Invasive alien pest insect species represent a major threat for agriculture and biodiversity. Because chemical treatments employed to contrast such pests elicit serious environmental and human health problems, a great...Invasive alien pest insect species represent a major threat for agriculture and biodiversity. Because chemical treatments employed to contrast such pests elicit serious environmental and human health problems, a great effort is currently directed to develop long term and environmentally friendly biological control strategies. However, the successful application of some promising techniques, such as the Sterile Insect Technique （SIT）, requires a deep knowledge of the pest basic biology. Here, we argue that understanding pest sexual biology using a social network approach can significantly improve the performance of con- trol strategies. For example, SIT may benefit from understanding how individuals interact and how males accede to reproduction, in order to target the most reproductively active and polygamic males. In this paper we studied the socio-sexual networks of the Asian red palm weevil （RPW） Rhynchophorusferrugineus, a worldwide invader which is causing heavy economic impacts on several palm species. We found that the RPW has a highly promiscuous mating system, characterized by forced interruptions of pair copulations by additional males. The social network is highly non-random nor regular： few males almost monopolize repro- duction, behaving as key-players in the network of matings. Additionally, males have a stable pattern of sexual behaviour over time. We use RPW social network as a case study to direct the development of management techniques such as SIT strategy [Current Zoology 61 （1）： 85-97, 2015].展开更多
In the 21st century, people have come to the era of ocean science and ocean economy. With the development of ocean science and technology and the thorough research on the ocean, underwater mating technique has been wi...In the 21st century, people have come to the era of ocean science and ocean economy. With the development of ocean science and technology and the thorough research on the ocean, underwater mating technique has been widely used in such fields as sunk ship salvage, deep ocean workstation, submarine lifesaving aid and military affairs. In this paper, researches are made home and abroad on mating technology. Two-joint mating system of underwater vehicle is designed including plane system, three-dimensional assembly system and control system in order to increase the capacity of adapting platform obliquity and adopting rotational skirt scheme. It is clear that the system fits the working space of underwater vehicle passageway and there is no interference phenomenon in assembly design. The finite element model of the system shell and the pressurization of the joint are established. The results of the finite element computing and the pressing test are accordant, and thus it can testify that the shell material meet the need of intension and joint pressurization is reliable. Modeling of the control system is accomplished, and simulation and analysis are made, which can provide directions for the controller design of mating system of underwater vehicles.展开更多
The Himalayan marmot Marmota himalayana is widely distributed across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and lives in social groups,yet the mating system of this highly social marmot species is unknown.In this study,the genet...The Himalayan marmot Marmota himalayana is widely distributed across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and lives in social groups,yet the mating system of this highly social marmot species is unknown.In this study,the genetic mating system of Himalayan marmots was inves-tigated using microsatellite markers to determine which mating strategies individuals employ.Results revealed that both monogamous and polygamous mating relationships occur in our study population,indicating that the genetic mating system of this marmot species is promiscuity.This study presents the first genetic evidence on the mating system for Himalayan marmots,yet indicates that further studies employing both a genetic and behavioral framework are needed to better understand the social structure and reproductive biology of this marmotspecies.展开更多
Megalobrama pellegrini is a cyprinid fish endemic to upper reaches of the Changjiang(Yangtze)River,China,which is also an important economic species in the local area.In recent years,resources of this species have dec...Megalobrama pellegrini is a cyprinid fish endemic to upper reaches of the Changjiang(Yangtze)River,China,which is also an important economic species in the local area.In recent years,resources of this species have decreased sharply and its conservation has drawn great attention.In the present study,we collected 120 individuals from the Longxi River,a tributary isolated from the main channel of the Changjiang River,where M.pellegrini is still relatively abundant.Using two different molecular markers,mitochondrial cytochrome b(cyt b)gene,and nuclear microsatellite(simple sequence repeat,SSR),we analyzed the genetic diversity of this isolated population.The results show that sequence genetic diversity was low(Hd:0.290 and P i:0.000 77 for cyt b gene),while the SSR genetic diversity was high(Ho:0.824 4±0.147 2,He:0.823 5±0.145 1).Analysis indicated that this population had experienced a bottleneck,with inbreeding and small effective population size(around 50).Based on SSR data,relatedness analyzing revealed that the 120 samples were grouped into 10 completely independent clusters.It was inferred that the mating system of M.pellegrini was polygamy.We suggested that the low genetic diversity could be induced by the overfishing and inbreeding depression.Therefore,we suggested that the urgent conservation measures should be taken to control the overfi shing and give better conditions for the fish to grow and spawn,then to restore population size.展开更多
While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms by which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social ...While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms by which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social environment remains enigmatic. We set out to uncover endocrine correlates of mate choice, social environment, and reproductive investment in female red-backed fairy-wrens Malurus melanocephalus. In this socially monogamous, yet highly sexually promiscuous species, females experience discrete variation in the phenotype of their mates, which vary in both plumage signals and level of paternal care, and in the composition of their breeding groups, which consist of either the pair alone or with an additional cooperative auxiliary; fe- male investment varies according to these social parameters. We found that androgen, estrogen, and glucorticoid levels varied with reproductive stage, with highest androgen and estrogen concentrations during nest construction and highest corticosterone concentrations during the pre-breeding stage. These stage-dependent patterns did not vary with male phenotype or auxiliary presence, though androgen levels during pre-breeding mate selection were lower in females obtaining red/black mates than those obtaining brown mates. We found no evidence that androgen, estrogen, or corticosterone levels during the fertile period were re- lated to extra-pair young （EPY） frequency. This study demonstrates clear changes in steroid levels with reproductive stage, though it found little support for variation with social environment. We suggest hormonal responsiveness to social factors may be physiologically constrained in ways that are bypassed through exogenous hormone manipulations.展开更多
Camellia oleifera Abel.is an important economic tree species of southern China.In this study,we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity of a series of cultivars of C.oleifera‘Ruan Zhi’.A total of 159 indiv...Camellia oleifera Abel.is an important economic tree species of southern China.In this study,we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity of a series of cultivars of C.oleifera‘Ruan Zhi’.A total of 159 individuals from the progenies of four cultivars were tested by simple sequence repeat molecular markers.Results reveal that 11 pairs of primers showed polymorphism and their polymorphism information content value was greater than 0.73,suggesting that these primers could be used to identify the genetic diversity of open-pollinated populations.The average number of effective alleles(Ne=4.88)was significantly different from the average number of alleles(Na=12.18),and their distribution in the sample population was not uniform.The average observed heterozygosity(Ho=0.96)was greater than the average expected heterozygosity(He=0.79),and the population heterozygote was excessive.Shannon index was 1.84 and populations showed high genetic diversity.As regards to the mating system,the multilocus outcrossing rate was 0.996,and the single locus 0.866.These results indicate a high degree of outcrossing by C.oleifera‘Ruan Zhi’.We recommend selecting individuals for high genetic gain from the progenies of cultivars because of outcrossing characteristics and genetic diversity for application to germplasm conservation and promotion.展开更多
Attendance patterns are a key factor affecting sexual selection and mating systems in lekbreeding species.However,there are few systematic studies on attendance patterns in lek-breeding anurans.In this study,we monito...Attendance patterns are a key factor affecting sexual selection and mating systems in lekbreeding species.However,there are few systematic studies on attendance patterns in lek-breeding anurans.In this study,we monitored a population of Omei treefrogs(Rhacophorus omeimontis) for four consecutive years to reveal in detail the effects of attendance patterns on mating systems.We found that(1) female nightly attendance was affected by male nightly attendance,and operational sex ratios(determined by male and female nightly attendance) ultimately determined the extent of female polyandry;(2) males surviving more than one breeding season maintained high chorus attendance and mating success,suggesting that male chorus attendance is a good predictor of male genetic quality;(3) the distributions of male mating success were not significantly different from a Poisson distribution,indicating a random mating pattern;and male mating success was not related to body size(size-assortative mating was not evident) but was significantly correlated with chorus attendance.Since the chorus attendance is a predictor of male genetic quality,females performing random mating were more likely to mate with more frequently present males and could therefore gain indirect benefits from mating with higher-than-average quality males,thereby producing good offspring without incurring the significant costs involved in prolonged searching for,and assessing males.Our systematic survey on the relationship between attendance patterns and the lek mating system in R.omeimontis could help us better understand in-depth anuran lek mating systems.展开更多
Background: The mating system of the korhaans and bustards in southern Africa is either based on polygyny or monogamy. The Red-crested Korhaan(Lophotis ruficrista) has been described as polygynous but otherwise very l...Background: The mating system of the korhaans and bustards in southern Africa is either based on polygyny or monogamy. The Red-crested Korhaan(Lophotis ruficrista) has been described as polygynous but otherwise very little is known about its breeding biology. The aims were to describe the population structure and male behavior during breeding.Methods: The data collected for this paper was mainly based on field transect surveys carried out in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The population structure of the Red-crested Korhaan in the temperate Borakalalo Game Reserve(BGR)was compared with that in the arid Molopo Nature Reserve(MNR)(both situated in the North West province of South Africa). The study was mainly conducted in the BGR but additional work was conducted in the MNR for comparison.Results: The difference in mean group sizes between MNR(1.03) and BGR(1.07) was statistically not significant.Group sizes were not affected by climate despite the fact that the BGR received about 650 mm precipitation per annum and the MNR about 200 mm. In both reserves the apparent sex ratios were skewed in favor of males(1:0.29 in the BGR and 1:0.1 in the MNR). The population was dispersed in a clumped manner which is ascribed to the formation of leks. Leks were positioned in open habitat while females invariably concealed themselves under cover.Conclusions: The leks formed the pivot of the mating system of the Red-crested Korhaan and are identifiable social structures that field ecologists can use to monitor population stability.展开更多
The mating systems and floral traits often among relatives of hermaphroditic plants can exhibit considerable diversity.This diversity can be influenced by the evolution of selfing and associated floral traits as a for...The mating systems and floral traits often among relatives of hermaphroditic plants can exhibit considerable diversity.This diversity can be influenced by the evolution of selfing and associated floral traits as a form of reproductive assurance(RA)when pollen limitation(PL)results from insufficient pollinator availability.To explore whether the degree of PL primarily drives differences in mating systems and floral traits,we conducted a comprehensive study involving two closely related species,Halenia elliptica and Halenia grandiflora,in three sympatric sites.We investigated floral characteristics,pollinator visitation,PL,autonomous selfing ability,RA and mating system in studied populations.Our findings show that H.elliptica produces smaller flowers and less nectar production than H.grandiflora,making it less attractive to pollinators.Compared with H.grandiflora,H.elliptica experienced more severe outcross pollen limitation(OPL),but compensates with a higher capacity for autonomous selfing,ensuring seed production under natural conditions.Moreover,significant differences in mating systems were detected between them,with H.elliptica exhibiting a higher selfing rate than H.grandiflora across all studied sympatric populations.These differences are also reflected in variations in herkogamy and dichogamy.Our study suggested that the degree of OPL impacts the divergence in mating systems and floral traits between sympatric closely related species,offering valuable insights into the evolution of plant mating systems and floral traits.展开更多
Mating patterns in angiosperms are typically nonrandom,yet the mechanisms driving nonrandom mating remain unclear,especially regarding the effects of quantitative floral traits on plant mating success across male and ...Mating patterns in angiosperms are typically nonrandom,yet the mechanisms driving nonrandom mating remain unclear,especially regarding the effects of quantitative floral traits on plant mating success across male and female functions.In this study,we investigated how variation in spur length and flower number per plant influences mating patterns in Aquilegia rockii within a natural population.Using marker-based paternity analyses and manipulative experiments,we assessed the role of these traits in mating success across both sexual functions.We found significant variation in the mate composition between male and female function,with spur-length frequency positively associated with female outcrossing rate and mate number,but not with male outcrossing or mate number.Most mating events occurred within 10 m,and spur-length frequency positively correlated with mating distance.Regardless of selfing,there was evidence for assortative mating for spur length.Although spur length did not correlate with pollinator visitation,plants with mid-length spurs had higher seed set than those with shorter or longer spurs when autonomous selfing was excluded.Flowers number per plant was only associated with mating distance and female outcrossing rate.Our results suggest that spur length plays a key role in nonrandom mating by frequency-dependent mating,with implications for stabilizing selection and maintenance of genetic diversity.This study advances our understanding of floral diversity by dissecting the role of quantitative floral traits in plant mating through both female and male functions.展开更多
