ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8225-8344
Current Organisation
University of Southampton
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1111/JFB.12837
Abstract: This study compares the critical oxygen saturation (O2 crit ) levels of the shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregata obtained using two different methods wherein hypoxia is induced either by the fish's respiration (closed respirometry) or by degassing oxygen with nitrogen (intermittent-flow respirometry). Fish exhibited loss of equilibrium at a higher O2 saturation in the closed respirometry method when compared with the intermittent-flow method. Utilization of closed respirometry yielded O2 crit measurements that were almost twice as high as those obtained with intermittent-flow respirometry. The lower hypoxia tolerance in closed respirometry is consistent with additional stress, caused by a build-up of ammonia and carbon dioxide and a faster rate in dissolved oxygen decline. The results indicate that these two methods of determining hypoxia tolerance in aquatic organisms are not comparable, and that much care should be given to method choice.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 06-2021
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.235424
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-05-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-12-2022
Abstract: Parasites can have profound effects on intra‐ and interspecific interactions at the population and community levels through their influence on host behaviour, physiology and fitness. While host phenotypic changes are typically thought of in terms of established infections, parasite encounters may be sufficient to induce behavioural changes, even when no viable infections are established. Here, we use the Japanese rice fish medaka Oryzias latipes and the brain‐infecting microsporidan parasite Pseudoloma neurophilia to understand how parasite resistance influences behaviour. Although a previous study suggested that medaka are a suitable host for P. neurophilia , an eight‐week parasite exposure regime resulted in no detectable infection in our study. Both parasite‐exposed and control (no parasite exposure) medaka were tested in behavioural assays that assessed boldness, activity and sociality. We detected considerable changes in medaka behaviour following parasite exposure, with parasite‐exposed fish being more active, less bold and more social when compared to control fish. These data indicate that parasite encounters may induce behavioural alterations even in non‐susceptible hosts. In addition to established infection, in idual differences in parasite exposure must also be considered in studies of host responses across ecological scales. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-10-2020
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.214668
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1242/BIO.031997
Abstract: Animals are exposed to variable and rapidly changing environmental flow conditions, such as wind in terrestrial habitats and currents in aquatic systems. For fishes, previous work suggests that in iduals exhibit flow-induced changes in aerobic swimming performance. Yet, no one has examined whether similar plasticity is found in fast-start escape responses, which are modulated by anaerobic swimming performance, sensory stimuli and neural control. In this study, we used fish from wild schools of the tropical damselfish Chromis viridis from shallow reefs surrounding Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The flow regime at each site was measured to ascertain differences in mean water flow speed and its temporal variability. Swimming and escape behaviour in fish schools were video-recorded in a laminar-flow swim tunnel. Though each school's swimming behaviour (i.e., alignment and cohesion) was not associated with local flow conditions, traits linked with fast-start performance (particularly turning rate and the distance traveled with the response) were significantly greater in in iduals from high-flow habitats. This stronger performance may occur due to a number of mechanisms, such as an in-situ training effect or greater selection pressure for faster performance phenotypes in areas with high flow speed.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.236976
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S42003-021-02407-4
Abstract: Using social groups (i.e. schools) of the tropical damselfish Chromis viridis , we test how familiarity through repeated social interactions influences fast-start responses, the primary defensive behaviour in a range of taxa, including fish, sharks, and larval hibians. We focus on reactivity through response latency and kinematic performance (i.e. agility and propulsion) following a simulated predator attack, while distinguishing between first and subsequent responders (direct response to stimulation versus response triggered by integrated direct and social stimulation, respectively). In familiar schools, first and subsequent responders exhibit shorter latency than unfamiliar in iduals, demonstrating that familiarity increases reactivity to direct and, potentially, social stimulation. Further, familiarity modulates kinematic performance in subsequent responders, demonstrated by increased agility and propulsion. These findings demonstrate that the benefits of social recognition and memory may enhance in idual fitness through greater survival of predator attacks.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 03-07-2017
