Investment in male function of Biomphalaria tenagophila (ORBIGNY) (MOLLUSCA, PLANORBIDAE) estimated by spermatozoa numbers

Biomphalaria tenagophila is a simultaneous hermaphrodite whose male function investment was estimated by counting spermatozoa from ovotestis and seminal vesicle, under different experimental conditions during the copulation process. As a new technique, spermatozoa were separated in a detergent solution. In all experimental conditions the seminal vesicle contained at least twice as many spermatozoa as the ovotestis to the order of a hundred thousand in ovotestis compared with three or four hundred thousands in the seminal vesicle. There is evidence that the spermatozoa transferred in the copulation process originate from the donnor's seminal vesicle, and the balance of the number of spermatozoa in the seminal vesicle was restored in less than 24 hours.Biomphalaria tenagophila é um hermafrodita simultâneo cujo investimento na função masculina foi avaliado pela contagem de espermatozóides do ovoteste e da vesícula seminal, sob diferentes condições experimentais, durante o processo de cópula. Foi criada uma nova técnica para contar espermatozóides separados em uma solução de alquilbenzeno sulfonato de sódio. Em todas as condições experimentais, a vesícula seminal teve mais do dobro de espermatozóides do ovoteste: da ordem de uma centena de milhar para três ou quatro centenas de milhares. Há evidências de que os espermatozóides transferidos no processo de cópula procederam da vesícula seminal do doador e que o equilíbrio do número de espermatozóides na vesícula seminal era restabelecido em menos de 24 horas

Anyone with a Long-Face? Craniofacial Evolutionary Allometry (CREA) in a Family of Short-Faced Mammals, the Felidae

Among adults of closely related species, a trend in craniofacial evolutionary allometry (CREA) for larger taxa to be long-faced and smaller ones to have paedomorphic aspects, such as proportionally smaller snouts and larger braincases, has been demonstrated in some mammals and two bird lineages. Nevertheless, whether this may represent a ‘rule’ with few exceptions is still an open question. In this context, Felidae is a particularly interesting family to study because, although its members are short-faced, previous research did suggest relative facial elongation in larger living representatives. Using geometric morphometrics, based on two sets of anatomical landmarks, and traditional morphometrics, for comparing relative lengths of the palate and basicranium, we performed a series of standard and comparative allometric regressions in the Felidae and its two subfamilies. All analyses consistently supported the CREA pattern, with only one minor exception in the geometric morphometric analysis of Pantherinae: the genus Neofelis. With its unusually long canines, Neofelis species seem to have a relatively narrow cranium and long face, despite being smaller than other big cats. In spite of this, overall, our findings strengthen the possibility that the CREA pattern might indeed be a ‘rule’ among mammals, raising questions on the processes behind it and suggesting future directions for its study

Shape - but Not Size - Codivergence between Male and Female Copulatory Structures in Onthophagus Beetles

Genitalia are among the fastest evolving morphological traits in arthropods. Among the many hypotheses aimed at explaining this observation, some explicitly or implicitly predict concomitant male and female changes of genital traits that interact during copulation (i.e., lock and key, sexual conflict, cryptic female choice and pleiotropy). Testing these hypotheses requires insights into whether male and female copulatory structures that physically interact during mating also affect each other's evolution and patterns of diversification. Here we compare and contrast size and shape evolution of male and female structures that are known to interact tightly during copulation using two model systems: (a) the sister species O. taurus (1 native, 3 recently established populations) and O. illyricus, and (b) the species-complex O. fracticornis-similis-opacicollis. Partial Least Squares analyses indicated very little to no correlation between size and shape of copulatory structures, both in males and females. Accordingly, comparing shape and size diversification patterns of genitalia within each sex showed that the two components diversify readily - though largely independently of each other - within and between species. Similarly, comparing patterns of divergence across sexes showed that relative sizes of male and female copulatory organs diversify largely independent of each other. However, performing this analysis for genital shape revealed a signature of parallel divergence. Our results therefore suggest that male and female copulatory structures that are linked mechanically during copulation may diverge in concert with respect to their shapes. Furthermore, our results suggest that genital divergence in general, and co-divergence of male and female genital shape in particular, can evolve over an extraordinarily short time frame. Results are discussed in the framework of the hypotheses that assume or predict concomitant evolutionary changes in male and female copulatory organs

Biodiversity consequences of Caulerpa prolifera takeover of a coastal lagoon

The genus Caulerpa has attracted much attention because many of its species were introduced into non-native regions and became notoriously invasive. This is the case of Caulerpa prolifera that has been rapidly expanding in Ria Formosa lagoon, taking over the deeper unvegetated soft bottoms and competing with seagrass meadows in the shallower areas. Here we address how C. prolifera invasion may affect the support of biodiversity, and specifically, the provision of habitat and nursery for commercial species by the native habitats of this coastal lagoon. Even though no significant differences in total species richness, diversity and evenness were found between C. prolifera and the native unvegetated habitat, the dissimilarity between these two habitats was highest, mostly driven by the extreme reduction of the gastropod Bittium reticulatum and of the tanaid Apseudopsis formosus. This may implicate changes in the trophic interactions of the ecosystem, for example decreasing the tanaid food source for seahorses, which are presently endangered in the lagoon. On the other hand, the fauna species richness, diversity and evenness were significantly higher in the native seagrass habitat than in C. prolifera. Juveniles of valuable flat and sparid fish were only observed in unvegetated sediments and seagrass meadows, respectively. The aggressive spread of C. prolifera in Ria Formosa may alter the structure of native faunal communities, with likely negative implications on fisheries. Nevertheless, the global biodiversity of the lagoon will not be likely drastically affected unless the seaweed takes over the seagrass meadows.FCT: PTDC/MAR-EST/3223/2014/ CCMAR/BI/011/2018/ DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0004/ UIDB/04326/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Integration between the face and the mandible of Pongo and the evolution of the craniofacial morphology of orangutans

Objectives Extant Pongo diverges from other hominids by a series of craniofacial morphological features, such as a concave face, a reduced supraorbital torus, or an upwardly orientated palate. These traits are not independent because the skull is a complex integrated structure. The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between the face and mandible of Pongo, in order to examine the link between mandibular structures and the set-up of the unique facial features of orangutans. Materials and methods Using 3D geometric morphometrics, the morphological integration between face and mandible of Pongo is compared to that of the three extant hominids: Homo, Pan, and Gorilla. Pooled within-species partial least squares analyses are computed in order to quantify the patterns and levels of integration. Results The covariation analyses show unique patterns of integration and levels of correlation in Pongo when compared to other hominids. This study shows that the craniofacial features distinguishing Pongo from African great apes are related to differences in the patterns of integration and levels of correlation between facial and mandibular shape. Discussion Changes in important functions may play a part in these modifications of craniofacial integration. This study underlines the importance of the mandible and of the mandibular functions in the development of the unique craniofacial features of Pongo. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:475-486, 2015.SCOPUS: ar.jFLWINinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe