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In species with biparental care, coordination of parental activities can have important fitness consequences. However, specific behavioral mechanism allowing the coordination of breeding partners remains largely unexplored. Prevalence of biparental care in seabirds makes this group particularly interesting for investigation of behavioral underpinnings of parental coordination. Here, we examined vocal behavior at the nest site of breeding partners and its role in shaping their parental share during incubation in the little auk (Alle alle). We evaluated two hypotheses related to the mechanisms involved in parental coordination: (1) behavioral adjustment, where a parent adjusts its effort according to the preceding effort of its partner and (2) vocal negotiation, where effort is adjusted based on information exchanged during the preceding vocal interaction. We found that little auk partners equally share their incubation time, although, duration of nest attendance is highly variable. No immediate reciprocity between partners in the time allocated to parental activity was observed as predicted by behavioral adjustment. However, nest attendance appeared to be related to the vocal interaction between partners during turn-taking. The duration of a given attendance was positively associated to the pair's vocal activity and amount of vocal overlap occurring during turn-taking at the nest. Our results suggest a role of vocalization for coordinating between breeding pairs, providing a potential mechanism for the communication of information enabling this complex interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms that nest in ant-defended trees presumably benefit from ants deterring potential enemies. How birds build a nest while surrounded by ant workers and how the ants are kept away from the fledglings are unknown. In Costa Rican dry forests, two bird species (streak-backed oriole, Icterus pustulatus , and yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens) preferentially nest in Pseudomyrmex ant-defended swollen-thorn acacias (Vachellia) and build the entire nest with fungal rhizomorphs. We tested whether rhizomorphs alter acacia ants' behaviour as a potential mechanism to deter aggressive ants from the birds' nests. We also tested whether water increased the properties of the fungus, because birds nest during the rainy season. Hence, we recorded detailed observations of ant behaviour after contacting plant fibres (control) and dry and wet rhizomorphs. After touching the rhizomorphs, the probability of grooming and speeding up was higher (>65%) than after contacting plant fibres (<30%). Some ant behaviours were never observed with the plant fibres but had a higher probability of occurring (∼16–67%) after the ants touched rhizomorphs: gaster curling, biting a nestmate, spinning and wandering erratically. Water did not enhance putative rhizomorph properties. The results indicate signs of alarm, repellence and intoxication after interacting with rhizomorphs. Therefore, birds may benefit from using fungal rhizomorphs as it may deter the ants from entering the nest. This finding opens a venue for research questions, including whether the fungus effects are specific to acacia ants or can be generalized to other social hymenopterans that the birds choose to live nearby (e.g. wasps) or need to keep away from the nest (e.g. army ants). • Birds nesting in ant-defended acacia trees use fungal fibres as building material. • We tested whether the fungal fibres deter acacia ants. • Fungal fibres triggered alarm, repellence and intoxication in ants. • Such effects may be another advantage of using fungal fibres in bird nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essential step in exploratory factor analysis is to determine the optimal number of factors. The Next Eigenvalue Sufficiency Test (NEST; Achim, 2017) is a recent proposal to determine the number of factors based on significance tests of the statistical contributions of candidate factors indicated by eigenvalues of sample correlation matrices. Previous simulation studies have shown NEST to recover the optimal number of factors in simulated datasets with high accuracy. However, these studies have focused on continuous variables. The present work addresses the performance of NEST for ordinal data. It has been debated whether factor models – and thus also the optimal number of factors – for ordinal variables should be computed for Pearson correlation matrices, which are known to underestimate correlations for ordinal datasets, or for polychoric correlation matrices, which are known to be instable. The central research question is to what extent the problems associated with Pearson correlations and polychoric correlations deteriorate NEST for ordinal datasets. Implementations of NEST tailored to ordinal datasets by utilizing polychoric correlations are proposed. In a simulation, the proposed implementations were compared to the original implementation of NEST which computes Pearson correlations even for ordinal datasets. The simulation shows that substituting polychoric correlations for Pearson correlations improves the accuracy of NEST for binary variables and large sample sizes (N = 500). However, the simulation also shows that the original implementation using Pearson correlations was the most accurate implementation for Likert-type variables with four response categories when item difficulties were homogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fragile X syndrome is an inherited X-linked disorder associated with intellectual disabilities that begin in childhood and last a lifetime. The symptoms overlap with autism spectrum disorder, and the syndrome predominantly affects males. Consequently, FXS research tends to favor analysis of social behaviors in males, leaving a gap in our understanding of other behavioral traits, especially in females. Methods: We used a mouse model of FXS to analyze developmental, behavioral, neurochemical, and transcriptomic profiles in males and females. Results: Our behavioral assays demonstrated locomotor hyperactivity, motor impulsivity, increased "approach" behavior in an approach-avoidance assay, and deficits in nest building behavior. Analysis of brain neurotransmitter content revealed deficits in striatal GABA, glutamate, and serotonin content. RNA sequencing of the ventral striatum unveiled expression changes associated with neurotransmission as well as motivation and substance use pathways. Sex differences were identified in nest building behavior, striatal neurotransmitter content, and ventral striatal gene expression. Discussion: In summary, our study identified sex differences in specific behavioral, neurotransmitter, and gene expression phenotypes and gene set enrichment analysis identified significant enrichment of pathways associated with motivation and drug reward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce costs associated with nest building, some birds steal (kleptoparasitize) nest material. While this behavior is rarely reported in solitary nesting birds, it has been previously documented in 2 species of white-eyes, the Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus) and the Indian White-eye (Z. palpebrosus). During surveys for Tinian Monarchs (Monarcha takatsukasae) on Tinian Island in the Northern Mariana Islands, we documented nest material kleptoparasitism by the Bridled White-eye (Z. conspicillatus). Through camera-trap footage and real-time observation, we observed Bridled White-eyes stealing material from 2 other forest bird species: the Micronesian Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura versicolor; n = 1 observation) and Tinian Monarch (n = 7). We documented nest material piracy during multiple nesting phases including building, incubation, and post-fledge, and from abandoned and depredated nests. This behavior was previously undocumented in the Bridled White-eye, and nest material kleptoparasitism is not documented in any other forest birds in the Mariana Islands. Kleptoparasitism of nest material has been known to cause destruction or abandonment of the host's nest. Given the potential implications of nest material kleptoparasitism on