bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormones, sexuality and fertility in women
Authors: Bancroft John
Published: March 2009

The extent to which the sexuality of women shows a predictable menstrual cyclicity varies considerably from woman to woman, though the most common times for peaks of sexual interest are the pre‐ and post‐menstrual weeks, not the middle of the cycle. Evidence is presented suggesting that mood is an important determinant of the post‐menstrual peak of sexuality, whereas the pre‐menstrual peak may depend on other mechanisms such as a delayed effect of the mid‐cycle rise in testosterone.

Generally, the evidence for a relationship between hormones and sexual behaviour is much more variable and inconsistent in women than in men. Various explanations for this difference have been proposed, including a greater genetic variability of hormone‐behaviour relationships in women. Evidence, relevant to this hypothesis, of a relationship between frequency of sexual activity and the fertility of the ovarian cycle is reviewed and alternative explanations for the findings are considered.
Behaviourally mediated suppression of reproduction in female primates
Authors: Abbott David H.
Published: March 2009

Social dominance hierarchies are commonly found in many different primate societies. One effect of such a social system is the suppression of reproduction among socially subordinate individuals. Socially‐induced suppression of reproduction is more marked among subordinate females than subordinate males. Dominant females produce more offspring than subordinate females. A spectrum of reproductive deficiencies contributes to the poor reproductive performance of subordinate females in different primate species. At best, suppression of reproductive output in female subordinates is manifest as a low rate of survival of their infants. At worst, it leads to complete inhibition of ovulation and total infertility. This paper considers why, how and at what physiological level dominant females suppress reproduction in female subordinates, and then concentrates on the specific physiological mechanisms that impose inhibition of ovulation in subordinate female marmoset monkeys. With stress becoming increasingly implicated with infertility in women, understanding natural stress‐related infertility in subordinate female primates may generate invaluable information about the physiological transcription of stress into infertility.
Observations on the structure and innervation of the carotid sinus complex in the African porcupine (Hystrix cristata)
Authors: Kimani James Kirumbi
Published: March 2009

The carotid arterial system of the porcupine Hysitrix cristota has been studied using light and electron microscopy. Emphasis has been placed on describing the structure and innervation of the carotid sinus area located at the origin of the internal carotid artery. The sinus wall has a largely elastic structure and a reduced smooth muscle content. A functional relationship is proposed between the elastic structure of the sinus wall and baroreceptor mechanisms.
Comparison of the fatty acid component in structural lipids from dolphins, zebra and giraffe: possible evolutionary implications
Authors: Williams G. , Crawford M. A. , Perrin W. F.
Published: March 2009

Essential fatty acid compositional data on the structural lipids of mammals which predominantly eat n‐3 fatty acids suggests preferential incorporation of n‐6 essential fatty acids.

The structural lipids of liver, muscle and brain of five species of dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella allenuata, Steno bredanesis, Delphinus delphis and Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), obtained from the wild, contained substantial amounts of arachidonic acid and other n‐6 long chain derivatives of linoleic acid. The n‐6 to n‐3 ratio was approximately 1:1.

Data for two species of leaf‐eating land mammals, the zebra, Equus burchelli Gray and giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis L., indicate that tissue phosphoglycerides were dominated by n‐6 fatty acids.
A long‐term study on fused subclones in the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri: the resorption phenomenon (Protochordata: Tunicata)
Authors: Rinkevich B. , Weissman I. L.
Published: March 2009

Colonial tunicates have the property of forming a natural parabiotic union (chimera) in the wild with members of the same species, given that they share at least one allele at the fusibility‐histocompatibility locus. However, once such a vascular union has occurred, one of the two is often resorbed. To investigate this phenomenon in detail, 16 colonies of the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri were subcloned and placed adjacent to 30 sets of fusible pairs. Subclones in each pair differed in their colour morph. Three other colonies and an additional 15 subclones of the experimental colonies served as controls for growth rate and survival. As the matched colonies grew, the adjacent colonies eventually came into contact. Fusion within a pair was established between the blood vessels, and 4–14 days later, a complete mixture of blood‐borne pigment cells was recorded. A significant correlation was found between the ratio of body size of the two colonies and the time for colour change.