Abstract: In iduals of gregarious species often group with conspecifics to which they are phenotypically similar. This among-group assortment has been studied for body size, sex and relatedness. However, the role of physiological traits has been largely overlooked. Here, we discuss mechanisms by which physiological traits—particularly those related to metabolism and locomotor performance—may result in phenotypic assortment not only among but also within animal groups. At the among-group level, varying combinations of passive assortment, active assortment, phenotypic plasticity and selective mortality may generate phenotypic differences among groups. Even within groups, however, in idual variation in energy requirements, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, neurological lateralization and tolerance to environmental stressors are likely to produce differences in the spatial location of in iduals or associations between group-mates with specific physiological phenotypes. Owing to the greater availability of empirical research, we focus on groups of fishes (i.e. shoals and schools). Increased knowledge of physiological mechanisms influencing among- and within-group assortment will enhance our understanding of fundamental concepts regarding optimal group size, predator avoidance, group cohesion, information transfer, life-history strategies and the evolutionary effects of group membership. In a broader perspective, predicting animal responses to environmental change will be impossible without a comprehensive understanding of the physiological basis of the formation and functioning of animal social groups. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Physiological determinants of social behaviour in animals’.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2023
Abstract: Researchers studying animal phenotypes often overlook the potential influence of parasites hiding inside their study organisms. Yet, most wild animals host parasites, which can alter in idual phenotypes (e.g. morphology, physiology, behaviour). Infection‐induced phenotypes stem from several nonmutually exclusive mechanisms (i.e. adaptive host defences, infection‐induced debilitation and host manipulation by parasites), driven by parasites and/or hosts. Changes in host phenotype can impact all levels of biological organization, from cells to communities. The nature and magnitude of these effects can vary depending on the biotic and abiotic environmental factors experienced by hosts and parasites. This special feature highlights recent insights into the ways parasites alter host phenotypes across a range of systems. Here, we contextualize how each contribution expands our knowledge of the role of parasites in driving in idual variation in animal phenotypes. Looking to the future, we need to better understand how infection‐induced phenotypes fluctuate with natural variation in infection (e.g. infection intensity, coinfection) and whether studies in laboratory‐based environments provide strong proxies for host–parasite interactions in the wild. The time is ripe to acknowledge, critique and discuss the implications of infection on host phenotypes across taxonomic boundaries and biological levels of organization. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.235200
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 15-09-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-12-2014
Publisher: American Society of Parasitologists
Date: 08-2023
DOI: 10.1645/23-35
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2016
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Date: 30-12-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-64948-8
Abstract: Research conducted on model organisms may be biased due to undetected pathogen infections. Recently, screening studies discovered high prevalence of the microsporidium Pseudoloma neurophilia in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) facilities. This spore-forming unicellular parasite aggregates in brain regions associated with motor function and anxiety, and despite its high occurrence little is known about how sub-clinical infection affects behaviour. Here, we assessed how P. neurophilia infection alters the zebrafish´s response to four commonly used neurobehavioral tests, namely: mirror biting, open field, light/dark preference and social preference, used to quantify aggression, exploration, anxiety, and sociability. Although sociability and aggression remained unaltered, infected hosts exhibited reduced activity, elevated rates of freezing behaviour, and sex-specific effects on exploration. These results indicate that caution is warranted in the interpretation of zebrafish behaviour, particularly since in most cases infection status is unknown. This highlights the importance of comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect sub-clinical infections in laboratory animals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-05-2021
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.7672
Abstract: Although in iduals within social groups experience reduced predation risk and find food patches more consistently, there can be competition for food among groupmates. In iduals with a higher standard metabolic rate (SMR) may be less social, to prioritize food acquisition over defense, while a greater maximum metabolic rate (MMR) may modulate sociability through increased competitive ability. Therefore, in theory, in iduals with a higher SMR may prefer smaller groups and those with greater MMR may prefer larger groups. We examined links among metabolic phenotype, sociability, and choice of group size in the redbelly yellowtail fusilier Caesio cuning . In iduals were exposed to three association tests: (a) a choice between two fish or zero fish (b) a choice between five fish or zero fish and (c) a choice between two fish and five fish. The first two tests quantified sociability while the third measured relative group size choice. Although there was no link between SMR and sociability, fish with a higher MMR were more social than those in iduals with a lower MMR. While no correlation was found between MMR and group size choice, there was weak evidence that, if anything, in iduals with a higher SMR preferred larger groups, contrary to our hypothesis. As C . cuning is an active fish that spends a large proportion of time operating above SMR, this result could suggest that the links between sociability and SMR may shift depending on a species’ routine behavior. Links between sociability and MMR may arise if competitive ability allows in iduals to obtain resources within groups. Although metabolic traits had no significant influence on group size choice, variation in food availability or predation risk could alter the effects of metabolism on group size choice.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 29-11-2021
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.237479
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1242/BIO.049551
