Ice krill is the keystone species in the neritic ecosystem in the Southern Ocean, where it replaces the more oceanic Antarctic krill. It is essential to understand the variation of target strength (TS in dB re l m^2...Ice krill is the keystone species in the neritic ecosystem in the Southern Ocean, where it replaces the more oceanic Antarctic krill. It is essential to understand the variation of target strength (TS in dB re l m^2) with the different body size to accurately estimate ice krill stocks. However, there is comparatively little knowledge of the acoustic backscatter of ice krill. The TS of individual, formalin-preserved, tethered ice krill was measured in a freshwater test tank at 38, 120, and 200 kHz with a calibrated split-beam echo sounder system. Mean TS was obtained from 21 individual ice krill with a broad range of body lengths (L: 13-36 iron). The length (L, mm) to wet weight (W; mg) relationship for ice krill was 11/=0.001 21g^103~L35s (R2=0.96). The mean TS-to-length relationship were TS38kHz=-177.4+57log10(L), (R^2=0.86); TS120kHz= -129.9+31.561ogf0(L), (R2=0.87); and TS200kHz=-117.6+24.661ogre(L), (R2=0.84). Empirical estimates of the relationship between the TS and body length of ice krill were established at 38, 120, and 200 kHz and compared with predictions obtained from both the linear regression model of Greene et al. (1991) and the Stochastic Distorted Wave Born Approximation (SDWBA) model. This result might be applied to improve acoustic detection and density estimation of ice krill in the Southern Ocean. Further comparative studies are needed with in situ target strength including various body lengths of ice krill.展开更多
A 21-d laboratory experiment was conducted to study, the phosphorus (P) utilization of two different diets by redlip mullet Liza haematocheila T. & S. Sand-filtered water in salinity 30 and temperatare 25℃ was use...A 21-d laboratory experiment was conducted to study, the phosphorus (P) utilization of two different diets by redlip mullet Liza haematocheila T. & S. Sand-filtered water in salinity 30 and temperatare 25℃ was used. Twenty-nine fish individuals were divided into three groups: 11 to group 1 (G1) fed on diet 1, 11 to group 2 (G2) fed on diet 2, and 7 to contrast group. Diet 1 was a commercial feed, more valuable in nutrition than diet 2 that similar to natural detritus. The results show the intake phosphorus (IP) of G1 was significantly higher than that of G2, and both increased linearly with body size at a certain amount of diet. The retention phosphorus (RP) in fish of G1 was lower than G2. The relationship between retention phosphorus and body size was positive and stronger in G2. Significant difference in faecal phosphorus (FP) was found between G1 and G2. Body size significantly impacted the excretion phosphorus (EP) in G1 but G2. The loss of intake phosphorus in G1 was 10.83-20.27 mg per g fish weight gain, higher than that in G2 for 6.63-9.56. Of the phosphorus, about 10% was allocated into growth, 50% in faeces, and the rest lost in excretion. The main part of phosphorus was lost in faeces but excretion. The phosphorus budget of the fish could be described as 100IP = 7.40RP + 47.39FP + 36.63EP (Diet 1) or 100IP = 11.93RP + 56.64FP + 21.76EP (Diet 2).展开更多
The relationship between body size and stable isotopic signatures of the omnivorous Redfin Culter(C ultrichthys erythropterus),commonly found in East Lake Taihu,was investigated. Previous analyses of C. erythropterus ...The relationship between body size and stable isotopic signatures of the omnivorous Redfin Culter(C ultrichthys erythropterus),commonly found in East Lake Taihu,was investigated. Previous analyses of C. erythropterus stomach contents have shown that this species undergoes a diet switch from being predominantly zooplanktivorous to piscivorous during its life history. This was confirmed by stable carbon isotopic signature(δ 13 C) in this study,in which δ 13 C was positively correlated with both standard length and weight. The importance of littoral-benthic resources in supporting C. erythropterus during its lifespan was also demonstrated using a two-source mixing model,the results of which showed a significant increasing trend in the contribution of littoral-benthic energy. However,the stable nitrogen isotopic signature(δ 15N) exhibited an unusual pattern compared with previous studies. The δ 15 N of C. erythropterus showed no relationship with body size,even though dietary changes were observed. This indicated that δ 15 N alone cannot fully reflect a diet shift in a species and possible variability in isotopic signatures over its life history. This should be considered when using stable isotopic signatures to investigate intra-specific variations and the timing of life-history events,such as estimating the trophic positions of fish species.展开更多
