Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RESOURCE TRACKING BY BUMBLE BEES: RESPONSES TO PLANT-LEVEL DIFFERENCES IN QUALITY

This study considers how a forager moves through its environment when food is patchily distributed and the patches differ in quality. One possibility is to move directionally among patches, staying longer in the best patches (the "Local-Experience Hypothesis"). Additionally, when foragers reuse patches in a regenerating environment, they can potentially benefit from remembering the most profitable patches, and return preferentially to these (the "Memory Hypothesis"). Both hypotheses were tested with foraging bumble bees (Bombus spp.) collecting nectar in the foothills and mountains of southwest Alberta, Canada. Individually marked worker bumble bees were observed visiting flowers on focal plants of five species visited primarily by bumble bees. In three plant species (Epilobium angustifolium, Hedysarum alpinum, and Penstemon confertus), variation in nectar secretion rate was experimentally induced by defoliation and fertilization of individual plants. In the other two species (H. sulphurescens and Oxytropis monticola), bees' responses to natural variation in plant-level nectar secretion were measured. Consid- ering the bee population as a whole, plants with higher nectar production rates attracted more bees (three of five plant species) and had more of their flowers visited (three of five plant species). The Local-Experience Hypothesis was supported in three of the five plant species: individual bees stayed longer by visiting more flowers on plants with higher rates of nectar production. The Memory Hypothesis was supported in four of the five plant species; individual bees were more likely to return to plants with higher rates of nectar secretion. Overall, there was a positive correlation between the extent to which individual plants differed in their rate of nectar secretion (a species-level trait), and the strength of support for the Memory Hypothesis (measured as a standardized effect size). That is, individual bumble bees more strongly adjusted their visitation rate based on plant quality as the magnitude of natural differences in plant quality increased. Support for the Memory Hypothesis may explain why bumble bees often revisit the same plants on successive foraging trips: memory for good plants gives them a fitness advantage over naive bees using the same area. Bumble bees appear to use a relatively sophisticated spatial memory in resource tracking, which may constrain the evolution of empty-flower strategies of plant nectar secretion.
A Preliminary Experimental Analysis of Predator Face Recognition by Chromis caeruleus (Pisces, Pomacentridae)

An experimental analysis of predator face recognition was carried out using 360 Chromis caeruleus. Members of this species discriminated between a multicued, two-dimensional model of a piscivorous fish (Fam. Serranidae) and a typical non-piscivorous fish (Fam. Acanthuridae). Mouth size and shape were important discriminatory cues. The disruptive pattern of black dots on the face of a piscivorous fish reduced its appropriate recognition by Chromis caeruleus. Zusammenfassung Um herauszufinden, ob Raubfische von vorn erkannt werden konnen, wurden Versuche mit 360 Chromis caeruleus, einem im Korallenriff lebenden Fisch, durchgefuhrt und analysiert. Chromis caeruleus konnte zwischen zweidimensionalen Modellen eines typischen fischfressenden Fisches (Fam. Serranidae) und eines typischen nichtfischfressenden Fisches (Fam. Acanthuridae) unterscheiden. Variationen in Grose und Form des Fischmauls waren wichtigere Unterscheidungsmerkmale als die Augengrose und der Augenabstand. Weiterhin erkannte Chromis caeruleus die Frontalansicht eines fischfressenden Fisches, die durch ein Muster schwarzer Punkte getarnt war, weniger gut.
Antioxidant properties of vitamins in nutrition of broiler breeders and laying hens

