bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction in the Malayan freshwater cerithiacean gastropod Melanoides tuberculata
Authors: Berry A. J. , Kadri Arbain bin Haji
Published: August 2009

Melanoides tuberculata in the Kuala Lumpur area of Malaysia were found to be entirely female, reproducing parthenogenetically. The reproductive system is extremely simple in structure and histology, lacking all the glandular developments common in most mesogastropods. Eggs pass into a cephalic brood‐pouch where they develop to juveniles of 5–6 shell whorls before emergence. Numbers of developing young in the brood‐pouches increased with shell height of the parents except for a decline in the few very largest snails. The highest brood‐pouch count was 265, but average counts were much lower. 85 % of developing young in the brood‐pouches were very early stages from eggs to embryos of one whorl only, perhaps implying that many eggs fail to develop successfully to young snails. Three localities studied yielded consistently different brood‐pouch counts, implying variation in fecundity. Juveniles emerge from the brood‐pouch most commonly between nightfall and midnight and normal emergence seems to require diurnal alternation of light and dark. In continuous darkness, brood‐pouch counts increased markedly, perhaps as a result of greater activity and feeding during darkness. Several features of the reproductive biology suggest that Melanoides might become a useful experimental animal in freshwater studies.
An analysis of the contents of the anal scent pockets of Herpestes auropunctatus (Carnivora: Viverridae)
Authors: Gorman MartynL. , Nedwell David B. , Smith Roger M.
Published: August 2009

The structure of the anal organ of Herpestes auropunctatus is described. The scent is analysed and is shown to contain a series of saturated carboxylic acids. The acids are shown to be the product of bacterial metabolism, the species involved are isolated and identified.
New observations on the bioluminescence of echinoderms
Authors: Herring Peter J.
Published: August 2009

Bioluminescence has been observed in two species of Ophiuroidea, six species of Asteroidea, nine species of Holothuroidea and two species of Crinoidea. The luminescent responses are described and the intensities and time courses of the responses of some species are given.

Histological investigations have indicated possible luminous cells in the Holothuroidea, but the results in other classes remain equivocal. Preliminary analyses of the chemistry of bioluminescence indicate that a similar system may be responsible for bioluminescence in all four classes, although the visible manifestations of the system vary considerably.
Territory size and distribution in the African fish eagle
Authors: Eltringham S. K.
Published: August 2009

The fish eagles along 32 km of shoreline were counted regularly from a launch. The territory size was found to be 0.6 km of shore with a density of 3.5 eagles per km. A single aerial count along 323 km of shore returned a density of 1.9 eagles per km with a territory size of 1.0 km of shore. The distribution of fish eagles is related to the relative availability of trees as perches and probably also to the abundance of fish. The quantity of fish taken by the fish eagles is shown to be negligible compared either with the total production or with the yield harvested by man.
Cementum layers and tooth wear as criteria for ageing Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)*
Authors: Aitken R. J.
Published: August 2009

This study was based on a collection of 110 Roe deer jaws from Thetford Chase, Norfolk. The cementum of these deer contained broad white cellular bands rich in cementocytes, separated by thin dark layers of acellular material. These bands were clearly defined, of even thickness and appeared to be laid down each summer and autumn. Examination of nine known‐age jaws suggested that the number of white bands in the cementum gave an accurate indication of an animal's age.

Tooth wear appeared to be a less reliable ageing technique owing to the variable attrition encountered between animals of the same age class.
Photoperiodic control of budgerigar reproduction: circadian changes in sensitivity
Authors: Shellswell G. B. , Gosney Susan , Hinde R. A.
Published: August 2009

Female budgerigars provided with nest boxes and exposed to male vocalizations were kept on light regimes involving 6 h of light and then a further 2 h of light starting 8, 12, 16, 17 or 18 h after the initial dawn. A higher proportion of females laid when the second light period started 6 h after the first one, than when it started earlier or later. That the effect was not due merely to the males vocalizing more on this light regime than on others was shown by substituting for the males taped vocalizations played during the light periods. It remains possible that females are more responsive to those vocalizations instead of/as well as to light at some points of the circadian cycle than others.
The taxonomic and functional significance of overall body proportions in Primates
Authors: Ashton E. H. , Flinn R. M. , Oxnard C. E.
Published: August 2009

Univariate and multivariate study of 22 dimensions describing overall body proportions in 34 primate genera, has shown that these quantities effect a separation between the principal taxonomic divisions of the Primates: Prosimii, Ceboidea, Cercopithecoidea and Hominoidea. The last three do not, however, link to form a single unit, and the separation between the Ceboidea and Cercopithecoidea is imperfect. Some grouping within these major divisions appears, in certain aspects, to be of functional (locomotor), rather than of purely taxonomic, significance. For instance, within the Prosimii, the genera Microcebus, Galago and Tarsius (the two latter being saltatory forms, while leaping is a component of the locomotor pattern of the first) are associated, while within the apes, the Asiatic forms Hylobates, Symphalangus and Pongo (all brachiators) tend to be grouped, as also do the African forms Pan and Gorilla (both, to a large extent, secondarily terrestrial in habit).

