1. Multilevel toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics and pyrene on mussels : DNA damage, oxidative stress, and physiological effectsTatjana Mijošek Pavin, Margareta Kračun-Kolarević, Stoimir Kolarević, Tatjana Simčič, Rajko Martinović, Oliver Bajt, Gabriela Kalčíková, Andreja Ramšak, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Despite extensive research on microplastic pollution, combined biological effects of microplastics and associated pollutants on marine invertebrates remain unclear. We present an integrative assessment of polypropylene (PP) and pyrene, individually and in co-exposure, in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to 1 mg L−1 PP (~40 μm) and 50 μg L−1 of pyrene for 7 and 14 days, representing a scenario relevant to highly polluted coastal areas. DNA damage increased significantly in mussels exposed to pyrene or PP alone, but remained at control levels under combined exposure, suggesting an interaction that may reduce genotoxic potential. Lipid peroxidation remained stable across treatments, despite significant changes in antioxidant enzymes. Catalase activity increased in pyrene and pyrene + PP treatments, with tissue-specific trends, indicating enhanced antioxidant protection. Glutathione S-transferase activity was stable in digestive glands but significantly inhibited in gills after seven days under PP exposure. ETS activity increased in pyrene-containing treatments after 14 days, reflecting elevated metabolic demand after prolonged exposure. Respiration rate declined under PP exposure. Heart rate recovery time after the hyposalinity test was the slowest in the pyrene + PP group, indicating compromised physiological resilience. These findings reveal interactive, tissue- and biomarker-specific effects of PP and pyrene. Their combination suggested attenuation of genotoxicity but enhanced physiological stress responses, highlighting the complexity of pollutant interactions and importance of evaluating multiple biomarkers, tissues and pollutants. Presented data provide the first ever biomarker-based evaluation of PP and pyrene co-exposure, offering novel insights into microplastic-pollutant interactions and potential ecological consequences for marine invertebrates.
Keywords: mussels, microplastics, PAHs, multi-biomarker approach, co-exposure
Published in DiRROS: 23.12.2025; Views: 842; Downloads: 156
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2. Potential metabolic activity, catalase activity, performance traits and morphological variables of 94 individuals belonging to Podarcis muralis species used in the analysis : version v1Anamarija Žagar, Veronica Gomes, Guillem Pérez i de Lanuza, Tatjana Simčič, Miguel A. Carretero, 2022, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: Potential Metabolic Activity (ETS26_P, ETS31_P, ETS36_P), Catalase Activity (CAT_P), Performance traits (BITE, SPRINT,CLIMB, MANO) and Morphological variables (snout-vent length (SVL), trunk length (TRL), pileus length (PL), head length (HL), head width (HW), head height (HH), fore limb length (FLL) and hind limb length (HLL) of 94 individuals belonging to Podarcis muralis species. The data was used in the analysis of the paper entitled: Is It Function or Fashion? An Integrative Analysis of Morphology, Performance, and Metabolism in a Colour Polymorphic Lizard, by authors Verónica Gomes, Anamarija Žagar, Guillem Pérez i de Lanuza, Tatjana Simčič and Miguel A. Carretero, published in the journal Diversity 2022, 14, 116. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020116
Keywords: lizards, morphology, viviparity, sexual dimorphism, climate change, data
Published in DiRROS: 27.10.2025; Views: 395; Downloads: 265
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3. Size, age, telomere and ecophysiology data of Gallotia galloti lizard species sampled in Tenerife : version v1Nina Guerra Serén, Rodrigo Megía-Palma, Tatjana Simčič, Miha Krofel, Fabio Maria Guarino, Catarina Pinho, Anamarija Žagar, Miguel A. Carretero, 2023, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: The dataset is used in the manuscript "Nina Serén, Rodrigo Megía-Palma, Tatjana Simčič, Miha Krofel, Fabio Maria Guarino, Catarina Pinho, Anamarija Žagar, Miguel A. Carretero. Functional responses in a lizard along a 3.5 km altitudinal gradient. Journal of Biogeography (under review)." The dataset consists of measurements of individual lizards of the species Gallotia galloti, each tagged with a unique CODE. Data include year of sampling, population name, exact elevation (in meters above sea level) and approximate elevation (rounded to the nearest hundred, in meters), and sex. Measurements were as follows: Snout Vent Length (in millimeters), Mass (in grams), AGE_Consensus (in years), Relative Telomere Length, PMA(29ºC, 33 ºC and 37ºC) (Potential metabolic activity measured at experimental conditions of 29˚C, 33ºC and 37ºC, respectively,in µLO2/mg prot/h), Catalase (in relative units U/mg protein), EWLa (accumulated evaporative water loss (in grams) and Temperature_8AM-5PM (measurements of cloacal temperature at hourly intervals starting at 8AM and ending at 5PM).
