bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water and fat contents of British shrews and their role in the seasonal changes in body weight
Authors: Churchfield Sara
Published: August 2009

Water and fat contents of wild and captive Sorex araneus, S. minutus and Neomys fodiens were determined. The influence of sex, locality, body weight and age on water and fat contents of wild shrews are discussed. A seasonal cycle in both water and fat content of wild shrews is demonstrated. An investigation of captive shrews revealed fat contents to be considerably greater than in wild shrews. It is concluded that the seasonal differences in water and fat contents found in this study are of insufficient magnitude to account for the loss in body weight of wild shrews in winter or to be of any great survival value to them.
The Geonemertes problem (Nemertea)
Authors: Moore Janet , Gibson Ray
Published: August 2009

A new genus of monostiliferous hoplonemerteans, Pantinonemertes gen. nov., provides evidence for the separate evolution of terrestrial nemerteans. The genus is established for two new species found in Australia, P. enalios sp. nov., an intertidal form, and P. winsori sp. nov., which lives in fallen timber in the supralittoral brackish water regions of mangrove swamps. One only of the known species of land nemerteans, Geonemertes agricola from Bermuda, closely resembles these two species morphologically and is transferred to the new genus as Pantinonemertes agricola.

A re‐examination of all the known species of Geonemertes has shown that two major groups can be distinguished on the basis of morphological characters. In one group the rhynchocoel musculature is in two distinct layers, a frontal organ is present, the mid‐dorsal blood vessel has a single vascular plug, and the flame cells are binucleate and reinforced with cuticular support bars. It comprises the genus Pantinonemertes gen, nov, and the Pelaensis or Indopacific group of terrestrial nemerteans, for which the generic name Geonemertes is retained. In the second major group the rhynchocoel musculature is composed of interwoven longitudinal and circular fibres, there is no frontal organ, the mid‐dorsal blood vessel bears two vascular plugs, and the flame cells are mononucleate and lack support bars. Five genera, three of which are new, are distinguished in this group. Australian species are united in the genus Argonemertes gen. nov., and New Zealand forms comprise the genus Antiponemertes gen. nov., while Acteonemertes bathamae from New Zealand and the Auckland and Ocean Islands remains in a separate genus. Geonemertes nightingaleensis is transferred to a new genus, Katechonemertes gen. nov., and for Geonemertes chalicophora a previously used generic name, Leptonemertes, is adopted.

A key to the terrestrial, brackish‐water and marine nemertean species described in the present paper is provided.
Reproductive biology of the Red‐necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus banksianus) and Bennett's wallaby (M. r. rufogriseus) in captivity
Authors: Merchant J. C. , Calaby J. H.
Published: August 2009

Bennett's wallaby (Macropus r. rufogriseus) of Tasmania give birth from late January to early August in marked contrast to the Red‐necked wallaby (M. r. banksianus) of mainland south‐eastern Australia which produced young in all months. Within the breeding season however, the lengths of the oestrous cycle and gestation period are similar in the two forms and did not differ by more than 0.5 days. The gestation period of about 30 days extended to almost the length of the oestrous cycle of approximately 33 days. Birth was closely followed by mating which normally resulted in fertilization and subsequent embryonic diapause. Renewed blastocyst development was initiated by removal or loss of a pouch young and birth followed about 27 days later.

Unlike other macropodids with a similar breeding pattern, birth, as a result of renewed blastocyst development near the end of a large young's pouch life, did not occur within a day or two of the permanent emergence of the young, but followed 16 to 29 days later. InM. r. rufogriseus, young that left the pouch permanently in the non‐breeding period were not replaced by new young until the beginning of the next breeding season two to four months later, and blastocysts resulting from mating of females without pouch young at the end of the breeding season remained quiescent until the next breeding season five to eight months later.

Females of both subspecies first mated at an age of about 14 months, and males were producing mature spermatozoa by about 19 months.

Young first left the pouch for short periods at about 230 days of age and permanently at about 280 days.

Observations are also given on reproductive behaviour, interpretation of vaginal smears, sex ratio of young, selection of teat by pouch young, and development of morphological features in known‐age young that may be used as an aid in age determination.
Seasonal breeding, moulting and weight changes among birds of dry deciduous forest in North India
Authors: Gaston A. J.
Published: August 2009

The timing of breeding among Indian birds varies between species and also regionally within species. Marked differences can occur between adjacent areas, depending on the seasonal availability of moisture for plant growth. Birds of dry deciduous woodland have two peaks of breeding activity, in spring (March‐April) and during the rains (July‐September), with moult following the second peak in most cases. Rates of moult vary greatly between species, but practically all terminate moult by the end of November and this may truncate the potential breeding season for some species.

