Integrating environmental variation, predation pressure, phenotypic plasticity and locomotor performance

The Wujiang River, a tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, has many dams along its length. These dams alter the river's natural habitat and produce various flow regimes and degrees of predator stress. To test whether the swimming performance and external body shape of pale chub (Zacco platypus) have changed as a result of alterations in the flow regime and predator conditions, we measured the steady (U _crit) and unsteady (fast-start) swimming performances and morphological characteristics of fish collected from different sites along the Wujiang River. We also calculated the maximum respiratory capacity and cost of transport (COT). We demonstrated significant differences in swimming performance and morphological traits among the sampling sites. Steady swimming performance was positively correlated with water velocity and negatively correlated with the abundance of predators, whereas unsteady swimming performance was negatively correlated with water velocity. The body shape was significantly correlated with both swimming performance and ecological parameters. These findings suggested that selection pressure on swimming performance results in a higher U _crit and a more streamlined body shape in fast-flow and (or) in habitats with low predator stress and subsequently results in a lower COT. These characteristics were accompanied by a poorer fast-start performance than that of the fish from the slow-flow and (or) high-predator habitats. The divergence in U _crit may also be due in part to variation in respiratory capacity.     

An interspecific comparison between morphology and swimming performance in cyprinids

Flow regimes are believed to be of major evolutionary significance in fish. The flow regimes inhabited by cyprinids vary extensively from still flow regimes to riptide flow regimes. To test (i) whether flow‐driven swimming performance and relevant morphological differentiation are present among fish species and (ii) whether evolutionary shifts between high‐flow and low‐flow habitats in cyprinids are associated with evolutionary trade‐offs in locomotor performance, we obtained data on both steady and unsteady swimming performance and external body shape for 19 species of cyprinids that typically occur in different flow regimes (still, intermediate and riptide). We also measured the routine energy expenditure (RMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and calculated the optimal swimming speed. Our results showed that fish species from riptide groups tend to have a higher critical swimming speed (U_crit), maximum linear velocity (V_max) and fineness ratio (FR) than fish from the other two groups. However, there was no correlation between the reconstructed changes in the steady and unsteady swimming performance of the 19 species. According to the phylogenetically independent contrast (PIC) method, the U_crit was actively correlated with the MMR. These results indicated that selection will favour both higher steady and unsteady swimming performance and a more streamlined body shape in environments with high water velocities. The results suggested that steady swimming performance was more sensitive to the flow regime and that for this reason, changes in body shape resulted more from selective pressure on steady swimming performance than on unsteady swimming performance. No evolutionary trade‐off was observed between steady and unsteady swimming performance, although U_crit and MMR were found to have coevolved. However, a further analysis within each typically occurring habitat group suggested that the trade‐off that may exist between steady and unsteady swimming performance may be concealed by the effect of habitat.     

Length–weight relationships and basic biological information on 64 fish species from lower sections of the Wujiang River,China

The present study provides the length–weight relationships (LWRs) for 64 fish species belonging to eight families from the lower sections of Wujiang River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River in China. LWRs for eight of these species are unknown to FishBase and new maximum body weights are recorded for 25 species. In addition, some basic biological information on 64 fish species is also summarized. These results will be useful for fishery research, management and conservation in the Wujiang River.     

