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Julie Bakker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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olfactory systems in Mate Recognition and sexual behavior
Vitamins and Hormones Series, 2010Co-Authors: Matthieu Keller, Julie Bakker, Delphine PillonAbstract:Abstract Olfactory signals play an important role so that breeding efforts are synchronized with appropriate social and environmental circumstances. In this context, the mammalian olfactory system is characterized by the existence of several olfactory subsystems that have evolved to process olfactory information. While the vomeronasal (or accessory) olfactory system is usually conceived as being involved in the processing of pheromonal signals due to its close connections with the reproductive hypothalamus, the main olfactory system is, by contrast, considered as a general analyzer of volatile chemosignals, especially those that are used for the social identification of conspecifics. In fact, several recent sets of experiments suggest that both the main and accessory olfactory systems have the ability to process partly overlapping pheromonal chemosignals and that both systems converge at a downstream level of pheromonal processing. As a consequence, both systems have the ability to support complimentary aspects in Mate discrimination and sexual behavior. However, the relative roles played by these systems and their interactions are at present still far from being understood.
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the main and the accessory olfactory systems interact in the control of Mate Recognition and sexual behavior
Behavioural Brain Research, 2009Co-Authors: Matthieu Keller, Peter A Brennan, Michael J Baum, Olivier Brock, Julie BakkerAbstract:In the field of sensory perception, one noticeable fact regarding olfactory perception is the existence of several olfactory subsystems involved in the detection and processing of olfactory information. Indeed, the vomeronasal or accessory olfactory system is usually conceived as being involved in the processing of pheromones as it is closely connected to the hypothalamus, thereby controlling reproductive function. By contrast, the main olfactory system is considered as a general analyzer of volatile chemosignals, used in the context of social communication, for the identification of the status of conspecifics. The respective roles played by the main and the accessory olfactory systems in the control of Mate Recognition and sexual behavior are at present still controversial. We summarize in this review recent results showing that both the main and accessory olfactory systems are able to process partially overlapping sets of sexual chemosignals and that both systems support complimentary aspects in Mate Recognition and in the control of sexual behavior.
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sexual differentiation of the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating Mate Recognition in mammals
Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 2003Co-Authors: Julie BakkerAbstract:When in breeding condition, male and female mammals seek out and Mate with opposite-sex conspecifics. The neural mechanisms controlling Mate Recognition and heterosexual partner preference are sexually differentiated by the perinatal actions of sex steroid hormones. Many mammalian species use odours to identify potential Mates. Thus, sex differences in partner preference may actually reflect sex differences in how male and female mammals perceive socially relevant odours. Two olfactory systems have evolved in vertebrates that differ considerably in their anatomy and function. It is generally believed that the main olfactory system is used to detect a wide variety of volatile odours derived from food prey among many sources, whereas the accessory olfactory system has evolved to detect and process primarily nonvolatile odours shown to influence reproductive behaviours and neuroendocrine functions. Some recent results obtained in oestradiol-deficient aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice that provide evidence for a developmental role of oestradiol in olfactory investigation of volatile body odours are discussed, suggesting that: (i) oestrogens contribute to the development of the main olfactory system and (ii) Mate Recognition is mediated by the main as opposed to the accessory olfactory system. Thus, sex differences in Mate Recognition and sexual partner preference may reflect sex differences in the perception of odours by the main olfactory system.
