Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Clutch Size in Arctic Passerines

Clutch size and related aspects of breeding biology were investigated in the Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) and Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) in the North American Arctic, and in allied temperate and subarctic species. Evidence was sought to test Lack's hypothesis that the increase in clutch size with latitude is related to the length of daylight available for the adults to collect food for their young, and that clutch size is ultimately determined by the average maximum number of young for which the parents can find food. The arctic species were studied mainly at 76° N on Devon Island; some additional data were collected elsewhere. Increase in clutch size with latitude was correlated with a decrease in the adults' night rest period from 7 hr at 50° N to 3—5 hr in the Arctic. In the Lapland Longspur in Canada clutches were larger at high latitudes and at localities with early breeding seasons. Clutch size and latitude were not significantly related for those localities where activity of adults attending nestlings is not restricted by daylength. Differences in clutch size were not attributable to geographic or interspecific variation in hatching asynchrony, hatching success, or growth of the young. Hatching of Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting clutches on Devon Island corresponded closely with the emergence of the adult insects which predominate in the nestlings' diet, but other factors may also influence the timing of the breeding season. The decline in clutch size in these single—brooded species as the season progressed apparently was not related to changes in the environmental food supply. In the multiple—brooded Chestnut—collared Longspur (C. ornatus) in Saskatchewan clutch sizes changes little during the season. Annual differences in clutch size were demonstrated in the Snow Bunting, but their significance is unknown. Although Snow Bunting clutches of seven are rare on Devon Island, more young were fledged from experimental broods of seven than from smaller broods, but the young averaged lighter in weight. Adults feeding large broods made more visits to the nest each day and were lighter in weight than those with small broods, but the visiting rate per young was less in large broods. Much of the variation in clutch size, including the increase with latitude, is related to environmental factors influencing the food—gathering potential of the adults. But this does not mean that clutch size has evolved to a limit set by the environmental food supply, because food—gathering behavior and related morphology have also evolved by natural selection. Clutch size must be determined by the effects that changes in it and other aspects of reproductive strategy have on the probability of survival of both the adults and their offspring.
Identifying anthropogenic threats to Cape Vultures Gyps coprotheres using community perceptions in communal farmland, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Summary Declines in Old World vulture populations have been linked to anthropogenic pressures. To assess these threats, the social dimensions of vulture conservation must be explored. Prior research in Africa focused on commercial farmers’ perceptions of vultures and identified that small stock farmers used poison more than large stock farmers to deter livestock predators. However, the vulnerable Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres breeds throughout communal farmland in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Consequently, community interviews were conducted within the foraging range of the Msikaba Cape Vulture colony, separating regions according to the amount of transformed land. Residents in the least transformed land region perceived the smallest reductions in livestock ownership over the past ten years, while residents of the moderately transformed region perceived the greatest reductions in livestock ownership. Livestock carcasses were reported to be available for vultures at ‘informal vulture restaurants’. Arrangement of livestock carcasses was found to be independent of land use; however type of carcass consumed varied. None of the respondents stated they used poison to eliminate livestock predators. More respondents cited illegal poaching of vultures for traditional medicine as a threat, although the majority stated that vultures benefited the community.
Multiple hormone treatment revealed novel cooperative relationships between abscisic acid and biotic stress hormones in cultured cells

Phytohormones have vigorous crosstalk relationships. For example, abscisic acid (ABA), a hormone involved in abiotic stress responses, has antagonistic interactions with plant hormones that play pivotal roles in defense responses, including salicylic acid (SA) and methyl-jasmonic acid (MeJA). Evidence indicates that the relationships among these plant hormones extend beyond simple antagonism. To explore the interplay between hormones in detail, we analyzed the eects of double hormone treatment on gene expression. By contrast to the antagonistic eects reported previously, our data indicates that ABA interacts with SA and MeJA cooperatively as well. Particularly many genes responded only to double hormone treatment, and, interestingly, the loci that responded to ABA+SA also responded to ABA+MeJA. �e expression o f early-response genes following double hormone treatment did nott the linear superposition of individual hormone treatments, in contrast to mammalian and prokaryotic cell responses to multiple chemical stimuli. �us, synergies in these plant hormone signalings are not simply the sum of individual responses. ABA and SA collaboratively down-regulated t he expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression at G2/M phase. Presumably, plants interpret combined hormone signals dierently from individual signals in order to respond appropriately to their environmental conditions.
Ecology of the sea hare Aplysia parvula (Opisthobranchia) in New South Wales, Australia