The fall armyworm(Spodoptera frugiperda)is an invasive species and a destructive pest of maize,which significantly impacts native species and communities via complex mechanisms like competition for resources.However,t...The fall armyworm(Spodoptera frugiperda)is an invasive species and a destructive pest of maize,which significantly impacts native species and communities via complex mechanisms like competition for resources.However,the interaction between S.frugiperda and local pests remains unclear.In this study,we determined that Oriental armyworm(Mythimna separata)females with different mating status displayed different approach-avoidance behaviors towards maize which was infested by S.frugiperda larvae.The virgin M.separata females were repelled,while the mated females were attracted by the S.frugiperda-infested maize.To further understand the olfactory mechanism of this phenomenon,seven volatiles induced by S.frugiperda in maize were characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry(GC-MS),including trans-2-hexenal,linalool,trans-β-farnesene,cis-3-hexenyl acetate,β-caryophyllene,trans-α-bergamotene,and isopentyl acetate.Additionally,electrophysiological and behavioral assays of the seven compounds were performed using both virgin and mated females of M.separata.We determined that virgin and mated females displayed different responses to the herbivore-induced plant volatile(HIPV).Trans-β-farnesene was the core compound for repelling virgin females,and trans-2-hexenal was the key attractant for oviposition in mated female M.separata individuals.These findings help our comprehension of the relationships between maize pests and offer new possibilities for controlling them by olfactory-based strategies.展开更多
Brain size varies dramatically across populations and species in anuran species.The differences in structure,function,or size of brains are linked to processing specific cognitive tasks by different behaviors.In parti...Brain size varies dramatically across populations and species in anuran species.The differences in structure,function,or size of brains are linked to processing specific cognitive tasks by different behaviors.In particular,the causes of how male-male competition promotes the increased cognitive abilities to increase brains are as yet unexplored in anurans.To evaluate the effect of male-male competition on variation in brain size in B.andrewsi,we compared the differences in relative brain size between mated males and unpaired males under natural and experimental conditions.We found that mated males had relatively larger brains than unpaired males in a natural population when controlling the effect of body size.Likewise,we also found that there were larger brains in mated males than in unpaired males in both experiment 1 where two males competed for a female and experiment 2 where three males competed for a female,suggesting that males with mating success during male-male competition possess increased brain size and cognitive abilities.When we compared difference in relative brain size in mated males between experiment2 and experiment 1 we found that males experiencing more intense competition did not display larger brains than males experiencing relatively weak competition,suggesting that low intensity competition is already enough to trigger the increase in relative brain size in B.andrewsi.展开更多
Tracking and mating data of Common Terns(Sterna hirundo)breeding in a single colony in north-eastern Germany were used to test for assortative mating in regards to migratory phenotypes.These birds use the eastern and ...Tracking and mating data of Common Terns(Sterna hirundo)breeding in a single colony in north-eastern Germany were used to test for assortative mating in regards to migratory phenotypes.These birds use the eastern and western African migration routes and three different wintering areas along the African coast.However,no assortative mating was found for either migratory route or wintering area,as birds using both flyways and all three wintering areas paired randomly,which might be explained by a lack of difference in the arrival date at the colony between the groups.These results might indicate a low degree of genetic fixation of migratory route and wintering area in the Common Tern,which might hint that migratory direction and wintering sites could be passed to young terns via social learning,either by joining the parents or migratory flocks of conspecifics.If migratory phenotypes are passed on by a parent,it seems more likely that it is passed from father to young,as female Common Terns tend to leave the colony earlier and males provide the majority of post-fledging care.展开更多
The frugivorous ＂true＂ fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni （Queensland fruit fly）, is presumed to have a nonresourced-based lek mating system. This is largely untested, and contrary data exists to suggest Bactrocera tryo...The frugivorous ＂true＂ fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni （Queensland fruit fly）, is presumed to have a nonresourced-based lek mating system. This is largely untested, and contrary data exists to suggest Bactrocera tryoni may have a resource-based mating system focused on fruiting host plants. We tested the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni, and its close sibling Bactrocera neohumeralis, in large field cages using laboratory reared flies. We used observational experiments that allowed us to determine if： （i） mating pairs were aggregated or nonaggregated; （ii） mating system was resource or nonresource based; （iii） flies utilized possible landmarks （tall trees over short） as mate-rendezvous sites; and （iv） males called females from male-dominated leks. We recorded nearly 250 Bactrocera tryoni mating pairs across all experiments, revealing that： （i） mating pairs were aggregated; （ii） mating nearly always occurred in tall trees over short; （iii） mating was nonresource based; and （iv） that males and females arrived at the mate-rendezvous site together with no evidence that males preceded females. Bactrocera neohumeralis copulations were much more infrequent （only 30 mating pairs in total）, but for those pairs there was a similar preference for tall trees and no evidence of a resource-based mating system. Some aspects of Bactrocera tryoni mating behavior align with theoretical expectations of a lekking system, but others do not. Until evidence for unequivocal female choice can be provided （as predicted under a true lek）, the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni is best described as a nonresource based, aggregation system for which we also have evidence that land-marking may be involved.展开更多