Heikki Helanterä - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genetic diversity colony chemical phenotype and nest Mate Recognition in the ant formica fusca
Behavioral Ecology, 2011Co-Authors: Heikki Helanterä, Falko P Drijfhout, Yasmin R Lee, S.j. MartinAbstract:Recognition of relatives is often crucial for adaptive social behavior, but availability of Recognition cues may limit adaptation. Social insect workers direct altruism toward relatives through nest Mate Recognition. We studied whether genetic diversity increases nest Mate Recognition cue diversity and weakens nest Mate Recognition behavior in the ant Formica fusca that has both multiple and single queen societies in sympatric populations. Despite larger genetic diversity in multiple queen than single queen colonies, we found no differences in chemical Recognition cue diversity or aggression toward non-nest Mates in behavioral bioassays. The results suggest that the relationship between individual genotypes and the colony chemical phenotype is a complex interaction of genes and the environment, including the social setting of the colony and that increase in genetic diversity does not increase cue diversity to levels that would cause informational constraints on Recognition behavior in the species. Key words: chemical diversity, Formica, genetic diversity, kin selection, nest Mate Recognition, social insects. [Behav Ecol]
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Chemical basis of nest-Mate discrimination in the ant Formica exsecta
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: S.j. Martin, E. Vitikainen, Heikki Helanterä, Falko P DrijfhoutAbstract:Distinguishing nest-Mates from non-nest-Mates underlies key animal behaviours, such as territoriality, altruism and the evolution of sociality. Despite its importance, there is very little empirical support for such a mechanism in nature. Here we provide data that the nest-Mate Recognition mechanism in an ant is based on a colony-specific Z9-alkene signature, proving that surface chemicals are indeed used in ant nest-Mate Recognition as was suggested 100 years ago. We investigated the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of 10 Formica exsecta colonies that are composed almost entirely of a Z9-alkene and alkane component. Then we showed that worker aggression is only elicited by the Z9-alkene part. This was confirmed using synthetic Z9-alkene and alkane blends matched to the individual colony profiles of the two most different chemical colonies. In both colonies, only glass beads with 'nest-Mate' alkene profiles received reduced aggression. Finally, changing the abundance of a single Z9-alkene on live ants was shown to significantly increase the aggression they received from nest-Mates in all five colonies tested. Our data suggest that nest-Mate discrimination in the social insects has evolved to rely upon highly sensitive responses to relatively few compounds.
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Worker policing and nest Mate Recognition in the ant Formica fusca
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2007Co-Authors: Heikki Helanterä, Liselotte SundströmAbstract:A conflict over male production arises in social insects where workers are able to lay unfertilized male eggs. This happens because each female (queen or worker) is most closely related to her own sons and is thus predicted to reproduce. The conflict is modulated by worker policing where workers prevent each other from reproducing by aggression or egg cannibalism. In this study, we show that in the ant Formica fusca , worker policing occurs by egg cannibalism rather than by overt aggression among workers. Furthermore, we show that, contrary to bees, wasps and other ant species, egg discrimination in F. fusca is not based only on a universal queen signature chemical and that nest Mate Recognition of eggs occurs.
Kerry L Shaw - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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rapid evolution of cuticular hydrocarbons in a species radiation of acoustically diverse hawaiian crickets gryllidae trigonidiinae laupala
Evolution, 2007Co-Authors: Sean P Mullen, Tamra C Mendelson, Coby Schal, Kerry L ShawAbstract:Understanding the origin and maintenance of barriers to gene exchange is a central goal of speciation research. Hawaiian swordtail crickets (genus Laupala) represent one of the most rapidly speciating animal groups yet identified. Extensive acoustic diversity, strong premating isolation, and female preference for conspecific acoustic signals in laboratory phonotaxis trials have strongly supported divergence in Mate Recognition as the driving force behind the explosive speciation seen in this system. However, recent work has shown that female preference for conspecific male calling song does not extend to Mate choice at close range among these crickets, leading to the hypothesis that additional sexual signals are involved in Mate Recognition and premating isolation. Here we examine patterns of variation in cuticular lipids among several species of Laupala from Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Results demonstrate (1) a rapid and dramatic evolution of cuticular lipid composition among species in this genus, (2) significant differences among males and females in cuticular lipid composition, and (3) a significant reduction in the complexity of cuticular lipid profiles in species from the Big Island of Hawaii as compared to two outgroup species from Maui. These results suggest that behavioral barriers to gene exchange in Laupala may be composed of multiple Mate Recognition signals, a pattern common in other cricket species.