Keywords: lizards, ecophysiology, oxydative stress, telomeres, climate change, data
Published in DiRROS: 27.10.2025; Views: 437; Downloads: 272
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4. Contribution of genetic versus plastic responses to adaptive patterns in a widespread butterfly along a latitudinal clineFranziska Günter, Michaël Beaulieu, Kasimir F. Freiberg, Ines Welzel, Nia Toshkova, Anamarija Žagar, Tatjana Simčič, Klaus Fischer, 2020, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: Understanding how organisms adapt to complex environments is a central goal of evolutionary biology and ecology. This issue is of special interest in the current era of rapidly changing climatic conditions. Here, we investigate clinal variation and plastic responses in life history, morphology, and physiology in the butterfly Pieris napi along a pan-European gradient by exposing butterflies raised in captivity to different temperatures. We found clinal variation in body size, growth rates and concomitant development time, wing aspect ratio, wing melanisation, and heat tolerance. Individuals from warmer environments were more heat-tolerant, had less melanised wings and a shorter development but still they were larger than individuals from cooler environments. These findings suggest selection for rapid growth in the warmth and for wing melanisation in the cold, and thus fine-tuned genetic adaptation to local climates. Irrespective of the origin of butterflies, the effects of higher developmental temperature were largely as expected, speeding up development, reducing body size, potential metabolic activity, and wing melanisation, while increasing heat tolerance. At least in part, these patterns likely reflect adaptive phenotypic plasticity. In summary, our study revealed pronounced plastic and genetic responses, which may indicate high adaptive capacities in our study organism. Whether this may help such species though to deal with current climate change needs further investigation, as clinal patterns have typically evolved over long periods.
Keywords: butterflies, morphology, physiology, genetics, climate change, data
Published in DiRROS: 27.10.2025; Views: 388; Downloads: 235
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5. Data from: A metabolic syndrome in terrestrial ectotherms with different elevational and distribution patternsAnamarija Žagar, Miguel A. Carretero, Diana Marguč, Tatjana Simčič, Al Vrezec, 2018, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: The metabolic performance of ectotherms is expected to be driven by the environment in which they live. Ecologically similar species with contrasting elevation distributions occurring in sympatry at mid-elevations, provide good models for studying how physiological responses to temperature vary as a function of adaptation to different elevations.. Under sympatry, at middle elevations, where divergent species ranges overlap, sympatric populations are expected to have similar thermal responses, suggesting similar local acclimation or adaptation, while observed differences would suggest adaptation to each species’ core range. We analysed the metabolic traits of sympatric species pairs from three ectotherm groups: reptiles (Reptilia: Lacertidae), amphibians (Amphibia: Salamandridae) and beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), living at different elevations, in order to test how adaptation to different elevations affects metabolic responses to temperature. We experimentally tested the thermal response of respiration rate (RR) and estimated potential metabolic activity (PMA) at three temperature regimes surrounding the groups’ optimal activity body temperatures. RR was relatively similar among groups and showed a positive response to increasing temperature, which was more pronounced in the high-elevation species of reptiles and beetles. Relative to RR, PMA displayed a stronger and more consistent positive response to increased temperature in all three groups. For all three groups, the average biochemical capacity for metabolism (PMA) was higher in the range-restricted, high-elevation species, and this difference increased at higher temperatures in a consistent manner. These results, indicating consistent pattern in three independently evolved animal groups, suggest a ubiquitous adaptive syndrome and represent a novel understanding of the mechanisms shaping spatial biodiversity patterns. Our results also highlight the importance of geographic patterns for the mechanistic understanding of adaptations in physiological traits, including species’ potential to respond/adapt to global climate changes.
