bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of digestion in Octopus vulgaris (Cephalopoda: Octopoda)*
Authors: Boucher‐Rodoni Renata , Mangold Katharina
Published: August 2009

Digestion in Octopus is very fast at the beginning and slows down progressively. At 18–19°C, the crop was empty 6 hours after the beginning of the meal, gastric digestion was achieved after 9 hours and caecal digestion after 12 hours. The digestive enzymes are mainly supplied by the digestive gland, where alternating phases of synthesis and release were observed. Absorption takes place in the digestive gland, in the digestive duct appendages, and in the caecum, where the lipids were first absorbed. At 14°C, all processes of digestion are distinctly slower. There was some evidence that digestion might also be affected by sex and sexual maturation.
Spatial organization and territorial behaviour of the European badger Meles meles
Authors: Kruuk Hans
Published: August 2009

The paper describes habitat preferences, spacing, range sizes, group composition and territorial behaviour of the European badger in a study area in southern England. Animals were followed at night with the aid of radio‐location and night‐vision equipment, and colour‐marked food was used to establish range‐size.
On Lithobiidae from the Seychelles with descriptions of two new species of the subgenus Australobius, genus Lithobius (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha)
Authors: Eason E. H.
Published: August 2009

Three species of Lithobius, L. sechellarum Brölemann, L. inflatitarsis sp. nov. and L. abbreviate sp. nov., are described from the Seychelles. All belong to the oriental subgenus Australobius which is reviewed. The species are believed to be endemic and thus support the view that the Seychellean fauna is akin to that of the Oriental Region.
A biometric case for revision of the genus Lingula (Brachiopoda: Inarticulata) from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Hammond L. S. , Kenchington R. A.
Published: August 2009

Analysis of the variability of shell dimensions within a large population of Lingula from Shelly Beach, near Townsville and comparison with five other Queensland populations indicates that existing taxonomy, which is based largely upon shell dimensions, is inadequate. Examination of data from original species descriptions and of material held in the Queensland Museum, suggests that four previously accepted species, Lingula bancrofti, Johnston and Hirschfeld, L. exusta, Reeve, L. hians, Swainson and L. murphiana, Reeve, should be assigned to the type species L. anatina, Lamark, 1801. A fifth species L. tumidula, Reeve, is accepted on morphological and ecological grounds.
The significance of morphological variation in the finch species on Gough, Inaccessible and Nightingale Islands, South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Abbott Ian
Published: August 2009

Uni‐ and multivariate analyses were made of nine morphological characters on three species of finches Nesospiza acunhae (Inaccessible, Nightingale), N. wilkinsi (Nightingale) and Rowettia goughensis (Gough). The results of the univariate analysis were used to test four predictions about morphological changes with altered competitive backgrounds. Finch species that occur alone on an island or on an island where other finch species are rare have longer characters and more variable character distributions.

A multivariate analysis of six bill characters showed that the bill of Rowettia is more similar to that of acunhae than either is to wilkinsi. A multivariate analysis on wing length, tarsus length and hallux length shows that Rowettia is morphologically closer to wilkinsi than it is to acunhae. It is suggested that nothing is gained by treating the Gough I. finch as belonging to a monotypic genus.
Bryozoa from the west European continental slope
Authors: Hayward P. J.
Published: August 2009

Fifty‐four species of Cheilostome and Ctenostome Bryozoa are reported from 75 stations along the continental slope of western Europe. Three new species are described. The collection comprises remnants of the richer shelf fauna plus a deeper water element, with a predominance of northern stenothermal species.
A population study of the metastrongylid nematode Skrjabingylus nasicola in the weasel Mustela nivalis
Authors: Lewis J. W.
Published: August 2009

Analyses of adult worms of Skrjabingylus nasicola occurring in the nasal sinuses of the weasel Mustela nivalis from three localities in the British Isles show that the intensity of infestation can be correlated with increasing severity of skull damage, which in turn increases as the weasel ages. It is suggested that, apart from hormonal differences, the smaller sized female skull is likely to be linked with lower levels of infestation in female compared with male weasels. Also a reduction in mean worm length in female skulls and in heavy infestations of S. nasicola is probably the result of a “crowding effect”, previously described for other helminth infections in the definitive host. Crowding appears to have no effect on the sex ratio of worm populations, although there is a tendency for the ratio of female: male worms to increase in female weasels. Reasons for this are discussed.
The annual pattern of reproduction of Talitrus saltator (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitridae)
Authors: Williams John A.
Published: August 2009

The reproductive cycle and breeding biology of Talitrus saltator (Montagu), a supralittoral talitrid amphipod, were investigated over a 15 month period on a sandy beach in the Isle of Man. The species is shown to have an annual, univoltine reproductive cycle with a period of high reproductive activity between May and late August. Two generations are present throughout most of the year and the life spans of female and male T. saltator were calculated to be approximately 18 months and 21 months respectively. Initial juvenile growth was rapid, juveniles attaining sexual differentiation within three to four months of hatching. Juvenile growth rates averaged 5–5 mm in 100 days decreasing to 1–3 mm in 100 days after sexual differentiation at around 8.0 mm.

