scholarly journals Anatomical Correlates to Nectar Feeding among the Strepsirrhines of Madagascar: Implications for Interpreting the Fossil Record

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena N. Muchlinski ◽  
Jonathan M. G. Perry
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Nectar Feeding ◽  
Cranial Measurements ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Adaptive Radiations ◽  
Total Feeding

One possible ecological scenario for the origin of primates is the archaic pollination and coevolution hypothesis. Its proponents contend that the consumption of nectar by some early primates and the resulting cross-pollination is an example of coevolution that drove adaptive radiations in some primates. This hypothesis is perhaps ecologically sound, but it lacks the morphology-behavior links that would allow us to test it using the fossil record. Here we attempt to identify cranial adaptations to nectar feeding among the strepsirrhines of Madagascar in order to provide such links. Many Malagasy strepsirrhines are considered effective cross-pollinators of the flowers they feed from, and nectar consumption represents as much as 75% of total feeding time. Previous studies identified skeletal correlates to nectar feeding in the crania of nonprimate mammals; from these, nine cranial measurements were chosen to be the focus of the present study. Results indicate that Cheirogaleus, Varecia, and Eulemur mirror other nectar-feeding mammals in having elongated crania and/or muzzles. These strepsirrhines might be effective cross-pollinators, lending support to the coevolution hypothesis.

Chromosomal Mechanisms in the Evolution of Artiodactyls

Paleobiology ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil B. Todd
Keyword(s):  
X Chromosome ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Diploid Number ◽  
Evolutionary Sequence ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Adaptive Radiations ◽  
The Times

Evidence is presented that primitive artiodactyls had a diploid number of 14. The higher diploid numbers of most living artiodactyls are interpreted as resulting from karyotypic fissioning at the times of past adaptive radiations. The fossil record appears to support this contention.An evolutionary sequence of unusual X chromosome transformations has been deduced from the differences that exist among extant species. From these, and from interrelationships of karyotypes, certain phylogenetic revisions are suggested.

scholarly journals Origins and Assembly of Malesian Rainforests

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Kooyman ◽  
Robert J. Morley ◽  
Darren M. Crayn ◽  
Elizabeth M. Joyce ◽  
Maurizio Rossetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Indian Plate ◽  
Evolutionary Origins ◽  
Australian Plate ◽  
Floristic Elements ◽  
Adaptive Radiations ◽  
Abundance And Diversity

Unraveling the origins of Malesia's once vast, hyperdiverse rainforests is a perennial challenge. Major contributions to rainforest assembly came from floristic elements carried on the Indian Plate and montane elementsfrom the Australian Plate (Sahul). The Sahul component is now understood to include substantial two-way exchanges with Sunda inclusive of lowland taxa. Evidence for the relative contributions of the great Asiatic floristic interchanges (GAFIs) with India and Sahul, respectively, to the flora of Malesia comes from contemporary lineage distributions, the fossil record, time-calibrated phylogenies, functional traits, and the spatial structure of genetic diversity. Functional-trait and biome conservatism are noted features of montane austral lineages from Sahul (e.g., diverse Podocarpaceae), whereas the abundance and diversity of lowland lineages, including Syzygium (Myrtaceae) and the Asian dipterocarps (Dipterocarpoideae), reflect a less well understood combination of dispersal, ecology, and adaptive radiations. Thus, Malesian rainforest assembly has been shaped by sharply contrasting evolutionary origins and biogeographic histories.

scholarly journals Selectivity in feeding preferences and ranging patterns in spider monkeys Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis of northeastern Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Scherbaum ◽  
Alejandro Estrada
Keyword(s):  
Yucatan Peninsula ◽  
Spider Monkey ◽  
Ateles Geoffroyi ◽  
Spider Monkeys ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Feeding Preferences ◽  
Southern Mexico ◽  
Ranging Patterns ◽  
Yucatán Peninsula ◽  
Total Feeding

