Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recognizing gape limitation and interannual variability in bluehead chub nesting microhabitat use in a small Virginia stream

Understanding the reproductive microhabitat requirements of keystone species such as the gravel mound nesting bluehead chub Nocomis leptocephalus can be useful for whole-community management. Nocomis have been shown to be microhabitat specialists, but no study has accounted for interannual variability in microhabitat use or for the possibility that substrate choices are constrained by mouth size. Our goals were to quantify the spawning microhabitat requirements of bluehead chub in the North Fork Roanoke River, Virginia, USA. Specifically, we sought to (1) account for gape limitation of nesting chubs when quantifying substrate size preference and (2) to examine interannual variability in their nesting microhabitat preferences. In June 2012 and 2013, we measured pebbles on chub nests and determined the gape limit as the largest measured pebble. With the gape limit as a ceiling for measurable particles, we compared substrate used by chubs to randomly selected particles adjacent to each nest. Depth and velocity were also measured at nests during both years and compared to random points near nests. Patterns in microhabitat selection differed between years. Chubs exhibited substrate size preference in 2012, but not 2013. The mean size difference in 2012 was approximately 3 mm but we do not consider this biologically meaningful. This stands in contrast with other studies showing large mean differences in preferred and available substrate. We suggest that the gape limitation of adult male Nocomis imposes a restriction on usable nesting substrate, causing observed significant differences between preferred and available substrate sizes. Current velocities used by chubs were significantly slower than paired measurements in 2013, but did not differ in 2012; depth preference did not differ between years. Differences in velocity preference likely represent adjustment to the above-average instream flow conditions of 2013. This study demonstrates the importance of examining interannual variability in fish spawning habitat requirements.
Genetic differentiation across the Andes in two pan-Neotropical tyrant-flycatcher species

Abstract Vocal and phylogenetic research has revealed much hidden species-level diversity in tyrant-flycatchers (Tyrannidae), and field ornithological accounts indicate there is a great deal of additional diversity to be uncovered. Using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences, we screened genetic diversity from across the range of two pan-Neotropical species of elaeniine flycatcher—Camptostoma obsoletum (Southern Beardless Tyrannulet) and Phaeomyias murina (Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet)—for which vocal discontinuities have previously been reported. Our results indicate deep genetic divergences across the Andes in both species, and support a previously proposed separation of trans-Andean populations of P. murina into P. tumbezana. Within C. obsoletum, we additionally uncover a deep genetic break between a trans-Andean clade from dry Tumbesia and one from humid Chocó—Panama, and we fail to detect mitochondrial DNA differentiation in western Amazonian C. o. olivaceum, which has been treated as a distinct form based on differences in voice and plumage from surrounding subspecies. Further molecular and vocal sampling is necessary to confirm the division of C. obsoletum into three species.
Movement Dynamics in a Fishery: Application of the Ideal Free Distribution to Spatial Allocation of Effort

Many traditional analyses of fisheries data assume that there is a negligible effect of alternative fish stocks on the spatial distribution of fishing effort and that the amount of local effort does not influence catchability. There is growing evidence that contradicts these assumptions. Because of the potential biases that these erroneous assumptions may cause in the interpretation of catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) statistics, it is important to determine the factors governing the spatial distribution of effort in a fishery. We used data on the Hecate Strait, British Columbia, Canada, trawl fishery to test hypotheses about spatial allocation of effort and interaction among fishing vessels. The ideal free distribution of Fretwell and Lucas (1970. Acta Biotheor. 19: 16–36) was the foundation for deriving these tests. We found evidence for competition among vessels, although we could not distinguish whether the mechanism was interference or exploitation competition. As well, CPUE was generally equalized among.
Bryozoan frontal shields: the type species of Desmacystis, Rhamphostomella, Rhamphosmittina, Rhamphostomellina, and new genus Arctonula