Keywords: lizards, morphology, physiology, metabolism, climate change, data
Published in DiRROS: 27.10.2025; Views: 383; Downloads: 228
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6. Citizen science for monitoring plastic pollution from source to sea: a systematic review of methodologies, best practices, and challengesCorinne Corbau, Alexandre Lazarou, Oliver Bajt, Vlatka Filipović Marijić, Tatjana Simčič, Massimo Coltorti, Elisa Pignoni, Umberto Simeoni, 2025, review article Abstract: Citizen science provides a valuable approach for tracking plastic pollution; however, its effectiveness is often limited by methodological inconsistencies, concerns about data quality, and a persistent gap between data collection and policy implementation. This systematic review addresses the key question: What constitutes a comprehensive set of best practices for addressing these issues and enhancing the scientific and societal impact of citizen science in monitoring plastic pollution from source to sea? Analyzing 84 studies, from beach cleanups to microplastic sampling, this review synthesizes best practices and identifies remaining gaps. It presents a structured framework designed to enhance data quality and volunteer participation. Key challenges include the ‘microplastic analytical bottleneck,’ the ‘digital divide,’ and notable geographical and demographic disparities that hinder the integration of policies. While citizen science is effective for large-scale data collection, its main challenge is translating data into actionable policies. The main contribution of this review is a series of practical recommendations aimed at improving methodological consistency, ensuring fair volunteer participation, and facilitating the transition from citizen data to evidence-based environmental management, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of citizen science.
Keywords: public engagement, plastic pollution data quality, environmental monitoring, policy integration
Published in DiRROS: 25.09.2025; Views: 398; Downloads: 230
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7. Preliminary multispecies test of a model for non-lethal estimation of metabolic activity in freshwater crayfishTatjana Simčič, Franja Pajk, Anton Brancelj, Al Vrezec, 2012, original scientific article Abstract: We tested the applicability of electron transport system (ETS) derived from a single leg as a tool for non-lethal assessment of metabolic activity in freshwater crayfish. ETS activity of the whole body and of a leg was measured in four crayfish (Arthropoda, Crustacea, Decapoda) species: two European (Astacus astacus, Austropotamobius torrentium), and two North American (Orconectes limosus, Pacifastacus leniusculus). Mass scaling of whole body ETS activity (ETSwhole) and leg ETS activity (ETSleg) was not significantly different for the European A. astacus and the American O. limosus. Therefore common models were constructed and tested on the remaining two species. The ratio ETSwhole/ETSleg was significantly positively related to body mass. In the first model (model 1) ETSwhole was calculated from ETSleg multiplied by the ratio estimated from the known body mass. ETSwhole of A. torrentium was underestimated by this model, because they mature at smaller body size than the larger species. A direct relation between ETSleg and ETSwhole was therefore proposed as a general model (model 2), since they are correlated similarly in the studied species. The results show that model 2 is suitable for estimating the whole body ETS activity from leg ETS activity for the four investigated decapods.
Keywords: electron transport system (ETS) activity, crayfish, size scaling, methods (biology)
Published in DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Views: 721; Downloads: 414
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8. Comparison of some epigean and troglobiotic animals regarding their metabolism intensity. Examination of a classical assertionTatjana Simčič, Boris Sket, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: This study determines oxygen consumption (R), electron transport system (ETS) activity and R/ETS ratio in two pairs of epigean and hypogean crustacean species or subspecies. To date, metabolic characteristics among the phylogenetic distant epigean and hypogean species (i.e., species of different genera) or the epigean and hypogean populations of the same species have been studied due to little opportunity to compare closely related epigean and hypogean species. To fill this gap, we studied the epigean Niphargus zagrebensis and its troglobiotic relative Niphargus stygius, and the epigean subspecies Asellus aquaticus carniolicus in comparison to the troglobiotic subspecies Asellus aquaticus cavernicolus. We tested the previous findings of different metabolic rates obtained on less-appropriate pairs of species and provide additional information on thermal characteristics of metabolic enzymes in both species or subspecies types. Measurements were done at four temperatures. The values of studied traits, i.e., oxygen consumption, ETS activity, and ratio R/ETS, did not differ significantly between species or subspecies of the same genus from epigean and hypogean habitats, but they responded differently to temperature changes. Higher Q10-values for oxygen consumption of N. stygius than N. zagrebensis in the temperature range 10-20°C and higher Ea indicated higher thermal sensitivity in the subterranean species. On the other hand, lower Q10 and Ea-values for ETS activity of N. stygius than N. zagrebensis indicated more thermally stable enzymatic machinery in N. stygius than N. zagrebensis. In Asellus, we observed a similar trend of lower Ea for oxygen consumption and higher Ea for ETS activity in epigean than the troglomorphic subspecies, but the values did not differ significantly between the two. Our most important conclusion is that the low metabolic rate is not a universal property of troglobiotic animals, and the degree of metabolic adaptation is not necessarily in agreement with the degree of morphological adaptation (troglomorphy).