Abstract The spider monkey, a fruit specialist and important seed dispersal agent in the Neotropics, is an endangered primate due to habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade. Spider monkeys have been the subject of a few studies in Central and South America, but little is known about the diet and ranging for this primate in southern Mexico. Here we report the results of a six-month long study (October 2010 to March 2011) of the feeding preferences and ranging patterns of the Yucatan spider monkey Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis living in the “Ya´ax´che” reserve by the Caribbean coast in northeast Yucatan peninsula. Focal animal and scan sampling as well as GPS tracking were used to document spider monkey feeding behavior, location of food trees and ranging in the reserve. The spider monkeys used 36 species of plants (94% trees; n = 432) and six non tree morphospecies as a source of food. Six tree species accounted for ≥80% of total feeding time and for 74% of all trees used. Fruits accounted for 59% of total feeding time, followed by leaves (35%), palm piths (5%) and other plant parts (1%). Total range used by the monkeys was estimated at 43% of semievergreen rainforest habitat available (ca 40ha). Range use was not random with segments showing light, moderate and heavy use; the use of different areas of their range varied monthly and was closely linked to the spatial dispersion of the trees used for food.

Quantifying morphological change during an evolutionary radiation of Devonian trilobites

Paleobiology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francine R. Abe ◽  
Bruce S. Lieberman
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Change ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Character State ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
Ancestral Character State ◽  
Speciation Rates ◽  
Adaptive Radiations ◽  
Geometric Morphometric Analysis ◽  
Heterogeneous Region

The fossil record provides an important source of data on adaptive radiations, and indeed some of the earliest theoretical insights on the nature of these radiations were made by paleontologists. Here we focus on the diverse DevonianMetacryphaeusgroup calmoniid trilobites, known from the Malvinokaffric Realm, which have been considered a classic example of an adaptive radiation preserved in the fossil record. We use a geometric morphometric analysis in conjunction with phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns and data on speciation rates. Using ancestral character state reconstruction during speciation events, we quantify patterns of morphological change in order to assess the role ecological and geographical factors may have played in mediating this radiation. We found no significant differences between the amount of morphological change that occurred during speciation events when ancestors and descendants were in the same area as opposed to when they occupied different areas. Further, the magnitude of morphological divergence did not change through time or with cladogenetic rank. These patterns, in conjunction with the fact that the radiation occurs in a geographically heterogeneous region subjected to repeated episodes of sea-level rise and fall, suggest that at the macroevolutionary scale this radiation may have been motivated more by phenomena that facilitated geographic isolation than by competition.

scholarly journals Passerine birds supporting cross pollination in Erythrina stricta Roxb.

Dendrobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 85 ◽  
pp. 117-126
Author(s):  
Vinod Prasad Khanduri ◽  
Kewat Sanjay Kumar ◽  
Chandra Mohan Sharma ◽  
Manoj Kumar Riyal ◽  
Kalpataru Kar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Pollination Experiments ◽  
Controlled Pollination ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Nectar Feeding ◽  
Flowering Season ◽  
Pycnonotus Cafer ◽  
Nectar Robbers

Erythina stricta is an ecologically important tree species in the rainforests of India and its nectar within the flowers contributes to birds’ diet and survival. Reports on the pollination of this species have not been published so far. We therefore explore the reproductive system of this tree species which has great significance to its ecosystem. Birds have an important role in the reproduction of trees through pollination particularly in tropical areas where reproductive success mostly depends on animal pollinator interactions. Study of visitation and nectar feeding behaviour of birds along with breeding system assessment of Erythina stricta. Birds visiting and foraging behaviour was observed during Erythrina stricta flowering season in an indian tropical rainforest. Reproductive system was assessed through controlled pollination experiments. Thirteen bird species were recorded visiting and foraging nectar from the flowers of Erythrina stricta. The maximum numbers of visits recorded were from the Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer, Pycnonotidae). The nectar feeding birds were, either (i) potential pollinator with long bills (e.g. Pycnonotus spp., Chloropsis aurifrons, and Dicrurus spp.) or (ii) nectar robbers with comparatively shorter bills (e.g. Zosterops palpebrosa, Stachyris ruficeps, Macronous gularis, Heterophasia glaciris). Controlled pollination experiments revealed high degree of cross pollination (xenogamy) and self-incompatibility in E. stricta. Birds were more frequent in early mornings and their foraging activity was also observed during evening hours; the frequency however, declined with respect to nectar availability. Long corolla tubes of E. stricta could restrict access to nectar collecting bees.

scholarly journals Flower orientation in Gloriosa superba (Colchicaceae) promotes cross-pollination via butterfly wings