Frontal shields have been examined in the type species of several genera of ascophorine cheilostomates. Desmacystis (Desmacystidae) is not an‘anascan’as previously thought, but has a cryptocystal shield which is here interpreted to be derived from an umbonuloid shield by foreshortening, possibly from a rhamphostomellan ancestor. Rhamphostomella (type species Rscabra) and Rhamphosmittina (type species R. bassleero) (both in the family Porellidae Vigneaux, here raised from subfamily rank) also have umbonuloid shields. Arctomula, new genus, is established for Lepralia arctica M. Sars and transferred from the Umbonulidae to the Exochellidac. Rhamphostomellina (type species R. posidoniue) has a lepralioid shield. It is here included in the family Celleporidae.
Effects of Experimental Otter Trawling on Surficial Sediment Properties of a Sandy‐Bottom Ecosystem on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland

We conducted a 3‐year experiment on the effects of otter trawling on benthic habitat and communities on a sandy‐bottom ecosystem of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland that has supported commercial fisheries. Each year, three 13‐km‐long corridors were trawled 12 times with an Engel 145 otter trawl, creating a disturbance zone 120–250 m wide. Using a variety of oceanographic instruments, measurements were made before and after trawling to document effects. Trawling had no detectable effect on sediment grain size. Tracks made by trawl doors were readily visible on the sea floor immediately after trawling and 10 weeks later; in some cases they were still faintly visible after 1 year. Acoustic data indicated that trawling increased the topographic relief or roughness of surficial sediments and changed small‐scale biogenic sediment structures down to depths of 4.5 cm. Video observations in trawled corridors revealed that organisms and shells tended to be organized into linear features parallel to the corridor axis. They also demonstrated that trawling reduces both surficial biogenic sediment structure and the abundance of flocculated organic matter; untrawled sediments had a hummocky, mottled appearance, whereas trawled sediments were smoother and cleaner. These changes combined to give the trawled corridors a lighter appearance in color. It appears that the physical effects of otter trawling observed in this experiment are moderate and that recovery occurs in about a year. The biological effects of this experimental trawling have yet to be examined.
Using functional aspects for the classification of Meroitic pottery from Hamadab, Sudan

Pottery is one of the main type of artefacts that field archaeology has to deal with. The scientific aspects to look at pottery are manifold. The study of shapes and decorations forms the key to chronological studies since literally as a historical constant taste and techniques changed over irregular but rather short intervalls. In creating highly representative products the designers of Meroitic pottery (ca. 300 BC-350 AD) allowed themselves to be influenced by Hellenistic styles during the early period and by Roman styles during later times. Symbolic and pictographic expressions that are so typical for Meroitic pottery could serve to draw conclusions about the content, the owner, and perhaps the status of the owner. Pottery is an essential element of Meroitic grave furniture. The iconographic display records pottery being used in various religious ceremonies and even the pottery-making process itself implies to bear a spiritual relation. The high degree of organisation of Meroitic handicraft can be studied by the techniques of pottery manufacture and the firing process. The composition of clays proves the procurement of different raw materials and mixtures according to the intended quality of the final product. The excavation of domestic areas like the Meroitic town-site of Hamadab adds much to knowledge about the actual use and secondary use of pottery vessels. The great amount of fragmented pottery that comes upon us during excavation constitutes a challenge to classical recording systems. Since the data need to be filtered to study all the mentioned facettes a database provides the required procedures to combine functional elements of pottery.
Revision of Acanthopleura guilding, 1829 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) based on light and electron microscopy

