Mechanisms of reproductive compensation in populations with different types of reproduction

Reproductive compensation mechanisms have been studied in two populations with different reproductive behaviour. In populations with natural reproductive behaviour mechanism of reproductive compensation was shown to be the shortening of the mean intergenetic interval in the female group having excessive (as compared with the mean population value) failures in their pregnancy outcomes (spontaneous abortions, still-births, prereproductive age deaths of children). In family planning populations, however, reproductive compensation mechanisms are: deliberate shortening of the intergenetic interval after pregnancy failure only and deliberate prolongation of actual reproduction. In family planning populations the proportion of females bearing at over 35 was shown to double, due to reproductive compensation.     

The effects and limits of territoriality on population regulation in grey red-backed voles,Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae

The effects of breeding territoriality on the stability of grey red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae) populations were investigated on a control grid and a grid on which the voles were fed, in an outdoor enclosure in Hokkaido, Japan. Vole populations were monitored by live trapping from 1984 to 1986: (1) Population density was 2–7 times greater on the experimental grid to which food was added than on the control grid. Reproductive output was more closely associated with the difference in density between grids than survival or dispersal (immigration and emigration) rates. (2) The number of adult females and pregnancy rate of the experimental population were significantly greater than those of the control one. The difference in the number of adult females between the populations was greater than that in pregnancy rate. (3) The proportion of successful litters and the number of weanlings per litter were not significantly different between the control and experimental population. (4) Adult females held territories on both the control and experimental grid; they were spaced out more than would be expected from random occupation. The territories overlapped more on the experimental grid than on the control grid. (5) Mean territory size of adult females on the experimental grid was about half of that on the control grid. The territory size was correlated negatively with population density. (6) The proportion of trap sites that were used by adult females was significantly greater on the experimental grid than on the control grid. This suggests that adult females on the experimental grid used the area more extensively. This factor, in association with territory size and overlapping of territory, was also important in causing the difference in the number of adult females between the grids. (7) These results call into question the hypothesis that territoriality stabilizes the density in populations of Clethrionomys.     

Reproductive compensation in the evolution of plant mating systems

Reproductive compensation, the replacement of dead embryos by potentially viable ones, is known to play a major role in the maintenance of deleterious mutations in mammalian populations. However, it has received little attention in plant evolution. Here we model the joint evolution of mating system and inbreeding depression with reproductive compensation. We used a dynamic model of inbreeding depression, allowing for partial purging of recessive lethal mutations by selfing. We showed that reproductive compensation tended to increase the mean number of lethals in a population, but favored self-fertilization by effectively decreasing early inbreeding depression. When compensation depended on the selfing rate, stable mixed mating systems can occur, with low to intermediate selfing rates. Experimental evidence of reproductive compensation is required to confirm its potential importance in the evolution of plant mating systems. We suggest experimental methods to detect reproductive compensation.     

The relationship between reproductive success and demographic structure in remnant populations of Primula veris

Plants often suffer reductions in fecundity due to fragmentation, degradation and destruction of populations and their sites. Whether this decrease in seed production has population-level consequences is generally unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the current status of remnant populations in the perennial herb Primula veris in Belgium. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of reduced population size and morph bias on reproductive success and explored if changes in demographic structure could be associated with population fecundity. We studied 69 populations that differed in population size from three to nearly 1500 flowering plants. Three different population types could be distinguished: (a) “dynamic” populations, characterized by high densities of 1 year old juveniles, (b) “normal” populations with adult age-stages prevailing, but still a considerable number of juveniles, and (c) “regressive” populations, in which only flowering adults dominate and rejuvenation hardly occurs. The three population types differed with respect to population size and morph frequency. Dynamic populations were significantly larger and showed a weaker morph bias compared to the intermediate normal and the small regressive populations. Reproductive success, studied the previous year in 26 populations, decreased significantly with decreasing population size and was significantly associated with the demographic structure of the populations. Coefficients of variation for the proportion of flowers setting fruit, the number of seeds per fruit and the total number of seeds per plant decreased significantly with increasing population size. Hence, the observed variability in seed set may be one of the causal factors affecting the observed types of population demographic structure.     