This study shows a novel three-dimensional (3D) parametric body model development using cross-section control and control algorithm retrieved from anthropometric survey. The 3D parametric body model was shaped into ...This study shows a novel three-dimensional (3D) parametric body model development using cross-section control and control algorithm retrieved from anthropometric survey. The 3D parametric body model was shaped into the most common body shape of the young Hong Kong female and be able to automatically change its critical body shape according to the user's critical body dimension inputs. The control algorithm controls the profile of the parametric model is retrieved from an anthropometric survey using 3D scanner to study the profile change of body and the relation between some critical body dimensions. Compared to the traditional anthropometric surveys, the 3D body scanner provides more accurate body dimension and information as well as new body shape measurements.展开更多
Models of optimal escape strategy predict that animals should move away when the costs of fleeing (metabolic and opportunity costs) are outweighed by the costs of remaining. These theoretical models predict that mor...Models of optimal escape strategy predict that animals should move away when the costs of fleeing (metabolic and opportunity costs) are outweighed by the costs of remaining. These theoretical models predict that more vulnerable individuals should be more reactive, moving away when an approaching threat is further away. We tested whether escape behaviour (includ- ing 'escape calling') ofLithobates sphenocephalus approached by a human was influenced by body size or the initial microhabi- tat that the individual was found in. Irrespective of their size, frogs in the open tended to remain immobile, enhancing their cryp- sis. Frogs in cover showed different responses according to their body size, but, contrary to our initial predictions, larger frogs showed greater responsiveness (longer flight initiation distance and distances fled) than small frogs. Small frogs tended to remain closer to water and escaped into water, while larger individuals were more likely to jump to terrestrial cover and call during escape. Density of frogs near the focal animal had no effect on escape behaviour. This study indicates a range of escape responses in this species and points to the importance of divergent escape choices for organisms which live on the edge of different environments .展开更多
Age and body size are two important demographic traits that determine the life history strategies of populations and species. We measured these two parameters ofRana amurensis, at a 900 m and a 500 m altitude site in ...Age and body size are two important demographic traits that determine the life history strategies of populations and species. We measured these two parameters ofRana amurensis, at a 900 m and a 500 m altitude site in northeastern China. At the two sites, age at first reproduction was 2 years for males and 3 years for females. The maximum age of males and females at the high-altitude site was 6 and 7 years, and 5 and 7 years at the low-altitude population, respectively. Females were significantly larger than males in both populations, due to greater age in both the high- and low-altitude sites, Body size of either males or fe- males did not differ significantly between populations; only males showed increased body size at the high-altitude site when age effect was statistically controlled for. The increased cline of male body size may be attributable to delayed maturation of the sex due to a shorter growing season at high altitudes展开更多
Life-history theory predicts that in hibemators age of maturation is related positively to body size and negatively to the duration of active season aboveground. Yellow souslik is a large-sized ground squirrel with lo...Life-history theory predicts that in hibemators age of maturation is related positively to body size and negatively to the duration of active season aboveground. Yellow souslik is a large-sized ground squirrel with long hibernation, which suggests late maturation. We used four-year field observations of marked individuals to determine the age of maturation in males through analysis of age-dependent variation in body size, mass, androgen status, timing of spring emergence, ranging patterns and social behavior during the mating season. Yearling males were smaller, lighter, had lower level of fecal testosterone, emerged later and had smaller home ranges than older males. Social activity and the number of females encountered did not differ between age classes. After the second hibernation none of the studied parameters varied with age. Cluster analysis revealed two behavioral tactics: "active" males (adults only) emerged earlier, ranged more widely, initiated more contacts, encountered more females and were heavier than "passive" males (both yearling and adult). Thus, males of S. fulvus reached adult size and matured after two hibernations, which is relatively fast for such a big species with short active period. Indirect evidence for copulations and high variation among yearlings in all parameters suggest that some of them might successfully compete with adults. Active tactic of wandering and searching for females is energetically costly, and probably only adult males in good physical condition can afford it, whereas passive tactic of residing is energy saving and good for adults in poor condition and for yearlings that are continuing to grow.展开更多
