Functional consequences and population differences in the developmental plasticity of muscle to temperature in Atlantic herring Clupea harengus

Abstract

The development of the axial muscles was investigated in Atlantic herring Clupea harengus from 2 spring-spawning (Clyde and Blackwater) and 1 autumn-spawning (Manx) populations in 2 successive years. The results indicate significant developmental differences between stocks. Myofibril synthesis and the development of acetylcholinesterase activity at the neuromuscular junctions occurred later with respect to embryonic stage at 5°C than at 8 and 12°C in Clyde herring, with much less pronounced differences between temperatures for the other populations. In a second series of experiments, Clyde herring were incubated at 5 and 12°C until shortly after hatching, and then reared at ambient temperature in triplicate tanks. The 5°C group had a faster growth rate than the 12°C group with respect to effective day-degrees from hatch. However, flexion of the notochord and the development of the dorsal and anal fin ray muscles occurred at shorter body lengths in the 12 than 5°C groups. The maximum escape velocity of larvae during fast-starts was determined using a high-speed video. Over the size range 11.2 to 18.5 mm total length, the adjusted mean maximum velocity was 24% higher in larvae hatched from 12 than 5°C eggs. Cruising swimming behaviour also differed between groups with the 12°C larvae showing reduced yaw relative to the 5°C larvae, indicating a more developmentally advanced sub-carangiform style of locomotion.

Variability in muscle growth characteristics during the spawning season in a natural population of Atlantic herring Clupea harengus

“…If temperature were the only variable to consider, it is possible that such differences might reflect developmental variations between populations. Studies on the effects of the relative timing of myogenesis in herring embryos have found distinct differences between Clyde and Blackwater stocks (Johnston et al 2000b). Under natural conditions, developmental differences between the stocks may relate to the thermal tidal cycling of the Blackwater estuary.…”

Parallel adaptive evolution of geographically distant herring populations on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean

“…MYHC genes play a critical role for myogenesis (35). Previous studies have indicated that herring populations spawning at various times of the year have a variable degree of developmental plasticity as regards myogenesis (36) and that differences in water temperature between spawning seasons are considered responsible for differential myogenesis in herring (37). Further research is required to reveal the ecological adaptation underlying the observed association.…”

Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination in Vertebrates

“…For example, O'Steen (1998) and Spencer et al (2001) found that cool-incubated turtles compensated by growing faster than warm-incubated turtles, and Rhen and Lang (1995) found that warm-incubated lizards grew more slowly. Letcher and Bengtson (1993) and Johnston et al (2001) report that fish given equivalent rations grow slower when maintained at warmer temperatures. However, the latter examples are likely associated with increased swimming behavior that also occurs at warmer temperatures (Crawshaw 1984).…”

“…However, other less dramatic changes in animal biology can be influenced by developmental temperature (see also Rhen and Lang,Chapter 10). Developmental temperature has been linked to thermal preference in turtles (O'Steen 1998), relative tail length in lizards (Shine et al 1997a), and swimming behavior in fishes ( Johnston et al 2001). The temporal windows where developmental events are most likely to be influenced are termed thermosensitive periods (TSPs) (Lang and Andrews 1994).…”