The relative brood size of incubating females was shown to be dependent on at least two factors, the length of the female and the stage of embryological development of the brood.

It is suggested that photoperiod is the major exogenous factor controlling gonadal maturation and the duration of reproductive activity in T. saltator.
Oestrus and ovulation in the Casiragua Proechymis guairae (Rodentia, Hystricomorpha)
Authors: Lusty Jane A. , Seaton Brian
Published: August 2009

The Casiragua, Proechymis guairae is a South American rodent of the sub‐order Hystricomorpha. In common with some other members of the sub‐order the Casiragua has a long gestation period (62 days) relative to its size and it has been suggested that the Casiragua may be of value in biomedical research. We have, therefore, examined the reproductive physiology of this species in order to determine the optimum conditions for breeding experimental colonies and to establish a fund of basic data as an essential preliminary to more detailed studies. It emerges that the Casiragua is an induced ovulator (and not strictly a spontaneous ovulator) and shows no regular oestrous cycle when not pregnant. Furthermore, mature animals caged together for the first time tend to be very aggressive, inflicting serious, sometimes fatal, wounds on each other. We therefore conclude that, at present, the Casiragua does not appear to be a suitable species for routine laboratory use but its unusual reproductive characteristics make it of potential interest to endocrinologists and behaviouralists.
Reddish colouration in a Green spider: evolutionary origin and subsequent adaptation
Authors: Neck Raymond W.
Published: August 2009

The Green lynx spider, Peucetia viridans, is normally coloured a uniform green. An individual heavily suffused with reddish pigment was collected from a reddish flower. Origin of the ability to match the colour of a non‐native flower is discussed in relation to a recent study on spider colouration.
The jaw lever system in ungulates: a new model
Authors: Greaves W. S.
Published: August 2009

In ungulates the distance from the jaw joint to the last molar is approximately the same as that of the grinding tooth row length. An hypothesis is presented that attempts to explain why ungulate grinding teeth are positioned where they are along the jaw. If the jaw joint on the balancing side serves as the fulcrum in anisognathus animals, a region along the jaw is defined, corresponding to where teeth are actually found, where rather simple muscle action can apply equal forces at any point. The ability to produce the same force at any point in this region, as such, may not be the critical feature since anterior or posterior to this region, tooth placement produces either a relatively inefficient or an unstable condition.
On the monomyarian, Acostaea rivoli and evolution in the family Etheriidae (Bivalvia: Unionacea)
Authors: Yonge C. M.
Published: August 2009

Acostaea rivoli (Desh.) is an etheriid bivalve which occurs, cemented to the substrate, in the basin of the River Magdalena in Colombia. The animal, apart from the shell, is here first described and compared with the two closely related species, the similarly monomyarian Pseudomulleria dalyi (Smith) from Mysore, India and the dimyarian Etheria elliptica Lam. widely distributed in tropical Africa. Attaching at an unusually late stage and by either valve, all three pass from initial bilaterial symmetry to a state of extreme bilateral and– apart from Etheria–also antero‐posterior asymmetry. In Acostaea (and Pseudomulleria) this involves exclusively posterior and, because settlement is anterior end downward in a depression, topographically upward growth with a change of around 90 in the disposition of the valves as these flatten out over the substrate. This necessitates formation of a new hinge between the anterior spur which is composed of the earlier growth of both valves, and the horizontal extent of the upper valve. With loss of the anterior adductor, the monomyarian condition is achieved in a unique manner. Evidence indicates that the family Etheriidae arose from edentulous Unionidae with the adoption of a pleurothetic cemented habit, this permitting exploitation of a hard substrate often, although not invariably, in rushing water.
The seasonal occurrence and behaviour of Killer whales Orcinus orca, at Marion Island
Authors: Condy P. R. , Aarde R. J. Van , Bester M. N.
Published: August 2009

The paper describes the occurrence of Killer whales at Marion Island (Prince Edward group) in the south Indian Ocean from August 1973 to November 1976. They occur seasonally, being most numerous from October to December. Their occurrence is synchronized with the seasonal haul out of Southern elephant seals, but the seasonality of King, Rockhopper and Macaroni penguins is also likely to influence their occurrence. The largest herds occur in October, the month during which mean group size is also largest. Sex and age composition are given, adult males being significantly more numerous than adult females, while 36–3 % of the latter had calves. Hunting activity appears to be greatest between 15.00 and 17.00 hrs, and most Killer whales were seen within 100 m of the shore. Aspects of hunting, attacking, feeding and resting behaviour are discussed. The body measurements of a young male found on a beach are given.
Feeding and development of Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus nestlings
Authors: Newton I.
Published: August 2009