The present study investigates the host range, distribution, abundance, activity and feeding preferences of the sea hare Aplysia parvula on the New South Wales (NSW) central and south coast. Aplysia parvula was found to occur mainly on red algae, especially Delisea pulchra and Laurencia obtusa near Sydney, NSW. The abundance of A. parvula was positively related to the abundance of D. pulchra and L. obtusa and sea hares were absent when survey sites lacked these algae. Aplysia parvula occurred in greater abundance on L. obtusa compared with D. pulchra, although L. obtusa is ephemeral near Sydney. Fluctuations in the abundance of A. parvula on D. pulchra suggest that A. parvula individuals persist for only a few months and are short lived. Aplysia parvula appears to prefer small D. pulchra plants with lower levels of secondary metabolites. The diet of A. parvula was not restricted to host algae, because animals consumed a range of co-occurring red, green and brown seaweeds. Aplysia parvula was nocturnally active on host algae; it grazes and copulates in the canopy of host algae at night, as well as moving between plants. Aplysia parvula may compete with other herbivores (notably Aplysia dactylomela) for the less-abundant L. obtusa resource. Interspecific competition appears less likely on D. pulchra, because few other sea hares were found on this seaweed.
Birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae) and bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae): regional levels of biodiversity and terrane tectonics in New Guinea

Most species of birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae) are endemic in the rainforests of New Guinea. There are also a few species in the northern Moluccas and in northern Australia. Bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchidae) are centred in New Guinea but are more widespread in Australia. The two families have often been regarded as sister groups, but in recent studies Paradisaeidae appear as sister to Corvidae, a worldwide family which is notably depauperate in New Guinea and Australia. This indicates vicariance of a worldwide ancestor, rather than invasion of New Guinea. Other families in the superfamily Corvoidea include Ptilonorhynchidae (basal), Campephagidae (Africa to New Guinea and Fiji), and Cracticidae (Australia to New Guinea). Biodiversity levels in Paradisaeidae and Ptilonorhynchidae were assessed from literature records by counting numbers of species in grid cells 1° latitude by 1° longitude. Birds of paradise are equally diverse in the Mendi square and the Mount Hagen–Wahgi Valley–Jimi Valley square. Bowerbirds are most diverse in the Mount Hagen–Wahgi Valley–Jimi Valley square. This area lies on one of the main tectonic boundaries in New Guinea, the former margin of the Australian craton, and is geologically distinctive in having several diverse accreted terranes juxtaposed there, including an ophiolite complex. It also includes the western slopes of Mount Wilhelm, one of the highest mountains in the New Guinea orogen. Paradisaeidae have secondary centres of diversity in the southern part of the New Guinea orogen (south of the former craton margin), while Ptilonorhynchidae have secondary centres north of the craton margin on the accreted terranes, and also in eastern Australia. Within New Guinea the two distributions correlate closely with the geological interpretation of the orogen as comprising southern (craton) and northern (accreted terrane) components. Within Australia, Paradisaeidae have two species per degree square in northern Cape York Peninsula (on the old Australian craton), and only one elsewhere in eastern Australia, whereas Ptilonorhynchidae have a clear Australian massing further south in Queensland, on the accreted terranes of the Tasman orogen.
Genotype by environment interactions and phenotypic stability analysis for yield and yield components in parental lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br)

Twenty-four parental lines of pearl millet and a seed parent (ZATIB) as check were evaluated in five different locations in northern Nigeria to determine their yield levels and stability across the environments. Identification of stable parental line(s) will improve the performance of resulting pearl millet hybrids. Location and genotype effects were highly significant (P 1) and non-significant deviation from regression line while G13, G17 and G18 were considered suitable for poor environments. Regression coefficient and deviation from regression indicated that G23 and G24 (75A-3 and 75B-3) and ZATIB were most stable in performance across the test environments
Evaluation of the Moisture-Facilitated Nest Depredation Hypothesis in a Semiarid Environment

Abstract We evaluated the moisture-facilitated nest depredation hypothesis in a semiarid environment in the Southern High Plains of Texas during 1999 and 2000. Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) provided an excellent model species for this evaluation because they typically suffer significant nest mortality and inhabit semiarid to xeric environments. We monitored 102 nests until they either hatched or were predated. Nest mortalities occurred on 30 days and precipitation fell on 51 days during the two-year study. Stepwise logistic regression revealed a predictive relationship for a model with central precipitation on the day of nest predation as a predictor. However, in contrast to our predictions, the equation indicates precipitation is negatively associated with nest predation in this data set. Thus, our data do not support the moisture-facilitated nest depredation hypothesis for Scaled Quail in the semiarid, Southern High Plains of Texas.
Body mass regulation in response to changes in feeding predictability and overnight energy expenditure