Aims Rhodiola dumulosa is a perennial herb growing in a naturally fragmented habitat of high-mountain rocks.This research aims to(i)investigate the mating system characteristics and pollination biology of R.dumulosa,(...Aims Rhodiola dumulosa is a perennial herb growing in a naturally fragmented habitat of high-mountain rocks.This research aims to(i)investigate the mating system characteristics and pollination biology of R.dumulosa,(ii)study the effects of ecological factors on the mating system and pollination biology of R.dumulosa and(iii)assess the relationship between its pollination and mating system.Methods Mating system parameters were analysed using allozyme markers.Growth of pollen tubes from artificial self-and cross-pollination was also examined.Field investigations were conducted on insect flower visitation during the blooming period of R.dumulosa.Relationships among mating system,insect flower visitation frequency and environmental factors were assessed.Important Findings The results showed that(i)R.dumulosa has a mixed-mating system:it is self-compatible and primarily outbreeding,with the multilocus outcrossing rate(tm)ranging from 0.58960.078(6 standard deviation)to 0.84660.077;inbreeding coefficients of maternal parents(F)were zero,indicating that inbreeding depression was intense.(ii)Light intensity and temperature impacted the visitation of the principal pollinators,the syrphid Eristalis tenax and the bumblebee Bombus pyrosoma.(iii)Population size plays an important role in the mating system and pollination.Populations received more frequent visits by the principal pollinators usually had higher outcrossing rates.Pollination to some extent affects the mating system of R.dumulosa and it is important to maintain large populations to prevent further inbreeding and to maintain pollinators to facilitate outcrossing.展开更多
We present a new approach based on honey-bee mating optimization to estimate the state variables in distribution networks including distributed generators. The proposed method considers practical models of electrical ...We present a new approach based on honey-bee mating optimization to estimate the state variables in distribution networks including distributed generators. The proposed method considers practical models of electrical equipments such as static var compensators, voltage regulators, and under-load tap changer transformers, which have usually nonlinear and discrete characteristics. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by comparison with the methods based on neural networks, ant colony optimization, and genetic algorithms for two test systems, a network with 34-bus radial test feeders and a realistic 80-bus 20 kV network.展开更多
Anthropogenic pollutants have the potential to disrupt reproductive strategies. Little is known about how lead （Pb2＋） exposure disrupts individual-level responses in reproductive behaviors, which are important for ...Anthropogenic pollutants have the potential to disrupt reproductive strategies. Little is known about how lead （Pb2＋） exposure disrupts individual-level responses in reproductive behaviors, which are important for fitness. Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model system to deter- mine the effects of： 1） developmental lead exposure on pre-mating reproductive behaviors （i.e., mate preference）, and 2） lead exposure and mating preferences on fitness in the F0 parental generation and F1 un-exposed offspring. Wild-type strains of D. melanogaster were reared from egg stage to adulthood in control or leaded medium （250 μM PbAc） and tested for differences in： mate preference, male song performance, sex pheromone expression, fecundity, mortality, and body weight. F0 leaded females preferentially mated with leaded males （i.e., asymmetrical positive assortative mating） in 2-choice tests. This positive assortative mating was mediated by the females （and not the males） and was dependent upon context and developmental exposure to Pb. Neither the courtship song nor the sex pheromone profile expressed by control and leaded males medi- ated the positive assortative mating in leaded females. Leaded females did not incur a fitness cost in terms of reduced fecundity, increased mortality, or decreased body weight by mating with leaded males. These results suggest that sublethal exposure to lead during development can alter mate preferences in adults, but not fitness measures once lead exposure has been removed. We suggest that changes in mate preference may induce fitness costs, as well as long-term population and multi-generational implications, if pollution is persistent in the environment.展开更多
Being a safe and highly-efficient mining method, fully mechanized mining with sublevel caving （FMMSC） was extensively employed in Chinese coal mines with thick seam. In order to make drawing top-coal furthest to par...Being a safe and highly-efficient mining method, fully mechanized mining with sublevel caving （FMMSC） was extensively employed in Chinese coal mines with thick seam. In order to make drawing top-coal furthest to parallel work with shearer cutting coal, decrease failure ratio of rear scraper conveyor and increase safe production capacity of equipments, based on production technology, set up the mating model of safe production capacity of equipments for the system of drawing top-coal and shearer cutting coal in coal face with sublevel caving. It is mean capability of drawing top-coal adapted to the capability of shearer cutting coal in a working circle in the coal face that was deduced. The type selection of equipment of rear scraper conveyor can be tackled with this mating model. The model was applied in FMMSC in Yangcun Coal Mine, Yima Coal Group of China. With the mating light-equipments, the coal output in coal face attained 1.05 Mt in 2004. It gained better technical-economic benefit.展开更多
Theory predicts that males and females of dioecious species typically engage in an evolutionary sexual conflict over the frequency and choice of mating partner.Female sexual cannibalism,a particularly dramatic illustr...Theory predicts that males and females of dioecious species typically engage in an evolutionary sexual conflict over the frequency and choice of mating partner.Female sexual cannibalism,a particularly dramatic illustration of this conflict,is widespread in certain animal taxa including spiders.Nevertheless,females of some funnel weaving spiders that are generally aggressive to conspecifics enter a cataleptic state after male courtship,ensuring the males can mate without risk of attack.In this study,we demonstrated that the physical posture and duration,metabo-lites,and central neurotransmitters of females of Aterigena aculeata in sexual catalepsy closely resemble females in thanatosis but are distinct from those in anesthesia,indicating that the courted females feign death to eliminate the risk of potentially aggressive responses and thereby allow preferred males to mate.Unlike the taxonomically widespread thanatosis,which generally represents a deceptive visual signal that acts against the interest of the receivers,sexual catalepsy of females in the funnel weaving spiders may deliver a sexual-receptive signal to the courting males and thereby benefit both the signal senders and receivers.Therefore,sexual catalepsy in A.aculeata may not reflect a conflict butrather a confluence of interest betweenthe sexes.展开更多
文摘Invasive alien pest insect species represent a major threat for agriculture and biodiversity. Because chemical treatments employed to contrast such pests elicit serious environmental and human health problems, a great effort is currently directed to develop long term and environmentally friendly biological control strategies. However, the successful application of some promising techniques, such as the Sterile Insect Technique （SIT）, requires a deep knowledge of the pest basic biology. Here, we argue that understanding pest sexual biology using a social network approach can significantly improve the performance of con- trol strategies. For example, SIT may benefit from understanding how individuals interact and how males accede to reproduction, in order to target the most reproductively active and polygamic males. In this paper we studied the socio-sexual networks of the Asian red palm weevil （RPW） Rhynchophorusferrugineus, a worldwide invader which is causing heavy economic impacts on several palm species. We found that the RPW has a highly promiscuous mating system, characterized by forced interruptions of pair copulations by additional males. The social network is highly non-random nor regular： few males almost monopolize repro- duction, behaving as key-players in the network of matings. Additionally, males have a stable pattern of sexual behaviour over time. We use RPW social network as a case study to direct the development of management techniques such as SIT strategy [Current Zoology 61 （1）： 85-97, 2015].