At three nests of Accipiter nisus the young were brooded almost continuously for the first seven or eight days, then steadily less until days 12–15, and thereafter chiefly during rain. The male provided almost all the food for the first seven or eight clays, after which his rate of prey delivery slackened off. This coincided with increased hunting by the female and, by the late nestling stage, both parents provided about the same number of items. The numbers of prey deliveries fluctuated greatly from watch to watch, and were significantly depressed during rain. On average, males brought significantly smaller prey than females (up to 80 and 500 g respectively), and the total weight of prey brought to the nests was greater when both sexes hunted than when the male hunted alone. For the three nests, the total food consumed over 32 days from hatching was estimated at 5900 g (four young depleted to three), 5900 g (four young depleted to two) and 13,800 g (four young throughout). These widely varying estimates are all in line with previous published figures.

Both sexes were hatched from eggs of similar weight, but soon diverged in growth and, before they left the nest, females were almost twice as heavy as males. No difference in food consumption was detected between the sexes but, while females achieved greater weight, males showed more rapid development of plumage and body skills, and flew about four days earlier. The more rapid development of the males is regarded as a means of alleviating competition with their larger sisters.

Among the three nests, the best and most even growth among all young was associated with: (a) regular and frequent deliveries of prey items; (b) good attentiveness by the female, including almost continuous brooding in the early nestling phase, and remaining near the nest to hunt towards the end; (c) the partitioning of prey by the female until a late stage in nestling growth; and (d) when the young fed themselves, minimum aggression among them and the ready surrender of prey by one young to another. Poor, uneven growth and starvation were associated with the opposite conditions.
The daily cycle of activity in the mole (Tabu europaea) and its seasonal changes, as revealed by radioactive monitoring of the nest
Authors: Woods J. A. , Mead‐Briggs A. R.
Published: August 2009

The daily cycle of activity in the mole (Talpa europaea) and its seasonal changes, as revealed by radioactive monitoring of the nest

Published information on the activity rhythm of the mole (Talpa europaea), although limited to observations on a very few moles during February‐April, had indicated a basic short‐term cycle of approximately 8 hours. The technique used, manual tracking of radioactively tagged individuals with portable monitors, was modified for the present study to record automatically the presence or absence of the tagged mole at its nest site. Data were obtained for all months of the year, with a total of 797 days of records from 14 male and 13 female animals. The most characteristic feature of the records, irrespective of the time of year and thus daylength, was the sharpness of the transition from inactivity to activity at dawn and the reverse shortly prior to dusk. During midwinter, when daylength was short the animals tended to be active throughout the day, with few or no rest periods at the nest, and there was only one other active period, during the night. With increasing daylength there was usually a short rest period about midday so that the animals had the classical 3‐cycle daily rhythm. In summer, with the longest days and shortest nights the timing of the daytime rest period was variable and there was often no active period during the night so that the short‐term cycles were less distinct.
In vitro studies on the functional maturation and locomotion of sperm in a free‐living nematode, Panagrellus redivivus
Authors: DUGGAL C. L.
Published: August 2009

In the seminal vesicle of male Panagrellus redivivus the sperm are normally rounded, non‐motile and have cytoplasmic organelles randomly scattered throughout the whole cell body. Sperm become amoeboid in the uterus of the female with a clear anterior region capable of producing pseudopodia and an arch‐shaped rigid posterior region containing numerous organelles. The sperm arrange themselves in the form of a chain in the uterus attaching themselves anterio‐posteriorly, however sperm entering the post‐vulvar uterine sac do not form a chain and remain scattered. Approximately eight hours after insemination the sperm in the uterus stop producing pseudopodia. Pseudopodial formation recommences in the seven to eight anteriormost sperm in the chain as they reach seminal receptacle.
The light organ and ink sac of Heteroteuthis dispar (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)
Authors: Dilly P. N. , Herring Peter J.
Published: August 2009

There has previously been some dispute over the source of the light of Heteroteuthis. Light and electron microscopy have shown that there are no bacteria in the cavity of the luminous gland, but rather a population of spherical vesicles of varying size and content, surrounded by dense interstitial material. The contents are secreted by the cells surrounding the gland via a microvillous brush border that contains cilia. The gland is surrounded by a reflector layer made up of iridophores, whose structure differs considerably in the proximal, lateral and cap regions.