Changes in weight show a marked contrast with seasonal patterns observed in temperate latitudes, weights being inversely correlated to mean temperature. It is suggested that, in the case of some species which occupy a wide range of vegetation types, observed patterns of breeding and moulting are a compromise between the optimum strategies for different habitats.
Causes of mortality in the Mute swan Cygnus olor on the River Thames
Authors: Birkhead Mike
Published: August 2009

Over the last 20 years there has been an unprecedented decline of the Mute swan on the River Thames. Between August 1979 and October 1981 a systematic attempt was made to collect as many swan corpses as possible. Of 94 swan corpses examined at post‐mortem 57% died from lead poisoning due to ingestion of anglers' weights. Birds dying from lead poisoning had significantly higher liver and kidney lead levels. Kidney proved to be the most useful indicator tissue, the median lead level in birds with lead weights in their gizzard was 908 μg/g DM compared to 8 μg/g DM in birds without weights. More immature birds die from lead poisoning than other factors and significantly more corpses were found between the months of July‐October.

Ultra‐structure examinations revealed electron dense intra‐nuclear inclusions in the cells of proximal convulated tubules of the kidney and X‐ray analysis confirmed that these structures consisted of lead.
Behaviour of the Indian social wasp Ropalidia cyathiformis on a nest of separate combs (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Gadagkar Raghavendra , Joshi N. V.
Published: August 2009

Observations were made on a nest of Ropalidia cyathiformis consisting of three combs. The number of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults were monitored at about 3‐day intervals for a 2‐month period. The behaviour of the adults was observed with special reference to the proportion of time spent on each of the three combs, the proportion of time spent away from the nest site and the frequencies of dominance interactions and egg laying. The adults moved freely between the three combs suggesting that all of them and all the three combs belonged to one nest. However, most of the adults preferred combs 2 and 3 over comb 1. Of the 10 animals chosen for a detailed analysis of behaviour, seven spent varying periods of time away from the nest site and oRen brought back food or building material. Five of the 10 animals laid at least one egg each but two adults monopolized most of the egg‐laying. The animals showed a variety of dominance interactions on the basis of which they have been arranged in a dominance hierarchy. The dominant individuals laid most of the eggs and spent little or no time foraging, while the subordinate individuals spent more time foraging and laid few eggs or none. It is argued that R. cyathiformis is different from R. marginata, the only other Indian social wasp whose behaviour has been studied, in being at a more primitive stage of social organization.
Thermoregulation and metabolism in a small desert carnivore: the Fennec fox (Fennecus zerda) (Mammalia)*
Authors: Maloiy G. M. O. , Kamau J. M. Z. , Shkolnik A. , Meir M. , Arieli R.
Published: August 2009

In controlled laboratory experiments the effects of ambient temperatures on thermoregulation, metabolism, heat balance, heart rate, and total evaporative water loss were studied in the Fennce fox (Fenneus Zerda) from the Sinai desert.
Colonization by House mice: an experiment
Authors: Berry R. J. , Cuthbert A. , Peters J.
Published: August 2009

Attempts to establish populations of House mice (Mus domesticus) on two Shetland islands failed. Possible reasons for this are suggested, based on descriptions of successful populations living under apparently comparable conditions. Although House mice are well adapted in reproductive physiology and dispersal behaviour for a boom or bust strategy, they are very susceptible to competition with other small mammals. The chances ofany particular colonization attempt being successful are probably extremely small.
Exocrine pancreatic disease of snakes
Authors: Finlayson* R. , Woods* S. J. , Doniach** I.
Published: August 2009

A histopathological study has been made of the pancreas obtained at post mortem from a small series of exotic snakes that died in a zoological garden. More than one‐third of the cases showed pathological changes in the gland. A variety of ductal and parenchymal pancreatic lesions were found; the morphology of these lesions is briefly described, and their nature and cause discussed.
Studies on the growth, structure and abundance of the Mediterranean spur‐thighed tortoise, Tesudo graeca in field populations
Authors: Lambert M. R. K.
Published: August 2009