Light and scanning electron microscopy have been utilized to further resolve the taxonomic status of the genus Acanthopleura Guilding, 1829 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) following Ferreira's 1986 controversial revision, which synonymised four well-established genera and numerous species. Specimens of the 19 nominal species of the genus Acanthopleura, together with those from five widely disparate, geographic populations of one of these species (A. gemmata), along with specimens of the outgroup, Onithochiton quercinus Gould, 1846), have been utilised. A consideration of gross morphological characters, including features of the valves, girdle armature and gills, clearly separate A. rehderi from Acanthopleura, aligning it with Onithochiton. They also suggest the synonymy of two pairs of species (A. haddoni/A. vaillantii and A. testudo/A. brevispinosa), and indicate that A. loochooana is closely aligned with species previously assigned to Squamopleura (A. araucariana, A. curtisiana and A. miles). Examination of microstructural characters of the intermediate valve, including features of the tegmental micro architecture, the ocelli, the aesthetes and the central anterior eaves, confirm the conclusions of the gross morphological study, and, in addition, indicate a close relationship between A. echinata and A. nigra. Investigation of the girdle armature indicates that Acanthopleura can be divided into four groups based on the possession of predominantly scales, spines, spinelets or spicules. However, there is wide intraspecific variation with regard to micro architecture of the girdle elements. This section confirms the close relationships of A. haddoni/A. vaillantii and A. testudo/A. brevispinosa, and suggests affiliations between other species.
Body mass and habitat correlates of song structure in a primitive group of birds

We assessed relationships between acoustic frequency, body mass, and habitat in tinamous. This monophyletic group of primitive birds comprises c. 47 ground dwelling species whose habitats range from dense humid forest to open grasslands. The relationship between frequency and body mass was found to be negative, while the songs of open-habitat species exhibited higher frequencies and a wider bandwidth than the closed-habitat ones. Residual variation in song frequency, after controlling for the effect of body mass and phylogeny, tends to differ among habitats. However, a statistical test of this pattern was not possible because of the existence of only five pairs of sister species differing in habitat. In spite of this, positive contrasts of bandwidth were associated with positive contrasts of habitat, confirming that songs of open-habitat species have a wider bandwidth than those of their more closed habitat relatives. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 77, 423–430.
Acid phosphatase activity and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection associated with roots of four wheat cultivars

Abstract Acid phosphatase activity and vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) infection associated with four spring wheat genotype roots were investigated. Plants were grown in a typic low P volcanic soil with and without P‐fertilizer addition and harvested at 21, 42, 63, 84 and 96 days. Results show that phosphatase activity, expresed as ug p‐nitrophenol released per g dry root, decreased from 21 to 96 days in all cultivars. Conversely, trends of VAM infection were similar in all genotypes being higher in P added plants at 63 days after sown. This opposite effects may be viewed as alternative and/or complementary adaptations for P‐uptake by plants growing in low nutrient situations. It was concluded that one of the ways of P‐alleviation in wheat growing in our volcanic soils might be the search of genotypes having high biochemical and/or biological root activities.
Influence of Six Plant Growth Regulators on Spanish Peanuts1

Plant growth regulators show considerable promise for use in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L. ‘Comet’). However, new materials need to be evaluated. The influence of soil moisture on peanut response to SADH (succinic acid, 2,2-dimethyl hydrazide) was examined in a growth chamber. Effects of SADH, PP 528 (ethyl 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2H-tetrazol-2-y-lacetate), FMC 28979 (2-chloro-3-(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)propionitrile), mefluidide (N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[(trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl]-amino]-phenylacetamide). TIBA (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) and TD 6817 (chemistry not released) were also evaluated in the field. SADH reduced plant size of peanuts grown under the wet regimes but not under dry conditions. Average peanut leaf area was not affected by SADH. However, SADH did increase the root weight in both wet and dry conditions in the growth chamber. Peanut yields were not increased by SADH in any of the 3 years in the field. No plant growth regulators used at any rate at any growth stage significantly increased peanut yield. The reduction of plant size by SADH might be significant to irrigated peanuts or in high rainfall areas where rotting of peanut vines may take place.
Seasonal Cycle of Zooplankton off Southwestern British Columbia: 1979–89

Average seasonal cycles of zooplankton biomass, species composition, and environmental conditions are estimated from 1979–89 samples collected off the southwest coast of British Columbia. Average total dry weight biomass ranges from a winter minimum 8 g/m2. Three subregions within the study area can be distinguished based on bathymetry and current pattern: the inner shelf banks, the shelf break and slope, and a gyre off the mouth of Juan de Fuca Strait. Total zooplankton biomass, species composition, and seasonality differ sharply between subregions, as do temperature, salinity, and nutrient and phytoplankton distributions. From spring through autumn, there are large inputs of upwelled water (and nutrients) to the continental shelf. Phytoplankton biomass is high, especially in mid- to late summer, and is ample to support growth of herbivorous zooplankton. Despite high food availability and relatively low predation pressure, surface layer zooplankton populations decline .
Revisional notes on selected East Palaearctic species of Agabus Leach (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae).

