Benefits and Drawbacks of the Placenta in Live-bearing Fish

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Placenta in Live-bearing Fish PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789463956277
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Understanding the evolution of complex traits is of fundamental interest to scientists and non-scientists alike. The placenta is an excellent example of a complex trait that has evolved repeatedly throughout the animal kingdom. This repeated evolution and ongoing elaboration appears to point towards an adaptive advantage to specific environmental conditions; however, this potential benefit is currently insufficiently understood. In this thesis, I attempt to shed light on the causes and consequences of placental evolution by drawing on insights from the live-bearing fish family Poeciliidae.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Placenta in Live-bearing Fish

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Placenta in Live-bearing Fish PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789463956277
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Understanding the evolution of complex traits is of fundamental interest to scientists and non-scientists alike. The placenta is an excellent example of a complex trait that has evolved repeatedly throughout the animal kingdom. This repeated evolution and ongoing elaboration appears to point towards an adaptive advantage to specific environmental conditions; however, this potential benefit is currently insufficiently understood. In this thesis, I attempt to shed light on the causes and consequences of placental evolution by drawing on insights from the live-bearing fish family Poeciliidae.

Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 5

Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 5 PDF Author: David O. Norris
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0443159858
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 524

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Book Description
Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 5: Mammals is the fifth of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book includes coverage of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of reptilian reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on mammals. Initial chapters in this book broadly examine sex determination, reproductive neuroendocrinology, stress, and hormonal regulation as it relates to male and female reproductive structure and function. Subsequent chapters introduce the evolution of viviparity and examine pregnancy in eutherian mammals, parturition, pheromones, and behavioral neuroendocrinology. Covered taxa include rodents, bats, and primates. The book concludes with an examination of the environmental influences on hormones and reproduction of mammals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change. Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 5: Mammals is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in mammals, as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and a presentation of our understanding of reproductive events gained over the past decade. It may serve as a stand-alone reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of mammology or as one of five coordinated references aligned to provide topical treatment across vertebrate taxa for researchers, practitioners, and students focused on vertebrate endocrinology. Covers endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of mammalian reproduction Includes pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones Focuses on rodents, bats, primates, ungulates, carnivores, and marine mammals Provides new coverage on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change

Uncovering Molecular Signatures of Placentation in Tammar Wallaby and Poeciliopsis Fishes

Uncovering Molecular Signatures of Placentation in Tammar Wallaby and Poeciliopsis Fishes PDF Author: Michael Warren Guernsey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The placenta is a unique extra-embryonic organ that facilitates pregnancy in many live-bearing animals. Placentas exhibit great morphological diversity both within mammals, but also in many different vertebrate lineages where the placenta evolved independently. Despite this diversity in structure, all placentas must allow for nutrient provisioning, gas exchange, waste removal, endocrine maintenance of pregnancy and protection from pathogens to achieve a successful pregnancy. While these functions are conserved, we know less about how this similarity extends to the molecular level. Here I investigate this using the Tammar wallaby and Poeciliopsis fishes as models. First, I utilize transcriptome sequencing in the tammar wallaby to provide evidence that the classification of therian mammals into eutherian (placental) and marsupial (pouch-bearing) based upon having a 'true' placenta is inaccurate. We show that the tammar yolk sac, often argued to be the cognate of the eutherian yolk sac, is surprisingly similar to the mouse and human placenta. Furthermore, immunofluorescence in tammar placenta demonstrates protein localization of genes known to be essential for eutherian placentation to distinct cell layers of the tammar placenta. This striking molecular conservation suggests that although the marsupial placenta is morphologically simple, it represents a 'true' placenta reminiscent of the most complex eutherian forms. Once we solidify that the tammar wallaby does indeed have a eutherian-like placenta, we examine the evolution of placentation and lactation as strategies for nourishing young. Marsupial biologists have hypothesized that these processes are involved in an evolutionary tradeoff and, as a result, marsupials favored the development of complex lactation while eutherians favored complex placentation to support fetal survival. Interestingly, we find that many of the genetic programs involved in lactation and placentation have been shared, co-opted and exchanged during evolution. These genetic programs have been shifted in both directions: from lactation to placentation and from placentation to lactation. Overall, the recycling of genetic programs to optimize nourishment strategies in each species is a novel finding and surprisingly suggests that placentation and lactation are similar processes. Next, I study Poeciliopsis, a unique genus of live-bearing fish that have evolved placental structures at least three times independently. The maternal follicle is a key component of these structures; it envelops yolk rich eggs and is morphologically simple in non-placental species, but has elaborate villous structures in placental species. Through sequencing the follicle transcriptome of a placental, P. retropinna, and non-placental, P. turrubarensis, species we found genes known to be critical for placenta function expressed in both species despite their difference in complexity. Additionally, when we compare the transcriptome of different river populations of P. retropinna, known to vary in maternal provisioning, we find differential expression of secretory genes expressed specifically in the top layer of villi cells in the maternal follicle. This provides some of the first evidence that the placental structures of Poeciliopsis function using a secretory mechanism rather than direct exchange between maternal-fetal circulation. Finally, when we look at the expression of placenta proteins at the maternal-fetal interface of a larger sampling of Poeciliopsis species, we find expression of key maternal and fetal placenta proteins in their cognate tissue types of all species, but only placental species show follicle expression of Prolactin. Taken together, we suggest that all Poeciliopsis follicles are poised for placenta function, but require expression of key genes to form villi.

