Role of chemical communication and behavioural interactions among conspecifics in the choice of shelters by the cave-dwelling salamander Proteus anguinus (Caudata, Proteidae)

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
O Guillaume
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Communication ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Chemical Signals ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Proteus Anguinus ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Behavioural Interactions ◽  
Males And Females

Non-sexually active males and females of the cave-dwelling salamander Proteus anguinus always aggregate in the same shelters, either under stones or in fissures. However, it was not known if this behaviour results from chemical communication and (or) behavioural interactions among conspecifics. I tested the hypothesis that this is the case by using two-choice tests. The results showed that salamanders re-located their own shelter even when it was displaced. However, they preferred a shelter that belonged to a conspecific or contained faecal pellets of a conspecific to their own or a control "blank" shelter. When two salamanders were simultaneously given the choice between two blank shelters, they cohabited. When they were simultaneously given the choice between their own shelter and each other's, they used them indiscriminately and frequently cohabited. These data provide evidence that P. anguinus use chemical signals as directional cues for homing and also for social behaviour. Chemical signals may attract conspecifics, which subsequently may exhibit gregarious behaviour by occupying common shelters.

Response of summerform pear psylla (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) to male- and female-produced odors

2011 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christelle Guédot ◽  
David R. Horton ◽  
Peter J. Landolt
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Signals ◽  
Male Attraction ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Volatile Chemicals ◽  
Sex Attraction ◽  
Pear Psylla ◽  
Males And Females

AbstractWe examined the role of chemical signals in sex attraction of pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), assessing the response of summerform male and female psyllids to male- and female-produced volatile chemicals. Male psyllids were attracted to odors from live females and pentane extracts of females. Extracts of females were as attractive to males as live females, suggesting that the female-produced volatile chemicals responsible for male attraction might be isolated by extracting females with pentane. Females were not attracted to odorants from live females and tended to avoid odorants from extracts of females. Furthermore, summerform males and females were not attracted or repelled by male-produced odorants from live males or extracts of males. Results of olfactometer assays using male summerform C. pyricola are consistent with results from earlier studies with the winterform morphotype of this species.

Some Chemical Signals in the Spawning Behavior of Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

1973 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 995-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Newcombe ◽  
G. Hartman
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Chemical Signals ◽  
Salmo Gairdneri ◽  
Auditory Stimuli ◽  
Spawning Behavior ◽  
Olfactory Information ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Chemical Stimuli

In a two-choice maze ripe rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) of both sexes showed positive responses to chemical (probably olfactory) information. The possibility that visual or auditory stimuli influenced choice of channel in the maze was ruled out. Both males and females were strongly attracted to water taken from behind fish that were spawning and weakly attracted to the holding water of ripe fish that were not spawning. Brief speculation is offered about the role of chemical stimuli in the behavior of prespawning and spawning trout.

Sexual imprinting on a novel blue ornament in zebra finches

Behaviour ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (8) ◽  
pp. 969-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Caspers ◽  
Klaudia Witte
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Evolution ◽  
Mate Preferences ◽  
Binary Choice ◽  
Zebra Finches ◽  
Sexual Imprinting ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Learned Preference

AbstractSexual imprinting plays an important role for the development of mate preferences in birds. We tested whether male and female zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata sexually imprinted on an evolutionary novel trait, a blue feather on the forehead in parents. Additionally, we tested whether males and females would transfer a learned preference for the blue feather to a preference for blue leg bands, and whether a potential mate with two novel blue traits can amplify its attractiveness. Offspring were raised by parents in four different imprinting groups: (1) both parents unadorned; (2) the mother adorned only; (3) the father adorned only; (4) both parents adorned with the blue feather. After young reached maturity, we tested their mate preference for adorned and unadorned conspecifics of the opposite sex in binary choice tests. Females of the father adorned imprinting group sexually imprinted on the blue feather, and females reared by adorned parents showed a tendency to prefer adorned males. None of the males sexually imprinted on the blue feather. Our study replicates the results of a previous study on sexual imprinting on a red feather in zebra finches. We, therefore, propose a sex difference in the learning process of sexual imprinting. Females sexually imprinted on the blue feather did not transfer the learned preference to males with blue leg bands, and two novel blue traits could not amplify the attractiveness in males and females for the opposite sex. Our study emphasizes the role of sexual imprinting for the cultural evolution in mate preferences in zebra finches.