Out from the study of some East Palaearctic species of the genus Agabus Leach notes are presented on classification and nomenclature. Agabus inexspectatus sp. n. is described from a single male from Siberia. The following syn. n. are presented: Agabus zaitzewi Poppius, 1909, Agabus hudsonicus Leech, 1938, and Agabus mongolicus Guorguiev, 1968 = Agabus pallens Poppius, 1905; Eriglenus charini Lafer, 1988 = Ilybius mandsuricus Guignot, 1956; Agabus insignis Gu&nsuiev, 1969 = Dytiscus arcticus Paykull, 1798; Agabus kurilensis Kamiya, 1938 = Agabus tristis Aub& 1838; Mesogabus GtAorguiev, 1969 = Gaurodytes Thomson, 1859. Lectotypes are designated for the following species: Agabus bergi Zaitzev, 1913, Agabus tibetanus Zaitzev, 1908, Agabus zimmermanni Scholtz, 1920, Colymbetes costulatus Motschulsky, 1859. Agabus bergi is given specific rank. Identification keys are given for the world species of the A. labiatus (Brahm) group, and for the males of the Palaearctic species of the A. confinis (Gyllenhal) group.
The Genus-group Names of Symphyta (Hymenoptera) and Their Type Species

All genus-group names proposed for the suborder Symphyta (Hymenoptera) through 1990 are listed alphabetically. The author, date, original reference, type species, and taxonomic placement are given for each. A systematic list of Symphyta is presented for placement of genera in the current classihcation of the suborder.
Araneus expletus (Araneae, Araneidae): another stabilimentum that does not function to attract prey

Abstract Juvenile Araneus expletus often place a visually conspicuous, disc-like white silk stabilimentum on one side of the retreat where the spider rests during the day away from its orb. Placement of the stabilimentum at this site rules out a prey attraction function and argues instead that it may function to defend the spider from visually orienting enemies.
The estimation of rate of lay from part‐record data

1. Egg production is considered as a composite of at least the following four traits: age at sexual maturity, rate of lay, laying‐house mortality and the non‐laying condition. 2. Age at sexual maturity is available in the part record and hence does not require estimation. 3. Estimators of rate of lay from the part record are considered on the basis of their convenience and efficiency. It is concluded that the most suitable estimator is the number of eggs laid by each hen which has reached sexual maturity and which survives over a standard assay period between the ages of 30 and 40 weeks. 4. Laying‐house mortality and the non‐laying condition may be estimated from the performance of the sibs in these traits in the part record.
Survey duration and season influence the detection of introduced eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) in New Zealand

Reliable survey methods for detection are critically important for the monitoring and management of exotic species. The eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius), a broad-tailed parakeet endemic to southeastern Australia, was introduced to New Zealand a century ago and is now geographically widespread. We studied the necessary timeframe for surveying the eastern rosella within its introduced range, testing the hypothesis that there are seasonal differences in the likelihood of detection. Although our comparisons were limited to surveys conducted during a single year, they are suggestive of an important impact of season on the survey duration required to detect eastern rosella confidently. Median latency until first detection was less during summer months (2.55 min) in comparison with winter months (11.2 min). Furthermore, 90% of first detections occurred within the first 13 min in summer surveys, compared with 22 min in winter. These results have implications for the design of surveys aiming to monitor rosella populations in New Zealand, and reiterate the importance of tailoring survey methods to the species of interest.
Tree Regeneration Responses to Gaps Along a Transandean Gradient