The reaction of free radicals with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) initiates a chain-reaction process known as lipid peroxidation in living systems and oxidative rancidity in foods. PUFAs are more susceptible to oxidation, resulting in the formation of toxic products. As embryonic tissues are characterised by high concentration of PUFAs, the use of antioxidants in broiler breeder diets improves chick oxidative status. Eggs ‘in shell’ are considered resistant to oxidative rancidity, however studies showed that yolk lipids within table eggs oxidise during storage and this oxidation is influenced by time and temperature of storage and the degree of unsaturation of yolk fatty acids. Thus, experiments into supplementing laying hen diet with antioxidants have been conducted to preserve the table eggs nutritional value. The literature shows that vitamin E has antioxidant activity in the egg yolk, protecting embryonic tissues efficiently during incubation and in the first days of a chick's life. However, these studies have not considered the effect of this vitamin on incubation yield. Without this economic variable, the positive results observed in the embryo and for chick oxidative status have little value for application in the field, mainly because the concentrations recommended in studies are much higher than those used in practice. Other antioxidants, e.g. canthaxanthin, act in synergy with vitamin E, however, the high cost of these ingredients could prevent its use for broiler breeders. This review discusses the effect of vitamins (especially vitamin E) in broiler breeder's and laying hens nutrition on oxidative stability of embryonic tissues and table egg yolk lipids, respectively.
Demographic life history traits of reproductive natterjack toads (Bufo calamita) vary between northern and southern latitudes.

Demographic life history traits were investigated in three Bufo calamita populations in Germany (Rhineland- Palatinate: Urmitz, 50 ◦ N; 1998-2000) and Spain (Catalonia: Balaguer, Mas de Melons, 41 ◦ N; 2004). We used skeletochronol- ogy to estimate the age as number of lines of arrested growth in breeding adults collected during the spring breeding period (all localities) and during the summer breeding period (only Urmitz). A data set including the variables sex, age and size of 185 males and of 87 females was analyzed with respect to seven life history traits (age and size at maturity of the youngest first breeders, age variation in first breeders, longevity, potential reproductive lifespan, median lifespan, age-size relationship). Spring and summer cohorts at the German locality differed with respect to longevity and potential reproductive lifespan by one year in favour of the early breeders. The potential consequences on fitness and stability of cohorts are discussed. Latitu- dinal variation of life history traits was mainly limited to female natterjacks in which along a south-north gradient longevity and potential reproductive lifespan increased while size decreased. These results and a review of published information on natterjack demography suggest that lifetime number of offspring seem to be optimized by locally different trade-offs: large female size at the cost of longevity in southern populations and increased longevity at the cost of size in northern ones.
Development of Birch Leaves and the Growth Energetics of Epirrita Autumnata (Geometridae)

Larvae of Epirrita autumnata hatch at the time of budburst, and feed on the immature foliage of mountain birch, Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa. The effects of leaf maturation, temperature, and larval instar on Epirrita growth performance were measured in two seasons. Leaf water, nitrogen, and phosphorus content declined with leaf maturation, while toughness and specific mass increased. There was a sharp decline in larval growth rate attributable to leaf maturation; for example the relative growth rate of third—instar larvae dropped from 0.52 to 0.11 mg°mg—1°d—1 in 3 d. Consumption rate, digestive efficiency, and nitrogen utilization efficiency declined on mature leaves; assimilation rate and Epirrita growth rate declined as a consequence. The rate of frass production remained very constant. Epirrita consumption rate appeared to be limited by postingestive handling of indigestible leaf tissue. Effects of leaf maturation were greatest at warm temperatures. Third—instar larvae grew faster than later instars on early season leaves, while fifth (last) instar larvae were least sensitive to seasonal effects; differences between instars make them well suited to the leaves that they normally encounter. The phenological constraint imposed by leaf maturation, and exacerbated by Epirrita adaptations that maximize growth rate on young foliage, seems to be an important selective force influencing the duration and timing of larval growth.
Effects of prebiotic supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, growth of internal organs and small intestine and serum biochemical parameters of broilers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of prebiotic supplementation on growth performance, slaughter performance, growth of internal organs and small intestine and serum biochemical indices of broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates and 30 broilers per replicate (15 male and 15 female). The treatments were fed with basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.07, 0.10 and 0.13% prebiotic. The broilers of all replicates were weighted at the weekends. The results showed that prebiotic increased the daily gain and final weight and decreased the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) at the 42 days of age. When the addition of the prebiotic was 0.13%, the eviscerated carcass ratio of broilers was the lowest, the live weight and the contents of albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) were lower than other group broilers (P < 0.05). Prebiotic improved the weight and length of duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). It had no significant effect on the weight of cecum and rectum (P > 0.05). According to the above analysis, the feasible supplementation of prebiotic in broiler dietary was 0.10%.
Perithecial development by Gibberella zeae: a light microscopy study

