Female reproductive behaviour, ovarian hormones and vaginal cytology of the induced ovulator, Ctenomys talarum

In the present study, we evaluated whether reproductive condition affects female reproductive behaviour in the induced ovulator Ctenomys talarum. We also explored the effect of the interaction with a male on the reproductive condition of females. To evaluate this, we arranged mating trials and evaluated female reproductive behaviour. Reproductive status of females was evaluated using a combined approach of vaginal smears, urinary progesterone and oestradiol, and ovarian histology. Behaviours denoting attraction ('male sniff' and 'mount attempts') and mutual courtship behaviours ('spin' and copula) were correlated with vaginal cytology before and oestradiol and progesterone levels in urine 12 h after male-female encounter. After 24 h of the interaction, oestradiol levels and vaginal epithelization increased while progesterone levels decreased in soliciting females. C. talarum females' reproductive behaviour was related to its physiological reproductive state and vaginal cytology. The kind of male interaction, whether couples copulated or remained indifferent affected the later status of females. Females are induced ovulators by mating but male presence and interaction also affected other components of their reproductive physiology such as ovarian hormones and vaginal cytology.Fil: Fanjul, Maria Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Zenuto, Roxana Rita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Personality underground: Evidence of behavioral types in the solitary subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum

Background: Animal personalities have been studied in a wide variety of taxa, but among rodents, available studies are relatively scarce and have focused mainly on social species. In this study, we evaluated the existence of personality in the solitary subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. Specifically, we aimed to test individual differences in behavior that are stable over time and context in males of C. talarum captured in the wild. Methods: Our experimental design included two series of three behavioral tests each, carried out with a 35 day time interval. Each series included an Open Field test, a Social Encounter test, and an Open Field test with a predator stimulus. Results: Of the total recorded behaviors, 55.55% showed temporal consistency. Principal component analysis of consistent behaviors grouped them into four dimensions that explain inter individual behavioral variability, in order of importance: activity, socioaversion, boldness and exploration. Therefore, our results suggest that the concept of animal personality is applicable to C. talarum and the dimensions found are in accordance with the ecological and behavioral characteristics of this species.Fil: Fanjul, Maria Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Zenuto, Roxana Rita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentin

Global distribution and richness of terrestrial mammals in tidal marshes

Aim: Understanding the determinants of species distribution and richness is key to explaining global ecological patterns. We examined the current knowledge about terrestrial mammals in tidal marshes and evaluated whether species richness increased with the marsh surface area and/or with their proximity to the equator and whether species distribution ranges decreased with latitude. Location: Global. Methods: We reviewed the existing literature on terrestrial mammals in tidal marshes. We examined their ecological characteristics (e.g. habitat specialists, native or alien), predicted their variation in species richness and range size along latitude, and explored factors, such as surface area, underlying the global patterns found. Results: We found 962 records, describing 125 mammalian species using tidal marshes worldwide, also including several alien species. Most species (95%) were not marsh specialized, and some (18%) were of conservation concern. There were information gaps in South America, Africa, Australia and Asia, and a lack of information about mammalian ecological roles worldwide. We found that species richness increased with surface area, and showed a bimodal pattern peaked between 40° and 50° latitude in each hemisphere. We found no relationship between latitude and species range size. Main conclusions: Our worldwide findings revealed a broader range of tidal marshes inhabited by terrestrial mammals, and higher values of species richness than previously reported. The bimodal pattern of species richness was consistent with the species–area hypothesis, but it also suggested that further studies of species distribution in relation to historical and environmental factors will yield significant insights about variables driving richness in tidal marshes. Despite terrestrial mammal ubiquitous distribution in these ecosystems, there are considerable geographic gaps as regards knowledge about their functional importance and the impact of alien species on tidal marsh functioning. Consequently, extending our research efforts is key to planning the conservation of these coastal ecosystems.Fil: Canepuccia, Alejandro Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Fanjul, Maria Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Iribarne, Oscar Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Individual differences in behaviour are related to metabolism, stress response, testosterone, and immunity in the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum

The growth of personality research has led to the integration of consistent variation of individual behaviour in multidimensional approaches including physiological variables, which are required to continue building a more comprehensive theory about coping strategies. In this study, we used wild-caught males of Ctenomys talarum (tuco-tucos), a solitary subterranean rodent, to assess the relationships among personality traits and several physiological variables, namely stress response, testosterone, immunity, and energy metabolism. Subjects (n = 21) were used in experimental tests assessing behaviour, energy metabolism, testosterone levels, inflammatory cell-mediated and humoral immunity, and stress response to a simulated predator attack. The structural equation model explained a moderate portion of the variance of personality behaviours related to activity (52%), boldness (35%), and socioaversion (30%). More active and bold individuals showed higher oxygen consumption. While those subjects had lower baseline cortisol levels, there was no relationship between cortisol levels of the stress-induced response. Cell-mediated immune response was related to activity levels. Finally, testosterone only affected boldness. Despite some of these relationships diverge in direction to predicted ones, overall they support the existence of coping styles in male C. talarum; and are discussed in the light of current hypotheses and particular behavioural and ecological traits of tuco-tucos.Fil: Fanjul, Maria Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Cutrera, Ana Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Luna, Facundo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Zenuto, Roxana Rita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Tidal action and macroalgal photosynthetic activity prevent coastal acidification in an eutrophic system within a semi-desert region

Nutrient input drive macroalgal blooms and increases in photosynthetic activity in coastal ecosystems. An intense macroalgal photosynthetic activity can increase the surrounding pH and it could prevent the acidification that often follows an eutrophication process. We tested this hypothesis with field sampling and experiments in a macrotidal (up to 9 m in amplitude) coastal system within a semi-desert region with contrasting eutrophic conditions and Ulva lactuca blooms in the northern Argentinean Patagonia (San Antonio Bay). Our results indicate that daily pH variability during low tide could be controlled by the photosynthetic activity of Ulva lactuca under eutrophic conditions. At seasonal scale, the pH variations were related to environmental features, particularly seawater temperature. Both environmental (i.e. high solar radiation, negligible freshwater inputs and large tidal action) and anthropogenic nutrient inputs into the studied area promote the Ulva lactuca blooms, which in turn increases the surrounding pH in well oxygenated seawater through the intense photosynthetic activity. Our study shows that eutrophication instead of being a driver of acidification, could contribute to its prevention in well oxygenated marine coastal systems located within semi-desert regions.Fil: Becherucci, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Pereyra, Patricio Javier. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; ArgentinaFil: Narvarte, Maite Andrea. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; ArgentinaFil: Fanjul, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Iribarne, Oscar Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Martinetto, Paulina Maria del Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Cordgrass canopy elicits weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic abundance in a harsh environment

The magnitude of the outcome of ecosystem engineering is context-dependent; asenvironmental stresses increase, habitat amelioration by ecosystem engineers becomes more relevant. Moreover, the individual- and population-level traits of ecosystem engineers can affect their ability to reduce environmental stress. On the Patagonian shores of Argentina (SW Atlantic,41° S), the intertidal community is exposed to harsh conditions. We predicted that in this severe environment, variation in the above-ground structure of the smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora should buffer the physical stress on the substrate through shading and reduction of wind and water flow energy, ultimately affecting the sediment properties and microphytobenthic biomass. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally manipulated cordgrass density at the edge and inner marsh of a S. alterniflora meadow during both summer and winter. In summer, evaporation andtemperature were higher in clipped plots, while in winter, evaporation varied across densities and location treatments, with higher sediment water content in the inner marsh. No effect of S. alterniflora density or location were observed on sediment organic matter or chl a concentration, and mean sediment grain size was always smaller inside the marsh. In summer, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content was higher in clipped plots inside the marsh, however this did not differ from the other density treatments at this location. Overall, shading had weak effects on sediment properties and microphytobenthic biomass, and most observed differences were attributable to grain size. We speculate that the harsh conditions of this system overwhelm the ecosystem engineering effects of S. alterniflora, probably because of its relatively small aboveground biomass.Fil: Firstater, Fausto Nahuel. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto de Biología Marina y Pesquera Almirante Storni; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Narvarte, Maite Andrea. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto de Biología Marina y Pesquera Almirante Storni; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, María Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Instituto de Limnología; ArgentinaFil: Fanjul, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Iribarne, Oscar Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Aqueous UV–VIS spectroelectrochemical study of the voltammetric reduction of graphene oxide on screen-printed carbon electrodes

Two graphene oxide (GO) materials with different layer size and proportion of functional groups in the basal planes (hydroxyl and epoxy) and in the edges (carbonyl and carboxyl) were used to modify the surface of commercially available screen-printed electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M KNO3 was evaluated as an easy to use electrochemical methodology to reduce GO attached to the surface of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). A cathodic peak related to the reduction of GO was identified, and the peak potential was correlated to the difficulty to reduce GO to electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) depending on the functional groups present in the basal plane and in the edges of the original GO monolayers. Time-resolved UV–VIS absorption spectroelectrochemistry in near-normal reflection mode on a screen-printed electrode is used for the very first time as an in situ characterization technique for real-time monitoring unambiguously the electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide.projects CTQ2014-55583-R and CTQ2014-61914-EXP funded by Ministerio de Economía y Competitivida

