Two hybridization zones were taken as an example (the russet ground squirrel (Spermophilus major) and the speckled ground squirrel (Spermophilus suslicus), the russet ground squirrel and the yellow ground squirrel (S. fulvus) to show that biotope characteristics determine segregation of sympatric species in contact populations. The heterogeneity of biotopes with regard to the requirements of sympatric species promotes their long-term and steady dispersal and, in rare cases, sporadic hybridization. A biotope with a homogenous environment enables wide interspecies hybridization and a rapid increase in the ratio of hybrids in the population.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|
Microsc Res Tech
January 2025
Department of Anatomy, Erciyes University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kayseri, Türkiye.
In this study, the kidneys of ground squirrels (hibernated and nonhibernated), rabbits, and rats were examined macro and microanatomically. Kidney morphology was investigated by stereo microscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Triple and immunohistochemical staining were performed for light microscopic examinations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcol Lett
December 2024
Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France.
It has recently been recognised that populations are rarely in demographic equilibrium, but rather in a 'transient' state. To examine how transient dynamics influence our empirical understanding of the links between changes in demographic rates and population growth, we conducted a 32-year study of Columbian ground squirrels. The population increased rapidly for 10 years, followed by a 2-year crash, and a gradual 19-year recovery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol
December 2024
Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Physiology and Pathology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
Hibernation is accompanied by dramatic decrease of blood flow in many organs due to the increase of their vascular resistances. We compared the responses of mesenteric, renal, and cerebral proximal resistance arteries in summer active (SA) and winter hibernating (WH) ground squirrels and studied the signaling pathways of Rho-kinase and NO. Wire myography and Western blotting were used to assess the arterial responses and protein abundances.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
November 2024
Department of Aerospace Physiology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Hibernating mammals experience severe hemodynamic changes over the torpor-arousal cycle, with oxygen consumption reaching peaks during the early stage of torpor to re-enter arousal. Melatonin (MT) can improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of MT action on the vascular protective function of hibernators are still unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Zool
December 2024
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA.
Dispersal is an important individual decision which may influence individual fitness as well as population viability. The social cohesion hypothesis posits more social individuals remain at home, which is supported by prior work across taxa. However, how the sociality and connectivity of the group an individual resides in-their group social structure-relates to dispersal decisions has not been explored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!