The Han Chinese people are the main ethnic group in China and the largest ethnic group in the world.The dimensions of the hands and feet have been successfully used for the estimation of stature.A total of 26,927 heal...The Han Chinese people are the main ethnic group in China and the largest ethnic group in the world.The dimensions of the hands and feet have been successfully used for the estimation of stature.A total of 26,927 healthy adult subjects,comprising 13,221 men and 13,706 women,were recruited.The survey samples were chosen through random cluster sampling.The mean values were significantly higher in men than those in women for all measurements(P<0.001).All the measurements showed a statistically significant correlation with stature(P<0.01).The combination of the right hand length and the right foot length was the best predictor of stature because it had the lowest standard error of estimate.The use of multiple regression equations yielded better results than did the use of linear regression equations.The accuracy of stature prediction ranged from ±4.81 to ±6.39 cm.The present study was of great importance with regards to improving the physical anthropology database of ethnic groups in China.展开更多
Why do two sexes of the same species differ in body size holds a long-standing question of evolutionary biology. While many across-species comparisons have focused on ultimate causes behind sexual size dimorphism (SS...Why do two sexes of the same species differ in body size holds a long-standing question of evolutionary biology. While many across-species comparisons have focused on ultimate causes behind sexual size dimorphism (SSD), only have a few been directed toward elucidating its ontogenetic basis. Urodeles are an amphibian group in which the direction and degree of SSD vary greatly among species. Using demographic data yielded by skeletochronology for 33 urodele species, the current study re- veals a positive across-species correlation between SSD and the sex difference in mean age of adult animals, and the latter in- creases with the corresponding difference in age at maturity; annual growth rate does not differ between the sexes. We conclude that extended longevities in one sex, which is mediated by delayed maturation, would allow it to grow for longer and get larger, with growth rate making a weak contribution to body size. The sex-specific divergence in ontogenetic trajectory might be ex- plained by potentially high growth costs of reproduction to females in association with stronger fecundity selection, and to males that are expected to experience stronger sexual selection [Current Zoology 59 (1): 142-150, 2013].展开更多
Abstract Male body size can play an important role in the mating systems of anuran amphibians. We conducted labora- tory-based trials with cane toads Rhinella (Bufo) marina from an invasive population in the wet-dry...Abstract Male body size can play an important role in the mating systems of anuran amphibians. We conducted labora- tory-based trials with cane toads Rhinella (Bufo) marina from an invasive population in the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia, to clarify the effects of a male's body size on his reproductive success and behavior (mate choice). Males were stimulated with a synthetic hormone to induce reproductive readiness. Larger body size enhanced a male toad's ability to displace a smaller rival from amplexus, apparently because of physical strength: more force was required to dislodge a larger than a smaller amplectant male. A male's body size also affected his mate-choice criteria. Males of all body sizes were as likely to attempt amplexus with another male as with a female of the same size, and preferred larger rather than smaller sexual targets. However, this size prefe- rence was stronger in larger males and hence, amplexus was size-assortative. This pattern broke down when males were given access to already-amplectant male-female pairs: males of all body sizes readily attempted amplexus with the pair, with no size discrimination. An amplectant pair provides a larger visual stimulus, and prolonged amplexus provides a strong cue for sex iden- tification (one of the individuals involved is almost certainly a female). Thus, a male cane toad's body size affects both his ability to defeat rivals in physical struggles over females, and the criteria he uses when selecting potential mates, but the impacts of that selectivity depend upon the context in which mating occurs展开更多