host nesting behavior and success, and that the Bridled White-eye is estimated to be the most abundant forest bird on Tinian, our observations warrant inquiry into how this behavior could be affecting the broader ecology of forest birds in the Mariana Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social insects have developed a broad diversity of nesting and foraging strategies. One of these, inquilinism, occurs when one species (the inquiline) inhabits the nest built and occupied by another species (the host). Obligatory inquilines must overcome strong constraints upon colony foundation and development, due to limited availability of host colonies. To reveal how inquilinism shapes reproductive strategies in a termite host‐inquiline dyad, we carried out a microsatellite marker study on Inquilinitermes inquilinus and its host Constrictotermes cavifrons. The proportion of simple, extended and mixed families was recorded in both species, as well as the presence of neotenics, parthenogenesis and multiple foundations. Most host colonies (95%) were simple families and all were monodomous. By contrast, the inquiline showed a higher proportion of extended (30%) and mixed (5%) families, and frequent neotenics (in 25% of the nests). This results from the simultaneous foundation in host nests of numerous incipient colonies, which, as they grow, may compete, fight, or merge. We also documented the use of parthenogenesis by female–female pairs. In conclusion, the classical monogamous colony pattern of the host species suggests uneventful development of simple foundations dispersed in the environment, in accordance with the wide distribution of their resources. By contrast, the multiple reproductive patterns displayed by the inquiline species reveal strong constraints on foundation sites: founders first concentrate into host nests, then must attempt to outcompete or absorb the neighbouring foundations to gain full control of the resources provided by the host nest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the effort required to construct them, the microenvironmental conditions they impose on the family and their indirect influence on posthatching care, nests play a key role in influencing family life. We combined experimental evolution with cross-fostering experiments on laboratory populations of Nicrophorus vespilloides to investigate three ways in which the nest can contribute more broadly to parental investment. We used replicate populations of N. vespilloides that had evolved for 42 generations under contrasting regimes of care. Populations were either able to supply posthatching care ('Full Care') or prevented from supplying any posthatching care ('No Care'). Research on these populations has previously shown that the No Care populations evolved to build rounder nests, more rapidly, by Generation 14. Here we found (1) larvae raised by Full Care parents on nests prepared by parents from the No Care population did not attain a higher mass by the end of larval development than larvae in other treatments. However, we did discover that (2) cross-fostering nests between families consistently reduced larval mass, and to a similar extent whether nests were cross-fostered between or within the populations. We suggest that cross-fostering disrupted the chemical environment on and around the nest since we found no evidence that (3) nests mediate interactions between males and females. The duration of paternal care was consistently shorter than the duration of maternal care, and even shorter for males from the No Care populations than males from the Full Care populations. Nevertheless, the duration of male care did not predict variation in duration of female care. In short, although the nest is the substrate for burying beetle family life, we found little evidence that it had evolved divergently in our experimental populations to influence parental investment. • Do nests contribute to offspring performance, independent of posthatching care? • We evolved lab populations of burying beetles with and without posthatching care. • Brood performance was reduced when nests were switched between families. • Switching nests between populations did not worsen brood performance. • Chemical or microbial cues might cause broods to perform best in their home nest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of data on the population size of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Yoko Council Forest (YCF), located in the Centre region of Cameroon has hindered the ability to develop conservation measures. The sustainable management of this species requires reliable knowledge of their ecology, habits and resource needs. This study was conducted from February–July 2022 to assess nesting ecology and to use nest decay rates to estimate population size. The retrospective method for studying the degradation of animal indices was used. The mean nest decay rate was 77.5 days and density was estimated at 69.3 [54.9 86.7] nests/ km2 to 113 chimpanzees per km2. We also found a high preference for nests in specific forest types, with 92% of nests in marantaceous forests, and a preference for nests to be on Khaya grandifolia (Meliaceae) (28.24%) or Uapaca guinensis (Euphorbiaceae) (27.06%) trees. The preferential position for construction of chimpanzee nests was on a branch (58.82%) as opposed to in a branch fork (40.39%), which is interesting since one would assume a fork would offer more nest stability. Our study offers crucial insights that can guide policymakers in formulating targeted conservation strategies for the substantial chimpanzee population in the YCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollinators seek high quality nectar and pollen rewards critical for their growth and reproduction. Volatile emissions from inflorescences may signal plant health and floral resource quality to these flower-visiting insects. To understand the relationship between floral volatile emission and pollinator preference in a field setting, we conducted a replicated garden experiment consisting of 18 native perennial species from three different plant families with varying nutritional resource quality. We collected flower-visiting insects and floral volatile emissions over two field seasons, detecting over 60 volatile compounds and over 150 insect species. We collated trait data of visiting insects (bee or non-bee, body size, degree of sociality, nesting behavior, and whether the visitor was non-native) and evaluated interactions between these traits and volatile composition. Among the insect traits, bees and larger visitors had negative associations with sesquiterpenes, while in contrast visitors with complex nesting behaviors and social insects had positive associations. When comparing plant traits with bee traits, bee visitors had negative associations with purple inflorescences and larger insects and social insects both had positive associations with yellow inflorescences. We tested for direct associations between volatile class and insect taxa and found that sesquiterpenes had a strong positive relationship with hoverfly presence. This work demonstrates the complexity of floral volatiles as signals for pollinating insects and how floral scent composition allows individual compounds to act synergistically or antagonistically. These results can help us to better understand pollinator preferences and visitation patterns in the broad context of chemical ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition with notable genetic involvement. Against this background, laboratory‐housed deer mice of both sexes varyingly present with excessive and persistent large nesting behavior (LNB), which has been validated for its resemblance of clinical compulsivity. Although LNB differs from normal nesting behavior (NNB) on both a biological and cognitive level, it is unknown to what extent the expression of LNB and NNB is related to familial background. Here, we randomly selected 14 NNB‐ and 14 LNB‐expressing mice (equally distributed between sexes) to constitute 7 breeding pairs of each phenotype. Pairs were allowed to breed two successive generations of offspring, which were raised until adulthood (12 weeks) and assessed for nesting expression. Remarkably, our findings show that offspring from LNB‐expressing pairs build significantly larger nests compared to offspring from NNB‐expressing pairs and the nesting expression of the offspring of each breeding pair, irrespective of parental phenotype or litter, is family specific. Collectively, the results of this investigation indicate that LNB can be explored for its potential to shed light on heritable neurocognitive mechanisms that may underlie the expression of specific persistent behavioral phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While neurosurgical interventions are frequently used in laboratory mice, refinement efforts to optimize analgesic management based on multimodal approaches appear to be rather limited. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and tolerability of combinations of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug carprofen, a sustained-release formulation of the opioid buprenorphine, and the local anesthetic bupivacaine with carprofen monotherapy. Female and male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to isoflurane anesthesia and an intracranial electrode implant procedure. Given the multidimensional nature of postsurgical pain and distress, various physiological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters were applied for their assessment. The analysis revealed alterations in Neuro scores, home cage locomotion, body weight, nest building, mouse grimace scales, and fecal corticosterone metabolites. A composite measure scheme allowed the allocation of individual mice to severity classes. The comparison between groups failed to indicate the superiority of multimodal regimens over high-dose NSAID monotherapy. In conclusion, our findings confirmed the informative value of various parameters for assessment of pain and distress following neurosurgical procedures in mice. While all drug regimens were well tolerated in control mice, our data suggest that the total drug load should be carefully considered for perioperative management. Future studies would be of interest to assess potential synergies of drug combinations with lower doses of carprofen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance P (SP) and a calcitonin‐related gene alpha (αCGRP−/−) are implicated in musculoskeletal pain perception and were shown to have different effects on the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, it has not been investigated, whether deficiency for SP or αCGRP impacts pain‐related behavior and well‐being as well as gait during development of experimental OA. We induced OA in the right knee of wild‐type (WT) mice and mice either deficient for SP (tachykinin 1, Tac‐1) or αCGRP (male, n = 8 per genotype) by destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM). We monitored body weight and food and water intake as indicators of wellbeing, determined nest building and composite pain score, and performed CatWalk gait analysis over 12 weeks. Cartilage degeneration was determined by OARSI scoring. The 12‐week post‐DMM, cartilage degradation in the medial compartment was significantly reduced in Tac1−/− mice compared to the WT and to αCGRP−/− mice, coinciding with highest unloading of the operated limb in Tac1−/−. Behavioral and gait analysis revealed only minor differences between the genotypes. Paw print area was most prominently reduced in Tac1−/− over the observation period; at 12 weeks, we found a significant reduction in normalized print area in Tac1−/− compared to presurgery and to the WT at the same time‐point. Calculated weight bearing was significantly reduced only in Tac1−/−. Overall, we observed minor impact of DMM on gait and behavior in the present study. The reduced cartilage damage in the absence of SP might be in part due to reduced loading, however, the mechanism is not clear yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many mammals have a promiscuous mating system with multiple sired litters. Promiscuity can increase the genetic variability, reduce the risk of inbreeding, and increase the effective population size, and is therefore crucial for preventing genetic loss and maintaining adaptability. This is particularly true for small and threatened populations. The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a threatened species, which exhibited a drastic decline over the last 20–30 years. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the mating system of the garden dormouse in mountain forest habitat by parentage analyses using 5 polymorphic microsatellite markers combined with morphometric data and information about the nesting behavior. Genetic parentage analyses revealed that 64% (9 of 14) of the litters were sired by at least two males, suggesting that garden dormice have a promiscuous mating system. The genetic findings were further supported by indirect indicators of promiscuity, such as testes, that were nearly four times larger than predicted for a rodent of its body mass and only slight male biased sexual size dimorphism. The finding of a promiscuous mating system in garden dormice should be taken into account in future conservation efforts. Due to its habitat preferences and limited dispersal potential garden dormice are vulnerable to forest fragmentation. The connection of suitable habitats facilitates dispersal and promotes access to potential mating partners, which could be especially important for populations colonizing new habitats. Access to potential mates may also reduce inbreeding, loss of genetic variability which is crucial for populations viability and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This research investigates the existing structure of Indonesian regulations for constructing bureaucrats' cognitive behavior by carrying out budget ratcheting and praxis. It then analyses the dominant factors influencing Indonesia's Bureaucracy's decision to adopt the ratchet principle. It underlines that the Indonesian bureaucracy prefers praxis due to national styles and regulations. Furthermore, the authors reveal that the Indonesian bureaucrats preserve their outcome to save face by leniently ratcheting the budget for this current one. This article uses a post-structuralist methodology demonstrating that praxis is nested in bureaucrat behavior. Then, we conduct in-depth interviews to capture the thinking behind the Indonesian bureaucrats' cognition. We found four factors influencing the Indonesian bureaucracy's choice to use praxis: commodification, regulatory ambivalence, undecidability, and expediency. Therefore, this study highlights that budget executors never produce optimum performances due to a misalignment between the budgetary measurements and the execution. In short, the budget's executors conduct praxis in their cognitive behavior because they have no other choice. This study's findings have consequences for the political economy, meaning Indonesia's government must re-engineer most budgetary regulations to control all the behavioral agents. Simultaneously, this re-engineering could drive and empower the bureaucrats' behavior by transforming their readiness and commitment to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the design and field installation of automated electronic Asian Elephant signage for human safety. The increasing human-elephant interactions in Asia and Africa have led to conflicts and fatalities. The article proposes the use of electronic elephant signage (EES) to mark elephant crossing points and warn vehicles and people of potential conflicts. The EES is designed to be affordable, adaptable, and energy-efficient. The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in India was selected for the installation of the EES, and the devices have been successfully running since September 2023. The article acknowledges the positive feedback received and emphasizes the importance of considering reader feedback for future iterations of the signage. [Extracted from the article]