鲫幼鱼游泳运动能力的个体变异与表型关联

为考察鲤科鱼类运动能力的个体变异和表型关联及不同加速度对匀加速游泳能力的影响, 研究在(25±0.5)℃条件下测定鲫(Carassius auratus)幼鱼的静止代谢率(Resting metabolic rate, RMR), 通过临界游泳速度(Critical swimming speed, U_crit)法和过量耗氧(EPOC)法获取实验鱼的最大代谢率(Maximum metabolic rate, MMR)、代谢空间(Aerobic scope, AS=MMR-RMR)、相对代谢空间(Factorial aerobic scope, FAS=MMR/RMR)、U_crit及步法转换速度(Gait transition speed, U_gt), 并在不同加速度(0.083、0.167、0.250、0.333 cm/s2)下测定鲫幼鱼的匀加速游泳能力(Constant accelerated test, U_cat)和U_gt。研究发现: 鲫幼鱼的MMR和AS与U_crit均呈正相关, 但RMR与U_crit不相关; 能量代谢参数(MMR、AS、RMR)与U_gt不相关。U_crit法获取的MMR、AS、FAS与EPOC法均无平均值的显著性差异, 但2种方法获得的上述参数具有较高的个体重复性; 鲫幼鱼的能量代谢参数之间存在表型关联并且关联方向不尽相同。鲫幼鱼的U_crit和U_gt均小于各加速度下的U_cat和U_gt, 加速度对U_cat测定无影响但对U_gt有影响。鲫幼鱼的U_gt与U_crit或U_cat呈正相关, 并且其匀加速游泳能力参数在不同加速度下保持较高的重复性。除0.333 cm/s2外, 其他加速度下鲫幼鱼U_cat的无氧代谢组分(U_cat-U_gt)与U_cat呈正相关; 然而, 鲫幼鱼的有氧代谢组分(U_gt)与无氧代谢组分(U_cat-U_gt)呈负相关。研究表明: U_crit法和EPOC法诱导鲫幼鱼的有氧代谢能力无方法学差异; 鲫幼鱼的能量代谢存在表型关联, 其匀加速游泳能力具有稳定个体差异, 并且该种鱼的有氧代谢与无氧代谢存在权衡。     

PFOS对中华倒刺鲃幼鱼爆发游泳及运动后代谢恢复的影响

为探究水体全氟辛烷磺酸(PFOS)污染对鱼类爆发游泳及其代谢恢复能力的影响, 将中华倒刺鲃幼鱼(Spinibarbus sinensis)暴露在不同浓度(0、0.32、0.8、2和5 mg/L)PFOS后, 测定PFOS暴露对其静止代谢率(RMR)、爆发游泳速度(U_burst)以及运动力竭后代谢恢复特征的影响。结果发现, 暴露浓度对实验鱼的U_burst和相对爆发游泳速度(rU_burst)均影响显著(P<0.05), 5 mg/L PFOS暴露导致U_burst和rU_burst分别下降了17.4%和10.8%, PFOS对rU_burst的影响表现出“非单调剂量效应”; 暴露浓度对实验鱼的RMR影响显著(P<0.05), 5 mg/L PFOS暴露导致RMR显著升高, 但PFOS对运动后代谢峰值(MMR)、代谢率增量(MS)、代谢变化倍率(F-MS)、力竭运动后过量氧耗(EPOC)无显著影响(P>0.05)。研究结果提示: PFOS污染改变实验鱼能量代谢水平的下限, 而对其代谢水平的上限无明显的限制性作用; PFOS污染将可能对鱼类捕食——逃避捕食者、穿越激流寻找适宜生境等生存关联的生命活动起到负面影响, 但对无氧代谢关联的代谢恢复能力无显著的生态毒理效应。     

温度对中华倒刺鲃不同生理生态性能的影响:驯化有益假说的验证

驯化有益假说(Beneficial acclimation hypothesis)认为生物表型的适应性变化会增强其在诱导这些变化产生的环境中的生理机能或适合度。然而,由于动物不同生理生态性能对环境驯化的响应可能不一致,那么,测试表型性状的选择对驯化有益假说的验证就尤为关键。为此,整合表征动物生存适合度的不同生理生态性能并探究其对环境驯化的响应模式就十分必要。以我国长江中上游广泛分布的中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)为对象,考察了驯化温度(18℃、28℃)和测试温度(18℃、28℃)及其交互作用对该物种有氧运动能力和无氧运动能力的影响,为驯化有益假说等相关假说的验证提供参考。研究发现,中华倒刺鲃不同生理生态性能对温度驯化的响应存在差异:(1)驯化温度对表征中华倒刺鲃无氧运动能力的快速启动游泳无显著影响(除最大加速度外)(P>0.05),研究数据倾向于支持无益假说(No-advantage hypothesis);(2)驯化温度对表征中华倒刺鲃有氧运动能力的临界游泳速度(Critical swimming speed,Ucrit)和最大代谢率(Maximum metabolic rate, MMR)影响显著(P<0.05),18℃驯化-18℃测试下的Ucrit和MMR均优于28℃驯化-18℃测试下的Ucrit和MMR,结果部分支持驯化有益假说和冷有益假说(Cooler is better hypothesis);(3)驯化温度、测试温度、游泳速度对中华倒刺鲃的运动代谢率(Active metabolic rate,MO2)和单位距离能量消耗(The energetic cost of transport, COT)影响显著(P<0.05)。值得关注的是,当游泳速度小于30 cm/s时,驯化温度对MO2和COT无影响,结果支持无益假说;而当游泳速度大于30 cm/s时,在特定的流速下经过28℃驯化的中华倒刺鲃无论在28℃还是18℃的测试环境下MO2和COT均较低,结果倾向于支持热有益假说(Warmer is better hypothesis)。研究结果提示:驯化有益假说并不具有普遍性,热驯化相关假说的验证不仅受表型性状选择的影响,而且还与测试的环境选择压力有关。     

