Biology subjects

Ayala-Berdon, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Ayala-Berdon, J..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

PhylloTraits 1.0: Unveiling the diversity of functional traits

Functional traits play a key role in understanding species ecological and evolutionary dynamics. However, the plenty of data collected on functional traits is sparse across literature so retrieving it, especially information for tropical species, becomes a challenge. We introduce PhylloTraits, a functional trait comprehensive database from bats of the family Phyllostomidae. The New World phyllostomids are one of the mammalian families with the greatest diversity of trophic and ecological habits. In addition, this family of bats is a prominent component of mammalian assemblages in the Neotropics. Phyllotraits 1.0 compiles a data collection on wing and body morphology from 230 species at individual level. The wing morphology traits can provide insight into flight performance and maneuverability. The body morphology traits are useful in addressing ecological aspects of Phyllostomidae bats. PhylloTraits 1.0 provides efficient access to functional data collated from various sources, including published literature in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and field studies. Furthermore, PhylloTraits 1.0 includes geographic coordinates of individual data to facilitate the examination of biogeographic patterns across different regions. By uncovering and synthesizing these functional traits and capturing individual variation, PhylloTraits aims to enhance our understanding of the ecological roles, evolutionary adaptations, and conservation implications of phyllostomid bats. This database would serve as a tool for comparative studies, ecological modeling, and conservation assessments. We anticipate that PhylloTraits will stimulate further research and promote collaborative efforts to unravel the intricate relationships between functional traits, their evolution and the ecological dynamics of Phyllostomidae bats.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2024

Thermal energetics of bats of the family Vespertilionidae: an evolutionary approach

O_LIThermal energetics define the way animals spend energy for thermoregulation. In this regard, numerous studies have determined that body mass (Mb) is the most influential morphological trait affecting the thermal traits in different species of birds and mammals. However, most of the studies have been focused on the basal metabolic rate (BMR), while other thermal traits have been less studied. C_LIO_LIWe addressed this gap by examining thermal variables on bats of the family Vespertilionidae. Using open-flow respirometry, we measured BMR, absolute thermal conductance (C), lower and upper critical temperatures (TLC and TUC), and the breadth of the thermoneutral zone (TNZb) of 15 bat species varying in Mb from [~] 4.0 to 21.0 g from central Mexico. We: 1) combined our empirical data with information gathered from the bibliography and conducted phylogenetic analyses to investigate the relationship between Mb and thermal traits, and 2) mapped the thermal energetic values along the phylogeny to explore how they may have evolved. C_LIO_LIWe found a positive relationship between Mb and BMR and absolute C, and a negative relationship between Mband TLC and TUC. However, we did not find a relationship between Mband TNZb in bats. The phylogenetic approach suggested that over the evolutionary history of bats, BMR and C have decreased while TLC and TUChave increased. C_LIO_LIOur results suggest that adaptive changes in Mb and thermal traits may have influenced the geographical distribution and the use of energy-saving strategies of the different species of bats of the family Vespertilionidae. C_LI

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Torpor energetics are related to the interaction between body mass and climate in bats of the family Vespertilionidae

Torpor is an adaptive strategy that allows animals to cope with energy limitations under adverse environmental conditions. In birds and mammals, intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as body mass (Mb) and ambient temperature (Ta) are well established triggers of torpor. Interestingly, the interplay between Mb and climate with different Ta on torpor traits in bats remains unexplored. Using open flow respirometry, we calculated Ta upon entering torpor (Tat), the reduction in torpid metabolic rate relative to the basal metabolic rate (TMRred), the Ta at which torpor metabolic rate reached its minimum (Ta adjust), and minimum torpid metabolic rate (TMRmin) in 11 bat species of the family Vespertilionidae that differ in Mb from warm and cold climates. We also included TMRmin data retrieved through a bibliography review. We tested the effects of Mb and climate on torpor traits using mixed-effect phylogenetic models. All models showed a significant interaction between Mb and climate. This interaction was inversely related to Tat, TMRred, Ta adjust, and positively related to TMRmin. These results are likely explained by the differences in Mb and the metabolic rate of bats from different climates, which may allow individuals to express torpor in places with different Ta. Further studies to assess torpor use in bats of different climates are proposed. Summary statementThe interaction between body mass and climate influences torpor energetics in bats of the family Vespertilionidae. As a result, torpid traits change based on body mass and climate.

zoology↗