Course Of Evolution Research Articles

Adaptation to a bacterial pathogen in Drosophila melanogaster is not aided by sexual selection.

Theory predicts that sexual selection should aid adaptation to novel environments, but empirical support for this idea is limited. Pathogens are a major driver of host evolution and, unlike abiotic selection pressures, undergo epidemiological and co‐evolutionary cycles with the host involving adaptation and counteradaptation. Because of this, populations harbor ample genetic variation underlying immunity and the opportunity for sexual selection based on condition‐dependent “good genes” is expected to be large. In this study, we evolved populations of Drosophila melanogaster in a 2‐way factorial design manipulating sexual selection and pathogen presence, using a gram‐negative insect pathogen Pseudomonas entomophila, for 14 generations. We then examined how the presence of sexual selection and the pathogen, as well as any potential interaction, affected the evolution of pathogen resistance. We found increased resistance to P. entomophila in populations that evolved under pathogen pressure, driven primarily by increased female survival after infection despite selection for resistance acting only on males over the course of experimental evolution. This result suggests that the genetic basis of resistance is in part shared between the sexes. We did not find any evidence of sexual selection aiding adaptation to pathogen, however, a finding contrary to the predictions of “good genes” theory. Our results therefore provide no support for a role for sexual selection in the evolution of immunity in this experimental system.

Ethos of evolutionary societal complexity

Consideration of the ethos component makes it possible to give a whole range picture of the essence of social arrangement at different stages of the evolution of communities. The living elements of Western and Eastern governance traditions presented in the cases display a great variety in the configuration of the coexistence of formal institutions and informal practices, which reveals an irreducible variability of the spectrum of social complexity. Attempts to artificially unify the governance environment are based on a project vision of reality, which, when in contact with the initial conditions of reform, can lead to counterproductive results and bounce back on the personal fate of decision-makers. In this regard, the problem of the ethos of the reformer's personal responsibility in conjunction with the continuity and cyclicality of the political process becomes highly relevant. Ethos in politics fits into the gap between the individual and the public — the gap in which choice is born. This formulation of the ethos issue creates the possibility of its two-vector consideration — from top to bottom and from bottom to the top. The first vector implies a deterministic need to make a decision in a situation that is represented in the literature as a «trolley problem» — a scalable choice based on a quantitative (good for the majority) or qualitative (value of an individual fate) criterion. A prerequisite for the cognitive «trolley model» is the configuration of the situation in such a way that inaction choice is not an ethically neutral alternative: it equates to a choice that is fully amenable to normative analysis, taking into account the consequences of such a decision for an individual and / or collective subject. The second vector of studying the ethos component in politics concerns the often contradictory sequence of steps in decision-making by an individual subject who has delegated the right to govern to a collective level subject. The problems of this analytical spectrum are presented in the «principal-agent» theory (M. Pollack) and are based on the role of information asymmetries. A principal delegating managerial authority to an agent assumes that the agent has more qualifications and expertise to make decisions in favor of the principal. After the conclusion of the «social contract of delegation», the agent does not always use these information asymmetries in order to benefit the principal. The described collisions, arising in the course of evolution in the ethos component of complex societies, significantly increase the difficulties in predicting the course of development of the immediate and distant consequences of current events, thus intensifying the dependence on the sole and collective subjects of political decisionmaking.

New Insights into the Chloroplast Outer Membrane Proteome and Associated Targeting Pathways.

Plastids are a dynamic class of organelle in plant cells that arose from an ancient cyanobacterial endosymbiont. Over the course of evolution, most genes encoding plastid proteins were transferred to the nuclear genome. In parallel, eukaryotic cells evolved a series of targeting pathways and complex proteinaceous machinery at the plastid surface to direct these proteins back to their target organelle. Chloroplasts are the most well-characterized plastids, responsible for photosynthesis and other important metabolic functions. The biogenesis and function of chloroplasts rely heavily on the fidelity of intracellular protein trafficking pathways. Therefore, understanding these pathways and their regulation is essential. Furthermore, the chloroplast outer membrane proteome remains relatively uncharted territory in our understanding of protein targeting. Many key players in the cytosol, receptors at the organelle surface, and insertases that facilitate insertion into the chloroplast outer membrane remain elusive for this group of proteins. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of well-characterized chloroplast outer membrane protein targeting pathways as well as provide new insights into novel targeting signals and pathways more recently identified using a bioinformatic approach. As a result of our analyses, we expand the known number of chloroplast outer membrane proteins from 117 to 138.