The rising cost of warming waters: effects of temperature on the cost of swimming in fishes

Understanding the effects of water temperature on the swimming performance of fishes is central in understanding how fish species will respond to global climate change. Metabolic cost of transport (COT)-a measure of the energy required to swim a given distance-is a key performance parameter linked to many aspects of fish life history. We develop a quantitative model to predict the effect of water temperature on COT. The model facilitates comparisons among species that differ in body size by incorporating the body mass-dependence of COT. Data from 22 fish species support the temperature and mass dependencies of COT predicted by our model, and demonstrate that modest differences in water temperature can result in substantial differences in the energetic cost of swimming.     

Resting and swimming metabolic rates in juvenile walruses (Odobenus rosmarus)

Changes in Arctic ice conditions have raised concerns regarding potential impacts on energy expenditure and food requirements of walruses. Modeling the repercussions of environmental changes requires accurate species-specific measures of bioenergetic expenditures. This is particularly true for walruses, who have a unique anatomy and foraging ecology from other pinnipeds. This study measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) and subsurface swimming metabolism in two juvenile walruses over a 13-month period. The walruses had relatively low RMR compared to studies of other young pinnipeds. RMR was greater for the male than the female, as expected given its larger size; the reverse was true on a mass-specific basis. There was also considerable variability in RMR for each walrus during the year that could not be accounted for by changes in body mass. Metabolism while swimming was about twice RMR, and locomotor costs were higher than generally predicted for other marine mammals. The lower calculated swimming efficiency may reflect the fact that walruses are not “high velocity” pursuit predators. The estimates of metabolic expenditure obtained in this study for young walruses are invaluable for quantifying the energetic consequences of behavioral changes induced by environmental shifts in the wild.     

伊洛河马口鱼遗传差异及其种群分化研究

研究利用细胞色素b(Cyt b)基因分析了采自于伊洛河的48个马口鱼(Opsariichthys bidens)个体间的遗传距离, 并构建其系统发育关系。分析结果显示, 48个个体聚为两个支持率为100%的分支, 分支间没有共享单倍型。每个分支的样本覆盖了所有的采样点, 分支内个体间的平均遗传距离为0.2%, 而分支间的遗传距离为3.1%。微卫星分析结果显示, 99.88%的遗传差异来自于种群内个体间, 种群间的差异只占了0.12%, 两个分支种群并没有发生显著的遗传分化(F_st=0.0012, P=1)。以δ13C和δ15N构建了两个分支的生态位, 结果显示, 伊洛河马口鱼的两个分支的营养生态位没有发生分离。基于线粒体Cyt b基因的遗传分歧, 伊洛河马口鱼的两个分支可能代表不同的物种。但它们在种群遗传结构上并没有发生显著的种群分化, 个体间亲缘关系树与系统发育树的分歧暗示种群间不存在生殖隔离, 营养生态位也没有分离。研究结果并不符合隐存种的解释, 伊洛河马口鱼两个分支间线粒体DNA的遗传差异可能源自于祖先种群或者种间杂交。     

Structure and Spatial‐Temporal Dynamics of Chironomidae Fauna (Diptera) in Upland and Lowland Fluvial Habitats of the Chocancharava River Basin (Argentina)