两种生境中薇甘菊种群的生物量生殖分配

于2004年薇甘菊（Mikania micrantha）生殖阶段的现蕾期至种子成熟期,从种群和构件水平上研究了两种生境（林窗和开阔地）中薇甘菊种群的生物量生殖分配。结果表明,在生殖生长过程中,两种生境中的种群用于营养生长的生物量分配均占有绝对优势,而生殖生长的波动相对较大。花序的生物量分配（RA）总体上均呈现由低到高的变化趋势。在不同时期,林窗薇甘菊种群的营养枝生物量分配均小于开阔地,而除了种子形成期和种子成熟期以外的其它各个时期,林窗中生殖枝的生物量分配均大于开阔地,林窗中花序的生物量分配均显著大于开阔地。表明薇甘菊能有效权衡其在不同生境中的繁殖策略,开阔地中的薇甘菊种群的繁殖策略倾向于克隆繁殖,而林窗生境中薇甘菊种群则相对更倾向于有性生殖。     

Does pollen limitation affect population growth of the endangered Dracocephalum austriacum L.?

Reproductive strategies can have significant consequences for the viability of plant populations. Still, the effects of lower fruit set due to pollen limitation on plant demography and population persistence have rarely been explored. The objectives of this study were to assess the ecological factors determining female reproductive success and to study the impact of pollen limitation on population growth of Dracocephalum austriacum L. (Lamiaceae), a critically endangered species with a discontinuous distribution across Europe. Despite the significant background information gathered on the population dynamics and genetic diversity of D. austriacum, little is known about its reproductive strategy and the effect it has on population growth. Thus, the reproductive system, pollinator assemblage and pollen limitation were studied in natural populations and the impact of pollen-limited seed production on population growth was assessed using existing transition matrix models. The results revealed that D. austriacum is protandrous self-compatible species that produces very few seeds in the absence of pollinators. The flowers are visited by several insects, including legitimate pollinators (e.g., Bombus hortorum, Osmia spp.) and nectar robbers (other Bombus spp., O. aurulenta). Fruit and seed production was significantly pollen-limited in all populations studied. However, despite the positive effect of pollen supplementation on seed production, the resulting increase in seed number did not significantly increase population growth rates in any of the studied populations. Hence, we conclude that populations are demographically stable and current natural seed production is sufficient for the species’ persistence.     

Reproductive compatibility between mite populations previously identified as Euseius concordis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The objective of the present research is to study the reproductive compatibility between populations of predatory mites previously identified as Euseius concordis (Chant) based on morphological characteristics. Colonies of these mite populations were established in the lab with specimens collected from different localities and host plants. Reproductive compatibility was evaluated through crosses and backcrosses within and between populations and the subsequent observation of females' oviposition, over a period of 10 days. The levels of oviposition obtained in the crosses between individuals from the same population were higher than those obtained in the crosses between individuals from different populations. Results indicate the occurrence of post-mating reproductive incompatibility between the mite population from Petrolina and the other populations studied. Crosses and backcrosses between populations involving female mites from Petrolina did not produce offspring, although endospermatophores were present inside the spermathecas of those females. Oviposition was reduced, and only sons were obtained, in crosses between populations with males from Petrolina. Crosses of females from Pontes e Lacerda and males from Jaguariúna and vice versa produced only male progeny. Our results established that the populations originating from Arroio do Meio, Pontes e Lacerda, Jaguariúna and Viçosa, are reproductively compatible. However, the latter populations and the population from Petrolina are genetically isolated. Based on these results we suggest that more cytological and genetic studies are needed to establish if this reproductive isolation represents a species barrier.     

