Morphological characterization of native maize populations of the ratón race from Coahuila, Mexico

Froylan Rincon Cesar Petroli (2023, [Artículo])

Repeatability Index Representative Subset of Diversity Maize Raton Race CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA GENETIC DIVERSITY (AS RESOURCE) ZEA MAYS MORPHOLOGY PHENOTYPING VARIETIES

Ecología trófica del pez damisela Stegastes acapulcoensis (Pomacentridae) en un arrecife de Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

Trophic ecology of the damselfish Stegastes acapulcoensis (Pomacentridae) in a reef of Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

Diana Alejandra Vela Espinosa (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

Se caracterizó la alimentación y la morfología del sistema alimentario de la damisela Stegastes acapulcoensis en la bahía La Entrega, Oaxaca, con el objetivo de determinar su espectro trófico. En agosto de 2022, se recolectaron 30 ejemplares de S. acapulcoensis en el período de mayor actividad de alimentación, utilizando arpones caseros y equipo de buceo SCUBA. Las muestras se fijaron con formol al 5% para preservar sus tejidos y facilitar la identificación de presas. Cada ejemplar se sometió a un análisis biométrico detallado, incluyendo mediciones de peso total, longitud total y longitud estándar. Los componentes alimentarios se identificaron y clasificaron en nueve categorías, con las algas destacando como el componente más consumido, seguido del detritus y los invertebrados. El Índice de Importancia Relativa (%IIR) confirmó la importancia de estos componentes en la dieta de S. acapulcoensis. El análisis del espectro trófico reveló que esta especie es un depredador generalista, con una dieta que abarca una diversidad moderada de componentes alimentarios. Además, se encontró una correlación positiva significativa entre el peso de los individuos y su consumo de algas, lo que sugiere una relación entre el tamaño y los hábitos alimentarios. La morfología del sistema alimentario, incluyendo el aparato mandibular y las placas faríngeas, apoyó la adaptación de S. acapulcoensis a una dieta herbívora oportunista. Los dientes incisivos y las características de las placas faríngeas indicaron una especialización en la captura y procesamiento de alimentos vegetales. En conjunto, estos hallazgos proporcionaron una visión completa de la ecología alimentaria de S. acapulcoensis en La Entrega, resaltando la importancia de las algas en su dieta y su capacidad para ajustarse a diferentes fuentes de alimento. Además, se amplió nuestra comprensión de la relación entre la morfología y la ecología alimentaria en los peces damisela, lo que contribuye al conocimiento de estos ecosistemas marinos y su gestión.

The feeding and morphology of the food system of the damselfish Stegastes acapulcoensis in La Entrega Bay, Oaxaca, was characterized to determine its trophic spectrum. In August 2022, 30 specimens of S. acapulcoensis were collected during the period of peak feeding activity, using homemade harpoons and SCUBA diving equipment. Samples were fixed with 5% formalin to preserve their tissues and facilitate prey identification. Each specimen was subjected to detailed biometric analysis, including measurements of total weight, total length, and standard length. Food components were identified and classified into nine categories, with algae standing out as the most consumed component, followed by detritus and invertebrates. The Relative Importance Index (%IIR) confirmed the importance of these components in the diet of S. acapulcoensis. Trophic spectrum analysis revealed that this species is a generalist predator, with a diet encompassing a moderate diversity of food components. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between the weight of individuals and their consumption of algae, suggesting a relationship between size and feeding habits. The morphology of the food system, including the mandibular apparatus and pharyngeal plates, supported the adaptation of S. acapulcoensis to an opportunistic herbivore. The incisor teeth and pharyngeal plate characteristics indicated a specialization in the capture and processing of plant foods. Taken together, these findings provided a comprehensive view of the feeding ecology of S. acapulcoensis in La Entrega, highlighting the importance of algae in its diet and its ability to adjust to different food sources. In addition, our understanding of the relationship between morphology and feeding ecology in damselfish was expanded, contributing to the knowledge of these marine ecosystems and their management.