Abstract: Modulation of brain serotonin (5-HT) signalling is associated with parasite-induced changes in host behaviour, potentially increasing parasite transmission to predatory final hosts. Such alterations could have substantial impact on host physiology and behaviour, as 5-HT serves multiple roles in neuroendocrine regulation. These effects however remain insufficiently understood, as parasites have been associated with both increased and decreased serotonergic activity. Here, we investigated effects of trematode Euhaplorchis californiensis metacercariae on post-stress serotonergic activity in the intermediate host California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis). This parasite is associated with conspicuous behaviour and increased predation of killifish by avian end-hosts, as well as inhibition of post stress raphe 5-HT activity. Until now, laboratory studies have only been able to achieve parasite densities (parasites/unit host body mass) well below those occurring in nature. Using laboratory infections yielding ecologically relevant parasite loads, we show that serotonergic activity indeed decreased with increasing parasite density, an association likely indicating changes in 5-HT neurotransmission while available transmitter stores remain constant. Contrary to most observations in the literature, 5-HT activity increased with body mass in infected fish, indicating that relationships between parasite load and body mass may in many cases be a real underlying factor for physiological correlates of body size. Our results suggest that parasites are capable of influencing brain serotonergic activity, which could have far-reaching effects beyond the neurophysiological parameters investigated here.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-09-2017
DOI: 10.3390/D9040041
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 15-09-2016
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.139493
Abstract: Many animals live in groups because of the potential benefits associated with defense and foraging. Group living may also induce a ‘calming effect’ on in iduals, reducing overall metabolic demand. This effect could occur by minimising the need for in idual vigilance and reducing stress through social buffering. However, this effect has proved difficult to quantify. We examined the effect of shoaling on metabolism and body condition in the gregarious damselfish Chromis viridis. Using a novel respirometry methodology for social species, we found that the presence of shoal-mate visual and olfactory cues led to a reduction in the minimum metabolic rate of in iduals. Fish held in isolation for 1 week also exhibited a reduction in body condition when compared with those held in shoals. These results indicate that social isolation as a result of environmental disturbance could have physiological consequences for gregarious species.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.214510
Publisher: American Society of Parasitologists
Date: 25-02-2020
DOI: 10.1645/19-86
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-09-2014
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 26-11-2018
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.193698
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Date: 26-01-2021
DOI: 10.7554/ELIFE.59162
Abstract: As climate-driven heat waves become more frequent and intense, there is increasing urgency to understand how thermally sensitive species are responding. Acute heating events lasting days to months may elicit acclimation responses to improve performance and survival. However, the coordination of acclimation responses remains largely unknown for most stenothermal species. We documented the chronology of 18 metabolic and cardiorespiratory changes that occur in the gills, blood, spleen, and muscles when tropical coral reef fishes are thermally stressed (+3.0°C above ambient). Using representative coral reef fishes ( Caesio cuning and Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus ) separated by million years of evolution and with stark differences in major life-history characteristics (i.e. lifespan, habitat use, mobility, etc.), we show that exposure duration illicited coordinated responses in 13 tissue and organ systems over 5 weeks. The onset and duration of biomarker responses differed between species, with C. cuning – an active, mobile species – initiating acclimation responses to unavoidable thermal stress within the first week of heat exposure conversely, C. quinquelineatus – a sessile, territorial species – exhibited comparatively reduced acclimation responses that were delayed through time. Seven biomarkers, including red muscle citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, blood glucose and hemoglobin concentrations, spleen somatic index, and gill lamellar perimeter and width, proved critical in evaluating acclimation progression and completion, as these provided consistent evaluation of thermal responses across species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-04-2023
Abstract: Researchers from erse disciplines, including organismal and cellular physiology, sports science, human nutrition, evolution and ecology, have sought to understand the causes and consequences of the surprising variation in metabolic rate found among and within in idual animals of the same species. Research in this area has been h ered by differences in approach, terminology and methodology, and the context in which measurements are made. Recent advances provide important opportunities to identify and address the key questions in the field. By bringing together researchers from different areas of biology and biomedicine, we describe and evaluate these developments and the insights they could yield, highlighting the need for more standardisation across disciplines. We conclude with a list of important questions that can now be addressed by developing a common conceptual and methodological toolkit for studies on metabolic variation in animals.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-09-2017
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 28-02-2020
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.211508
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.3390/MD14120219
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Lauren Nadler.