基金supported by the Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. E091002)the Postdoctoral Science-Research Developmental Foundation of Heilongjiang province (Grant No. 323630299)
文摘In the 21st century, people have come to the era of ocean science and ocean economy. With the development of ocean science and technology and the thorough research on the ocean, underwater mating technique has been widely used in such fields as sunk ship salvage, deep ocean workstation, submarine lifesaving aid and military affairs. In this paper, researches are made home and abroad on mating technology. Two-joint mating system of underwater vehicle is designed including plane system, three-dimensional assembly system and control system in order to increase the capacity of adapting platform obliquity and adopting rotational skirt scheme. It is clear that the system fits the working space of underwater vehicle passageway and there is no interference phenomenon in assembly design. The finite element model of the system shell and the pressurization of the joint are established. The results of the finite element computing and the pressing test are accordant, and thus it can testify that the shell material meet the need of intension and joint pressurization is reliable. Modeling of the control system is accomplished, and simulation and analysis are made, which can provide directions for the controller design of mating system of underwater vehicles.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171487)State Forestry and Grassland Administration Bureau of ChinaPostdoctoral Research Grants at the Central South University of Forestry and Technology(45220003).
文摘The Himalayan marmot Marmota himalayana is widely distributed across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and lives in social groups,yet the mating system of this highly social marmot species is unknown.In this study,the genetic mating system of Himalayan marmots was inves-tigated using microsatellite markers to determine which mating strategies individuals employ.Results revealed that both monogamous and polygamous mating relationships occur in our study population,indicating that the genetic mating system of this marmot species is promiscuity.This study presents the first genetic evidence on the mating system for Himalayan marmots,yet indicates that further studies employing both a genetic and behavioral framework are needed to better understand the social structure and reproductive biology of this marmotspecies.
基金Supported by the Research Project of China Three Gorges Corporation(No.0799570)the Special Funds for Young Scholars of Taxonomy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.ZSBR-005)
文摘Megalobrama pellegrini is a cyprinid fish endemic to upper reaches of the Changjiang(Yangtze)River,China,which is also an important economic species in the local area.In recent years,resources of this species have decreased sharply and its conservation has drawn great attention.In the present study,we collected 120 individuals from the Longxi River,a tributary isolated from the main channel of the Changjiang River,where M.pellegrini is still relatively abundant.Using two different molecular markers,mitochondrial cytochrome b(cyt b)gene,and nuclear microsatellite(simple sequence repeat,SSR),we analyzed the genetic diversity of this isolated population.The results show that sequence genetic diversity was low(Hd:0.290 and P i:0.000 77 for cyt b gene),while the SSR genetic diversity was high(Ho:0.824 4±0.147 2,He:0.823 5±0.145 1).Analysis indicated that this population had experienced a bottleneck,with inbreeding and small effective population size(around 50).Based on SSR data,relatedness analyzing revealed that the 120 samples were grouped into 10 completely independent clusters.It was inferred that the mating system of M.pellegrini was polygamy.We suggested that the low genetic diversity could be induced by the overfishing and inbreeding depression.Therefore,we suggested that the urgent conservation measures should be taken to control the overfi shing and give better conditions for the fish to grow and spawn,then to restore population size.
基金Acknowledgement We sincerely appreciate the commendable field efforts of a large number of field technicians who assisted with data collection during the course of this study, as well as logistical support provided by B. Congdon, T. Daniel, J. Lindsay and D. Westcott. We also thank members of the Schwabl and Webster labs for their valuable input throughout. Thanks also to Becca Sail＇an and Maren Vitousek for the invitation to contribute to this volume. This research was conducted with appropriate permits and permissions from the governments of Queensland and Australia, and material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation （USA） through grants to MSW and HS and a graduate traineeship to DGB.