Fusion subsequently resulted in a partial resorption of at least one of the colonies in the pair (irrespective of the colour morph) and started in zooids lying in closest proximity to the contact zone. This process did not eliminate the blood vessels, and presumably allowed the process to extend to more distant zooids, which were gradually affected. This type of resorption was not recorded in the controls and took place in the ‘take‐over’ phase (the time when a new generation of zooids take over the colony from the previous generation). Resorption occurred when the new generation of zooids failed to develop to the mature phase, or when the new generation did not develop at all. The time scale for resorption varied from four days to six months. When larger colonies fused with smaller ones, the larger colony usually survived. When multiple subclones of two colonies were tested, usually all of the subclones from one of the colonies survived while the members of the other colony resorbed, implicating a possible genetic component. Because the fusion event usually leads to the resorption and death of at least one of the partners, it is necessary to re‐examine the proposal that fusion between closely related colonies is evolutionarily beneficial.
Lekking in fallow deer
Authors: Pemberton J. M. , Balmford A. P.
Published: March 2009

Bradbury & Gibson (1983) define leks as ‘assemblies of adult males which females visit solely for the purpose of copulation’. Although a relatively rare breeding system, lekking has been reported in a wide variety of taxa, including fireflies, butterflies, fish, frogs, manakins and grouse (see Loiselle & Barlow, 1978; Wittenberger, 1978; Bradbury, 1981; Lederhouse, 1982; Oring, 1982). Lek‐breeding mammals include one bat (Bradbury, 1977), several antelope (see below) and possibly walrus (Fay, Ray & Kibal'chich, 1984). Nevertheless, the adaptive significance of lek‐breeding is still poorly understood (Bradbury & Gibson, 1983).
The timing of reproduction in the fruit bat Haplonycteris fischeri (Pteropodidae): geographic variation and delayed development
Authors: Heideman Paul D.
Published: March 2009

In climatically seasonal habitats, favourable periods for reproduction may be simply determined by large annual changes in temperature or rainfall. In contrast, in climatically less seasonal habitats, reproductive timing may be determined by a wide variety of seasonal factors. Three hypotheses regarding reproductive timing were tested for a fruit bat, Huplonycteris Jischeri Lawrence, by comparing reproductive timing and climate at four moderately seasonal Philippine sites with differing climates. Bats were sampled in five years on Negros Island (9″22′N, 123″l I'E), and in one to four months on four other islands. Flower and fruit abundance was monitored in two years on Negros. In five years on Negros, parturition and lactation coincided with the time of the average dry‐wet season transition and early wct season, but did not vary in response to substantial annual variation in the onset of rains. Reproductive timing did not change in response to annual variations in Rower or fruit abundance; lactation coincided with a peak in fruit abundance in one year, but not in a second, and reproductive success appeared to be reduced when lactation coincided with scarce resources. At a second site with a different pattern of rainfall, reproduction was nevertheless synchronous with Negros. Samples from two of the three remaining localities indicate a two‐ to three‐month lag in reproductive events relative to Negros, despite rainfall patterns remarkably similar to that of Negros. All three hypotheses for reproductive timing were rejected. As an alternative, Huplonycteris may evolve timing patterns in response to local seasonal patterns of resource abundance.

Huplonycteris has an eight‐month post‐implantation delay 'in embryonic development. Six hypotheses on the adaptive significance of this delay in Huplonyrferis were evaluated. Three were rejected, but the data were consistent with the remaining hypotheses: (1) The delay sets the time of parturition at a particular time of year; (2) the delay allows all females to produce young relatively synchronously; and (3) the delay allows females to resorb or abort defective embryos without losing an opportunity for reproduction.
Loss of flight ability in the extinct New Zealand duck Euryanas finschi
Authors: Worthy T. H.
Published: March 2009

Subfossil bones of the extinct New Zealand duck, Euryanas finschi (Van Beneden), from late Otiran glacial‐early Holocene (20,000‐ 1 1,000 years BP) and late Holocene (2,000‐1,000 years BP) deposits were compared. Ten percent reduction in wing bone lengths and reductions in other pectoral girdle elements suggest reduced flight ability and may be related to possible ecological changes such as relaxation of predation pressure and increase in stability of food supply. Comparisons of Euryanas with extant members of the Anus aucklandica (Gray) species complex indicate that in the late Holocene Euryanas had similar flight ability to A. aucklandica chlorotis Gray, 1845.
A new species of the neotropical annual fish genus Pterolebias (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae), from Central Brazil
Authors: Costa Wilson J. E. M.
Published: March 2009

A new species of Pterolebias from Caceres, Paraguay River Basin, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is described. It was found in a temporary lagoon on the Brazilian Central Cerrado and seems to have the same annual habits of the other species of the group. The new species differs from all other species but P. staeckiin the colour pattern on the sides of the body, which consists of longitudinal stripes. From P. siaecki it differs in the relative length of the pelvic‐fin and of the predorsal area and by the number of scales in the longitudinal series. The similarity between P. bokermanni and P. longipinnis is discussed.
Morphology and muscle stress of chelae of temperate and tropical stone crabs Menippe mercenaria
Authors: Blundon Jay A.
Published: March 2009

Chela morphology and muscle stress were compared between temperate and tropical populations of stone crabs Menippe mercenuriu (Say) to test whether environmental differences might result in greater crushing strength in the tropics. Such differences include increased crab diversity in the tropics (which might lead to greater fighting among congeners), increased prey exoskeleton calcification in the tropics, and year round chela use in the tropics as opposed to seasonal chela use in the temperate population.

No latitudinal differences were found in any aspect of chela morphology, including relative chela size, mechanical advantage, apodeme surface area, and angle of muscle fibre pinnation. Summer measurements of crusher chela muscle stress were also similar between the two populations.

The maximum muscle stress determined for M. mercenariu was 220 N ∼r n ‐∼, much higher than stress levels previously reported for crustaceans. Other researchers have typically measured forces either from autotomized chelae or by measuring forces required to open a closed chelae. I have determined muscle stress using a force transducer that measures active gripping strength in live crabs.
A description and study of a new dwarf sub‐species of smooth newt,Triturus vulgaris, from western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Raxworthy C. J.
Published: March 2009

Smooth newts, Triturus vulgaris, collected from Karacabey, north‐west Turkey were found to be morphologically distinct from both T. u. vulgaris and T. u. kosswigi. Consequently, this has lead to the description of a new sub‐species Triturus vulgaris schmidtleri. Behavioural differences in the courtship display of this new sub‐species are described and comments included on body size, habitat and distribution range. A new definition is proposed for the term tail filament.
An application of common principal component analysis to cranial morphometry of Microtus californicus and M. ochrogaster(Mammalia, Rodentia)
Authors: AlROLDI J.‐P. , FLURY B. K.
Published: March 2009

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a one‐group method. Its purpose is to transform correlated variables into uncorrelated ones and to find linear combinations accounting for a relatively large amount of the total variability, thus reducing the number of original variables to a few components only.

In the simultaneous analysis of different groups, similarities between the principal component structures can often be modelled by the methods of common principal components (CPCs) or partial CPCs. These methods assume that either all components or only some of them are common to all groups, the discrepancies being due mainly to sampling error.

Previous authors have dealt with the k‐group situation either by pooling the data of all groups, or by pooling the within‐group variance‐covariance matrices before performing a PCA. The latter technique is known as multiple group principal component analysis or MGPCA (Thorpe, 1983a). We argue that CPC‐ or partial CPC‐analysis is often more appropriate than these previous methods.

A morphometrical example using males and females of Microtus californicus and M. ochrogaster is presented, comparing PCA, CPC and partial CPC analyses. It is shown that the new methods yield estimated components having smaller standard errors than when groupwise analyses are performed. Formulas are given for estimating standard errors of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, as well as for computing the likelihood ratio statistic used to test the appropriateness of the CPC‐ or partial CPC‐model.
Diving behaviour of guillemot Uria aalge, puffin Fratercula arctica and razorbill Alca tor da as shown by radio‐telemetry
Authors: WANLESS S. , MORRIS J. A. , HARRIS M. P.
Published: March 2009

Information on dive and pause times and the numbers of dives in a sequence were obtained for six guillemots and single razorbill and puffin. There were marked differences in diving performance between the species with the order of ranking, in descending order of dive and pause duration, being guillemot, razorbill and puffin. For guillemots, 80% of dives were of 20–119 sec duration and 80% of pauses were 0–59 sec; the maximum dive lasted 202 sec. Puffin dives and pauses were much shorter, with 81% of dives lasting 0–39 sec and 95% of pauses being less than 20 sec, the longest dive was 115 sec. Comparisons of diving sequences made by the same individual indicated some flexibility in all aspects of the sequence but there were broad interspecific differences in the organization of the sequence. The puffin generally made a large number of relatively short dives separated by very short pauses which resulted in a high diving rate (1–5 dives/min) and the bird spending 78% of its time underwater. In contrast, guillemots had much shorter sequences with a few long dives and pauses and lower rates of diving (0–5‐0‐6 dives/min) and proportions of time underwater (61–65%). Guillemots and puffins may forage at different depths and have different foraging strategies.
Seasonal changes in rumen papillary development and body condition in free ranging Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis)
Authors: HOFMANN R. R. , KOCK R A. , LUDWIG J. , AXMACHER H.
Published: March 2009

Available information on the history, population dynamics, body weight and kidney fat indices in free‐living Chinese water deer at Whipsnade Zoo were briefly reviewed.

Fifty eight culled animals were examined quantitatively for changing rumen papilla morphology through different seasons using surface enlargement factors (SEF). The results show a much reduced SEF of below four in winter and rarely above eight in spring, summer and autumn. This is atypical for the entire group of concentrate selectors and even for intermediate feeding types. The inference from the data is that the seasonal rumen development was poorer than expected perhaps indicating that this population was undernourished.
The reproductive cycle of male long‐fingered bats, Miniopterus minor (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), in a seasonal environment of the African Tropics
Authors: MCWILLIAM ANDREW N.
Published: March 2009

