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Discussion of all things science with a focus on clarity, rationality and enthusiasm. Discussion topics: Natural Science, Biology, Evolution, Paleontology, Geology, Science Education
Johnny
118 posts
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- March 29, 2009
- 04:20 PM
- 1,887 views
The Hunting Modes of a Wolf Spider
by Johnny in Ecographica
Taking a break from stalking prey amid the jungle of leaf litter in my front yard, this spider sprinted across my patio last Monday night. I managed to drop my compass next to him (the edge of which has a two inch ruler) and approximate his Cephalothorax-to-spinneret length at about 7/8 of an inch.
... Read more »
Casas, J., Steinmann, T., & Dangles, O. (2008) The Aerodynamic Signature of Running Spiders. PLoS ONE, 3(5). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002116
- May 10, 2009
- 10:13 AM
- 1,738 views
Frog Ears and Ultrasonic Playback
by Johnny in Ecographica
The “hole-in-the- head” frog (Huia cavitympanum) - so called because of its recessed ear drums- resides in hillside forest ecosystems of Borneo and Southeast Asia at elevations between 250 and 1000 meters. It is unique among the Ranidae for its ability to vocalize and hear ultrasound calls – well outside of the human range of hearing. ... Read more »
Arch, V., Grafe, T., Gridi-Papp, M., & Narins, P. (2009) Pure Ultrasonic Communication in an Endemic Bornean Frog. PLoS ONE, 4(4). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005413
- April 11, 2009
- 08:33 AM
- 1,707 views
Phylogenomics and Metazoan Evolution
by Johnny in Ecographica
During the course of constructing a “Tree of Life” based on more than 120 gene sequences and fifty-five different species, a group of scientists led by Gert Wörheide of Munich have reached two conclusions; one, all Porifera (sponges) share a common sponge-like ancestor, and two, that ancestor did not give rise to the Bilateria.... Read more »
Shubin, N., Tabin, C., & Carroll, S. (2009) Deep homology and the origins of evolutionary novelty. Nature, 457(7231), 818-823. DOI: 10.1038/nature07891
- April 11, 2009
- 10:35 PM
- 1,692 views
Cretaceous Multituberculata from Australia
by Johnny in Ecographica
Several mammalian families have been identified from the Aptian formation (where the current fossil was found), most of which are believed to represent species endemic to Australia; however one family – the Ornithorhynchidae – have also been found in Argentina.... Read more »
Beck, R., Godthelp, H., Weisbecker, V., Archer, M., & Hand, S. (2008) Australia's Oldest Marsupial Fossils and their Biogeographical Implications. PLoS ONE, 3(3). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001858
- March 2, 2009
- 12:00 AM
- 1,690 views
Vertebrate Proxies of Climate Change
by Johnny in Ecographica
Vertebrate Proxies of Climate Change ... Read more »
Elizabeth A. Hadly. (1997) Evolutionary and ecological response of pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) to late-Holocene climatic change. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 60(2), 277-296. DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1997.tb01496.x
- February 15, 2009
- 12:00 AM
- 1,553 views
Sexual Selection, Good Genes and Condition-Dependent Handicaps
by Johnny in Ecographica
In regards to mate choice, ‘Choose, but choose wisely’ is the mantra of the discriminating female when seeking-out male suitors. By selecting the most fit, well-matched mates, females are able to reap the benefits of their own inclusive fecundity and be better positioned to obtain the dividends of more numerous, healthy offspring. Moreover, in looking to the future - beyond the perception and sight of Natural Selection - increased female-to-male genetic compatibility may contribute t........ Read more »
W. Hamilton, & M Zuk. (1982) Heritable true fitness and bright birds: a role for parasites?. Science, 218(4570), 384-387. DOI: 10.1126/science.7123238
- September 13, 2009
- 03:18 PM
- 1,535 views
The Selfish Bee’s Genes and the Selfish Gene’s Bees
by Johnny in Ecographica
Because of the deputation of workers as caregivers, the assigned reproductive responsibilities of the Hymenopteran queen, and other observed caste-like divisions of labor, eusocial invertebrates such as bees and ants are often presented as the exemplars of group selection theory. However, recent research published in Molecular Ecology suggests that the loyalties and actions displayed by some members of these social groups hint at far more self-centered motivations. ... Read more »
ALVES, D., IMPERATRIZ-FONSECA, V., FRANCOY, T., SANTOS-FILHO, P., NOGUEIRA-NETO, P., BILLEN, J., & WENSELEERS, T. (2009) The queen is dead-long live the workers: intraspecific parasitism by workers in the stingless bee . Molecular Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2009.04323.x