Dieta, ecología, morfología mandibular Diet, ecology, jaw morphology BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA OTRAS ESPECIALIDADES DE LA BIOLOGÍA OTRAS OTRAS

Interaction between plants growing together from germination to 2 years: A test of competition and phylogenetic closeness for Northeastern Mexico

Interacción entre plantas coexistiendo desde la germinación hasta los 2 años: un experimento de competencia y cercanía filogenética en el noreste de México

ENRIQUE JURADO YBARRA Joel David Flores Rivas Jonathan Marroquín MARISELA PANDO MORENO DAVID ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ TRAPERO Humberto González Rodríguez José Alejandro Selvera Mancha Juan Ángel López Carmona (2022, [Artículo])

"Competition and facilitation are important factors affecting seedling survival. These factors probably affect plant distribution and abundance. Interactions between species relate to phylogeny, in that closely related species are likely to compete more for resources and facilitation is expected between more distantly related species. We tested for Tamaulipan thornscrub plants, grown with close and distant relatives if they differed in survival, length and weight of shoots and roots, assuming that closely related species would compete more than distant ones. We also explored whether seed mass was associated with plant size from 1-24 months after germination. We grew plants from Tamaulipan thornscrub, with a sibling or with one individual from other species from 1-24 months. Seedling survival was similar for all species when their seedlings grew alone or under competition, at 1, 6 and 12 months. At 24 months seedling survival of Vachellia farnesiana was lower when grown with Havardia pallens. There was no evidence of stronger competition or facilitation for phylogenetically closer species. Seedling size correlated with seed mass one month after germination but not after 6 months. Maximum and mean adult plant height did not correlate with seed mass or with plant height in our trials. We found no evidence of phylogeny explaining nearest neighbors in competition during germination for Tamaulipan thornscrub."

"La competencia y la facilitación son factores importantes que afectan la supervivencia de las plántulas y probablemente afectan la distribución y abundancia de las plantas. Las interacciones entre especies se relacionan con la filogenia, es probable que las especies estrechamente relacionadas compitan más por recursos y que en las menos emparentadas ocurra facilitación. Se investigó si plantas de matorral tamaulipeco creciendo junto a parientes cercanos y lejanos diferían en supervivencia, longitud y peso de tallos y raíces, asumiendo que las especies estrechamente relacionadas competirían más que las lejanas. También se exploró si el peso de semillas se asoció con el tamaño de la planta entre 1 y 24 meses de edad. Se pusieron a crecer plantas de matorral tamaulipeco, con un hermano o con un individuo de otras especies, de 1-24 meses. La supervivencia de plántulas fue similar para todas las especies cuando éstas crecieron solas o en competencia, a los 1, 6 y 12 meses. A los 24 meses, la supervivencia de plántulas de Vachellia farnesiana fue menor cuando creció con Havardia pallens. No hubo evidencia de una competencia o facilitación fuerte para especies filogenéticamente más cercanas. El tamaño de la plántula se correlacionó con el peso de la semilla únicamente al mes de germinadas. La altura máxima y promedio de la planta adulta no se correlacionó con el peso de semillas o con la altura de la planta. La filogenia no explicó la competencia con los vecinos más cercanos durante la germinación de especies del matorral tamaulipeco."

Phylogeny Seed mass Seedling Shoot/root ratio Tamaulipan thornscrub BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA BIOLOGÍA VEGETAL (BOTÁNICA) BIOLOGÍA VEGETAL (BOTÁNICA)

The cerato-mandibular ligament: a key functional trait for grazing in damselfishes (Pomacentridae)

Damien Olivier Bruno Frederich MILTON ALEJANDRO SPANOPOULOS ZARCO Eduardo Francisco Balart Páez Eric Parmentier (2014, [Artículo])

"The success of a taxonomic group can be promoted by a key character that allows the group to interact with its environment in a different way and to potentially occupy new niches. The Pomacentridae possess a synapomorphic trait, the cerato-mandibular (c-md) ligament, which joins the hyoid bar to the inner part of the lower jaw. It has previously been shown that this ligament is a key trait in communication in damselfishes because it enables them to slam the oral jaws shut causing teeth collision and sound production. This specific behavior of mouth closing could, however, also be used for other tasks, such as feeding. Many territorial damselfishes are referred to as farmers, due to their ability to manage algal crops on which they feed. This study hypothesizes that the c-md ligament provides an advantage for grazing filamentous algae, and should thus be considered a key trait for farming behavior."

Biomechanics, Evolution, Farming, Functional morphology BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA BIOLOGÍA ANIMAL (ZOOLOGÍA) ZOOLOGÍA MARINA ZOOLOGÍA MARINA

Variación morfológica de las hormigas Myrmecocystus de las dunas costeras de Baja California, México

Morphological variation of Myrmecocystus ants from the coastal dunes of Baja California, Mexico

Samuel Antonio Hernández Jiménez (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