A cave population of Miniopterus minor had a seasonally monoestrous reproductive cycle that corrsponded closely to the rainfall‐induced seasonality of coastal Kenya (4 S). Males had pronounced cycles of body weight resulting from the deposition of fat during periods of relative food abundance in both rainy seasons, and its depletion during competitive mating and the dry seasons, when numbers of insects were lowest. The annual period of sexual regeneration clearly followed the increase in body weight which occurred during the ‘long rains’ (April‐June). Testicular recrudescence was accompanied by hypertrophy of the accessory glands and all reproductive organs involuted after mating in July, remaining inactive until the following April. An annual moult corresponded with the improvement in body condition that occurred at the beginning of the ‘long rains’. The growth of new pelage was completed in May, by which time ambient temperatures had dropped and adult males entered a diurnal torpor that lasted over much of the colder ‘long dry season’ (July‐October). The secretion of a pungent substance in the urine of adult males coincided with peak testicular activity during the annually competitive occupancy of a mating site (May‐July).
The effects of weather conditions on the movements and activity of badgers (Meles meles) in a suburban environment
Authors: CRESSWELL W. J. , HARRIS STEPHEN
Published: March 2009

This study provides quantitative data relating short‐term fluctuations in local weather conditions to various measures of badger activity. These relationships were examined on a yearly, quarterly and monthly basis using behavioural data collected from 65 animals radio‐tracked for a total of 518 nights in the suburbs of north‐west Bristol. The yearly pattern of badger activity was reflected in a strong positive correlation between activity and daylength; in addition, moonlight and the absence of cloud cover were shown to restrict both the speed of travel and nightly range size, and to delay emergence. Looking at the data on a quarterly basis, activity increased with increasing temperature in the spring and autumn. Heavy rain reduced above‐ground activity in the autumn, and in the winter speed of travel increased with wind speed. Nutritionally stressed adult females showed an increase in activity during the shorter summer nights. However, in general, changes in badger activity could not be readily predicted on the basis of the weather variables measured. The significance of these relationships is discussed in the light of the behaviour of badgers living in suburban Bristol.
Lead poisoning in swans and sources of contamination in Ireland
Authors: O'HALLORAN J. , MYERS A. A. , DUGGAN P. F.
Published: March 2009

A study of blood levels in mute swans Cygnus olor in Ireland has revealed that ingested lead pellets are responsible for acute lead poisoning. Forty‐two percent of blood samples from 890 live birds at one site showed elevated lead levels. X‐ray examination of live birds revealed the source of contamination to be ingested lead pellets. Urban birds were shown to have higher (P 0001) lead levels than rural birds, the blood lead levels of which were presumed to reflect natural background levels. Urban grass was shown to have elevated lead but this did not cause lead poisoning in Canada geese Branta canadensis. Post‐mortem examination has shown that 68% (n= 101) of all mute swans examined from a number of sites died from lead poisoning. Two sources of poisoning were identified; spent gunshot from a claypigeon shooting site at Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, and lost or discarded anglers' weights at Cork Lough and at a fishing pond in Belfast, N.I. The first known case of lead poisoning in whooper swans Cygnus cygnus in Ireland is recorded which resulted from the ingestion of gunshot used almost two decades earlier. Aspects of the pathology of lead poisoned swans is discussed.
Reproduction in females of the feathertail glider Acrobates pygmaeus (Marsupialia)
Authors: WARD S. J. , RENFREE M. B.
Published: March 2009

The anatomy of female reproductive tracts collected from 28 Acrobates pygmaeus (Shaw) is described. The tract differs from that of other small possums of the families Burramyidae and Tarsipedidae by having a prominent septum that divides the left and right sides of the vaginal system for most of its length. A median birth canal occurs at parturition but closes within 3–4 days of birth.

In south‐eastern Australia, most female A. pygmaeus produce two litters within the breeding season (July to February). A post‐partum oestrus follows the birth of the first litter and the resulting embryos undergo a period of embryonic diapause. The embryos grow slowly during diapause, until the unilaminar blastocysts become approximately 2.0 mm in diameter, and contain about 2,000 cells. The factors influencing reactivation after diapause remain unclear, since no embryos past the blastocyst stage were found. Post‐partum oestrus may follow the birth of the second litter, but if it occurs, the ova either remain unfertilized or degenerate after fertilization. Females are anoestrus during the non‐breeding season.

Corpora lutea in the ovaries seldom outnumber blastocysts in the uteri or teats in the pouch. During diapause they undergo a pattern of growth similar to that of the blastocysts and enter a quiescent phase. Corpora lutea disappear within nine days of birth.

The pattern of female reproduction in this species is similar to that of other small possums of the families Burramyidae and Tarsipedidae, but is distinct from those of other marsupials.
Reproduction in males of the feathertail glider Acrobates pygmaeus (Marsupialia)
Authors: WARD S. J. , RENFREE M. B.
Published: March 2009

Between 1984 and 1986, reproductive tracts were collected from 17 male Acrobates pygmaeus (Shaw) from south‐eastern Australia and the anatomy of these tracts is described. The prostate is heart‐shaped and the arrangement of its three segments, anterior, central and posterior, is different to the patterns described for other marsupials. The testes are large in proportion to the body size but their structure and that of the remainder of the tract is typical of other marsupials. The sperm morphology is similar to that of the Phalangeridae and Burramyidae.