shade-intolerant than shade-tolerant species. Over time, the similarity among gaps declined for shade-intolerant species, but changed little for shade-tolerant species. Hence, among gaps, initial differences that persist into the closed phase may be more evident among shadetolerant than shade-intolerant species. This produces structural variation among patches of closed-phase forest and thus contributes to the mosaic nature of the landscape (Hubbell and Foster 1983). Results of this study also suggest the need to explore pervasive processes unrelated to discernible gaps. More work is needed on dynamic processes determining the composition and structure of the understory beneath a closed canopy. This "sub-community" covers much more area than do gaps, contains more individuals, and includes the juveniles of shade-tolerant species, the predominant life history class in most tropical forests (see Whitmore 1989). Creation of a gap in the canopy acts on patterns already established in the understory of the closed phase.
Feeding habits of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) from the Ria Formosa (southern Portugal) as compared to the black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) and the annular seabream (Diplodus annularis)

The feeding habits of Sparus aurata L. , Diplodus annularis L. and Spondyliosoma cantharus L. in the Ria Formosa (southern Portugal) lagoon system were studied using three simple methods (frequency of occurrence, numeric percentage and percentage weight) and a composite index [index of relative importance (IRI)]. The Ivlev index was used to evaluate diet selectivity, while the Schoener overlap index was used to compare diets, and diet diversity was characterized by the Simpson index. The diets of the three species consist of a wide variety of food organisms, nevertheless S. aurata seems to be the most specialized. No significant dietary overlap was found, with S. aurata preferentially selecting gastropods and bivalves, while S. cantharus preferentially selected a wide variety of crustaceans and D. sargus a wider array, including crustaceans, gastropods and bivalves.
Selection indexes and independent culling levels for two productive and reproductive traits in a holstein (Bos taurus) dairy herd

Con la finalidad de evaluar la selección mediante índices y niveles independientes de descarte (NID), para las variables producción de leche ajustada a 305 días (PL) y periodo abierto (PA), fueron analizados 1708 y 1206 registros para PL y DA, respectivamente. Mediante el programa MTDFREML se estimaron parámetros de heredabilidad de 0.23 ± 0.065 y 0.09 ± 0.074, para PL y PA, respectivamente; y repetibilidad de 0.34 ± 0.061 y 0.18 ± 0.054, para PL y PA, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genética, ambiental, y fenotípica se estimaron entre PL y PA, con valores de 0.15 ± 0.32, 0.42 y 0.34, respectivamente. Para la elaboración de Índices y NID, y para la estimación de sus progresos genéticos, fueron analizadas diferentes relaciones entre valores económicos relativos. Los mayores progresos fueron encontrados para unos valores económicos relativos de 1 a 3 (PA:PL). Así mismo, diferentes intensidades de selección fueron evaluadas encontrando para ambos casos que los mayores progresos genéticos fueron obtenidos para la máxima intensidad de selección utilizada (fracción seleccionada del 10%). Ambos métodos de selección demostraron la obtención de progresos genéticos simultáneos para los rasgos en estudio; sin embargo, de acuerdo con la estimación de una relación comparativa entre los progresos genéticos, se encontró que mediante el método de índices se proyectó un 12.6% más progreso genético por generación respecto del progreso estimado para NID. A pesar de esto y de ser el índice un método superior para la elección de los mejores animales, este requiere una estimación precisa de las correlaciones entre las características, lo cual no fue del todo factible en el desarrollo de este trabajo, por lo que se sugiere que el uso del NID es más conveniente para un programa de selección de esta naturaleza.
On Species Individualism: A New Defense of the Species-as-Individuals Hypothesis

We attempt to defend the species-as-individuals hypothesis by examining the logical role played by the binomials (e.g., "Homo sapiens," "Pinus ponderosa") in biological discourse about species. Those who contend that the binomials can be properly understood as functioning in biological theory as singular terms opt for an objectual account of species and view species as individuals. Those who contend that the binomials can in principle be eliminated from biological theory in favor of predicate expressions opt for a predicative account of species and view species as kinds. We contend that biologists' talk about species is talk about species as individuals, and we conclude that the most plausible account of species is an objectual account.