La península de Baja California cuenta con dunas costeras aisladas sobre las cuales se distribuyen hormigas del género Myrmecocystus Snelling, 1976, cuya distribución se restringe en estos hábitats; la artropofauna de estas dunas es poco conocida. Se evaluaron las diferencias morfológicas de Myrmecocystus de seis poblaciones recolectadas a lo largo de la península de Baja California correspondientes a seis dunas. Para medir las diferencias morfológicas de las poblaciones, se analizaron 109 individuos, 20 por cada duna, a excepción de una duna en donde sólo se recolectaron nueve individuos. Para evaluar los cambios de forma intra e interpoblacionales, se analizaron dos estructuras morfológico-funcionales: 1) cabeza, incluyendo el clípeo relacionada con la competencia y alimentación y 2) tórax, incluyendo el propodeo, que muestra la diferencia de casta entre obreras. Con una cámara fija montada en un microscopio estereoscópico se tomaron 198 microfotografías digitales, para evaluar cambios de forma mediante un análisis de morfometría geométrica. Se detectaron diferencias asociadas al aislamiento geográfico. La variación observada en la cabeza puede ayudar a diferenciar las poblaciones del norte de la península (Santa Rosaliíta, Punta Mazo, Guerrero Negro y Punta Abreojos) y las del sur (Las Barrancas y Bahía Magdalena), la variación morfológica del tórax no mostró diferencias significativas. Existen variaciones intraespecíficas que podrían ser consecuencia de las condiciones ambientales (fenotípicas) o por procesos aleatorios como la deriva génica. El presente estudio arroja datos de la variación morfológica de seis poblaciones que representan dos especies de Myrmecocystus aun no descritas para la península de Baja California. Estos resultados repercutirán en la descripción y un aumento documentado de la biodiversidad de la artropofauna bajacaliforniana.

The Baja California peninsula has isolated coastal dunes on which ants of the genus Myrmecocystus Snelling, 1976 are distributed, whose distribution is restricted in these habitats; The arthropofauna of these dunes is poorly understood. The morphological differences of Myrmecocystus were evaluated from six populations collected along the Baja California peninsula corresponding to six dunes. To measure the morphological differences of the populations, 109 individuals were analyzed, 20 for each dune, except for one dune where only nine individuals were collected. To evaluate intra- and interpopulation shape changes, two morphological-functional structures were analyzed: 1) head, including the clypeus related to competition and feeding, and 2) thorax, including the propodeum, which shows the caste difference between workers. With a fixed camera mounted on a stereoscopic microscope, 198 digital microphotographs were taken to evaluate shape changes through a geometric morphometry analysis. Differences associated with geographic isolation were detected. The variation observed in the head can help to differentiate the populations of the north of the peninsula (Santa Rosaliíta, Punta Mazo, Guerrero Negro, and Punta Abreojos) and those of the south (Las Barrancas and Magdalena Bay), the morphological variation of the thorax did not show significant differences. There are intraspecific variations that could be a consequence of environmental conditions (phenotypic) or random processes such as gene drift. The present study yields data on the morphological variation of six populations representing two species of Myrmecocystus not yet described for the Baja California peninsula. These results will have an impact on the description and a documented increase in the biodiversity of the Baja Californian arthropofauna.

Alometría, Especiación, Morfometría Geométrica, Forma, Especies no descritas Allotometry, Speciation, Geometric Morphometry, Shape, Undescribed Species BIOLOGÍA Y QUÍMICA CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA BIOLOGÍA DE INSECTOS (ENTOMOLOGÍA) MORFOLOGÍA DE LOS INSECTOS MORFOLOGÍA DE LOS INSECTOS

Morphological Alterations in Human Skeletal Muscle Cells Exposed to di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (dehp) in Primary Cell Culture Conditions

Alteraciones Morfológicas en Células Musculares Esqueléticas Humanas Expuestas a Ftalato de di-(2-etilhexilo) (dehp) en Condiciones de Cultivo Celular Primario

Pablo Hernández Almaraz ORLANDO LUGO LUGO Ramón Gaxiola Robles OSCAR KURT BITZER QUINTERO Luis Javier Ramírez Jirano Elizabeth Brassea Pérez TANIA ZENTENO SAVIN (2022, [Artículo])

"Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is among the most common plasticizer additives that humans are in contact with daily. DEHP can be released from plastic and enter the human body, whereby it is metabolized and transformed into oxidative hydrophilic molecules. Clinical follow-ups in patients exposed to this phthalate and investigations in cultures of several cell types have provided information on its effects. For example, it is associated with inhibition of diploid human cell development and morphological changes in cultured germ cells. Although skeletal muscle represents around 50 % of the human body mass, knowledge about the effects of DEHP on this tissue is poor. Cultured skeletal muscle cells were exposed to DEHP (1 mM) for 13 days with the aim of exploring and evaluating some of the potential morphological effects. Three culture development parameters and nine cell characteristics were monitored during the bioassay. At 13 days, growth area, cell viability, and concentration of total proteins were lower in DEHP exposed than in control cells. Cell width and area, as well as the diameter of the nucleus and nucleolus, were greater in exposed cells than in control cells. These are interpreted as signs of cytotoxicity and suggest potential adverse effects on the development of skeletal muscle cells from DEHP exposure, as reported for other cell types."