- January 31, 2009
- 12:00 AM
- 1,520 views
Sex with Flexible Partners: Socio-Ecological Reproductive Strategy #1
by Johnny in Ecographica
Reproductive strategy, simultaneous hermaphroditism... Read more »
Verena S. Brauer, Lukas Schärer, & Nico K. Michiels. (2007) PHENOTYPICALLY FLEXIBLE SEX ALLOCATION IN A SIMULTANEOUS HERMAPHRODITE. Evolution, 61(1), 216-222. DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2007.00018.x
Eric A. Fischer. (1987) Mating behavior in the black hamlet — gamete trading or egg trading?. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 18(2), 143-148. DOI: 10.1007/BF00002602
- February 13, 2010
- 02:37 PM
- 1,504 views
How to Study Invasive Species, a Conservation and Ecological Imperative
by Johnny in Ecographica
...the invasive could theoretically replace the native with little ill effect to the ecosystem; the invasive could fill the niche left void by the out-competed native plant without disrupting the energetics of the plant community as a whole. BUT, at the same time, a newly arrived invasive species may have a distinct advantage over a native transient because it is completely foreign to the ecosystem. For example, being unrecognized by its new environment the invasive may, for a period of time, ........ Read more »
Simberloff, D. (2010) Invasions of Plant Communities – More of the Same, Something Very Different, or Both?. The American Midland Naturalist, 163(1), 220-233. DOI: 10.1674/0003-0031-163.1.220
- June 5, 2009
- 12:37 PM
- 1,489 views
Ecological Divergence in the Swallowtail
by Johnny in Ecographica
The influence of climate change on the Earth’s ecology can be as conspicuous as a hurricane, or it can be as subtle as a butterfly’s preference in oviposition sites… The interaction between environmental condition and evolutionary trajectory represents a complex and dynamic system in which the slightest deviation can be compounded to produce remarkably substantial outcomes. The idea that slight perturbances in a system’s initial state can result in large effects, is a ........ Read more »
Mercader, R., Aardema, M., & Scriber, J. (2008) Hybridization leads to host-use divergence in a polyphagous butterfly sibling species pair. Oecologia, 158(4), 651-662. DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-1177-9
- September 21, 2009
- 09:49 AM
- 1,472 views
Organic Chemistry and a Walkingstick Insect
by Johnny in Ecographica
The “two-striped” walkingstick (Anisomorpha buprestoides) is a familiar species in the southeastern United States. Here in Florida, there are a few varieties, each of which can be distinguished in field by the color of the parallel stripes that run down the length of their back. For example, the male and female pictured below (snapshots taken last week) are commonly referred to as the “brown two-striped” walkingstick. Other colormorphs include the “white two-striped........ Read more »
Dossey, A., Walse, S., & Edison, A. (2008) Developmental and Geographical Variation in the Chemical Defense of the Walkingstick Insect Anisomorpha buprestoides. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 34(5), 584-590. DOI: 10.1007/s10886-008-9457-8
- March 14, 2009
- 01:40 PM
- 1,436 views
Trilobites, Paleoecology and Anomalocaris
by Johnny in Ecographica
Trilobites, Paleoecology and Anomalocaris... Read more »
Dunne, J., Williams, R., Martinez, N., Wood, R., & Erwin, D. (2008) Compilation and Network Analyses of Cambrian Food Webs. PLoS Biology, 6(4). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060102
- March 16, 2009
- 08:04 AM
- 1,423 views
Symbiosis and Evolution in Aphids
by Johnny in Ecographica
Below is a hodgepodge of info discussing the symbiotic relationship between pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and the bacteria Buchnera aphidicola as it relates to adaptation and evolution. By and large, the discussion centers on recent research by Naruo Nikoh and Atsushi Nakabachi; however several other sources are listed at the bottom of this post – including the Douglas Lab’s website which is a great place to follow-up on the latest aphid-symbiosis research.Most aphids host mutuali........ Read more »
Dunbar, H., Wilson, A., Ferguson, N., & Moran, N. (2007) Aphid Thermal Tolerance Is Governed by a Point Mutation in Bacterial Symbionts. PLoS Biology, 5(5). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0050096
- March 6, 2009
- 12:00 AM
- 1,418 views
Isotopes Used in Tracking Migration and Dispersal of Birds
by Johnny in Ecographica
Today, Megan J. Sellick, et al, published an article in PLoS One discussing the value of using hydrogen and strontium isotopes, taken from the feathers of tree swallows, to track migratory dispersion.
