The Experts below are selected from a list of 3732 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Lorenzo Prendini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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scorpion sheds tail to escape consequences and implications of Autotomy in scorpions buthidae ananteris
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Camilo I Mattoni, Solimary Garciahernandez, Ricardo Boterotrujillo, Jose A Ochoa, Andres A Ojangurenaffilastro, Ricardo Pintodarocha, Lorenzo PrendiniAbstract:Autotomy, the voluntary shedding or detachment of a body part at a determined cleavage plane, is a common anti-predation defense mechanism in several animal taxa, including arthropods. Among arachnids, Autotomy has been observed in harvestmen, mites, and spiders, always involving the loss of legs. Autotomy of the opisthosoma (abdomen) was recently reported in a single species of the Neotropical buthid scorpion genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891, but few details were revealed. Based on observations in the field and laboratory, examination of material in museum collections, and scanning electron microscopy, we document Autotomy of the metasoma (the hind part of the opisthosoma, or ‘tail’) in fourteen species of Ananteris. Autotomy is more common in males than females, and has not been observed in juveniles. When the scorpion is held by the metasoma, it is voluntarily severed at the joints between metasomal segments I and II, II and III, or III and IV, allowing the scorpion to escape. After detachment, the severed metasoma moves (twitches) automatically, much like the severed tail of a lizard or the severed leg of a spider, and reacts to contact, even attempting to sting. The severed surface heals rapidly, scar tissue forming in five days. The lost metasomal segments and telson cannot be regenerated. Autotomy of the metasoma and telson results in permanent loss of the posterior part of the scorpion’s digestive system (the anus is situated posteriorly on metasomal segment V) and the ability to inject venom by stinging. After Autotomy, scorpions do not defecate and can only capture small prey items. However, males can survive and mate successfully for up to eight months in the laboratory. In spite of diminished predation ability after Autotomy, survival allows males to reproduce. Autotomy in Ananteris therefore appears to be an effective, adaptive, anti-predation escape mechanism.
Panayiotis Pafilis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Insights into how predator diversity, population density and habitat type may affect defensive behaviour in a Mediterranean lizard
2018Co-Authors: Pantelis Savvides, Venetia Poliviou, Maria Stavrou, Spyros Sfenthourakis, Panayiotis PafilisAbstract:Various factors may alter anti-predatory responses among conspecifics. Here we assess some of these factors using three populations of a Mediterranean lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi) in Cyprus that differ in their habitat type, predator diversity and population density. We expected that predation would affect flight initiation distance (FID; the approach distance allowed to an observer before the lizard flees), escape distance (ED; the distance covered by the lizard from the point an escape attempt starts to the first place the lizard stops) and tail Autotomy (Autotomy rates, economy of Autotomy, post-Autotomy tail movement). We also predicted that juveniles, being more exposed to predators, would be more effective in their defensive responses. Our findings suggest that predation and population density appear to be associated with most Autotomy traits but were not associated with FID and ED, which are better explained by refuge availability. The only ontogenetic difference was detected in the economy of Autotomy: juveniles are more prone to autotomise, possibly because they do not experience such high costs as tailless adult individuals. Our results suggest that anti-predatory responses are influenced by a variety of factors. Unravelling the compound effects of all the factors involved should be the focus of future research.
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Sex does not affect tail Autotomy in lacertid lizards
Acta Herpetologica, 2017Co-Authors: Panayiotis Pafilis, Kostas Sagonas, Grigoris Kapsalas, Johannes Foufopoulos, Efstratios D. ValakosAbstract:Caudal Autotomy is one of the most effective and widespread defensive mechanisms among lizards. When predators grasp the tail, lizards are able to shed it from the point of the attack and further. Numerous factors have been reported to affect tail-shedding performance such as temperature, age, predation pressure, intraspecific competition etc. Interestingly, the impact of sex on tail loss remains greatly understudied. Here, we analyzed tail Autotomy performance, simulated in the lab, in 12 species of lacertid lizards belonging to five genera ( Algyroides , Anatololacerta , Hellenolacerta , Ophisops , Podarcis ). Our aim was to investigate whether sex affects caudal Autotomy and/or the duration of post-autotomic tail movement. We failed to detect any effect of sex on tail loss in the species examined. Also, we did not find any sexual impact on the duration of tail movement after Autotomy, with a single exception. Our findings suggest that Autotomy serves as a defensive tactic equally in both sexes and is used in the same extent.