The macroevolutionary and developmental evolution of the turtle carapacial scutes

The scutes of the carapace of extant turtles exhibit common elements in a narrow range of topographical arrangements. The typical arrangement has remained constant since its origin in the clade Mesochelydia (Early Jurassic), after a period of apparent greater diversity in the Triassic. This contribution is a review of the development and evolutionary history of the scute patterns of the carapace, seen through the lens of recent developmental models. This yields insights on pattern variations in the fossil record. We reinterpret the “supracaudal” scute and propose thatProganochelyshad five vertebral scutes. We discuss the relationship between supramarginal scutes and Turing processes, and we show how a simple change during embryogenesis could account for origin of the configuration of the caudal region of the carapace in mesochelydians. We also discuss the nature of the decrease in number of scutes over the course of evolution, and whether macroevolutionary trends can be discerned. We argue that turtles with complete loss of scutes (e.g., softshells) follow clade-specific macroevolutionary regimes, which are distinct from the majority of other turtles. Finally, we draw a parallel between the variation of scute patterns on the carapace of turtles and the scale patterns in the pileus region (roof of the head) of squamates. The size and numbers of scales in the pileus region can evolve over a wide range, but we recognized tentative evidence of convergence towards a typical configuration when the scales become larger and fewer. Thus, typical patterns could be a more general property of similar systems of integumentary appendages.

Marine mammal sensory systems: Special issue overview.

Marine mammals are a unique group of organisms that are secondarily adapted to the aquatic environment. Their specific lifestyle requires numerous adaptations of anatomy and physiology in general, and sensory physiology in particular. During the course of evolution, marine mammal senses changed to fit with the specific requirements of underwater sensing, while at the same time retaining aerial sensing to various degrees. In this special issue, state of the art science in the field of marine mammal sensory research is reported for representatives of all marine mammal groups, unfortunately with the exclusion of the polar bear. The articles focus on somatosensation of the glabrous skin of cetaceans and mechanoreception, including haptics, hydrodynamics, and acoustics, to chemoreception. Articles even deal with electroreception, highlighting that the bottlenose dolphin can perceive weak electric stimuli, and vision, indicating that harbor seals are able to derive temporal information from an optical stimulus. Altogether this special issue illustrates the diversity of research in the field regarding sensory systems, species, or experimental approaches. The strength of this special issue lies in the combination of carefully conducted anatomical studies paired with observations and behavioral studies attempting to relate "form" and "function" as well as in the many impulses and future avenues mentioned by numerous contributions.

The Effect of Photoperiodic Conditions on GnRH/LH Secretion in Ewes.

Simple SummaryDuring the course of evolution, animals have evolved biological rhythms that are associated with changes in the lighting and temperature of their environment. Females in most breeds of sheep are seasonal breeders, with ovulatory cycles occurring in the autumn and winter and anovulation in the spring and summer. Secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone, the main hormones regulating reproduction in females, displays a circadian pattern; however, data concerning the day/night differences in their secretion in ewes are incomplete. The aim of the undertaken study was to determine the day/night differences in the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone in follicular phase and anestrous ewes. It was demonstrated that secretion of investigated hormones is subject to diurnal and seasonal changes. The observed reduction in luteinizing hormone release, a few hours after the sunset, seems to be universal for both the anestrus and follicular phase. It could be concluded that the nocturnal suppression of luteinizing hormone secretion in follicular phase ewes may be a mechanism moving this hormone surge to the early morning.Secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) displays a circadian pattern. Data concerning differences in daily GnRH/LH secretion during different seasons in sheep are fragmentary. The aim of the study was to determine day/night differences in GnRH/LH secretion in the follicular phase and in the anestrous ewes. The studies were performed on Blackhead ewes (n = 24). Ewes from each season were divided into two groups of six animals (day and night group). The animals were euthanized 5 h after sunset or 5 h after sunrise and blood was taken to determine LH and melatonin concentrations. In the hypothalamus, the expression of GnRH and gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) was determined. In the anterior pituitary, the expression of mRNA encoding subunit β of LH (LHβ) and GnRHR was assayed. Our study showed that GnRH/LH secretion is subject to diurnal and seasonal changes. The observed reduction in LH release, a few hours after the sunset, seems to be universal for both the anestrus and follicular phase, when the processes occurring at the hypothalamus are more equivocal. It could be concluded that the nocturnal suppression of LH secretion in follicular phase ewes may be a mechanism moving the LH surge to the early morning.

