Effect of predation threat on repeatability of individual crab behavior revealed by mark-recapture

The persistence of behavioral types in situ and the drivers of persistence are central to predicting the ecological effects of intraspecific behavioral variation. We surveyed individual refuge use of mud crabs (Panopeus herbstii), a behavior related to the strength of a trait-mediated trophic cascade in oyster reefs, in the absence and presence of toadfish (Opsanus tau) predation threat. We then released these crabs into the field and using mark-recapture, measured the repeatability of this behavior in the absence and presence of threat, and how behavioral change was affected by time in the field (a month on average, up to 81 days), crab size, and sex. Because crabs exhibited some evidence of a circatidal rhythm in refuge use, we also tested how tidal height during observation influenced behavioral change. Predation threat increased refuge use, and small crabs used the refuge more than large crabs, particularly under threat. In recaptured crabs, refuge use was more repeatable under threat. Neither time in the field, crab size, crab sex, nor tidal height had any effect on behavioral change. Our results support the non-mutually exclusive hypotheses that (1) prey organisms in the presence, rather than absence, of predation threat should exhibit less behavioral variability because the fear of dying (a severe fitness consequence) should take precedence over less immediately important influences on behavior (e.g., hunger) and that (2) individual behaviors tied to fixed traits (e.g., the body size dependence of refuge use under threat in this study), rather than variable traits, should be more repeatable over time.     

Products of denitrification by a marine bacterium as revealed by gas chromatography

Gas chromatography was used to analyse the gases released by growing cultures of the denitrifying marine bacterium Pseudomonas perjectomarinus. When nitrate was provided as final oxidant, CO₂ was the first detectable gas released. Following the peak rate of release of CO₂ at approximately 16 h, N₂ liheration began and peaked at 30 h. When N₂O was provided as terminal oxidant, CO₂ and N₂ release began within a few hours and the rate of liberation of both increased for 45 to 50 h before leveling. Cell-free extracts of bacteria from denitrifying cultures of P. perfectomarinus were incubated anaerobically with nitrate, malic acid and electron transfer cofactors provided, and the gases in the atmosphere above the reaction mixtures were analysed. NO was found to be present transiently, and N₂O was discerned after prolonged incubation. The applicability of gas chromatography to analyses of marine ecosystems and the need for better means of sampling the atmosphere above enzymatic reaction mixtures were disoussed.     

Development of a cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) counter using a laser and charge-coupled device (CCD) camera

A continuous flow streamwise thermal gradient cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) counter with an aerosol focusing and a laser-charge-coupled device (CCD) camera detector system was developed here. The counting performance of the laser-CCD camera detector system was evaluated by comparing its measured number concentrations with those measured with a condensation particle counter (CPC) using polystyrene latex (PSL) and NaCl particles of varying sizes. The CCD camera parameters (e.g. brightness, gain, gamma, and exposure time) were optimized to detect moving particles in the sensing volume and to provide the best image to count them. The CCN counter worked well in the particle number concentration range of 0.6–8000 #·cm^-3 and the minimum detectable size was found to be 0.5 μm. The supersaturation in the CCN counter with varying temperature difference was determined by using size-selected sodium chloride particles based on K?hler equation. The developed CCN counter was applied to investigate CCN activity of atmospheric ultrafine particles at 0.5% supersaturation. Data showed that CCN activity increased with increasing particle size and that the higher CCN activation for ultrafine particles occurred in the afternoon, suggesting the significant existence of hygroscopic or soluble species in photochemically-produced ultrafine particles.     

High self-recruitment levels in a Mediterranean littoral fish population revealed by microsatellite markers

Self-recruitment rates are essential parameters in the estimation of connectivity among populations, having important consequences in marine conservation biology. Using ten highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, we estimate, over 3 years, the self-recruitment in a population of Tripterygion delaisi in the NW Mediterranean. Six previously described source populations were used for the assignment (Costa Brava, Columbretes, Formentera, Cabo de Palos, Cabo de Gata and Tarifa). Even though this species has a 16–21 day larval duration, a mean of 66.4 ± 1.4% of the recruits settled in their natal population. When refining in a more local scale the origin of individuals self-recruited to Costa Brava, using as source the three sampling localities that conform this population (Cap de Creus, Tossa and Blanes), the highest percentage (40.6 ± 8.9%) was self-assigned to the adult source locality (Blanes) where recruits were sampled each year. Our results suggest that a high proportion of the larvae of T. delaisi remained close to, or never leave, their natal spawning area. This observation can be extrapolated to other species with similar early life-history traits and low adult mobility and can have important implications for the conservation and management of Mediterranean littoral fishes.     

