ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9963-6345
Current Organisation
James Cook University
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-10-2020
DOI: 10.1002/DEV.22050
Abstract: Mammalian paternal care is rare and is often linked to enhanced fitness under particular ecological conditions. The proximate consequences of paternal care on offspring are lacking, however. Here, we tested whether levels of paternal care predict the behavioural, cognitive and physiological development of sons in the naturally paternal African striped mouse ( Rhabdomys pumilio ). We focused on sons raised in two treatments: biparental (both parents) or uniparental (mother alone) families. We recorded levels of interactions between pups with both parents, and later assessed the behaviour, cognition and physiology of sons at three developmental stages: juvenile, sub‐adult and adult (sexual maturity). Sons from biparental families showed (a) reduced anxiety as juveniles (b) greater exploration and social interaction at different stages (c) better cognition and (d) reduced corticosterone concentrations than sons from uniparental families. In contrast, sons from uniparental families showed greater levels of paternal care, although prolactin concentrations did not differ between treatments. Paternal care in striped mice enhances fitness of males. Here, we also show that sons benefit psychologically and physiologically through interactions with their fathers. However, sons also trade‐off such benefits against their own paternal care behaviour, suggesting that fathers influence the development of their son's phenotype in complex ways.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-12-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S10071-019-01334-6
Abstract: Innovation is the ability to use a new behaviour, or use an existing behaviour in a new context. Innovation, as an aspect of behavioural flexibility, could be important for allowing animals to cope with rapid environmental changes. Surprisingly, few studies have focused on how innovation ability is affected by task complexity. We investigated innovation ability across multiple tasks of varying complexity in a native Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes). We predicted that mosaic-tailed rats would be capable of innovating because they live in complex habitats and can exploit disturbed and changing environments. However, we also predicted that the success rate of innovating would decrease as task complexity increased. Mosaic-tailed rats were exposed to six novel problems: cylinder, matchbox, obstruction test, pillar, tile and lever (the last three presented in a Trixie dog activity board), which represented increasing complexity. We counted the number of in iduals that could solve at least one task, compared in iduals for solving efficiency and latency to solve, and compared the solving success of each task. All mosaic-tailed rats could innovate. However, solving success differed between in iduals, with some solving every task and others only solving one. Solving success rate was significantly higher in the simplest task (pillar) compared to the most complicated task (lever). There was no effect of sex or s ling condition on innovation. This study is the first to demonstrate innovation ability across task complexity in an Australian rodent and provides promising avenues for future studies of innovation.
Publisher: The San Diego Shell Club
Date: 02-2021
DOI: 10.54173/F531044
Abstract: The taxonomy of Stromboideans has, historically, been simplistic. However, recent revisions have seen new taxa introduced to distinguish relationships between species clusters. We discuss these numerous advancements in Stromboidean systematics, and describe two new subfamilies here. The key diagnostic characteristic, the basal peg on the first lateral tooth, splits the Strombidae into two clades similar to those observed with molecular data. In defining the new subfamilies, Neoaligerinae and Neostrombinae, we demonstrate that the practical application of the International Code of Phylogenetic Nomenclature (PhyloCode 2020), can also conform to the requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999). This revision further advances and strengthens the framework of Stromboidean nomenclature such that it is able to reflect the current understanding of the evolutionary relationships between members of the Stromboidea.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ETH.12175
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-10-2018
Publisher: California Digital Library (CDL)
Date: 22-01-2021
DOI: 10.21426/B636050688
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-03-2017
Publisher: The San Diego Shell Club
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.54173/F521003
Abstract: The phylogeny of the American Strombidae the genus Lobatus is limited to the extant Lobatus raninus and several fossil precursors, the genera Macrostrombus, Aliger and Titanostrombus are re-installed as valid genera. The genus Persististrombus which was used as a sink for a plethora of species, is limited to the extant Persististrombus granulatus, fossil American species and a few Eocene to Miocene European species, which we enclose within Persististrombini nov. tribus along with Thetystrombus. Two new genera for the Miocene ancestral basal taxa of Aligerini nov. tribus, Edpetuchistrombus nov. gen. and Antestrombus nov. gen., both of which represent basal reference points enabling greater clarity in the resolution of early West African and American Strombidae radiations are proposed. This revised phylogeny informed by total evidence and historical revisions will assist in providing an evolutionary-based nomenclature that offers a structural basis for further explanation of the radiation and ersification of taxa within the Strombidae.
