Integrative Zoology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Response of Fecal Bacteria and Fungi to Tannin-Rich Diets in Sika Deer (Cervus nippon): Evidence from Both Feeding Experiments and Field Investigations.
Zhu D, Wu F, Wen P … +3 more , Gao H, Hao X, Wang H
Integr Zool · 2025 Aug · PMID 40768490 · Publisher ↗
The rumen microbes of large mammalian herbivores (LMHs) play a critical role in resisting the chemical defenses of plants, such as tannins, but whether fecal microbes in LMHs function in this adaptive process remains unc...
The rumen microbes of large mammalian herbivores (LMHs) play a critical role in resisting the chemical defenses of plants, such as tannins, but whether fecal microbes in LMHs function in this adaptive process remains unclear. Despite ample studies over the past decade have focused mainly on bacteria, the role of fungi in the response to tannins requires more attention. Additionally, most previous studies have been restricted to captive herbivores, and we still do not know much about those in the wild. To understand the role of fecal bacteria and fungi in plant‒herbivore interactions, we first tested the response and variation in the response of fecal bacteria and fungi to different concentrations of tannin-rich food using 16S/ITS rRNA data in feeding experiments with sika deer (Cervus nippon). For wild sika deer in Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park, we observed seasonal differences in the tannin content of their diets, which was significantly higher in spring than in autumn. Interestingly, the pattern of the fecal bacteria in wild sika deer response to tannin-rich diets was similar to that observed in the feeding experiments but showed variation in fungi. Feeding with tannin-rich diets altered the fecal microbial composition and increased the relative abundance of tannin-degrading microbes. We hypothesize that fecal bacteria and fungi may play important roles in helping LMHs adapt to tannin-rich diets. We need to further explore the function of microbes to provide important insights into the role of fecal microbes in plant chemical defenses and herbivore co-evolution.
Analysis of the Effects of Hydrometeorological Conditions on Flea Indices of Two Rodent Species in Inner Mongolia.
Shang M, Ji H, Wang Z … +8 more , Wang X, Liu P, Li K, Guo C, Jiang W, Wang L, Liang Y, Liu Q
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 40768392 · Publisher ↗
Climate change has modified hydrometeorological patterns, influencing plague transmission risks in Inner Mongolia. Using 2013-2021 plague surveillance data from 12 regions in Inner Mongolia, we assessed drought and wet c...
Climate change has modified hydrometeorological patterns, influencing plague transmission risks in Inner Mongolia. Using 2013-2021 plague surveillance data from 12 regions in Inner Mongolia, we assessed drought and wet conditions' effects on flea parasitism in two key rodents: Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) and Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus). Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) modeling revealed the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), maximum ground surface temperature, average relative humidity, average sunshine duration, and maximum wind speed collectively explained 52.60% of generalized flea index variation (SPEI contribution: 14.13%). Distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) analysis revealed that drought conditions cumulatively increased generalized flea indices, particularly moderate drought (SPEI = -1.8), which showed a significant lagged effect on generalized flea indices after 3 months (RR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.78-4.27). Conversely, the cumulative effects of wet conditions were detrimental to the increase in generalized flea indices. In addition to exhibiting the generalized flea index characteristics under drought conditions, the plague vectors Nosopsyllus laeviceps and Xenopsylla conformis parasitic on M. unguiculatus showed a facilitative effect in the 3rd month following severe wet conditions, with effect sizes of relative risk (RR) = 1.97 (95% CI: 1.13-3.45) and RR = 5.96 (95% CI: 3.25-10.94), respectively. With increasing drought severity, the flea index of M. unguiculatus rose significantly after a 3-month lag, with Z-test statistics of 2.16 (SPEI_3 = -1) and 2.63 (SPEI_3 = -1.5), both p < 0.05. Under severe drought (SPEI_3 = -1.5), the cumulative RR showed a significant difference in the two rodent species (Z = 2.27, p < 0.05). Therefore, it is essential to proactively monitor drought conditions in Inner Mongolia, particularly during the 3 months following a drought, and special attention should be paid to the increased abundance of Nosopsyllus laeviceps and Xenopsylla conformis in the 3rd month following severe wet conditions.
Starving or Stuffing? Plasticity in Wild Boar Body Mass Variations During Summer in a Mediterranean Area.
