DOCSLIB.ORG

Comparative Biogeography and Ecology of Freshwater Fishes in The

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Comparative Biogeography and Ecology of Freshwater Fishes in The Comparative biogeography and ecology of freshwater fishes in the Breede and associated river systems, South Africa by Albert Chakona Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown Supervisors: Dr. Ernst R. Swartz (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity) Dr. Gavin Gouws (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity) Prof. Paulette Bloomer (Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria) October 2011 Declaration I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis is, to the best of my knowledge, original. This thesis has not been previously submitted, either in part or in its entirety, for the award of any other degree at any other university. Signature: ………………………… Date: ……………………… ii Thesis summary Distribution patterns and levels of genetic diversity in extant taxa are a product of complex palaeogeographic processes and climatic oscillations as well as the species’ intrinsic ecological adaptations. The Cape Floristic Region of South Africa presents a unique system for studying the processes that promote species diversification and distribution patterns. This region has a high degree of endemism of both terrestrial and aquatic biota and is clearly isolated from neighbouring areas by the Cape Fold Mountains and the Great Escarpment. The objective of this study was to firstly examine the ecology of freshwater fishes belonging to the genera Galaxias, Pseudobarbus and Sandelia in the south-western CFR. This was followed by an assessment of the genetic diversity of these taxa. Unique lineages were identified and their distribution was mapped. The work aimed to explore the role of the region’s complex palaeogeographic and climatic history as well as the role of the species’ ecological adaptations in driving lineage diversification and shaping contemporary distribution patterns. The four main components of the study can be summarised as follows: 1. Habitat associations of three widely distributed lineages of Galaxias zebratus Pseudobarbus burchelli and Sandelia capensis were evaluated at multiple localities in minimally disturbed mountain tributaries of the Breede, Duiwenhoks and Goukou River systems. The lineages have distinct habitat associations which were related to differences in their morphological traits. The slender-bodied Galaxias ‘nebula’ and the fusiform- shaped Pseudobarbus ‘Breede’ are capable of exploiting upper reaches with faster water iii velocity. By contrast, the laterally compressed Sandelia ‘eastern’ is restricted to lower reaches, making this lineage more susceptible to a wide array of impacts. 2. A recently discovered lineage of Galaxias zebratus, (Galaxias ‘nebula’), was found to be capable of tolerating emersion for a prolonged period of time. This is the first time that such capabilities have been documented in an African galaxiid. These adaptations have implications for the interpretation of Galaxias ‘nebula’s wide distribution range. 3. The phylogeography of Galaxias ‘nebula’ across its entire distribution range was investigated using two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (cyt b)). This lineage has a complex evolutionary history that was influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Rare events such as episodic drainage connections during Pleistocene and Holocene pluvial periods, possibly augmented by river confluences during periods of lower sea-levels and river capture events seem to be the most credible explanation for the extensive contemporary distribution and the relatively shallow genetic divergence between different river systems. 4. Mitochondrial cyt b sequences were used (i) to assess genetic diversity in G. zebratus, P. burchelli and S. capensis from the south-western CFR and (ii) to determine the roles of intrinsic ecological adaptations and extrinsic landscape and climatic changes in promoting genetic diversification and shaping present day distribution patterns of lineages in the three taxa. Marine incursions during periods of major sea-level transgressions are proposed to have isolated populations in upland refugia, thereby iv driving allopatric divergence in these species. Subsequent connections of rivers during wetter periods and lower sea-levels are proposed to have facilitated post-speciation dispersal of lineages to attain present day distribution patterns. While detailed morphological studies and further genetic analysis are needed to substantiate the taxonomic status of the newly discovered lineages of Galaxias zebratus, Pseudobarbus burchelli and Sandelia capensis, results of the present study indicate that the south-western CFR represents a previously unrecognised centre of freshwater fish diversity and microendemism in the broader Cape Floristic Region. Accurate identification of lineages and comprehensive mapping of their distribution is a fundamental