Fine-scale population structure of estuarine bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) assessed using stable isotope ratios and fatty acid signature analyses

Stable isotope ratios and fatty acid signature analyses were employed to examine the fine-scale population structure of a year-round resident population of 600–800 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. The IRL, a 250-km-long estuary running along the central east coast of Florida (28.0°N, 80.6°W), is comprised of the northern and southern IRL, Mosquito Lagoon (ML), Banana River (BR), and St. Lucie Estuary. Samples of skin and blubber were collected from dead stranded (n = 61, 1994–2004) and live dolphins (n = 153, 2002–2007, 2010, 2011) from throughout the IRL and surrounding environs. Using stable isotopes (SI), dolphins could be assigned to a ML subpopulation, a St. Lucie Estuary subpopulation, and an IRL subpopulation. Fatty acid signature analysis (FASA) allowed for finer resolution, detecting ML and BR subpopulations, a separation of northern and southern IRL subpopulations, and a St. Lucie Estuary subpopulation. Differences between sexes were detectable within subpopulations using FASA, but not using SI. This may indicate that males and females are foraging in similar locations at a similar trophic level (detected using SI), but are varying in the types or proportions of specific prey (indicated by FASA). The combination of these complementary analyses results in a powerful tool for assessing fine-scale population substructure.     

Clogging and filtration coefficient in a high-speed plankton sampler

Data upon water exit-velocity in an encased high-speed plankton sampler were obtained during field use and analysed; the results show that reduction in size of mouth opening allows complete avoidance of clogging under normal working conditions in temperate waters. Reduction of mouth opening has the further effect of increasing the filtration coefficient in such a way that the sampler apparentlyfilters more than the theoretical quantity of water that would be expected from the mouth area. Unobstructed flow through the net probably reduces avoidance by fast-moving plankters.     

New evidence for habitat-specific selection in Wadden Sea Zostera marina populations revealed by genome scanning using SNP and microsatellite markers

Eelgrass Zostera marina is an ecosystem-engineering species of outstanding importance for coastal soft sediment habitats that lives in widely diverging habitats. Our first goal was to detect divergent selection and habitat adaptation at the molecular genetic level; hence, we compared three pairs of permanently submerged versus intertidal populations using genome scans, a genetic marker-based approach. Three different statistical approaches for outlier identification revealed divergent selection at 6 loci among 46 markers (6 SNPs, 29 EST microsatellites and 11 anonymous microsatellites). These outlier loci were repeatedly detected in parallel habitat comparisons, suggesting the influence of habitat-specific selection. A second goal was to test the consistency of the general genome scan approach by doubling the number of gene-linked microsatellites and adding single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci, a novel marker type for seagrasses, compared to a previous study. Reassuringly, results with respect to selection were consistent among most marker loci. Functionally interesting marker loci were linked to genes involved in osmoregulation and water balance, suggesting different osmotic stress, and reproductive processes (seed maturation), pointing to different life history strategies. The identified outlier loci are valuable candidates for further investigation into the genetic basis of natural selection.     

Historical metal concentrations in lacustrine food webs revealed using fossil ephippia from Daphnia.

Metal contamination of freshwater ecosystems is increasingly prevalent due to anthropogenic activities such as metal smelting and fossil fuel combustion. While toxicological studies focus on aqueous metal concentrations that result in lethal or sublethal responses, currently the only method for reconstructing a lake's metal contamination history is through an examination of the sedimentary deposits. In this paper, we suggest that cladoceran diapausing eggs (ephippia), which are abundant in nature and accumulate maternally derived metals, can be used to measure historical variations in biologically relevant metals that derive from the water column (water, diet). Linear regressions of total metal content against ephippia density or mass were strong (R2 > 0.80, P < 0.04) and revealed that metals were incorporated into ephippia with little contamination from the sediment matrix. Comparison of metal concentrations in ephippia and bulk sediments from three lakes demonstrated that some metals associated with urban sources (Cd, Cr, Mo) were preferentially concentrated in ephippia, whereas concentrations of other metals indicating landscape erosion (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn) exhibited greater concentrations in bulk sediments than in diapausing eggs. Because historical changes in metals within fossils and bulk sediments were uncorrelated in most instances, past variation in the metal content of ephippia provided a unique history of food web exposure to metals in the water column.     

Mapping of the benthic communities in the Taranto seas using side-scan sonar and an underwater video camera

Side-scan sonar and underwater video camera records as well as dredging samples were used to map the bottom morphology and biocoenoses in the Taranto seas. A 1:20,000 scale chart has been produced with all the data recorded. Most of the study area consists of biocoenoses affected by the anthropogenic activities of the town of Taranto. Some native broadly tolerant species seem to benefit from these activities and become increasingly dominant. Environmental modifications also seem to favour the settlement of exotic species.     

Mapping of the benthic communities in the Taranto seas using side-scan sonar and an underwater video camera

Side-scan sonar and underwater video camera records as well as dredging samples were used to map the bottom morphology and biocoenoses in the Taranto seas. A 1:20,000 scale chart has been produced with all the data recorded. Most of the study area consists of biocoenoses affected by the anthropogenic activities of the town of Taranto. Some native broadly tolerant species seem to benefit from these activities and become increasingly dominant. Environmental modifications also seem to favour the settlement of exotic species.     

Predatory behavior and prey selection by army ants in a desert-grassland habitat

Summary Colonies of Neivamyrmex nigrescens conduct extensive nocturnal raids on other ants and termites in the desert-grassland of Arizona-New Mexico. We collected quantitative data on several aspects of raiding to pinpoint differences due to colony size and behavioral phase. In the nomadic phase, colonies began raiding at sunset and continued until dawn. Larger colonies covered more area, discovered more prey sites, and collected more booty than smaller colonies, but there were no systematic changes in raid intensity over the course of the nomadic phase. In the statary phase, raiding occurred less frequently and was less intense when it occurred; however, at the end of this phase, raiding was similar to nomadic phase raids in extent, duration, and booty captured. N. nigrescens preyed exclusively on termites and ants, and appeared to select certain species of Pheidole in preference to other ants. Pheidole was the most abundant genus, but was preyed upon twice as often as expected based on relative colony density. Pheidole attempted to avoid predation by fleeing or defending their nest, but rarely succeeded. Because they are about the same size as army ants and lack defensive chemicals, Pheidole made comparatively easy prey. N. nigrescens ignored or was repelled by other ants (Pogonomyrmex, Novomessor, Iridomyrmex, Myrmecocystus) during the early summer, when Pheidole was abundant; however, in late summer when Pheidole was less available, the army ants preyed upon Novomessor cockerelli. N. harrisi raided in close proximity to N. nigrescens, but preyed exclusively on Solenopsis xyloni. Selection of prey and partitioning of resources are now indicated in several army ant species; these processes have probably been important factors in the evolution of the ants' predatory behavior.     

Wintering areas of adult Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica from a North Sea colony as revealed by geolocation technology

Most seabirds die outside the breeding season, but understanding the key factors involved is hampered by limited knowledge of nonbreeding distributions. We used miniature geolocating loggers to examine the movements between breeding seasons of Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica from a major North Sea colony where numbers have declined in recent years, apparently due to increased overwinter mortality. The most intensively used region was the northwestern North Sea but most puffins also made excursions into the east Atlantic in the early winter. Ringing recoveries previously indicated that adults from British east coast colonies remained within the North Sea and hence were spatially segregated from those breeding on the west throughout the year. Updated analyses of ringing recoveries support results from geolocators suggesting that usage of Atlantic waters is a recent phenomenon. We propose that the increased adult mortality is related to changes in distribution during the nonbreeding period and reflects worsening conditions in the North Sea.     

Patterns in swimming by a scyphomedusa: a novel approach to quantifying behavior in individuals

Behavior is commonly studied at the group level using several individuals, but there is increasing evidence that the behavior of a few individuals often has a disproportionate effect on the response of a population to its environment. The present study used a suite of statistical techniques, random series analysis, analysis of variance, spectral analysis, and goodness-of-fit tests of frequency histograms, to quantitatively describe the time-dependent changes in individual behavior. Each technique reveals a different facet of the behavior and, when simultaneously applied to the data, distinguishes significant differences among the behaviors of several individuals. The approach was developed and tested on the swimming behavior of four specimens of the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758), which were observed for 19 days, beginning 16 January 1998, and videotaped under identical environmental conditions during that period. The analyses showed that each medusa swam in a unique pattern, varying swimming at characteristic frequencies. Application of the approach to individual-based numerical modeling, to the role of endogenous stimuli in the behavioral repertoire, and to in situ studies of animal behavior is discussed.Communicated by J.P. Grassle, New Brunswick     

Task specialization in a wild bee,Apis florea (Hymenoptera: Apidae), revealed by RFLP banding

Workers in a wild in situ colony of the dwarf honey bee, Apis florea, were observed undertaking the following behavior: liquid foraging, pollen foraging, guarding, stinging, fanning and wagging abdomen. Bees of each behavioral class were separately collected and frozen. Collections were made over a period of 10 days. Random samples of brood and workers were also collected. DNA was extracted from each bee and fingerprinted using a probe of unknown sequence obtained from an A. mellifera genomic library. Patterns of fingerprints (Fig. 1) were dissimilar among behavioral classes (Tables 1 and 2), strongly suggesting a genetic component to division of labor in this species. This result supports similar findings in A. mellifera in a species that is not troubled by many of the experimental difficulties inherent in A. mellifera. Correspondence to: B.P. Oldroyd