Seasonal cycles were found in the sizes of testes and prostates. Increases in testes sizes, starting in April or May, were associated with increases in seminiferous tubule diameter and Leydig cell size. The weight of the prostate increased rapidly to a short peak in June when the testes also reached maximum weight. The first births occurred approximately one month later in this population. Following this peak, both the testes and the prostate decreased in size and had returned to the original weights by January. The beginning of this period when the testes and prostate were small coincided with the cessation of births in the population and was marked by an interruption in spermatogenesis.

Males born early in a breeding season mature before the start of the next breeding season, but males born at the end of a breeding season may not mature until the second season after their birth, at which time they are approximately 18 months of age.
Why are mammalian tendons so thick?
Authors: KER R. F. , ALEXANDER R. MCN. , BENNETT M. B.
Published: March 2009

The maximum stresses to which a wide range of mammalian limb tendons could be subjected in life were estimated by considering the relative cross‐sectional areas of each tendon and of the fibres of its muscle. These cross‐sectional areas were derived from mass and length measurements on tendons and muscles assuming published values for the respective densities. The majority of the stresses are low. The distribution has a broad peak with maximum frequency at a stress of about 13 MPa, whereas the fracture stress for tendon in tension is about 100 MPa. Thus, the majority of tendons are far thicker than is necessary for adequate strength. Much higher stresses are found among those tendons which act as springs to store energy during locomotion. The acceptability of low safety factors in these tendons has been explained previously (Alexander, 1981). A new theory explains the thickness of the majority of tendons. The muscle with its tendon is considered as a combined system which delivers mechanical energy: the thickness of the tendon is optimized by minimizing the combined mass. A thinner tendon would stretch more. To take up this stretch, the muscle would require longer muscle fibres, which would increase the combined mass. The predicted maximum stress in a tendon of optimum thickness is about 10 MPa, which is within the main peak of the observed stress distribution. Individual variations from this value are to be expected and can be understood in terms of the functions of the various muscles.
Activity patterns of the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros at summer roosts
Authors: MCANEY C. M. , FAIRLEY J. S.
Published: March 2009

Dusk to dawn observations, using a bat detector and occasionally an image intensifier, were made outside two nursery roosts of lesser horseshoe bats Rhinolophus hipposideros from late May to September. Emergence was correlated with sunset but delayed by extended twilight. Light intensity was important in triggering departure and cloud cover advanced it. Light‐testing behaviour was invariably undertaken, in the form of brief flights out and back into the roosts. The exit from one roost was shaded by trees and exploratory flights were generally more extended there. Heavy rain inhibited emergence. There was almost always intermittent activity throughout the night, with many individuals returning and departing, and no indication of seasonal or overnight peaks. A bat detector inside a third roost confirmed overnight observations at the other two. Some bats often returned to the roost for the night before dawn. Dawn return was linked to sunrise, prolonged twilight in midsummer hastening it. Colony size varied appreciably over periods of a few days and even overnight. There is some limited evidence that increased colony size, perhaps through social interaction, may have influenced timing of departure at dusk and return at dawn.
The chemosensory anterior dorsal fin in rocklings (Gaidropsarus and Ciliata, Teleostei, Gadidae): activity, fine structure and innervation
Authors: WHITEAR MARY , KOTRSCHAL K.
Published: March 2009

Observations and experiments on the behaviour of shore rocklings have shown that the modified and vibratile anterior dorsal fin can be involved in the detection of food but is not essential to foraging by the fish. The epidermis of the vibratile fin rays contains numerous chemosensory cells, of similar cytology in the two species studied. These chemosensory cells are compared with the gustatory cells of the taste buds borne on other fin rays. Synaptic modifications in both cases consist of densities on the apposed membranes, with a dense layer under the membrane of the neurite more distinct than that in the cell. Vesicles are not a feature of these synapses, although some of the sensory cell bases are vesicular. Denervation experiments have shown that the chemosensory cells of the vibratile rays are supplied by a facial nerve component. After denervation a small proportion of the sensory cells were found to have an association with spinal nerve fibres. The present status of solitary chemosensory cells in fishes is discussed.
Reptilian endothermy: a field study of thermoregulation by brooding diamond pythons
Authors: SUP D. J. , SHINE R.
Published: March 2009

Miniature temperature‐sensitive radiotransmitters were surgically implanted into free‐ranging adult diamond pythons (Morelia s. spilota), which are medium‐sized boid snakes of south‐eastern Australia. Four female pythons oviposited during the study, and constructed incubation mounds. These apparently provided excellent insulation, and the snakes maintained high (approx. 31 C) and relatively constant body temperatures throughout the two‐month incubation period. They apparently maintained these temperatures primarily by endogenous heat production (shivering thermogenesis), but also basked briefly on most mornings.