Polymorphism T174M of the angiotensinogen gene in Siberian populations

The level of T174M polymorphism of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT) was studied for the first time in Siberian populations. The frequency of allele M was found to be 7% in Russians, 6% in Tuvinians, and 4% in Buryats. In the Mongoloid population of Siberia (Tuvinians and Buryats), the genotypic frequencies deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). The studied polymorphism of the AGT gene determined in Siberian populations was compared with that of other ethnic groups in the world population, and genetic distinctions were estimated. Only the Buryat population was found to differ significantly from the French, English, and Chinese in the frequency of allele M. No association between the T174M polymorphism of the AGT gene and pathological pregnancy (gestosis) was revealed in Buryat women.     

Ecotypic differences in the C3 and C4 photosynthetic activity in Mollugo verticillata,a C3−C4 intermediate

Four populations of Mollugo verticillata L. were compared on the basis of their photosynthetic products, photosynthetic rates, enhancement under low oxygen concentration, and CO₂ compensation points. In addition, pulse-chase labeling experiments were conducted using one of the four populations. Depending on the plant population, C₄ acids ranged from 40% to 11% of the primary products under short-term exposure to ¹⁴CO₂. These compounds were also metabolized during pulse-chase experiments. All four populations had significantly different photosynthetic rates and those rates were correlated with the amounts of labelled C₄ acids produced and C₄-acid turnover. Three populations of M. verticillata had similar compensation points (40 l/l) and degrees of photosynthetic enhancement under low [O₂] (20%), the fourth population was much lower in both characteristics (CO₂ compensation, 25 l/l; low-O₂ enhancement, 12%). The results verify the intermediate nature of photosynthesis in this species, and illustrate populational differences in its photosynthetic and photorespiratory carbon metabolism.Abbreviations PGA 3-phosphoglyceric acid - Kan Kansas - Mass Massachusetts - Mex Mexico     

Density compensation in island avifaunas

Summary This paper analyzes factors which determine the extent of density compensation on islands; i.e., is the summed population density of all species on an island equal to the summed mainland density? A graphical analysis allows quantitative comparisons of density compensation studies. Two hypotheses which are generally applicable predict the extent of density compensation on islands: (1) Niche theory predicts that summed population densities should be low if island species number is low. (2) The habitat appropriateness hypothesis predicts that summed population densities should be low if island populations occupy unfamiliar habitat. Both hypotheses successfully explain variability in the extent of density compensation on islands. Relative to the mainland, summed population densities on islands are high when islands support a large number of species and those species occupy familiar habitats. Summed population densities on islands are low when islands support few species and those species occupy novel habitats.     

Higher reproductive success for chimeras than solitary individuals in the kelp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lessonia spicata</Emphasis> but no benefit for individual genotypes

Chimerism is a peculiar, yet widespread, type of group living in which genetically heterogeneous entities are created through fusion between conspecifics. Here we tested whether chimerism provides direct benefits to the kelp Lessonia spicata, by analyzing its consequences on reproductive investment and success, at both the genotype and thallus levels. In addition, we quantified the frequency of chimerism in two natural populations, tested if group members were close kin, and evaluated the effects of relatedness and the number of genotypes per thallus on reproduction. Chimeric thalli were frequent (>60 %) in natural populations of L. spicata. In most cases, average intragroup relatedness was not significantly different from the background population. Reproductive investment was not significantly affected by the type of thallus (chimeric versus non-chimeric), by the number of genotypes per thallus or the average relatedness within thallus. Chimerism did not result in net benefits or costs in terms of genotypic reproductive success or probability of reproducing at the genotypic level. Yet, at the thallus level, chimerism increased reproductive success and the probability of reproducing, since more than one genotype reproduced in chimeric thallus. At the population level, chimerism affects L. spicata reproductive success by allowing the coexistence of a higher density of potential reproducers and mates compared to a scenario with only non-chimeric thallus. Chimerism may then have an important effect on the effective population size and possibly in reducing selfing rates.     