文摘While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms by which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social environment remains enigmatic. We set out to uncover endocrine correlates of mate choice, social environment, and reproductive investment in female red-backed fairy-wrens Malurus melanocephalus. In this socially monogamous, yet highly sexually promiscuous species, females experience discrete variation in the phenotype of their mates, which vary in both plumage signals and level of paternal care, and in the composition of their breeding groups, which consist of either the pair alone or with an additional cooperative auxiliary; fe- male investment varies according to these social parameters. We found that androgen, estrogen, and glucorticoid levels varied with reproductive stage, with highest androgen and estrogen concentrations during nest construction and highest corticosterone concentrations during the pre-breeding stage. These stage-dependent patterns did not vary with male phenotype or auxiliary presence, though androgen levels during pre-breeding mate selection were lower in females obtaining red/black mates than those obtaining brown mates. We found no evidence that androgen, estrogen, or corticosterone levels during the fertile period were re- lated to extra-pair young （EPY） frequency. This study demonstrates clear changes in steroid levels with reproductive stage, though it found little support for variation with social environment. We suggest hormonal responsiveness to social factors may be physiologically constrained in ways that are bypassed through exogenous hormone manipulations.
基金supported by the applied technology research and development program of Liuzhou(No.2010020401)
文摘Camellia oleifera Abel.is an important economic tree species of southern China.In this study,we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity of a series of cultivars of C.oleifera‘Ruan Zhi’.A total of 159 individuals from the progenies of four cultivars were tested by simple sequence repeat molecular markers.Results reveal that 11 pairs of primers showed polymorphism and their polymorphism information content value was greater than 0.73,suggesting that these primers could be used to identify the genetic diversity of open-pollinated populations.The average number of effective alleles(Ne=4.88)was significantly different from the average number of alleles(Na=12.18),and their distribution in the sample population was not uniform.The average observed heterozygosity(Ho=0.96)was greater than the average expected heterozygosity(He=0.79),and the population heterozygote was excessive.Shannon index was 1.84 and populations showed high genetic diversity.As regards to the mating system,the multilocus outcrossing rate was 0.996,and the single locus 0.866.These results indicate a high degree of outcrossing by C.oleifera‘Ruan Zhi’.We recommend selecting individuals for high genetic gain from the progenies of cultivars because of outcrossing characteristics and genetic diversity for application to germplasm conservation and promotion.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31470442)。
文摘Attendance patterns are a key factor affecting sexual selection and mating systems in lekbreeding species.However,there are few systematic studies on attendance patterns in lek-breeding anurans.In this study,we monitored a population of Omei treefrogs(Rhacophorus omeimontis) for four consecutive years to reveal in detail the effects of attendance patterns on mating systems.We found that(1) female nightly attendance was affected by male nightly attendance,and operational sex ratios(determined by male and female nightly attendance) ultimately determined the extent of female polyandry;(2) males surviving more than one breeding season maintained high chorus attendance and mating success,suggesting that male chorus attendance is a good predictor of male genetic quality;(3) the distributions of male mating success were not significantly different from a Poisson distribution,indicating a random mating pattern;and male mating success was not related to body size(size-assortative mating was not evident) but was significantly correlated with chorus attendance.Since the chorus attendance is a predictor of male genetic quality,females performing random mating were more likely to mate with more frequently present males and could therefore gain indirect benefits from mating with higher-than-average quality males,thereby producing good offspring without incurring the significant costs involved in prolonged searching for,and assessing males.Our systematic survey on the relationship between attendance patterns and the lek mating system in R.omeimontis could help us better understand in-depth anuran lek mating systems.
文摘Background: The mating system of the korhaans and bustards in southern Africa is either based on polygyny or monogamy. The Red-crested Korhaan(Lophotis ruficrista) has been described as polygynous but otherwise very little is known about its breeding biology. The aims were to describe the population structure and male behavior during breeding.Methods: The data collected for this paper was mainly based on field transect surveys carried out in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The population structure of the Red-crested Korhaan in the temperate Borakalalo Game Reserve(BGR)was compared with that in the arid Molopo Nature Reserve(MNR)(both situated in the North West province of South Africa). The study was mainly conducted in the BGR but additional work was conducted in the MNR for comparison.Results: The difference in mean group sizes between MNR(1.03) and BGR(1.07) was statistically not significant.Group sizes were not affected by climate despite the fact that the BGR received about 650 mm precipitation per annum and the MNR about 200 mm. In both reserves the apparent sex ratios were skewed in favor of males(1:0.29 in the BGR and 1:0.1 in the MNR). The population was dispersed in a clumped manner which is ascribed to the formation of leks. Leks were positioned in open habitat while females invariably concealed themselves under cover.Conclusions: The leks formed the pivot of the mating system of the Red-crested Korhaan and are identifiable social structures that field ecologists can use to monitor population stability.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32271693)the Cultivating Plan Program for the Leader in Science and Technology of Yunnan Province(202405AC350111).
文摘The mating systems and floral traits often among relatives of hermaphroditic plants can exhibit considerable diversity.This diversity can be influenced by the evolution of selfing and associated floral traits as a form of reproductive assurance(RA)when pollen limitation(PL)results from insufficient pollinator availability.To explore whether the degree of PL primarily drives differences in mating systems and floral traits,we conducted a comprehensive study involving two closely related species,Halenia elliptica and Halenia grandiflora,in three sympatric sites.We investigated floral characteristics,pollinator visitation,PL,autonomous selfing ability,RA and mating system in studied populations.Our findings show that H.elliptica produces smaller flowers and less nectar production than H.grandiflora,making it less attractive to pollinators.Compared with H.grandiflora,H.elliptica experienced more severe outcross pollen limitation(OPL),but compensates with a higher capacity for autonomous selfing,ensuring seed production under natural conditions.Moreover,significant differences in mating systems were detected between them,with H.elliptica exhibiting a higher selfing rate than H.grandiflora across all studied sympatric populations.These differences are also reflected in variations in herkogamy and dichogamy.Our study suggested that the degree of OPL impacts the divergence in mating systems and floral traits between sympatric closely related species,offering valuable insights into the evolution of plant mating systems and floral traits.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32271693)the Cultivating Plan Program for the Leader in Science and Technology of Yunnan Province(202405AC350111)to ZQZ.