Is knowledge of evolution useful? A mixed methods examination of college biology students’ views

ABSTRACT This mixed methods study explores college biology students’ perceptions of the utility of evolution knowledge. In Phase I, 14 college biology students from an upper-level Evolution course were interviewed about their evolution acceptance and perceptions of the utility of evolutionary knowledge. In Phase II, findings from Phase I were used to develop a 28-item quantitative Usefulness of Evolution Knowledge Survey. Then, 472 college biology students enrolled in three biology courses were given the Usefulness of Evolution Knowledge survey to identify (1) evolution topics that have the highest utility value for evolution learners, (2) careers for which evolution knowledge is deemed most useful, and (3) relationships among evolution utility value and other constructs. The most useful evolutionary topics were genetic variation and adaptations of particular organisms to particular environments. Evolutionary knowledge was deemed most useful for conservation careers, with less utility for medical and forensic careers, and far less utility for careers in physics or chemistry. Significant relationships were found between perceptions of the usefulness of evolution and evolution acceptance, understanding of evolution, and intended career. Findings are discussed within the framework of the Expectancy Value Theory, and implications for future pedagogical interventions and associated research are provided.

A Review on Resistance to Biotic Stress in Leaf-Colored Plant

As sessile organisms, plants have to be subjected to insect attack. Over the long course of evolution, plants have produced many mechanisms to resist this biotic stress such as pigment accumulation. Pigment levels determined depth and distribution of leaf color, thereby indirectly or directly affecting the behavior of insect attack. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of mutual recognition between leaf color and insect will provide important theoretical insight for the cultivation and improvement of new cultivars. This paper outlines leaf-color formation and the effect of pigment on the behavior of insect attack, and explores the challenge of research in the interaction between leaf color and insect, as soon as the potential direction for future development. This will give a broad background for improvements of colored plants with resistance to insect attack.

Structure, Function, and Variations of the Photosystem I-Antenna Supercomplex from Different Photosynthetic Organisms.

Photosystem I (PSI) is a protein complex functioning in light-induced charge separation, electron transfer, and reduction reactions of ferredoxin in photosynthesis, which finally results in the reduction of NAD(P)- to NAD(P)H required for the fixation of carbon dioxide. In eukaryotic algae, PSI is associated with light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) subunits, forming a PSI-LHCI supercomplex. LHCI harvests and transfers light energy to the PSI core, where charge separation and electron transfer reactions occur. During the course of evolution, the number and sequences of protein subunits and the pigments they bind in LHCI change dramatically depending on the species of organisms, which is a result of adaptation of organisms to various light environments. In this chapter, I will describe the structure of various PSI-LHCI supercomplexes from different organisms solved so far either by X-ray crystallography or by cryo-electron microscopy, with emphasis on the differences in the number, structures, and association patterns of LHCI subunits associated with the PSI core found in different organisms.

Molecular cues of sugar signaling in plants.