Publisher: Brill
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1163/1568539X-00003563
Abstract: Rodents rely on their sensitive olfactory systems to detect and respond to predators. We investigated the ability of a native Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat Melomys cervinipes , to detect, recognise, and discriminate between two species of native snakes. We used snake sheds from a sympatric venomous red-bellied black snake Pseudechis porphyriacus and a non-sympatric non-venomous Stimson’s python Antaresia stimsoni . 20 mosaic-tailed rats each experienced three olfactory tests using a Y-maze. Rats were first exposed to one snake shed against a paper control, and then exposed to the other snake shed against a paper control. Which rat experienced which shed first was allocated randomly. Mosaic-tailed rats were then exposed to both sheds simultaneously. Rats could detect the snake sheds, spending longer investigating, and making more visits to, the sheds than the paper control. They also recognised the sheds as potentially dangerous, reducing their total investigation over time, but increasing their frequency of visits. However, rats did not discriminate between sheds, suggesting a general strategy for assessing the identity of reptilian predators.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-01-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-01-2013
DOI: 10.3390/SU5010163
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-11-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2007
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-09-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00114-012-0971-8
Abstract: Urbanisation critically threatens bio ersity because of habitat destruction and novel selection pressures. Some animals can respond to these challenges by modifying their behaviour, particularly anti-predator behaviour, allowing them to persist in heavily transformed urban areas. We investigated whether the anti-predator behaviour of the Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris differed in three localities that differed in their level of urbanisation. According to the habituation hypothesis, we predicted that ground squirrels in urban areas would: (a) be less vigilant and forage more (b) trade-off flight/vigilance in favour of foraging and (c) have shorter flight initiation distances (FID) when approached by a human observer. Observations were made in winter and summer at each locality. As expected, ground squirrels in urbanised areas were less vigilant and had shorter FIDs but did not trade-off between foraging and vigilance. In contrast, a population in a non-urbanised locality showed greater levels of vigilance, FID and traded-off vigilance and foraging. A population in a peri-urban locality showed mixed responses. Our results indicate that Cape ground squirrels reduce their anti-predator behaviour in urban areas and demonstrate a flexible behavioural response to urbanisation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-09-2011
DOI: 10.1002/JEZ.712
Abstract: The expression of behavior, including parental care behavior, is influenced by complex interactions of the genes of an organism and the prevailing environmental conditions. Previously, we showed that the development of paternal, but not maternal, care in the African striped mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio, has a significant nongenetic maternal component. Here, we investigate the genetic component of parental care behavior from parents to offspring. We first measured the duration of parental care behavior of mothers and fathers every second day for 11 days postnatally. Subsequently, one son and one daughter from each of these litters were paired with unrelated mates when they were adults and their parental care behavior scored. Using regression models, we then compared parental care behavior of parents and their adult offspring. The transmission of parental care behavior from striped mouse fathers to sons and from mothers to both sons and daughters did not indicate a genetic component. Instead, we found a patrilineal genetic component for parental care in daughters. The reason for this unusual pattern of inheritance is not known, but this finding complements that of our other studies, showing that the expression of maternal care behavior in adult daughters is also not nongenetically influenced by their mothers. We suggest that, although females are constrained to provide maternal care in different social contexts, maternal care behavior may be influenced genetically by the father.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-04-2016
Publisher: Brill
Date: 2010
Abstract: Paternal care is a behavioural characteristic that can be selected for by females. By preferentially mating with 'good' fathers, females may directly increase their own reproductive success and may indirectly increase the prevalence of this trait in their sons. We investigated female mate choice in naturally paternal desert-dwelling African striped mice Rhabdomys pumilio. In two-way choice tests, we presented females with olfactory cues from males differing in levels of paternal care quality, paternal care experience, or mating experience. We predicted that females would prefer: (i) males showing higher levels of care (ii) paternally experienced over paternally naïve males and (iii) sexually experienced over sexually naïve males. Females did not distinguish between males of differing paternal care quality or paternal care experience, but maternally experienced females showed a preference for sexually experienced over sexually naïve males. Females may prefer sexually experienced males because these males are able to defend territories for breeding. We conclude that paternal care is selectively advantageous because of its apparent fitness benefits. Nonetheless, our study shows that paternal care has evolved independently of female choice in striped mice, since females did not choose between males of differing paternal care abilities.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-03-2021
DOI: 10.3390/ANI11030866
Abstract: Problem solving, the act of overcoming an obstacle to obtain an incentive, has been studied in a wide variety of taxa, and is often based on simple strategies such as trial-and-error learning, instead of higher-order cognitive processes, such as insight. There are large variations in problem solving abilities between species, populations and in iduals, and this variation could arise due to differences in development, and other intrinsic (genetic, neuroendocrine and aging) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. However, experimental studies investigating the ontogeny of problem solving are lacking. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of problem solving from an ontogenetic perspective. The focus is to highlight aspects of problem solving that have been overlooked in the current literature, and highlight why developmental influences of problem-solving ability are particularly important avenues for future investigation. We argue that the ultimate outcome of solving a problem is underpinned by interacting cognitive, physiological and behavioural components, all of which are affected by ontogenetic factors. We emphasise that, due to the large number of confounding ontogenetic influences, an in idual-centric approach is important for a full understanding of the development of problem solving.