The measures especially prominent in effecting this pattern of discrimination are: relative foot length, relative lower limb length and length of foot relative to lower limb length.

Similar, if less clearly defined results emerge if groups of dimensions relating to individual body regions (forelimb, hindlimb, head and trunk) are analysed separately.

The apparent failure of compounds of the measures of the limbs to give an anticipated close reflection of locomotor function stems possibly from the fact that the available dimensions are of an overall nature rather than a reflection of specific biomechanical functions. Such sub‐division, according with locomotor pattern as seems to emerge from this study, appears, in fact, to be little more than that implied in current taxonomic schemata.
Flask cells and epidermal dynamics in frog skin
Authors: Whitear Mary
Published: August 2009

Variations in the fine structure of the flask cells of frog epidermis are described. Some flask cells have apical ridges with an alveolar layer of material under the cell membrane; others may have adjacent apical ridges sealed together by fusion of the outer leaflets of the cell membrane. The apical membrane of the flask cells and of the second tier epithelial cells (replacement or first reactive cells) is visibly different from the membranes on the lateral and basal aspects. Other variations in the appearance of flask cells may depend on their individual age, or on the stage of the moult cycle. The events of moulting can be divided into preparation, separation, sloughing and differentiation phases. During the preparation phase the flask cell apices disintegrate, and they are covered over by the adjacent replacement cells, which will later keratinize during the separation phase. New tight junctions are formed in the outer layers of the epidermis. Desmosome release frees the slough during the separation phase, before it is actually shed. During the differentiation phase the flask cells develop new apical ridges. The fine structure of the flask cells is compared with that of the mitochondria rich cells of the bladder epithelium, and with mitochondria rich cells which have been found in the palatal epithelium; the flask cells are considered not to be homologous with these other types. There are no comparable cells in the corneal epithelium. Possible functions of the flask cells are considered; some previous hypotheses can now be discounted. An attempt is made to integrate the phases of the normal moult with the variations in active sodium transport and water flux reported from isolated skin treated with aldosterone. It is suggested that the flask cells may transmit a hormonal stimulus causing release of the slough, but that they are not concerned in the effects on sodium transport, which can be explained by changes of the epithelial cells. The flask cells could however be involved in the transport of substances other than sodium.
A fossil clupeomorph fish from the Albian of the Northwest Territories of Canada, with notes on cladistic relationships of clupeomorphs
Authors: Forey Peter L.
Published: August 2009

A primitive clupeomorph, Erichalcis arctagen. et sp. nov. is described from the Albian of Northwest Territories, Canada. Erichalcis is uniquely specialized among clupeomorphs in the presence of enlarged lateral line scales and in the structure of the caudal skeleton. Erichalcis is classified as Clupeiformes incertae sedis. The two recognized suborders, Clupeoidei and Denticipitoidei are examined with respect to primitive and derived character states. It is concluded that the clupeoids and denticipitoids are divergently specialized in details of the union between the supraorbital and infraorbital sensory canals and the recessus lateralis. It is further suggested that the reduction in size and the posterior shift of the dermosphenotic in clupeoids is correlated with an upper division of the levator arcus palatini muscle and an antero‐dorsal process on the hyomandibular. Cladistic relationships of some Cretaceous clupeomorphs are proposed and it is suggested that Diplomystus brevissimus Cope not be included in the Clupeoidei.
The ethology of Abudefduf luridus and Chromis chromis (Pisces: Pomacentridae) from the Azores*
Authors: Mapstone Gillian M. , Wood Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2009

The behaviour of the two species of damsel fishes found in the Azores, Abudefduf luridus (Cuvier) and Chromis chromis (L.)** was studied using underwater techniques.

A. luridus is a substrate species, whereas C. chromis alternates between a rock dwelling and a mid‐water existence depending on its sexual condition. The male in both species sets up a breeding territory and, after spawning, cares for and protects the eggs. No pair bonds are formed.

Social organization and reproductive behaviour in these two species is discussed in relation to other pomacentrids, for which comparable behaviour patterns have been reported.

**The taxonomic status of the species is under study.
Notes on the activity of wild Wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus, in artificial enclosures
Authors: Gurnell J.
Published: August 2009

The activity of Wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus, was monitored by light beams and photoelectric cells placed in runways. In outdoor enclosures it is shown that weather and time of the year both modify the activity pattern. The nature of the activity in an indoor residential maze is described and the effects of a food shortage noted.
Arterio‐venous heat exchange systems in the Jackass penguin Spheniscus demersus
Authors: Frost P. G. H. , Siegfried W. R. , Greenwood P. J.
Published: August 2009

Extensive arterio‐venous associations occur in the head, axillae and legs of the Jackass penguin Spheniscus demersus. These vascular arrangements appear to facilitate counter‐current heat exchange. The major heat exchange system in the head is the post orbital rete mirabile formed by the superior orbital artery. Blood from this rete supplies the eye, nasal passages and superficial jaw muscles. Other blood vessels supplying the superficial areas of the head and mouth associate closely with their corresponding veins.