Emerging pollutants, Morphometry, Phthalates, Plasticizers, Toxicity MEDICINA Y CIENCIAS DE LA SALUD CIENCIAS MÉDICAS BIOLOGÍA HUMANA FISIOLOGÍA DEL MÚSCULO FISIOLOGÍA DEL MÚSCULO

High quality diet improves lipid metabolic profile and breeding performance in the blue-footed booby, a long-lived seabird

ERICK GONZALEZ MEDINA (2018, [Artículo])

Understanding the role of diet in the physiological condition of adults during reproduction and hence its effect on reproductive performance is fundamental to understand reproductive strategies in long-lived animals. In birds, little is known about the influence of the quality of food consumed at the beginning of the reproductive period and its short-term effects on reproductive performance. To assess the role of diet in the physiological condition of female blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii (BFBO), during reproduction we evaluated whether individual differences in diet (assessed by using δ13C and δ15N values of whole blood from female birds and muscle tissue of the principal prey species) prior to egg laying and during incubation influenced their lipid metabolic profile (measured as triglyceride levels and C:N ratio) and their reproductive performance (defined by laying date, clutch size and hatching success). Females with higher δ15N values in their blood during the courtship and incubation periods had a higher lipid metabolic profile, earlier laying date, greater clutch size (2–3 eggs) and higher hatching success. Females that laid earlier and more eggs (2–3 eggs) consumed more Pacific anchoveta (Cetengraulis mysticetus) and Pacific thread herring (Opisthonema libertate) than did other females. These two prey species also had high amounts of lipids (C:N ratio) and caloric content (Kcal/g fresh weight). The quality of food consumed by females at the beginning of reproduction affected their physiological condition, as well as their short-term reproductive performance. Our work emphasizes the importance of determining the influence of food quality during reproduction to understand the reproductive decisions and consequences in long-lived animals. © 2018 González-Medina et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

nitrogen 15, triacylglycerol, lipid, animal experiment, Article, breeding, carbon nitrogen ratio, clutch size, controlled study, courtship, diet, egg laying, female, food intake, hatching, lipid metabolism, muscle tissue, nonhuman, prey, reproduction CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO OCEANOGRAFÍA OCEANOGRAFÍA

Phylogenetic relationships of Pseudo-nitzschia subpacifica (Bacillariophyceae) from the Mexican Pacific, and its production of domoic acid in culture

Sonia Quijano (2020, [Artículo])

Pseudo-nitzschia is a cosmopolitan genus, some species of which can produce domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxin responsible for the Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). In this study, we identified P. subpacifica for the first time in Todos Santos Bay and Manzanillo Bay, in the Mexican Pacific using SEM and molecular methods. Isolates from Todos Santos Bay were cultivated under conditions of phosphate sufficiency and deficiency at 16°C and 22°C to evaluate the production of DA. This toxin was detected in the particulate (DAp) and dissolved (DAd) fractions of the cultures during the exponential and stationary phases of growth of the cultures. The highest DA concentration was detected during the exponential phase grown in cells maintained in P-deficient medium at 16°C (1.14 ± 0.08 ng mL-1 DAd and 4.71 ± 1.11 × 10−5 ng cell-1 of DAp). In P-sufficient cultures DA was higher in cells maintained at 16°C (0.25 ± 0.05 ng mL-1 DAd and 9.41 ± 1.23 × 10−7 ng cell-1 of DAp) than in cells cultured at 22°C. Therefore, we confirm that P. subpacifica can produce DA, especially under P-limited conditions that could be associated with extraordinary oceanographic events such as the 2013–2016 "Blob" in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. This event altered local oceanographic conditions and possibly generated the presence of potential harmful species in areas with economic importance on the Mexican Pacific coast. © 2020 Quijano-Scheggia et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

domoic acid, domoic acid, kainic acid, Article, cell growth, controlled study, diatom, Mexico, morphology, nonhuman, Pacific Ocean, phylogeny, plant cell, plant growth, Pseudo nitzschia, toxin analysis, cell culture technique, classification, diatom, CIENCIAS FÍSICO MATEMÁTICAS Y CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO OCEANOGRAFÍA OCEANOGRAFÍA