Effect of Climate Change on Invasion Risk of Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica Férussac, 1821: Achatinidae) in India

The Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) is considered to be one the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. The snail has an impact on native biodiversity, and on agricultural and horticultural crops. In India, it is known to feed on more than fifty species of native plants and agricultural crops and also outcompetes the native snails. It was introduced into India in 1847 and since then it has spread all across the country. In this paper, we use ecological niche modeling (ENM) to assess the distribution pattern of Giant African Snail (GAS) under different climate change scenarios. The niche modeling results indicate that under the current climate scenario, Eastern India, peninsular India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are at high risk of invasion. The three different future climate scenarios show that there is no significant change in the geographical distribution of invasion prone areas. However, certain currently invaded areas will be more prone to invasion in the future. These regions include parts of Bihar, Southern Karnataka, parts of Gujarat and Assam. The Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands are highly vulnerable to invasion under changed climate. The Central Indian region is at low risk due to high temperature and low rainfall. An understanding of the invasion pattern can help in better management of this invasive species and also in formulating policies for its control

Experimental manipulation of DNA methylation in invasive cane toads causes long-term, intergenerational, and regionally differential effects on ecologically-relevant traits

Invasive species often rapidly adapt to their introduced environments, even when genetic diversity is low. Phenotypic variance may be generated by environmentally-induced epigenetic changes (e.g., shifts in DNA methylation) and, where heritable, these changes could affect evolution, especially in genetically depauperate populations. To investigate the role of such changes during invasion, I have studied introduced cane toads in Australia. Since their introduction in 1935, toads have accumulated significant phenotypic variation in their morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits across their range, despite low levels of genetic diversity. Here, I employed a common-garden framework to manipulate levels of DNA methylation in offspring of pairs of toads collected from range-core and range-edge localities and assessed how treatments impacted phenotype across toads’ invasive range, life-stages and generations. I manipulated DNA methylation using two methods: exposure to a DNA methylation inhibitor (zebularine) and exposure to conspecific alarm cues. I found that exposure to either treatment affected phenotype and DNA methylation patterns in cane toads. I identified interactions between the effects of experimental manipulations and population of origin on development and behaviour across larval and adult life-stages. I also identified more differentially methylated regions in response to these treatments in range-edge tadpoles compared to those from the range-core. Importantly, some of the effects of the DNA methylation manipulations I used were transmitted to the second generation and improved the fitness of those individuals. This suggests that changes to DNA methylation in wild toads have the potential to drive phenotypic changes that promote invasion. I identified genes that respond to these manipulations, and that are linked to functions that plausibly assist invaders encountering challenges in their new environment. Overall, my thesis indicates that exposure to a DNA methylation inhibitor affects ecologically-relevant phenotypes that may assist invasion, that exposure to congeneric alarm cues affects both DNA methylation and phenotype, and that some of the effects of these treatments are transmitted to the next generation. Together, these findings highlight the potential for heritable, epigenetic changes to affect evolution during invasion, and suggest that further investigation of this topic is warranted

Performance Evaluation of Ferns for Cut Green and Landscape Purpose

Ferns can be used as ground covers, specimen plants and for group, background and border planting in landscape. They can also be used as fillers in bouquets and flower arrangements. Hence, the objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of different fern species and to identify the suitable species for commercial cultivation. Eleven species of ferns belonging to different genera viz., Adiantum tenerum, Asplenium nidus, Asplenium longissimum, Asplenium scolopendrium, Diaplazium acrostichoides, Nephrolepis biserrata ‘furcans’, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘chidisii’, Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Nephrolepis biserrata miniata and Pteris ensiformis were evaluated for growth pattern and suitability for landscape and commercial uses. Vegetative characters like eplant height and spread were highest in Asplenium nidus and a maximum number of leaves were observed in Adiantum tenerum. Based on growth pattern they were classified under tall, medium and dwarf groups Asplenium nidus and Nephrolepis biserrata miniata were grouped under the tall category. The species which come under medium category are Asplenium longissimum, Diaplazium acrostichoides, Nephrolepis biserrata ‘Furcans’, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Chidisii’, Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Pteris ensiformis and Asplenium scolopendrium where as Adiantum tenerum comes under dwarf category. All species evaluated were found to be suitable for pot plants. Nephrolepis biserrata miniata, Nephrolepis biserrata furcans, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Asplenium nidus and Diaplazium acrostichoides can be recommended as houseplants. Nephrolepis biserrata-Miniata, Nephrolepis biserrata furcans and Nephrolepis cordifolia can be used as border plants in landscapes. Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta, Asplenium longissimum and Pteris ensiformis were observed to be attractive in hanging baskets. Nephrolepis biserrata-Miniata, Nephrolepis exaltata chidisii, Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta and Diaplazium acrostichoides are suitable for bouquets and flower arrangements

Integrative Taxonomic Approach for Describing a New Cryptic Species of Bush Frog (Raorchestes: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India

A new cryptic species of bush frog Raorchestes honnametti sp. nov. is described from the south-eastern part of the Western Ghats, India. This newly described species belongs to the Charius clade and is morphologically similar to other clade members—R. charius and R. griet. Therefore, an integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular and bioacoustic analysis along with morphology was used to delimit the new species. Raorchestes honnametti sp. nov., is currently known only from Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, a part of Biligiri Rangaswamy horst mountain range (a mountain formed due movement of two faults) formed during the Late Quaternary period (1.8–2.58 Ma). Discovery of cryptic species from a highly speciose and well-studied genus Raorchestes hints at the possible existence of several more cryptic species in this genus. We discuss the possible reasons for crypsis and emphasize the need for continued systematic surveys of amphibians across the Western Ghats