The nesting habits of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus with nesting site (e.g., power and television cables), source of nest materials, various developmental stages of nests, abnormal nests, number of individuals and their association with other bird species, and threats to their nests were studied between March and September 2021 in the agrarian landscapes of 42 villages in Kallakurichi District, Tamil Nadu. A total of 155 nest colonies containing 1,725 nests of various developmental stages and 1,993 adult birds were counted on power/television cables. The number of nests per colony found varied from one to 57. The average number of nests per colony was eleven. Baya Weaver had preferred power/television cables as nesting sites in the study area in spite of availability of potential nest-supporting trees, such as Cocos nucifera and Borassus flabellifer within 500 m radii from cables bearing nests. Birds used fibres of sugarcane leaves (Saccharum officinarum) for the construction of nests. Out of 778 helmet stage nests observed, 90% (n = 716) helmet stage nests had clay deposits on their inner walls and no clay deposits were found in the remaining 10% (n = 62) helmet stage nests. Eleven types of abnormal nests constituted 17% (n = 286) of the total nests. Sixteen other bird species (e.g., birds of order: Passeriformes, Coraciiformes, Piciformes, Cuculiformes and Columbiformes) were found associated with the individuals of Baya Weaver. These bird species strictly shared similar roosting and foraging grounds. The avian predators such as House Crow Corvus splendens, Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos, Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus, Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda, Coucal Centropus senegalensis, and Shikra Accipiter badius had damaged the nests, eggs and chicks. The study revealed that about 1.1% nests (n = 197) were probably damaged by these avian predators. Power cables in the study sites had provided suitable nesting sites for Baya Weavers. The causes for utilization of power cables as nesting sites in larger geographical areas require further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetition of the same vocal stimulus during vocal learning may result in habituation. Therefore, selection may favor vocal tutors that produce vocal stimuli with characteristics that reduce the risk of habituation. Superb fairywren Malurus cyaneus mothers produce a two‐element (A and signature B) call to embryos, but embryos only produce one element type (B) after hatching. Why do mothers use the A element to embryos? We broadcast calls with one (B) or two (AB) element types and measured embryo response. Embryos habituated to calls with one element type and remained responsive to calls with both. We conclude that signal characteristics in tutors may guide learning to retain pupil attention during learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is increasingly adopted globally, including in Taiwan's educational initiatives, yet challenges remain in implementing effective CLIL practices, such as pedagogy and curriculum design. This study investigated the effectiveness of multimodal task designs, combining hands-on learning with poster presentations, in enhancing oral communicative competence within CLIL contexts. Employing a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design with a comparative case study framework, the study assessed English oral communicative competence in four intact fourth-grade Taiwanese CLIL Social Studies classes. The hands-on learning group (EG, n = 40) engaged in activities like Chinese Dumpling Making, Bird's Nest Building, and Succulent Pot Designing, while the non-hands-on learning group (CG, n = 34) used traditional worksheets on the same topics. Both groups proceeded to poster presentations within their multimodal task design, where students' oral communicative competence was assessed using rubrics developed based on Coyle's 4Cs dimensions, focusing on Content, Communication, and Cognition. Additionally, students' cultural knowledge related to the hands-on topics was evaluated through written tests. To complement the quantitative data, qualitative data from self-reported reflections and video recordings documenting interventions were collected for the assessment of oral communicative competence within a CLIL framework. Results demonstrate that integrating hands-on activities significantly enhanced procedural content, communication (i.e., sentence complexity, pronunciation accuracy for target vocabulary, presentation fluency), and cognitive abilities, confirming the efficacy of multimodal learning approaches in fostering linguistic and cognitive engagement. Post-test comparisons show the EG's superiority in cultural knowledge acquisition across all three hands-on topics. Student reflections endorsed the enrichment of learning experiences through multimodal task design. Video analysis of both groups' interventions revealed that despite significant engagement and autonomy, EG students commonly utilized general English rather than target vocabulary, a pattern similar to that observed in the CG. These findings highlight the potential of diverse modalities in CLIL to enhance English content learning and oral skills, shaping future pedagogy and language strategies in Taiwan. The study also emphasizes the role of embodied learning, the interplay between physical actions and cognitive processes, to facilitate deeper understanding and engagement with subject matter within CLIL settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to document the nesting behaviour and prey composition of a crabronid wasp, Trypoxylon sp. The wasp was molecularly characterised as T. clavicerum (NCBI Accession No. OQ913679.1). Nest acceptance rate was significantly higher in the reeds of Ipomea carnea (79.20%) and bamboo (84.80%). The mean number of brood cells (4.40 ± 0.89 cells/nest) and vestibular cells (1.06 cells/nest) built by the wasp was significantly higher in the reeds of I. carnea. Brood parasitisation by the nest parasite Amobia sp. was significantly higher in nests built by the wasp in paper straws (58.57%) compared to the nests built in the reeds of bamboo (23.33%). The mean durations of the egg, larval and pupal stages of T. clavicerum were 2.60 ± 0.55, 6.01 ± 0.71 and 4.80 ± 0.84 days. The number of nests recovered was observed to be the highest during the months of August (3.66 ± 1.53 nests), September (5.00 ± 4.36 nests), October (8.67 ± 2.89 nests) and November (6.00 ± 2.10 nests). The major species of spider from the occupied nests belonged to two families, viz. Salticidae (81%) and Oxyopidae (19%). During the nesting period the adult wasp provisioned a greater number of spiderlings (3.25 to 3.60 spiderlings/cell) than adult spiders (1.20 to 1.60 adult spiders/cell) to her brood. The time taken to complete a single nest provisioned with adult spiders and spiderlings (13.20 ± 6.83 hr/single nest) was significantly less than for the nests provisioned with adult spiders (46.80 ± 14.80 hr/single nest) only. This study is the first ever report of nesting behaviour and prey composition of the spider-hunting wasp T. clavicerum from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The house-farmed edible-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus sp.) is monogamous, produces nests from hardened saliva, and uses echolocation to navigate in the darkness. Most previous studies have focused on swiftlet nest building and incubation behaviour, but nestling provisioning behaviour, crucial for the survival of offspring during the breeding season, remains unclear. This study examined the nestling provisioning behaviour of house-farmed swiftlets at a swiftlet house farm in central Peninsular Malaysia. Complete focal video footage of the provisioning phase of swiftlets was analysed in detail. The overall feeding period decreased as the chick grew older. The parents alternately visited their nest 6-14 times a day from dawn to dusk to feed the nestling. The peak of this activity was from 07:00 to 08:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00. Nestling provisioning behaviour differed between pairs. The egg-laying interval of parents with two chicks was longer and affected the development of the second chick since the first chick more successfully competed for food and grew larger in size. Most second chicks with a smaller body size did not survive, because of being either purposely or unintentionally eliminated by the parents or sibling. The