pre-requisite for ecological studies, assessing conservation status and implementation of appropriate conservation measures. v Dedication To my daughter Rutendo, my wife and friend Gamuchirai my parents Assumpta and Runesu Chakona … and to all those dedicated to the conservation of the CFR’s unique freshwater fishes … vi Thesis acknowledgements I gratefully acknowledge my supervisors, Ernst Swartz and Gavin Gouws from the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and Paulette Bloomer from the University of Pretoria, for their support, guidance, mentorship, intellectual input and great working alliance from the beginning of this study until the end. Ernst conceived the research idea, administered the project and helped define its direction. Gavin’s unrelenting patience, assistance and guidance in the early days of my lab work and data analysis is greatly appreciated. Funding for this study was provided by the National Research Foundation (NRF, South Africa), the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Rufford Small Grants Foundation (RSGF), International Foundation for Science (IFS) and WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships for Nature Conservation. Without their generous financial support, neither the project nor my studies in South Africa would have been possible. SAIAB is also thanked for providing all the necessary facilities including laboratory and office space, equipment and research vehicles. I would like to acknowledge CapeNature for permits and for the support they gave to the project. The South African Navy is thanked for providing bathymetry layers that were used to reconstruct palaeoriver systems. I am very grateful to the landowners for allowing us access to their properties for sampling. Their support, enthusiasm and advice are much vii appreciated. Hilda and Doempie Swartz are thanked for providing a base during field trips. Your hospitality is sincerely appreciated. James Merron, Wilbert Kadye, Ernst Swartz and Gavin Gouws assisted for long periods of time during my field surveys. These surveys would have not been possible if it were not for their dedicated support. I would also want to thank Dean Impson, Martine Jordaan, Tom Barry, Mpho Ramoejane, Kit Magellan and Steven Lowe for providing ad hoc assistance with fieldwork. Roger Bills and Olaf Weyl are thanked for some of their field equipment that was used during this study. Further assistance was provided by Unathi Lwana (preparing of DNA tubes), Bafo Konqobe and Vuyani Hanisi (preparing of formalin and ethanol), Willem Coetzer, Sherwyn Mack and Gamuchirai Chakona (help with GIS). I am very grateful to Poogendri Reddy for her assistance, guidance, patience and willingness to help with troubleshooting during my laboratory work. Paul Skelton, Ofer Gon, Monica Mwale, Alan Whitfield, Wilbert Kadye, Mpho Ramoejane, Thabo Maake, Tshoanelo Moloi, Amos Chinomona and Nicodemus Mautsa are thanked for the fruitful discussions about my research. I thank my family, especially my parents, Assumpta and Runesu Chakona, for giving me all the necessary support from my childhood, and for giving me the freedom to pursue my dreams. I am very thankful to my wife, Gamuchirai, for the love and constant support throughout this study. Finally, my daughter, Rutendo, has been such a great inspiration! viii Research outputs Peer reviewed articles Chakona, A., Swartz, E. & Magellan, K. (2011). Aerial exposure tolerance of a newly discovered galaxiid fish. Journal of Fish Biology 78, 912–922. Conference presentations Chakona, A., Gouws, G., Swartz, E. & Bloomer, P. (2011). Vicariance or dispersal: does the distribution pattern of Galaxias ‘nebula’ conform to previous biogeographic hypotheses? (Abstract and oral presentation). 9th SASSB Conference (19-21 January 2011, Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Chakona, A., Swartz, E., Gouws, G. & Bloomer, P. (2009). Genetic differentiation of a widespread Galaxias lineage across currently isolated river systems (Abstract and oral presentation). 10th Anniversary Conference, Southern Africa Society for Systematic Biology, 25-27 July 2009, Natalia, Illovo Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Popular articles and newsletters Chakona, A. (2010). Biodiversity field work in the Cape Floristic Region: Experiences and lessons learned from the Breede River expedition of 2008 to 2009 (Newsletter article). South African Biosystematics Initiative students’ newsletter, March 2010. Chakona, A. (2010). Genetic diversity and habitat requirements of native fish in the Cape Floristic Region. South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) research
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Critical Habitat for Canterbury Freshwater Fish, Kōura/Kēkēwai and Kākahi