Dyadic behavioural interactions in cockroaches (Blaberidae): ecomorphological and evolutionary implications

Behaviour ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 152 (9) ◽  
pp. 1229-1256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Legendre ◽  
Pierre Deleporte ◽  
Marion Depraetere ◽  
Amandine Gasc ◽  
Roseli Pellens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Body Shape ◽  
Social Evolution ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Behavioural Interactions

Few studies have assessed the relative importance of morphological, ecological and phylogenetic factors in the evolution of social behaviour. We examine the role of these factors in social evolution among blaberid cockroaches. We first analyse and compare behavioural interactions in 13 species. We then ask how the nature of these interactions relates to body shape, phylogeny and habitat. We showed that, although these cockroaches display diverse behavioural interactions, a structure in these data exists with some species clustering together. We found that similarity in social interactions was related to species body shape, but not to ecology or phylogenetic relationships. We suggest that body shape plays an important role in the evolution of social behaviour and that this factor should be investigated further in future analyses.

Gender Diversity in Computing: An Environmental Perspective

10.28945/3248 ◽  
2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecille Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Female Household Head ◽  
Dominant Female ◽  
Computer Confidence ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Research Questions

Previous research conducted by the author investigated the socio-political backgrounds of two groups of female students studying computer-related university programmes. They came from distinctly different backgrounds and were enrolled at two institutions with very different legacies. The author found that socio-political factors, in particular the role of a dominant female household head and aggressive governmental affirmative action, had a significant effect on the girls’ levels of confidence and subsequently on their decision to study computer-related courses. Based on this insight, the researcher undertook to look further into gender diversity with respect to self-perceived general computer confidence and self-perceived ability to program a computer. A sample of both female and male Information T echnology students from very similar disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds was surveyed. The sample of 204 students was drawn from all three years of the National Diploma in Information Technology. The author considered the following research questions: (i) Do males and females studying computer-related courses have differing computer selfefficacy levels? (ii) Do males and females studying computer programming have differing attitudes towards their ability to program? (iii) Do males and females differ in their attitudes towards the programming learning environment?

Selenium Role in Reproduction, Pregnant/Postpartum Women and Neonates: A Current Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-37
Author(s):  
Tabinda Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Infant Development ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
One Year ◽  
Selenium Supplements

Background: Selenium is a micronutrient, although required in low amounts, its importance in male and female reproduction is well known. Objectives: The core purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of selenium in human reproduction, during pregnancy/ lactation in women and newborns. The review explains side by side the sources of selenium, required amounts of selenium in humans and during pregnancy or lactation. Methods: Selenium deficiency is a major cause of male infertility. Similarly, selenium deficiency, both in pregnant and postpartum women, would greatly affect the health of the newborn baby in all respects. The effect of maternal selenium upon the fetus and the neonates even one year after birth has been explained with some recent examples. Results: The study elaborates the fact that the selenium deficiency in pregnancy and lactation is common due to fetal/infant development, so selenium supplements must be provided in order to overcome these deficiency symptoms. Conclusions: The better reproductive health in humans is possible due to the sufficient amounts of selenium present both in males and females as well.

scholarly journals Genetic Studies of mei-P26 Reveal a Link Between the Processes That Control Germ Cell Proliferation in Both Sexes and Those That Control Meiotic Exchange in Drosophila

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 1757-1772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott L Page ◽  
Kim S McKim ◽  
Benjamin Deneen ◽  
Tajia L Van Hook ◽  
R Scott Hawley
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Double Mutant ◽  
P Element ◽  
Genetic Studies ◽  
Germline Differentiation ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Bag Of Marbles ◽  
Differentiation And Proliferation