Calosi M, Fattorini N, Sforzi A … +2 more , Tonini L, Ferretti F
Integr Zool · 2026 May · PMID 40768386 · Full text
Identifying determinants of key phenotypic indicators driving animal population dynamics is fundamental to address measures aimed at mitigating human-wildlife interactions. In Mediterranean areas, summer drought reduces...
Identifying determinants of key phenotypic indicators driving animal population dynamics is fundamental to address measures aimed at mitigating human-wildlife interactions. In Mediterranean areas, summer drought reduces the availability of water and food resources for wild ungulates, potentially affecting body conditions. Since summer is a crucial period for the nursing/weaning of offspring, a seasonal bottleneck for ungulates would be expected to occur, especially in females. However, data on fluctuations of ungulate body mass during summer are scarce. We investigated the effects of summer progression, aridity, population density, and land use on body mass variation of adult/yearling wild boar (Sus scrofa) in a mixed forested-rural Mediterranean protected area, over a 16-year period (2007-2022). Data were gathered from individuals harvested during population control management actions, in summer. In contrast with our predictions, no consistent mass loss was observed throughout the summer. According to expectations, body mass was favored by decreasing aridity in the previous 3 months. In males, the positive effect of rainfall was mitigated by population density. Females experienced mass gain in non-arid years, mass loss in arid years, and no change in "average" years. The importance of edge habitats located at the interface between wooded and cultivated areas was confirmed by a positive relationship between female body mass and ecotone availability. The results indicate that, in a mixed forested-rural area, wild boar could maintain, or even increase, their body mass during summer. Moreover, findings emphasize the crucial role of rainfall in modulating a key driver of population dynamics for this ungulate in Mediterranean areas.
Differences in Habitat Quality Drive Behavioral Contrasts in Two Family Groups of the Critically Endangered Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus).
Liu S, Zhang D, Ameca EI … +5 more , Wang G, Cai C, Long W, Chen Y, Anil S
Integr Zool · 2025 Aug · PMID 40767025 · Publisher ↗
Understanding how spatiotemporal habitat variability shapes endangered species' behavior is crucial for effective conservation. This study examined the impact of fine-scale habitat variation on four behavioral patterns (...
Understanding how spatiotemporal habitat variability shapes endangered species' behavior is crucial for effective conservation. This study examined the impact of fine-scale habitat variation on four behavioral patterns (feeding, resting, social, and traveling) of the critically endangered Hainan gibbon. Year-round behavior data were collected from two groups: GC inhabiting an area with abundant food resources, and GE in a secondary forest with sparse resources. Using 135 monitoring plots, we analyzed variation in 27 habitat variables categorized into food, nutrients, plant diversity, safety and stability, and topography. Linear models revealed crown height, food plant abundance, and crude fat as key variables shaping behaviors. Higher community plant and food plant richness significantly enhanced feeding frequency, while steeper slopes increased traveling. Habitat quality variation shaped distinct behavioral strategies: in GC, feeding and resting were primarily influenced by food, social behavior by safety and stability, and traveling by plant diversity. In GE, resting, social, and traveling behaviors were mainly driven by topography, while feeding was influenced by nutrients. Likewise, food variables dominated during the dry season, whereas safety and stability, and topography variables were more important in the wet season. This study provides the first analysis of Hainan gibbons' behavioral strategies linked to fine-scale habitat variability and seasonal dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of protecting diverse habitats, as different Hainan gibbon groups exhibit distinct behavioral adaptations to their varying resource availability. This underscores the need for habitat-specific primate conservation and management in fragmented landscapes.
Spatial Partitioning Among Three Sympatric Ungulates in the Tibetan Plateau: Identifying Critical Variables.
Zhang R, Shi J, Zhang J … +1 more , Wang D
Integr Zool · 2025 Jul · PMID 40726310 · Publisher ↗
Spatial dimensions play a significant role in niche differentiation, facilitating species coexistence. Understanding how sympatric ungulates optimize habitat utilization and how they co-exist in resource-limited environm...