    CRITICAL HABITAT FOR CANTERBURY FRESHWATER FISH, KŌURA/KĒKĒWAI AND KĀKAHI REPORT PREPARED FOR CANTERBURY REGIONAL COUNCIL BY RICHARD ALLIBONE WATERWAYS CONSULTING REPORT NUMBER: 55-2018 AND DUNCAN GRAY CANTERBURY REGIONAL COUNCIL DATE: DECEMBER 2018 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Aquatic habitat in Canterbury supports a range of native freshwater fish and the mega macroinvertebrates kōura/kēkēwai (crayfish) and kākahi (mussel). Loss of habitat, barriers to fish passage, water quality and water quantity issues present management challenges when we seek to protect this freshwater fauna while providing for human use. Water plans in Canterbury are intended to set rules for the use of water, the quality of water in aquatic systems and activities that occur within and adjacent to aquatic areas. To inform the planning and resource consent processes, information on the distribution of species and their critical habitat requirements can be used to provide for their protection. This report assesses the conservation status and distributions of indigenous freshwater fish, kēkēwai and kākahi in the Canterbury region. The report identifies the geographic distribution of these species and provides information on the critical habitat requirements of these species and/or populations. Water Ways Consulting Ltd Critical habitats for Canterbury aquatic fauna Table of Contents 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Methods ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Feature: INTRODUCED FISH and ECOLOGY
    Feature: INTRODUCED FISH AND ECOLOGY Ecological Impacts of Non-native Freshwater Fishes Julien Cucherousset Centre for Conservation Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Applied Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom Impactos Ecológicos de Peces Foráneos CNRS, UPS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité de Agua Dulce Biologique), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse, UPS, UMR5174 EDB, F-31062 Toulouse, France RESUMEN: Hay una larga historia de introducciones de especies de peces foráneos de agua dulce y la tasa Julian D. Olden de introducción se ha acelerado considerablemente a School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, través del tiempo. Si bien no todos los peces introduci- Box 355020, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA (Address correspondence dos tienen efectos notables en sus nuevos ecosistemas, to [email protected]) muchos de ellos ejercen importantes impactos ecológi- cos, evolutivos y económicos. Para los investigadores, ABSTRACT: There is a long history of introduction of non-native administradores y tomadores de decisiones que están in- fishes in fresh waters and the introduction rate has accelerated great- teresados en la conservación de la diversidad dulceacuí- ly over time. Although not all introduced fishes have appreciable cola, es de suma importancia entender la magnitud y effects on their new ecosystems, many exert significant ecological, alcance de los potenciales impactos de especies foráneas evolutionary, and economic impacts. For researchers, managers, de agua dulce. El presente estudio provee un panorama and policy makers interested in conserving freshwater diversity, un- de la literatura más reciente sobre impactos ecológicos derstanding the magnitude and array of potential impacts of non-na- asociados a la introducción de peces foráneos de agua tive fish species is of utmost importance.
    [Show full text]
  • A Global Assessment of Parasite Diversity in Galaxiid Fishes
    diversity Article A Global Assessment of Parasite Diversity in Galaxiid Fishes Rachel A. Paterson 1,*, Gustavo P. Viozzi 2, Carlos A. Rauque 2, Verónica R. Flores 2 and Robert Poulin 3 1 The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685, Torgarden, 7485 Trondheim, Norway 2 Laboratorio de Parasitología, INIBIOMA, CONICET—Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400, Argentina; [email protected] (G.P.V.); [email protected] (C.A.R.); veronicaroxanafl[email protected] (V.R.F.) 3 Department of Zoology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +47-481-37-867 Abstract: Free-living species often receive greater conservation attention than the parasites they support, with parasite conservation often being hindered by a lack of parasite biodiversity knowl- edge. This study aimed to determine the current state of knowledge regarding parasites of the Southern Hemisphere freshwater fish family Galaxiidae, in order to identify knowledge gaps to focus future research attention. Specifically, we assessed how galaxiid–parasite knowledge differs among geographic regions in relation to research effort (i.e., number of studies or fish individuals examined, extent of tissue examination, taxonomic resolution), in addition to ecological traits known to influ- ence parasite richness. To date, ~50% of galaxiid species have been examined for parasites, though the majority of studies have focused on single parasite taxa rather than assessing the full diversity of macro- and microparasites. The highest number of parasites were observed from Argentinean galaxiids, and studies in all geographic regions were biased towards the highly abundant and most widely distributed galaxiid species, Galaxias maculatus.