Publisher: The Biological Society of Washington
Date: 21-07-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-03-2021
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.7243
Abstract: Spiders are useful models for testing different hypotheses and methodologies relating to animal personality and behavioral syndromes because they show a range of behavioral types and unique physiological traits (e.g., silk and venom) that are not observed in many other animals. These characteristics allow for a unique understanding of how physiology, behavioral plasticity, and personality interact across different contexts to affect spider's in idual fitness and survival. However, the relative effect of extrinsic factors on physiological traits (silk, venom, and neurohormones) that play an important role in spider survival, and which may impact personality, has received less attention. The goal of this review is to explore how the environment, experience, ontogeny, and physiology interact to affect spider personality types across different contexts. We highlight physiological traits, such as neurohormones, and unique spider biochemical weapons, namely silks and venoms, to explore how the use of these traits might, or might not, be constrained or limited by particular behavioral types. We argue that, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the flexibility and persistence of specific behavioral types in spiders, it is necessary to incorporate these underlying mechanisms into a synthesized whole, alongside other extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.BEPROC.2015.09.006
Abstract: Tropical rainforests are species-rich, complex ecosystems. They are increasingly being negatively affected by anthropogenic activity, which is rapidly and unpredictably altering their structure and complexity. These changes in habitat state may expose tropical animals to novel and unpredictable conditions, potentially increasing their extinction risk. However, an animal's ability to cope with environmental change may be linked to its personality. While numerous studies have investigated environmental influences on animal personalities, few are focused on tropical species. In this review, we consider how behavioural syndromes in tropical species might facilitate coping under, and adapting to, increasing disturbance. Given the complexity of tropical rainforests, we first discuss how habitat complexity influences personality traits and physiological stress in general. We then explore the ecological and evolutionary implications of personality in the tropics in the context of behavioural flexibility, range expansion and speciation. Finally, we discuss the impact that anthropogenic environmental change may have on the ecological integrity of tropical rainforests, positing scenarios for species persistence. Maintaining tropical rainforest complexity is crucial for driving behavioural flexibility and personality type, both of which are likely to be key factors facilitating long term persistence in disturbed habitats.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-03-2012
DOI: 10.1002/DEV.21020
Abstract: The development of maternal care in mammals can be influenced by the type and quality of maternal care received. Using biparental striped mice Rhabdomys pumilio, we investigated whether development of maternal care is influenced by the mother during early rearing and by an adult female's experience and that of her mate. Offspring were raised in one of three treatments, by: both parents mothers alone and mothers separated from the father with a barrier. Since female striped mice increase their care when raising litters alone, which influences expression of parental care of their adult sons, we expected daughters to respond like sons. However, there was no treatment effect in the development of maternal care in daughters. In subsequent experiments, experienced and inexperienced females decreased care when raising their offspring with experienced but not inexperienced males. Therefore, maternal care in striped mice is modulated in response to prevailing environmental and social conditions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ETH.13166
Abstract: The relationship between an animal's personality and its problem solving ability has become a popular topic of investigation. However, results are conflicting, suggesting that these relationships may be species‐specific. We investigated these relationships in a native Australian rodent, the fawn‐footed mosaic‐tailed rat ( Melomys cervinipes ). We predicted that more exploratory and less anxious mosaic‐tailed rats would be better problem solvers (e.g. faster to solve the problem) as they would interact with the puzzles more and would be more willing to engage with the task. We assessed personality across two contexts (exploration in an open field and novel object test, and anxiety under simulated predation risk in a light/dark box) and over time (three repetitions). We measured problem solving using two food‐baited puzzle boxes (matchbox and cylinder), a Trixie Dog Activity Board with three problems (pillars, tiles and levers) and an obstruction task. In idual mosaic‐tailed rats showed consistent in idual differences in personality, but not problem solving ability. Furthermore, we found a positive relationship between personality and problem solving ability, with more exploratory in iduals solving more problems, and solving problems faster, than less exploratory in iduals. Exploratory in iduals could be better problem solvers because they are more willing to interact with objects and are less neophobic than less exploratory in iduals. However, less exploratory in iduals still persist in the population, possibly due to differences in cognitive abilities, such as discrimination or recognition, that allow them to compensate for poorer problem solving abilities.