In the axilla the brachial artery divides to form a humeral plexus of parallel running arteries each associating with up to three interlinking veins. Only the marginal vein does not associate with an artery. It appears that a shunt mechanism, which bypasses the veins in the humeral plexus, functions to permit heat loss when required; for instance in a heat‐stressed bird breeding or moulting on land.

In both the upper and lower leg all the major arteries and their branches associate closely with corresponding veins.

The development of these arterio‐venous associations indicates that Spheniscus demersus is adapted to a cool aquatic environment in which heat retention is of prime importance.
Evidence for the laryngeal source of ultrasonic and audible cries of rodents
Authors: Roberts Laurence H.
Published: August 2009

The audible cries of three species of young myomorph rodents were found to be emitted through the nose and the mouth, buccal and nasal cavity resonances being involved in the production of the formant structures of the emitted cries. Ultrasonic cries were found to be emitted mainly through the mouth, with no evidence for the involvement of cavity resonances. Nerve sectioning experiments on adult and young rats implicated the larynx as the source of both their audible and their ultrasonic cries. However, consideration of the considerable differences in physical structure between the typically “vocal” audible cries and the ultrasonic cries, as well as other differences noted in the experimental conditions here and elsewhere, leads to the conclusion that the rodent larynx may operate in two quite different sound production modes.
Characoid fish teeth from Miocene deposits in the Cuenca Basin, Ecuador
Authors: Roberts Tyson R.
Published: August 2009

Miocene deposits from the Cuenca Basin in the Ecuadorean Andes (elevation 2360 to 2920m) yield teeth belonging to four of the 12 neotropical familes of characoid fishes: Erythrinidae, Characidae, Anostomidae, and Parodontidae. Previous characoid fossil records exist only for Characidae and Curimatidae. The erythrinid teeth are indistinguishable from those of Hoplias. Except for one tooth which belongs to Myleinae, the characid teeth are similar to those in many small to moderately large living members of the Tetra‐gonopterinae. The anostomid jaw teeth belong to Leporinus. Pharyngeal teeth of typical anostomid appearance are referred to Leporinus. The parodontid teeth cannot be identified to genus with certainty but may belong to Parodon. Parodontidae indicate a mountain stream habitat.
Function of the siphunculi in aphids with particular reference to the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoides
Authors: Dixon A. F. G.
Published: August 2009

Sycamore aphids with occluded siphunculi survive, give birth to as many offspring and maintain their weight as well as aphids with normal siphunculi and it is therefore unlikely that siphunculi have an excretory function. Blocking the siphunculi of sycamore aphids does not affect the way they space out. Siphunculi are used in defence against predators most effectively when the aphid and predator are similar in size.The smell of siphuncular exudate causes aphids like Myzus persicae to scatter but in the sycamore aphid the smell has to be accompanied by the sight or vibration of a struggling aphid to induce an alarm response. Prodding the abdomen and pinching the legs of a sycamore aphid induces it to produce siphuncular exudate.
Moult, flight muscle “hypertrophy” and premigratory lipid deposition of the juvenile Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
Authors: Baggott G. K.
Published: August 2009

In England juvenile Willow warblers undergo premigratory lipid deposition in August. Prior to this there is a moult of the juvenile plumage which results in a reduction in both the glycogen content and the wet weight of the pectoralis muscles, the latter reflecting a decrease in the lipid‐free dry weight. Muscle lipid levels are apparently unaffected by this moult. The decrease in the weight of the lipid‐free dry fraction of the body extends also to components other than these muscles at this time. A correlation between the wet weight and the glycogen content of the pectoralis muscles suggests that cold stress may be the cause of the low glycogen levels found in the middle of the moult; part of this increased demand for thermogenesis may be due to lower body insulation brought about by feather loss during the moult. The muscle “hypertrophy” found in the premigratory period is simply a return to pre‐moult weights.

The uniformity of total body weights during and after the moult indicates that at the end of this moult the water fraction of the body decreases in weight. The pectoralis muscles of juvenile Willow warblers are not fully grown on fledging; these unmoulted birds may also have higher body lipid levels than during the following moult.
Functional and ecological significance of relative growth in Alligator
Authors: Dodson Peter
Published: August 2009

Allometric coefficients are calculated for 27 cranial and 39 postcranial measurements of a growth series of Alligator mississipiensis that spans a size range of an order of magnitude. Developmental patterns are quite‐well canalized, as expressed in coefficients of variation of 8 to 10 for isometric variables. A multivariate expression of allometry is discovered using principal components analysis. A number of allometric coefficients have expression in known aspects of the life history of Alligator. Negative allometry of limb lengths and limb proportions shows an ontogenetic decrease in importance of the limbs throughout life, and observations show large animals to be more dependent on water than small ones. Isometry of skull length with respect to body length represents an adaptation to ever‐increasing size of prey items as body size increases. Positive allometry of snout length and size of the upper temporal fenestrae finds parallel in the structure of the highly aquatic gavial.
Morphological variation, hybridization and systematics of New Zealand oystercatchers (Charadriiformes: Haematopodidae)
Authors: Baker Allan J.
Published: August 2009