Cambrian vetulicolians are enigmatic metazoans which play an important role in understanding the early animal evolution. Vetulicola longbaoshanensis Yang et al., 2010 is a unique species reported from the Guanshan Bio...Cambrian vetulicolians are enigmatic metazoans which play an important role in understanding the early animal evolution. Vetulicola longbaoshanensis Yang et al., 2010 is a unique species reported from the Guanshan Biota, Cambrian Series2, Stage 4 at eastern Yunnan, South China, which expands our understanding of vetulicolians. Here, new exceptionally preserved materials of V. longbaoshanensis from the Lower Cambrian Wulongqing Formation(which yields the so-called Guanshan Biota)in both Wuding and Kunming areas are described, in which the gill structures of V. longbaoshanensis are well preserved. The gill structures of our fossils are more complicated than those in the type species: the gill sac is gourd-shaped and can be divided into a smaller anterior part and a larger posterior part, prominent gill silt and dense gill filaments present in the joint of the two parts. Comparative analyses indicate that vetulicolians from the Guanshan Biota are similar to the Vetulicola rectangulata Luo et Hu, 1999 from the Chengjiang Biota in gross morphology. However, compared with the V. rectangulata, the Guanshan forms possess a larger body size, a higher length/height ratio of anterior body, and a higher ratio of gill sac width to anterior body height, probably typifying the derive characters anticipated of vetulicolians. These new materials, therefore, shed new light on our understanding of vetulicolians morphology and the early evolution of the gill structures.展开更多
Body size is a highly variable trait among geographically separated populations. Size-assortative reproductive isolation has been linked to recent adaptive radiations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus...Body size is a highly variable trait among geographically separated populations. Size-assortative reproductive isolation has been linked to recent adaptive radiations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) into freshwater, but the genetic basis of the commonly found size differ- ence between anadromous and derived lacustrine sticklebacks has not been tested. We studied the genetic basis of size differences between recently diverging stickleback lineages in southwest Alaska using a common environment experiment. We crossed stickleback within one anadromous (Naknek River) and one lake (Pringle Lake) population and between the anadromous and two lake populations (Pringle and JoJo Lakes), and raised them in a salinity of 4-6 ppt. The F1 anadromous and freshwater forms differed significantly in size, whereas hybrids were intermediate or exhibited dominance toward the anadromous form. Additionally, the size of freshwater Fls differed from their wild counterparts, with within-population Fls from Pringle Lake growing larger than their wild counterparts, while there was no size difference between lab-raised and wild anadromous fish. Sexual dimorphism was always present in anadromous fish, but not in freshwater, and not always in the hybrid crosses. These results, along with parallel changes among anadromous and fresh- water forms in other regions, suggest that this heritable trait is both plastic and may be under di- vergent and/or sexual selection.展开更多
基金Supported by the Korea Polar Research Institute(No.PP14020)the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology(No.PN65250)
文摘Ice krill is the keystone species in the neritic ecosystem in the Southern Ocean, where it replaces the more oceanic Antarctic krill. It is essential to understand the variation of target strength (TS in dB re l m^2) with the different body size to accurately estimate ice krill stocks. However, there is comparatively little knowledge of the acoustic backscatter of ice krill. The TS of individual, formalin-preserved, tethered ice krill was measured in a freshwater test tank at 38, 120, and 200 kHz with a calibrated split-beam echo sounder system. Mean TS was obtained from 21 individual ice krill with a broad range of body lengths (L: 13-36 iron). The length (L, mm) to wet weight (W; mg) relationship for ice krill was 11/=0.001 21g^103~L35s (R2=0.96). The mean TS-to-length relationship were TS38kHz=-177.4+57log10(L), (R^2=0.86); TS120kHz= -129.9+31.561ogf0(L), (R2=0.87); and TS200kHz=-117.6+24.661ogre(L), (R2=0.84). Empirical estimates of the relationship between the TS and body length of ice krill were established at 38, 120, and 200 kHz and compared with predictions obtained from both the linear regression model of Greene et al. (1991) and the Stochastic Distorted Wave Born Approximation (SDWBA) model. This result might be applied to improve acoustic detection and density estimation of ice krill in the Southern Ocean. Further comparative studies are needed with in situ target strength including various body lengths of ice krill.