    [Show full text]
  • Freshwater Fishes
    WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE state oF BIODIVERSITY 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 Introduction 2 Chapter 2 Methods 17 Chapter 3 Freshwater fishes 18 Chapter 4 Amphibians 36 Chapter 5 Reptiles 55 Chapter 6 Mammals 75 Chapter 7 Avifauna 89 Chapter 8 Flora & Vegetation 112 Chapter 9 Land and Protected Areas 139 Chapter 10 Status of River Health 159 Cover page photographs by Andrew Turner (CapeNature), Roger Bills (SAIAB) & Wicus Leeuwner. ISBN 978-0-620-39289-1 SCIENTIFIC SERVICES 2 Western Cape Province State of Biodiversity 2007 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Andrew Turner [email protected] 1 “We live at a historic moment, a time in which the world’s biological diversity is being rapidly destroyed. The present geological period has more species than any other, yet the current rate of extinction of species is greater now than at any time in the past. Ecosystems and communities are being degraded and destroyed, and species are being driven to extinction. The species that persist are losing genetic variation as the number of individuals in populations shrinks, unique populations and subspecies are destroyed, and remaining populations become increasingly isolated from one another. The cause of this loss of biological diversity at all levels is the range of human activity that alters and destroys natural habitats to suit human needs.” (Primack, 2002). CapeNature launched its State of Biodiversity Programme (SoBP) to assess and monitor the state of biodiversity in the Western Cape in 1999. This programme delivered its first report in 2002 and these reports are updated every five years. The current report (2007) reports on the changes to the state of vertebrate biodiversity and land under conservation usage.
    [Show full text]
  • Evidence of Hidden Diversity and Taxonomic Conflicts in Five Stream Fishes from the Eastern Zimbabwe Highlands Freshwater Ecoregion
    A peer-reviewed open-access journal ZooKeys 768: 69–95Evidence (2018) of hidden diversity and taxonomic conflicts in five stream fishes... 69 doi: 10.3897/zookeys.768.21944 RESEARCH ARTICLE http://zookeys.pensoft.net Launched to accelerate biodiversity research Evidence of hidden diversity and taxonomic conflicts in five stream fishes from the Eastern Zimbabwe Highlands freshwater ecoregion Albert Chakona1,2, Wilbert T. Kadye2, Taurai Bere3, Daniel N. Mazungula1,2, Emmanuel Vreven4,5 1 South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, South Africa, 6140 2 Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, South Africa, 6140 3 School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, Chinhoyi University of Technology, P. Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe 4 Royal Museum for Central Africa, Section of Vertebrates, Ichthyology, Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium 5 KU Leuven, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutio- nary Genomics, Deberiotstraat 32, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Corresponding author: Albert Chakona ([email protected]) Academic editor: N. Bogutskaya | Received 30 October 2018 | Accepted 25 April 2018 | Published 19 June 2018 http://zoobank.org/9621930C-8C43-40D0-8554-684035E99FAA Citation: Chakona A, Kadye WT, Bere T, Mazungula DN, Vreven E (2018) Evidence of hidden diversity and taxonomic conflicts in five stream fishes from the Eastern Zimbabwe Highlands freshwater ecoregion. ZooKeys 768: 69–95. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.768.21944 Abstract
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibious Fishes: Terrestrial Locomotion, Performance, Orientation, and Behaviors from an Applied Perspective by Noah R
    AMPHIBIOUS FISHES: TERRESTRIAL LOCOMOTION, PERFORMANCE, ORIENTATION, AND BEHAVIORS FROM AN APPLIED PERSPECTIVE BY NOAH R. BRESSMAN A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of WAKE FOREST UNIVESITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Biology May 2020 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Approved By: Miriam A. Ashley-Ross, Ph.D., Advisor Alice C. Gibb, Ph.D., Chair T. Michael Anderson, Ph.D. Bill Conner, Ph.D. Glen Mars, Ph.D. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my adviser Dr. Miriam Ashley-Ross for mentoring me and providing all of her support throughout my doctoral program. I would also like to thank the rest of my committee – Drs. T. Michael Anderson, Glen Marrs, Alice Gibb, and Bill Conner – for teaching me new skills and supporting me along the way. My dissertation research would not have been possible without the help of my collaborators, Drs. Jeff Hill, Joe Love, and Ben Perlman. Additionally, I am very appreciative of the many undergraduate and high school students who helped me collect and analyze data – Mark Simms, Tyler King, Caroline Horne, John Crumpler, John S. Gallen, Emily Lovern, Samir Lalani, Rob Sheppard, Cal Morrison, Imoh Udoh, Harrison McCamy, Laura Miron, and Amaya Pitts. I would like to thank my fellow graduate student labmates – Francesca Giammona, Dan O’Donnell, MC Regan, and Christine Vega – for their support and helping me flesh out ideas. I am appreciative of Dr. Ryan Earley, Dr. Bruce Turner, Allison Durland Donahou, Mary Groves, Tim Groves, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, UF Tropical Aquaculture Lab for providing fish, animal care, and lab space throughout my doctoral research.