The ink sac contains masses of spherical dense granules and its wall cells have many microvilli extending amongst these granules.
Populations of the ticks Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) hexagonus and Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) canisuga infesting suburban foxes, Vulpes vulpes
Authors: Harris Stephen , Thompson Gordon B.
Published: August 2009

Only two species of tick (Ixodes hexagonus and Ixodes canisuga) were found to infest suburban foxes. The populations of these two ticks were examined, their distributions within the host population described, and infestation levels of I hexagonus discussed in relation to the sex, age and behaviour of the host. The most important factor regulating the level of tick infestation is probably the degree of den usage by the host. The tick infestations were found to have minimal effect on the host, and even an abnormally high level of infestation found on one fox was not considered to be lethal.
Reproduction in the genus Limacina (Opisthobranchia: Thecosomata)
Authors: Lalli Carol M. , Wells Fred E.
Published: August 2009

Reproductive mechanisms in the seven species of the thecosomatous pteropod genus Limacina are described and compared. All species are protandrous hermaphrodites. Five species–L. bulimoides, L. helicina, L. lesueuri, L. retroversa and L. trochiformis–have a similar reproductive anatomy in which the gonoduct leading from the gonad to the common genital pore functions as a seminal vesicle in the male and is elaborated into mucous and albumen glands in the female. The male system consists of a prostate gland and penis connected to the common genital pore by an external ciliary tract. All five species have a free‐swimming veliger stage which hatches from free‐floating egg masses. Limacina helicoides has the same reproductive anatomy but is ovoviviparous, with embryos retained in capsules in the mucous gland until they are juveniles of 50 mm in shell diameter. Limacina inflata lacks mucous and albumen glands and a penis; a spermatophore formed by the prostate gland is used in aphallic sperm transfer. This species exhibits brood protection with un‐encapsulated embryos retained in the mantle cavity until they are released as veligers measuring 0067 mm in diameter. L. inflata is the most abundant of the seven species despite lowered fecundity; reasons for its ecological success are discussed.
Stance and gait in the hindlimb of a therocephalian mammal‐like reptile
Authors: Kemp T. S.
Published: August 2009

The ilium, femur, tibia, fibula, astragalus and calcaneum of the therocephalian therapsid Regisaurus jacobi Mendrez are described. Functional consideration of the bones and particularly the nature of the hip, knee and ankle joints indicate that this animal was capable of at least two distinct gaits, a primitive, sprawling type and an advanced upright type. The ankle joint had a moveable articulation between the astragalus and the calcaneum analogous to that of the crocodiles. The possibility of such a multi‐gaited intermediate stage having occurred in the course of the evolution of the mammalian locomotory pattern is suggested.
The effect of food quality on breeding strategy in Griffon vultures (Gyps spp.)
Authors: Houston David C.
Published: August 2009

Griffon vultures feed from the soft tissues of large mammal carcasses: a diet which contains very little calcium. Comparatively large amounts of calcium are required in order to breed, first for eggshell formation and then for bone mineralization of the chick. These requirements are estimated. Adults were not found to supply the chick with a mineral‐rich crop secretion during rearing, but they must feed the young with calcium‐rich food items, such as bone fragments. These are not abundant, and it is suggested that the mineral requirements for breeding have determined certain features of the breeding strategy in these birds—such as laying a single egg and having a prolonged rearing period.
The post‐embryonic development and life history of the millipede, Ommatoiulus moreletii (Diplopoda: Iulidae), introduced in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Baker G. H.
Published: August 2009

The life cycle of Ommatoiulus moreletii consists of an egg, pupoid and up to sixteen stadia. Sexes are differentiated at the sixth stadium. Males may mature at any moult from the eighth to the twelfth stadia, but most are mature by the tenth or eleventh. Maturation is more difficult to determine in females but seems similar to the males with respect to stadial age. O. moreletii is periodomorphic.

Field studies were made of O. moreletii in an open grassland and a dry sclerophyllous woodland in South Australia. Females matured their eggs in late summer‐autumn. They mated and oviposited during autumn‐winter. After one year, O. moreletii was in the seventh, eighth or ninth stadium. After two years, the tenth or eleventh stadia were reached and after three years the twelfth or thirteenth. The moulting of individuals older than about one year was confined to moults in (1) spring and (2) summer. Adult males were mature from summer to spring and intercalary from spring to summer.
The population dynamics of the millipede, Ommatoiulus moreletii(Diplopoda: Iulidae)
Authors: Baker G. H.
Published: August 2009

The population dynamics of Ommatoiulus moreletii were studied in an open grassland and a dry sclerophyllous woodland in South Australia. During summer, O. moreletii aggregated in cool, moist sites (e.g. beneath tussocks of Lomandra fibrata (Liliaceae)) or burrowed underground. In autumn, the animals surfaced and dispersed. In a particularly hot and dry summer, mortality was demonstrated in the grassland but not in the woodland which was relatively cooler and moister. The survival of females from an autumn breeding season to the subsequent spring was inversely correlated with their maturity in autumn. The advantage to O. moreletii of survival of females after a poor breeding season is discussed with reference to den Boer's (1968) concept of “spreading of risk”.
Arm autotomy in brittlestars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)
Authors: Wilkie I. C.
Published: August 2009

Although ophiuroid arm shedding has long been accepted as an example of autotomy, there has been little investigation of the phenomenon to substantiate this. This paper describes the outwardly visible aspects of autotomy and the function of the internal components of the arm during detachment. Observations are focussed on Ophiocomina nigra, some comparisons being made with eight other species.