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1086/686810
Abstract: ABSTRACT The frequency and severity of droughts in certain areas is increasing as a consequence of climate change. The associated environmental challenges, including high temperatures, low food, and water availability, have affected, and will affect, many populations. Our aims are to review the behavioral, physiological, and morphological adaptations of mammals to arid environments, and to aid research- ers and nature conservationists about which traits they should study to assess whether or not their study species will be able to cope with droughts. We provide a suite of traits that should be considered when making predictions about species resilience to drought. We define and differentiate between general adaptations, specialized adaptations, and exaptations, and argue that specialized adaptations are of little interest in establishing how nondesert specialists will cope with droughts. Attention should be placed on general adaptations of semidesert species and assess whether these exist as exaptations in nondesert species. We conclude that phenotypic flexibility is the most important general adaptation that may promote species resilience. Thus, to assess whether a species will be able to cope with increasing aridity, it is important to establish the degree offlexibility of traits identified in semidesert species that confer afitness advantage under drying conditions.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 24-10-2020
Publisher: The Biological Society of Washington
Date: 11-05-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 22-05-2023
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0285866
Abstract: Australian funnel-web spiders are iconic species, characterized as being the most venomous spiders in the world. They are also valued for the therapeutics and natural bioinsecticides potentially hidden in their venom molecules. Although numerous biochemical and molecular structural approaches have tried to determine the factors driving venom complexity, these approaches have not considered behaviour, physiology and environmental conditions collectively, which can play a role in the evolution, complexity, and function of venom components in funnel-webs. This study used a novel interdisciplinary approach to understand the relationships between different behaviours (assessed in different ecological contexts) and morphophysiological variables (body condition, heart rate) that may affect venom composition in four species of Australian funnel-web spiders. We tested defensiveness, huddling behaviour, frequency of climbing, and activity for all species in three ecological contexts: i) predation using both indirect (puff of air) and direct (prodding) stimuli ii) conspecific tolerance and iii) exploration of a new territory. We also assessed morphophysiological variables and venom composition of all species. For Hadronyche valida , the expression of some venom components was associated with heart rate and defensiveness during the predation context. However, we did not find any associations between behavioural traits and morphophysiological variables in the other species, suggesting that particular associations may be species-specific. When we assessed differences between species, we found that the species separated out based on the venom profiles, while activity and heart rate are likely more affected by in idual responses and microhabitat conditions. This study demonstrates how behavioural and morphophysiological traits are correlated with venom composition and contributes to a broader understanding of the function and evolution of venoms in funnel-web spiders.
Publisher: The San Diego Shell Club
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.54173/F524335
Abstract: Many valid species can hide buried within prior taxonomic revisions. These need to be examined before the taxonomist embarks on the challenging task of naming new taxa. In this study we re-examine the synonyms complied by Abbott (1960) under Canarium urceus (Linné, 1758), examining each taxon for morphological clarity and distinctiveness. After considering the written descriptions and type material in light of prior revisions, we suggest that there are three valid species buried within the C. urceus synonymy of Abbott. All three species can be differentiated from C. urceus in general form, being less equi-triangulate and lacking the strong shoulder knobbing of that species. In addition, all three species are distinguishable by their distinctive aperture colouration. Canarium urceus possesses a typically black aperture, Canarium anatellum (Duclos, 1844) can be differentiated by its typically uniformly red/orange aperture, while Canarium incisum (Wood, 1828)is recognisable by the typically orange columella and outer lip, and a more triangular form. Strombus ustulatus form laevis Dodge, 1946 is the classical well-known form from the Philippines and elsewhere that is recognisable by its white columella. As the name laevis was preoccupied, we have renamed the species Canarium esculentum nomen novem. We assessed Strombus crassilabrum Anton, 1839 to be a nomen dubium. Further, our revision provides an improved hypothetical framework for the evolution and radiation of this most adaptable and variable of organisms, through increased clarity, and the re-circumscription of hitherto described taxa with distinctive morphotypes and separate biogeographical ranges.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: The Biological Society of Washington