Spatial dimensions play a significant role in niche differentiation, facilitating species coexistence. Understanding how sympatric ungulates optimize habitat utilization and how they co-exist in resource-limited environments is essential for effective wildlife conservation and reserve management. Tibetan antelope (chiru, Pantholops hodgsonii), Tibetan wild ass (kiang, Equus kiang), and wild yak (Bos grunniens) are sympatric ungulates co-evolving over generations across the Tibetan Plateau, but limited information is available on their spatial partitioning and the key variables affecting both single-species and multi-species distributions. In this study, using a combination of maximum entropy model, joint species distribution models, and random forest analysis, we examined the spatial partitioning of the three ungulates and identified the critical factors influencing their distributions with their spatial distribution data collected from the Arjin Shan National Nature Reserve in the Tibetan Plateau. Our key findings: (i) Notable differences were observed in the spatial distributions of the three ungulates, with only 16% overlap in their suitable habitats. Temperature had a stronger influence on the habitat selection by chiru and kiang, whereas precipitation played a more significant role in determining the distributions of kiang and wild yak. (ii) During summer, the interspecific relationships between chiru and wild yak, and between chiru and kiang exhibited positive correlations, while the relationship between wild yak and kiang was negatively correlated. In winter, all interspecific relationships were negatively correlated. (iii) Temperature seasonality and mean temperature of the driest quarter emerged as the most critical variables influencing multi-species habitat selection. Human interference had a significantly negative impact on all three ungulate species. Our findings underscore the importance of spatial heterogeneity in facilitating species coexistence under both climatic and anthropogenic pressures, offering valuable insights for multi-species conservation planning in resource-limited ecosystems.
Comparative Genomic Screening Identifies Developmental Constraint Loci Underscoring the Phenotypic Evolution of Syngnathids.
Dong Z, Wang C, Dong S … +7 more , Peng Y, Guo J, Zhang C, Xu Z, Wu Z, Wang B, Qu Q
Integr Zool · 2025 Jul · PMID 40689752 · Publisher ↗
Seahorses and their relatives (syngnathids) exhibit remarkable diversity in morphology and function, characterized by their distinctive body shapes and specialized feeding mechanisms. Despite recent advances in uncoverin...
Seahorses and their relatives (syngnathids) exhibit remarkable diversity in morphology and function, characterized by their distinctive body shapes and specialized feeding mechanisms. Despite recent advances in uncovering the genetic basis of some traits, the genotype-phenotype map in syngnathids remains incomplete. In this study, we employed forward-genomic approaches and developed a method to enrich for human disease amino acid loci at a genomic scale. Our aim was to identify genetic loci associated with fin size reduction, tooth loss, and spinal curvature in syngnathids. Intriguingly, we identified a convergent amino acid change in the lat4a gene shared by syngnathids and some flying fishes, with in vitro analysis confirming its role in fin size evolution in both lineages. While genes critical for tooth development are conserved in syngnathids, the absence of key regulatory elements, such as pitx2, likely contributes to tooth loss. Additionally, we implicated col6a3 in spinal curvature development in seadragons. These findings reveal novel genetic signatures and developmental constraints underlying syngnathid diversity, demonstrating the utility of comparative genomics and targeted gene enrichment in exploring vertebrate evolution.
Offensive and Defensive Exploitation of Ants by Termitophagous Spiders (Araneae: Zodariidae).
Pekár S, Gajski D, Šedo O … +3 more , Opatová V, Korba J, Haddad C
Integr Zool · 2025 Jul · PMID 40689743 · Publisher ↗
Myrmecophagy is one of the most common types of dietary specialization among predators. It can include exploitation of ants, termites, or both. Although ants and termites share a few traits, they are distantly related an...
Myrmecophagy is one of the most common types of dietary specialization among predators. It can include exploitation of ants, termites, or both. Although ants and termites share a few traits, they are distantly related and possess different defensive mechanisms. Therefore, adaptations to ants and termites should differ, especially in arthropod predators of similar body size as their prey. We investigate offensive and defensive adaptations in Zodariidae spider genus Diores, reported to feed on termites. The ancestral state reconstruction of the diet favored termitophagy for the genus, but metabarcoding analyses revealed that only one of the four studied Diores species fed exclusively on termites. The remaining three species captured both ants and termites. Interestingly, the laboratory observations of a single species, Diores poweri, revealed a similar attack-and-retreat strategy to catch both termites and ants. Three ant species and one termite were successfully captured with a similar frequency, but the capture of Hodotermes termites was more efficient. The paralysis of Hodotermes by D. poweri was approximately 20 times faster than by an ant-eating spider Zodarion nitidum, which correspond to venom composition differences between the species. The habitus of D. poweri resembles the size, shape, movement, and the coloration of its predominant prey, Camponotus maculatus ants, suggesting Batesian mimicry. However, the modeling of the visual discrimination of coloration by potential lizard and bird predators revealed that Diores might be distinguished from Camponotus. Our results suggest that Diores spiders are specialized myrmeco-termitophagous predators, possessing effective adaptations and exploiting ants for defense.
