS are to restore systemic perfusion, reduce cardiac workload, and support end-organ function. A thorough understanding of cardiovascular physiology in patients supported by MCS is essential for clinical decision-making. This review summarizes current evidence on the physiological effects of various MCS devices, key monitoring techniques, patient management, and explores the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field. Main Text: Short-term MCS devices include intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), percutaneous left-sided devices such as Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) and TandemHeart (LivaNova, London, UK), percutaneous right-sided support devices like Protek Duo (LivaNova, London, UK) and Impella RP Flex (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA), and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Long-term support is mainly provided by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including the HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA). Optimal MCS application requires an understanding of device-specific cardiovascular interactions and expertise in appropriate monitoring tools to assess device performance and patient response. The choice of device, timing of initiation, and patient selection must be individualized, with careful consideration of ethical implications. The integration of AI offers significant potential to advance clinical care by improving complication prediction, enabling real-time optimization of device settings, and refining patient selection criteria. Conclusions: MCS is a rapidly evolving field that requires a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular interactions, careful selection of monitoring strategies, and individualized clinical management. Future research should address current device limitations, clarify device-specific clinical applications, and assess the validity of AI-driven technologies. Full article

This study investigates the phenomenon of mate choice copying, wherein an individual (the observer) utilizes the assessments of peers of the same sex (the models) regarding a potential partner of the opposite sex (the target), thereby emulating the mate selection preferences of those peers. We examine how the financial status of female models, male targets, and female observers influences mate choice copying, along with the underlying social learning mechanisms. The findings reveal that mate choice copying occurs in the presence of high-financial-status models but is absent when models have low financial status. Mate choice copying, regulated by the financial status of the models, only manifests with targets of low financial status; it does not occur when the target’s financial status is high. Observers with low financial status engage in mate choice copying, irrespective of the models’ financial status. In contrast, observers with high financial status are unaffected by models with a low financial status and only exhibit mate choice copying if the models possess high financial status. Moreover, the study indicates that mediators such as personality traits exert disparate influences on the mate choice copying of observers from different economic backgrounds, suggesting the operation of distinct social learning mechanisms. Full article

Insect pests impose major economic, agricultural, and public health burdens, damaging crops and transmitting pathogens such as dengue, malaria, and Zika. Conventional chemical control is increasingly ineffective due to insecticide resistance and environmental concerns, prompting a search for innovative strategies. The insect microbiome—comprising both obligate symbionts and environmentally acquired microbes—emerges as a key driver of host physiology and behavior. Microbes influence nutrient acquisition, immunity, reproduction, and chemosensory processing, often to promote their own transmission. By modulating olfactory and gustatory pathways, microbiota can alter host-seeking, mate choice, foraging, and oviposition patterns, reshaping ecological interactions and vector dynamics. These effects are shaped by microbial acquisition routes, habitat conditions, and anthropogenic pressures such as pesticide use, pollution, and climate change. Understanding these multi-directional interactions offers opportunities to design highly specific, microbe-based insect control strategies, from deploying microbial metabolites that disrupt host sensory systems to restoring beneficial symbionts in threatened pollinators. Integrating microbiome ecology with insect physiology and behavior not only deepens our understanding of host–microbe coevolution but also enables the development of sustainable, targeted alternatives to chemical insecticides. This review synthesizes current evidence linking microbiomes to insect biology and explores their potential as tools for pest and vector management. Full article