Dynamics of the TIT FOR TAT strategy during predator inspection in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Summary One well-known solution to the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma is the TIT FOR TAT strategy. This strategy has three characteristics associated with it. TIT FOR TAT is nice (cooperates on the first move of a game), retaliatory (plays defect against an individual that defected on the prior move), and forgiving (cooperates with an individual which has defected in the past but cooperates in the present). Predator inspection behavior in guppies (Poecilia reticulata) was examined in order to determine whether guppies displayed these three characteristics. Results indicate that while it can be quite difficult to translate the abstract concepts of niceness, retaliation, and forgiveness into measurable behaviors, the data support the hypothesis that guppies display the three characteristics associated with the TIT FOR TAT strategy.The selfish herd and dilution effect are discussed as possible alternative explanations for the observed behavior. These hypotheses alone were insufficient to explain the results.     

Do guppies play TIT FOR TAT during predator inspection visits?

Summary Cooperative behavior during predatorinspection visits of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) was examined. Wild caught guppies from Trinidad were tested on two types of mirror. In one treatment individual guppies were tested using a long mirror that ran parallel to the path toward the predator. In the second treatment, guppies were tested with a shorter mirror that was placed at an angle of thirty-two degrees to the path toward the predator. Guppies in both mirror treatments showed consistent behavior throughout a trial, with subjects in the straight-mirror treatment spending more time near the predator. It appears that guppies employ a conditional-approach strategy during predator inspections. The conditional-approach strategy instructs a player to swim toward the predator (inspect) on the first move of a game and subsequently only to move forward if the other player swims beside it. Conditional-approach is analogous to a TIT FOR TAT strategy, the difference being that the conditional-approach strategy makes no assumptions about the player's payoff matrix.     

Sources of variation in herbivore preference: among-individual and past diet effects on amphipod host choice

Understanding which factors affect the feeding preferences of herbivores is essential for predicting the effects of herbivores on plant assemblages and the evolution of plant–herbivore interactions. Most studies of marine herbivory have focussed on the plant traits that determine preferences (especially secondary metabolites), while few studies have considered how preferences may vary among individual herbivores due to genetic or environmental sources of variation. Such intraspecific variation is essential for evolutionary change in preference behaviour and may alter the outcome of plant–herbivore interactions. In an abundant marine herbivore, we determined the relative importance of among-individual and environmental effects on preferences for three host algae of varying quality. Repeated preference assays were conducted with the amphipod Peramphithoe parmerong and three of its brown algal hosts: Sargassum linearifolium, S. vestitum and Padina crassa. We found no evidence that preference varied among individuals, thus constraining the ability of natural selection to promote increased specialisation on high-quality S. linearifolium. Most of the variation in preference occurred within individuals, with amphipod preferences strongly influenced by past diet. The increased tendency for amphipods to select alternate hosts to that on which they had been recently feeding indicates that amphipods are actively seeking mixed diets. Such a feeding strategy provides an explanation for the persistence of this herbivore on hosts in the field that support poor growth and survival if consumed alone. The effects of past diet indicate that herbivore preferences are a function of herbivore history in addition to plant traits and are likely to vary with the availability of algae in space and time.     

Present and past threats and response on the east coast of Africa: an archaeological perspective

This article addresses two related themes: the response of coastal communities to the impact of environmental processes and human actions as reflected in archaeology, and threats to the archaeological record emanating from current natural and human agencies. The geographical context is the entire east coast of Africa, although emphasis is placed on Swahili settlements in the light of their long-standing dependence upon maritime resources and trading opportunities. Evidence is derived from documentary sources and field studies with detailed data from Kilwa, Tanzania. Physical conditions are relatively benign, but threats are identified in adverse weather events, erosion, and sedimentation processes. Knowledge of past climatic impacts upon shipping is restricted by limited research of the off-shore environment. On-shore, the archaeological record provides evidence of protective construction work, possibly where erosion precipitated by removal of mangroves. However, unless significant port investments required safeguarding, relocation of landing area and settlement was principal response to erosion and sedimentation. Current threats to archaeology are far more significant both from natural processes of marine erosion and vegetation growth encouraged by urban decline and neglect. Limited legislation and resources are seen as the greatest impediments to investigation and protection of heritage from urban and tourism inspired development in future.     