Feeding and fat storage entail both costs and benefits. Benefits include minimizing the risk of starvation; costs include massdependent costs of locomotion and predation risk. An understanding of these costs and benefits is relevant not only to explanations of foraging patterns and fat storage, but to hoarding decisions, migration strategies, and population dynamics. Despite predictions from theoretical models, empirical tests of the assumptions and predictions of models have been tested only recently. However, published experiments on the effects of unpredictability have often confounded manipulations of mean, variability, and predictability of the food supply, all of which are predicted to affect foraging intensity and fat storage. In experiments on European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, we manipulated the predictability of the food supply while holding the mean and average variability constant. We did this in conjunction with manipulation of overnight energy expenditure via simulated nocturnal wind exposure. Both greater unpredictability of food availability and higher overnight energy expenditure increased daily mass gain and dusk (lean and fat) mass, but in a purely additive fashion. Dawn mass only changed in response to predictability, not overnight energy expenditure. By introducing a probe day, with identical feeding experience for all treatments, we ascertained that the response to predictability was based on experience integrated over more than a single day. Key words: fat storage, mass regulation, starvation, trade-offs, Sturnus vulgaris [Behav Ecol 11:189–195 (2000)]
Spatial and temporal variation in the breeding of Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) in Australia

Abstract Spatial and temporal variation in the breeding of Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) in Australia were examined using data from Birds Australia's Nest Record Scheme (NRS; 1957–2002), the Atlas of Australian Birds (1998–2006), and climatic data (1952–2006). Breeding in north-western Australia was concentrated in summer, while in other regions the peak of breeding occurred during spring. Breeding success varied between regions and years but was generally highest in Tasmania. Clutch-size (mean 3.57 eggs ± 0.033 s.e., n = 549 clutches) did not vary regionally or temporally. In the northeast, breeding became earlier over time (∼1.9 days per year, NRS), while in the south-east, breeding became later (∼0.9 days per year); in other regions temporal trends were not evident. Only Tasmania showed a significant temporal change in breeding success (decrease of ∼1.5% per year). All regions experienced warming climates, and annual rainfall increased in north-western regions and decreased in eastern regions. There were weak or no relationships between the amount or success of breeding, clutch-size and the climatic variables considered (with the possible exception of Tasmania), suggesting either that data limitations precluded us from detecting subtle effects or that Masked Lapwings have been little influenced or are resilient to changes in climate over most of their range.
Effect of Seedbed on Emergence and Establishment From Surface Sown and Direct Drilled Seed of Eucalyptus Spp. And Dodonaea Viscosa.

In some areas the increase of woody plants is a problem whereas in others, the lack of regeneration is viewed with a similar degree of concern. The experiments described in this paper were an attempt to further understand factors affecting regeneration of woody plants. The effect of seedbed on the emergence and survival of hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustissima) and on several species of Eucalyptus was evaluated at two sites in the Central West of New South Wales. Seed was sown in two springs, two summers and two autumns from 1990 to 1992 and seedlings monitored for 12 months after sowing. Seedbeds compared were prepared by cultivation, scalping, burning, applying herbicide (glyphosate) and mowinglgrazing (control). Following failure of surface sowing in spring 1990 and summer 1990191 due to poor seasonal conditions, all subsequent experiments included direct drilled controls. Emergents were recorded in most treatments in the four succeeding seasons but hopbush and eucalypts responded differently to treatments. Numbers of hopbush emergents and seedlings after 12 months were consistently higher following direct drilling into scalped seedbeds. In contrast, the maximum number of eucalypt emergents was not consistently associated with any seedbed type, though emergence was generally higher following direct drilling. However, higher numbers of eucalypt seedlings were present in scalped plots after 12 months. It was concluded that weed control following emergence was the main effect of seedbed preparation on the number of eucalypt seedlings present after 12 months. Though this also applied to hopbush. seedbeds which provided the opportunity of seed burial enhanced emergence. This was believed to be due to the breaking of seed dormancy.
The demography of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) population in Amboseli, Kenya