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intraspecific competition not predation drives lizard tail loss on islands
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Yuval Itescu, Rachel Schwarz, Shai Meiri, Panayiotis PafilisAbstract:Summary Tail Autotomy is mainly considered an antipredator mechanism. Theory suggests that predation pressure relaxes on islands, subsequently reducing Autotomy rates. Intraspecific aggression, which may also cause tail loss, probably intensifies on islands due to the higher abundance. We studied whether tail Autotomy is mostly affected by predation pressure or by intraspecific competition. We further studied whether predator abundance or predator richness is more important in this context. To test our predictions, we examined multiple populations of two gecko species: Kotschy's gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi; mainland and 41 islands) and the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus; mainland and 17 islands), and estimated their abundance together with five indices of predation. In both species, Autotomy rates are higher on islands and decline with most predation indices, in contrast with common wisdom, and increase with gecko abundance. In M. kotschyi, tail-loss rates are higher on predator and viper-free islands, but increase with viper abundance. We suggest that Autotomy is not simply, or maybe even mainly, an antipredatory mechanism. Rather, such defence mechanisms are a response to complex direct and indirect biotic interactions and perhaps, in the case of tail Autotomy in insular populations, chiefly to intraspecific aggression.
Sylvie Biagiantirisbourg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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toxic effects and bioaccumulation of the herbicide isoproturon in tubifex tubifex oligocheate tubificidae a study of significance of Autotomy and its utility as a biomarker
Aquatic Toxicology, 2010Co-Authors: Severine Parispalacios, Yahia Y Mosleh, Mohamad Almohamad, Laurence Delahaut, Arnaud Conrad, Fabrice Arnoult, Sylvie BiagiantirisbourgAbstract:Tubifex is the only animal reported to respond with Autotomy to contamination. This response of contaminated worm is understood as a mode of metal excretion. Few data concern the potential of organic compounds to induce tubifex Autotomy. The objective of this study was to investigate if Autotomy can be induced by a herbicide isoproturon (IP) and be related to the way of excretion. Isoproturon accumulation in worm tissues and its effect on tubifex mortality, Autotomy and regeneration rates were analysed after 4 and 7 days of exposure to the herbicide and also when worms were replaced for 10 days in clean water. IP accumulated in the same way in all parts of the worm body but IP metabolite rates were significantly higher in the posterior part of the worm. Thus the loss of the posterior part allows the worm to eliminate an important amount of pesticide. Autotomy has a population importance and is related to the degree of worm contamination so it may become an interesting biomarker.
Philip W Bateman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the evolution of Autotomy in leaf footed bugs
Evolution, 2020Co-Authors: Zachary Emberts, Colette M St Mary, Cody Coyotee Howard, Michael Forthman, Philip W Bateman, Ummat Somjee, Wei Song Hwang, Rebecca T Kimball, Christine W MillerAbstract:Sacrificing body parts is one of many behaviors that animals use to escape predation. This trait, termed Autotomy, is classically associated with lizards. However, several other taxa also autotomize, and this trait has independently evolved multiple times throughout Animalia. Despite having multiple origins and being an iconic antipredatory trait, much remains unknown about the evolution of Autotomy. Here, we combine morphological, behavioral, and genomic data to investigate the evolution of Autotomy within leaf-footed bugs and allies (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae + Alydidae). We found that the ancestor of leaf-footed bugs autotomized and did so slowly; rapid Autotomy (<2 min) then arose multiple times. The ancestor likely used slow Autotomy to reduce the cost of injury or to escape nonpredatory entrapment but could not use Autotomy to escape predation. This result suggests that Autotomy to escape predation is a co-opted benefit (i.e., exaptation), revealing one way that sacrificing a limb to escape predation may arise. In addition to identifying the origins of rapid Autotomy, we also show that across species variation in the rates of Autotomy can be explained by body size, distance from the equator, and enlargement of the autotomizable appendage.
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The evolution of Autotomy in leaf-footed bugs.
Evolution, 2020Co-Authors: Zachary Emberts, Colette M St Mary, Cody Coyotee Howard, Michael Forthman, Philip W Bateman, Ummat Somjee, Wei Song Hwang, Rebecca T Kimball, Christine W MillerAbstract:Sacrificing body parts is one of many behaviors that animals use to escape predation. This trait, termed Autotomy, is classically associated with lizards. However, several other taxa also autotomize, and this trait has independently evolved multiple times throughout Animalia. Despite having multiple origins and being an iconic antipredatory trait, much remains unknown about the evolution of Autotomy. Here, we combine morphological, behavioral, and genomic data to investigate the evolution of Autotomy within leaf-footed bugs and allies (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae + Alydidae). We found that the ancestor of leaf-footed bugs autotomized and did so slowly; rapid Autotomy (
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The ecology and evolution of Autotomy.