Abstract Gibberella zeae (anamorph Fusarium graminearum) is the causal agent of head blight, and foot and crown rots of wheat, corn, oats and barley. The developmental sequence of perithecia from homothallic Group II isolates of G. zeae was traced by light microscopy. Cultures induced to form perithecia produced wide hyphae with two or more nuclei per cell that gave rise to perithecial initials composed of undifferentiated, uninucleate cells. Neither ascogonia nor antheridia were observed. The ascogenous system arose from cells in the inner wall of the young perithecium and as the perithecium matured, formed a hymenium at the base of the centrum. Apical paraphyses, differentiated from cells in the upper periderm, grew downward and became attached to the hymenium. In the central axis of the perithecium, the ostiole formed from small, darkly-staining, uninucleate cells that differentiated into the periphyses. Once the apical paraphyses were completely developed, typical croziers formed in the hymenium. As the asci elongated, the apical paraphyses collapsed, although their walls remained intact between the asci. Mature asci contained eight, four-celled ascospores in a biseriate arrangement. The ascus walls were simple with a slight thickening at the tip.
Fire behaviour and the invasion of Acacia sieberiana into savanna grassland openings

Summary Following the recent decline in browsing and grazing pressures and changed fire regimes in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, Acacia thickets have encroached on grassland habitats important for grazing mammals. The objective of this research was to test experimentally the effects of fire behaviour, using simulated and natural fuel loading conditions, on A. sieberiana seedling and sapling regeneration. A high fire intensity (3200 kW m-1) in natural fuels stimulated high seedling emergence (172 seedlings m-2) compared to 6 seedlings m-2 without fire. Also a highly significant linear regression was established between percentage top-kill of seedlings and fire intensities. High fire intensities during late dry season fires were more effective in controlling sapling height growth than early dry season fires of low intensities. A conceptual diagram was developed to show the major factors and possible pathways leading to successful invasion by A. sieberiana into grassland openings of the savanna.
Nitrogen Uptake by Leaves and Roots of the Seagrass Zostera marina L.

Nitrogen uptake by eelgrass, Zostera marina L. , was measured using N-labelIed ammonium and nitrate. Ammonium was the preferred nitrogen resource, äs demonstrated by its rapid uptake in both leaves and roots. Eelgrass leaves rapidly accumulated ammonium by adsorption and absorption in direct proportion to the ammonium concentration in the water column. Due to higher Sediment ammonium concentration, ammonium uptake by eelgrass roots appears to be the major source of nitrogen to the plant. These studies indicate that eelgrass can utilize both Sediment and water column nitrogen sources to attain high production rates.
The families of angiosperms: Automated descriptions, with interactive identification and information retrieval

A database containing automated descriptions of the angiosperm families, organised under the DELTA system, is described and illustrated with reference to its present capabilities and its potential. All 558 families are described in terms of certain basic information, including synonyms, geographical distributions, numbers of species and genera and classification according to four recent, influential classifications. Data on certain features have been widely or extensively incorporated (for example, with comprehensive coverage of variation in photosynthetic pathways, including source references); and 320 families (including all those represented in Australia) are described in sufficient morphological detail for multiple-entry, interactive identification. The interactive identification/information retrieval package is available in a form suitable for MS-DOS microcomputers.
Fauna parasitária de cachara Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum (Siluriforme: Pimelodidae) do rio Aquidauana, Pantanal Sul Mato-grossense, Brasil

