The ecological and evolutionary significance of effectiveness landscapes in mutualistic interactions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José María Gómez ◽  
Eugene W. Schupp ◽  
Pedro Jordano
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Mutualistic Interactions

Hominin transition to Upper Pliocene

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Ayala ◽  
Camilo J. Cela-Conde
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Technological Progress ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Middle Pleistocene ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Australopithecus Afarensis ◽  
Phylogenetic Significance ◽  
Homo Neanderthalensis ◽  
Surprising Discovery

This chapter analyzes the transition of the hominins from the Middle Pleistocene to the Late Pleistocene. Two alternative models are explored, the “Multiregional Hypothesis” (MH) and the “Replacement Hypothesis,” and how each model evaluates the existing relationships between the taxa Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens. Next is the investigation of the transitional (or “archaic,” if this grade is taken into account) exemplars found in Europe, Africa, and Asia and their evolutionary significance. In particular, the comparison between H. erectus and H. sapiens in China and Java is investigated, as the main foundation of the MH. The chapter ends with the surprising discovery of Homo floresiensis and its description and interpretations concerning its taxonomic and phylogenetic significance. The correlation between brain development and technological progress is at odds with the attribution of perforators, microblades, and fishing hooks to a hominin with a small cranial volume, similar to that of Australopithecus afarensis.

scholarly journals Bile salts of vertebrates: structural variation and possible evolutionary significance

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan F. Hofmann ◽  
Lee R. Hagey ◽  
Matthew D. Krasowski
Keyword(s):  
Bile Salts ◽  
Structural Variation ◽  
Evolutionary Significance

scholarly journals Gene coexpression networks reveal molecular interactions underlying cichlid jaw modularity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Singh ◽  
Ehsan Pashay Ahi ◽  
Christian Sturmbauer
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Cichlid Species ◽  
Cichlid Fishes ◽  
Gene Coexpression ◽  
Modular Evolution ◽  
Jaw Apparatus ◽  
Coexpression Networks ◽  
Pharyngeal Jaw

Abstract Background The oral and pharyngeal jaw of cichlid fishes are a classic example of evolutionary modularity as their functional decoupling boosted trophic diversification and contributed to the success of cichlid adaptive radiations. Most studies until now have focused on the functional, morphological, or genetic aspects of cichlid jaw modularity. Here we extend this concept to include transcriptional modularity by sequencing whole transcriptomes of the two jaws and comparing their gene coexpression networks. Results We show that transcriptional decoupling of gene expression underlies the functional decoupling of cichlid oral and pharyngeal jaw apparatus and the two units are evolving independently in recently diverged cichlid species from Lake Tanganyika. Oral and pharyngeal jaw coexpression networks reflect the common origin of the jaw regulatory program as there is high preservation of gene coexpression modules between the two sets of jaws. However, there is substantial rewiring of genetic architecture within those modules. We define a global jaw coexpression network and highlight jaw-specific and species-specific modules within it. Furthermore, we annotate a comprehensive in silico gene regulatory network linking the Wnt and AHR signalling pathways to jaw morphogenesis and response to environmental cues, respectively. Components of these pathways are significantly differentially expressed between the oral and pharyngeal jaw apparatus. Conclusion This study describes the concerted expression of many genes in cichlid oral and pharyngeal jaw apparatus at the onset of the independent life of cichlid fishes. Our findings suggest that – on the basis of an ancestral gill arch network—transcriptional rewiring may have driven the modular evolution of the oral and pharyngeal jaws, highlighting the evolutionary significance of gene network reuse. The gene coexpression and in silico regulatory networks presented here are intended as resource for future studies on the genetics of vertebrate jaw morphogenesis and trophic adaptation.

scholarly journals Moss mimesis par excellence: integrating previous and new data on the life history and larval ecomorphology of long-bodied craneflies (Diptera: Cylindrotomidae: Cylindrotominae)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yume Imada
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Lateral Side ◽  
Apparent Absence ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Evolutionary Studies ◽  
Functional Explanations

Abstract Different physical structures play a central role in animal camouflage. However, in evolutionary studies of mimicry, the ecological and evolutionary significance of such structures has been poorly investigated. Larvae of long-bodied craneflies, Cylindrotominae, are all obligate herbivores and resemble plants. They are distinctively characterized by possessing numerous elongated cuticular lobes on the integument. A comprehensive overview of the biology and morphology of cylindrotomids, particularly their larval stages, is laid out, providing original data on nine species. To explore the ecological background of moss resemblance, host-plants of most examined species are clarified, revealing that terrestrial moss-feeding species tend to use specific groups of mosses, either belonging to Bryales or Hypnales. However, the evolution of cryptic forms remains paradoxical, due to the apparent absence of visual predators. Based on histological examinations, extensive internal musculatures within the cuticular lobes on the lateral side are discovered, shedding new light on their function in locomotion. Traditional functional explanations for these lobes, particularly as devices for respiration, locomotion and attachment, are challenged. This study promotes our understanding of the ecomorphology of mimicry devices, which is an angle often dismissed in evolutionary studies of mimicry.