... Read more »
Megan J. Sellick, T. Kurt Kyser, Michael B. Wunder, Don Chipley, & D. Ryan Norris. (2009) Geographic Variation of Strontium and Hydrogen Isotopes in Avian Tissue: Implications for Tracking Migration and Dispersal. PLoS ONE, 4(3). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004735
- January 24, 2009
- 12:00 AM
- 1,415 views
Fire Ants Attack: Lizards Adapt
by Johnny in Ecographica
Genetic mutation leads to social polymorphism in invasive Solenopsis, reptile fauna struggles to adapt... Read more »
Tracy Langkilde. (2009) Fence Lizard. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, 90(1), 36-37. DOI: 10.1890/0012-9623-90.1.36
M. J. B. Krieger. (2005) Molecular Evolutionary Analyses of the Odorant-Binding Protein Gene Gp-9 in Fire Ants and Other Solenopsis Species. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 22(10), 2090-2103. DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msi203
- January 31, 2009
- 01:18 AM
- 1,402 views
Sex with Flexible Partners #2
by Johnny in Ecographica
During the first installment in this series on reproductive strategy (available here) the topic of hermaphroditism was introduced and a quick summary of simultaneous hermaphroditism was provided. Moving forward from that discussion, this short essay will provide a synopsis of a category of hermaphroditism referred to as “sequential hermaphroditism.”Recall from the first essay that simultaneous hermaphroditism refers to organisms that can function as both a female and a male during a single m........ Read more »
P MUNDAY, P BUSTON, & R WARNER. (2006) Diversity and flexibility of sex-change strategies in animals. Trends in Ecology , 21(2), 89-95. DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2005.10.020
Kohei Ohta, Mayumi Hirano, Takayuki Mine, Hiroshi Mizutani, Akihiko Yamaguchi, & Michiya Matsuyama. (2007) Body color change and serum steroid hormone levels throughout the process of sex change in the adult wrasse, Pseudolabrus sieboldi. Marine Biology, 153(5), 843-852. DOI: 10.1007/s00227-007-0856-0
C. G. Norton, A. F. Johnson, & R. L. Mueller. (2008) Relative size influences gender role in the freshwater hermaphroditic snail, Helisoma trivolvis. Behavioral Ecology, 19(6), 1122-1127. DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arn099
- March 8, 2009
- 12:00 AM
- 1,393 views
Sexual Competition and Lemurs
by Johnny in Ecographica
Ivan Norscia, Daniela Antonacci and Elisabetta Palagi recently published an article in which inter- and intrasexual competition between wild prosimians is examined from the perspective of economic power distributions and as a metaphor for financial markets. [Lemur, Propithecus verreauxi] Essentially, their findings indicate that competition for females by males typically manifests as an “olfactory tournament” in which males try to “out bid” rivals by more proactively scen........ Read more »
Ivan Norscia, Daniela Antonacci, & Elisabetta Palagi. (2009) Mating First, Mating More: Biological Market Fluctuation in a Wild Prosimian. PLoS ONE, 4(3). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004679
- January 25, 2009
- 11:31 PM
- 1,366 views
Brassica oleracea: Artificial Selection is Delicious!
by Johnny in Ecographica
Brassica oleracea: Artificial Selection is Delicious!While reading through a few abstracts at the Journal of Insect Science - looking for information regarding introduced predators as biological controls for invasive insect species - I came across an article discussing Delphastus catalinae (ladybird beetles, image at below right) as a control agent for Bemisia tabaci (whiteflies). Whiteflies are major pests, and have recently gained infamy for attacks in Florida.A good description from a recent ........ Read more »
Legaspi J, Legaspi BC, Simmons AM, Soumare M. (2008) Life table analysis for immatures and female adults of the predatory beetle, Delphastus catalinae, feeding on whiteflies under three constant temperatures. Journal of Insect Science.
- January 8, 2010
- 06:13 PM
- 1,340 views
Arrested Development in Socratic Parasites
by Johnny in Ecographica
An irreducibly complex rant using developmental biology (arrested development) to connect the shortfalls of the Greek Philosopher Socrates to failed creationist arguments; includes a detailed account of a parasitic worm’s lifecycle (Alaria marcianae), and of course, endangered Florida Panthers and Mexican axolotls… A well rounded post!
... Read more »
Davies, S. (2003) Developmental plasticity in schistosomes and other helminths. International Journal for Parasitology, 33(11), 1277-1284. DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7519(03)00161-9
Foster, G., Kinsella, J., Sheppard, B., & Cunningham, M. (2009) Transmammary Infection of Free-Ranging Florida Panther Neonates by Alaria marcianae (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae). Journal of Parasitology, 95(1), 238-239. DOI: 10.1645/GE-1749.1
- May 30, 2009
- 02:43 PM
- 1,317 views
Mangroves, Eutrophication and Dead Zones
by Johnny in Ecographica
Recent research demonstrates that contrary to previous studies nutrient influx of Nitrogen and Phosphorous into coastal forests may contribute to mortality in the highly adapted mangrove trees. In a time of advancing Dead Zones, these findings hasten warnings about the dire consequences of poor-conservation efforts in regards to the world’s starkly limited water resources. ... Read more »
Lovelock, C., Ball, M., Martin, K., & C. Feller, I. (2009) Nutrient Enrichment Increases Mortality of Mangroves. PLoS ONE, 4(5). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005600
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