smaller-sized second chicks that survived took a longer time to fledge than the first chick; therefore, parents had to increase their foraging effort to ensure the survival of their chick until fledging. These behaviours may be influenced by physiological factors, such as age, experience, individual fitness, and abiotic factors, such as weather and food resources; therefore, different parental strategies may be established during the nestling provisioning phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to rapid homogenization in habitat types as a result of urbanization, some urban birds adapt their nesting strategies to changes in local habitat characteristics. Bird nesting decisions might have been mainly linked to resource constraints and ensuring reproductive success. In this study, we examined patterns of nesting behavior by spotted doves (Spilopelia chinensis) in a rapidly urbanizing area of Nanchang, China using ArcGIS 10.8, satellite tracking, camera traps, and field survey. To explore the mechanisms underlying nesting behavior in urban habitats, we assessed the correlations between nest reuse and reproductive success, and between nest reuse and nest predation. From December 2018 to December 2021, a total of 302 breeding nests were surveyed. The results revealed that the nest reuse rate was 38.08% (n = 115). Nests closer to trunk, with lower nest position and higher large‐scale urbanization score tended to have higher reuse rate. In addition, nests with the higher the nest height and percent of canopy cover, and the lower small‐scale urbanization score were more likely to reproduce successfully, and the reused nests also reproduce more successfully. The reproductive success associated with nest reuse was significantly higher than that associated with new nests (χ2 = 8.461, p =.004). High degree of urbanization promoted nest reuse of spotted doves (large‐scale urbanization score, z = 2.094, p =.036), which apparently enhanced their reproductive success (nest reuse, z = 2.737, p =.006). In conclusion, a nest structure with good permeability is the material basis for the nest reuse in spotted dove, while the relatively low risk of predation in urban habitat and the scarcity of nest site resources due to urbanization increase the tendency of birds to reuse old nests, which is associated with their reproductive success and evolutionary fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although brood parasitism has been well documented among bird species, interspecific alloparenting, which is parenting behavior of adult individuals of one species toward the progeny of another species, is increasingly being reported. However, compared with the many reports of interspecific alloparenting behavior in North America and Europe, this phenomenon is less well known in China, with only two prior cases of interspecific alloparenting behavior in birds having been recorded. On June 23, 2022, we observed an instance of interspecific alloparental care provided by a mountain bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii) towards silver‐eared mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) nestlings in Caihu Village, Jingdong County, Yunnan Province, southwestern China. We recorded 19.5 h of footage during the period in which the mountain bulbul provided care for the nestlings with the aim of documenting detailed observations of interspecific alloparenting to contribute to our overall understanding of this behavior. The alloparenting behavior of the mountain bulbul lasted for at least 5 days. During this period, both silver‐eared mesia parents fed their nestlings 157 times and removed their nestlings' fecal sacs 5 times, while the mountain bulbul fed the nestlings 30 times and removed the nestlings' fecal sacs 4 times. In addition, the male silver‐eared mesia parent chased the mountain bulbul away during nestling feeding. As there was no life history information for the mountain bulbul at that time, we were unable to directly determine why it exhibited interspecific alloparental care. Regardless of the reason for the mountain bulbul's behavior, these findings provide valuable information for future studies on the reproductive ecology of these two bird species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study conducted on the breeding biology and aggressive behavior of Arundinicola leucocephala, a bird species found in South America. The researchers used song playback to attract breeding pairs and observed that males exhibited aggressive behavior towards their social mates instead of towards perceived male intruders. The article explores various hypotheses to explain this behavior, including the prevention of female-female conflict and sexual coercion. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the context and conditions that influence aggression in this species. [Extracted from the article]

Swallows (Hirundo spp.) inhabit a variety of habitats in both tropical and temperate zones. Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica), in particular, frequently roost in large numbers and construct mud nests on buildings, causing nuisance to humans. At the Glami Lemi Biotechnology Research Centre (GLBRC), which is located in Peninsular Malaysia, there are certain structures that are frequently utilised by a large number of swallows for perching and resting. This results in the defacement of the exterior walls caused by their droppings. Hence, the analysis presented in this paper delves into the factors influencing their presence and numbers. The objective of this study was to examine the fluctuations in the number of perched Barn Swallows and their relationship with three environmental parameters: temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity. Three hours of observation were conducted in two different sessions (i.e., morning and afternoon) three times per week for one year. The results showed that the number of Barn Swallows perched appeared to be stable throughout the year, except for November and December, when it increased tremendously and reached its peak. A Spearman rank analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between the number of swallows perched and the environmental parameters. The analysis was restricted to only periods when the birds were present. A significant effect of relative humidity and temperature was observed for the morning session, promoting the relationship between the environmental parameters and the perching/resting behaviour of this species. This situation is parallel with the afternoon session, where all three environmental parameters showed a significant effect on swallows’ numbers. This study not only provides valuable information to the GLBRC’s management to effectively anticipate appropriate steps to mitigate the influx of Barn Swallows but also enhances our knowledge of the perching/ resting behaviour of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review essay discusses recent Aristotelian interventions in the philosophy of science and biology, focusing on the recovery of formal and final causes. The essay examines four books that explore these topics, emphasizing the role of mathematics in each. One of the books argues that Aristotelian-Thomistic metaphysics is presupposed by scientific methods and various scientific disciplines. However, the reviewer questions the logical dependence between science and metaphysics proposed by the author and suggests that a different mode of mathematical modeling may offer a more comprehensive approach to understanding morphological change and form. Another book explores the reconciliation of Aristotelianism with emergentist approaches to science, particularly biology. The author argues for a dispositionalist metaphysics and critiques classical and dynamic emergence theories. While the book presents a comprehensive survey of relevant literature and offers a synthesis of ideas, it falls short in addressing conflicts between emergence and hylomorphism. Additionally, another book examines the tension between evolution and hylomorphism, proposing a neo-Aristotelian theory of biological natural kinds essentialism that incorporates dispositionalism. The author challenges the traditional understanding of eidos and explores the role of dispositional properties in ontogenesis and developmental pathways. The article discusses two books that explore the concept of final and formal causality in relation to evolution and biology from an Aristotelian perspective. The first book reconstructs teleology as an environment-sensitive energy that is not directed towards any specific instance or collection of gene expression. The second book aims to restore final [Extracted from the article]