Variation in eight morphological variables was analysed for the three New Zealand species of oystercatchers, Haematopus ostralegus finschi, Martens, H. unicolor, Forster, and H. chathamensis, Hartert. Within species, significant size variation was detected among age classes and between the sexes, making it necessary to use measurements only from adults and to treat the sexes separately in ensuing taxonomic comparisons. Analysis of morphological variation in hybridizing forms of H. unicolor suggests that gene exchange between the parental black and pied phases is extensive. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses isolated three phenetic entities, consistent with three species as proposed in recent classification.
The influence of brood size upon metabolic rate and body temperature in nestling Blue tits Parus caeruleus and House sparrows Passer domesticus
Authors: O'Connor Raymond J.
Published: August 2009

Metabolic rate and body temperature in nestling Blue tits and House sparrows were measured in broods of different size and age. Surface‐volume ratio effects were found in both poikilothermic and homoiothermic Blue tits at ambients of 15°C but not at 20°C. The possibility of incipient hyperthermia amongst young nestlings maintaining sub‐adult body temperatures is discussed. For the House sparrows heat retention by the nest was of greater importance than the surface‐volume effect. Differences in nest structure between the two species are described and related to the thermal requirements of nestlings in large as against small broods.
Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pup production at North Rona: A study of birth and survival statistics collected in 1972
Authors: Summers C. F. , Burton R. W. , Anderson Sheila S.
Published: August 2009

The Grey seal breeding assembly on North Rona was studied throughout autumn 1972. Weekly censuses provided data on birth rate and mortality. It is estimated that 1736 pups were born in 1972. This is about 500 less than the mean production estimate for this assembly during the period 1959–71, possibly a result of disturbance of the breeding site by the expedition. About 600 of the pups died before putting to sea. The mean date of birth and the duration of the pupping season agree closely with earlier work on North Rona, although the mean daily birth rate curve is somewhat irregular, perhaps because there was an unusually dry spell of weather at a critical time in the pupping season. An improved estimate of mortality at this assembly showed a relationship with pup density similar to that observed at the Fame Islands. Techniques for estimating pup production (and consequently total population), though not reliable for determining absolute values, are useful for indicating trends and they suggest a stable population of 8000–9000 animals at North Rona. Such estimates might be improved by the use of better methods of aerial photography.
Foods and foraging places of rats (Rodentia: Muridae) in the lowland evergreen forest of Ghana
Authors: Cole L. R.
Published: August 2009

A study was made of the foods and ground‐zone foraging places of Muridae in little‐disturbed moist evergreen forest in Ghana, West Africa. Data were obtained by means of baited traps operated for about 8000 trap‐nights, and by the examination of the contents of 218 stomachs.

Seven species of rats were found, of which six are believed to be members of the natural forest fauna. Foraging places of rats of some species were found to be related to features of the topography and the structure of the vegetation. Diets consisted of vegetable materials, insects and soft‐bodied invertebrates. The relative importance of these categories is estimated for each species on the basis of a non‐microscopical volumetric method. Plant tissues were recognized by histological features, but were not identified. The variety of vegetable foods, numbers and sizes of food masses in the stomachs, and sharing of vegetable foods between species are analysed. Cases of ecological isolation are pointed out, and a brief comparison made with the Central African forest murid fauna.
The morphology and distribution of Xenopus vestitus (Anura: Pipidae) in Central Africa
Authors: Tinsley R. C.
Published: August 2009

Studies on the collections of the Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale and the Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique have shown that Xenopus kigesiensis Tinsley, 1973 is synonymous with X. vestitus Laurent, 1972. Previously unrecognized representatives of the species have been found in the museum collections and these considerably enlarge the known geographical distribution of X. vestitus. Samples have been recorded principally from highland areas adjacent to the western Rift in Zaire, Uganda and Ruanda; comprehensive morphological analysis demonstrates relatively limited intraspecific variation throughout the known range.

The distribution of X. vestitus overlaps with that of three other Xenopus taxa: X. laevis victorianus, X. bunyoniensis and a new Xenopus species. There is evidence from a large number of collections from widely separated localities that X. vestitus is commonly sympatric with X. l. victorianus. On the other hand, it is postulated that X. vestitus has recently invaded Lake Mutanda, Uganda, and has replaced the original X. bunyoniensis population during the past 30 years. The museum record provides a potential origin of this invasion: X. vestitus populations are well documented at Rutshuru, only 25 km downstream from Lake Mutanda.