When a Gene Makes You Smell Like a Fish

When a Gene Makes You Smell Like a Fish PDF Author: Lisa Seachrist Chiu
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199716722
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
From the gene that causes people to age prematurely to the "bitter gene" that may spawn broccoli haters, this book explores a few of the more exotic locales on the human genome, highlighting some of the tragic and bizarre ways our bodies go wrong when genes fall prey to mutation and the curious ways in which genes have evolved for our survival. Lisa Seachrist Chiu has a smorgasbord of stories to tell about rare and not so rare genetic quirks. We read about the Dracula Gene, a mutation in zebra fish that causes blood cells to explode on contact with light, and suites of genes that also influence behavior and physical characteristics; the Tangier Island Gene, first discovered after physicians discovered a boy with orange tonsils (scientists now realize that the child's odd condition comes from an inability to process cholesterol); and Wilson's Disease, a gene defect that fails to clear copper from the body, which can trigger schizophrenia and other neurological symptoms, and can be fatal if left untreated. Friendlier mutations include the Myostatin gene, which allows muscles to become much larger than usual and enhances strength and the much-envied Cheeseburger Gene, which allows a lucky few to eat virtually anything they want and remain razor thin. While fascinating us with stories of genetic peculiarities, Chiu also manages to effortlessly explain much of the cutting-edge research in modern genetics, resulting in a book that is both informative and entertaining. It is a must read for everyone who loves popular science or is curious about the human body.

Encyclopedia of Reproduction

Encyclopedia of Reproduction PDF Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128151455
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 3905

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Book Description
Encyclopedia of Reproduction, Second Edition, Six Volume Set comprehensively reviews biology and abnormalities, also covering the most common diseases in humans, such as prostate and breast cancer, as well as normal developmental biology, including embryogenesis, gestation, birth and puberty. Each article provides a comprehensive overview of the selected topic to inform a broad spectrum of readers, from advanced undergraduate students, to research professionals. Chapters also explore the latest advances in cloning, stem cells, endocrinology, clinical reproductive medicine and genomics. As reproductive health is a fundamental component of an individual’s overall health status and a central determinant of quality of life, this book provides the most extensive and authoritative reference within the field. Provides a one-stop shop for information on reproduction that is not available elsewhere Includes extensive coverage of the full range of topics, from basic, to clinical considerations, including evolutionary advances in molecular, cellular, developmental and clinical sciences Includes multimedia and interactive teaching tools, such as downloadable PowerPoint slides, video content and interactive elements, such as the Virtual Microscope

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior of Viviparous Fishes

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior of Viviparous Fishes PDF Author: J. Jaime Zúñiga-Vega
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889745139
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description


Livebearers

Livebearers PDF Author: David Alderton
Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
ISBN: 1620080060
Category : Pets
Languages : en
Pages : 145