Biofuels and agriculture: a past perspective and uncertain future

The US corn ethanol industry has grown from virtually nothing in the early 1980s to over 14 billion gallons in 2011. Subsidies have been an important impetus for the industry, and they have existed in one form or another throughout the life of the industry. This paper provides (1) a brief look at the history of the linkages between energy and agriculture and how they have changed with biofuels; (2) a review of some of the major impacts of the US corn ethanol program; and (3) analysis of prospective impacts of cellulosic biofuels. There is no doubt that biofuels have brought about a new era for global agriculture. Historically, the prices of agricultural and energy products moved in response to supply and demand factors relevant to each market, but moved largely independent of one another. Corn ethanol has changed that, and today there is a link between crude oil and corn that is driven by the demand side. Since agricultural commodity prices are linked both on the demand and supply sides, the corn–crude oil link spills over to other agricultural commodities as well. Development of cellulosic biofuels has been much slower than hoped. The feedstocks are more expensive than initially believed. Conversion technologies remain uncertain and expensive. There are many uncertainties through the cellulosic supply chain, and government policy remains uncertain as well. Thus, the future of the cellulosic biofuels industry is, at this point, an open question.     

从上海市凤眼莲的生活史特征与繁殖策略探讨其控制对策

凤眼莲是上海地区水体中危害最严重的外来人侵种之一。通过对上海地区凤眼莲种群的连续监测，探究其生活史特征及其繁殖策略，结果表明，1）每年3～5月为凤眼莲的萌芽阶段，7月下旬为凤眼莲爆发起始时期，8～12月为凤眼莲爆发的高峰期，12月下旬凤眼莲开始枯萎死亡。但其腋芽能够存活越冬，是来年凤眼莲爆发的种源。2）上海地区凤眼莲主要以无性繁殖为主。导致该结果的内因是凤眼莲具有高的克隆生长潜力，外因是上海市水体富营养化严重。3）河道内其它水生植物的广泛分布是凤眼莲固着生长的主要机制，这些植物主要为：喜旱莲子草、菰、芦苇、牛筋草和千金子等。有鉴于此，根据上海市凤眼莲的生活史特征和繁殖策略，提出其综合防治对策为：1）最佳的打捞时期为12月至翌年6月，以去处种源为目标；2）清理河道内及堤岸上的水生杂草；3）开展生物防治的研究；4）加强与周边省份的协调合作。     

Nonideal breeding habitat selection: a mismatch between preference and fitness

The selection of breeding sites in heterogeneous habitats should ideally be based on cues closely reflecting habitat quality and thus predicting realized individual fitness. Using long-term population data and data on territory establishment of male Northern Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe), we examined whether territory characteristics linked to individual fitness (reproductive performance and survival) also were linked to territory preference. Breeding territories varied in their physical characteristics and their potential effects on reproductive performance, and this variation among territories was correlated from one year to the next. Of all measured territory characteristics (from the focal and the previous year) only territory field layer height predicted individual fitness, i.e., reproductive performance was higher in territories with permanently short rather than growing field layers. Territory preference, instead, was only linked to the size of territory aggregations, i.e., males settled earlier at territory sites sharing borders with several adjacent sites than at those with few or no adjacent sites. This mismatch between territory characteristics linked to fitness and those linked to territory preference was not explained by site fidelity or compensated for by the different fitness components measured. Because the results were not in agreement with an ecological trap scenario, where poor habitats are preferred over high-quality habitats, our results suggest a more general case of nonideal habitat selection. Whereas nonideal selection with respect to territory field layer height may be explained by its poor temporal predictability within the breeding season, the preference for territory aggregations is still open to alternative adaptive explanations. Our study suggests that nonideal habitat selection should be investigated by direct estimates of preferences (e.g., order of territory establishment) and their links to habitat characteristics and fitness components. Furthermore, we suggest that the probability of establishing a territory needs to be included as a factor influencing patterns of habitat selection.     

微塑料与污染物相互作用的研究进展

微塑料广泛存在于环境中,其比表面积大、吸附性强,可吸附环境中的重金属、有机物、微生物等污染物,并改变它们在环境中的归趋;同时,这些污染物也会影响微塑料的性质及其在环境中的吸附、迁移、降解等行为,进而对生态环境产生潜在风险.开展微塑料与污染物的相互作用研究是进行微塑料环境风险评价的基础.当前相关研究多集中于微塑料的分布及...     

半个世纪以来黄土高原降水的时空变化

在全球性的显著升温引起全球环境的一系列变化,而全球变暖必然被引起区域降水分布的改变.气候变化将改变全球水循环的现状,导致水资源时空分布的重新分配,并对降水、蒸散发、径流等造成直接影响.运用中国气象中心黄土高原51个站点的降水资料,通过Mann-Kendall趋势分析法,对1947-2004年期间的降水时空分布规律及其原因进行了分析.结果发现,多数站点的降水在半个世纪中呈现减少趋势,降水减少的突变时间大约在1983年;降水显著减少的区域为夏季风边缘地区,季风边缘地区的降水序列与东南季风指数之间存在很好的相关性,说明夏季风的变化是引起该区域降水变化的主要原因.     

Development of a PCR strategy for thraustochytrid identification based on 18S rDNA sequence

The identification and characterization of the thraustochytrids, an emerging economically and biotechnologically important group of marine heterotrophic protists, is usually based on morphological characters. In this research we used molecular markers to identify thraustochytrids. We designed three sets of primers based on the 18S rDNA sequence alignment of known strains and employed a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) strategy to identify unknown thraustochytrid isolates. DNA from 26 thraustochytrids (three isolated from primary cell cultures of the tunicate Botryllus schlosseri and 23 from a coral holding aquarium) were amplified by these primers, revealing 21 isolates with three bands each, which were assigned to two groups according to PCR fragment sizes. Taxonomic characterizations were deduced by comparing with GenBank data. Four isolates were further studied by sequencing their 18S rDNA. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed that isolates from the coral aquarium (7-5 and 8-7) were highly similar to each other and 95.0-97.0% similar to Thraustochytrium multirudimentale and Schizochytrium minutum. Isolates from the tunicate primary cell cultures (BS1 and BS2) were also closely related to each other and 84.3-86.0% similar to labyrinthulid quahog parasite and Thraustochytrium pachydermum. AFLP (amplified fragment-length polymorphism) analysis revealed 2.5-3.6% differences within the genomic DNA of each group, showing that each isolate is different, although isolates within each group may belong to the same species, in spite of differences found in the general morphology.     

Identifying demand parameters in the presence of unobservables: A combined revealed and stated preference approach

• ALTHOUGH MOST ACADEMIC programs use hospital-based sites for perioperative clinical experiences, the exponential growth in the number of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and the increased variety of procedures performed in these settings make ASCs excellent venues for student learning experiences.• NURSING STUDENTS in one program in Florida have the opportunity to take a perioperative practicum designed to allow them to learn about all aspects of patient care and administrative functions in ASCs.• THE ASC PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE is popular with students and staff members alike, and ASC administrators are seeking ways to increase the number of students in the program in an effort to attract new graduates to ASCs. AORN J 84 (August 2006) 219–232. © AORN, Inc, 2006.

Response of mercury accumulation to anthropogenic pollution in the past 1000 years based on Lake Huguangyan sediments,Southern China

A new ²¹⁰Pb-dated record of Hg accumulation derived from a sediment core from a Hg-enriched area in Huguangyan Lake (HGY) in South China is presented. Based on synthetic analyses of multi-proxy records including chemical composition, total organic matter, and grain-size distribution in surface sediments and nearby soil samples, it is inferred that the influx of Hg into the lake is mainly a result of atmospheric deposition, with no or minor hydroclimate-induced lithogenic input from the catchment and limited adsorption effects of organic matter and clay. Significantly enhanced anthropogenic input of Hg started in the early 1900s. Since then, several anomalies of Hg accumulation have been the results of wars or intensified economic activities in China. HGY sediments provide a rare and reliable natural archive for detecting atmospheric Hg deposition, which is closely related to anthropogenic activities.

     

Aggregation and dispersal based on social cues as a nest-site selection strategy in a resource-defence polygynandry mating system

Many animals must choose a nest site in order to reproduce. However, it is unclear how nest-site selection strategies vary across different mating systems. We must therefore explore nest-site selection strategies in a range of mating systems, including the interaction between resource-defence polygyny and polyandry (i.e. polygynandry). In this study, we imposed a re-settlement event in the terrestrial toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii and measured the influence of the spatial position of each male’s nest site with respect to rival males on the likelihood that it would be abandoned or receive eggs. We captured every calling male in a population, measured their breeding success and released them back into the breeding area. We then recorded the establishment and abandonment of nest sites by males over 26 consecutive nights. Spatial positioning did not have any significant effects on male-breeding success, supporting claims that females show less discrimination between nest sites when they are polyandrous and spread their eggs amongst multiple male nests. However, we found that males consistently selected nest sites according to a site’s spatial position, which suggests that fitness benefits unrelated to male breeding success (e.g. reduced mortality risk) might influence male nesting decisions. Overall, our study provides new evidence that the mating system adopted by a population can influence the cues that individuals respond to when selecting nest sites.     

试论高校统计信息的策略

高校统计信息工作的策略是稳定统计信息人员队伍、制定统计信息制度、确定统计信息工作流程和改进统计信息工作手段．     

Asymmetric competition via induced resistance: specialist herbivores indirectly suppress generalist preference and populations

Species may compete indirectly by altering the traits of a shared resource. For example, herbivore-induced responses in plants may make plants more resistant or susceptible to additional herbivorous insect species. Herbivore-induced plant responses can significantly affect interspecific competition and herbivore population dynamics. These herbivore-herbivore indirect interactions have been overlooked in aquatic ecosystems where previous studies used the same herbivore species to induce changes and to assess the effects of these changes. We asked whether seaweed grazing by one of two herbivorous, congeneric snail species (Littorina obtusata or Littorina littorea) with different feeding strategies and preferences would affect subsequent feeding preferences of three herbivore species (both snails and the isopod Idotea baltica) and population densities of three herbivore species (both snails and a third periwinkle snail, Lacuna vincta). In addition, we measured phlorotannin concentrations to test the hypothesis that these metabolites function as induced defenses in the Phaeophyceae. Snail herbivory induced cue-specific responses in apical tissues of the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus that affected the three herbivore species similarly. When compared to ungrazed controls, direct grazing by Littorina obtusata reduced seaweed palatability by at least 52% for both snail species and the isopod species. In contrast, direct grazing by L. littorea did not decrease seaweed palatability for any herbivore, indicating herbivore-specific responses. Previous grazing by L. obtusata reduced populations of L. littorea on outplanted seaweeds by 46% but had no effect on L. obtusata populations. Phlorotannins, a potential class of inducible chemicals in brown algae, were not more concentrated in grazed seaweed tissues, suggesting that some other trait was responsible for the induced resistance. Our results indicate that marine herbivores may compete via inducible responses in shared seaweeds. These plant-mediated interactions were asymmetric with a specialist (L. obtusata) competitively superior to a generalist (L. littorea).     

Bottlenose dolphins and aquaculture: interaction and site fidelity on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)

Owing to the worldwide growth of aquaculture over the last years, new habitats have been created through the supplement of nutrients. This addition of nutrients affects the whole marine food web, resulting in predator species such as bottlenose dolphins becoming attracted to these areas. During this 5-year-long study that was carried out along the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy), bottlenose dolphin’s history of exposure to aquaculture perturbations and their effects was documented. The interaction with a fish farm was assessed by studying the site fidelity, group dynamics, and seasonal and yearly occurrence. In all, 1,838 hours were spent in the field. Behavioural observations showed that the predominant activity (89 % of the time) in the fish farm was foraging (predation and depredation). The occurrence of bottlenose dolphins appeared to be related with the seasons and with the fish farm harvesting operations. Thus, the peak dolphin occurrence in the fish farm area throughout Fall coincides with the period in which they spend most of their time foraging. A relatively small community remained resident interacting with the fish farm over a long period of time. Hence, these individuals gained intimate knowledge on how to capitalize on the fish farm industry. This heterogeneity in site fidelity and residence patterns is highly relevant when coastal management initiatives are considered.     

Climate, icing, and wild arctic reindeer: past relationships and future prospects

Across the Arctic, heavy rain-on-snow (ROS) is an "extreme" climatic event that is expected to become increasingly frequent with global warming. This has potentially large ecosystem implications through changes in snowpack properties and ground-icing, which can block the access to herbivores' winter food and thereby suppress their population growth rates. However, the supporting empirical evidence for this is still limited. We monitored late winter snowpack properties to examine the causes and consequences of ground-icing in a Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) metapopulation. In this high-arctic area, heavy ROS occurred annually, and ground-ice covered from 25% to 96% of low-altitude habitat in the sampling period (2000-2010). The extent of ground-icing increased with the annual number of days with heavy ROS (> or = 10 mm) and had a strong negative effect on reindeer population growth rates. Our results have important implications as a downscaled climate projection (2021-2050) suggests a substantial future increase in ROS and icing. The present study is the first to demonstrate empirically that warmer and wetter winter climate influences large herbivore population dynamics by generating ice-locked pastures. This may serve as an early warning of the importance of changes in winter climate and extreme weather events in arctic ecosystems.     

Wastewater reuse: A sanitation and management strategy for the Mediterranean coastal areas

Wastewater agricultural reuse has two main aspects. It is capable of preventing the discharge of wastewater treatment plant effluents in receiving waters and it is also a way to increase water resources. The controlled agricultural reuse has not been developed until now, either in Languedoc or in Catalonia, but is expected a quick development due to several circumstances: the growing awareness of water resources scarcity, the concern for sanitary hazards in bathing places, the WHO guidelines and the development of tertiary cost‐effective treatment methods. In the coastal areas, the growing demand on water resources is putting heavy pressure on some big water users, as golf courses and landscape irrigations, potential users of reclaimed wastewater.