    [Show full text]
  • Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention
    Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention: the role of the Convention on Wetlands in the Conservation and Wise Use of Biodiversity edited by A. J. Hails Ramsar Convention Bureau Ministry of Environment and Forest, India 1996 [1997] Published by the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland, Switzerland, with the support of: • the General Directorate of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of the Walloon Region, Belgium • the Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark • the National Forest and Nature Agency, Ministry of the Environment and Energy, Denmark • the Ministry of Environment and Forests, India • the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Sweden Copyright © Ramsar Convention Bureau, 1997. Reproduction of this publication for educational and other non-commercial purposes is authorised without prior perinission from the copyright holder, providing that full acknowledgement is given. Reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. The views of the authors expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect those of the Ramsar Convention Bureau or of the Ministry of the Environment of India. Note: the designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Ranasar Convention Bureau concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Citation: Halls, A.J. (ed.), 1997. Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Ramsar Convention: The Role of the Convention on Wetlands in the Conservation and Wise Use of Biodiversity.
    [Show full text]
  • Freshwater Fish Spawning and Migration Periods
    Freshwater Fish Spawning and Migration Periods Prepared for Ministry for Primary Industries November 2014 Prepared by: Josh Smith For any information regarding this report please contact: Josh Smith Freshwater Fish Technician Freshwater & Estuaries Phone +64 07 8567026 [email protected] National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd Gate 10 Silverdale Road Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216 PO Box 11115, Hillcrest Hamilton 3251 New Zealand Phone +64 07 8567026 NIWA CLIENT REPORT No: HAM2014-101 Report date: November 2014 NIWA Project: MPI15202 ISBN 978-0-473-32827-6 © All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or copied in any form without the permission of the copyright owner(s). Such permission is only to be given in accordance with the terms of the client’s contract with NIWA. This copyright extends to all forms of copying and any storage of material in any kind of information retrieval system. Whilst NIWA has used all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate, NIWA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the completeness of the information contained herein, or that it will be suitable for any purpose(s) other than those specifically contemplated during the Project or agreed by NIWA and the Client. Contents Executive summary ............................................................................................................... 6 1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Canterbury Mudfish 11
    NEW ZEALAND MUDFISHES A GUIDE Nicholas Ling NEW ZEALAND MUDFISHES A GUIDE Nicholas Ling New Zealand mudfishes: a guide First published 2001 Acknowledgements: This publication originated from Department of Conservation, Science & Research Division contract 2485, and was published with financial assistance from the J.S.Watson Trust, Forest and Bird Society of New Zealand. Photographs © Nicholas Ling, Barry O’Brien and Tony Eldon. Drawings © Catherine Beard ISBN 0-478-22175-4 Published by Department of Conservation University of Waikato P O Box 10-420 Private Bag 3105 Wellington Hamilton CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 WHAT ARE MUDFISHES 2 MUDFISH HABITATS AND ECOLOGY 3 AESTIVATION – A FISH OUT OF WATER 7 BLACK MUDFISH 8 NORTHLAND MUDFISH 9 BROWN MUDFISH 10 CANTERBURY MUDFISH 11 STUDYING MUDFISHES 12 KEEPING MUDFISHES 13 MUDFISH IDENTIFICATION 14 MUDFISH CONSERVATION 16 GLOSSARY 19 FURTHER READING 20 Introduction n New Zealand’s mudfishes are unusual fish by any standards. When their wetland habitats dry out in summer, they burrow into the soil and remain there, motionless, breathing air, until the first decent flood of autumn refills the wetland and washes them from their refuge. Few fish species worldwide have such ability to survive for extended periods out of water. Early settlers in New Zealand were surprised to find live fish when digging vegetables from the earth. This ability to survive prolonged periods of drought allows them to colonise habitats that would be unsuitable for conventional fishes, which cannot survive out of water. These cryptic, nocturnal fish were probably once the most abundant freshwater fish in New Zealand. However, the loss of more than 90% of our wetlands over the past two centuries has confined them to a few refuge habitats still threatened by development of adjacent land.
