Zoology最新文献

{"title":"Morphological conservatism and natural history in two sympatric Amerotyphlops species (Serpentes: Typhlopidae) from the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil","authors":"Anderson Kennedy Soares De-Lima ,&nbsp;Paula Araújo ,&nbsp;Gabriela Hirata ,&nbsp;Frederico Gustavo Rodrigues França","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126338","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126338","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blindsnakes (Scolecophidia) are among the most morphologically conservative reptiles, yet the extent and nature of their phenotypic variation is poorly documented. We provide an integrative assessment of allometry and trophic ecology in two sympatric species of <em>Amerotyphlops</em> from the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, <em>A. brongersmianus</em> and <em>A. paucisquamus</em>. Based on 100 individuals, we combined morphometric, reproductive, dietary, and phenological data to discuss how fossoriality influences body shape and ecological strategies. <em>A. brongersmianus</em> exhibited greater overall robustness, with females displaying significant allometric shifts in snout and trunk width, whereas <em>A. paucisquamus</em> showed somatic isometry (including body mass), contrasting with strong positive allometry in reproductive organs. Regarding sexual dimorphism, neither species exhibited statistically significant differences in body proportions after correction for multiple comparisons, although <em>A. brongersmianus</em> presented higher SSD indices. Reproductive allometry revealed divergent strategies, contrasting the negative scaling of testis width in <em>A. brongersmianus</em> with the marked positive scaling of testicular dimensions in <em>A. paucisquamus</em>. Furthermore, while <em>A. brongersmianus</em> lacked significant bilateral asymmetry, <em>A. paucisquamus</em> exhibited directional asymmetry in testis width. The species displayed distinct phenologies associated with rainfall, yet shared an exceptionally narrow myrmecophagous niche, feeding almost exclusively on ant brood. Morphological differences in cranial width and trunk robustness align with distinct prey assemblages and soil use, although these differences fall within a narrowly conserved morphofunctional space, implying fine-scale ecological partitioning. Our results show that morphological stasis in <em>Amerotyphlops</em> may coexist with modest, non-pervasive adaptive adjustments along constrained functional axes, highlighting how subtle developmental and ecological modulations sustain evolutionary persistence in fossorial lineages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 126338"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147966372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to explore the functional anatomy of skeletal appendages in migratory and resident birds","authors":"Gehad M.M. Teryak ,&nbsp;Ahlam M. El-Bakry ,&nbsp;Abdelaziz S.A. Abuelsaad ,&nbsp;Aya E. Mohamed ,&nbsp;Rasha E. Abo-Eleneen ,&nbsp;Tarek Mohamed","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126339","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126339","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Migration is the primary strategy employed by temperate birds to avoid experiencing harsh winter conditions. Consequently, the bones and wings of migratory birds have evolved distinctive morphological, structural, and microstructural characteristics that enable various environmental adaptations. These characteristics vary substantially among species, depending on environmental factors and, most importantly, flight capability. In the present study, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Double Staining Techniques (Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red), and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&amp;E) staining were employed to investigate the morphology and morphometry of the wings and legs, as well as the trabecular structure and mineral content of the humerus, in migratory birds (<em>Anas crecca crecca</em>) and non-migratory birds (<em>Cairina moschata domesticus</em>) at two and six months of age. The findings revealed that the migratory species exhibited significantly shorter bone lengths and lower mineral content compared to the non-migratory species. Moreover, histological examination of the humerus showed marked differences between the two groups. In migratory species, the metaphysis exhibited a dense cortical bone, numerous fused and compact bony trabeculae with regularly arranged lamellae, many empty lacunae, medullary bone, and evident osteoclastic activity. Conversely, the metaphysis of non-migratory species showed a thin periosteum, a less dense cortical bone, numerous well-developed trabeculae with osteoblastic rimming, fewer and faintly stained lamellae, many lacunae with large osteocytes, medullary bone, and extensive areas of calcified cartilage. In conclusion, both migratory (<em>Anas crecca</em>) and non-migratory (<em>Cairina moschata</em>) have evolved species-specific skeletal adaptations to accommodate their respective environmental conditions, resulting in enhanced physical endurance and performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 126339"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A spectrum of speculums: Testing adaptive hypotheses for male speculum coloration in male Brown-Throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus)","authors":"Zackary A. Graham ,&nbsp;Haley N. Vidolin ,&nbsp;Rebecca N. Cliffe","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126340","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sloths exhibit specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations for crypsis, including slow movement and camouflaged pelage that reduces detection by predators. However, adult males of three three-fingered sloth species (<em>Bradypus</em> spp.) possess a distinctive dorsal patch called a speculum, characterized by bright pigmentation and oily secretions, presenting an apparent evolutionary paradox. The function of the speculum is unknown, especially due to the logistical constraints of conducting research on wild sloths. Here, we present the first quantitative analysis of speculum morphology in Brown-Throated Sloths (<em>Bradypus variegatus)</em> to evaluate potential functional hypotheses. Morphometric measurements revealed a positive correlation between speculum area with body size, while color analysis revealed weak correlations between body length and pigmentation patterns. These findings are consistent with sexual selection hypotheses and support the speculum as a sexually selected trait, yet its persistence is puzzling given the species’ rod monochromacy and vulnerability to visually acute predators. The speculum's sexually dimorphic expression and secretory properties suggest potential multimodal signaling functions, possibly integrating visual and olfactory components. This study provides the first test of the relationship of the speculum’s relationship to body size in sloths, which informs hypotheses about its functional and evolutionary significance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 126340"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148038848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is developmental instability sex-specific? Case study in two spiny lizards with different reproductive modes","authors":"Aldo Gómez-Benitez ,&nbsp;Gabriel Andrade-Soto ,&nbsp;Erika Adriana Reyes-Velázquez ,&nbsp;Gisela Granados-González ,&nbsp;Oswaldo Hernández-Gallegos","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developmental instability reflects an organism’s ability to buffer genetic and environmental perturbations during growth and is commonly assessed through fluctuating asymmetry and canalization. Evidence from diverse animal groups suggests that developmental instability can be sex specific, often showing sex-biased sensitivities to developmental perturbations. Additionally, reproductive mode can shape developmental environments, potentially influencing how morphological variation is buffered during ontogeny. Yet, the relative importance of sex and reproductive mode in shaping developmental instability remains poorly studied. We tested whether developmental instability is sex specific in two spiny lizards with contrasting reproductive modes: the viviparous <em>Sceloporus grammicus</em> and the oviparous <em>Sceloporus aeneus</em>. We analyzed a curated subset of 69 adults (40 <em>S. grammicus</em>, 29 <em>S. aeneus</em>) from high-elevation sites in Estado de México, photographed the dorsal head, digitized 22 landmarks, and conducted Procrustes superimposition to extract shape variables. Fluctuating asymmetry was quantified using Procrustes distances, while canalization was assessed through comparisons of within-group variance–covariance matrices and principal component analysis. Fluctuating asymmetry did not differ between sexes in either species, and asymmetry variance was similar between males and females within species but differed between species. Canalization analyses revealed stronger buffering in <em>S. grammicus</em> males compared to both sexes of <em>S. aeneus</em>, while no sexual dimorphism in head shape was detected in either species. Together, these results suggest that developmental stability is more strongly associated with reproductive mode than with sex, and that size-related sexual differences do not translate into shape divergence. Our findings highlight how developmental environments linked to reproductive strategies, but not sex, can modulate morphological buffering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"176 ","pages":"Article 126337"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147793756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Getting a grip on the squid hectocotylus: Sexually dimorphic glandular system underlies spermatophore transfer in Doryteuthis pleii (Blainville, 1823)","authors":"Ligia H. Apostólico,&nbsp;José Eduardo A.R. Marian","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126328","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During mating, male cephalopods generally use a modified arm (the hectocotylus) to transfer spermatophores to the female. To shed some light on the functional morphology of such an important organ in cephalopod reproduction, we have thoroughly investigated the male and female arms of the loliginid squid <em>Doryteuthis pleii</em> (Blainville, 1823) by applying light and electron microscopy. In <em>D. pleii</em>, the distal region of the left ventral arm of mature males is modified, with the suckers of the dorsal row being greatly reduced in size and supported by narrow pedicels. Moreover, the epithelia between the dorsal and ventral sucker rows and between the ventral row and its protective membrane have two types of exclusive secretory cells. These cells secrete neutral sugars and basic proteins and can be distinguished mainly by the size of their granules as well as their affinity for hematoxylin. Additionally, they display a particular distribution: type I cells are predominant in the area between dorsal and ventral rows, while type II cells are prevalent in the region between the ventral row and ventral protective membrane. Several hypotheses may explain the function of this sexually dimorphic glandular system, e.g.: control over spermatophore eversion by coating them with a viscous substance; manipulation of the female