Date: 04-11-2019
DOI: 10.2988/19-00007
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/AM19065
Abstract: Habitat complexity reflects resource availability and predation pressure – both factors that influence behaviour. We investigated whether exploratory behaviour and activity varied in fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rats (Melomys cervinipes) from two habitats that were categorised differently based on vegetation. We conducted vegetation surveys to determine structural complexity and vegetation cover, confirming that an abandoned hoop-pine (Araucaria cunninghami) plantation forest was structurally less complex, with lower vegetation cover than a variable secondary rainforest. We then tested mosaic-tailed rats from both sites in four behavioural tests designed to assess exploratory and activity behaviours (open field, novel object, light-dark box, acoustic startle), predicting that rats from the less structurally complex habitat would be less exploratory, and show lower activity. Our results provide some evidence for a context-specific trade-off between exploratory behaviour and predation risk in rats from the abandoned hoop pine plantation, as rats were less active, and showed a freezing strategy in the light-dark box. We also found context-specific sex differences in behaviour in response to a novel object and sound. Our results suggest that small-scale variation in habitat structure and complexity, as well as sex differences, is associated with variation in behaviour, most likely through effects on resource availability and/or predation risk.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 22-06-2021
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4990.3.1
Abstract: This revision demonstrates that an integrated taxonomic approach to classical taxonomic practice can lead to increased internal cladistic resolution within a clade, including the recognition of new taxa at all nomenclatural levels. In particular, this revision has two aims: 1) to complete an α-taxonomic revision of Seraphsidae (Stromboidea) and 2) to resolve the infrafamilial relationships within Seraphsidae using morphological cladistics. An annotated synonymy was generated for each taxon, the precedence of names determined, and revised descriptions formulated. Character sets that reflect the synapomorphies within the major subclades of Seraphsidae were coded and a cladogram generated using maximum likelihood within the tnt program with default settings. Four forms of material and evidence were used in this systematic review: 1) the type material for each taxon 2) non-type physical material 3) published images and 4) literary references for specimen localities without illustration. The current morphologically-based classification of Seraphsidae was found to be sound in terms of current species delimitations. Regardless of this, the use of an integrated taxonomy improved understanding of the internal cladistic relationships within Seraphsidae, which led to higher resolution of the internal cladistic arrangements and taxonomic delimitation. Furthermore, this increased resolution is now reflected in the family nomenclature. Two new subfamilies are proposed, Seraphsinae and Pseudoterebellinae, which are used to distinguish the two clades within Seraphsidae based on form: members of Seraphsinae are involute, while members of Pseudoterebellinae are evolute. Pseudoterebellum is proposed as a new genus to show the discontinuity in the fossil record and highlight the structural differences between it and Terebellum. A new species from Jamaica, Seraphs kaindraperi, is described, being the first record from that location and that geological period and is morphologically distinct from other described taxa. This revision included Mauryna within Seraphsidae on the grounds that it provides a basal link to the Seraphsidae sister taxa Semiterebellum and Terebellopsis, all of which are currently contained within Rostellariidae, and all three clades may in time be brought together under one family. All clades have been constructed to be in compliance with both the ICZN and PhyloCode. It was not possible within the context of this revision to test the results of the α-taxonomic findings against phylogenies generated with molecular data. This was due to the high number of extinct taxa within the Seraphsidae.