    [Show full text]
  • Coping with Life on Land: Physiological, Biochemical, and Structural Mechanisms to Enhance Function in Amphibious Fishes
    Coping with Life on Land: Physiological, Biochemical, and Structural Mechanisms to Enhance Function in Amphibious Fishes by Andy Joseph Turko A Thesis presented to The University of Guelph In partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Integrative Biology Guelph, Ontario, Canada © Andy Joseph Turko, October 2018 ABSTRACT COPING WITH LIFE ON LAND: PHYSIOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND STRUCTURAL MECHANISMS TO ENHANCE FUNCTION IN AMPHIBIOUS FISHES Andy Joseph Turko Advisor: University of Guelph, 2018 Dr. Patricia A. Wright The invasion of land by fishes was one of the most dramatic transitions in the evolutionary history of vertebrates. In this thesis, I investigated how amphibious fishes cope with increased effective gravity and the inability to feed while out of water. In response to increased body weight on land (7 d), the gill skeleton of Kryptolebias marmoratus became stiffer, and I found increased abundance of many proteins typically associated with bone and cartilage growth in mammals. Conversely, there was no change in gill stiffness in the primitive ray-finned fish Polypterus senegalus after one week out of water, but after eight months the arches were significantly shorter and smaller. A similar pattern of gill reduction occurred during the tetrapod invasion of land, and my results suggest that genetic assimilation of gill plasticity could be an underlying mechanism. I also found proliferation of a gill inter-lamellar cell mass in P. senegalus out of water (7 d) that resembled gill remodelling in several other fishes, suggesting this may be an ancestral actinopterygian trait. Next, I tested the function of a calcified sheath that I discovered surrounding the gill filaments of >100 species of killifishes and some other percomorphs.
    [Show full text]
  • Multilocus Phylogeny of the Afrotropical Freshwater Crab Fauna Reveals Historical Drainage Connectivity and Transoceanic Dispersal Since the Eocene
    Syst. Biol. 64(4):549–567, 2015 © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press, on behalf of the Society of Systematic Biologists. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: [email protected] DOI:10.1093/sysbio/syv011 Advance Access publication February 3, 2015 Multilocus Phylogeny of the Afrotropical Freshwater Crab Fauna Reveals Historical Drainage Connectivity and Transoceanic Dispersal Since the Eocene ,∗ , SAV E L R. DANIELS1 ,ETHEL E. PHIRI1,SEBASTIAN KLAUS2 3,CHRISTIAN ALBRECHT4, AND NEIL CUMBERLIDGE5 1Department of Botany and Zoology, Private Bag X1, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; 2Department of Ecology and Evolution, J. W. Goethe-University, Biologicum, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany; 3Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, Peoples Republic of China; 4Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen 35392, Germany; and 5Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 49855-5376, USA ∗ Correspondence to be sent to: Department of Botany and Zoology, Private Bag X1, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; E-mail: mailto:[email protected] Received 15 November 2014; reviews returned 22 December 2014; accepted 28 January 2015 Associate Editor: Adrian Paterson Abstract.—Phylogenetic reconstruction, divergence time estimations and ancestral range estimation were undertaken for 66% of the Afrotropical freshwater crab fauna (Potamonautidae) based on four partial DNA loci (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase one [COI], and histone 3). The present study represents the most comprehensive taxonomic sampling of any freshwater crab family globally, and explores the impact of paleodrainage interconnectivity on cladogenesis among freshwater crabs. Phylogenetic analyses of the total evidence data using maximum-likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP), and Bayesian inference (BI) produced a robust statistically well-supported tree topology that reaffirmed the monophyly of the Afrotropical freshwater crab fauna.
    [Show full text]
  • The Thermal Tolerance and Preference Of
    The thermal tolerances and preferences of native fish in the Cape Floristic Region: towards understanding the effect of climate change on native fish species by Jody-Lee Reizenberg Town Thesis presented for the Degree of Master of Science Cape in the Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town March 2017 Supervisors: Dr Helen Dallas, Dr Jeremy Shelton, and Dr Cecile Reed University The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University of Cape Town DECLARATION I hereby declare that the work on which this thesis is based is my original work (except where acknowledgements indicate otherwise) and that neither the whole work nor any part of it has been, is being, or is to be submitted for another degree in this or any other university. I authorise the University to reproduce for the purpose of research either the whole or any portion of the contents in any manner whatsoever. This thesis reports original research carried out under the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Cape Town, between 2015 and 2016 for the M.Sc. study purpose. The data presented here are my own. I have fully acknowledged any assistance received. I know the meaning of plagiarism and declare that all of the work in the dissertation, save for that which is properly acknowledged, is my own.
    [Show full text]