Abstract We present the cloning and characterization of mei-P26, a novel P-element-induced exchange-defective female meiotic mutant in Drosophila melanogaster. Meiotic exchange in females homozygous for mei-P261 is reduced in a polar fashion, such that distal chromosomal regions are the most severely affected. Additional alleles generated by duplication of the P element reveal that mei-P26 is also necessary for germline differentiation in both females and males. To further assess the role of mei-P26 in germline differentiation, we tested double mutant combinations of mei-P26 and bag-of-marbles (bam), a gene necessary for the control of germline differentiation and proliferation in both sexes. A null mutation at the bam locus was found to act as a dominant enhancer of mei-P26 in both males and females. Interestingly, meiotic exchange in mei-P261; bamΔ86/+ females is also severely decreased in comparison to mei-P261 homozygotes, indicating that bam affects the meiotic phenotype as well. These data suggest that the pathways controlling germline differentiation and meiotic exchange are related and that factors involved in the mitotic divisions of the germline may regulate meiotic recombination.

scholarly journals Perceptual salience influences food choices independently of health and taste preferences

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Dai ◽  
Jeremy Cone ◽  
Jeff Moher
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Food Choice ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Taste Preference ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Perceptual Salience ◽  
Choice Tests

Abstract Background Making decisions about food is a critical part of everyday life and a principal concern for a number of public health issues. Yet, the mechanisms involved in how people decide what to eat are not yet fully understood. Here, we examined the role of visual attention in healthy eating intentions and choices. We conducted two-alternative forced choice tests of competing food stimuli that paired healthy and unhealthy foods that varied in taste preference. We manipulated their perceptual salience such that, in some cases, one food item was more perceptually salient than the other. In addition, we manipulated the cognitive load and time pressure to test the generalizability of the salience effect. Results Manipulating salience had a powerful effect on choice in all situations; even when an unhealthy but tastier food was presented as an alternative, healthy food options were selected more often when they were perceptually salient. Moreover, in a second experiment, food choices on one trial impacted food choices on subsequent trials; when a participant chose the healthy option, they were more likely to choose a healthy option again on the next trial. Furthermore, robust effects of salience on food choice were observed across situations of high cognitive load and time pressure. Conclusions These results have implications both for understanding the mechanisms of food-related decision-making and for implementing interventions that might make it easier for people to make healthy eating choices.

scholarly journals Chlamydia trachomatis and urogenital mycoplasms in nonconococcal urethirits in men

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
Sonja Vesic ◽  
Jelica Vukicevic ◽  
Eleonora Gvozdenovic ◽  
Dusan Skiljevic ◽  
Slobodanka Janosevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽  
Mycoplasma Hominis ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Nongonococcal Urethritis ◽  
Etiological Agents ◽  
The One

Introduction. Nongonococcal urethritis is the most common sexually transmitted infection in men, with vast majority of the etiological agents such as Chlamydia trachomatis, followed by urogenital mycoplasmas. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in nongonococcal urethritis in men, and to examine infections associated with these agents. Material and methods. 299 sexually active, heterosexual men with nongonococcal urethritis were included into the study. Urethral samples were taken with a dacron swab placed into the urethra up to 2-3 cm. The Direct immunojluorescence tehnique was performed for identification of Chlamydia trachomatis. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis were detected with Mycoplasma 1ST assay. Results. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 22.75%, Uraeplasma urealyticum in 21.08% and Mycoplasma hominis in 8.02% cases. We found no significant differences in prevalence between Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticym (p>0.05). Monoinjections were found in 51.85% with significantly higher rate (p<0.01) than associated infections (11.70%). Among associated infections, coinfection of Chlamydia trahomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum was predominant. Association of Chlamydia trachomatis with urogenital mycoplasmas was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the one between Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. In 36.45% patients no patogenic microorganisms were detected. Conclusion. These results confirmed the etiological role of Chlamydia trachomatis and urogenital mycoplasmas in nongonococcal urethritis with prevalence of 51.85% in monoinfections and 11.70% in associated infections. In 36.45% of cases the etiology of urethritis was not elucidated. These results suggest that more sensitive diagnostic tool should be applied when searching for the detailed etiology of nongonococcal urethritis.

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