Ophiuroid autotomy is characterized by its occurrence close to the point of stimulation, its rapidity, and by the pattern of intervertebral muscle separation at the insertions which is constant for a given species. Evidence is presented showing the important role played by the intervertebral ligament. Both this and the muscle insertions are collagenous, and it is suggested that they and the other intersegmental connective tissues facilitate autotomy by undergoing a drastic, nervously mediated loss in tensile strength which enables the animal to part from its arm with a minimum of effort. Comparable properties have been ascribed to other echinoderm connective tissues, and their role in asteroid and holothurian autotomy has been acknowledged, but such a mechanism has not previously been suggested for ophiuroid arm autotomy.
Xenochironomus canterburyensis (Diptera: Chironomidae) an insectan inquiline commensal of Hyridella menziesi (Mollusca: Lamellibranchia)
Authors: Forsyth D. J. , Mccallum I. D.
Published: August 2009

Larvae and pupae of the chironomid Xenochironomus canterburyensis (Freeman) are recorded for the first time. They are inquiline commensals of the fresh water mussel Hyridella menziesi (Gray) in Lake Taupo, New Zealand. The chironomid is univoltine and closely dependent on the seasonal growth of the mussel shell for its pupation and adult emergence. The first instar larva is probably a free‐swimming, dispersal stage. Second instar larvae appeared in mussels between the outer surface of the mantle and the inner surface of the valve in later summer. They overwintered there as third and fourth instars until spring when they were found at the margin of the valve opposite the inhalent siphon from where they pupated and left the host to emerge at the lake surface. Some mortality of first and second instar larvae occurred as there was an average of 25–5 whole larvae buried in the nacre of each valve of the mussels.
Enzyme histochemical studies in testes and seminal vesicles of the Pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) during the breeding season
Authors: Silverin Bengt
Published: August 2009

Enzymatic conditions in testes and seminal vesicles of the Pied flycatcher during the breeding season were studied by histochemical techniques. The following enzyme activities were studied: glucose‐6‐phosphatase dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PDH), NADPH2‐diaphorase, glutamic dehydrogenase (GDH), NADH2‐diaphorase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and acid phosphatase. Phospholipids and PAS‐positive substances were also studied. Towards the end of the nest‐building period, a time when the males showed maximal sexual activities, some enzyme activity changes were observed. There was an increase of the GDH activity in the sperm bundles, an increase of the ATPase activity in the interstitium and tunica propria of the tubuli seminiferi. The phospholipid content increased in all spermatogenetic cells and the PAS‐positive material increased in the Sertoli cells and spermatozoa. The enzymic activities indicated a steroid production in the Leydig cells.

The epithelium of the seminal vesicles did not show any variations in enzyme activities as long as the Leydig cells persisted. Most enzymes showed a very high activity during this time, indicating a secretory function of the epithelium. The amount of phospholipids increased at the end of the nest‐building period. Parallel with the degeneration of the epithelium the enzymic activities, as well as the phospholipid content, were lowered markedly.
Feeding strategy of the Tana mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus galeritus) (Mammalia: Primates)
Authors: Homewood Katherine M.
Published: August 2009

Systematic data on the feeding behaviour and ecology of the Tana mangabey (Cercocebus g. galeritus) were collected over a period of 13 months in a riverine forest study site on the Tana River in Kenya. A total of 1151 hours of observation was conducted on two study groups, containing 36 and 17 animals respectively. Both spatial and temporal aspects of vegetation were studied. Particular emphasis was placed on quantification of foraging behaviour, which has not been treated as a distinct category in previous primate studies. (Feeding behaviour = foraging + eating.)

Dietary composition varied according to season, but there was also evidence that the diversity of the diet increased as food availability decreased. In addition, foraging increased when food was scarce, as did total distance moved and area searched for food. Results of analysis of major food items indicated that the mangabeys were possibly selecting such items in association with their metabolisable energy values. The conspicuous foraging behaviour and locomotor versatility of the mangabeys, combined with these quantitative observations, support the interpretation that this primate is a “generalist” in terms of feeding strategy, compared with “specialist” folivores exhibiting minimal searching and manipulation of food items. It is suggested that as “generalists” the mangabeys are particularly suited to forests lining meandering river systems, with their fluctuating mosaic of vegetation and food availability.
Predation on snails by three species of triclad and its bearing on the distribution of Planaria torva in Britain
Authors: Reynoldson T. B. , Piearce Bronwen
Published: August 2009