文摘Mating patterns in angiosperms are typically nonrandom,yet the mechanisms driving nonrandom mating remain unclear,especially regarding the effects of quantitative floral traits on plant mating success across male and female functions.In this study,we investigated how variation in spur length and flower number per plant influences mating patterns in Aquilegia rockii within a natural population.Using marker-based paternity analyses and manipulative experiments,we assessed the role of these traits in mating success across both sexual functions.We found significant variation in the mate composition between male and female function,with spur-length frequency positively associated with female outcrossing rate and mate number,but not with male outcrossing or mate number.Most mating events occurred within 10 m,and spur-length frequency positively correlated with mating distance.Regardless of selfing,there was evidence for assortative mating for spur length.Although spur length did not correlate with pollinator visitation,plants with mid-length spurs had higher seed set than those with shorter or longer spurs when autonomous selfing was excluded.Flowers number per plant was only associated with mating distance and female outcrossing rate.Our results suggest that spur length plays a key role in nonrandom mating by frequency-dependent mating,with implications for stabilizing selection and maintenance of genetic diversity.This study advances our understanding of floral diversity by dissecting the role of quantitative floral traits in plant mating through both female and male functions.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1400700)the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province,China(2308085MC89)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP)。
文摘The fall armyworm(Spodoptera frugiperda)is an invasive species and a destructive pest of maize,which significantly impacts native species and communities via complex mechanisms like competition for resources.However,the interaction between S.frugiperda and local pests remains unclear.In this study,we determined that Oriental armyworm(Mythimna separata)females with different mating status displayed different approach-avoidance behaviors towards maize which was infested by S.frugiperda larvae.The virgin M.separata females were repelled,while the mated females were attracted by the S.frugiperda-infested maize.To further understand the olfactory mechanism of this phenomenon,seven volatiles induced by S.frugiperda in maize were characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry(GC-MS),including trans-2-hexenal,linalool,trans-β-farnesene,cis-3-hexenyl acetate,β-caryophyllene,trans-α-bergamotene,and isopentyl acetate.Additionally,electrophysiological and behavioral assays of the seven compounds were performed using both virgin and mated females of M.separata.We determined that virgin and mated females displayed different responses to the herbivore-induced plant volatile(HIPV).Trans-β-farnesene was the core compound for repelling virgin females,and trans-2-hexenal was the key attractant for oviposition in mated female M.separata individuals.These findings help our comprehension of the relationships between maize pests and offer new possibilities for controlling them by olfactory-based strategies.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32370456)the Key Project of Natural Sciences Foundation of Sichuan Province (22NSFSC0011)。
文摘Brain size varies dramatically across populations and species in anuran species.The differences in structure,function,or size of brains are linked to processing specific cognitive tasks by different behaviors.In particular,the causes of how male-male competition promotes the increased cognitive abilities to increase brains are as yet unexplored in anurans.To evaluate the effect of male-male competition on variation in brain size in B.andrewsi,we compared the differences in relative brain size between mated males and unpaired males under natural and experimental conditions.We found that mated males had relatively larger brains than unpaired males in a natural population when controlling the effect of body size.Likewise,we also found that there were larger brains in mated males than in unpaired males in both experiment 1 where two males competed for a female and experiment 2 where three males competed for a female,suggesting that males with mating success during male-male competition possess increased brain size and cognitive abilities.When we compared difference in relative brain size in mated males between experiment2 and experiment 1 we found that males experiencing more intense competition did not display larger brains than males experiencing relatively weak competition,suggesting that low intensity competition is already enough to trigger the increase in relative brain size in B.andrewsi.
基金the Landesamt für Umwelt,Naturschutz und Geologie Mecklenburg-Vorpommern(LUNG M-V)the Orthop?die+Vital Zentrum Piro GmbH+2 种基金the Institut für Vogelforschung“Vogelwarte Helgoland”(IfV)the German Ornithologists’Society(DO-G,project“Migration behaviour of Western Pomeranian terns”)the University of Greifswald(“AG Vogelwarte”)。
文摘Tracking and mating data of Common Terns(Sterna hirundo)breeding in a single colony in north-eastern Germany were used to test for assortative mating in regards to migratory phenotypes.These birds use the eastern and western African migration routes and three different wintering areas along the African coast.However,no assortative mating was found for either migratory route or wintering area,as birds using both flyways and all three wintering areas paired randomly,which might be explained by a lack of difference in the arrival date at the colony between the groups.These results might indicate a low degree of genetic fixation of migratory route and wintering area in the Common Tern,which might hint that migratory direction and wintering sites could be passed to young terns via social learning,either by joining the parents or migratory flocks of conspecifics.If migratory phenotypes are passed on by a parent,it seems more likely that it is passed from father to young,as female Common Terns tend to leave the colony earlier and males provide the majority of post-fledging care.
文摘The frugivorous ＂true＂ fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni （Queensland fruit fly）, is presumed to have a nonresourced-based lek mating system. This is largely untested, and contrary data exists to suggest Bactrocera tryoni may have a resource-based mating system focused on fruiting host plants. We tested the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni, and its close sibling Bactrocera neohumeralis, in large field cages using laboratory reared flies. We used observational experiments that allowed us to determine if： （i） mating pairs were aggregated or nonaggregated; （ii） mating system was resource or nonresource based; （iii） flies utilized possible landmarks （tall trees over short） as mate-rendezvous sites; and （iv） males called females from male-dominated leks. We recorded nearly 250 Bactrocera tryoni mating pairs across all experiments, revealing that： （i） mating pairs were aggregated; （ii） mating nearly always occurred in tall trees over short; （iii） mating was nonresource based; and （iv） that males and females arrived at the mate-rendezvous site together with no evidence that males preceded females. Bactrocera neohumeralis copulations were much more infrequent （only 30 mating pairs in total）, but for those pairs there was a similar preference for tall trees and no evidence of a resource-based mating system. Some aspects of Bactrocera tryoni mating behavior align with theoretical expectations of a lekking system, but others do not. Until evidence for unequivocal female choice can be provided （as predicted under a true lek）, the mating system ofBactrocera tryoni is best described as a nonresource based, aggregation system for which we also have evidence that land-marking may be involved.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(30770356).