Sugars, the chemically bound form of energy, are formed by the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation and fixation in plants. During evolution, plants availed the sugar molecules as a resource, balancing molecule, and signaling molecule. The multifaceted role of sugar molecules in response to environmental stimuli makes it the central coordinator required for growth, survival, and continuity. During the course of evolution, the molecular networks have become complex to adapt or acclimate to the changing environment. Sugar molecules are sensed both intra and extracellularly by their specific sensors. The signal is transmitted by a signaling loop that involves various downstream signaling molecules, transcriptional factors and, most pertinent, the sensors TOR and SnRK1. In this review, the focus has been retained on the significance of the sugar sensors during signaling and induced modules to regulate plant growth, development, biotic and abiotic stress. It is interesting to visualize the sugar molecule as a signaling unit and not only a nutrient. Complete information on the downstream components of sugar signaling will open the gates for improving the qualitative and quantitative elements of crop plants.

Study on cosmic evolution and dynamics of a flat FLRW matter-dominated universe with a specified form of dynamical Cosmological Constant term

We have investigated a cosmological model of matter-dominated universe with a specified form of dynamic cosmological Λ-term, varying as Λ = lH + (l + λ) H2 + ½ηρ where l, λ and η are constants. We study the aforesaid cosmological model as an explanation for the accelerated expansion of the universe and obtain constraints on various model parameters for the estimation of the present values of cosmological parameters e.g.deceleration parameter, equation of state parameter, age of the universe. We also investigate the statefinder parameter {r, s}. In order to investigate stability of the system, we have treated the system in terms of dynamical system theory and studied dynamical properties and investigated critical points. By performing corresponding critical points analysis we have investigated different eras in the course of evolution of the universe.

Analysis of mutational spectra in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its course of evolution to predict the ‘Alarming Variants’ for the upcoming wave of pandemic

COVID-19 disease extended to different parts of the globe developing variations in the SARS-CoV-2 viral sequence since its emergence. Some of those variations had functional implications with major concerns, which the WHO termed as ‘Variant of Concern’ during the second wave of infection. The signatures of VOCs are specific to countries where they are observed and are popularly recognized with the country names. It is noteworthy to mention that some new mutations are always evolving and it is expected that some of these new mutations could play a havoc role in hitting the upcoming wave of the pandemic. This work aimed to list all the mutations of the Spike protein that evolved with time and how they have increased their presence in a given course of time (three-time point analysis) and stabilized in the SARS-COV-2 infected population. The mutations that will play predominant role in the upcoming pandemic wave are mentioned here:T19I, V213G, D405N, R408S,G142D, G339D, K417N, N440K, D614G, Q954H, N969K mutations in India; G142D, G339D, S373P, S375F, K417N, N440K, S477N, T478K, Q493R, Q498R, N501Y, Y505H, D614G, H655Y, N679K, P681H, N764K, D796Y, Q954H, N969K in South Africa; T95I, G339D, S373P, S375F, N501Y, D614G, H655Y in Brazil; G339D, S373P, S375F, K417N, N440K, N501Y, D614G, P681H in the UK.

The evolution of regulated cell death pathways in animals and their evasion by pathogens

The coevolution of host-pathogen interactions underlies many human physiological traits associated with protection from or susceptibility to infections. Among the mechanisms that animals utilize to control infections are the regulated cell death pathways of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. Over the course of evolution these pathways have become intricate and complex, coevolving with microbes that infect animal hosts. Microbes, in turn, have evolved strategies to interfere with the pathways of regulated cell death to avoid eradication by the host. Here, we present an overview of the mechanisms of regulated cell death in Animalia and the strategies devised by pathogens to interfere with these processes. We review the molecular pathways of regulated cell death, their roles in infection, and how they are perturbed by viruses and bacteria, providing insights into the coevolution of host-pathogen interactions and cell death pathways.