Dugesia polychroa, D. lugubris and Planaria torva preyed upon snails of differing morphologies and while the Dugesia spp. fed approximately in proportion to snail abundance, PL torva was more selective on Potamopyrgus jenkinsi. The incidence of feeding on four snail taxa by the Dugesia spp. was significantly correlated and differed strikingly from that of PI. torva where feeding was related to its annual life cycle. Large peaks of feeding coincided in the Dugesia spp. for the four snail types; this was attributed to snail vulnerability being increased by environmental disturbance. Comparison of feeding by Dugesia spp. in the presence and absence of PI. torva indicated that severe competition was occurring for food with PI. torva having a food refuge in P. jenkinsi. The distribution of PI. torva in Britain is largely confined to productive habitats in the Glasgow‐Edinburgh and East Anglia regions. It is concluded that historical rather than ecological events have played the major part in its distribution to date. The strong association of PL torva with port areas and the canal system suggests that it is a recent introduction via the timber trade with Fennoscania.
Effects of experimental stress on the glycogen content of Cepaea hortensis (Mollusca)
Authors: Knights R. W.
Published: August 2009

A method for measuring the glycogen content of the hepatopancreas of Cepaea hortensis is described. Glycogen content was determined for snails from field population cages and from a nearby natural population. Results showed that caged snails possessed lower levels of glycogen than did the natural population, while the lowest levels of glycogen were associated with higher snail densities in the cages. There is evidence for an increase in glycogen content of C. hortensis during the late summer in nature and in experimental populations. The results are discussed with regard to the selective effect that glycogen may have on Cepaea and to the interpretation of events occurring in populations of Cepaea that glycogen assay could provide.
Studies on scale regeneration in the Common goby, Pomatoschistus microps (Pisces)
Authors: Fouda M. M.
Published: August 2009

The longevity of original scales and the process and consequences of scale regeneration in the euryhaline Common goby, Pomatoschistus microps (Kroyer), has been studied by monthly sampling of two populations. Scale regeneration comprises four stages: formation of a new growth centre, a regenerated area in the form of a wide central irregular area lacking concentric circuli: formation of short and widely spaced circuli at the outermost region of the regenerated area: a check in regenerated scale growth on reaching the size of the original scales: and the commencement of normal growth similar to that of the surrounding original scales. Growth of regenerated scales within 30 days was not sufficient to attain the same size of the original ones. The average percentage of regenerated scales in successive months during the life span of P. microps is about 20% in immature fish and sharply increases up to about 60% of the total scales during the breeding season. The correlation between sharp increases in regenerated scales and the breeding season is also confirmed on examining scales from two other gobioid species, Gobius paganellus and Gobius cobitis. It is suggested that the loss of a large number of scales may result in the check in body growth during the breeding season.
On the vomer in Acrochordidae (Reptilia: Serpentes), and its cladistic significance
Authors: Groombridge B.
Published: August 2009

It is reported that in certain features the form of the vomer is significantly different in Caenophidia than in Henophidia (except acrochordids). In Henophidia the vomer typically has one or a few apertures for the exit of the vomeronasal nerve from the bony surround of the vomeronasal organ, well‐ or moderately‐developed vertical and horizontal (palatal) posterior laminae, and only a partially‐developed cup‐like enclosure for the vomeronasal organ. In Caenophidia the vomer typically has very many tiny foramina for the passage of the vomeronasal nerve, the horizontal posterior lamina in particular is much reduced or absent, and the vomer forms a globular enclosure for the vomeronasal organ. A comparison with the vomer in lizards suggests that the henophidian type of vomer is primitive within snakes and the caenophidian type is derived. Scolecophidia are not discussed. The vomer in acrochordids closely resembles that of Caenophidia, and this form of vomerine morphology is proposed as a synapomorphy indicating the strict monophyly of the group acrochordids‐Caenophidia. The acrochordids have been treated very differently by various snake taxonomists and their phyletic position has always been highly problematical. The synapomorphy proposed herein contributes to a solution of this problem.
A physico‐chemical investigation of the jelly capsules surrounding eggs of the Common frog (Rana temporaria temporaria)
Authors: Beattie R. C.
Published: August 2009

The mucopolysaccharide capsules surrounding eggs of the Common frog, Rana temporaria temporaria L. were investigated. Frogs were obtained from ponds in northern England ranging in altitude from 46 to 838 m. Egg capsules acted as insulators, keeping the centre of an egg mass warmer on average than the surrounding water. The size of an egg capsule and its insulating efficiency varied in different pond waters. Egg capsules in water from highland ponds were larger and more efficient insulators than egg capsules in water from lowland ponds. In a series of laboratory experiments the factors controlling capsular swelling were investigated). The ionic concentration of the fluid surrounding the eggs was found to be the principal factor involved, but the temperature and pH of the fluid and the valency and identity of the ions in solution were also important. The water chemistry of ponds varied with altitude. This accounted for the differential swelling of egg jelly in highland and lowland ponds. The fact that egg capsules are larger in highland pond water may increase egg survival at low temperatures. This is probably fortuitous as there is no evidence to suggest that frogs select their breeding ponds because the water in them will promote capsular swelling.
The incidence and distribution of Profilicollis botulus (Acanthocephala), in the eider duck, Somateria mollissima, and in its intermediate host the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, in north east Scotland
Authors: LIAT LIM BOO , PIKE A. W.
Published: August 2009