This paper presents basic demographic parameters of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) living in and around Amboseli National Park, Kenya. The study was conducted from 1972 to the present and results are based on the histories of 1778 individually known elephants. From 1972 to 1978, the Amboseli elephant population declined and then increased steadily from 1979 to the present. Births occurred throughout the year but over 80% occurred between November and May. Birth rate varied from year to year with a pattern of peaks and troughs at 4- to 5-year intervals. The birth sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1. Mean age at first birth was 14.1 years, determined from a sample of 546 known-age females. Mean birth interval (n= 732) was 4.5 years for 255 females. Fecundity and calf survival varied by age of the females. Mortality fluctuated from year to year. Sex-specific mortality rates were consistently higher for males than females at all ages.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Color Pattern Morphology in the Tropical Frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui

Abstract We recorded the pattern morph for 9,950 frogs captured at nine locations in northeastern Puerto Rico over a 25-year period from 1978–2002. Data revealed 21 distinct pattern morphs including a variety of stripes, bars, and spots. Analysis of morph frequencies among plots showed significant differences, with longitudinal stripes more common in grassland and disturbed areas, and spot and bar morphs more common in forests where palm and bromeliad axils are important habitat features. Comparison of morph frequencies through time at the same sites showed temporal shifts immediately following Hurricane Hugo in 1989. We suggest that the pattern polymorphism is maintained in part by local habitat matching resulting from selection pressure from visual predators.
OFFSHORE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS): MOVEMENT AND DIVE BEHAVIOR NEAR THE BERMUDA PEDESTAL

Abstract The behavior of offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in deep water and near oceanic islands is not well known. Using satellite-linked, time–depth recorders, we investigated the movements and dive behavior of offshore bottlenose dolphins in the deep waters surrounding the Bermuda Pedestal. Three dolphins were tracked from 5 to 45 days and traveled a mean distance of 28.3 km/day where mean water depth was −1,402.0 m ± 1,120.7 SD. Regular dives during the night (2100–0259 h local time) to depths greater than 450 m (8.9% of total dives), 46.4% of night dives lasting longer than 5 min, and high hematocrit values reveal the deep-diving capabilities of offshore bottlenose dolphins. During the day (0900–1459 h local time), dives tended to be shallow, with 96% of dives within 50 m of the surface, and of short durations, with 52.7% lasting less than 1 min. At dusk (1500–2059 h local time), the number of dives increased (X̄ = 72.4 ± 19.6), indicating a diel dive cycle. The dive patterns of bottlenose dolphins in Bermuda waters correlate with the reported nightly vertical migrations of mesopelagic prey along the steep-sided Bermuda Pedestal.
Differences between the Predictors of Abundance, Trend and Distribution as Three Measures of Avian Population Change

Abstract. Changes in bird populations can be described as simple changes in abundance or density of individuals or, in larger areas, as changes of distribution or population indices. Although these measures describe different aspects of population change, they are often used interchangeably when discussing the relationships between various predictors of bird population changes found in different studies. This hampers a meaningful comparison of results, because it is unclear which differences between studies are biologically relevant and which are just methodological artifacts, caused by the different nature of measures used to quantify population changes. We compared predictors of the three measures of population changes: (i) change in abundance, (ii) change in magnitude of population trend and (iii) change in distribution, using data collected in a single region, the Czech Republic, and over similar time periods. We also aimed to identify significant drivers of population changes of Czech birds, using a large set of predictor variables and virtually all species regularly breeding in the region. No significant predictors were common across the three measures of population change tested. Abundance increased mostly in forest birds, while the change in magnitude of population trend was positive in species with a higher level of legal protection and in r-selected species. Species extending their distribution include wetland birds, above-ground nesters and north European species. Although individual measures of population changes are positively correlated, their predictors are different. This limits possibilities of simple comparisons, but also offers a better insight into forces shaping bird population changes in time and space.
Analysis of Ginsenoside Composition of Ginseng Berry and Seed

This study was performed to provide basic information that can be used to differentiate Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) berry and seed from American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) seed. Total ginsenoside contents of Korean ginseng berry, Korean ginseng seed, and American ginseng seed were 9.09, 3.30, and 4.06%, respectively. Total ginsenoside content of Korean ginseng berry was about 2.2 to 2.7 times higher than those of Korean ginseng seed and American ginseng seed. Particularly ginsenoside Re content of 4-year cultivated Korean ginseng berry (5.99%) was about 3.6 to 5.4 times higher than that of 4-year cultivated Korean ginseng seed (1.65%) and 4-year cultivated American ginseng seed (1.10%). The contents of total ginsenoside and ginsenoside Re of Korean ginseng berry were about 4.8 and 28 times higher, respectively, than those of 4-year cultivated Korean ginseng root. In general the contents of total ginsenoside and ginsenoside Re of Korean ginseng berry were significantly higher than those of Korean ginseng seed and American ginseng seed.