文摘Aims Rhodiola dumulosa is a perennial herb growing in a naturally fragmented habitat of high-mountain rocks.This research aims to(i)investigate the mating system characteristics and pollination biology of R.dumulosa,(ii)study the effects of ecological factors on the mating system and pollination biology of R.dumulosa and(iii)assess the relationship between its pollination and mating system.Methods Mating system parameters were analysed using allozyme markers.Growth of pollen tubes from artificial self-and cross-pollination was also examined.Field investigations were conducted on insect flower visitation during the blooming period of R.dumulosa.Relationships among mating system,insect flower visitation frequency and environmental factors were assessed.Important Findings The results showed that(i)R.dumulosa has a mixed-mating system:it is self-compatible and primarily outbreeding,with the multilocus outcrossing rate(tm)ranging from 0.58960.078(6 standard deviation)to 0.84660.077;inbreeding coefficients of maternal parents(F)were zero,indicating that inbreeding depression was intense.(ii)Light intensity and temperature impacted the visitation of the principal pollinators,the syrphid Eristalis tenax and the bumblebee Bombus pyrosoma.(iii)Population size plays an important role in the mating system and pollination.Populations received more frequent visits by the principal pollinators usually had higher outcrossing rates.Pollination to some extent affects the mating system of R.dumulosa and it is important to maintain large populations to prevent further inbreeding and to maintain pollinators to facilitate outcrossing.
文摘We present a new approach based on honey-bee mating optimization to estimate the state variables in distribution networks including distributed generators. The proposed method considers practical models of electrical equipments such as static var compensators, voltage regulators, and under-load tap changer transformers, which have usually nonlinear and discrete characteristics. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by comparison with the methods based on neural networks, ant colony optimization, and genetic algorithms for two test systems, a network with 34-bus radial test feeders and a realistic 80-bus 20 kV network.
文摘Anthropogenic pollutants have the potential to disrupt reproductive strategies. Little is known about how lead （Pb2＋） exposure disrupts individual-level responses in reproductive behaviors, which are important for fitness. Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model system to deter- mine the effects of： 1） developmental lead exposure on pre-mating reproductive behaviors （i.e., mate preference）, and 2） lead exposure and mating preferences on fitness in the F0 parental generation and F1 un-exposed offspring. Wild-type strains of D. melanogaster were reared from egg stage to adulthood in control or leaded medium （250 μM PbAc） and tested for differences in： mate preference, male song performance, sex pheromone expression, fecundity, mortality, and body weight. F0 leaded females preferentially mated with leaded males （i.e., asymmetrical positive assortative mating） in 2-choice tests. This positive assortative mating was mediated by the females （and not the males） and was dependent upon context and developmental exposure to Pb. Neither the courtship song nor the sex pheromone profile expressed by control and leaded males medi- ated the positive assortative mating in leaded females. Leaded females did not incur a fitness cost in terms of reduced fecundity, increased mortality, or decreased body weight by mating with leaded males. These results suggest that sublethal exposure to lead during development can alter mate preferences in adults, but not fitness measures once lead exposure has been removed. We suggest that changes in mate preference may induce fitness costs, as well as long-term population and multi-generational implications, if pollution is persistent in the environment.
文摘Being a safe and highly-efficient mining method, fully mechanized mining with sublevel caving （FMMSC） was extensively employed in Chinese coal mines with thick seam. In order to make drawing top-coal furthest to parallel work with shearer cutting coal, decrease failure ratio of rear scraper conveyor and increase safe production capacity of equipments, based on production technology, set up the mating model of safe production capacity of equipments for the system of drawing top-coal and shearer cutting coal in coal face with sublevel caving. It is mean capability of drawing top-coal adapted to the capability of shearer cutting coal in a working circle in the coal face that was deduced. The type selection of equipment of rear scraper conveyor can be tackled with this mating model. The model was applied in FMMSC in Yangcun Coal Mine, Yima Coal Group of China. With the mating light-equipments, the coal output in coal face attained 1.05 Mt in 2004. It gained better technical-economic benefit.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of China(no.32160243,no.32000301,no.32070429,no.31772423,no.82173799)the Science and Technology Foundation of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education(no.GJJ190543).
文摘Theory predicts that males and females of dioecious species typically engage in an evolutionary sexual conflict over the frequency and choice of mating partner.Female sexual cannibalism,a particularly dramatic illustration of this conflict,is widespread in certain animal taxa including spiders.Nevertheless,females of some funnel weaving spiders that are generally aggressive to conspecifics enter a cataleptic state after male courtship,ensuring the males can mate without risk of attack.In this study,we demonstrated that the physical posture and duration,metabo-lites,and central neurotransmitters of females of Aterigena aculeata in sexual catalepsy closely resemble females in thanatosis but are distinct from those in anesthesia,indicating that the courted females feign death to eliminate the risk of potentially aggressive responses and thereby allow preferred males to mate.Unlike the taxonomically widespread thanatosis,which generally represents a deceptive visual signal that acts against the interest of the receivers,sexual catalepsy of females in the funnel weaving spiders may deliver a sexual-receptive signal to the courting males and thereby benefit both the signal senders and receivers.Therefore,sexual catalepsy in A.aculeata may not reflect a conflict butrather a confluence of interest betweenthe sexes.