Structure of benthic Chironomidae assemblages and their spatial‐temporal dynamic were analyzed in upland and lowland habitats from the Chocancharava River basin (Córdoba, Argentina). Sampling was performed in three tributary streams and in three lowland reaches of the river during high and low rainfall periods. Characteristic taxa of upland and lowland reaches and of the different habitats in these reaches were identified using the IndVal method. Chironomidae assemblages were different between upland and lowland reaches and among habitats in each reach, as assessed by Multiresponse Permutation Procedure and Canonical Correspondence Analyses. Substrate type and current velocity were the major explanatory variables structuring the assemblages in upland reaches whereas in lowland reaches current velocity and aquatic vegetation were the most important variables. The highest richness was found in the most complex habitat units in both upland and lowland stretches as assessed by Analyses of Variance. Chironomidae larvae responded to longitudinal changes of hydraulic variables and to local variations of fluvial habitats at different reaches. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Getting in shape: habitat‐based morphological divergence for two sympatric fishes

Freshwater fishes often show large amounts of body shape variation across divergent habitats and, in most cases, the observed differences have been attributed to the environmental pressures of living in lentic or lotic habitats. Previous studies have suggested a distinct set characters and morphological features for species occupying each habitat under the steady–unsteady swimming performance model. We tested this model and assessed body shape variation using geometric morphometrics for two widespread fishes, Goodea atripinnis (Goodeidae) and Chirostoma jordani (Atherinopsidae), inhabiting lentic and lotic habitats across the Mesa Central of Mexico. These species were previously shown to display little genetic variation across their respective ranges. Our body shape analyses reveal morphometric differentiation along the same axes for both species in each habitat. Both possess a deeper body shape in lentic habitats and a more streamlined body in lotic habitats, although the degree of divergence between habitats was less for C. jordani. Differences in the position of the mouth differed between habitats as well, with both species possessing a more superior mouth in lentic habitats. These recovered patterns are generally consistent with the steady–unsteady swimming model and highlight the significance of environmental forces in driving parallel body shape differences of organisms in divergent habitats. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 114 , 152–162.     

Management history determines gene flow in a prominent invader

Invasive plants pose substantial threats to protected areas globally. Although management can limit impacts, spread and reinvasion from neighbouring areas into protected areas are a major and an on‐going problem for land managers. However, identifying the main sources of propagules and the dimensions of invasion pathways is challenging. This study used population genetic markers [inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs)] to infer the source(s) of re‐colonization and dispersal patterns for a typical invader of riparian and terrestrial habitats (Lantana camara) along the Sabie‐Sand catchment, one of the most important river systems flowing into and across South Africa’s flagship protected area, the Kruger National Park (KNP). Results indicate that populations located along the lower reaches of the Sabie and Sand tributaries harboured substantially higher genetic diversity than those in the upper Sabie catchment. Bayesian assignments indicated that the upper Sabie tributary contributed far fewer propagules than the Sand tributary to the lower Sabie River. Current invasion patterns are due to a combination of a major flood event in 2000 and differences in the degree to which the upstream reaches were managed after the flooding. The major flood of 2000 effectively cleared lantana from the riparian areas. However, whereas on‐going management efforts against riparian species in the KNP have been effective, rendering the upper Sabie relatively clear of lantana, only a small part of the Sand tributary falls under jurisdiction of the KNP and has received consistent management attention. The reinvasion of the lower Sabie in the KNP was therefore almost entirely by propagules from the Sand tributary. The study highlights the important role that molecular tools can play in determining dispersal dynamics and directing invasive species management. For invasive plant species that invade both riparian habitats and landscapes away from rivers in protected areas, such as lantana, management must focus on all major sources of propagules to limit reinvasion.     