The blackness and physical appearance of Mediterranean spur‐thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca L.) are recorded in field populations. The inter‐relationships between carapace and plastron length, fourth vertebral scute width and other morphometric characters are related to growth. The rear fontanelle is larger in males and the plastron length correspondingly smaller. The relationship between carapace length (y) in mm and body mass (x) in g is strongly allometric and given by y= 16.63 x0–34. The maximum carapace lengths recorded for male and female T. graeca graeca L. in NW. Africa are 151 and 198 mm, and for larger T. graeca ibera Pallas in W. Turkey and NE. Greece 208 and 218 mm, respectively. The growth annuli of epidermal scutes are deposited yearly until external growth ceases. The number is used to assess the age of wild animals. Tortoises can be full‐grown by 19 years but some, especially slower growing ones, deposit further annuli. The biggest mean growth increments occur up to 7 years with the largest in individuals over the 5–12 year period. The proportion of immature tortoises, adult sex ratios, size and body mass structure, age distribution, annual recruitment and survivorship until full‐grown, and abundance (sighting frequency) are compared in northern and southern range populations of NW. African T. g. graeca and S. Anatolian and SE. European (Thrace and Macedonia) ones of T. g. ibera. These are discussed in relation to other tortoise species.
Distribution, habitat selection and colony types of the Amsterdam Island fur seal Arctocephalus tropicalis at Gough Island
Authors: Bester M. N.
Published: August 2009

The present study was undertaken during the summers of 1974/75 and 1975/76. Beaches were classified according to their topography and structure, and colony types were classified according to age and sex composition during the breeding season peak haul‐out. Breeding success was measured by the total number of pups born. All available beaches were occupied during the breeding season, breeders predominating on the windward west coast and nonbreeders on the leeward east coast. Principal factors influencing the distribution of breeding fur seals were the topography and physical nature of the beaches, ambient temperatures and solar radiation, sea condition, and exposure to wind and sea spray. The resultant distribution pattern is ascribed to a behavioural thermoregulatory response in A. tropicalis so as to reduce exogenous heat‐loading during the summer breeding season.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids sequestered by Solomon Island Danaine butterflies. The feeding preferences of the Danainae and Ithomiinae
Authors: Edgar J. A.
Published: August 2009

The plant sources and identity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids sequestered by six species of Solomon Island Danainae have been investigated. The secretions of the pheromone‐disseminating hairpencils of the males have also been analysed and the componenets, including pyrrolizidine metabolites, have been identified. The first confirmed example of Danaine larvae, rather than adults, acquiring pyrrolizidine alkaloids is reported and its relevance to hypotheses concerning the origin of the requirement of Danaine and Ithomiine butterflies for pyrrolizidine alkaloids is discussed.
A new semi‐terrestrial nemertean from California
Authors: Gibson Ray , Moore Janet , CRandall Frank B.
Published: August 2009

A new species of semi‐terrestrial monostiliferous hoplonemertean from California, Pantinonemertes californiensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The genus Pantinonemertes, transitional between marine and terrestrial habitats, provides evidence for one evolutionary line towards the colonization of land by nemerteans.
The influence of temperature on the life cycle and occurrence of three species of lake‐dwelling leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea)
Authors: Young J. O. , Ironmonger J. W.
Published: August 2009

The influence of constant temperatures on the growth, maturation and reproduction of field‐collected and F, generation Helobdella stagnalis, Glossiphonia complanata and Erpobdella octoculata was investigated. Leech material from a lowland, productive lake and from an upland, unproductive lake was cultured at each of the temperatures: l·5,5·5,8, 10·5, 13,16, 19 and 23°C. Field‐collected and F1 generation H. stagnalis and E. octoculata matured and produced eggs and young over the range 10·5–23°C, whereas the range for egg production was 8–23°C for field‐collected G. complanata, F, generation leeches failing to mature at any temperature due to an additional limiting factor being involved.

Optimal temperatures for cocoon/egg production were observed for E. octoculata, but egg production was similar at all temperatures for G. complanata and H. stagnalis. In contrast, the viability of eggs was greater at certain temperatures for the last two species but was similar at all temperatures for E. octoculata. Differences in egg production between field‐collected and F, generation leeches are discussed. Rising temperatures accelerated rates of egg hatching, and of growth and maturation of leeches. The observed differences in survival of leeches at the various temperatures are discussed. Ecotypic adaptation to temperature within the small geographical area of Britain may not occur. It is concluded that though temperature may be a contributory factor determining distribution and abundance in British lakes, other causative factors, such as the occurrence and abundance of food organisms, are more likely to be implicated.
Effect of female sexual displays on the endocrine physiology and behaviour of male white‐crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys
Authors: Moore Michalel C.
Published: August 2009