A comparison of the morphological characters of X. vestitus, X. l. victorianus and X. bunyoniensis is presented to provide information on the systematic relationships and possible ecological adaptations of the overlapping species.
Some observations on the ultrastructure of the adenohypophysis of certain Cervidae
Authors: Young B. A. , Chaplin Raymond E.
Published: August 2009

The pituitaries of four species of deer were examined with the electron microscope and our findings are discussed in relation to their function. Functions are ascribed to the granular cell types, and the stellate cells discussed.
Ecological genetics of an island population of the House mouse (Mus musculus)
Authors: Berry R. J. , Jakobson M. E.
Published: August 2009

The House mouse (Mus musculus L.) population on the small Welsh island of Skokholm was founded in the 1890s when a few animals were inadvertently introduced. It has thrived ever since. The animals breed from late March to early October, during which time the population increases 8–10 fold. Winter survival is related to temperature: the spring population can be as low as 100 individuals after a cold winter; if the winter is warm, so many animals survive that high numbers may occur in the following autumn. There are no resident predators of the mice, and no other small mammals on the island.

The population was sampled on 20 occasions between 1957 and 1972, and genetical changes measured by the incidences of non‐metrical skeletal variants (which describe a substantial proportion of the genome) and (from 1968–72) by allele and genotype frequencies of electrophoretically detected genes. Two sorts of changes occurred: an irregular but increasing deviation from the genetical composition of the population at the beginning of the study period, and an annual cycle with frequencies changing in one direction during the breeding season and the opposite direction in the winter. Samples collected in the autumn were more similar to each other than spring caught samples, which conforms with independent evidence about the differing environmental contributors to death in different winters, as compared with general homogeneity of mortality factors during the summers. It is concluded that the genetical composition of the population is largely dependent on natural selection, although the agents and intensity of selection change with both seasons and years.
A study of oestrus and fecundity in a laboratory colony of Mouse opossums (Marmosa robinsoni)
Authors: Godfrey Gillian K.
Published: August 2009

Twenty wild caught Mouse opossums Marmosa robinsoni Bangs 1898 formed the basis of a laboratory colony which was maintained at the Brookfield Zoo during 1971–3. Approximately 250 young including 3rd‐generation descendants were produced.

M. robinsoni is polyoestrous with a mean cycle length of 25.5±0.5 days. Vaginal oestrus, which normally lasts three days, is accompanied by a pronounced cycle of cornification and mucification. During this period large numbers of desquamated epithelial cells and mucus are found in the urine. Females are sexually receptive 24 hours before cornified cells first appear in the urine and receptivity lasts two to four days. Fertile copulation takes place throughout this period. Ovulation is spontaneous and occurs late in oestrus. The mean number of corpora lutea recorded was 19.8±0.9 (n=23).

Anovular cycles, associated with atresia of mature Graafian follicles, were found in approximately 25% of the females. The sterile cycles, which had a mean length of 15.6±0.7 days, were not always accompanied by a behavioural oestrus. Observations on the behaviour of introduced pairs provided direct evidence of sexual incompatibility. Sexual incompatibility was found to have been responsible for at least 10% of the unsuccessful pairings recorded during the study.

There were no indications in the Brookfield colony of the decline in productivity among laboratory‐bred animals reported in other Marmosa colonies. Litter‐sizes and litter‐rates in the F1 and F2 generations did not differ from those in the wild‐caught generation. However, the fact that only one out of three pairings produced young suggests that productivity in the colony was lower than in the wild. The cause of this low productivity was not established.
A study on the 3β‐ and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in the gonads of Monopterus albus (Pisces: Teleostei) at various sexual phases during natural sex reversal
Authors: Tang F. , Chan S. T. H. , Lofts B.
Published: August 2009

Activities of 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) in Monopterus gonads were studied at different sexual phases during natural sex reversal. Before sexual transformation, positive reactions for 3β‐HSD in the follicular epithelium were found in the granulosa cells of some large, maturing follicles in some females during the breeding season. Weak reaction for this enzyme was also detected in some scattered interstitial cells found occasionally in some ovaries. At the intersexual and the male phases, intense 3β‐HSD activities were demonstrated exclusively in the interstitial Leydig cells. No 17β‐HSD activities were observable in the gonads at any stage of development. The reaction intensity of 3β‐HSD in the interstitial cells exhibited a marked increase during the process of sex change from female to the intersexual and the male phases and there is a definite correlation with the density and nuclear size of these cells. It is concluded that in Monopterus, the granulosa cells in the ovary and the interstitial cells of the intersexual and male gonads are the major sites for the biosynthesis of oestrogens and androgens, respectively, and that the intensive development of interstitial tissue with increasing steroidogenic enzyme activities at the intersexual and male phases was directly related to the increase in androgen production in vitro reported previously. The occasional presence of some 3β‐HSD positive interstitial cells in the ovary suggests that interstitial cell development might precede testicular lobule formation during natural sex reversal.
Non‐resinous secretions of the lac insect Kerria lacca (Homoptera‐Coccoidea)
Authors: Haque M. S.
Published: August 2009

The place of origin, sequence of appearance and the shape of various non‐resinous secretions during the entire life cycle of both male and female lac insects, have been described here. Properties of the secretions found in the adult female are also given.