2020 ◽  
Vol 125 (7) ◽  
pp. 1137-1149
Author(s):  
Ryan J Daniels ◽  
Steven D Johnson ◽  
Craig I Peter
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Pollen Transfer ◽  
Gloriosa Superba ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Controlled Pollination ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Nectar Feeding ◽  
Butterfly Wings ◽  
Single Flower

Abstract Background and Aims Complex modifications of angiosperm flowers often function for precise pollen placement on pollinators and to promote cross-pollination. We explore the functional significance of the unusually elaborate morphology of Gloriosa superba flowers, which are divided into one hermaphrodite meranthium and five male meranthia (functional pollination units of a single flower). Methods We used controlled pollination experiments, floral measurements, pollen load analyses and visitor observations in four populations of G. superba in South Africa to determine the breeding system, mechanism of pollination and role of flower in the promotion of cross-pollination. Key Results We established that G. superba is self-compatible, but reliant on pollinators for seed production. Butterflies, in particular the pierid Eronia cleodora, were the primary pollinators (>90 % of visitors). Butterflies brush against the anthers and stigma during nectar feeding and pollen is carried on their ventral wing surfaces. Butterfly scales were positively correlated with the number of pollen grains on stigmas. We demonstrate that the styles were orientated towards clearings in the vegetation and we confirm that the highest proportion of initial visits was to hermaphrodite meranthia pointing towards clearings. Conclusions The flower morphology of G. superba results in effective pollen transfer on the wings of butterfly visitors. The style-bearing hermaphrodite meranthium of the flowers orientates towards open spaces in the vegetation, thus increasing the probability that butterflies land first on the hermaphrodite meranthium. This novel aspect of flower orientation is interpreted as a mechanism that promotes cross-pollination.

Daily food intakes and feeding strategies of sows given food ad libitum and allocated to two different space allowances in a communal farrowing system over parturition and during lactation

2000 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Burke ◽  
P. H. Brooks ◽  
J. A. Kirk ◽  
J. C. Eddison
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Energy Deficit ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Production Factors ◽  
Daily Food ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Daily Intakes ◽  
Total Feeding

AbstractA total of 16 multiparous (range 2nd to 9th parity) Camborough sows were housed over parturition and during lactation in a group farrowing system. Two replicates of four sows were studied in the large pen (L) and two further replicates studied in the small pen (S) configuration, providing 13•4 m2 and 8•6 m2 per sow, respectively. A lactation diet providing 14 MJ/kg digestible energy (DE) and 180 g/kg crude protein was supplied ad libitum via a sow-operated feeder, adapted to facilitate the calculation of individual food intakes. The influence of environmental, physical, and production factors upon food intakes and feeding strategies was investigated. Daily food intakes of 7•69 (s.e. 0•31) kg and 7•72 (s.e. 0•35) kg were achieved during lactation by sows in the L and S pen configurations, respectively, accomplished by sows taking a series of small meals throughout the day. Sows in the S pen area made fewer visits to the feeder and spent less time per day feeding than sows in the L pen area. However, more food was consumed per visit by the S sows, resulting in similar daily food intakes in both treatment groups. There was a depression in lactation food intakes of sows housed at a mean daily ambient temperature of 17•5ºC compared with the other sow groups. The majority of sows consumed energy well in excess of their predicted requirements during lactation, whilst one sow in the L and two in the S pen areas had intakes within ±3•4 MJ DE of predictions. Only two of the L sows had food intakes that produced an energy deficit. In the L pen area, two distinct peaks of feeding activity occurred from 09:00 to 13:00 h and from 15:00 to 23:00 h that accounted for 0•77 of the total feeding time. In contrast, in the S pen configuration, one prolonged period of feeding occurred from 09:00 to 22:00 h accounting for 0•88 of total feeding time. The results show that S sows adapted their feeding patterns to maintain similar daily intakes to those of L sows, thus demonstrating that an ad libitum food supply enabled sows to obtain individual nutritional requirements in a communal farrowing system.

scholarly journals Developmental Outcome of Children with Cerebral Palsy after Feeding and Seating Intervention

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Author(s):  
Md Khairul Bashar ◽  
Shahed Iqbal ◽  
Mahmood Ahmed Chowdhury ◽  
Dhananjoy Das ◽  
Md Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Solid Food ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Feeding Difficulties ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Child Development Center ◽  
Semi Solid ◽  
Development Center