In photoperiodic birds, endocrine responses to behavioural interactions between males and females may be involved in temporally “fine‐tuning” the onset of reproduction to yearly variations in the environment. This study examined the endocrine and behavioural responses of male White‐crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) to changes in the endocrine state of the female, as signalled by changes in her behaviour. Males on different photoperiodic regimes were paired with oestrogen‐treated, sexually receptive females. Males exposed to gonadostimulatory long days mounted and copulated with oestrogen‐treated females even before gonadal development was complete. These males had higher plasma levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone and maintained enlarged testes longer than control males paired with untreated, nonreceptive females. Males maintained on nonstimulatory short days also mounted oestrogen‐treated females; however, testes of these males remained nonfunctional and their plasma levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone were basal. Thus, reproductive function of photostimulated males is profoundly affected by changes in the endocrine state and behaviour of the female. However, male sexual behaviours are expressed in response to visual and auditory stimuli from the female regardless of male hormonal condition or photoperiodic treatment.
Morphology of the Hooded crow Corvus corone cornix in relation to age, sex and latitude
Authors: Slagsvold T.
Published: August 2009

The morphological variation of the Hooded crow at Trondheim, Norway, was studied, based on a sample of 734 birds collected during a six year period. Mouth colour, plumage colour, skull thickness and feather length were found to be characters which could readily be used to separate juveniles from adults. Females aged 15–19 months had a thinner skull roof than older female birds. Low coefficients of variation were found for the lengths of the third primary and of the tail feathers. A discriminant analysis showed that of the various body dimensions studied bill height and bill length distinguished the sexes most precisely. A high degree of sexual dimorphism was also found to exist in body weight and in the thickness of the skull roof.

Those body structures which develop at about the same stage during the juvenile growth period were associated with the same principal component, viz. the lengths of bony structures, parts that develop early on in life, were intercorrelated (wing bones, tarsus, bill basis and the width of foramen magnum). The lengths of the primaries and of tail feathers were also intercorrelated, structures which develop late.

The mean body weight of the Hooded crow population studied in Norway was intermediate between that of the Hooded crow in Germany and of the Carrion and Hooded crows in England and Scotland. No such differences were found in wing length. Norwegian Hooded crows have shorter tails than German ones, but their bills are much larger, in particular for the females. Therefore, the degree of sexual dimorphism in bill size seems to be reduced at high latitudes.
Tghe tracheation of the wings of adult Lepidoptera
Authors: Kirk W. D. J.
Published: August 2009

There is much variation in the extent of tracheation of the wings of adult Lepidoptera. This is surveyed. Significantly more tracheal branching is found in species with pupal cocoons. No correlation of tracheation with wing length is apparent. The concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air inside cocoons of Antheraea pernyi Guér. (Saturniidae) before emergence are measured. Oxygen supply is probably not limited by the cocoon. Respiration rates per unit mass of wings of A. pernyi are similar to those of the whole, resting adult. The possible adaptive significance of this tracheation and its variation is discussed.
Growth in field and laboratory populations of Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus)
Authors: Gurnell J. , Rennolls K.
Published: August 2009

Intrinsic growth rate and asymptotic body weight parameters were estimated for two laboratory and three field populations of the Wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, using a logistic model fitted by an ordinary least squares method. The data upon which the growth equations were based were differences in body weight for individual animals between sampling occasions. Suckling mice in one of the laboratory studies suffered high mortalities and poor body growth which was related to disturbance to the mothers and their young during examination. Growth in weaned mice appeared normal and was compared with growth in autumn and winter populations of wild mice with poor and good natural seed supplies. Males tended to have higher growth rates, and to a lesser extent, higher body weight asymptotes than females in all groups. Growth rates were highest in the autumn field population with a good seed supply; differences between the other groups were less marked. These results are discussed and it is suggested that, despite the approximations inherent in the method, the method will be a useful tool for studying the the productivity of wild populations of small mammals.
The role of external appendages in the distribution and life habits of the sand dollar Echinarachnius parma (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)
Authors: Ghiold Joe
Published: August 2009

The action of the aboral podia is one of the key factors controlling the wide distribution of the clypeasteroid Echinarachnius parma. According to field and laboratory studies (Gulf of Maine), E. parma gathers and selects food primarily from its aboral surface, which is naturally orientated just below the nutrient rich, uppermost sediment layer. Compared to Mellita, wider spacing between the aboral spines in E. parma permits silt and larger particles to be ingested and the action of podia allows it to burrow, and thus gather food, in a wider range of sediments. The broad ecologic tolerance of E. parma rather than specialization, facilitated the biological success of this species. The variation in arrangement of podia on the tests of clypeasteroids suggests interspecific differences in feeding and burrowing strategy.
Jaw length and hind foot length as measures of skeletal development of Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Suttie J. M. , Mitchell B.
Published: August 2009