A total of 20 non‐resinous secretions has been found in Kerria lacca. Fourteen of these secretions–dorsal relic, pencils, brachial mass, large anal hairs, short anal hairs, brachial core, major spiracular secretion, minor spiracular secretion, non‐stalked girdle fibres, stalked girdle fibres, thin ventral patch, oral lobe secretion, brachial marginal secretion and cavaera secretion–are present both in male and female lac insects. Three secretions– opercular secretion, canella secretion and caudal filaments–occur only in the male while the remaining three–ventrolateral compact flat fibres, ventrolateral long coiled threads and perivaginal fine filaments–occur only in the female.

Two types of non‐resinous secretions, 13 waxy and four non‐waxy, occur in female K. lacca. The dorsal relic, pencils and their modifications (anal tubercular splint and anal tubercular shield), brachial mass, large anal hairs, short anal hairs, major spiracular secretion, minor spiracular secretion, non‐stalked girdle fibres, thin ventral patch, oral lobe secretion, brachial marginal secretion, cavaera secretion and ventrolateral compact flat fibres are waxy in nature, whereas the brachial core, stalked girdle fibres, ventrolateral long coiled threads and perivaginal fine filaments are non‐waxy.
The Green sea turtle (Chelonia my das); collection, incubation and hatching of eggs from natural rookeries
Authors: Simon Marlin H.
Published: August 2009

In the absence of existing farm stocks to draw on, a pioneer farm must obtain its foundation material from the wild, but with as little disturbance to wild populations as possible.

This paper describes the collection in 1971–73, with the approval of the appropriate authorities, of 188,568 eggs of the Green sea turtle from beaches on Ascension Island, Guyana, Surinam and Costa Rica for hatching at the Mariculture Ltd farm on Grand Cayman Island, BWI. Almost all of these eggs came from nests doomed by tidal washout or volcanic sand so that the loss of hatchlings to the wild was small in comparison with the number of eggs collected.
The jump of Petrobius (Thysanura, Machilidae)
Authors: Evans M. E. G.
Published: August 2009

The jump of the sea‐shore bristletails, Petrobius brevistylis and P. maritimus, has been investigated. A brief study of jumping distance and orientation showed that jumping behaviour was partly random, particularly with regard to the direction of a jump. A high speed cine camera was used to analyse both forward and backward jumps. The jumping action consists of a tail beat which reflects the strong depression of the posterior abdomen. This swings up the anterior part of the body, including the centre of gravity. The model suggested to explain this action proposes two movements spreading from either end of the bristletail: 1. A straightening of the abdomen starting posteriorly, 2. An increasing ventral curvature of the thorax starting anteriorly. Movement 1 will account for the raising of the centre of gravity, and the rapidity of movement 2 will determine the final direction of the jump.

The muscular basis of these movements has been discussed using the data of Manton (1972), Barlet (1967) and Bitsch (1973). A catapult system was proposed which depended on the dynamic balance between two abdominal muscular systems. It was suggested that the dorsal longitudinal muscles were antagonised by the deep oblique muscles. A short study of the energetics of jumping was made in order to estimate the times needed for sufficient energy to be stored for particular jumps. These times were then compared with known times spent by Petrobius in the cocked (energy storing) pre‐jump position.
Anatomical studies of the insect central nervous system: A ground‐plan of the midbrain and an introduction to the central complex in the locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera)
Authors: Williams J. L. D.
Published: August 2009

The supra‐oesophageal ganglion (brain) of Schistocerca gregaria Forskál has been studied at the light‐microscopical level using Wigglesworth's osmic acid‐ethyl gallate method. Particular attention was paid to the midbrain. A structural ground‐plan is described which incorporates the ocellar nerve roots, the antenno‐glomerular bundles, the corpora cardiaca nerves I roots, the antennal lobes, the corpora pedunculata and the central complex. The “undifferentiated” midbrain is described in terms of the distribution of the main features of 15 unique pairs of large neurones all of which have their cell bodies in the brain and which project, either ipsilaterally or contralaterally, to the circumoesophageal connectives. In addition a single unique neurone with bilateral distribution restricted to the brain is described. All these neurones provide a conspicuous and constant framework for further investigation. A ground‐plan based on the distribution of 64 individual neurones (central complex system I) is presented for the central complex. This system indicates that the central complex is fundamentally organized on the basis of 16 repetitive groups of neurones.
Mechanics of running by quail (Coturnix)
Authors: Clark Janet , Alexander R. McN.
Published: August 2009