Brooding females maintained a body temperature differential above ambient of about 9C, occasionally up to 13C; their temperatures were significantly higher amd less variable than those of non‐brooding females or males. The energetic cost of brooding must be high, but these costs may be outweighed by the benefits of rapid embryonic development and high embryonic survivorship.
Inbreeding and population dynamics of the Chillingham cattle (Bos taurus)
Authors: HALL S. J. G. , HALL J. G.
Published: March 2009

The Chillingham herd of white cattle has been isolated and confined in a park in northern England for several centuries. Blood grouping confirmed the cattle to be remarkably homozygous. Random fixation of harmful alleles and consequent extinction have presumably been prevented by selection, and this paper discusses possible selective processes and the ways in which these have changed over the last hundred years. Herd records from 1862 to 1899 and 1953 to 1985 show that, in the former period, but not the latter, culling and castration took place. In both periods, breeding was not seasonal. Herd fertility (calves born per female) was higher in the latter period. Between 1953 and 1985, calves which survived for at least 12 months had a median date of birth (25 June) a month later than that of calves which did not survive. Conception intervals were rather longer and fecundity lower than those observed in commercial cattle. K‐factor analysis showed mortality to differ in its causes between the sexes. A multiple regression model showed January‐May rainfall, and population size on 1 January to influence mortality rate of the January‐May period. The Chillingham cattle have evidently been, and continue to be, subjected to rigorous selection and this presumably underlies the survival of this herd.
Do the risks of egg cannibalism and desiccation influence the choice of oviposition sites in the land snail Arianta arbustorum?
Authors: BAUR BRUNO
Published: March 2009

Laboratory tests were conducted to examine whether egg‐laying Arianta arbustorum prevents egg cannibalism in its offspring by the choice of oviposition sites. Arianta arbustorum did not react to the presence of conspecific eggs when starting to oviposit, thus exposing its eggs to the risk of between‐batch cannibalism. Snails preferred to oviposit in soil of higher moisture content even at high air humidity, reducing the risks of later egg desiccation and within‐batch cannibalism. Both the types of oviposition sites chosen and their spatial distribution, as observed in 11 natural populations of A. arbustorum near Uppsala, Sweden, suggest that abiotic factors, such as a permanently moist microhabitat, may exert a stronger selection pressure on the oviposition‐site choice than does between‐batch egg cannibalism. As a result, the dispersion of egg batches observed in the field mainly reflects the spatial heterogeneity of habitats.
Flight kinematics and energetics in the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), with reference to the influence of ground effect
Authors: ALDRIDGE H. D. J. N.
Published: March 2009

The kinematics of flight in the little brown bat are described, both with and without the influence of ground effect. These data are used to estimate aerodynamic power costs and the reduction in power due to ground effect. The significance of ground effect to the foraging energetics of this species is discussed.
Dentition and diet in snakes: adaptations to oophagy in the Australian elapid genus Simoselaps
Authors: SCANLON J. D. , SHINE R.
Published: March 2009

Most small fossorial proteroglyphous Australian snakes of the genus Simoselaps feed on adult lizards, but the species of one lineage (the semifasciatus group) feed exclusively on the eggs of squamate reptiles. Examination of cleared, alizarin preparations showed that dentition of the saurophagous species is similar to that of other elapids, but dentition of the oophagous taxa is highly modified. The anterior (palatine and maxillary) teeth other than the fangs are reduced in size and number whereas those of the pterygoid (and in S. ‘ropert’, the dentary) are enlarged posteriorly, becoming compressed along a longitudinal plane and angled medially. The shape of the pterygoid and quadrate is also modified.

Two Simoselaps species with broader diets (eating both adult lizards and their eggs) show typical ‘saurophagous’ dentition in one case, ‘oophagous’ dentition in the other, showing that either type of dentition can be used to capture and ingest either type of prey. We suggest functional explanations for the dentitional modifications in the egg‐eating snakes, primarily in terms of the advantages of applying considerable force to the eggshell. Oophagous modifications within Simoselaps are convergent with those seen in several independently‐derived lineages of oophagous colubrid snakes, but (perhaps because of the presence of the fang) differ in having the enlarged blade‐like teeth on the pterygoid or dentary rather than the maxilla.
The genetic and demographic status of the Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla g. gorilla) in captivity
Authors: MACE GEORGINA M.
Published: March 2009

There are over 600 gorillas in captivity of which 43% are now captive born. Because the wild population is threatened and trade represents a major threat to its long‐term survival, the captive population needs to be managed to be demographicalry stable over the long term, while retaining a substantial amount of genetic variation. Projected trends in population size and structure, based on recent fecundity and survival rates, suggest that the captive population will decline slowly unless infant mortality rates can be reduced. From a genetic standpoint, however, the large number of wild‐born animals and large population size suggest that there should be no difficulty in achieving genetic aims to preserve 90% heterozygosity over the next 200 years.
FMRFamide‐like immunoreactivity within the nervous system of the nematodes Panagrellus redivius, Caenorhabditis elegans and Heterodera glycines
Authors: ATKINSON H. J. , ISAAC R. E. , HARRIS P. D. , SHARPE C. M.
Published: March 2009