Leveraging Multi-Level Biomarkers Using Machine Learning: Identifying Physiological and Skin Microbial Dynamics in Bd-Resistant Amphibians.
Park JK, Lee JE, Do Y
Integr Zool · 2026 May · PMID 40689719 · Publisher ↗
Amphibians worldwide are declining due to various anthropogenic and environmental stressors. One of the most important threats is large-scale epidemics of chytridiomycosis, which is caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatid...
Amphibians worldwide are declining due to various anthropogenic and environmental stressors. One of the most important threats is large-scale epidemics of chytridiomycosis, which is caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Unlike in other continents, amphibian species in South Korea, such as Pelophylax nigromaculatus, are resistant to Bd, making it difficult to discern its detailed effects. This study determined the dynamics of Bd infection in P. nigromaculatus by integrating physiological, microbiological, and morphological data and applying state-of-the-art machine learning methodologies. Data are presented on Bd prevalence, body size, weight, and physiological stress responses, including corticosterone (CORT) levels and innate immune functions determined using bacterial killing assays and skin microbiome composition. Significant physiological differences between infected and non-infected animals were observed regarding elevated CORT levels and changes in bacterial killing capacity. Skin microbiome analysis indicated a subtle variation in the microbial composition, but the alpha and beta diversities did not significantly differ between infected and non-infected animals. To balance the intrinsic class imbalance of the dataset, several machine learning methods were coupled with different data-augmentation techniques. Using the Light Gradient Boosting Machine resulted in the best predictive performance when considering conditional generative adversarial networks-augmented datasets. Among the predictors, CORT level and bacterial killing ability were chosen for classifying the infection status. Machine learning can be used to complement the contrasting sensitivities of multi-level biomarkers due to differences in disease resistance or infection loads. This integrated approach may be essential for understanding the impacts of multiple threats to amphibians.
An Overlooked Habitat-Dependent Link Between Metabolism and Water Loss in Reptiles.
Dubiner S, Meiri S, Levin E
Integr Zool · 2026 May · PMID 40689709 · Full text
Maintaining the body's water balance is crucial for function and survival in all animals. Humidity conditions vary between different habitats and greatly affect an animal's evaporative water loss (EWL). Species inhabitin...
Maintaining the body's water balance is crucial for function and survival in all animals. Humidity conditions vary between different habitats and greatly affect an animal's evaporative water loss (EWL). Species inhabiting arid regions have adaptions to minimize water loss, which those adapted to life in humid regions may lack. Therefore, the physiology of species from different habitats could respond differentially to acute exposure to dry conditions. We measured the EWL and resting metabolic rates (RMRs) of 12 Israeli squamate species, from either mesic or xeric habitats, spanning four orders of magnitude in size. We treated the animals to dry and humid air simulating natural conditions (vapor pressure deficits 3 and 1 kPa, respectively) at an ecologically relevant temperature of 25°C. EWL rates were higher in dry air, and the effect was stronger in mesic species. EWL of mesic species in humid air is similar to EWL of xeric species in dry air, indicating similar EWL when tested under settings that match each species' natural conditions. In dry air, the RMR of small-bodied (<5 g) mesic species increased, whereas those of some small-bodied xeric species decreased. Small mesic species might be displaying stress from unnaturally dry conditions, whereas small xeric species possibly display an adaptation to minimize EWL by lowering RMR, thereby respiration rates. Physiological measurements are usually taken in dry air, and our results suggest previous experiments may contain a methodological bias. Future ecophysiological research needs to consider ambient humidity, by either varying experimental humidity to match natural conditions, or considering possible effects of humidity during analysis and interpretation of experiments and models.
Comparative Satellitomics in Arowanas (Telostei, Osteoglossiformes) Sheds Light on the Evolution of Ancient Satellite DNAs.
