ABSTRACT
Alien predators are a major cause of decline and extinction of species worldwide, since native organisms are rarely equipped with specific antipredatory strategies to cope with them. However, phenotypic plasticity and learned predator recognition may help prey populations to survive novel predators. Here we examine geographical variation in the learning ability of larval spadefoot toads (Pelobates cultripes) to recognize invasive predatory crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We compare the learning-mediated behavioural responses of tadpoles from six populations across two regions in Spain (central and southern), with different histories of exposure to the presence of the invasive species. Two of the populations showed innate recognition of chemical cues from the invasive crayfish, whereas three of them learned to recognize such cues as a threat after conditioning with conspecific alarm cues. Learning abilities did not differ among southern populations, but they did among central populations. We assessed patterns of genetic variation within and among these two regions through microsatellite markers and found low genetic divergence among the southern populations but greater differentiation among the central ones. We hypothesize that similar responses to the invasive crayfish in southern populations may have arisen from a combination of extended historical exposure to this introduced predator (~ 50 y) and higher levels of gene flow, as they inhabit a highly interconnected pond network. In contrast, populations from central Spain show lower connectivity, have been exposed to the invasive crayfish for a shorter period of time, and are more divergent in their plastic responses.
Subject(s)
Anura , Astacoidea , Anura/genetics , Anura/physiology , Predatory Behavior , Behavior, Animal , Neuronal Plasticity , Microsatellite Repeats , Larva/physiology , Spain , Genetics, PopulationABSTRACT
Accurate assessment of predation risk is critical for prey survival during predator-prey interactions. Prey can assess predation risk by the presence of cues dropped by predators themselves, but they can also gather information about risk level through cues released by other prey, avoiding the hazard of being in close proximity to predators. In this study, we examine the ability of anuran larvae (Pelobates cultripes) to detect predation risk indirectly when they are in contact with conspecifics that have been recently exposed to chemical stimuli from natural predators (larvae of aquatic beetles). In a first experiment, we confirmed that larvae exposed to predator cues exhibited innate defensive behavior, indicating that they perceived the risk of predation and, thus, could potentially act as risk indicators for naïve conspecifics. In a second experiment, we observed that unexposed larvae paired with a startled conspecific adjusted their antipredator behavior, presumably by mirroring conspecifics' behavior and/or using chemical cues from their partners as a risk information source. This cognitive ability of tadpoles to assess predation risk through conspecific cues might play an important role in their interaction with predators, facilitating the early detection of potential threats to elicit appropriate antipredator responses and increase the chances of survival.
Subject(s)
Cues , Predatory Behavior , Animals , Larva/physiology , Anura/physiologyABSTRACT
Fundamento: la publicación de los resultados de investigaciones y proyectos científicos garantiza la socialización de la ciencia, el intercambio, retroalimentación y actualización de sus tendencias.Objetivo: caracterizar la producción científica de profesionales de la salud de Cienfuegos visible en la base Scopus. Métodos: estudio descriptivo realizado en el Centro Provincial de Información de Ciencias Médicas que recoge las publicaciones realizadas por profesionales de la salud de Cienfuegos, visibles en la base de datos Scopus en el período de enero 2007 a septiembre 2013. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: publicaciones por año, temas abordados en las publicaciones, autores más prolíferos, cooperación entre instituciones y países, instituciones según filiación de los autores. Resultados: se recuperaron 102 artículos, con predominio de autores que ejercen en la atención secundaria, específicamente en el Hospital Provincial Gustavo Aldereguía Lima. Aparecieron representados 141 autores, los cuales en 82 ocasiones fungieron como primeros autores y en 230 ocasiones fueron coautores. Solo el 9,2 % aparece cinco o más veces. Las temáticas sobre las que publican con mayor frecuencia son: enfermedades cardiovasculares y salud pública. Se evidenció cooperación con 13 instituciones (nueve trabajos con cuatro institutos nacionales y 30 artículos son colaboraciones con instituciones extranjeras). Conclusiones: aún es escasa la producción científica de profesionales de salud de Cienfuegos, visible en la base de datos Scopus.
Background: the publication of the results from scientific research and projects ensures dissemination of science, exchange, feedback and update of its trends.Objective: to characterize the scientific output of health professionals from Cienfuegos visible in the Scopus database. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in the Provincial Medical Sciences Information Center including the publications by health professionals from Cienfuegos visible in the Scopus database from January 2007 to September 2013. The variables analyzed were: publications per year, topics discussed in the publications, most prolific authors, collaboration among institutions and countries as well as institutions according to the authors’ affiliation. Results: 102 papers were retrieved, mostly by authors working in secondary care, specifically at the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Provincial Hospital. A total of 141 authors are represented, 82 times as first authors and 230 as co-authors. Only 9.2 % appears five or more times. Most common topics are: cardiovascular diseases and public health. Collaboration with 13 institutions (nine papers with four national institutes and 30 with foreign institutions) was observed. Conclusions: scientific output of health professionals from Cienfuegos visible in the Scopus database is still scant.
ABSTRACT
Fundamento: la publicación de los resultados de investigaciones y proyectos científicos garantiza la socialización de la ciencia, el intercambio, retroalimentación y actualización de sus tendencias.Objetivo: caracterizar la producción científica de profesionales de la salud de Cienfuegos visible en la base Scopus.Métodos: estudio descriptivo realizado en el Centro Provincial de Información de Ciencias Médicas que recoge las publicaciones realizadas por profesionales de la salud de Cienfuegos, visibles en la base de datos Scopus en el período de enero 2007 a septiembre 2013. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: publicaciones por año, temas abordados en las publicaciones, autores más prolíferos, cooperación entre instituciones y países, instituciones según filiación de los autores.Resultados: se recuperaron 102 artículos, con predominio de autores que ejercen en la atención secundaria, específicamente en el Hospital Provincial Gustavo Aldereguía Lima. Aparecieron representados 141 autores, los cuales en 82 ocasiones fungieron como primeros autores y en 230 ocasiones fueron coautores. Solo el 9,2 por ciento aparece cinco o más veces. Las temáticas sobre las que publican con mayor frecuencia son: enfermedades cardiovasculares y salud pública. Se evidenció cooperación con 13 instituciones (nueve trabajos con cuatro institutos nacionales y 30 artículos son colaboraciones con instituciones extranjeras).Conclusiones: aún es escasa la producción científica de profesionales de salud de Cienfuegos, visible en la base de datos Scopus(AU)
Background: the publication of the results from scientific research and projects ensures dissemination of science, exchange, feedback and update of its trends. Objective: to characterize the scientific output of health professionals from Cienfuegos visible in the Scopus database. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in the Provincial Medical Sciences Information Center including the publications by health professionals from Cienfuegos visible in the Scopus database from January 2007 to September 2013. The variables analyzed were: publications per year, topics discussed in the publications, most prolific authors, collaboration among institutions and countries as well as institutions according to the authors' affiliation.Results: 102 papers were retrieved, mostly by authors working in secondary care, specifically at the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Provincial Hospital. A total of 141 authors are represented, 82 times as first authors and 230 as co-authors. Only 9.2 percent appears five or more times. Most common topics are: cardiovascular diseases and public health. Collaboration with 13 institutions (nine papers with four national institutes and 30 with foreign institutions) was observed.Conclusions: scientific output of health professionals from Cienfuegos visible in the Scopus database is still scant(AU)