A polyclonal antiserum raised against the molluscan neuromodulatory peptide Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe‐amide (FMRFamide) reacts with nervous tissue in the free‐living nematodes Panagrellus redivius and Caenorhabditis elegans and in infective juveniles (J2) of the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines. Sectioning of the nematodes was unnecessary but penetration of the antibody was improved by cutting the animals or by use of plasma etching to breach the cuticle before incubation in antiserum. Both procedures required subsequent exposure to detergents or partial digestion with protease K for optimum immunoreactivity. A positive reaction was observed for all three nematodes in the longitudinal nerve cords, nerve ring and ventral and lateral ganglia. Neurones were also visualized in association with the vulva in the free‐living species and the spicules of male P. redivius. In H. glycines, neurones innervating the pharynx reacted positively, as did two loops of neural tissue on either side of the ventral nerve cord slightly anterior to the anus. Immunoreactivity was also noted in the amphidial pouches of H. glycines after prolonged (15 min) protease treatment. Further work is needed to establish the structure of the peptide antigen localized in these nematodes.
Determination of growth and maturation in the common frog, Rana temporaria, by skeletochronology
Authors: RYSER JAN
Published: March 2009

Growth and maturation in a Swiss population of Rana temporaria were studied in 1983 and 1984 by means of skeletochronology. Resting line (growth ring) diameters were used to back‐calculate individual body sizes in previous years; these permitted establishment of an average growth curve and determination of individual ages and sizes at first reproduction. Growth was rapid up to maturation, but continued thereafter at a decreased rate. Males were larger than females at age two but females grew faster thereafter, causing sexual dimorphism in adult body sizes. Body size distributions for both years and for frogs recaptured and first captured in 1984 were established. Growth in immatures was positively, but in adults negatively correlated with body size, with considerable variation at all sizes. Individual adult sizes were positively correlated with body sizes at the end of the first year. Average individual age at first reproduction was 2.8 years in males and 3.1 years in females (range in both sexes two to four years). There is no evidence for a two‐year‐cycle of reproduction.
An investigation into the variations in the fine surface details of the eggs of five species of Delia (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: HARTMAN T. P. V. , SOUTHERN D. I.
Published: March 2009

The eggs of five species of Delia have been examined for the external chorionic patterning, the size and shape of the micropyle and the number, characteristics and distribution of the aeropyles using the scanning electron microscope. The species concerned are the cabbage root fly Delia radicum, the onion fly Delia antiqua, the seed corn maggot Delia platura, the wheat bulb fly Delia coarclata and the turnip fly Delia floralis.

Each species has its own clear characters and this, coupled with a significant difference in egg size, enables one species to be distinguished from another.
The development of the trigeminal jaw adductor musculature in the grass snake Natrix natrix
Authors: RIEPPEL OLIVIER
Published: March 2009

The ontogenetic development of the jaw adductor musculature in Natrix natrix (L.) is described in detail and related to patterns of ossification in the skull. A comparison with the development of the jaw adductors in the lizard Podarcis sicula reveals some interesting differences of dynamics in the developing head. The problem of the establishment of topological relations of similarity (homology) in developing systems is discussed.

The homologies of the external jaw adductor compartments in lizards and snakes are revised. Early ontogenetic divergence explains the reversal of fibre direction in the anterior portion of the external adductor of snakes, and renders the homologization of that fibre bundle with part of the external adductor in lizards impossible.
Morphometric replicability using chords and cartesian coordinates of the same landmarks
Authors: Corruccini R. S.
Published: March 2009

Morphometric differences and distances are theoretically equivalent whether based on Cartesian coordinate locations of landmarks, or on the linear measurements between those same landmarks. In two examples: (a) two‐dimensional primate odontometrics and (b) three‐ dimensional hominoid pelvic osteometrics, much similarity is found between analyses using input data in the form of chords and coordinates. The subtle differences attain statistical significance, however, with the greater interspecific separation and delineation of trends consistently favouring chords in one example and coordinates in the other.
Water, electrolyte and nitrogen balances of fat sand rats (Psammomys obesus) when consuming the saltbush Atriplex halimus
Authors: Kam M. , Degen A. Allan
Published: March 2009

The fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus), a diurnal gerbillid rodent, is able to thrive while consuming only the saltbush Atriplex halimus. This plant has a high ash, nitrogen and water content but low energy yield. We measured the electrolyte, nitrogen (N) and water balances of fat sand rats in captivity when they were offered only A. halimus.