汉江流域黑竹冲河杂色特维摇蚊和波特真开氏摇蚊的生产量动态及营养基础分析

大型底栖动物在河流生态系统中发挥着重要作用,2003年6月至2004年6月间对汉江流域2级河流--黑竹冲河大型底栖动物群落优势种类的生产力进行为期1周年的调查研究,结果表明,主要优势种杂色特维摇蚊(Tvetenia discoloripes Goetghebuer)和波特真开氏摇蚊(Eukiefferiella potthasti Lehmann)的生活史均为1年1代.杂色特维摇蚊种群现存量在1年中出现1次峰值,波特真开氏摇蚊则出现3次.采用龄期频率法(1nstar-frequency method)测算的周年生产量分别为杂色特维摇蚊,120.3058g/(m2·a),P/B为10.5;波特真开氏摇蚊,17.7554g/(m2·a),P/B为11.4.两种摇蚊的生产量动态在时间上重叠程度较大,比例相似性系数达0.63,重叠现象主要发生在冬春季节.杂色特维摇蚊前肠内含物中,无形态碎屑、真菌和硅藻所占平均比例为95.81%,0.52%和3.67%;对生产量的贡献率分别为87.56%,2.38%和10.06%;波特真开氏摇蚊前肠内含物中,无形态碎屑、真菌和硅藻所占比例分别为93.48%,0.68%和5.84%,对生产量的贡献率分别为81.71%,2.97%和15.32%.     

Field swimming performance of bluegill sunfish,Lepomis macrochirus: implications for field activity cost estimates and laboratory measures of swimming performance

Mobility is essential to the fitness of many animals, and the costs of locomotion can dominate daily energy budgets. Locomotor costs are determined by the physiological demands of sustaining mechanical performance, yet performance is poorly understood for most animals in the field, particularly aquatic organisms. We have used 3‐D underwater videography to quantify the swimming trajectories and propulsive modes of bluegills sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque) in the field with high spatial (1–3 mm per pixel) and temporal (60 Hz frame rate) resolution. Although field swimming trajectories were variable and nonlinear in comparison to quasi steady‐state swimming in recirculating flumes, they were much less unsteady than the volitional swimming behaviors that underlie existing predictive models of field swimming cost. Performance analyses suggested that speed and path curvature data could be used to derive reasonable estimates of locomotor cost that fit within measured capacities for sustainable activity. The distinct differences between field swimming behavior and performance measures obtained under steady‐state laboratory conditions suggest that field observations are essential for informing approaches to quantifying locomotor performance in the laboratory.     

Patchy distribution of a fluvial sculpin,cottus nozawae, in the gakko river system at the southern margin of its native range

The distribution pattern of the freshwater sculpin,Cottus nozawae, was investigated in the Gakko River system, Tohoku District, northern Japan, that region representing the southern limit of the species distribution.C: nozawae was not found in the lower sections of the river, being instead restricted mainly to the upstream segments of some tributaries. The relationships between habitat variables and density ofC. nozawae analysed at reach scale, revealed that fish density increased with cover area, decreasing stream width and lower maximum water, temperature. Additionally, maximum water temperature was the best predictor of fish density according to stepwise multiple regression analysis. These data indicated that tributary populations ofC. nozawae were isolated from thermally unsuitable environments. Accordingly,C. nozawae was distributed patchily in headwater streams of this river system, in contrast to those on Hokkaido Island, where the species is distributed continuously throughout middle to upper stream courses.     

我国草鱼野生群体D-Loop序列遗传变异分析

利用线粒体DNA的D-Loop区序列, 对来自长江水系(邗江、吴江、九江、石首、木洞和万州)、珠江水系(肇庆)和黑龙江水系(嫩江)的8个草鱼野生群体开展了遗传变异分析。在424尾鱼中检测到34个变异位点, 34个单倍型, 单倍型多样性介于0.4740.708。群体间Kimura双参数遗传距离介于0.00200.0049。长江下游3个群体间遗传距离最近, 遗传分化不显著(P0.05); 肇庆群体与长江上游3个群体遗传距离较近, 与九江群体遗传分化不显著(P0.05); 嫩江群体与长江上游2个群体遗传距离较近, 与万州群体遗传分化不显著(P0.05)。遗传距离与地理距离存在极显著正相关(R=0.61, P0.01)。分子方差分析显示, 不同流域间遗传变异占总变异26.24%, 差异极显著(P0.01)。34个单倍型分为2个分支, 分化极显著(FST=0.644, P0.01), 推测分化时间为第四纪更新世纪晚期。       