Profilicollis botulus (Van Cleave, 1916) is a common intestinal parasite of eider ducks which is transmitted by the shore crab. The parasite occurs more frequently, and in larger numbers, in juvenile birds than in adults. In the latter there is a significant correlation between increasing host age and decreasing worm burdens. The infections in both eider ducks and shore crabs were investigated for 12 consecutive months. The incidence of infection (number of birds infected) was high in both adult and juvenile birds but declined in winter. The intensity of infection (number of worms per infected bird) was significantly higher in juvenile birds, the peak occurring in their first summer and autumn, with a smaller peak in April of the following year. Adult birds showed peaks in intensity of infection in October and April, with a decline in males only during the winter. Most of the worms were found in the third quarter of the intestine (measured from the junction with the gizzard to the rectum). The intensity of infection with the cystacanth in shore crabs increased with the size (age) of the host. An approximate index of abundance of crabs and of the cystacanths contained therein, indicated a mid‐summer peak of availability which coincided with the developing infections in young eiders. The time of minimum availability of crabs and the lowest level of infection coincided with the drop in infection rates in the definitive host. Natural worm loss from eiders was demonstrated by examination of faecal specimens collected on the Ythan estuary. Feeding trials, with captive birds and known food items, revealed a preference for crabs, although this was not confirmed by field observations. It was concluded that P. botulus is an infection, primarily of juvenile birds, which is acquired early in the first year of their life. A regular but probably small intake of crabs, in relation to the total food consumption, would be sufficient to maintain the level of parasitism seen in the birds.
The food and feeding ecology of Blue petrel (Halobaena caerulea) and Dove prion (Pachyptila desolata)
Authors: Prince P. A.
Published: August 2009

The diet of two small burrow dwelling petrels, Dove prion, Pachyptila desolata and Blue petrel Halobaena caerulea, was studied at the subantarctic island of South Georgia by quantitative analysis of 246 food samples regurgitated by adults about to feed chicks. Crustaceans, and particularly krill Euphausia superba, predominate in both species' diet but fish is considerably more important to the Blue petrel. Other dietary differences between the species chiefly involve the relative proportions of krill, copepods (nearly exclusive to Dove prion) and seven amphipod species taken.

There is no overlap in the species' chick feeding periods but food differences are likely to reflect prey selection rather than resource availability; differences in prey size are ascribed to use of different feeding techniques particularly relating to bill structure and function. Data on frequency of chick feeding, proportion of oil and presence of pumice in food samples are used to indicate that the Blue petrel feeds further away from the breeding colony than the Dove prion. The significance of the various adaptive differences is discussed.
The water and temperature relationships of Ommatoiulus moreletii (Diplopoda: Iulidae)
Authors: Baker G. H.
Published: August 2009

During summer, Ommatoiulus moreletii aggregates in cool, moist sites. O. moreletii prefers high relative humidities and temperatures of 20 to 25°C throughout the year. These preferences explain the summer aggregations.

O. moreletii develops a strong ability to survive exposure to low humidity and high temperature during summer. This may explain why summer mortality of the millipede has only been demonstrated during an extremely hot and dry summer. The percentage water contents of O. moreletii are higher during spring and summer than during autumn and winter. They are also higher in small animals than in large. The ecological and physiological significances of these facts are discussed.
The intervertebral ossicles of the Insectivora
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

The anatomical and systematic distribution of intervertebral ossicles is reviewed for insecti‐voran forms known to manifest such structures and for some additional forms. The anatomy, morphology and functional significance of these ossicles is considered and the conclusion is reached that such formations constitute a mechanical device designed to stabilize the vertebral column in certain specialized insectivoran forms.
Phylogenetic development of melano–macrophage centres in fish
Authors: Agius C.
Published: August 2009

The haemopoietic tissues of 72 species of fish representative of Agnatha, Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes were examined by light microscopy for melanin–containing macrophages. All were found to possess these pigmented cells except for the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis Linnaeus. An evolutionary pattern was evident in both their distribution and degree of organization. There was a progressive increase in the abundance of pigment cells and their proclivity for the main lymphoid organs. Melano–macrophage centres appear to evolve structurally from the random distribution of individual pigmented macrophages observed in Agnatha and Chondrichthyes to the organized centres characteristic of all Osteichthyes except the salmonids. It is hypothesized that the change in organ location from the liver in Agnatha, Chondrichthyes and the primitive bony fishes to the spleen and kidney in the advanced bony fishes follows closely upon the evolution of the lymphoid system and represents a major advance in the evolution of the lympho–reticular relationships. The increasing sophistication in cytological organization of the melano–macrophage centres is concomitant with the increasing levels of complexity of the cytoarchitecture of the lymphoid system. These analogies provide additional evidence that these centres are of a lymphatic nature and may well represent the primitive analogues of germinal centres of birds and mammals.
Similarities between the faces of parents and offspring in Bewick's swan and the differences between mates
Authors: Bateson Patrick , Lotwick Wyn , Scott Dafila K.
Published: August 2009

