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Item High-coverage genomes to elucidate the evolution of penguins(Oxford University Press and BGI, 2019-09-18) Pan H; Cole TL; Bi X; Fang M; Zhou C; Yang Z; Ksepka DT; Hart T; Bouzat JL; Argilla LS; Bertelsen MF; Boersma PD; Bost C-A; Cherel Y; Dann P; Fiddaman SR; Howard P; Labuschagne K; Mattern T; Miller G; Parker P; Phillips RA; Quillfeldt P; Ryan PG; Taylor H; Thompson DR; Young MJ; Ellegaard MR; Gilbert MTP; Sinding M-HS; Pacheco G; Shepherd LD; Tennyson AJD; Grosser S; Kay E; Nupen LJ; Ellenberg U; Houston DM; Reeve AH; Johnson K; Masello JF; Stracke T; McKinlay B; Borboroglu PG; Zhang D-X; Zhang GBACKGROUND: Penguins (Sphenisciformes) are a remarkable order of flightless wing-propelled diving seabirds distributed widely across the southern hemisphere. They share a volant common ancestor with Procellariiformes close to the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (66 million years ago) and subsequently lost the ability to fly but enhanced their diving capabilities. With ∼20 species among 6 genera, penguins range from the tropical Galápagos Islands to the oceanic temperate forests of New Zealand, the rocky coastlines of the sub-Antarctic islands, and the sea ice around Antarctica. To inhabit such diverse and extreme environments, penguins evolved many physiological and morphological adaptations. However, they are also highly sensitive to climate change. Therefore, penguins provide an exciting target system for understanding the evolutionary processes of speciation, adaptation, and demography. Genomic data are an emerging resource for addressing questions about such processes. RESULTS: Here we present a novel dataset of 19 high-coverage genomes that, together with 2 previously published genomes, encompass all extant penguin species. We also present a well-supported phylogeny to clarify the relationships among penguins. In contrast to recent studies, our results demonstrate that the genus Aptenodytes is basal and sister to all other extant penguin genera, providing intriguing new insights into the adaptation of penguins to Antarctica. As such, our dataset provides a novel resource for understanding the evolutionary history of penguins as a clade, as well as the fine-scale relationships of individual penguin lineages. Against this background, we introduce a major consortium of international scientists dedicated to studying these genomes. Moreover, we highlight emerging issues regarding ensuring legal and respectful indigenous consultation, particularly for genomic data originating from New Zealand Taonga species. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that our dataset and project will be important for understanding evolution, increasing cultural heritage and guiding the conservation of this iconic southern hemisphere species assemblage.Item Antarctica’s possible new world order(360info, 2022-01-31) Yermakova Y; Nicklin GItem Where memories sleep : an exploration into human-centred design and visual storytelling to persuade and educate : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master in Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2019) O'Hara, William JasonWhere Memories Sleep is an immersive cinedance installation designed to introduce new audiences to Antarctica and the science undertaken at Scott Base. The research explores using human-centred design methodologies to develop the communication strategy and visual narrative that inform the project’s creative direction. Tailored to appeal to millennials while remaining inclusive of all age groups, it primarily focuses on engaging and informing audiences about the existence and relevance of the science rather than expecting action toward Antarctica or climate change. Sitting at the confluence of three narrative disciplines; documentary, persuasion, and entertainment, the research project investigates the interaction and integration of these worlds when combined into a single immersive experience. Central to the project is a two-part narrative structure; a metaphoric imagined ‘legend’ that functions as a ‘Trojan Horse’ to engage the audience, and a supporting documentary making implicit the links to real science. The project narrative is inspired by the rich history of Antarctic exploration and draws on traditional and contemporary oral, visual and theatrical storytelling techniques. The storyline follows a familiar ‘hero’s journey’ structure beneath which runs a non-fiction aspect representing the current scientific activity in Antarctica. Where Memories Sleep is conceived as a long-term initiative and therefore adopts a flexible, modular approach to the narrative and scenographic elements. It is proposed to work across a variety of installation locations and media opportunities, such as a single-channel online video, to full live dance performance/installation.Item Promotion or protection : the management of tourist visitation to New Zealand's Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories New Zealand as a case study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Management Systems at Massey University(Massey University, 1993) Wouters, Mariska MariekeAntarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands are among the last regions on earth that are still relatively unspoilt from human activity. At the same time, they are also among the last tourism frontiers in the world. The forms of tourism, trends, impacts and the current management mechanisms are described and assessed. New Zealand is offered as a case-study because it is experiencing increased visitation to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories. As claimant to a section of Antarctica and signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, New Zealand has a vested interest in preserving this unique area. As the operator of Antarctic bases, it is probable that the New Zealand government may be called upon to provide assistance to tourist expeditions in the Antarctic. New Zealand companies are involved in tourist visits