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close range acoustic signaling and Mate choice in hawaiian crickets gryllidae laupala
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2006Co-Authors: Tamra C Mendelson, Kerry L ShawAbstract:Evolution of the Mate Recognition system (MRS) can play a central role in animal speciation. One dramatic consequence of changes in the MRS is the failure of individuals from divergent lineages to successfully court and Mate, thereby reducing gene flow between these groups. Here, we test the role of an acoustic mating signal on Mate choice in a Hawaiian cricket genus (Gryllidae: Laupala). Speciation in Laupala is proceeding at an extremely rapid rate, apparently driven by divergence in aspects of the Mate Recognition system, most conspicuously the pulse rate of male calling song. Previous studies demonstrate that females prefer the pulse rate of a conspecific male’s song when perceived at long range, in laboratory phonotaxis trials. In this study, we examined Mate choice in two species that differ dramatically in pulse rate: Laupala paranigra and Laupala kohalensis. We tested the female’s preference in both species for pulse rates at close range, by providing females an opportunity to Mate with hybrid males producing a range of intermediate pulse rates. Results of our study demonstrate that while strong behavioral barriers exist between these two species, variation in the pulse rate of male calling song did not predict female Mate choice at close range. These results suggest a more complex architecture to Mate Recognition in Laupala than previously hypothesized.
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divergence of Mate Recognition behavior and its consequences for genetic architectures of speciation
The American Naturalist, 2002Co-Authors: Kerry L Shaw, Yvonne M ParsonsAbstract:The divergence of premating behavior and morphology plays a primary role in speciation, and an understanding of the genetic architectures of these phenotypes is essential for the evaluation of models of the speciation process. However, our empirical knowledge of the genetics underlying speciation-related traits remains limited. In this article, we argue that a dissection of specific aspects of the genetic architecture of such traits in a comparative context can allow us to rule out some mechanisms of divergence. We discuss these ideas with reference to our investigation of intersexual communication behaviors involved in Mate Recognition in the Hawaiian cricket genus Laupala. Different species of Laupala sing distinctively and show species-specific acoustic preferences. We focus on the sister species Laupala paranigra and Laupala kohalensis, characterized by differences in these classic courtship phenotypes. We discuss our preliminary results on the directionality of effect of substituted alleles underlying these species differences. We then discuss these results in the context of historical inference, a necessary perspective for testing the genomic predictions made by theories of speciation that focus on evolution of Mate Recognition systems.
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interspecific genetics of Mate Recognition inheritance of female acoustic preference in hawaiian crickets
Evolution, 2000Co-Authors: Kerry L ShawAbstract:Abstract Female mating behavior plays a fundamental role in the divergent evolution of Mate Recognition systems that may lead to speciation. Despite this important role, the phenotypic and genetic bases of female mating behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, I examine the shape of the female acoustic preference function and estiMate values for pulse rate preference in two species of Hawaiian crickets, Laupala kohalensis and L. paranigra. In addition, I examine how preference differences are inherited in hybrid crosses between these species. Females expressed unimodal preference functions and were generally more attracted to pulse rates characterizing their own species. Unimodal preference functions also characterized F1 and backcross generations, with hybrid females expressing preferences for intermediate pulse rates. Pulse rate preferences segregated in the backcross generation. Mean pulse rate preference matched mean pulse rate in both parental and hybrid generations. Based on F1 hybrids and ...
S.j. Martin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Phenotypic Plasticity of Nest-Mate Recognition Cues in Formica exsecta Ants
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: S.j. Martin, Falko P Drijfhout, Adam G. HartAbstract:It is well established that many ant species have evolved qualitatively distinct species-specific chemical profile that are stable over large geographical distances. Within these species profiles quantitative variations in the chemical profile allows distinct colony-specific odours to arise (chemotypes) that are shared by all colony members. This help maintains social cohesion, including defence of their colonies against all intruders, including con-specifics. How these colony -level chemotypes are maintained among nest-Mates has long been debated. The two main theories are; each ant is able to biochemically adjust its chemical profile to ‘match’ that of its nest-Mates and or the queen, or all nest-Mates share their individually generated chemical profile via trophollaxis resulting in an average nest-Mate profile. This ‘mixing’ idea is better known as the Gestalt model. Unfortunately, it has been very difficult to experimentally test these two ideas in a single experimental design. However, it is now possible using the ant Formica exsecta because the compounds used in nest-Mate Recognition compounds are known. We demonstrate that workers adjust their profile to ‘match’ the dominant chemical profile within that colony, hence maintaining the colony-specific chemotype and indicates that a ‘ gestalt ’ mechanism, i.e. profile mixing, plays no or only a minor role.