Souza FHS, Toma GA, Vidal JAD … +7 more , Garrido-Ramos MA, Souza GM, Dos Santos RZ, Porto-Foresti F, Liehr T, Utsunomia R, Cioffi MB
Integr Zool · 2025 Jul · PMID 40673909 · Publisher ↗
A significant fraction of the genomes of most multicellular eukaryotes includes extensive arrays of tandemly repeated sequences, collectively referred to as satellite DNAs (satDNAs). However, the mechanisms responsible f...
A significant fraction of the genomes of most multicellular eukaryotes includes extensive arrays of tandemly repeated sequences, collectively referred to as satellite DNAs (satDNAs). However, the mechanisms responsible for generating and maintaining varying satDNA abundances across lineages and temporal scales are still unclear. This work focused on arowana fishes (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) as a model; their widespread intercontinental distribution and basal phylogenetic position within Teleostei make them a compelling model for evolutionary research, especially in the realm of satDNA molecular evolution. Through the integration of genomic and chromosomal data, we analyzed and compared the catalogs of satDNA families (i.e., satellitomes) of four out of the six extant arowana species, elucidating ancestral evolutionary trends and establishing their temporal history. Arowanas displayed a small number of satDNA families, ranging from 16 to 25 in Osteoglossum bicirrhosum and Scleropages formosus, respectively. Alongside the identification of some shared satDNAs, many considered species-specific, nonetheless possess a limited number of copies in other species. The minimal variation observed both within and across species highlights the long-term conservation of satDNAs during evolution, since specific ones (referred to as long-term conserved satDNAs) may have endured throughout a lengthy evolutionary period. Moreover, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) investigations conducted with the most abundant satDNAs demonstrated unique hybridization patterns for homologous orthologous ones, signifying their dynamic genomic positioning. Besides, the similarities of satDNAs among species align with their phylogenetic relationships, showing the high dynamism of arowanas' satDNAs, with several evolutionary events driving their sequence diversity.
Host Exploitation by Cuckoos in China: A Review and Real-Time Tracking Program for Parasitism Records.
Liu T, Yang C
Integr Zool · 2026 Mar · PMID 40673901 · Full text
China stands as a global hotspot for cuckoo diversity and their avian hosts, presenting an unparalleled natural laboratory for investigating brood parasitism and co-evolutionary dynamics in avian systems. Through an exte...
China stands as a global hotspot for cuckoo diversity and their avian hosts, presenting an unparalleled natural laboratory for investigating brood parasitism and co-evolutionary dynamics in avian systems. Through an extensive synthesis of published literature, verified media reports, and meticulously curated visual documentation contributed by citizen scientists, we present a comprehensive update on cuckoo-host diversity and their intricate ecological relationships across China. Our study identifies 17 cuckoo species, with 15 confirmed as brood parasites exploiting an extensive network of 142 host species spanning 74 genera and 34 families within the passerine assemblage. While we observed broad overlaps in the ranges of host body mass and egg volume across different cuckoo species, phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models reveal significant patterns of adaptive matching in both body mass and egg volume parameters between cuckoos and their respective hosts. Our findings demonstrate striking specificity in host selection, with minimal overlap in actual host species utilization among sympatric cuckoos, suggesting sophisticated niche partitioning strategies to mitigate interspecific competition. Nevertheless, critical knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding the evolutionary dynamics of egg phenotype mimicry in relation to specific host species. Finally, we introduce a real-time tracking program designed to engage citizen scientists in ongoing documentation of parasitism events, facilitating dynamic updates to host-parasite records.
From Venom to Viviparity: Functional Traits of Snakes and Their Role in Ecosystem Stability.
Wan X, Wei F
Integr Zool · 2025 Sep · PMID 40673896 · Publisher ↗
Snakes possess unique functional traits-such as venom system, reproductive mode, and dietary specialization-that regulate ecosystems and enhance resilience. This commentary highlights their role in maintaining food web s...
Snakes possess unique functional traits-such as venom system, reproductive mode, and dietary specialization-that regulate ecosystems and enhance resilience. This commentary highlights their role in maintaining food web stability and emphasizes the need to integrate snake functional diversity into conservation strategies under global change.
Comparative Analysis of Heat Exposure-Induced Molecular Changes in Two Turtle Species with Contrasting Thermal Adaptations.