Regenerative bioturbation by intertidal burrowing crabs modifies microphytobenthic composition and enhances primary production in SW Atlantic mudflats

In coastal systems, benthic microalgae are important primary producers that significantly contribute to global primary production. Microphytobenthic (MPB) community structure and the ecosystem functions that it mediates are modulated by biotic and abiotic factors. Through burrowing activity, different types of bioturbators can impact MPB in different ways. Through directed sampling and field experiments performed at the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (Argentina), we evaluated the effect of regenerative bioturbation (continuous digging and maintenance of burrows, with sediment transfer from depth to surface) by the intertidal burrowing crab Neohelice (Chasmagnatus) granulata on MPB. We compared sediment properties and MPB attributes between natural burrowed and non-burrowed areas. Moreover, we experimentally manipulated regenerative bioturbation to evaluate if MPB composition and primary production are altered by crab burrowing activity. Field sampling showed that MPB and sediment properties differed between natural burrowed and non-burrowed areas. Experimental results indicated that regenerative bioturbation by N. granulata increased sediment oxygen concentration at each measured depth and also changed MPB composition (due to the reduced total abundance of cyanobacteria), but nearly doubled primary production in comparison with plots without bioturbation. Thus, the net effects of regenerative bioturbation were positive for MPB productivity, reinforcing the idea that this kind of bioturbation is an important biological force that enhances primary production in intertidal systems.Fil: Giorgini, Micaela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Miguez, Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Esquius, Karina Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Díaz de Astarloa, Clara María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Iribarne, Oscar Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Fanjul, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Escapa, Carlos Mauricio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Reproductive biology of four species of Fulica, in the La Angostura reservoir, Tafí del Valle, Tucumán

El género Fulica consta de 11 especies a nivel mundial, de las cuales seis habitan Argentina. El presente trabajo trata sobre la biología reproductiva de cuatro especies de Fulica residentes en un humedal de altura, en la provincia de Tucumán. El Embalse La Angostura se encuentra en el departamento de Tafí del Valle, Tucumán; a unos 2000 m snm y cuenta con un espejo de agua de 12 Km. Allí es común observar una gran diversidad de aves acuáticas, entre ellas, a F. armillata, F. leucoptera, F. rufifrons y F. ardesiaca las cuales son el objeto de este estudio. Entré agosto de 2004 a diciembre de 2005 se realizaron monitoreos en los sitios de nidificación. Allí se tomaron datos tales como: las medidas de los nidos y el tipo de material empleado en su construidos; el número, el tamaño y patrón de coloración de los huevos de cada nidada; la presencia de pichones, juveniles o inmaduros; y un banco de imágenes para una mejor descripción de las diferentes etapas de la biología reproductiva. Entre los resultados obtenidos más relevantes están: el uso de plásticos en la nidificación (primer registro en Argentina), que las nidadas fueron menores a lo documentado en otros estudios y el posible parasitismo de cría intraespecífico de Fulica ardesiaca en nidos de Coscoroba coscoroba. Para poder corroborar dichos resultados sería importante realizar estudios más profundos de manera sistemática y a más largo plazo.Fulica genus is comprised of 11 worldwide species, six of which inhabit Argentina. The current study is focused on the reproductive biology of four Fulica species resident in a high-altitude wetland in the province of Tucumán. La Angostura dam is located in the department of Tafí del Valle, Tucumán, at about 2000 m asl and has a water body of 12 km in length. There is a great diversity of waterbirds, including F. armillata, F. leucoptera, F. rufifrons, and F. ardesiaca, which are the subject of this study. Between August 2004 and December 2005, monitoring was carried out at the nesting sites. We collected data, such as: the measurements of nests and the type of material used for their construction; the number, size, and coloring pattern of the eggs in each clutch; the presence of chicks, juveniles, or immatures in each nest; and we created an image bank for a better description of the different stages of reproductive biology. Among the most relevant results obtained are the use of plastics as nesting material (first record in Argentina), the fact that clutches were smaller than documented in other studies, and the possible intraspecific brood parasitism of Fulica ardesiaca in Coscoroba coscoroba nests. To corroborate these results, it would be important to carry out more in-depth studies on a systematic and long-term basis.Fil: Echevarria, Ada Lilian. Fundación Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Martínez, María Valeria. Fundación Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Benavídez, Analía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet Noa Sur. Centro Regional de Energia y Ambiente Para El Desarrollo Sustentable. - Universidad Nacional de Catamarca. Centro Regional de Energia y Ambiente Para El Desarrollo Sustentable.; ArgentinaFil: Fanjul, Maria Elisa. Fundación Miguel Lillo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin