Heterochrony and the evolution of the longjaw mudsucker (Gobiidae, Teleostei).

Although longjaw mudsucker (Gillichthys mirabilis, Gobiidae) has been studied extensively for its ability to occupy low-oxygen environments, few studies have addressed the evolution of its exceptionally elongated jaws that extend posteriorly beyond the gill opening in large adults. In this study, the ontogeny of the maxillae of G. mirabilis, Gillichthys seta, and the out-group species Eucyclogobius newberryi was studied within the heterochrony framework using digitized landmarks and caliper measurements.

Glaucoma through Animal's Eyes: Insights from the Evolution of Intraocular Pressure in Mammals and Birds.

Glaucoma, an eye disorder caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in humans. Understanding how IOP levels have evolved across animal species could shed light on the nature of human vulnerability to glaucoma. Here, we studied the evolution of IOP in mammals and birds and explored its life history correlates.

Humans influence shrimp movement: a conservation behavior case study with "Shrimp Watching" ecotourism.

An increase in ecotourism adversely impacts many animals and contributes to biodiversity loss. To mitigate these impacts, we illustrate the application of a conservation behavior framework toward the development of a sustainable ecotourism management plan. In Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, thousands of tourists annually come to see a unique mass migration of shrimps on land (referred to as "shrimp parading").

Journey to the West: Trans-Pacific Historical Biogeography of Fringehead Blennies in the Genus (Teleostei: Blenniiformes).

Several temperate marine taxa of the northern hemisphere follow a trans-Pacific biogeographic track with representatives on either side of the intervening boreal waters. Shelter-dwelling blenniiform fishes of the genus exhibit this trans-Pacific distribution pattern with three species in the eastern North Pacific and eight species in the western North Pacific. We reconstructed the phylogeny of the Neocliniini ( and the monotypic ) using six genetic markers: four mitochondrial genes (, cytochrome , 12S and 16S), and two nuclear genes (RAG-1, TMO-4C4).

Heterochrony in fringeheads (Neoclinus) and amplification of an extraordinary aggressive display in the Sarcastic Fringehead (Teleostei: Blenniiformes).

The Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi, Teleostei) exhibits an extreme version of a common aggressive display, the "gaping display," in which an open mouth is presented toward an opponent. Males of this species have extremely long jaws that extend posteriorly well past the posterior margin of the head and are flared laterally during the gaping display. In this study, we explored morphological traits related to this extraordinary display in this and related species of blennies.

Structure and mechanical implications of the pectoral fin skeleton in the Longnose Skate (Chondrichthyes, Batoidea).

Unlabelled: Animal propulsion systems are believed to show high energy and mechanical efficiency in assisting movement compared to artificial designs. As an example, batoid fishes have very light cartilaginous skeletons that facilitate their elegant swimming via enlarged wing-like pectoral fins. The aim of this work is to illustrate the hierarchical structure of the pectoral fin of a representative batoid, the Longnose Skate (Raja rhina), and explain the mechanical implications of its structural design.