Nest building is a vital behavior exhibited during breeding in birds, and is possibly induced by environmental and social cues. Although such behavioral plasticity has been hypothesized to be controlled by adult neuronal plasticity, empirical evidence, especially at the neurogenomic level, remains limited. Here, we aim to uncover the gene regulatory networks that govern avian nest construction and examine whether they are associated with circuit rewiring. We designed an experiment to dissect this complex behavior into components in response to pair bonding and nest material acquisition by manipulating the presence of mates and nest materials in 30 pairs of zebra finches. Whole-transcriptome analysis of 300 samples from five brain regions linked to avian nesting behaviors revealed nesting-associated gene expression enriched with neural rewiring functions, including neurogenesis and neuron projection. The enriched expression was observed in the motor/sensorimotor and social behavior networks of female finches, and in the dopaminergic reward system of males. Female birds exhibited predominant neurotranscriptomic changes to initiate the nesting stage, while males showed major changes after entering this stage, underscoring sex-specific roles in nesting behavior. Notably, major neurotranscriptomic changes occurred during pair bonding, with minor changes during nest material acquisition, emphasizing social interactions in nest construction. We also revealed gene expression associated with reproductive behaviors and tactile sensing for nesting behavior. This study presents novel neurogenomic evidence supporting the hypothesis of adult neural plasticity underlying avian nest-construction behavior. By uncovering the genetic toolkits involved, we offer novel insights into the evolution of animals' innate ability to construct nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in relative interspecific brain size has been correlated with cognitive capacities in different animal groups. Bird nest construction is one of the most remarkable animal abilities, and has reached the highest diversification in the Passeriformes. Yet, its relationship with brain size is not fully understood. Here, we used a dataset of 455 species to address potential correlations between nest types (open and enclosed) and five categories of nest attachment mode, as well as a set of covariables, with relative brain mass (Rbmass) of passerine birds. Bayesian regression modelling with phylogenetic control revealed that nest attachment mode, rather than nest type, was associated with Rbmass variation, despite the strong effects of habitat, migration and phylogeny. A phylogenetic confirmatory path analysis suggested that Rbmass and nest attachment can interact via a direct evolutionary link and also through an indirect link mediated through habitat (vegetation density). Phylogenetic ridge regression indicated that Top suspended nests were associated with species close to a maximum relative brain size, and that Rim suspended nests were associated with brain size radiations and probably with the exploration of new ecological niches. Our study provides evidence that the construction of nests with different attachment modes requires different levels of cognitive abilities, and we provide insights into the relationships between passerine brain size and nest attachment diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal models are crucial to preclinical oncological research and drug development. Animal experiments must be performed in accordance with the 3R principles of replacement and reduction, if possible, and refinement where these procedures remain crucial. In addition, European Union legislations demand a continuous refinement approach, as well as pro- and retrospective severity assessment. In this study, an objective databased severity assessment was performed in murine models for pancreatic cancer induced by orthotopic, subcutaneous, or intravenous injection of Panc02 cells. Parameters such as body weight change, distress score, perianal temperature, mouse grimace scale, burrowing, nesting behavior, and the concentration of corticosterone in plasma and its metabolites in feces were monitored during tumor progression. The most important parameters were combined into a score and mapped against a reference data set by the Relative Severity Assessment procedure (RELSA) to obtain the maximum achieved severity for each animal (RELSAmax). This scoring revealed a significantly higher RELSAmax for the orthotopic model than for the subcutaneous and intravenous models. However, compared to animal models such as pancreatitis and bile duct ligation, the pancreatic cancer models are shown to be less severe. Data-based animal welfare assessment proved to be a valuable tool for comparing the severity of differently induced cancer models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene-based nanomaterials are exceptionally attractive for a wide range of applications, raising the likelihood of the release of graphene-containing nanoparticles into aquatic environments. The growing use of these carbon nanomaterials in different industries highlights the crucial need to investigate their environmental impact and evaluate potential risks to living organisms. The current investigation evaluated the nanotoxicity of graphene (nanoflakes) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles on the cardiorespiratory responses (heart rate, gill ventilation frequency), as well as the swimming and nesting behavioral parameters of early stage larvae and juvenile salmonids. Both short-term (96 h) and long-term (23 days) exposure experiments were conducted using two common species: brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The findings demonstrated notable alterations in fish nesting behavior, swimming performance, and cardiorespiratory functions, indicating the potential toxicity of nanoparticles. This impact was observed at both physiological and whole-organismal levels in salmonids at early stages. Future investigations should explore different types of nanocarbons and their potential enduring effects on fish population structure, considering not only individual survival but also broader aspects of development, including feeding, reproductive, and other social dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) generating neuropathic pain and anxiety. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) is the most disabling clinical form, and the patients present an intense neurodegenerative process. In this context, the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are oxidized compounds and their accumulation in plasma has been related to clinical disability in MS patients. However, the involvement of AOPPs in neuropathic pain‐ and anxiety‐like symptoms was not previously evaluated. To assess this, female mice C57BL/6J were used to induce progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (PMS‐EAE). Clinical score, weight, strength of plantar pressure, rotarod test, mechanical allodynia, and cold hypersensitivity were evaluated before induction (baseline) and on days 7th, 10th, and 14th post‐immunization. We assessed nest building, open field, and elevated plus‐maze tests 13 days post‐immunization. Animals were killed at 14 days post‐immunization; then, AOPPs levels, NADPH oxidase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord samples. The clinical score increased 14th post‐immunization without changes in weight and mobility. Reduced paw strength, mechanical allodynia, and cold allodynia increased in the PMS‐EAE animals. PMS‐EAE mice showed spontaneous nociception and anxiety‐like behavior. AOPPs concentration, NADPH oxidase, and MPO activity increase in CNS structures. Multivariate analyses indicated