ペンギンの体表を模倣したリブレットの3次元胴体モデルにおける抗力低減効果

Penguins have adapted to underwater swimming in the course of evolution. Previous study showed that the riblets mimicking the body feathers of the penguins reduced drag on a flat plate by up to 2.0%. In this study, we measured drag reduction rate of the penguin-mimetic riblets on a 3D body model. Based on a sideview image of a swimming penguin, a 3D spindle model of which cross section was a regular 24-gon shape was created. Riblets were fabricated on flexible polyimide films by laser scanning ablation so that the riblet films were attached to the curved surfaces. Two different cross sections of the riblets were compared: one was the penguin-mimetic trapezoidal cross section (medium-ridge riblet), and the other was a near-rectangular cross section (wide-ridge riblet). Drag of the 3D bodies covered with films with or without riblets was measured in a water channel. As a result, the maximum drag reduction rate of the medium-ridge riblet for the 3D body was 3.5% when s+ was 7.29, which was higher than the drag reduction rate for the flat plate with similar s+ (0.58% with s+ of 7.23) or the maximum value (0.60% with s+ of 10.4). Moreover, the medium-ridge riblet showed higher drag reduction ratio than the wide-ridge riblet for full range of flow speed in this study. The results suggest that the penguin-feather-mimetic riblet reduces not only frictional drag but also pressure drag for the 3D body.

Escape Zoom!: Reviewing Introductory Evolution Content Using an Escape Room Format

Reviewing and integrating key concepts and learning goals at the end of a biology course can be overwhelming to students and instructors alike. Often end-of-term review sessions in preparation for final exams are heavily based on memorization, and content coverage may be favored over students&rsquo; deeper understanding of fewer key ideas. We developed a final exam review for a virtual introductory evolution course using an &ldquo;escape room&rdquo; format, which consisted of unique activities&mdash;including puzzles, role-playing, and literature searches&mdash;aligned with course learning goals. Similar to a traditional escape room, students needed to collaboratively solve or complete each activity before moving on to the subsequent task. Our escape room activity was conducted virtually via Zoom and included both whole-class and smaller breakout room interactions. We recommend instructors utilize escape rooms as an engaging and effective way to review key concepts in their courses. <em>Primary image:&nbsp;</em>Virtual Escape Room. In our activity, students virtually engage in activities related to evolutionary topics such as cichlid speciation, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, and extinction, among others. All images used in this image are open source, and associated links for all images are listed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/smgTvepind4">https://unsplash.com/photos/smgTvepind4</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/4_hFxTsmaO4">https://unsplash.com/photos/4_hFxTsmaO4</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/_BJVJ4WcV1M">https://unsplash.com/photos/_BJVJ4WcV1M</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/k0KRNtqcjfw">https://unsplash.com/photos/k0KRNtqcjfw</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Pitb97HIn6Y">https://unsplash.com/photos/Pitb97HIn6Y</a>

Workshop Proceedings: Informed Consent in Biobanking–from the Key Barriers, Challenges, and Perceptions to Digital Innovations

Workshop Proceedings: Informed Consent in Biobanking–from the Key Barriers, Challenges, and Perceptions to Digital Innovations

Modulating Energy Among Foot-Ankle Complex With an Unpowered Exoskeleton Improves Human Walking Economy.

Over the course of both evolution and development, the human musculoskeletal system has been well shaped for the cushion function of the foot during foot-strike and the impulsive function of the ankle joint during push-off. Nevertheless, an efficient energy interaction between foot structure and ankle joint is still lacking in the human body itself, which may limit the further potential of economical walking. Here we showed the metabolic expenditure of walking can be lessened by an unpowered exoskeleton robot that modulates energy among the foot-ankle complex towards a more effective direction. The unpowered exoskeleton recycles negative mechanical energy of the foot that is normally dissipated in heel-strike, retains the stored energy before mid-stance, and then transfers the energy to the ankle joint to assist the push-off. The modulation process of the exoskeleton consumes no input energy, yet reduces the metabolic cost of walking by 8.19 ± 0.96 % (mean ± s.e.m) for healthy subjects. The electromyography measurements demonstrate the activities of target ankle plantarflexors decreased significantly without added effort for the antagonistic muscle, suggesting the exoskeleton enhanced the subjects' energy efficiency of the foot-ankle complex in a natural manner. Furthermore, the exoskeleton also provides cushion assistance for walking, which leads to significantly decreased activity of the quadriceps muscle during heel-strike. Rather than strengthening the functions of existing biological structures, developing the complementary energy loop that does not exist in the human body itself also shows its potential for gait assistance.