The fat sand rats scraped the outer layers of A. halimus leaves before consuming them. This removed 14.3% to 19.6% of the ash content of the leaves, and thus substantially reduced the electrolyte intake of the fat sand rats. Total urine osmolality ranged between 2739 and 3098 mOsm/kg, with Na+, K+ and CI ‐ comprising 74.3% to 82.5% of the total osmolytes, percentages much higher than those usually found in desert rodents. Water intake was relatively high compared to other rodents because of the high water content of A. halimus. Evaporative water loss averaged approximately 50% of the total water output. Nitrogen requirements were easily fulfilled, even when the fat sand rats did not meet their energy requirements because of the high N content of the plant. Metabolic faecal nitrogen was 70.5 mg‐kg‐′ 75.d‐′, endogenous urinary nitrogen was 171.9 mg. kg‐0′75 d‐′ and minimal N requirements were 242.3 mg.k g‐75d‐1. Minimal N requirements for the fat sand rats were approximately 98% of that expected for a eutherian mammal of its body mass.

It was concluded that fat sand rats can maintain water, electrolyte and nitrogen balances when consuming only A. halimus without producing highly concentrated urine. This is due, in part, to their ability to remove much of the electrolytes before consuming the plant and by producing urine of which Na+, K+ and C1‐ comprise a large percentage of the total osmolytes.
Comparative locomotor performance of marsupial and placental mammals
Authors: Garland T. , Geiser F. , Baudinette R. V.
Published: March 2009

Marsupials are often considered inferior to placental mammals in a number of physiological characters. Because locomotor performance is presumed to be an important component of fitness, we compared marsupials and placentals with regard to both maximal running speeds and maximal aerobic speeds (=speed at which the maximal rate of oxygen consumption, VOlmax, is attained). Maximal aerobic speed is related to an animal's maximal sustainable speed, and hence is a useful comparative index of stamina.

Maximal running speeds of 11 species of Australian marsupials, eight species of Australian murid rodents, two species of American didelphid marsupials, and two species of American rodents were measured in the laboratory and compared with data compiled from the literature. Our values are greater than, or equivalent to, those reported previously. Marsupials and placentals do not differ in maximal running speeds (nor do Australian rodents differ from non‐Australian rodents). Within these groups, however, species and families may differ considerably. Some of the interspecific variation in maximal running speeds is related to differences in habitat: species inhabiting open habitats (e.g. deserts) tend to be faster than are species from habitats with more cover, or arboreal species.

Maximal aerobic speeds (compiled from the literature) were higher in large species than in small species. However, marsupials and placentals show no general difference with regard to maximal aerobic speeds.

Maximal running speeds and maximal aerobic speeds for 18 species of mammals were not correlated, after correcting for correlations with body size. Thus, the fastest sprinters do not necessarily have high maximal aerobic speeds.
Adaptation and constraint in the growth pattern of lapwing Vanellus vanellus chicks
Authors: Galbraith H.
Published: March 2009

The growth and development of lapwing chicks were studied on farmland in Central Scotland. Selective pressures and constraints imposed by initial priority, limited resources and limitations of the food processing efficiency of the chicks explain the general growth pattern. Those structures with a high early priority, e.g. locomotory and feeding apparatus, were comparatively mature at hatching and developed early. By contrast, wing development was delayed until the chicks had reached a suitable feeding area and were feeding efficiently. Habitat, season and size and weight at hatching were additional intrinsic and environmental factors affecting growth.
A new species of guenon (genus Cercopithecus) from Gabon
Authors: Harrison Michael J. S.
Published: March 2009

A new species of African forest monkey has been discovered in the lowland tropical rainforest of central Gabon. The previously undescribed monkey is a guenon, a member of the widespread African genus Cercopithecus. and belongs to the Cercopithecus lhoesti superspecies, whose two previously recognized species live in widely separated populations, C. preussi in Cameroon, and C. lhoesti east of the Zaire basin. The new guenon occurs as a small isolated population separated by 600 km and 1600 km, respectively, from the other two. Distinctive external characteristics are its white throat‐ruff, extensive chestnut‐orange saddle, and yellow‐orange tip to the tail. Chromosomal analysis confirms its close phylogenetic affinities with C. preussi and C. Ihoesti, but reveals a unique karyotype. The guenon is described as a new species, Cercopithecus solatus, the sun‐tailed monkey.
Facultative variation in the timing of parturition by female coypus (Myocastor coypus), and the cost of delay
Authors: Gosling L. M. , Wright K. M. H. , Few G. D.
Published: March 2009

Female coypus Myocastor coypus in captivity produce more litters than expected by chance following days when they are undisturbed and less after they are disturbed. The observed distribution can be explained using simulations which assume that females can delay parturition for up to three days, depending on the level of disturbance on a previous day. The advantage of delay for wild coypus may be that parturient females can delay parturition if detected by a predator and move to a safer location. The main cost of delay is an increase in the average proportion of young that die in the last few days of pregnancy and in the days following parturition. These costs and benefits may be similar to those involved in the evolution of gestation periods.