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genetic diversity colony chemical phenotype and nest Mate Recognition in the ant formica fusca
Behavioral Ecology, 2011Co-Authors: Heikki Helanterä, Falko P Drijfhout, Yasmin R Lee, S.j. MartinAbstract:Recognition of relatives is often crucial for adaptive social behavior, but availability of Recognition cues may limit adaptation. Social insect workers direct altruism toward relatives through nest Mate Recognition. We studied whether genetic diversity increases nest Mate Recognition cue diversity and weakens nest Mate Recognition behavior in the ant Formica fusca that has both multiple and single queen societies in sympatric populations. Despite larger genetic diversity in multiple queen than single queen colonies, we found no differences in chemical Recognition cue diversity or aggression toward non-nest Mates in behavioral bioassays. The results suggest that the relationship between individual genotypes and the colony chemical phenotype is a complex interaction of genes and the environment, including the social setting of the colony and that increase in genetic diversity does not increase cue diversity to levels that would cause informational constraints on Recognition behavior in the species. Key words: chemical diversity, Formica, genetic diversity, kin selection, nest Mate Recognition, social insects. [Behav Ecol]
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Chemical basis of nest-Mate discrimination in the ant Formica exsecta
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: S.j. Martin, E. Vitikainen, Heikki Helanterä, Falko P DrijfhoutAbstract:Distinguishing nest-Mates from non-nest-Mates underlies key animal behaviours, such as territoriality, altruism and the evolution of sociality. Despite its importance, there is very little empirical support for such a mechanism in nature. Here we provide data that the nest-Mate Recognition mechanism in an ant is based on a colony-specific Z9-alkene signature, proving that surface chemicals are indeed used in ant nest-Mate Recognition as was suggested 100 years ago. We investigated the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of 10 Formica exsecta colonies that are composed almost entirely of a Z9-alkene and alkane component. Then we showed that worker aggression is only elicited by the Z9-alkene part. This was confirmed using synthetic Z9-alkene and alkane blends matched to the individual colony profiles of the two most different chemical colonies. In both colonies, only glass beads with 'nest-Mate' alkene profiles received reduced aggression. Finally, changing the abundance of a single Z9-alkene on live ants was shown to significantly increase the aggression they received from nest-Mates in all five colonies tested. Our data suggest that nest-Mate discrimination in the social insects has evolved to rely upon highly sensitive responses to relatively few compounds.
Falko P Drijfhout - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Phenotypic Plasticity of Nest-Mate Recognition Cues in Formica exsecta Ants
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: S.j. Martin, Falko P Drijfhout, Adam G. HartAbstract:It is well established that many ant species have evolved qualitatively distinct species-specific chemical profile that are stable over large geographical distances. Within these species profiles quantitative variations in the chemical profile allows distinct colony-specific odours to arise (chemotypes) that are shared by all colony members. This help maintains social cohesion, including defence of their colonies against all intruders, including con-specifics. How these colony -level chemotypes are maintained among nest-Mates has long been debated. The two main theories are; each ant is able to biochemically adjust its chemical profile to ‘match’ that of its nest-Mates and or the queen, or all nest-Mates share their individually generated chemical profile via trophollaxis resulting in an average nest-Mate profile. This ‘mixing’ idea is better known as the Gestalt model. Unfortunately, it has been very difficult to experimentally test these two ideas in a single experimental design. However, it is now possible using the ant Formica exsecta because the compounds used in nest-Mate Recognition compounds are known. We demonstrate that workers adjust their profile to ‘match’ the dominant chemical profile within that colony, hence maintaining the colony-specific chemotype and indicates that a ‘ gestalt ’ mechanism, i.e. profile mixing, plays no or only a minor role.
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The Long and the Short of Mate Attraction in a Psylloid: do Semiochemicals Mediate Mating in Aacanthocnema dobsoni Froggatt?
Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2016Co-Authors: Umar K. Lubanga, Kevin Farnier, Falko P Drijfhout, Martin J. SteinbauerAbstract:Mating is preceded by a series of interdependent events that can be broadly categorized into searching and courtship. Long-range signals convey species- and sex-specific information during searching, while short-range signals provide information specific to individuals during courtship. Studies have shown that cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) can be used for Mate Recognition in addition to protecting insects from desiccation. In Psylloidea, four species rely on semiochemicals for long-range Mate attraction. Psyllid mating research has focused on long-range Mate attraction and has largely ignored the potential use of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) as Mate Recognition cues. This study investigated whether CHCs of Aacanthocnema dobsoni have semiochemical activity for long- and short-range communication prior to mating. Using a solid sampler for solvent-less injection of whole psyllids into coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we found quantitative, sex- and age-related differences in CHC profiles. Males had higher proportions of 2-MeC28, 11,15-diMeC29, and n-C33 alkanes, while females had higher proportions of 5-MeC27, 3-MeC27, 5,15-diMeC27, n-C29 and n-C30 alkanes. In males and females, 84 and 68 % of CHCs varied with age, respectively. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays provided no evidence that males or females responded to odors emanating from groups of conspecifics of the opposite sex. Tests of male and female psyllids for attraction to branchlets previously occupied by conspecifics showed no evidence of attraction to possible semiochemical residues. Our short-range chemoreception bioassay showed that males were as indifferent to freshly killed individuals of either sex with intact CHC profiles as to those treated with hexane (to remove CHCs). Aacanthocnema dobsoni utilizes substrate–borne vibrations (SBVs) for communication. Therefore, our results indicate that SBVs are probably more important than semiochemicals for long-range Mate attraction. Furthermore, CHCs are unlikely to mediate short-range Mate Recognition or provide Mate assessment cues.
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genetic diversity colony chemical phenotype and nest Mate Recognition in the ant formica fusca
Behavioral Ecology, 2011Co-Authors: Heikki Helanterä, Falko P Drijfhout, Yasmin R Lee, S.j. MartinAbstract:Recognition of relatives is often crucial for adaptive social behavior, but availability of Recognition cues may limit adaptation. Social insect workers direct altruism toward relatives through nest Mate Recognition. We studied whether genetic diversity increases nest Mate Recognition cue diversity and weakens nest Mate Recognition behavior in the ant Formica fusca that has both multiple and single queen societies in sympatric populations. Despite larger genetic diversity in multiple queen than single queen colonies, we found no differences in chemical Recognition cue diversity or aggression toward non-nest Mates in behavioral bioassays. The results suggest that the relationship between individual genotypes and the colony chemical phenotype is a complex interaction of genes and the environment, including the social setting of the colony and that increase in genetic diversity does not increase cue diversity to levels that would cause informational constraints on Recognition behavior in the species. Key words: chemical diversity, Formica, genetic diversity, kin selection, nest Mate Recognition, social insects. [Behav Ecol]
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Chemical basis of nest-Mate discrimination in the ant Formica exsecta
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: S.j. Martin, E. Vitikainen, Heikki Helanterä, Falko P DrijfhoutAbstract:Distinguishing nest-Mates from non-nest-Mates underlies key animal behaviours, such as territoriality, altruism and the evolution of sociality. Despite its importance, there is very little empirical support for such a mechanism in nature. Here we provide data that the nest-Mate Recognition mechanism in an ant is based on a colony-specific Z9-alkene signature, proving that surface chemicals are indeed used in ant nest-Mate Recognition as was suggested 100 years ago. We investigated the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of 10 Formica exsecta colonies that are composed almost entirely of a Z9-alkene and alkane component. Then we showed that worker aggression is only elicited by the Z9-alkene part. This was confirmed using synthetic Z9-alkene and alkane blends matched to the individual colony profiles of the two most different chemical colonies. In both colonies, only glass beads with 'nest-Mate' alkene profiles received reduced aggression. Finally, changing the abundance of a single Z9-alkene on live ants was shown to significantly increase the aggression they received from nest-Mates in all five colonies tested. Our data suggest that nest-Mate discrimination in the social insects has evolved to rely upon highly sensitive responses to relatively few compounds.