Hong J, Gao Y, Li J … +5 more , Ge Y, Wei Y, Yin Y, Liang Q, Gong S
Integr Zool · 2026 May · PMID 40673863 · Full text
Global climate change has heightened heat stress, threatening amphibian and reptile survival, including turtles. Although turtle species vary in heat tolerance, the molecular mechanisms behind these differences are not w...
Global climate change has heightened heat stress, threatening amphibian and reptile survival, including turtles. Although turtle species vary in heat tolerance, the molecular mechanisms behind these differences are not well understood. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to heat stress (32°C) versus normal temperature (25°C) in eight tissues (brain, heart, intestine, liver, lung, muscle, spleen, and stomach) of two turtle species: Platysternon megacephalum (low heat tolerance) and Trachemys scripta elegans (high heat tolerance) using RNA-seq. The results revealed significant down-regulation of genes involved in energy and lipid metabolism in P. megacephalum, suggesting metabolic suppression under heat stress. Furthermore, the jumonji and AT-rich interaction domain containing 2 (JARID2) gene, which regulates cell proliferation and differentiation, was up-regulated in all tissues of P. megacephalum but down-regulated in all tissues of T. scripta elegans under heat stress. Pathway analysis revealed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum was significantly enriched in brain, heart, lung, and muscle tissues of P. megacephalum, with BiP, CHOP, NEF, and HSPs significantly up-regulated in brain tissue, highlighting this pathway's impact on heat stress response. Seven hub genes were identified in the protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum pathway in P. megacephalum. In contrast, T. scripta elegans showed a moderate response, with up-regulation of ribosomal genes in the brain to enhance protein synthesis and folding, while down-regulation of cell cycle genes in the intestine helped conserve energy for cellular repair. No significant pathways were found in other tissues of T. scripta elegans. These molecular responses in T. scripta elegans likely contribute to its better adaptation to heat stress. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat stress adaptation in turtles, offering valuable knowledge for understanding their ability to cope with future climate change.
Geological Substrate Is Related to Tooth Senescence and Population Dynamic: The Case Study of Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.).
Chirichella R, Apollonio M
Integr Zool · 2025 Jul · PMID 40673803 · Publisher ↗
Senescence is defined as a chronological decline in demographic performance with age, showing a gradual deterioration of body functions and a related decline in survival. We analyzed biometric data from over 31 000 Alpin...
Senescence is defined as a chronological decline in demographic performance with age, showing a gradual deterioration of body functions and a related decline in survival. We analyzed biometric data from over 31 000 Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.) culled during 12 consecutive hunting seasons in 28 hunting districts with different geological substrate (calcareous, metamorphic, and siliceous) in Central-Eastern Alps (Italy). Available data confirmed that females experienced a later senescence than males, in terms of loss in eviscerated body mass. This is in accordance with a greater energy expenditure undergone by males in rut period. Interestingly the different geological substrate influenced the final body mass and the decline of body functions of chamois living in different areas. A pivotal role in this process seems to be played by tooth wear. The progressive wearing of the cheek teeth was assessed in a subset of 596 mandibles using the height of molars and their height/breadth ratio. Referring to the same sex and age, the wear progress on calcareous substrate is slower than the one on other substrates. Indeed, siliceous and metamorphic substrates hold meadows with higher resistance to mechanical stress due to the presence of opal silica and lower nutritional quality compared with calcareous ones. As a consequence, life expectancies and population dynamics depend on the substrate where the chamois population lives. Enhancing knowledge about environmental factors that can affect individual biometrical characters and senescence should be considered a priority to improve adaptive management of hunting species, as well the different distribution of the hunting classes and quotas.
Friends or Foes? The Indispensable Role of Gut Microbiota in Plant-Fungus-Herbivore Interactions.
Zhu P, Xu L
Integr Zool · 2025 Sep · PMID 40673794 · Publisher ↗
Plants interact complexly with herbivores and diverse microbial communities, both plant-associated and insect-associated. A recent study investigated how the endophytic fungus Trichoderma, colonizing tomato plants, affec...
Plants interact complexly with herbivores and diverse microbial communities, both plant-associated and insect-associated. A recent study investigated how the endophytic fungus Trichoderma, colonizing tomato plants, affects the herbivore Spodoptera littoralis. The study revealed that Trichoderma-enhanced plant resistance significantly reduced larval performance by profoundly changing the insect's gut microbial community composition. This work demonstrates that the effects of plant fungal colonization on insect herbivores are critically mediated by the insect's gut microbiota, highlighting a key mechanism in plant-insect-microbe tripartite interactions with implications for sustainable pest management.