that the rise of AOPPs levels, NADPH oxidase, and MPO activity influenced the clinical score and cold allodynia. Thus, we indicated the association between non‐stimuli painful perception, anxiety‐like, and CNS oxidative damage in the PMS‐EAE model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ant mandibles perform different functions (e.g. feeding, hunting, and nest building), and previous studies on workers of some species revealed that they are enriched in transition metals (Zn and Mn), which improve cuticle hardness. Whether this trait is adaptive in all ant species is still unclear. One way to test for such adaptation is to compare sexes and castes within species as well as species with different life-histories. Here, we evaluated the transition metal enrichment in workers, queens, and males of 12 species of the Holarctic genus Lasius Fabricius 1804. The genus is adequate to test for the evolution of this trait because of two reasons. First, males show small, often toothless mandibles and do not contribute to nest activities, hence leading to the prediction of lower metal-enrichment compared with workers and queens. Second, this genus includes both socially parasitic (of other Lasius species) and non–parasitic species, leading to the prediction that females of the former, because they engage in fights with the host, have higher metal-enrichment compared with females of the latter. Our Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis provided evidence for an adaptive role of Zn and Mn in Lasius mandibles. At intra-specific-level, males had lower amount of Zn and Mn in their mandibles compared with workers and queens (which did not differ). Although parasitic and non-parasitic queens had similar metal amounts, parasitic workers showed higher Mn content and marginally higher Zn content than workers of non-parasitic species. Overall, our results strongly suggest that both colony activities and parasitic life-style promoted greater metal-enrichment in Lasius females. Given the huge biological diversity of ants, large comparative studies are needed to assess the generality of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nest reuse is often observed in large- and medium-sized birds, including hole-nesters, while in smaller passerines building open-cup nests it is rarely recorded. In this note we report a case of multiple nest reuse, observed in a residential garden in Poland. The nest was located on the wall of a farm building partly overgrown by Boston Ivy at the height of 2.3 m. The nest was occupied eight times between 2007 and 2023 by three bird species: Grey and Pied Wagtails and Common Blackbirds. The nest was built by Grey Wagtails in 2007, but in 2009 it was reconstructed considerably by blackbirds. The Blackbird cup with mud lining survived until 2023 and contained all other nests. We suggest that the most plausible reason for multiple nest reuse was the high quality of this nest site. However, we also found that the nest was used during warm, dry springs but avoided when weather conditions at the beginning of the breeding season were adverse. We hypothesize that cold and wet springs – thought to be associated with high costs of reproduction – may have influenced birds' decision not to reuse the nest. To our knowledge, this is the longest case of nest reuse reported for passerines building open-cup nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two complete nests of Pterocheilus phaleratus (Panzer, 1797) were described from the north-eastern edge of the Pomeranian Flying Club in Toruń (northern Poland). Both nests were built in sandy terrain on a sloping surface (about 20°). The nests consists of a 5 cm long main burrow with a single cell. Digging and backfilling the nest involves carrying fine gravel in the mandibles. Females transported prey at a frequency of 6 to 12 minutes. The cell contained 25 larvae from the Tortricidae family (Acleris spp.). Metopia cf. argyrocephala (Meigen, 1824) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was observed following the female into the nest, but specimens of this species were not excavated from the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of sea turtle nesting beaches in Türkiye have been conducted since 1988 and the number of beaches reached to 22. Mediterranean coast of Türkiye has many small pocket beaches and other inaccessible remote sandy beaches. In this study, I introduce a new nesting site, Yakacık Beach, for the loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the border of Antalya and Mersin provinces. Following the preliminary field studies on the 1.7 km long beach, 201 and 197 nests were found in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and the average nest density of the two years was calculated as 117.6 nests/km-1. Satellite images were also used to ensure and estimate the number of nests. The number of nest and the nest density were compared with the literature and Yakacık has the second highest nest density in Türkiye with a high predation rate up to 68%. The potential importance of Yakacık Beach and threats to the nesting beach and mitigation measures were discussed. Türkiye has one of the most important nesting sites for the loggerhead turtles and the green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Mediterranean, with 17 nesting beaches identified in 1989. With the discovery of additional nesting sites such as Çıralı, Alata, Sugözü, Davultepe, and METUKocahasanlı beaches in the following years, the importance of Türkiye for sea turtle populations in the Mediterranean has gradually increased. With this study, a new nesting beach was identified and the importance of Türkiye for the Mediterranean Sea turtles was emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rallus elegans (King Rail) is a secretive marsh bird that has experienced substantial population decline due to habitat loss, especially in the northern portion of its range. Life-history characteristics in this region are largely undescribed for King Rails. We summarized morphometric measurements for 14 King Rails that we caught and radio-tracked in western Lake Erie coastal marshes between 2019 and 2021. We opportunistically noted behaviors and events that could, if supported by similar data from elsewhere in the region, inform conservation efforts and advance general understanding of this species. We described habitat at 2 nest sites, monitored nest success, noted adult behaviors at the nest and in the vicinity of chicks, described 3 mortality events, and documented 5 long-distance movements during the breeding season. We also present estimates of fall-departure dates from our study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The housing conditions of laboratory mice must be strictly controlled in order to reduce the impact of pathophysiological changes that affect animal health and welfare, possibly resulting in increased variability within experimental results. One way to improve the activity and survival of laboratory mice is to provide nesting material. The objective of this study was to determine if nest-building quality could be used to detect changes in murine mating behaviour in a rodent facility under controlled conditions. Nesting scores of 847 cages with monogamous pairs from three different genetic backgrounds (129, B6 and BALB/c) of both sexes were correlated with 18 predefined variables. The effects on nest quality were evaluated using descriptive data analysis, correspondence analysis and ordinal logistic model fitting. The results showed a strong relationship between nest quality and nest position. Humidity, genetic background, cage change and the number and age of pups in the cage affected the nest-building scores. The most important indicators were cage change and relative humidity, both of which exerted significant negative effects on nest-building quality. Even though the criteria were well defined, the observer could still influence nest score appraisal. However, in a long-term observational study, observers could improve their assessment by training and acquiring greater experience in score assignment. Nest-building scores are easy to assess in the cage, with little discomfort to the animal. Moreover, the nest score is a