A force platform has been used to obtain records of the forces exerted on the ground by running quail. These records, with cinematograph film taken simultaneously, have been used to determine the fluctuations of kinetic and potential energy occurring during a step. This gives a first estimate of the energy required for running. Graphs of force against length changes during a step have been calculated for the major leg muscles, making certain assumptions. These graphs provide a second estimate of the energy required for running, and also show the stresses and strains which probably occur in the muscles. The bending moments required to break the major limb bones have been determined, and compared with the bending moments calculated to occur in running. A mathematical discussion provides estimates of the energy cost of a range of techniques of running.
The systematics of British larval lampreys
Authors: POTTER I. C. , OSBORNE T. S.
Published: August 2009

Several taxonomic characters, including the number of trunk myomeres, proportional body measurements and patterns of external and internal pigmentation, have been investigated in populations of ammocoetes belonging to the three species of lampreys found in British rivers. Petromyzon marinus can be readily distinguished by the pigmentary pattern in the tail and on the oral hood, and by the much higher number of trunk myomeres. Although no character can be used to separate with certainty the larvae of Lampetra fluviatilis and Lampetra planeri, significant differences were found between the mean number of trunk myomeres in the two species. Moreover, the values for ammocoetes were virtually identical to those of the respective post‐larval stages, at which phase in the life cycle the two Lampetra species are clearly distinguishable. The incidence of pigmentation on the tongue precursor was much higher in larval populations of L. fluviatilis than in those of L. planeri and there was also a difference in the rate of change in the relative length of the trunk and tail. Where comparisons can be made, the results in this paper are in agreement with those of most other European and North American workers. The data differ markedly, however, from that contained in the only other previous detailed systematic study on British larval lampreys, which was subsequently used as the basis for taxonomic keys.
On the bats (Chiroptera) of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: NADER IYAD A.
Published: August 2009

As part of a study of the mammalian fauna of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a number of interesting bat specimens have been collected. The Egyptian fruit‐eating bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus, and the Greater mouse‐tailed bat, Rhinopoma microphyllum, are recorded for the first time from the country. Distributional notes and comments on the biology of these two and on five other species of bats from Saudi Arabia are mentioned. Previous distributional records of the other eight species known from the country are summarized. A map showing collecting localities is included.
Resting site selection in the geometrid moth Phigalia pilosaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: LEES D. R.
Published: August 2009

When tested in a cylindrical apparatus, males of both typical and melanic morphs of the nocturnal moth Phigalia pilosaria (Schiffermueller) prefer to rest on light backgrounds. This preference is more pronounced when the moths have a rough surface on which to rest than when it is smooth. The two morphs show a distinct tendency to adopt resting positions close to the boundary between the shades presented in the experiments; this is interpreted as being a result of walking moths stopping at or close to the boundary when approaching it from the light side. The surface texture of the background influences the resting attitude of the moths in relation to vertical.
A net‐like structure in the venous system of the late chick embryo
Authors: WHITE PETER T.
Published: August 2009

A net‐like structure of unknown function found at the junction of the umbilical vein and the left hepatic vein of the 16‐day chick embryo is described. The net consists of strands of mesenchyme tissue covered by an endothelial layer continuous with that of the blood vessels in which it is located. An unusual feature of the net is the presence, at certain points where the strands meet, of hollow spherical or ellipsoid bodies, the walls of which are formed from a layer of simple cuboidal epithelium arranged upon a well defined basal lamina. The cavity of these bodies appears to contain some non‐cellular material but they have no obvious duct to their exterior. The embryological origin of the net and its possible functions are discussed.
Blood volume of the ascidian Pyura praeputialis
Authors: GODDARD C. K.
Published: August 2009

Blood dilution curves have been obtained by injecting 125I labelled albumin and 125I labelled gamma‐globulin into the blood of Pyura praeputialis. After mixing is complete the dilution curve shows a two‐stepped pattern.

There is some question as to how the two steps of the curve should be interpreted. The first step has been extrapolated to give blood volume s.s., i.e. volume of the vessels, sinuses and lacunae of the vascular system. Values for this range from 30% to 45 % of body weight, with a mean value of 35%.

The second step has been extrapolated to give total extracellular fluid volume, i.e. blood volume plus interstitial fluid volume. Values for this range from 21 % to 52 % of body weight, the average being 38 %.

The interstitial space ranges from 15 % to 32 % of the weight of the visceral mass, the average being 23 %.

The rationale for the above interpretation of the dilution curve is stated and discussed. Most reliable is extracellular fluid volume which probably corresponds to the blood volume of other invertebrates with open systems.

An attempt was made to assess the relative importance of (a) the visceral circuit and (b) the tunic circuit, by comparing the specific activities of the visceral mass and the tunic. The specific activities indicate little or no blood in the tunic circuit: this result is suspect.
Macquarie Island House mice: A genetical isolate on a sub‐Antarctic island
Authors: BERRY R. J. , PETERS JOSEPHINE
Published: August 2009

Macquarie Island (54°37'S; 158°54'E) lies half‐way between Australia and the Antarctic Continent, 400 miles from the nearest land. Its climate is wet, windy, cool and cloudy. The mean annual temperature is 4.7°C, and ranges only from 3.1°C in the coldest month to 6.7°C in the warmest. Despite these inclement conditions, House mice (Mux museulus) live over most of the island (up to at least 1000 feet), and apparently thrive. They breed all the year round. Their diet seems to be largely the seeds of the Macquarie cabbage (Stilocarpa polaris), supplemented by insects.