基金the NNSF of China (No.40206001)the Key Laboratory of Mariculture of Ministry of Education,Ocean University of China (No.200404)
文摘A 21-d laboratory experiment was conducted to study, the phosphorus (P) utilization of two different diets by redlip mullet Liza haematocheila T. & S. Sand-filtered water in salinity 30 and temperatare 25℃ was used. Twenty-nine fish individuals were divided into three groups: 11 to group 1 (G1) fed on diet 1, 11 to group 2 (G2) fed on diet 2, and 7 to contrast group. Diet 1 was a commercial feed, more valuable in nutrition than diet 2 that similar to natural detritus. The results show the intake phosphorus (IP) of G1 was significantly higher than that of G2, and both increased linearly with body size at a certain amount of diet. The retention phosphorus (RP) in fish of G1 was lower than G2. The relationship between retention phosphorus and body size was positive and stronger in G2. Significant difference in faecal phosphorus (FP) was found between G1 and G2. Body size significantly impacted the excretion phosphorus (EP) in G1 but G2. The loss of intake phosphorus in G1 was 10.83-20.27 mg per g fish weight gain, higher than that in G2 for 6.63-9.56. Of the phosphorus, about 10% was allocated into growth, 50% in faeces, and the rest lost in excretion. The main part of phosphorus was lost in faeces but excretion. The phosphorus budget of the fish could be described as 100IP = 7.40RP + 47.39FP + 36.63EP (Diet 1) or 100IP = 11.93RP + 56.64FP + 21.76EP (Diet 2).
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41206124)the Ph.D Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China(No.23104120001)the "Chen Guang" Project(No.10CG52)
文摘The relationship between body size and stable isotopic signatures of the omnivorous Redfin Culter(C ultrichthys erythropterus),commonly found in East Lake Taihu,was investigated. Previous analyses of C. erythropterus stomach contents have shown that this species undergoes a diet switch from being predominantly zooplanktivorous to piscivorous during its life history. This was confirmed by stable carbon isotopic signature(δ 13 C) in this study,in which δ 13 C was positively correlated with both standard length and weight. The importance of littoral-benthic resources in supporting C. erythropterus during its lifespan was also demonstrated using a two-source mixing model,the results of which showed a significant increasing trend in the contribution of littoral-benthic energy. However,the stable nitrogen isotopic signature(δ 15N) exhibited an unusual pattern compared with previous studies. The δ 15 N of C. erythropterus showed no relationship with body size,even though dietary changes were observed. This indicated that δ 15 N alone cannot fully reflect a diet shift in a species and possible variability in isotopic signatures over its life history. This should be considered when using stable isotopic signatures to investigate intra-specific variations and the timing of life-history events,such as estimating the trophic positions of fish species.
文摘This study shows a novel three-dimensional (3D) parametric body model development using cross-section control and control algorithm retrieved from anthropometric survey. The 3D parametric body model was shaped into the most common body shape of the young Hong Kong female and be able to automatically change its critical body shape according to the user's critical body dimension inputs. The control algorithm controls the profile of the parametric model is retrieved from an anthropometric survey using 3D scanner to study the profile change of body and the relation between some critical body dimensions. Compared to the traditional anthropometric surveys, the 3D body scanner provides more accurate body dimension and information as well as new body shape measurements.
文摘Models of optimal escape strategy predict that animals should move away when the costs of fleeing (metabolic and opportunity costs) are outweighed by the costs of remaining. These theoretical models predict that more vulnerable individuals should be more reactive, moving away when an approaching threat is further away. We tested whether escape behaviour (includ- ing 'escape calling') ofLithobates sphenocephalus approached by a human was influenced by body size or the initial microhabi- tat that the individual was found in. Irrespective of their size, frogs in the open tended to remain immobile, enhancing their cryp- sis. Frogs in cover showed different responses according to their body size, but, contrary to our initial predictions, larger frogs showed greater responsiveness (longer flight initiation distance and distances fled) than small frogs. Small frogs tended to remain closer to water and escaped into water, while larger individuals were more likely to jump to terrestrial cover and call during escape. Density of frogs near the focal animal had no effect on escape behaviour. This study indicates a range of escape responses in this species and points to the importance of divergent escape choices for organisms which live on the edge of different environments .