physiology/behavior through chemical signaling; and production of an adhesive secretion that would enable the hectocotylus to firmly hold spermatophores without damaging them. The external morphology of the hectocotylus of other species suggests a similar glandular system is likely widespread across decapodiform cephalopods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 126328"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147489290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Histologic and immunohistochemical changes in amputated and scarring lizard limb of Scincella tsinlingensis","authors":"Xinyue Wang,&nbsp;Huihui Zhang,&nbsp;Yiwen Zhang,&nbsp;Yuwei Gao,&nbsp;Chun Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126327","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lizard tail regeneration and limb amputation provide contrasting amniote models for regenerative failure. A limb wound healing model was established in 48 <em>Scincella tsinlingensis</em> through standardized surgical amputation protocols, followed by comprehensive anatomical observation, histological evaluation, and immunohistochemical characterization of regenerative processes. Four fibrotic stages—hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—were delineated through histopathological analysis and further categorized into five histologically distinct stages. Stages I-II (0–9 days post-amputation, dpa) showed PCNA dominance over Caspase-3, reflecting proliferative priority. Collagen degradation correlated with expression of MMP-9 by fibroblasts and epithelial cells, whereas collagen deposition correlated with α-SMA⁺ myofibroblasts in stages IV-V. VEGF/TSP-1 immunostaining peaked during stages II-III (3–18 dpa) in accordance with angiogenesis and transitioned to restricted expression suggestive of vascular pruning by stage V. Epidermal maturation was associated with Cytokeratin 6 expression during re-epithelialization in stages II-IV (3–40 dpa). Persistent macrophage activity and inflammatory signaling correlated with sustained fibrosis. Key regulators (PCNA, Caspase-3, Cytokeratin 6, MMP-9, α-SMA, VEGF, TSP-1) displayed spatiotemporally restricted roles in scar formation. Despite robust proliferation and remodeling, limb regeneration failed, with myofibroblast-driven ECM accumulation and chronic inflammation overriding regenerative programs, yielding nonfunctional scar tissue devoid of muscle regeneration. These results represent the lizard exhibits no limb regeneration post-amputation, advancing investigation into mechanisms of regenerative failure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 126327"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147483063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Female Condition on Egg Size in Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni)","authors":"Reuven Yosef ,&nbsp;Malamati A. Papakosta ,&nbsp;Dimitrios E. Bakaloudis ,&nbsp;Jakub Z. Kosicki ,&nbsp;Christos G. Vlachos","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2025.126316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2025.126316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Egg size is a key determinant of reproductive success in birds, influencing nestling growth, survival, and overall fitness. For Lesser Kestrels <em>Falco naumanni</em>, a small raptor often supported by nest-box programs, we hypothesized that female condition would significantly predict egg size, with higher-quality females producing larger eggs. Thus, over four breeding seasons, we investigated the influence of female condition, expressed as the Scaled Mass Index (SMI), and clutch size on egg dimensions (length, breadth, and volume) in a nest-box population in central Greece. We found that female condition significantly and positively affected both egg breadth and volume but did not influence egg length, and clutch size had no discernible effect on any egg dimension. Among the traits measured, breadth exhibited the highest repeatability, suggesting a stronger genetic component, whereas length and volume were more sensitive to environmental factors. Our findings suggest that conservation efforts should prioritize maintaining or improving female body condition – through, for example, ensuring high habitat quality, adequate food availability, and minimizing stress – to support optimal reproductive investment by female Lesser Kestrels in nest-box populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 126316"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145760663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Blood chemistry and health status of Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) nestlings","authors":"S.M. Xirouchakis,&nbsp;K. Baxevani,&nbsp;A. Kardamaki,&nbsp;A. Perodaskalaki,&nbsp;A. Anagnostopoulou,&nbsp;K. Damianakis","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2025.126317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2025.126317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blood biochemistry offers reliable tools for assessing the physiological condition of wildlife populations, thus aiding their management and conservation. This study provides reference blood biochemistry values for free-living Eleonora’s falcon nestlings based on 135 samples collected from 2018 to 2022 in an eastern Crete colony. Significant inter-annual differences in analytes highlight strong environmental effects. Albumin and glucose levels increased with age, whereas phosphorus decreased. Nestlings in better body condition showed higher globulin, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations but lower glucose levels compared to those in poorer condition. Falcons from low-quality nest sites had elevated sodium and uric acid concentrations. No significant