to the sub-Antarctic islands. Attention is drawn to areas of concern, and the various policies New Zealand applies to Antarctic and sub-Antarctic ecotourism are analysed. The need for a sustainable tourist management regime is examined, in order to balance the paradox between preservation and visitation. The varying aspects of international and national management regimes to manage Antarctic and sub-Antarctic tourism are discussed. Antarctica is managed by an international system, whereas the sub-Antarctic islands are subject to national legislation. This has implications for tourism management in these regions. It is questioned whether the present tourist regulations are adequate to protect the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic environments from the impacts of tourism. It is suggested that the current mechanisms are not sufficient, and the establishment of an International Convention on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic Tourism is proposed.Item Short circuit co-evolution by the perfect parasites : antifreeze glycoproteins in Antarctic fish leeches (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology at Massey University(Massey University, 2013) Kolb, Jürgen BertramAntifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) play an important role in biochemical adaptation to supercooled waters and hence in the survival of notothenioid fish in Antarctica. These fishes have a well developed parasitic epifauna, which in turn is also exposed to freezing conditions. In order to retain their association with Antarctic fishes as the environment progressively cooled during the Miocene, leeches as fish-associated ectoparasites had either (i) to evolve a short circuit mechanism to acquire the necessary life-saving chemical compounds from their host, (ii) to adapt their own genome to confer protection from freezing, or (iii) to develop a combined tactic unique to their parasitic life strategy according to requirements during ontogenesis. I have found that Antarctic leeches (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae), that feed on a variety of notothenioid fish species, contain antifreeze compounds at the cellular level. I present evidence that strongly indicates an absorption pathway of AFGPs in the parasitic organisms from the fish blood as source. The physiological processes of AFGPs uptake from the intestine and circulatory distribution by haemolymph would be analogous to those enabling the fish hosts to distribute these peptides by blood within their bodies, as fish absorb AFGPs through the gut after production in the pancreas. The analysis of protein chemical structures in leech material revealed characteristics typical of fish AFGPs. Further, there are high capacities for freezing point suppression in vivo, thus biological activity of antifreeze proteins in the leech parasites Cryobdella antarctica and Cryobdella levigata. A combination of this thermal hysteresis (TH) with a specific bi-pyramidal ice crystal growth has been observed, which is typical for fish AFGPs. This confirms the presence not only of functional antifreeze macromolecules but also of true AFGPs in these parasite species. Finally, to trace the potential origin of these proteins to leech genomic information, mRNA molecules were successfully detected in C. levigata, as the intermediate step necessary for any de novo AFGP biosynthesis. These results suggest the possibility of a vi horizontal gene transfer (HGT) event in this host-parasite system and if proven would mark a further record of such a gene transfer for antifreeze molecules in Antarctica but for the first time outside the surface sea ice zone. I conclude that Antarctic fish leeches have developed a novel means of an evolutionary shortcut by co-opting mechanisms for survival in supercooled waters from their hosts in the form of biochemical exploitation and possibly in addition by HGT. To the best of my knowledge, the use of functional AFGPs after digestive absorption would represent the first example in the animal kingdom of an instantly effective adaptive advantage provided by another species under natural conditions in a quasi short circuit co-evolution. I also present results from a first survey on the leech fauna in the Ross Sea across nine species of Antarctic fishes and report one new host record for C. antarctica and three new leech-host associations for C. levigata. Finally, one new species belonging to the Piscicolidae is described, Megapodibdella kirsteni, gen. et sp. nov., from the Antarctic eelpout Lycodichthys dearborni.Item The implied border mechanisms of Antarctica: Arguing the case for an Antarctic borderscape(Environment and Governance Research Group, University of New South Wales (UNSW), 2020-04) Nicklin GAntarctica is arguably the only geographical territory left on Earth without political borders. Narratives of peace, science and environmental protection in the Antarctic Treaty System drive a collective governance system that avoids border discourse even though physical boundaries exist. This article fills a gap in Antarctic research by exploring the question ‘What borderwork is evident in the Antarctic Treaty System in relation to the construction and maintenance of its physical boundaries?’ through a study of a gateway to Antarctica—New Zealand. Borderscaping and borderwork concepts are used to examine territoriality in Antarctica. Enacted narrative analysis reveals effects of strategic narrative on practices, showing the Antarctic Treaty system has created an ‘implied’ border system that lacks some of the capabilities of an acknowledged border system. The article argues that understanding the full reach of the absences on practices and attitudes in this Antarctic system is important for the continent’s ongoing security and for border theory. It concludes that more needs to be known about the subtle effects on the many actors in this implied borderscape. Such further research will add to knowledge about Antarctic practices and governance and borderscaping theory.