Publisher: The San Diego Shell Club
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.54173/F522113
Abstract: Strombus urceus Linné, 1758 is a gastropod species that is one of the most variable and well documented through the centuries. However, we found the present identity of Strombus urceus misleading. Abbott (1960) designated the type locality, and confirmed type specimen, based on the microfiche of the Uppsala University, Museum of Evolution Zoology Section Collection, which formed the basic reference set for the Museum S:æ R:æ M:tis Luovicæ Ulricæ (1764), Linné’s primary set of organisms from which he ordered the species in the Systema Naturae. This review resolves the taxonomic identity of Strombus urceus Linné, 1758 (= Canarium urceus (Linné, 1758)) through conforming the type and explicitly defining a range for that phenotype, and this then providesthebasisforfutureworkthatwilldeal withthegreaterStrombusurceus Linné,1758 erse phenotypiccomplexanditscurrentlyassignedregionalformsandvarietiesbythepresentauthors.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JZO.12575
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2014
DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2014.910762
Abstract: Early separation from a family is stressful for young mammals, but might be more stressful for group-living than solitary species. Using juvenile males of three African striped mice Rhabdomys taxa that are either group (R. pumilio) or solitary (R. dilectus dilectus and R. d. chakae) living, we predicted greater separation anxiety in R. pumilio than R. dilectus because group-living could reduce anxiety in R. pumilio. Three brothers from each of 10 litters per taxon were randomly assigned soon after natural weaning (25 days) to one of three treatments for 10 days: (1) remained with the family (philopatric) (2) separated from the family by a wire mesh barrier (separated) and (3) isolated from the family (isolated). Males were in idually tested in a four-arm maze to assess their anxiety responses and s led for corticosterone concentrations 20 mins and 10 days later. Compared to R. dilectus males, R. pumilio males showed a greater treatment response to separation: philopatric males used the light arms of the maze less and had higher corticosterone concentrations compared to isolated males, which spent the most time in the light arms and had the lowest corticosterone concentrations overall separated males showed an intermediate behavioural response, but had similar corticosterone concentrations to philopatric males. Thus, separation from a family group is more stressful in group-living Rhabdomys and this stress response dissipates with time. Philopatry and group-living may be more important for young R. pumilio, whereas dispersal at weaning is an important life history event for solitary R. dilectus.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1037/COM0000266
Publisher: Pacific Science
Date: 12-11-2021
DOI: 10.2984/75.4.5
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/ANI12010082
Abstract: Animals can respond physiologically, such as by adjusting glucocorticoid hormone concentrations, to sudden environmental challenges. These physiological changes can then affect behavioural and cognitive responses. While the relationships between adrenocortical activity and behaviour and cognition are well documented, results are equivocal, suggesting species-specific responses. We investigated whether adrenocortical activity, measured using corticosterone metabolite concentration, was related to problem solving in an Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes). Mosaic-tailed rats live in complex environments that are prone to disturbance, suggesting a potential need to solve novel problems, and have been found to show relationships between physiology and other behaviours. We measured problem solving using five food-baited puzzles (matchbox and cylinder in the home cage, and activity board with pillars to push, tiles to slide and levers to lift in an open field), and an escape-motivated obstruction task in a light/dark box. Faecal s les were collected from in iduals during routine cage cleaning. Adrenocortical activity was evaluated non-invasively by measuring faecal corticosterone metabolites using an enzyme immunoassay, which was biochemically and biologically validated. Despite varying over time, adrenocortical activity was not significantly related to problem solving success or time spent interacting for any task. However, as adrenocortical activity is reflective of multiple physiological processes, including stress and metabolism, future studies should consider how other measures of physiology are also linked to problem solving.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-03-2020
Abstract: Olfaction is the dominant sensory modality in rodents, and is crucial for regulating social behaviors, including parental care. Paternal care is rare in rodents, but can have significant consequences for offspring fitness, suggesting a need to understand the factors that regulate its expression. Pup-related odor cues are critical for the onset and maintenance of paternal care. Here, I consider the role of olfaction in the expression of paternal care in rodents. The medial preoptic area shares neural projections with the olfactory and accessory olfactory bulbs, which are responsible for the interpretation of olfactory cues detected by the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems. The olfactory, trace amine, membrane-spanning 4-pass A, vomeronasal 1, vomeronasal 2 and formyl peptide receptors are all involved in olfactory detection. I highlight the roles that 10 olfactory genes play in the expression of direct paternal care behaviors, acknowledging that this list is not exhaustive. Many of these genes modulate parental aggression towards intruders, and facilitate the recognition and discrimination of pups in general. Much of our understanding comes from studies on non-naturally paternal laboratory rodents. Future studies should explore what role these genes play in the regulation and expression of paternal care in naturally biparental species.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/AM20037
Abstract: The fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes) is a common Australian rainforest rodent however, little is known about the growth or behavioural development of in iduals of this species. We raised mosaic-tailed rats in captivity to assess the growth and behavioural development of pups from birth until weaning. Pups developed quickly compared with some other Australian species, and there were no significant differences in growth between males and females, except for anogenital distance. The auditory meatus was open by Postnatal Day 5, and eyes were fully opened by Postnatal Day 9. All behaviours, including righting, locomotion, negative geotaxis, climbing and grip reflex, were fully developed by Postnatal Day 6. These results suggest that mosaic-tailed rats are semiprecocial in their physical and behavioural development compared with some native Australian rodent species that are found in arid environments. As females produce few, relatively well-developed young, the population has a low intrinsic rate of natural increase. This may, however, be offset by mosaic-tailed rats producing more litters per year. Understanding the biology of mosaic-tailed rats in general could provide insights into how rarer precocial species might struggle to increase in population size under increasing disturbances.