valid indicator of the health and well-being of laboratory mice and can provide valuable support in the management of animal facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video recordings of Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) at the nests of grassland birds are of interest because relatively few such observations exist. We documented 7 events where cowbirds removed nest contents at 6 active nests and 1 empty nest. Among 6 attended nests, cowbirds arrived at the nest an average of 3.8 min (range 0.7–11.6 min) after the host species left. Cowbirds removed nest contents during the early morning (mean = 3.9 h after sunrise, SE = 0.3 h, n = 4) or late afternoon (mean = 13.1 h after sunrise, SE = 0.4 h, n = 3), taking an average of 0.7 min (range 0.4–1.1 min) to remove nest contents. Cowbirds sequentially moved nest contents away from the nest in 4 of the 7 events taking an average of 3 trips (range 2–4) to do so. Among 6 attended nests, cowbirds left the nest an average of 3.4 min (range 0.5–10.7 min) before the host species arrived back at the nest. Of the 6 active nests, cowbird damage of nest contents directly resulted in the failure of only 1 nest. Three nests went on to fledge the remaining host young, while 2 failed due to other causes. Our observations add to a growing number of video-recorded behaviors of brood parasites that can provide data for better testing hypotheses about nest destruction behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermally adapted building envelope relies on a stable balance between form, orientation, and material. The Ksour of Ghardaia and Melika are two of five Ksour that characterise the city of Ghardaïa. They are fortified desert cities. Sceliphron, which belongs to the Sphecidae family, is an endemic wasp adapted to the local environment in the Ghardaïa region of central Algeria. Their nests are abundant in the new public buildings near the dam. These wasps build their nests from the soil they collect in nearby areas and choose isolated, safe spots for their nests, sheltered from outside influences. The paper reports work to compare such nests' composition with that of the local architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecological balance. This study focused on the impact of branch-breaking behavior on the mortality of Rhizophora stylosa in the Guangxi Shankou Mangrove Reserve. However, we found mangrove mortality in areas devoid of egret habitation, prompting a reevaluation of our research hypothesis. Further investigation suggested that nesting behavior was the primary cause of mangrove mortality. A comparison of the data from areas with egrets (Egretta garzetta, Ardea intermedia) and lesser rice-field rats (Rattus losea) activity indicated significant mechanical damage caused by rats to mangroves as the main cause of mortality. Additionally, we found that the biological characteristics of R. stylosa, particularly its stunted growth and recovery abilities after branch breaking, were key factors affecting its survival. These findings imply that rat-induced mortality may not occur in other less susceptible mangrove species. The results contradict assumptions regarding the impact of egret behavior and highlight the importance of the biological characteristics of R. stylosa. This offers fresh insights into mangrove conservation and management, emphasizing the need for ongoing observation and hypotheses verification. Future studies should explore the influence of lesser rice-field rats' activity and the intrinsic characteristics of R. stylosa on the ecosystem's long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ploceus philippinus is one of the common weaver birds in the South Karnataka region of India, which is renowned for its distinctive nest-building architecture. The male Baya weaver bird selects the nesting site based on various factors such as microclimate, temperature, light intensity, and the availability of nesting materials and food sources. In the current investigation, it has been observed that how male weaver birds exhibit a deliberate selection process, choosing host plants for nest construction. The male birds participate in the intricate process of nest-making, and the female bird begins to visit the nest. The male birds of the colony make noise and frenetic flights around the nest with excitement when female birds are sighted around the trees. Each male bird elevates their nest toward the female by fluttering his wing and pushes the nest. The female, in turn, meticulously inspects each nest by poking her beak into the wall and pulling out some fiber as if performing a ritualized test of building standards. Ultimately, the nest is selected by the female, which indicates her willingness to accept the nest architect as her mate. The present study illuminates that the key determinant of reproductive success lies in the discerning choice made by the female through the process of mate selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina, indeed exhibits fascinating social behavior and a unique nesting strategy. The nesting behavior of weaver ants involves a "leaf-weaving," process where the worker ants use the silk produced by their larvae to bind leaves together, creating a complex and sturdy nest structure. Regarding their life stages and metabolic changes, Oecophylla smaragdina as a holometabolous species undergoes complete metamorphosis, involving distinct developmental stages such as egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage is characterized by significant changes in the insect's physiology and appearance. It is essential to study the metabolic changes in these ants during their life stages to better understand their development, behavior, and adaptability to their environment. The main objective of the present study is a biochemical analysis of the life stages of the weaver ant. During this study, various ants were collected at various stages and analyzed for the estimation of protein, carbohydrate, RNA, and DNA. According to the findings, the concentration of proteins was observed to be highest during all life stages of weaver ants. Following proteins, the concentration of RNA was noted to be the highest, then the concentration of DNA and carbohydrates. It was also noted that the concentration of biomolecules increased from the egg stage to the pupal stage, reaching its maximum level at the pupal stage. However, after reaching the maximum level at the pupal stage, the concentration of biomolecules declines as the ant progresses from the white imago to the adult stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to cope with the complexity and variability of the terrestrial environment, amphibians have developed a wide range of reproductive and parental behaviors. Nest building occurs in some anuran species as parental care. Species of the Music frog genus Nidirana are known for their unique courtship behavior and mud nesting in several congeners. However, the evolution of these frogs and their nidification behavior has yet to be studied. With phylogenomic and phylogeographic analyses based on a wide sampling of the genus, we find that Nidirana originated from central-southwestern China and the nidification behavior initially evolved at ca 19.3 Ma but subsequently lost in several descendants. Further population genomic analyses suggest that the nidification species have an older diversification and colonization history, while N. adenopleura complex congeners that do not exhibit nidification behavior have experienced a recent rapid radiation. The presence and loss of the nidification behavior in the Music frogs may be associated with paleoclimatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. This study highlights the nidification behavior as a key evolutionary innovation that has contributed to the diversification of an amphibian group under past climate changes. The Music frogs are revealed to possess adaptative flexibility under climate changes. Mud nests evolved as a key innovation during perennial high temperatures and precipitations but lost in certain descendants when the weather got dryer and colder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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