The faces of individual Bewick's swans (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) are highly distinctive. Similarities between the faces of parents and their offspring in 12 families living in the wild were examined using a code that gave a value to 29 features of each individual's face. The similarities between the faces of 22 wild–living mated pairs were also analyzed. The offspring resembled both their parents more closely than would have been expected on a chance basis. The similarities were particularly striking in the upper part of the bill. Mates, on the other hand, did not resemble each other and analysis of each character suggested that in some respects, they were less like each other than would have been expected on a chance basis. It is concluded that the facial appearance of Bewick's swans is inherited and that the swans may actively outbreed.
Fine structure and function of the digestive cell of Sepia officinalis (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)
Authors: Boucaud‐Camou Eve , Yim Monna
Published: August 2009

The post–embryonic development of the digestive gland has been studied by light and electron microscopy on animals reared in the laboratory. The gland reaches its “adult” structure around the end of the first month after hatching.

The infrastructural changes of the digestive gland have been followed during digestion at various ages (5,10,20,30 days and “adult”); ferritin was used for a tracer to study absorption.

These experiments have produced evidence of endocytosis intake of large proteins and further intracellular digestion inside the digestive cell. The residues of digestion are excreted in a “brown body” while the metabolites are used in new syntheses for the cell itself. These results demonstrate that “ancestral” digestive processes have been kept in at least one cephalopod.
Fine structure and histochemistry of the epidermis of the fish Monopterus cuchia
Authors: Mittal A. K. , Whitear M. , Agarwal S. K.
Published: August 2009

An attempt is made to correlate fine structure with the histochemical reactions of the epidermis in the synbranchiform fish Monopterus cuchia. Three sources of mucus are identified. Superficial epithelial cells produce weakly acidic glycoprotein which is secreted at the surface as the external mucous layer or cuticle. Numerous large unicellular mucous glands have a secretion which is strongly acidic and sulphated, although the basal and peripheral parts of these cells, which contain most of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, react strongly for neutral glycoprotein; Golgi cisternae appear to be involved in a change of histochemical reaction from neutral to strongly acidic as the secretion is formed. A second, slender, type of mucous gland cell, not previously reported, gives a weaker reaction for sulphated acidic glycoprotein and has cytoplasm with numerous Golgi cisternae and free ribosomes, producing electron–dense secreted drops. Sacciform cells, with a protein–aceous secretion, have a characteristic fine structure with membranous “bubbles” at the surface of the cytoplasm. Ionocytes, sensor) cells and intrusive leucocytes have been identified in the epidermis.
The ecology of lizards on Praslin Island, Seychelles
Authors: Evans P. G. H. , Evans J. B.
Published: August 2009

Ecological studies of five species of lizards were carried out on the island of Praslin, central Seychelles between July and September 1976. Quadrat sampling within four vegetation types revealed distinct habitat preferences between species. Phelsuma sundbergi occurred at highest densities in coastal vegetation, particularly coconuts Cocos nucifera, whilst Phelsuma astriata occurred at highest densities in intermediate forest, particularly in endemic palms such as Lodoicea maldivica. Within each vegetation type, both species preferred particular tree species. In coastal coconuts and Lodoicea in intermediate forest, the two species tended to occur in different sized trees. Calculations of niche breadth indicated greatest values for P. sundbergi in coastal vegetation and for P. astriata in intermediate forest. Both Phelsuma species showed a diurnal pattern of activity with some indication of temporal displacement between species in lowland and intermediate forest. Ailuronyx sechellensis was nocturnal with a relict distribution on Praslin, occurring in the quadrats on only three endemic palm species in intermediate forest. Mabuya sechellensis was by far the commonest and most widespread of the two skink species, with highest density in intermediate forest where it was probably favoured by the high proportion of palm leaf litter. Scelotes gardineri was only recorded in lowland and intermediate forest, where it occurred at low densities. Both species were diurnal, although the latter was never recorded after midday. Intermediate forest had the highest lizard biomass and species diversity whilst eroded land had the lowest. The possible origins and relationships of the two closely related Phelsuma species are discussed, together with the roles that habitat modification, predation, and interspecific competition may play.
A comparison of variability in size dimensions of intertidal and subtidal mussels (Mytilus edulis) (Mollusca: Bivahia)
Authors: Chalmer P. N.
Published: August 2009

Variability in size dimensions of bivalve species has previously been claimed (1) to decrease with size and (2) to be greater for individuals in an intertidal habitat than in a subtidal habitat. Results from this study showed that the decrease in variability with size was an artifact of the techniques previously used, and that variability was the same for all sizes of Mytilus edulis. The previous study utilized an interspecific comparison to examine the effects of habitat on variability, which is considered unacceptable because differences in variability are likely to be a consequence of species differences rather than the effects of different habitats. Results presented here from the intraspecific comparison of M. edulis showed that variability was the same for mussels from an intertidal habitat and from a subtidal habitat.