文摘Age and body size are two important demographic traits that determine the life history strategies of populations and species. We measured these two parameters ofRana amurensis, at a 900 m and a 500 m altitude site in northeastern China. At the two sites, age at first reproduction was 2 years for males and 3 years for females. The maximum age of males and females at the high-altitude site was 6 and 7 years, and 5 and 7 years at the low-altitude population, respectively. Females were significantly larger than males in both populations, due to greater age in both the high- and low-altitude sites, Body size of either males or fe- males did not differ significantly between populations; only males showed increased body size at the high-altitude site when age effect was statistically controlled for. The increased cline of male body size may be attributable to delayed maturation of the sex due to a shorter growing season at high altitudes
文摘Life-history theory predicts that in hibemators age of maturation is related positively to body size and negatively to the duration of active season aboveground. Yellow souslik is a large-sized ground squirrel with long hibernation, which suggests late maturation. We used four-year field observations of marked individuals to determine the age of maturation in males through analysis of age-dependent variation in body size, mass, androgen status, timing of spring emergence, ranging patterns and social behavior during the mating season. Yearling males were smaller, lighter, had lower level of fecal testosterone, emerged later and had smaller home ranges than older males. Social activity and the number of females encountered did not differ between age classes. After the second hibernation none of the studied parameters varied with age. Cluster analysis revealed two behavioral tactics: "active" males (adults only) emerged earlier, ranged more widely, initiated more contacts, encountered more females and were heavier than "passive" males (both yearling and adult). Thus, males of S. fulvus reached adult size and matured after two hibernations, which is relatively fast for such a big species with short active period. Indirect evidence for copulations and high variation among yearlings in all parameters suggest that some of them might successfully compete with adults. Active tactic of wandering and searching for females is energetically costly, and probably only adult males in good physical condition can afford it, whereas passive tactic of residing is energy saving and good for adults in poor condition and for yearlings that are continuing to grow.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30830062,31401022)
文摘The Han Chinese people are the main ethnic group in China and the largest ethnic group in the world.The dimensions of the hands and feet have been successfully used for the estimation of stature.A total of 26,927 healthy adult subjects,comprising 13,221 men and 13,706 women,were recruited.The survey samples were chosen through random cluster sampling.The mean values were significantly higher in men than those in women for all measurements(P<0.001).All the measurements showed a statistically significant correlation with stature(P<0.01).The combination of the right hand length and the right foot length was the best predictor of stature because it had the lowest standard error of estimate.The use of multiple regression equations yielded better results than did the use of linear regression equations.The accuracy of stature prediction ranged from ±4.81 to ±6.39 cm.The present study was of great importance with regards to improving the physical anthropology database of ethnic groups in China.
文摘Why do two sexes of the same species differ in body size holds a long-standing question of evolutionary biology. While many across-species comparisons have focused on ultimate causes behind sexual size dimorphism (SSD), only have a few been directed toward elucidating its ontogenetic basis. Urodeles are an amphibian group in which the direction and degree of SSD vary greatly among species. Using demographic data yielded by skeletochronology for 33 urodele species, the current study re- veals a positive across-species correlation between SSD and the sex difference in mean age of adult animals, and the latter in- creases with the corresponding difference in age at maturity; annual growth rate does not differ between the sexes. We conclude that extended longevities in one sex, which is mediated by delayed maturation, would allow it to grow for longer and get larger, with growth rate making a weak contribution to body size. The sex-specific divergence in ontogenetic trajectory might be ex- plained by potentially high growth costs of reproduction to females in association with stronger fecundity selection, and to males that are expected to experience stronger sexual selection [Current Zoology 59 (1): 142-150, 2013].