Distribution status and habitat characteristics of the endangered freshwater fish,Microphysogobio rapidus (Cyprinidae)

To investigate distribution, habitat characteristics, and current conservation status of the endangered endemic species, rapid small gudgeon Microphysogobio rapidus (Cyprinidae), we surveyed a total of 79 sites from the historic records (20 sites) plus additional sites (59 sites) with good habitat conditions, analyzed their sites, and compared them with historic recorded sites to reveal the factors of extinction threats and causes. We found only eight out of 79 sites in the Nam River areas. The habitats were greatly reduced and restricted compared with the historic sites, which mainly cause from habitat modification, such as various types of river renovations at the main stream and tributary streams of the Nakdong River. The present habitats are higher water temperature and more number of fish species than the absent ones, but conductivity, total nitrogen, and number of weir are lower. In addition, the present sites are lower low velocity at pool and higher mean substrate at pool. From this study, we suggest that maintaining good water quality and preventing anthropogenic impacts greatly aid conservation of the M. rapidus in South Korea.     

南水北调工程（中段）对汉江中下游流域水环境的影响

The Hanjiang River is the most important tributary ofthe Changjiang River,which has alength of1570km.Theconfluence of the river withthe Yangtze Riveris at Wuhancity.Fromthe Danjiangkoutothe Nianpanshanextendsthemiddle reach of the Hanjiang River,whichis240kmlongand represents a forkriver section,havingtributaries suchas the Bei River,the Nan River,the Tangbai River,andothers.The lower reach extents from Nianpanshan to theestuary,stretching over409km.,This stretchis a curvedriver sectio…     

Size-related effects and the influence of metabolic traits and morphology on swimming performance in fish

Energy metabolism fuels swimming and other biological processes. We compared the swimming performance and energy metabolism within and across eight freshwater fish species. Using swim tunnel respirometers, we measured the standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and calculated the critical swimming speed (U_crit). We accounted for body size, metabolic traits, and some morphometric ratios in an effort to understand the extent and underlying causes of variation. Body mass was largely the best predictor of swimming capacity and metabolic traits within species. Moreover, we found that predictive models using total length or SMR, in addition to body mass, significantly increased the explained variation of U_crit and MMR in certain fish species. These predictive models also underlined that, once body mass has been accounted for, U_crit can be independently affected by total length or MMR. This study exemplifies the utility of multiple regression models to assess within-species variability. At interspecific level, our results showed that variation in U_crit can partly be explained by the variation in the interrelated traits of MMR, fineness, and muscle ratios. Among the species studied, bleak Alburnus alburnus performed best in terms of swimming performance and efficiency. By contrast, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus showed very poor swimming performance, but attained lower mass-specific cost of transport (MCOT) than some rheophilic species, possibly reflecting a cost reduction strategy to compensate for hydrodynamic disadvantages. In conclusion, this study provides insight into the key factors influencing the swimming performance of fish at both intra- and interspecific levels.     

Seasonal zooplankton dynamics in main channel and backwater habitats of the Upper Mississippi River

This study used stratified random sampling to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton communities in a large floodplain river (Mississippi River, USA). Potential mechanisms controlling zooplankton abundance and community structure were considered. Main channel and backwater habitats included in this study differed between a turbid upper pool reach where aquatic macrophytes were sparse and a lower pool reach which was considerably less turbid and had extensive aquatic macrophyte coverage. Samples were collected monthly during the summer over a 2-year period and multivariate analysis was used to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton. Significant differences were found in zooplankton density and community composition among habitats and reaches within the pool. Rotifers were the dominant taxa and seasonality was pronounced, with peak densities often occurring in late-spring. Community structure varied by habitat and reach, which suggests that water quality, physical habitat characteristics, presence of aquatic macrophytes, and zooplankton sources can all influence the zooplankton communities of the Upper Mississippi River. Characterization of the zooplankton communities provides a basis for understanding changes in the river ecosystem and examination of zooplankton communities among habitats provides insight into the mechanisms affecting zooplankton dynamics.