The object of the study was to determine the effect of life in an equable but stressful environment for the mice. The animals were not remarkable in any morphological traits, although they were fairly large and had relatively short tails. However six of 17 gene‐loci investigated electrophoretically were polymorphic. The average heterozygosity was 6.8%, similar to mice living under much more fluctuating conditions in the Northern Hemisphere. The frequency of the Hbbd allele decreased from 71 ± 6 % in mice under three months of age to 54±5% in older ones. This change was most marked in animals caught well away from human habitation.
Adaptation and adaptability in wild‐living House mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: BERRY R. J. , JAKOBSON M. E.
Published: August 2009

House mice (Mus musculus L.) have successfully colonized a wide variety of habitats throughout the world. In part this is due to their ability to adapt genetically to new situations; in part to their physiological flexibility. The most important part of this individual adaptability is the response to low temperatures.

Cold tolerance seems to be largely metabolic in mice, and can be detected by an increase in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and an ability to mobilize body reserves, to some extent indicated by the amount of brown fat. In addition, the relative surface area of the body, and the amount of heat radiating tissue (especially tail length) are important. The paper presents data from both feral and commensal populations of mice, and from a range of habitats which are likely to be stressful to the animals. Most of these (from Macquarie Island in the Australian sub‐Antarctic, from islands in the Faroe, Shetland and Orkney groups, from Skokholm off the Welsh coast, and localities on the British mainland) are based on single samples, but we have also included data from one genetically closed population (the Isle of May) where we have sampled the same population on a number of different occasions throughout the year.

All the haematocrit values except one (a mid‐winter value from the Isle of May) fall within the range in different inbred mouse strains, although the haemoglobin concentrations were mostly higher than those in laboratory mice. However the wide range of haematological values in genetically different strains kept in a constant environment shows the fallacy of using absolute physiological values as measures of adaptability. This in turn highlights the importance of using a range of phenotypic traits to indicate response to environmental pressures–both physiological and genetical. We obtained a greater accuracy of allocation of individuals into age, genetical, or survivorship groups when using a number of traits in a multiple discriminant analysis, than when only considering single characters.
The diet and dentition of Smooth newt larvae (Triturus vulgaris)
Authors: BELL GRAHAM
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the dentition and diet of a population of Smooth newt larvae. The development of the teeth and their increase in number with age are discussed. The number of teeth on all five tooth‐bearing bones appear to be controlled by a single developmental system. Young larvae eat chydorids, daphniids and cyclopoid copepods; after they reach a total length of about 15 mm, chironomid larvae comprise the greater part of the diet. In the study population, ostracods were not eaten, and cannibalism was not observed. There was no tendency for larger larvae to select larger individuals of a given species of prey.

It is suggested that the exponential rate of growth in weight forces larvae of more than about 15 mm total length to switch from passive to active hunting. This enables them to catch larger prey, at the expense of incurring a higher rate of mortality. This increase in mortality is associated with a reduction in the variation of morphological characters, including dentition, which is thought to be caused by natural selection. The function of different components of the dentition are discussed. It was found that larvae of a given age which have more teeth than average have in their guts fewer prey than average, and an explanation is suggested.
Scanning electron microscope study of the structure of the hypostome of Phityogamasus, Laelaps and Ornithonyssus (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: EVANS G. O. , LOOTS G. C.
Published: August 2009

A general account is given of the morphology of the gnathosoma of Phityogamasusprimitivus (Oudms.) based on serial sections. The examination of the hypostomal region of Phityogamasus Athias, Laelaps Koch and Ornithonyssus Sambon using Scanning Electron Microscopy has revealed significant structural differences between these genera which are attributed to their different feeding habits.
A new species of Limnohalacarus (Acari: Halacaridae) from a crater lake in Java
Authors: Green J.
Published: August 2009

A new species of halacarid mite of the genus Limnohalacarus is described from Ranu Lamongan in East Java.
Structure and histology of the wattle in the White bellbird (Procnias alba)
Authors: Burton P. J. K.
Published: August 2009

Structure and histology of the wattle in the male White bellbird (Procnias alba) are described. The proximal two‐thirds of the wattle contains only very sparse, frail connective tissue and is isolated both from the respiratory tract and from pneumatic spaces in the skull. The wattle is richly vascularized, with an extensive network of veins, which completely fill the lumen in the distal third. The larger veins possess longitudinal as well as circular muscle. Longitudinal muscle bundles (some associated with feather follicles) are scattered in the loose connective tissue of the periphery. The wattle is compared in structure with the superficially similar frontal process of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). The mechanism of extension and retraction is discussed.