differences were detected based on hatching order or sex, except for higher albumin levels in females. Although haemoglobin levels decreased with increasing hatching order and brood size, this trend was not significant, suggesting mild physiological stress in younger fledglings due to intra-brood competition. Relationships between haemoglobin and total protein, calcium, glucose, and uric acid suggest potential biomarkers for monitoring the health of colonies of this species and other raptor populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 126317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145835804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrodynamic flow in the peripheral olfactory system of pelagic fishes: A comparison between southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyii and black marlin, Istiompax indica","authors":"Myoung-Hoon Ha ,&nbsp;Travis Dutka ,&nbsp;Julian Pepperell ,&nbsp;Lucille Chapuis ,&nbsp;Caroline C. Kerr ,&nbsp;Shaun P. Collin","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2026.126318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The peripheral olfactory system of teleosts reveals great morphological diversity, which directly affects the delivery of water-borne odorants in an aquatic environment. In pelagic teleosts, hydrodynamic conditions also play an important role in olfaction, as they continuously experience a flow of water across their tapered head. In this study, the structure of the olfactory chamber, olfactory rosette, and nostrils of two species of pelagic teleosts, the southern bluefin tuna <em>Thunnus maccoyii</em>, and the black marlin <em>Istiompax indica</em>, are examined in order to understand the morphology of their peripheral olfactory system. The inter-nostril distance and the volume of the ventilatory sac are also assessed using light microscopy and diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography to quantitatively assess the theoretical hydrodynamics of olfaction. The results show that both species have their olfactory chambers distant from the tip of the snout, possess a thick boundary layer above the nostrils, a circular olfactory rosette, and a radiating arrangement of olfactory lamellae. A comparison between the two species reveals that <em>T. maccoyii</em> has a long inter-nostril distance (20.05 mm), small nostril openings (incurrent: 0.13 mm², excurrent: 4.88 mm²), a horizontally long olfactory chamber, and a relatively small ventilatory sac (209.81 mm³), while <em>I. indica</em> has a short inter-nostril distance (3.60 mm), large nostril openings (incurrent: 4.50 mm², excurrent: 8.15 mm²), a vertically long olfactory chamber, and a large ventilatory sac (308.14 mm³). The morphological similarities between the two species suggest olfactory adaptations for a pelagic lifestyle, while the differences highlight the adaptations suitable for the unique hydrodynamic conditions associated with different swimming speeds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 126318"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Burrow morphology and environmental–behavioral correlates of Scartelaos histophorus in intertidal mudflats of Ca Mau, Vietnam","authors":"Quang Minh Dinh,&nbsp;Vuong Van Ly,&nbsp;Ton Huu Duc Nguyen","doi":"10.1016/j.zool.2025.126305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.zool.2025.126305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Burrowing behavior in mudskippers represents a key adaptation to intertidal environments, providing shelter from predators, buffering against temperature and salinity fluctuations, and serving as breeding sites. Despite its ecological significance, little is known about the burrow morphology of <em>Scartelaos histophorus</em>, a large mudskipper species widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia. This study investigated the burrow morphology of the mudskipper <em>S. histophorus</em> in the intertidal mudflats of Hiep Thanh, Ca Mau, Vietnam. The study was designed under the hypothesis that the burrow morphology of <em>S. histophorus</em> varies according to environmental parameters such as salinity, pH, and temperature, reflecting adaptive responses to intertidal conditions. A total of 64 burrows were cast and analyzed, revealing four structural types: L-shaped (57.81 %), U-shaped (23.44 %), J-shaped (6.25 %), and complex forms (12.50 %). The number of burrow openings ranged from 1 to 4, while chambers varied from 0 to 5, indicating structural variability. Burrow dimensions showed considerable variability, with total length ranging from 6 to 142 cm and burrow weight from 12.70 to 429.66 g, while depth and mouth diameter were relatively stable. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in burrow size among structural types, with U-shaped and complex burrows generally larger than L- and J-shaped forms. Environmental variables, including pH, temperature, and salinity, were also significantly associated with burrow characteristics. Direct behavioral observations, including sediment excavation, entrance maintenance, air-bubble injection, and courtship displays, confirmed the ecological functions of different burrow types. These findings demonstrate that <em>S. histophorus</em> exhibits flexible burrowing strategies shaped by both environmental conditions and reproductive requirements, underscoring their adaptive role in sustaining intertidal biodiversity and contributing to a broader understanding of coastal ecosystem resilience at a global scale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49330,"journal":{"name":"Zoology","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 126305"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145433553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}