Biological Reviews, 2019Co-Authors: Zachary Emberts, Ignacio Escalante, Philip W BatemanAbstract:Autotomy, the self-induced loss of a body part, occurs throughout Animalia. A lizard dropping its tail to escape predation is an iconic example, however, Autotomy occurs in a diversity of other organisms. Octopuses can release their arms, crabs can drop their claws, and bugs can amputate their legs. The diversity of organisms that can autotomize body parts has led to a wealth of research and several taxonomically focused reviews. These reviews have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Autotomy within their respective groups. However, because of their taxonomic focus, these reviews are constrained in their ability to enhance our understanding of Autotomy. Here, we aim to synthesize research on the ecology and evolution of Autotomy throughout Animalia, building a unified framework on which future studies can expand. We found that the ability to drop an appendage has evolved multiple times throughout Animalia and that once Autotomy has evolved, selection appears to act on the removable appendage to increase the efficacy and/or efficiency of Autotomy. This could explain why some autotomizable body parts are so elaborate (e.g. brightly coloured). We also show that there are multiple benefits, and variable costs, associated with Autotomy. Given this variation, we generate an economic theory of Autotomy (modified from the economic theory of escape) which makes predictions about when an individual should resort to Autotomy. Finally, we show that the loss of an autotomizable appendage can have numerous consequences on population and community dynamics. By taking this broad taxonomic approach, we identified patterns of Autotomy that transcend specific lineages and highlight clear directions for future research.
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to cut a long tail short a review of lizard caudal Autotomy studies carried out over the last 20 years
Journal of Zoology, 2009Co-Authors: Philip W Bateman, Patricia A. FlemingAbstract:Caudal Autotomy, the ability to shed the tail, is common in lizards as a response to attempted predation. Since Arnold's substantial review of caudal Autotomy as a defence in reptiles 20 years ago, our understanding of the costs associated with tail loss has increased dramatically. In this paper, we review the incidence of caudal Autotomy among lizards (Reptilia Sauria) with particular reference to questions posed by Arnold. We examine tail break frequencies and factors that determine occurrence of Autotomy in natural populations (including anatomical mechanisms, predation efficiency and intensity, microhabitat preference, sex and ontogenetic differences, as well as intraspecific aggression). We also summarize the costs associated with tail loss in terms of survivorship and reproduction, focusing on potential mechanisms that influence fitness (i.e. locomotion costs, behavioural responses and metabolic costs). Finally, we examine the factors that may influence the facility with which Autotomy takes place, including regeneration rate, body form and adaptive behaviour. Taking Arnold's example, we conclude with proposals for future research.
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The Influence of Tail Autotomy on the Escape Response of the Cape Dwarf Gecko, Lygodactylus capensis
Ethology, 2008Co-Authors: Katarina Medger, Luke Verburgt, Philip W BatemanAbstract:Tail Autotomy as a defence against predators occurs in many species of lizard. Although tail Autotomy may provide an immediate benefit in terms of survival it may nevertheless be costly due to other functions of the tail. For example, tail Autotomy may affect the locomotory performance of lizards during escape. We investigated the influence of tail Autotomy on the escape performance of the Cape Dwarf Gecko, Lygodactylus capensis, on a vertical and a horizontal surface. Autotomized geckos were significantly slower than intact geckos during vertical escape, whereas tail Autotomy did not influence the horizontal escape speed. Backward falling of the autotomized geckos on the vertical platform may explain the reduced speed. In addition, tail Autotomy did not significantly affect body curvature and stride length of the geckos. The observed decrease of escape speed on a vertical platform may influence the habitat use and behaviour of these geckos. Ecological consequences resulting from tail Autotomy are discussed in light of these findings.
Camilo I Mattoni - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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scorpion sheds tail to escape consequences and implications of Autotomy in scorpions buthidae ananteris
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Camilo I Mattoni, Solimary Garciahernandez, Ricardo Boterotrujillo, Jose A Ochoa, Andres A Ojangurenaffilastro, Ricardo Pintodarocha, Lorenzo PrendiniAbstract:Autotomy, the voluntary shedding or detachment of a body part at a determined cleavage plane, is a common anti-predation defense mechanism in several animal taxa, including arthropods. Among arachnids, Autotomy has been observed in harvestmen, mites, and spiders, always involving the loss of legs. Autotomy of the opisthosoma (abdomen) was recently reported in a single species of the Neotropical buthid scorpion genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891, but few details were revealed. Based on observations in the field and laboratory, examination of material in museum collections, and scanning electron microscopy, we document Autotomy of the metasoma (the hind part of the opisthosoma, or ‘tail’) in fourteen species of Ananteris. Autotomy is more common in males than females, and has not been observed in juveniles. When the scorpion is held by the metasoma, it is voluntarily severed at the joints between metasomal segments I and II, II and III, or III and IV, allowing the scorpion to escape. After detachment, the severed metasoma moves (twitches) automatically, much like the severed tail of a lizard or the severed leg of a spider, and reacts to contact, even attempting to sting. The severed surface heals rapidly, scar tissue forming in five days. The lost metasomal segments and telson cannot be regenerated. Autotomy of the metasoma and telson results in permanent loss of the posterior part of the scorpion’s digestive system (the anus is situated posteriorly on metasomal segment V) and the ability to inject venom by stinging. After Autotomy, scorpions do not defecate and can only capture small prey items. However, males can survive and mate successfully for up to eight months in the laboratory. In spite of diminished predation ability after Autotomy, survival allows males to reproduce. Autotomy in Ananteris therefore appears to be an effective, adaptive, anti-predation escape mechanism.