Publisher: Pleiades Publishing Ltd
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-05-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12152
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.BEPROC.2012.08.006
Abstract: Behavioural compatibility between mates is fundamental for maintaining species boundaries and is achieved through appropriate communication between males and females. A breakdown in communication will lead to behavioural ergence and reduced interfertility. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on male signals and female perception of these signals, integrating the literature from several taxa. We advocate that signaller-perceiver coevolution, which is usually under strong stabilising selection to enable mating, forms the basis of species-specific mate recognition systems. The mechanisms (phylogeny, geography, ecology, biology) shaping signaller-perceiver systems are briefly discussed to demonstrate the factors underpinning the evolution of signaller-perceiver couplings. Since ergence and ersification of communication systems is driven by changes in the mechanical properties of sensory pathways and morphology of sensory organs, we highlight signal modalities (auditory, olfactory, visual, tactile) and their importance in communication, particularly in mate selection. Next, using available ex les and generating a stylised model, we suggest how disruption (biological, ecological, stochastic) of signaller-perceiver systems drives behavioural ergence and consequently results in reduced interfertility and speciation. Future studies should adopt an integrative approach, combining multiple parameters (phylogeny, adaptive utility of communication systems, genetics and biomechanical/biochemical properties of signals and perception) to explore how disruption of signaller-perceiver systems results in behavioural ergence and reduced interfertility. Finally, we question the impact that rapid environmental change will have on disruption of communication systems, potentially interfering with signaller-perceiver couplings.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-02-2023
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0281533
Abstract: The gut microbiota are critical for maintaining the health and physiological function of in iduals. However, illness and treatment with antibiotics can disrupt bacterial community composition, the consequences of which are largely unknown in wild animals. In this study, we described and quantified the changes in bacterial community composition in response to illness and treatment with antibiotics in a native Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat ( Melomys cervinipes ). We collected faecal s les during an undiagnosed illness outbreak in a captive colony of animals, and again at least one year later, and quantified the microbiome at each time point using 16s ribosomal rRNA gene sequencing. Gut bacterial composition was quantified at different taxonomic levels, up to family. Gut bacterial composition changed between time periods, indicating that illness, treatment with antibiotics, or a combination affects bacterial communities. While some bacterial groups increased in abundance, others decreased, suggesting differential effects and possible co-adapted and synergistic interactions. Our findings provide a greater understanding of the dynamic nature of the gut microbiome of a native Australian rodent species and provides insights into the management and ethical well-being of animals kept under captive conditions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSBEH.2016.04.015
Abstract: Dietary protein deficiency influences the behavioural phenotypes of mammals. We studied whether protein deficiency during gestation and/or post-weaning heightened anxiety, reduced memory recall and influenced competitive ability in the African striped mouse Rhabdomys dilectus chakae. Mice were subjected to five protein diet treatments, which they received continuously, or were raised on one diet to weaning and switched to an alternate diet post-weaning (Day 16): 1) HP-HP: high protein (24%) first letter pair indicates maternal diet and the second pair indicates offspring diet post-weaning 2) BP-BP: baseline protein (19%) 3) LP-LP: low protein (10%) 4) HP-LP: switched from high to low protein diet and 5) LP-HP: switched from low protein to high protein diet. From Day 70, when mice were sexually mature, 20 in iduals (10 males, 10 females) per treatment were subjected to three successive experiments, in which we tested their anxiety responses in: 1) an open field arena (time spent in the centre of the open field) 2) novel object recognition (time spent exploring a novel object) and 3) social interactions (excluding BP-BP) in age-matched same-sex dyadic encounters (aggressive, amicable and avoidance behaviours). LP-LP and LP-HP treatment mice spent the least amount of time in the centre of the open field, did not demonstrate object preference compared to the other treatments, and were the most aggressive in dyadic encounters. Our study shows that the systemic effects of protein-deficient diets during early life shapes the behavioural phenotype in R. d. chakae, possibly through early organisation of neuro-biological pathways or competition among littermates.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-08-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10071-021-01556-7
Abstract: Problem solving is important for survival, allowing animals to access novel food resources or escape from predators. It was originally thought to rely on an animal's intelligence however, studies examining the relationship between in idual cognitive ability and problem solving performance show mixed results, and studies are often restricted to only one cognitive and one problem solving task. We investigated the relationship between general cognitive ability and problem solving across multiple tasks in the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat Melomys cervinipes. We measured general cognitive ability across different domains (memory in an odour learning association task, recognition in a novel object recognition task, size discrimination using different sized pieces of food, and learning across multiple presentations of a food-baited activity board). We also measured problem solving across different contexts (food-baited puzzle boxes in home cage, obstruction task, and food-baited activity board in a novel arena). Mosaic-tailed rats showed a general cognitive ability, with average problem solving latency, memory ability, and learning in the tile task being correlated. As such, in iduals that were able to remember an association and learned to solve the tile task solved the problems faster than in iduals that could not remember or learn. Our results suggest that problem solving in mosaic-tailed rats likely relies on some forms of simple cognition, particularly memory, but could also depend on other traits, such as an in idual's persistence.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 14-02-2019
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4555.4.2
Abstract: Here we evaluate the taxonomy of the marine gastropod genus Laevistrombus Abbott, 1960 and determine that there are five extant species within this genus, three of which occur in the southwest Pacific. Comparative analyses of this complex have been problematic due to the lack of designated type material. Therefore, we present the type material for L. canarium Linnaeus, 1758 L. taeniatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1834 and L. vanikorensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1834. Current taxonomy has L. vanikorensis absorbed within the L. canarium complex. L. taeniatus is generally held to be a synonym of L. turturella Röding, 1789. We demonstrate that both L. taeniatus and L. vanikorensis are distinct species and reinstate both to species level. Our revision also notes the significant variability in early teleoconch structure within the geographic range of L. vanikorensis, and highlights the need for a greater revision of Laevistrombus, given the ersity in early teleoconch morphology present in southwest Pacific species.
