Instruct: Identify the main category of Biorxiv papers based on the titles and abstracts
Query: Considering variance in pollinator responses to stressors can reveal potential for resilience O_LIEnvironmental stressors have sublethal consequences on animals, often affecting the mean of phenotypic traits in a population. However, potential effects on variance are poorly understood. Since phenotypic variance is the basis for adaptation, any influence of stressors may have important implications for population resilience.
C_LIO_LIHere we explored this possibility in insect pollinators by analysing raw datasets from 24 studies (6,913 bees) in which individuals were first exposed to stressors and then tested for cognitive tasks.
C_LIO_LIWhile all types of stressors decreased the mean cognitive performance of bees, their effect on variance was complex. Focusing on 15 pesticide studies, we found that the dose and the mode of exposure to stressors were critical. At low pesticide doses, cognitive variance decreased following chronic exposures but not for acute exposures. Acute exposure to low doses thus seems less damaging at the population level. In all cases however, the variance decreased with increasing doses.
C_LIO_LIPolicy implications. Current guidelines for the authorization of plant protection products on the European market prioritize acute over chronic toxicity assessments on non-target organisms. By overlooking the consequences of a chronic exposure, regulatory authorities may register new products that are harmful to bee populations. Our findings thus call for more research on stress-induced phenotypic variance and its incorporation to policy guidelines to help identify levels and modes of exposure animals can cope with.
C_LI
26
The categories of this paper are: biochemistry
22
The categories of this paper are: physiology
7
The categories of this paper are: ecology
24
The categories of this paper are: cancer
32
The categories of this paper are: zoology
23
The categories of this paper are: immunology
31
The categories of this paper are: paleontology
5
The categories of this paper are: cell
21
The categories of this paper are: toxicology
20
The categories of this paper are: pharmacology
27
The categories of this paper are: pathology
17
The categories of this paper are: molecular
6
The categories of this paper are: plant
28
The categories of this paper are: communication
30
The categories of this paper are: scientific
16
The categories of this paper are: microbiology