scholarly journals Phenotypic plasticity in developmental rate is insufficient to offset high tadpole mortality in rapidly drying ponds

Ecosphere ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Amburgey ◽  
M. Murphy ◽  
W. Chris Funk
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Developmental Rate

Ecology and biogeography in the introduction to “De bestiis marinis” by Georg Wilhelm Steller

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-74
Author(s):  
Stefano Mattioli
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Main Part ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Restricted Range ◽  
Direct Influence ◽  
Modern Biology

The rediscovery of the original, unedited Latin manuscript of Georg Wilhelm Steller's “De bestiis marinis” (“On marine mammals”), first published in 1751, calls for a new translation into English. The main part of the treatise contains detailed descriptions of four marine mammals, but the introduction is devoted to more general issues, including innovative speculation on morphology, ecology and biogeography, anticipating arguments and concepts of modern biology. Steller noted early that climate and food have a direct influence on body size, pelage and functional traits of mammals, potentially affecting reversible changes (phenotypic plasticity). Feeding and other behavioural habits have an impact on the geographical distribution of mammals. Species with a broad diet tend to have a wide distribution, whereas animals with a narrow diet more likely have only a restricted range. According to Steller, both sea and land then still concealed countless animals unknown to science.

BIOASSAY OF THYROID HORMONE USING HYPOTHYROID TADPOLES

1962 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Henriques
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Developmental Rate ◽  
Response Curves ◽  
Sodium Salts ◽  
Dose Response Curves

ABSTRACT A bioassay of thyroid hormone has been developed using Xenopus larvae made hypothyroid by the administration of thiourea. Only tadpoles of uniform developmental rate were used. Thiourea was given just before the metamorphotic climax in concentrations that produced neoteni in an early metamorphotic stage. During maintained thiourea neotoni, 1-thyroxine and 1-triiodothyronine were added as sodium salts to the water for three days and at the end of one week the stage of metamorphosis produced was determined. In this way identical dose-response curves were obtained for the two compounds. No qualitative differences between their effects were noted except that triiodothyronine seemed more toxic than thyroxine in equivalent doses. Triiodothyronine was found to be 7–12 times as active as thyroxine.

Phenotypic plasticity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen D. Williams ◽  
Marla B. Sokolowski
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Environmental Change ◽  
Behavioral Plasticity ◽  
Behavioral Flexibility ◽  
Insect Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Variability ◽  
Gene By Environment Interactions ◽  
Affect Gene Expression

Why is there so much variation in insect behavior? This chapter will address the sources of behavioral variability, with a particular focus on phenotypic plasticity. Variation in social, nutritional, and seasonal environmental contexts during development and adulthood can give rise to phenotypic plasticity. To delve into mechanism underlying behavioral flexibility in insects, examples of polyphenisms, a type of phenotypic plasticity, will be discussed. Selected examples reveal that environmental change can affect gene expression, which in turn can affect behavioral plasticity. These changes in gene expression together with gene-by-environment interactions are discussed to illuminate our understanding of insect behavioral plasticity.

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