The Incubation Environment Shapes the Inflammatory Response and Enables Expression of Maternal Effects on Sea Turtle Hatchling Body Size.
García-Bucio IY, Phillips-Farfán BV, Chávez-Salazar SN … +6 more , Herrera-Vargas MA, Vega-Peña EV, García-Grajales J, Harfush-Meléndez M, Lajud Avila N, Meléndez-Herrera E
Integr Zool · 2026 May · PMID 40536444 · Publisher ↗
Female turtles are believed to select nesting sites that optimize conditions for egg development and allocate resources accordingly. Although relocating clutches to shaded hatcheries enhances hatchling survival, growth,...
Female turtles are believed to select nesting sites that optimize conditions for egg development and allocate resources accordingly. Although relocating clutches to shaded hatcheries enhances hatchling survival, growth, and immune configuration, the impact of these unexpected environments on maternal investment remains uncertain. Herein, the effects of maternal (body size, as well as hematological and biochemical indicators) and environmental (sand temperature and moisture in both unshaded and shaded nests) variables on local inflammation after a challenge (as a proxy of immune function) and offspring size were evaluated using a split-clutch design. The association of maternal parameters with reproductive investment, as well as the relationship of incubation conditions to survival indicators (hatching and emergence success), was also evaluated. Hatchlings from shaded nests showed less intense inflammation and were heavier and longer compared to offspring from unshaded conditions. The incubation conditions influenced inflammation in hatchlings, as well as their body mass, straight carapace width, and survival. Maternal leukocytes differentially interacted with the environment to determine hatchling length. Maternal amylase and creatinine concentrations were related to clutch size and mass, respectively, while shading enhanced survival indicators. The results indicate that the incubation condition is the primary factor influencing hatchling phenotypes, both directly and indirectly by facilitating the expression of maternal effects. These findings suggest that while optimal environmental conditions and maternal quality do not synergize to enhance offspring fitness, environmental conditions can override the effects of maternal investment. This highlights the relevance of the incubation environment to guarantee hatchling phenotypes.
Extraocular Photoreception in Optic Lobes, Suckers, and Skin of Octopus vulgaris.
Maselli V, Al-Sayed AS, Norcia M … +5 more , Galdiero S, Palladino S, Cirillo E, Polese G, Di Cosmo A
Integr Zool · 2025 Jun · PMID 40511715 · Publisher ↗
Coleoid cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes have advanced light-sensing systems crucial for visual perception and survival. Previously, it has been demonstrated that the skin of coleoids contains transcr...
Coleoid cephalopods like octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes have advanced light-sensing systems crucial for visual perception and survival. Previously, it has been demonstrated that the skin of coleoids contains transcripts encoding rhodopsin and retinochrome, exhibiting a dermal light sense. Moreover, chromatophores in the mantle skin of Octopus bimaculoides expand in response to light when completely isolated from the central nervous system and eyes. In our study combining morphology, gene expression, molecular evolution, 3D modeling of protein structures, and phylogenetic analysis, we demonstrated the presence of photosensitive pigment transcripts in Octopus vulgaris, not only in eyes and skin but also in suckers and even optic lobes. In particular, for the first time, the RNA expression of Ov-Rhodopsin, Ov-retinochrome, and Ov-GRK1 was found and quantified in the skin and also localized in different sucker types and the optic lobes. The obtained results suggest that suckers act as extraocular organs. Each of the approximately 1000 suckers contributes to the distributed light perception system, collectively acquiring environmental information that could support eye vision. Our findings could explain octopuses' extraordinary ability to camouflage. Furthermore, the optic lobes, which are part of the central nervous system, could be directly involved in light detection, in addition to their role in the integration of sensory information.
Ontogenetic Development of Maternal Facial Recognition and Communication Skills of Female Offspring in Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys.
Zhao H, Li J, Wang Y … +9 more , Li N, Zhou W, Wang C, Wang X, Wu T, Zhang J, Ren Y, Pan R, Li B
Integr Zool · 2025 Jun · PMID 40488377 · Publisher ↗
We propose that the ontogenetic development of offspring's ability to recognize mother's faces and facial expressions may be closely related to primate evolutionary development levels. However, further study, especially...