Neste trabalho, sao apresentados dados de abundância media, prevalencia e intensidade media de parasitismo, em 34 especimes de Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum , popularmente conhecidos como cacharas, capturados nos meses de marco, setembro e novembro de 2003, outubro de 2004 e outubro de 2005, com tarrafas e redes de espera, no rio Aquidauana. Todos os individuos amostrados encontravam-se parasitados. Dezenove especies de parasitos foram identificadas, sendo sete cestodas proteocefalideos, tres monogeneas, um digenea, tres nematodas, um acantocefalo, um crustaceo, um pentastomideo e duas especies de mixosporideos. As especies de cestoides, Harriscolex kaparari e Megathylacus travassosi sao registradas pela primeira vez para P. fasciatum , capturados no rio Aquidauana. Os monogeneas foram os helmintos que apresentaram maior prevalencia (100%), seguidos pelos cestodas (91,18%) e nematodas (58,82%)
The Cryptogamic Epiphytes of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) in an Ancient Pasture-Woodland: Relationships with Some Environmental Variables of Relevance to Woodland Epiphyte Management

Abstract One hundred and fifteen species of epiphytes were recorded from 75 ash trees in an ancient pasture-woodland along with nine environmental variables. Significant positive correlations were obtained between species richness and three of these: girth, canopy width and exposure. Total epiphyte cover also correlated positively with girth. Overall, microlichen cover>bryophyte>macrolichen cover. The largest trees possessed the largest number of ‘old forest’ taxa but no well-defined associations were observed. Proximity of trees to open water also influenced the occurrence of some species. Bark analysis from a subsample of trees showed that calcium was positively correlated to girth and total phosphorus negatively correlated, demonstrating the complexity of tree-epiphyte relationships. The study confirms the importance of ash as a phorophyte for a wide range of cryptogamic epiphytes and emphasises the need for conservation measures in the wider context of woodland management, with the provision of open glades on different scales permitting a broad range of exposure and sheltered habitats plus a sustainable age-structure for the tree population to help stabilise woodland diversity.
Selection of aphid prey by Adalia bipunctata L. and Coccinella 7‐punctata L

SUMMARY Larvae and adults of Adalia bipunctata L. and Coccinella 7-punctata L. seemed unable to detect and avoid feeding on unsuitable or toxic aphids, e.g. larvae of A. bipunctata fed on the highly toxic Megoura viciae, even when given the choice of a suitable aphid. Apparent preferences were not always for the most suitable food. Field cage experiments demonstrated the preference of adult A. bipunctata and C. 7-punctata for different habitats, the former ovipositing at the shrub level (4 ft.) and the latter feeding and ovipositing on plants near ground level.
Breakdown of Galactolipids in Senescent Barly Leaves

The changes of galactolipids (MGDG and DGDG, largely 18:3/18:3), free fatty acids (FFA), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) taking place during senescence of primary barley leaves were analysed employing HPLC and GLC. Upon induction of senescence MGDG and, with some delay, DGDG began to disappear and were largely broken down at the end of the senescence period. A concomitant appearance of a pool of FFA could not be observed. However, PC accumulated during the main period of galactolipid breakdown. This change was due to the marked increase of the 18:3/18:3 molecular species of PC. An inverse correlation between the changes of galactolipids and PC could be established. A hypothesis featuring the conversion of galactolipids via diacylglycerol to PC is presented as the principal route of galactolipid breakdown.
Soil fertility as affected by long-term fertilization and crop sequence

In a crop rotation with potato, maize and winter wheat, increasing doses of farmyard manure (FYM) or equivalent NPK fertilizers and their combinations were analyzed with special regard to their long-term influence on soil fertility. The yield-increasing capacity of FYM doses was only 82%, as compared to the equivalent amount of mineral NPK. On the unfertilized plots, fairly high N-release (50.9 kg ha−1) could be observed. Great differences in N-utilization developed depending on the form and dose of fertilizers. N-utilization from FYM was only 29.3%, while that of equivalent fertilizer application was 49.8%. The lowest soil reactions were observed both without fertilization and with the highest NPK doses. Negative N-balances generally resulted in low soil organic matter content. While FYM and equivalent NPK fertilizers similarly influenced the ammonium lactate-extractable AL-K2O content of the soil, an increased AL-P2O5 content could be observed in the case of mineral fertilization. The worst previous crop of wheat was maize (100%), wheat itself was better (133%), and potato was markedly good. The worst previous crop of maize was itself (100%), while wheat and potato were equally favorable (136–137%).
Effect of Feeding Experience on Growth, Vulnerability to Predation, and Survival of Esocids