scholarly journals Antagonistic and mutualistic interactions alter seed dispersal of understory plants at forest edges

Ecosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyatt J. Parker ◽  
Carmela M. Buono ◽  
Kirsten M. Prior
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Understory Plants ◽  
Mutualistic Interactions

scholarly journals Evolutionary significance of the blastozoan Eumorphocystis and its pseudo-arms

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Guensburg ◽  
James Sprinkle ◽  
Rich Mooi ◽  
Bertrand Lefebvre
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Sister Taxon ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Coelomic Cavity ◽  
Anatomical Features ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Solid Block ◽  
Cover Plates

Abstract Twelve specimens of Eumorphocystis Branson and Peck, 1940 provide the basis for new findings and a more informed assessment of whether this blastozoan (a group including eocrinoids, blastoids, diploporites, rhombiferans) constitutes the sister taxon to crinoids, as has been recently proposed. Both Eumorphocystis and earliest-known crinoid feeding appendages express longitudinal canals, a demonstrable trait exclusive to these taxa. However, the specimen series studied here shows that Eumorphocystis canals constrict proximally and travel within ambulacrals above the thecal cavity. This relationship is congruent with a documented blastozoan pattern but very unlike earliest crinoid topology. Earliest crinoid arm cavities lie fully beneath floor plates; these expand and merge directly with the main thecal coelomic cavity at thecal shoulders. Other associated anatomical features echo this contrasting comparison. Feeding appendages of Eumorphocystis lack two-tiered cover plates, podial basins/pores, and lateral arm plating, all features of earliest crinoid ‘true arms.’ Eumorphocystis feeding appendages are buttressed by solid block-like plates added during ontogeny at a generative zone below floor plates, a pattern with no known parallel among crinoids. Eumorphocystis feeding appendages express brachioles, erect extensions of floor plates, also unknown among crinoids. These several distinctions point to nonhomology of most feeding appendage anatomy, including longitudinal canals, removing Eumorphocystis and other blastozoans from exclusive relationship with crinoids. Eumorphocystis further differs from crinoids in that thecal plates express diplopores, respiratory structures not present among crinoids, but ubiquitous among certain groups of blastozoans. Phylogenetic analysis places Eumorphocystis as a crownward blastozoan, far removed from crinoids.

scholarly journals Black spicules from a new interstitial opheliid polychaete Thoracophelia minuta sp. nov. (Annelida: Opheliidae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoto Jimi ◽  
Shinta Fujimoto ◽  
Mami Takehara ◽  
Satoshi Imura
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Biology ◽  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
New Species ◽  
Morphological Diversity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Research Subject ◽  
Ecological Diversity ◽  
Coelomic Cavity ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic

AbstractThe phylum Annelida exhibits high morphological diversity coupled with its extensive ecological diversity, and the process of its evolution has been an attractive research subject for many researchers. Its representatives are also extensively studied in fields of ecology and developmental biology and important in many other biology related disciplines. The study of biomineralisation is one of them. Some annelid groups are well known to form calcified tubes but other forms of biomineralisation are also known. Herein, we report a new interstitial annelid species with black spicules, Thoracophelia minuta sp. nov., from Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan. Spicules are minute calcium carbonate inclusions found across the body and in this new species, numerous black rod-like inclusions of calcium-rich composition are distributed in the coelomic cavity. The new species can be distinguished from other known species of the genus by these conspicuous spicules, shape of branchiae and body formula. Further, the new species’ body size is apparently smaller than its congeners. Based on our molecular phylogenetic analysis using 18S and 28S sequences, we discuss the evolutionary significance of the new species’ spicules and also the species' progenetic origin.

scholarly journals Ancient origin of fucosylated xyloglucan in charophycean green algae

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Dalgaard Mikkelsen ◽  
Jesper Harholt ◽  
Bjørge Westereng ◽  
David Domozych ◽  
Stephen C. Fry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Algae ◽  
Structural Component ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Uronic Acid ◽  
Structural Elucidation ◽  
Land Plants ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Biosynthetic Enzymes ◽  
Major Structural Component ◽  
Mesotaenium Caldariorum

AbstractThe charophycean green algae (CGA or basal streptophytes) are of particular evolutionary significance because their ancestors gave rise to land plants. One outstanding feature of these algae is that their cell walls exhibit remarkable similarities to those of land plants. Xyloglucan (XyG) is a major structural component of the cell walls of most land plants and was originally thought to be absent in CGA. This study presents evidence that XyG evolved in the CGA. This is based on a) the identification of orthologs of the genetic machinery to produce XyG, b) the identification of XyG in a range of CGA and, c) the structural elucidation of XyG, including uronic acid-containing XyG, in selected CGA. Most notably, XyG fucosylation, a feature considered as a late evolutionary elaboration of the basic XyG structure and orthologs to the corresponding biosynthetic enzymes are shown to be present in Mesotaenium caldariorum.

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