Changes in Mice Calvaria Following Fifteen Days in Space /

Physiological changes in response to microgravity are some of the main concerns that must be taken into account prior to a space mission. Bone remodeling may occur in spaceflight as a response to unloading of the lower limbs and head-ward fluid shifts. While unloading results in significant loss of bone mass and density in the lower limbs of animals exposed to microgravity, increased fluid flow to the head may elicit the opposite effect. In bones that normally do not bear weight such as the skull, it has been hypothesized that adaptation to microgravity can induce growth. This paper discusses the various physiological effects of microgravity on astronauts and new data on remodeling of the skull in space. Mice were sent to space on the 15-day STS-131 mission, and upon their return, characteristics of their calvaria and those of ground controls were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and biomechanical analysis. Micro-CT analysis indicated significantly greater bone volume over total volume in the spaceflight group, 1.904 ± 0.842 mm³, compared to 1.758 ± 0.122 mm³ for that of the control group (p<0.05). Likely due to the short duration of spaceflight, there was no significant difference in the other parameters, cortical thickness and tissue mineral density. Micro-indentation was conducted on the calvaria to determine stiffness. Taken over several consistent points on each specimen, the elastic modulus in the spaceflight group was significantly greater, 10.5 ± 1.9 GPa, compared to 9.3 ± 2.1 GPa in the control group. From this, we concluded that exposure to microgravity causes adaptive growth in calvarial bone

Changes in Mice Calvaria Following Fifteen Days in Space /

Physiological changes in response to microgravity are some of the main concerns that must be taken into account prior to a space mission. Bone remodeling may occur in spaceflight as a response to unloading of the lower limbs and head-ward fluid shifts. While unloading results in significant loss of bone mass and density in the lower limbs of animals exposed to microgravity, increased fluid flow to the head may elicit the opposite effect. In bones that normally do not bear weight such as the skull, it has been hypothesized that adaptation to microgravity can induce growth. This paper discusses the various physiological effects of microgravity on astronauts and new data on remodeling of the skull in space. Mice were sent to space on the 15-day STS-131 mission, and upon their return, characteristics of their calvaria and those of ground controls were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and biomechanical analysis. Micro-CT analysis indicated significantly greater bone volume over total volume in the spaceflight group, 1.904 ± 0.842 mm³, compared to 1.758 ± 0.122 mm³ for that of the control group (p<0.05). Likely due to the short duration of spaceflight, there was no significant difference in the other parameters, cortical thickness and tissue mineral density. Micro-indentation was conducted on the calvaria to determine stiffness. Taken over several consistent points on each specimen, the elastic modulus in the spaceflight group was significantly greater, 10.5 ± 1.9 GPa, compared to 9.3 ± 2.1 GPa in the control group. From this, we concluded that exposure to microgravity causes adaptive growth in calvarial bone

The prevalence and factors associated with decreased oxygen saturation in a GP population of adults. A comparative study in Northwest Russia and Northern Norway

Objective: To explore the prevalence and contributing factors of lower oxygen saturation in Northern Norway and Northwest Russia. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study included 3833 respondents from Northwest Russia (3215) and Northern Norway (618). All men and women aged 40 years or more, visiting general practitioners´ (GPs) offices were the subjects. A structured questionnaire, a digital handheld pulse oximeter for oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse, and physical examination were used for data collection. Independent sample t-test (continuous) and chi-square test (categorical) were used to find a significant difference in two groups. The association between independent variables and oxygen saturation was measured using logistic regression and was reported as odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The prevalence of low SpO2 (<95%) was 4.4% in Northern Norway and 3.0% in Northwest Russia. In men and women, it was found to be 4.9% and 2.2% respectively. A significant predictor of lower oxygen saturation in both genders was ´other heart disease´. In men, severe breathlessness problem (OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.4-9.2) and current smoking habit (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.6-7.3) showed statistically significant association with lower oxygen saturation. In women, a significant predictor of lower oxygen saturation was chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) (OR = 8.8; 95% CI = 4.2-18.8). Conclusion: The contributing factors of lower oxygen saturation are other heart diseases, COPD, severe breathlessness problem and smoking habit

Mapping Low-carbon Precincts in Residential Neighbourhoods:A comparative case study of the traditional and the modern types

Urbanization in the last century has created many serious problems including increased carbon footprint in cities leading to global warming and climate change. India being one of the fastest growing developing countries with rapid economic development and industrialization, the carbon footprint of Indian cities is expected to increase with much higher consumption patterns in the following decades. Developing a low carbon precinct in India is however a comparatively new genre of sustainable development. As the debate is still on about the chances and consequences of low carbon precinct in the country, green buildings are widely accepted as the upcoming solution of low carbon footprint. This paper outlines the idea of low carbon precinct, its relevance, and reviews its components and various tools and techniques that can be adopted for mapping and assessing low carbon precincts. The given paper concludes by making a comparative analysis of two different neighborhood clustering patterns, one traditional and organic and the other planned layout, in the Indian metropolitan city of Kolkata representing warm humid climate by simulating their outdoor temperatures in the outdoor thermal simulation and energy mapping software ENVI-met. The comparative study concludes the traditional, organically grown neighborhoods to have higher outdoor temperatures and hence contributing more towards the urban heat island effect as compared to the planned neighborhood layout in the given city’s context