Abstract We evaluated direct and indirect effects of feeding experience on growth, food consumption, susceptibility to predation, and survival of esocids. We conducted five experimental stockings of equal numbers and similar sizes (200 mm) of experienced (minnow-fed) and naive (pellet-fed) muskellunge Esox masquinongy (two stockings) and tiger muskellunge (muskellunge × northern pike E. lucius ; three stockings) in reservoirs. Feeding experience had no direct influence on prey consumption and growth. Food consumption was similar in laboratory pool experiments. In contrast, experienced esocids exhibited higher fall survival than naive fish of both taxa. Feeding experience indirectly affected survival, because predation by largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides was higher on naive esocids. Examination of potential mechanisms in field and laboratory experiments suggested predation vulnerability was not affected by differences in habitat selection, foraging behavior, antipredatory behavior, or dispersal. Color.
Quantum yield of the marine benthic microflora of near-shore coastal Penang, Malaysia

Benthic microalgal communities often contribute more than 30% of the primary production of shallow coastal and estuarine areas. At Muka Head Penang (Pulau Pinang) and the Songsong Islands (Pulau Songsong), Kedah, Malaysia, high concentrations of suspended solids and phytoplankton biomass (10.6 mg Chl a m-3) has reduced water clarity such that the euphotic zone of these areas is less than 2 m and 3 m deep respectively. The benthic microalgal communities, which were composed of the diatom genera Cocconeis, Fragilaria, Paralia and Pleurosigma, had a low biomass, had low maximum quantum yields (0.325 ± 0.129), were poorly adapted to their light environment and were constantly light limited. These characteristics suggest that the benthic microalgal communities were likely to have made only a minor contribution to the total primary production of the area.
The phytoplasma disease 'mung bean phyllody' is now present in Pakistan.

Mung bean is an important source of food for humans and animals in tropical and subtropical countries, and is also used for green manure. During spring 2008, mung bean plants in Faisalabad, Pakistan, showed severe symptoms of phyllody, virescence and a bushy appearance. Stem, leaf and stalk phloem sections from plants with and without symptoms were examined under a light microscope (CXRII, Labomed, CA, USA) using Dienes’ stain. Regularly distributed dark blue areas were observed only in the phloem cells from plants with symptoms, and not in other plant tissues nor in the phloem of healthy plants, indicating the presence of a phytoplasma. Four week-old greenhouse-potted mung bean plants were grafted, and developed phyllody symptoms 25-30 days after grafting, similar to those observed in the field, whilst no symptoms developed in non-grafted control plants. To determine the 16Sr group of the phytoplasma associated with mung bean phyllody, total DNA was extracted from eight symptom-bearing plants, and amplified by nested PCR using universal 16S rDNA phytoplasma primers, P1 ⁄ P7 followed by R16F2n ⁄ R16R2. No symptomless plants were tested. All samples from plants with symptoms yielded a 1250bp PCR product, and identical RFLP profiles using the enzymes AluI and HpaII. Direct sequencing of the 16S rDNA of one representative PCR amplicon (GenBank Accession No. FJ410489) showed highest sequence identity (99%) with 16SrII ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ phytoplasmas, and phylogenetic analysis placed the phytoplasma in subgroup 16SrII-D. Phyllody symptoms of mung bean have been reported previously in India (Lakshmanan et al., 1988), Thailand (Chatchawankanphanich et al., 2000), and Australia (Wilson et al., 2001). In Australia, a 16SrII phytoplasma was associated with mung bean phyllody, and with sesame and peanut diseases (Wilson et al., 2001). Results described here confirm that a 16SrII-D phytoplasma is now present in mung bean in Pakistan.
Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.): Mapping the Genes for Nematode Resistance and Hypocotyl Colour

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was adapted for segregation analysis in sugar beet. 83 I O/I individuals were scored with a set of 20 arbitrary decamer primers. 4 preliminary linkage groups could be established, enclosing 9 RAPD markers, 2 isozyme loci, a gene for the hypocotyl colour and a gene for resistance to the root knot nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schm.)