Publisher: Queensland Museum
Date: 13-06-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-06-2022
DOI: 10.1002/JEZ.2637
Abstract: Innovative problem solving is thought to be a flexible trait that allows animals to adjust to changing or challenging environmental conditions. However, it is not known how problem solving develops during an animal's early life, or whether it may have a heritable component. We investigated whether maternal genetic and nongenetic effects influenced problem‐solving ability in a native Australian rodent, the fawn‐footed mosaic‐tailed rat Melomys cervinipes . We measured direct (time spent grooming and huddling), indirect (time spent nesting), and total amount of maternal care received across pup development (postnatal Days 1–13). We measured problem solving in juveniles using matchbox tasks, and in mothers and adult offspring using six tasks of varying complexity (matchbox, cylinder, obstruction, pillar, tile, and lever tasks). We found no relationship between any maternal care measures and problem‐solving abilities across multiple tests, suggesting limited (if any) maternal nongenetic effects. We also found that, as shown by low heritability estimates, problem solving only had a small heritable component in some tasks, but this was nonsignificant and requires further investigation. These results suggest that problem solving is unlikely to be constrained by maternal effects experienced during early development, and is, instead, more likely to be influenced by other factors (e.g., experience) later in an in idual's lifetime.
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 29-07-2019
DOI: 10.3897/ZOOKEYS.867.34381
Abstract: This paper defines a new crown clade Neostromboidea to separate the Strombidae, Rostellariidae, and Seraphsidae from their sister families Struthiolariidae and Aporrhaidae. There is significant value to understanding evolutionary processes within Stromboidea to recognise the universal similarity in the position of the eye on the end of peduncles and a diminished cephalic tentacle that arises from the middle to the end on that peduncle. This is in contrast to other members of the Stromboidea where the eye is located at the base of the cephalic tentacle. These physiological differences represent two set of organisms with ergent and independent evolutionary life histories and therefore these differences need to be identifiable within the nomenclature to bring meaning to the way we name things.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S10519-012-9555-9
Abstract: Behaviour results from the interaction of an in idual's genotype with prevailing environmental conditions, resulting in local adaptation to specific habitats. We investigated the development of exploratory behaviour in two closely-related species of African striped mice from the semi-arid Succulent Karoo (Rhabdomys pumilio) and moist grassland (R. dilectus chakae) localities. Irrespective of sex, R. pumilio displayed greater exploratory behaviour (open field) and greater use of the open arms of a modified plus maze, and thus were less anxious and bolder than R. d. chakae. When pups were cross-fostered between species, fostered in iduals of both species showed an intermediate behavioural pattern between their foster and biological siblings: fostered R. pumilio explored more than their foster siblings but less than their biological siblings, whereas fostered R. d. chakae explored more than their biological siblings, but less than their foster siblings. Our study is one of the first to address how the underlying genotype and early postnatal experience interact to influence the expression of exploratory behaviour and personality. In particular, we showed that, in striped mice, the early postnatal environment shapes the anxiety responses and concomitant exploratory behaviour, but the genotype apparently modulates the phenotype and constrains the limit of behavioural flexibility.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JZO.12028
No related grants have been discovered for Tasmin Rymer.