文摘Abstract Male body size can play an important role in the mating systems of anuran amphibians. We conducted labora- tory-based trials with cane toads Rhinella (Bufo) marina from an invasive population in the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia, to clarify the effects of a male's body size on his reproductive success and behavior (mate choice). Males were stimulated with a synthetic hormone to induce reproductive readiness. Larger body size enhanced a male toad's ability to displace a smaller rival from amplexus, apparently because of physical strength: more force was required to dislodge a larger than a smaller amplectant male. A male's body size also affected his mate-choice criteria. Males of all body sizes were as likely to attempt amplexus with another male as with a female of the same size, and preferred larger rather than smaller sexual targets. However, this size prefe- rence was stronger in larger males and hence, amplexus was size-assortative. This pattern broke down when males were given access to already-amplectant male-female pairs: males of all body sizes readily attempted amplexus with the pair, with no size discrimination. An amplectant pair provides a larger visual stimulus, and prolonged amplexus provides a strong cue for sex iden- tification (one of the individuals involved is almost certainly a female). Thus, a male cane toad's body size affects both his ability to defeat rivals in physical struggles over females, and the criteria he uses when selecting potential mates, but the impacts of that selectivity depend upon the context in which mating occurs
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2013CB837100)the National Program for Support of Top-notch Young Professionals,the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41222014,41172023,41621003,41102012&41572017)+1 种基金the 111 Project,the Ministry of Education of China for Changjiang Scholarsthe Program for NewCentury Excellent Talents in University(Grant No.53900264086)
文摘Cambrian vetulicolians are enigmatic metazoans which play an important role in understanding the early animal evolution. Vetulicola longbaoshanensis Yang et al., 2010 is a unique species reported from the Guanshan Biota, Cambrian Series2, Stage 4 at eastern Yunnan, South China, which expands our understanding of vetulicolians. Here, new exceptionally preserved materials of V. longbaoshanensis from the Lower Cambrian Wulongqing Formation(which yields the so-called Guanshan Biota)in both Wuding and Kunming areas are described, in which the gill structures of V. longbaoshanensis are well preserved. The gill structures of our fossils are more complicated than those in the type species: the gill sac is gourd-shaped and can be divided into a smaller anterior part and a larger posterior part, prominent gill silt and dense gill filaments present in the joint of the two parts. Comparative analyses indicate that vetulicolians from the Guanshan Biota are similar to the Vetulicola rectangulata Luo et Hu, 1999 from the Chengjiang Biota in gross morphology. However, compared with the V. rectangulata, the Guanshan forms possess a larger body size, a higher length/height ratio of anterior body, and a higher ratio of gill sac width to anterior body height, probably typifying the derive characters anticipated of vetulicolians. These new materials, therefore, shed new light on our understanding of vetulicolians morphology and the early evolution of the gill structures.
文摘Body size is a highly variable trait among geographically separated populations. Size-assortative reproductive isolation has been linked to recent adaptive radiations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) into freshwater, but the genetic basis of the commonly found size differ- ence between anadromous and derived lacustrine sticklebacks has not been tested. We studied the genetic basis of size differences between recently diverging stickleback lineages in southwest Alaska using a common environment experiment. We crossed stickleback within one anadromous (Naknek River) and one lake (Pringle Lake) population and between the anadromous and two lake populations (Pringle and JoJo Lakes), and raised them in a salinity of 4-6 ppt. The F1 anadromous and freshwater forms differed significantly in size, whereas hybrids were intermediate or exhibited dominance toward the anadromous form. Additionally, the size of freshwater Fls differed from their wild counterparts, with within-population Fls from Pringle Lake growing larger than their wild counterparts, while there was no size difference between lab-raised and wild anadromous fish. Sexual dimorphism was always present in anadromous fish, but not in freshwater, and not always in the hybrid crosses. These results, along with parallel changes among anadromous and fresh- water forms in other regions, suggest that this heritable trait is both plastic and may be under di- vergent and/or sexual selection.