Genetic structure of the annual weed Senecio vulgaris in relation to habitat type and population size

Throughout the world, the highly selfing annual common groundsel, Senecio vulgaris (Asteraceae) is a common weed. Recently, it has also colonized ecological compensation areas in agro-ecosystems. We investigated the genetic structure of S. vulgaris using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles of 80 plants from nine populations representing three habitat types in two regions in Switzerland. RAPD variation among regions (19.8%), among populations within regions (19.2%) and within populations (61.1%) was highly significant (ANOVA; P < 0.001). Gene flow estimated from the observed differentiation among populations (PhiST = 0.382) was low (assuming Wright's island model, Nem = 0.404). Genetic distances between pairs of populations were significantly correlated with geographical distances (Mantel test; r = 0.37, P < 0.03). Molecular variance obtained with AMOVA was lowest in the small populations in compensation areas (1.13), intermediate in vineyard populations (2.49), all located in northern Switzerland and highest in the larger vegetable field populations from western Switzerland (3.41; P < 0.05). Overall, there was a positive correlation of molecular variance and population size (P < 0.05), as expected under genetic drift. However, molecular variance was negatively correlated with population size among populations in ecological compensation areas, suggesting that selection was also important. We also applied triazine herbicide to leaves of three offspring of each of the 80 plants. Plants from populations of compensation areas showed higher mean levels and reduced variation in the resistance to triazine herbicide than plants from vineyards and vegetable fields. This suggests that compensation areas were colonized from adjacent corn fields, in which there has been selection for herbicide resistance. We discuss the implications of our results for the biological control of S. vulgaris.     

Genetic diversity within and among populations of Diprion pini (Hym., Diprionidae) determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction of haploid males

Abstract: Based on haploid males, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to study genetic variation within and among four French populations and one Finnish outgroup population of the common pine sawfly, Diprion pini (L.), representing a severe European forest pest associated with mass outbreaks. Taking into account that all multilocus haplotypes were detected, a total of 140 individuals were completely discriminated by means of 17 polymorphic markers (present or absent), which were amplified from nine selected random-decamer primers. All populations shared the same genetic types, but pronounced population-specific frequency distributions were found, indicating that on average 84% of the present genetic variation exists within populations and the remaining smaller part counts for interpopulational variation. The haplotype differentiation registered was able to distinguish between the class of lowland populations and the class of highland populations. Reproductive isolation and therefore limited altitudinal gene flow, indicated in case of a French highland population by an enlarged number of fixed markers, and hitchhiking effects with respect to selective processes at certain loci following local adaptation and speciation are discussed to explain the population structures found. A possible selection is indicated by five markers, showing significantly different frequency distributions between the class of highland populations and the class of lowland populations.     

山莨菪(茄科)的传粉生物学

茄科的多数种类具有自交不亲和的特点, 主要通过异花传粉结实; 但是, 一些物种或者物种内的部分种群或者个体却高度自交亲合, 转变为自交的繁育系统。该科植物山莨菪(Anisodus tanguticus)主要分布在青藏高原, 开花较早, 比其他晚开花的植物种类更加缺少有效的异花传粉昆虫。我们选择了位于不同海拔高度的2个种群进行比较研究, 主要目的是检验该物种的繁育系统是否在极端环境下由于传粉者的缺乏而发生了部分改变。研究发现,山莨菪的花不完全雌性先熟, 柱头和花药间的平均距离随着花开放时间的延长而不断缩小, 但两者在多数花的单花花期结束时并没有发生接触。因此, 山莨菪花主要表现为适应异花传粉的雌雄异位特征。然而, 少数花 (4.9％)的柱头和花药发生接触, 为“自动自交”的传粉解除了空间隔离。2个种群的多数个体存在自交不亲和机制, 应具有异花传粉的繁育系统; 但是部分个体具有明显的自交亲和能力, 为自交提供了生理基础。高海拔种群的传粉昆虫主要是厕蝇(Fannia sp.), 它们在不同植株间的活动能够保证异花传粉结实; 同时该种群的部分个体存在“自动自交”。低海拔种群的主要访花昆虫是蚂蚁, 它们在花内的活动导致花粉在同一朵花内传递, 而引起“协助自交”; 而异花传粉昆虫厕蝇的访花频率则较高海拔种群低。两个种群的结实均由于异花传粉者不足而受到传粉限制。因此两种不同类型的自交机制为该早期开花植物异花访花昆虫的不足提供了一定程度上的繁殖补偿。     

