Effects of Body Condition and Ectoparasitism on Host–Pathogen Interactions of Heteromyid Rodents [PDF]
PathogensRodents play a significant role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases; anthropization has increased human contact with these animals, vectors of infectious agents. However, the processes driving parasitism of hosts remains poorly understood.
Diana M. Beristain-Ruiz +11 more
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Distribution and prevalence of Sin Nombre hantavirus in rodent species in eastern New Mexico. [PDF]
PLoS ONEOrthohantaviruses are diverse zoonotic RNA viruses. Small mammals, such as mice and rats are common chronic, asymptomatic hosts that transmit the virus through their feces and urine.
Jaecy K Banther-McConnell +5 more
doaj +2 more sources
Cryptic behavior and activity cycles of a small mammal keystone species revealed through accelerometry: a case study of Merriam’s kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) [PDF]
Movement Ecology, 2023 Background Kangaroo rats are small mammals that are among the most abundant vertebrates in many terrestrial ecosystems in Western North America and are considered both keystone species and ecosystem engineers, providing numerous linkages between other ...
Ryan J. Hanscom +6 more
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Incomplete recovery of seeds from scatterhoards by granivorous rodents: Implications for plant establishment [PDF]
Ecology and Evolution, 2022 Granivorous rodents are important components of ecosystems not only because they consume seeds but also because some aid in seed dispersal through seed‐caching behaviors.
Keith Geluso +3 more
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Comparison of genetic variation between rare and common congeners of Dipodomys with estimates of contemporary and historical effective population size. [PDF]
PLoS ONE, 2022 Species with low effective population sizes are at greater risk of extinction because of reduced genetic diversity. Such species are more vulnerable to chance events that decrease population sizes (e.g. demographic stochasticity).
Michaela K Halsey +9 more
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Springing into action: Comparing escape responses between bipedal and quadrupedal rodents [PDF]
Ecology and EvolutionPredation is a fundamental selective pressure on animal morphology, as morphology is directly linked with physical performance and evasion. Bipedal heteromyid rodents, which are characterized by unique morphological traits such as enlarged hindlimbs ...
Grace A. Freymiller +4 more
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Hunting behavior and feeding ecology of Mojave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus), prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis), and their hybrids in southwestern New Mexico [PDF]
Ecology and Evolution, 2023 Predators must contend with numerous challenges to successfully find and subjugate prey. Complex traits related to hunting are partially controlled by a large number of co‐evolved genes, which may be disrupted in hybrids.
Dylan W. Maag +6 more
doaj +2 more sources
The past, present, and future of predator–prey interactions in a warming world: Using species distribution modeling to forecast ectotherm–endotherm niche overlap [PDF]
Ecology and EvolutionClimate change has the potential to disrupt species interactions across global ecosystems. Ectotherm–endotherm interactions may be especially prone to this risk due to the possible mismatch between the species in physiological response and performance ...
Jessica L. Hill +5 more
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A plethora of rodents: Rattlesnake predators generate unanticipated patterns of venom resistance in a grassland ecosystem [PDF]
Toxicon: XPredation has the potential to impart strong selective pressures on organisms within their environments, resulting in adaptive changes in prey that minimize risk of predation.
Neil R. Balchan +2 more
doaj +2 more sources
Beyond the burrow: Body condition and sex influence exploratory behavior in desert kangaroo rats (Dipodomys deserti) [PDF]
Biology OpenKatrina Moore +6 more
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