Digitalization of Society: Alternative Projections of the Future

The impact of digitalization on four spheres of society is analyzed in the article: economic, political, social and spiritual. Digitalization is defined as the diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT), which bring with them both positive (legitimate) and negative (wrongful) effects. At the same time, at present, the digitalization of public spheres is directly connected with the component of ensuring the digital security of society, which is increasingly becoming global in character. Cyber wars and cyber attacks cause damage on the scale of the global economy, amounting to up to $6 tn annually, commensurate with the economic losses of wartime. Large-scale digitalization of public spheres for the first time in the history of mankind creates an objective opportunity to construct and design its future states, which fundamentally distinguishes the course of future socio-economic and political processes from the course of the historical evolution of past periods, determined by the forces, including natural, beyond the human control. From this point of view, the processes of digitalization of social processes have given rise to a dichotomy of virtual utopias and anti-utopias of Future projects. Dystopias are built around visions of the coming "digital slavery", while utopian focus on visions of a "digital paradise". At the heart of polarized views on the digital Future are the processes of the "digital divide", the meaning of which is that digitalization contributes to a significant increase in inequality in access to digital goods, which in turn results in an increase in inequality in the distribution of income and wealth.

The core of team communication. Trend, organization value and affection on management

Purpose: As the organization grows, attention begins to be paid to the growing potential and role of communication. Communication, which so far played mainly the role of providing information in the course of the current rapid evolution, is beginning to be noticeable in every aspect of business operations. Currently, managers must be aware that communication affects the entire organization, while it is their role to influence communication in order to obtain the best benefits. The purpose of this article is to present comments or problems that were noticed by the authors of the reviewed articles during the communication process. Design/methodology/approach: This review is based on studies conducted in case to understand communication problems, published between 2017 and 2022. Findings: The analysis highlight that the communication problems in organizations are increasingly encountered and, what is most important, almost always very easy to solve. Practical implications: In the case that almost all the publications discussed are focused on the most common problems in enterprises, it can be assumed that with a high probability such problems will appear or have already appeared in every organization. Thanks to this review, as well as a deeper analysis of the aforementioned literature, readers of this article can very quickly identify similar communication problems in their environment and its exemplary solution. Originality/value: This review emphasizes that communication should be considered on many levels since it affects both people and organizations in different respects. In addition, in this research work, it can be indicated that communication allows us to better understand human needs and act on them appropriately.

Идея времени и научная картина мира

The scientific picture of the world was first presented by Galileo. He introduced the uniform world time as a parameter into the description of the motion of bod­ies. The central paradigm of the 17th century scientific revolution adopted by the scientific community on this basis was rational, but described a strictly mechani­cal picture of the universe, in which there was no place for man and all other liv­ing beings. By the end of the XX century in the course of the further evolution of knowledge, it became clear that the classical theory of the uniform time of the Universe does not correspond to the newly discovered physical facts. The theory of relativity overcame this difficulty by adopting the concept of “local times” in inertial reference frames. However, in a discussion with Albert Einstein, the French philosopher Henri Bergson showed that the theory of relativity by no means proved the multiplicity of time. On the contrary, SRT secretly uses a single universal time, but its source is not classical, but another – the course of a per­son’s inner life. Following Bergson, Academician Vladimir Vernadsky adopted the biological nature of time and thereby introduced life into the picture of the Universe. At the same time, Vernadsky argued that biospheric cosmology should not turn into absolute cosmogony. The Universe has no beginning and its laws do not change. Therefore, the actual structure of the universe testifies to its infinity in time. It is described as limited or private models by groups of scientific disci­plines. The general idea of the world should be left to the categorical thinking of philosophy or that sense of the integrity of the world that religion possesses. It is philosophy that can use descriptive and experimental knowledge and scientific models of the cosmos obtained on its basis.