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a diagnostic term used to describe a group of permanent disorders of movement & posture causing activity limitation that are attributed to non progressive disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain. The motor disorders are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication and behavior as well as by epilepsy, secondary musculoskeletal problem and feeding difficulties. Aims: To see the development of a child with cerebral palsy after comprehensive feeding & seating intervention. To recommend measure for reducing neurodevelopmental problems. To improve mother- child interaction. Methods: This hospital based prospective cross sectional observational study was done in Child Development Center (CDC) of the Department of Pediatrics, Chattagram Maa Shishu-O-Genaeral Hospital (CMSOGH), Chittagong from July 2013 to December 2013. Children with Cerebral palsy aged 1-15 years included in this study. Results: Most of the patients (60%) before intervention were having only liquid food. After intervention most of the patients were having either a combination of semi-solid and solid food (48%) or only semi-solid food (42%). After intervention 80% of patients were sitting during feeds which was only 12% before intervention. After intervention feeding time is reduced to 15 to 30 minutes which was 30 min to one hour. Most of the patients (90%) never ate by themselves before intervention, only 4% were selffed. After intervention 56% were self feeding for some part of the meal & 24% were self feeding at every meal. Conclusion: Feeding problems in children with cerebral palsy are common. Simple home based measure, like feeding and seating intervention, should be carried out under the guidance of Child Development Center run by developmental therapist with assistance from pediatricians & child psychologists in order to improve the development of the child with cerebral palsy as well as the quality of life.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22872 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 11-14

scholarly journals Early Tetrapodomorph Biogeography: Controlling for Fossil Record Bias in Macroevolutionary Analyses

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob D. Gardner ◽  
Kevin Surya ◽  
Chris L. Organ
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Sampling Bias ◽  
Data Sampling ◽  
Species Dispersal ◽  
Geographic Context ◽  
Adaptive Radiations ◽  
Patterns And Processes

ABSTRACTThe fossil record provides direct empirical data for understanding macroevolutionary patterns and processes. Inherent biases in the fossil record are well known to confound analyses of this data. Sampling bias proxies have been used as covariates in regression models to test for such biases. Proxies, such as formation count, are associated with paleobiodiversity, but are insufficient for explaining species dispersal owing to a lack of geographic context. Here, we develop a sampling bias proxy that incorporates geographic information and test it with a case study on early tetrapodomorph biogeography. We use recently-developed Bayesian phylogeographic models and a new supertree of early tetrapodomorphs to estimate dispersal rates and ancestral habitat locations. We find strong evidence that geographic sampling bias explains supposed radiations in dispersal rate (potential adaptive radiations). Our study highlights the necessity of accounting for geographic sampling bias in macroevolutionary and phylogenetic analyses and provides an approach to test for its effect.

scholarly journals Olson's Gap or Olson's Extinction? A Bayesian tip-dating approach to resolving stratigraphic uncertainty

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1928) ◽  
pp. 20200154
Author(s):  
Neil Brocklehurst
Keyword(s):  
Mass Extinction ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Trophic Structure ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Mass Extinctions ◽  
Faunal Turnover ◽  
Dating Methods ◽  
Adaptive Radiations ◽  
Stratigraphic Uncertainty

Adaptive radiations and mass extinctions are of critical importance in structuring terrestrial ecosystems. However, the causes and progress of these transitions often remain controversial, in part because of debates surrounding the completeness of the fossil record and biostratigraphy of the relevant fossil-bearing formations. The early–middle Permian, when a substantial faunal turnover in tetrapods coincided with a restructuring of the trophic structure of ecosystems, is such a time. Some have suggested the transition is obscured by a gap in the tetrapod fossil record (Olson's Gap), while others suggest a correlation between North American and Russian tetrapod-bearing formations allows the interval to be documented in detail. The latter biostratigraphic scheme has been used to support a mass extinction at this time (Olson's Extinction). Bayesian tip-dating methods used frequently in phylogenetics are employed to resolve this debate. Bayes factors are used to compare the results of analyses incorporating tip age priors based on different stratigraphic hypotheses, to show which stratigraphic scheme best fits the morphological data and phylogeny. Olson's Gap is rejected, and the veracity of Olson's Extinction is given further support. Tip-dating approaches have great potential to resolve debates surrounding the stratigraphic ages of critical formations where appropriate morphological data is available.

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