Keywords: food scarcity, temperature, oxygen consumption, ETS activity, amphipod, isopod
Published in DiRROS: 12.03.2025; Views: 617; Downloads: 643
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9. Ecophysiological responses of two closely related epigean and hypogean Niphargus species to hypoxia and increased temperature : Do they differ?Tatjana Simčič, Boris Sket, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Ecological performance of animals depends on physiological and biochemical processes that are adjusted to the environment. The responses to hypoxia or anoxia have been frequently studied in subterranean aquatic organisms in order to find potential adaptations to restrict oxygen conditions occurring in the underground habitats. However, some previous studies have compared phylogenetic distant epigean and hypogean species or the epigean and hypogean populations of the same species due to little chance to compare closely related epigean and hypogean species. Therefore, in this study, we compared the effects of exposure to hypoxia, followed by reoxygenation, and increased temperature on oxygen consumption, potential metabolic activity, and antioxidant activities in closely related epigean and hypogean species: Niphargus zagrebensis and N. stygius. Oxygen consumption of N. stygius increased similarly during post-hypoxic recovery at 10 and 20°C (approx. 5-times), while N. zagrebensis increased its oxygen consumption for 9.7 and 4.4-times at 10 and 20°C, respectively. We observed higher exploitation of metabolic potential for current oxygen consumption during reoxygenation in N. zagrebensis than N. stygius. Exposure to hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation at 20°C increased catalase (CAT) activity in N. stygius, but not in N. zagrebensis. We observed increased glutathione reductase activity in both Niphargus species. We concluded that respiratory and antioxidant responses to severe hypoxia and increased temperature differed between closely related epigean and hypogean Niphargus species. Hypogean Niphargus species possess physiological and biochemical characteristics that are advantageous in temperature stable subterranean environments which support inhabiting of species that have low energetic demands, while epigean Niphargus species can successfully inhabit specific surface habitats.
Published in DiRROS: 04.03.2025; Views: 711; Downloads: 461
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10. Oxygen consumption and carbon budget in groundwater-obligate and surface-dwelling Diacyclops species (Crustacea Copepoda Cyclopoida) under temperature variabilityTiziana Di Lorenzo, Agostina Tabilio Di Camillo, Sanda Iepure, Diana Maria Paola Galassi, Nataša Mori, Tatjana Simčič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study explores the metabolic response and carbon budget of two cyclopoid copepod species, Diacyclops belgicus Kiefer, 1936 (a stygobitic, groundwater-adapted species) and Diacyclops crassicaudis crassicaudis (Sars G.O., 1863) (a stygophilic, predominantly surface-associated species). We measured oxygen consumption rates (OCRs), carbon requirements (CRs), ingestion (I) rates, and egestion (E) rates at 14 °C and 17 °C, representing current and predicted future conditions in the collection habitats of the two species. Diacyclops belgicus displayed OCRs (28.15 and 18.32 µL O2/mg DW × h at 14 and 17 °C, respectively) and carbon budget (CR: 0.14 and 0.10 µg C/mg × d at 14 and 17 °C) lower than those of D. crassicaudis crassicaudis (OCR: 55.67 and 47.93 µL O2/mg DW × h at 14 and 17 °C; CR: 0.3 and 0.27 µg C/mg × d at 14 and 17 °C). However, D. belgicus exhibited metabolic rates and carbon requirements comparable to those of other epigean species, challenging the assumption that low metabolic rates are universal among stygobitic species. Temperature variations did not significantly affect the metabolic responses and carbon requirements of the two species, suggesting that they may cope with moderate temperature increases.
Keywords: groundwater, metabolic rates, stygobitic, climate change, copepods, crustaceans, energy budget, zoology
Published in DiRROS: 21.01.2025; Views: 785; Downloads: 556
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