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Book Description
Livebearers focuses on four families of fish which contain many of the most attractive and popular species in the tropical fish hobby today, including guppies, mollies, swordtails, and platies. The families include Goodeidae (Mexican livebearers), Anablepidae (four-eyes and others), Poeciliidae (guppies and others); and Hemirhamphidae (halfbeaks). Author David Alderton explains that hobbyists have applied the term livebearer to these four families for convenience even though there are fourteen families in the wild that reproduce by bearing live young. The chapter “Where in the World?” focuses on the natural history of these families, their distribution, and lifestyles. Hobbyists looking to begin an aquarium of livebearers or to expand their existing communities will find useful information in the chapter called “The Different Groups,” in which Alderton discusses age considerations, health matters, and sex. The chapter also describes the four families and the most common genus/species of each. Included are sixteen representatives of the Family Goodeidae (e.g., Allodontichth, Characodon, and Skiffia), three genus of the Family Anablepidae (Anableps, Jenynsia, and Oxyzgonectes), twenty-six representatives of the Family Poeciliidae (e.g., Belonesox, Fiexipenis, and Limia); and three genus of the Family Hemirhamphidae (Dermogenys, Hemirhamphodon, and Namorhamphus). This colorful, user-friendly guide offers basic information on the anatomical characteristics, housing options, required aquarium equipment for livebearers as well as their feeding habits and food requirements (greenstuff, carotene-rich foods, live foods, meat, etc.). The breeding habits of livebearers have ensured their popularity with hobbyists, and the chapter on reproduction describes the various breeding habits of livebearers and outlines successful breeding strategies for interested hobbyists. In the chapter on health care, the author offers solid advice about caring for livebearers to maximize their lifespan in captivity, which is typically only a few years. He also gives information on signs of illness and some basic diseases that can be treated by the fish keeper. The final chapter offers photographs and distribution maps for sixteen popular livebearers of all four families, including information on size, physical description, natural habitat and behavior, and required aquarium conditions. The author’s livebearer hit parade includes the butterfly goodeid, rainbow goodeid, black-finned goodea, four-eyed fish, guppy (millions fish), black molly, sailfin molly, swordtail, platy (moonfish), mosquito fish (dwarf and large), humpbacked (black-barred) limia, black-bellied limia, pike livebearer (piketop minnow), knife (Alfaro’s) livebearer, and wrestling halfbeak. Resources, glossary, and index included.

The Evolution of Placentas in Poeciliid Fishes

The Evolution of Placentas in Poeciliid Fishes PDF Author: Marcelo Nolla Pires
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Desert topminnows
Languages : en
Pages : 508

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Book Description


Basics of Marine and Estuarine Ecology

Basics of Marine and Estuarine Ecology PDF Author: Abhijit Mitra
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 8132227077
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 490

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Book Description
The book presents recent research on marine ecology in different parts of the world. It aims to shed light on relevant topics for budding marine ecologists. The “blue soup” of Planet Earth, which comprises both biotic and abiotic components, is essential to keeping the wheel of civilization running. Four major ecosystem service categories have been identified within this context, namely provisioning services such as water, food, mangrove timber, honey, fish, wax, fuel wood, fodder and bioactive compounds from marine and estuarine flora and fauna; regulating services such as the regulation of climate, coastal erosion, coral bleaching and pollution; cultural services encompassing recreational (tourism), spiritual and other non-material benefits; and supporting services such as nutrient cycling and photosynthesis. These valuable services are obtained from various resources that must be conserved for the sake of humanity. This book presents data for each resource type, not just in the form of a simple description, but also through case studies that resulted from several research projects and pilot programs carried out in different parts of the world. Statistical tools were also used to critically analyze the influence of relevant hydrological parameters on the biotic community. Advanced research in marine and estuarine ecology is based on the use of sophisticated instruments, sampling precision, statistical tools, etc., which have also been highlighted in the book.

A Brief History of the Female Body

A Brief History of the Female Body PDF Author: Dr. Deena Emera
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1728275164
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 196

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Book Description
From breasts and orgasms to periods, pregnancies, and menopause—A Brief History of the Female Body is a fascinating science book explaining the mysteries of the female body through an evolutionary lens. Let's face it: The female body is an enigma. For teenagers first experiencing their periods, the monthly arrival of mood swings and cramps can be agonizing and inconvenient. With pregnancy—perhaps the most miraculous of bodily events—comes countless potential complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, premature birth, and postpartum depression. And menopause is equally mystifying. Why do females lose their fertility over time and experience the notorious side effects—like hot flashes, weight gain, and hair loss—while males maintain their fertility forever? Evolutionary geneticist and educator Dr. Deena Emera has spent much of her career studying the evolution of female reproduction. A Brief History of the Female Body draws on her vast expertise as a biologist, her experience as a mother of four children, and her love of teaching to look far into our evolutionary past, illuminating how and, more importantly, why the female form has transformed over millions of years and its effects on women's health.