Reinforcement generates reproductive isolation between neighbouring conspecific populations of spadefoot toads

Reproductive character displacement is the adaptive evolution of traits that minimize deleterious reproductive interactions between species. When arising from selection to avoid hybridization, this process is referred to as reinforcement. Reproductive character displacement generates divergence not only between interacting species, but also between conspecific populations that are sympatric with heterospecifics versus those that are allopatric. Consequently, such conspecific populations can become reproductively isolated. We compared female mate preferences in, and evaluated gene flow between, neighbouring populations of spadefoot toads that did and did not occur with heterospecifics (mixed- and pure-species populations, respectively). We found that in mixed-species populations females significantly preferred conspecifics. Such females also tended to prefer a conspecific call character that was dissimilar from heterospecifics. By contrast, females from pure-species populations did not discriminate conspecific from heterospecific calls. They also preferred a more exaggerated conspecific call character that resembles heterospecific males. Moreover, gene flow was significantly reduced between mixed- and pure-species population types. Thus, character displacement (and, more specifically, reinforcement) may initiate reproductive isolation between conspecific populations that differ in interactions with heterospecifics.     

Pregnancy, microchimerism, and the maternal grandmother

Background

A woman of reproductive age often harbors a small number of foreign cells, referred to as microchimerism: a preexisting population of cells acquired during fetal life from her own mother, and newly acquired populations from her pregnancies. An intriguing question is whether the population of cells from her own mother can influence either maternal health during pregnancy and/or the next generation (grandchildren).

Methodology/Principal Findings

Microchimerism from a woman''s (i.e. proband''s) own mother (mother-of-the-proband, MP) was studied in peripheral blood samples from women followed longitudinally during pregnancy who were confirmed to have uncomplicated obstetric outcomes. Women with preeclampsia were studied at the time of diagnosis and comparison made to women with healthy pregnancies matched for parity and gestational age. Participants and family members were HLA-genotyped for DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 loci. An HLA polymorphism unique to the woman''s mother was identified, and a panel of HLA-specific quantitative PCR assays was employed to identify and quantify microchimerism. Microchimerism from the MP was identified during normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, with a peak concentration in the third trimester. The likelihood of detection increased with advancing gestational age. For each advancing trimester, there was a 12.7-fold increase in the probability of detecting microchimerism relative to the prior trimester, 95% confidence intervals 3.2, 50.3, p<0.001. None of the women with preeclampsia, compared with 30% of matched healthy women, had microchimerism (p = 0.03).

Conclusions/Significance

These results show that microchimerism from a woman''s own mother is detectable in normal pregnancy and diminished in preeclampsia, supporting the previously unexplored hypothesis that MP microchimerism may be a marker reflecting healthy maternal adaptation to pregnancy.     

Daphniopsis studeri (Crustacea: Cladocera) in lakes of the Vestfold Hills,Antarctica

Summary The adult sizes and reproductive capabilities of populations of the cladoceran Daphniopsis studeri Rühe from freshwater and slightly saline lakes in the Vestfold Hills, Princess Elizabeth Land were monitored during December, 1990. The population of Crooked Lake was studied in detail from July 1990–March 1991. Limited samples were also obtained from Heard Island (sub Antarctic). Obligate parthenogenesis involving the production of subitaneous eggs appears to be the case. No males occurred. The overwintering populations of continental Antarctica consist mainly of adult females containing extensive fat reserves. The main reproductive effort occurs in spring. some females produce a smaller second brood during the summer. Reproductive output increases with adult size which is related to the nutrient status of the lake and its productivity. The Heard Island populations have a higher weight to length ratio than the Vestfold populations and have a much greater reproductive output.     

