plasticity
- Implications of the Sap47 null mutation for synapsin phosphorylation, longevity, climbing proficiency and behavioural plasticity in adult Drosophila
Summary: Sap47 belongs to the conserved, functionally enigmatic Syap1/Sap47 synaptic protein family. Behavioural analysis, longevity studies, phospho-specific immunohistology, electrophysiology and mass spectrometry characterize the function of Sap47 in Drosophila.
- Anthropogenic noise and the bioacoustics of terrestrial invertebrates
Summary: We review the current literature on invertebrate bioacoustics and characteristics of anthropogenic noise to suggest a framework for understanding the potential impact of anthropogenic noise on terrestrial invertebrates.
- Comparing thermal performance curves across traits: how consistent are they?
Summary: Examination of the extent to which thermal performance curves differ across traits and the timing of the temperature exposure, with regard to predictions of species responses to climate change.
- Within-individual behavioural variability and division of labour in social insects
Summary: This Commentary discusses the sources of within-individual behavioural variability in social insects and considers the relationship between colony size and behavioural flexibility.
- Co-opting evo-devo concepts for new insights into mechanisms of behavioural diversity
Summary: Developmental processes bias the effects of mutations on behaviour and its underlying mechanisms, including neural circuits and endocrine systems. These biases shape behavioural evolution by limiting the behavioural phenotypes that are subject to selection.
- Genetic accommodation and the role of ancestral plasticity in the evolution of insect eusociality
Summary: Social insects are excellent models for studying phenotypic plasticity. We review issues associated with understanding the genetics of plasticity-first evolution and outline an empirical approach to help advance this field.
- Thermal spikes from the urban heat island increase mortality and alter physiology of lizard embryos
Summary: Nest temperatures in the urban landscape increase embryo developmental rate but reduce egg survival in lizards.
- Digestive and locomotor capacity show opposing responses to changing food availability in an ambush predatory fish
Summary: Southern catfish downregulate digestive function and metabolic rate during food deprivation, but regain digestive capacity during refeeding, potentially at the cost of decreased swimming performance.
- Fitness consequences of plasticity in an extended phenotype
Highlighted Article: Prey retention in spider orb webs changes as their spiral thread properties vary with protein intake.
- The long and the short of it – a perspective on peptidergic regulation of circuits and behaviour
Summary: Neuropeptides are the largest class of neuromodulators in nervous systems. Here we review the general principles and mechanistic insights that have emerged from studies of various animal models and discuss some of the outstanding major challenges.