We propose that the ontogenetic development of offspring's ability to recognize mother's faces and facial expressions may be closely related to primate evolutionary development levels. However, further study, especially comparing the taxa in Rhinopithecus and other Old World monkeys, is critically required to clarify what we found and proposed.
Mechanism of Ammonia-Induced Brain Damage in Chinese Striped-Necked Turtle (Mauremys sinensis).
Xiao Y, Niu X, Jiao X … +4 more , Lin L, Shi H, Hong M, Ding L
Integr Zool · 2026 Mar · PMID 40471061 · Full text
Social advancement and heightened waste discharge have resulted in escalating ammonia pollution in aquatic ecosystems, presenting toxicity hazards to aquatic fauna, especially turtles, by impairing their neurological fun...
Social advancement and heightened waste discharge have resulted in escalating ammonia pollution in aquatic ecosystems, presenting toxicity hazards to aquatic fauna, especially turtles, by impairing their neurological function. To assess the ammonia effect on turtle brains, we subjected Chinese striped-necked turtles (Mauremys sinensis) to varying ammonia concentrations (CK, control; A1, 0.790 mg/L NH3; A2, 1.418 mg/L NH3) for durations of 24 and 48 h. Our data indicate that ammonia exposure markedly elevated glutamate levels and glutamate receptor mRNA expression in turtle brains, while concurrently diminishing glutamate transporter expression. These alterations resulted in an increase in brain water content, Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1 (NKCC1), and matrix metalloproteinases. The decrease in tight junction proteins and Caveolin1 levels may lead to the rupture of the blood-brain barrier and subsequent edema. The impaired blood-brain barrier and edema led to elevated calcium levels and decreased function of certain ATPases. Gene expression associated with calcium homeostasis increased, signifying an imbalance. As the exposure time and concentration of ammonia increased, the TUNEL-stained positive cells began to appear. Taken together, increased ammonia concentrations lead to glutamate accumulation, impairing the blood-brain barrier and resulting in cerebral edema. This impairs calcium homeostasis, ultimately inducing cell death. This work provides significant insights into the toxicity of ammonia to aquatic turtles, hence augmenting our comprehension of stress physiology in these species. It underscores the necessity of safeguarding aquatic ecosystems from ammonia contamination to guarantee the health and survival of turtles and other aquatic fauna.
Polychromophilus spp. (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae): First Molecular Detection in Bat Flies From Brazilian Bats.
Mathias BS, De Lima VR, Graciolli G … +5 more , Rocha NRMF, Costa JOJ, Soares HS, Marcili A, Kirchgatter K
Integr Zool · 2026 Jan · PMID 40439280 · Full text
Haemosporidian parasites exhibit a wide range of vertebrate hosts and corresponding insect vectors. Among mammals, bats host the most diverse array of haemosporidians, with seven genera identified. The genus Polychromoph...
Haemosporidian parasites exhibit a wide range of vertebrate hosts and corresponding insect vectors. Among mammals, bats host the most diverse array of haemosporidians, with seven genera identified. The genus Polychromophilus is exclusive to bats and is globally linked with hematophagous flies of the genera Basilia, Nycteribia, and Penicillidia as potential vectors. In Brazil, recent molecular studies have detected Polychromophilus in bats from the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes; however, its vectors in the country remained unidentified. This study analyzed the haemosporidians infection of bat flies (24 Nycteribiidae and 43 Streblidae) collected from 13 bat species in the Legado das Águas. The bat-fly associations revealed highly specialized interactions, particularly among Basilia flies and Myotis bats. Notably, a rare interaction between Megistopoda proxima and Carollia perspicillata was also observed. Two specimens (3%) of nycteribiid flies (Basilia speiseri and Basilia lindolphoi), both collected from Myotis nigricans, tested positive for infection with Polychromophilus spp. Using cytb gene sequences, we examined the phylogenetic relationships of these Polychromophilus lineages with other global lineages. We identified two haplotypes, each clustering in distinct clades within the Polychromophilus murinus group. The presence of these parasites was further confirmed by sequencing of the clpc gene from the apicoplast genome and the nuclear asl gene. This study represents the first molecular detection of Polychromophilus spp. in a vector in Brazil, 50 years after its morphological description in the salivary glands of Basilia. These findings provide novel insights into the ecological networks in host-parasite-vector interactions in a preserved neotropical environment.
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