Reproductive variation and the egg size-clutch size trade-off within and among populations of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii)

Interpopulation variation in egg size, clutch size and clutch mass was studied 3 years in four populations of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) from western Nebraska. Body size varied among all populations and was larger in two large (56–110 ha), sandhills lake populations than in two populations in smaller habitats (1.5–3.6 ha) of the Platte River floodplain. Reproductive parameters (egg mass, clutch mass, and clutch size) generally increased with maternal body size within populations. Clutch wet and dry mass varied among populations but largely as a function of maternal body size. Clutch size was largest in the sandhills lake populations, both absolutely and relative to maternal body size. Egg mass was smallest in the sandhills lakes and varied annually in one population. Over all populations, an egg sizeclutch size trade-off was detected (a negative correlation between egg mass and clutch size) after statistically removing maternal body size effects. Egg wet mass and clutch size were negatively correlated over all years within the sandhills populations and in some years in three populations. Although egg size varied within populations, egg size and clutch size covaried as expected by optimal offspring size models. Thus, patterns of egg size variation should be interpreted in the context of proximate or adaptive maternal body size and temporal effects. Comparisons among populations suggest that large egg size relative to maternal body size may occur when juvenile growth potential is poor and mean maternal body size is small.     

COSTS AND BENEFITS OF MOSQUITO REFRACTORINESS TO MALARIA PARASITES: IMPLICATIONS FOR GENETIC VARIABILITY OF MOSQUITOES AND GENETIC CONTROL OF MALARIA

The problem of fitness costs associated with host resistance to parasitism is related to the evolution of parasite virulence, population genetic diversity and the dynamics of host-parasite relationships, and proposed strategies for disease control through the genetic manipulation of mosquito vectors. Two Aedes aegypti populations, refractory and susceptible to Plasmodium gallinaceum, were previously selected from the Moyo-In-Dry strain (MOYO) through inbreeding (F = 0.5). Reproductive success and survivorship of the two populations were compared, and the influence of the parasite on mosquito fitness also was evaluated. Fitness components studied include fecundity, adult survivorship and egg-to-adult developmental time, blood-meal size, and adult body size. The refractory population has a significantly shorter egg-to-adult developmental time and a smaller body size, takes a smaller blood meal, and subsequently lays fewer eggs than the susceptible population. The mean longevity of the refractory population is significantly shorter than the susceptible population. Exposure to the parasite exhibited little effect on the survivorship and fecundity of either population. Several factors may contribute to the lower fitness of the refractory population, including founder effect, inbreeding depression, the effect of other uncharacterized genes linked to genes conferring refractoriness, and pleiotropic effects associated with these genes. The results are discussed in relation to the genetic diversity of natural mosquito populations and their implications for the genetic control of malaria.     

Lifespan of a Ceratitis fruit fly increases with higher altitude

Variation in lifespan may be linked to geographic factors. While latitudinal variation in lifespan has been studied for a number of species, altitude variation has received much less attention, particularly in insects. We measured the lifespan of different populations of the Natal fruit fly Ceratitis rosa along an altitudinal cline. For the different populations we first measured the residual longevity of wild flies by captive cohort approach and compared F(1) generation from the same populations. We showed an increase in lifespan with higher altitude for a part of our data. For the field collected flies (F0) the average remaining lifespan increased monotonically with altitude for males but not for females. For the F(1) generation, longevity of both males and females of the highest-altitude population was longer than for the two other lower-altitude populations. This relationship between altitude and lifespan may be explained by the effects of temperature on reproduction. Reproductive schedules in insects are linked to temperature: lower temperature, characteristic of high-altitude sites, generally slows down reproduction. Because of a strong trade-off between reproduction and longevity, we therefore observed a longer lifespan for the high- altitude populations. Other hypotheses such as different predation rates in the different sites are also discussed.