Such changes are consistent with anti-predator response and represent either an innate response when prey are more vulnerable or shape optimization when faced with increased drag. We conclude that phenotypic expression depends critically on patterns of temporal variability in the environment, although the actual extent of expression depends on the specific trait in question. “
“Identifying biological trends and threats to organisms that make long distance migrations are often the limiting factors in their conservation. Indeed, Laysan

albatross Phoebastria immutabilis are highly vagile seabirds, PD-1/PD-L1 cancer foraging throughout the North Pacific Ocean. Despite mark–recapture data indicating natal philopatry, Laysan albatross recently re-colonized several anthropogenically extirpated breeding locations. At the same time, a breeding population in the north-western Hawaiian Islands was lost to erosion and it was hypothesized that the colonization events were due to displacement rather than dispersal. Nuclear and mitochondrial markers were used in a range wide survey to test whether natal philopatry corresponded selleckchem to population structure in Laysan albatross, and to determine whether recent colonization events were a result of displacement from vanishing

breeding habitat. Five microsatellite loci found little population structure (FST=0.01, P=0.001), and sequences from the mitochondrial control region revealed low population structure (πST=0.05, P<0.001). The results were consistent with male-mediated dispersal and strong, but not absolute, philopatry by females. Mixed stock analyses and banding records from the newly colonized sites indicated contributions from multiple source populations, which contradicted the displacement hypothesis of a single source

population and instead supported species-wide dispersal from all source colonies. High genetic diversity (π=0.045, h=0.989), rapid colonization, and great dispersal potential bode well for the conservation of Laysan albatross. However, it may be necessary to protect high-island nesting sites, preserve genetic diversity and maintain breeding populations in the face of projected sea level rises and persistent bycatch. “
“Colour polymorphism is a widespread phenomenon 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 among reptiles and is often associated with alternative physiological and behavioural strategies, including dispersal and movement patterns. To test the homing ability of Podarcis muralis and look for morph-specific responses, we conducted a translocation experiment in two areas of Northern Italy during 2009 and 2010. The first study area was a wall surrounding a city park with a linear and simplified habitat structure; the second one was an archaeological park in a natural area, including stone walls remains, grasses and woods.