Jaw length and hind foot length are compared, as indicators of skeletal development, using data from Red deer in three different populations. It is concluded that jaw length gives the best index of skeletal growth throughout the whole lifespan of Red deer, but it can only be measured reliably post mortem. Although the foot stops growing before some other parts of the skeleton, hind foot length is especially convenient for studies on young live deer.
Polymorphic shell banding in the dog‐whelk, Nucella lapillus (Mollusca)
Authors: Berry R. J.
Published: August 2009

The shell of the Common dog‐whelk (Nucella lapillus (L.)) is white and unbanded at most places around the British Isles. However, high frequencies of banding occur on the Buchan coast, around Anglesey and the Menai Straits, on the Cower Peninsula, around the Devon–Somerset border in the Bristol Channel, and especially on the north Cornish coast (reaching a peak between Newquay and Padstow). The frequency of banding is significantly less in older than younger whelks in the same locality, and this change is uncorrelated with the selection against shell shape variation that takes place on exposed shores. It is concluded that banding is a pleiotropic manifestation of physiological variation, and that a study of such variation in different morphs could indicate the importance of different physiological stresses at different stages of the life history of N. lapillus.
Gametogenesis in placental and non‐placental ovicellate cheilostome Bryozoa
Authors: Dyrynda P. E. J. , King P. E.
Published: August 2009

Oogenesis is compared in two cheilostome bryozoans with contrasting reproductive strategies. from southern Britain: Chartella papyracea (Ellis & Solander) is a non–placental ovicellate brooder, whereas Bugula flabellata (Thompson in Gray) is a placental brooder. The ovarian cycles are similar, and each oocyte develops in tandem with a single nurse cell. Eggs of both species are telolecithal, However, those of B. flabellata are less than 20% the volume of those of the other species, and there are considerable differences in the ultra‐structure of oogenesis. In both cases, spermatogenesis has the typical bryozoan pattern. Precocious insemination of the oocyte occurs in both species.
The reproductive biology of Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) ranging free at Whipsnade Park
Authors: Fleming D. , Cinderey R. N. , Hearn J. P.
Published: August 2009

Between August 1981 and October 1982, 76 female and 50 male of the estimated 400 Bennett's wallabies at Whipsnade were caught and examined. Sixty‐four of the adult females inspected (84%) were carrying pouch young. A small captive breeding colony was established in the laboratory. Weight and growth curves were established for captive born pouch young and these curves were used to determine the approximate age of pouch young examined at Whipsnade. Eighty‐four percent of births occurred in August and September, exactly a six month difference from births reported for this species in Tasmania. The mean length of pouch life of wild living wallabies was 247 days with a range of185–284 days. Young wallabies were observed accompanying their mothers for up to 204 days after emerging permanently from the pouch. Sixty‐three percent of young vacated the pouch in May. Sixty‐three percent of the total (104) pouch young examined in the course of this study, from animals caught or from post mortem records, were male, but teat selection showed a random distribution. The gestation period from removal of pouch young to day of birth was 27·3 days. The Bennett's wallaby showed precise seasonal breeding with embryonic diapause that may extend for up to 11 months.
Reproduction of the Australian freshwater turtle Emydura krefftii (Chelonia: Chelidae)
Authors: Georges Arthur
Published: August 2009

A study of the reproduction of Krefft's river tortoise, Emydura krefftii, was conducted in the perched dune lakes of Fraser Island, Queensland. Mature male specimens exhibit a postnuptial pattern of spermatogenesis typical of temperate‐zone turtles elsewhere, with a peak in spermatogenic activity in autumn and a cessation of activity during the breeding season in spring and early summer. The spermatogenic cycle is paralleled by seasonal variation in testicular weight (standardized for body size) and in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. Sperm are abundant in the epididymal canals throughout the year. Mating was observed in autumn, late winter and spring.

Females have a cyclic reproductive pattern, with distinct phases of follicular enlargement, ovulation and oviducal period, and quiescence. Yolk begins to accumulate in the ovaries in late summer, and the accumulation continues unabated through the winter, presumably by the transfer of material from fat stores to the ovaries. Ovulations occur from late winter to mid‐summer. Atresia of follicles that fail to ovulate was demonstrated histologically.

Emydura krefftii lay up to three clutches of hard‐shelled ellipsoid eggs per season. Each clutch contains between four and 10 eggs; the number is strongly correlated with maternal body size. Reproductive potential ranges from 12 eggs per annum for a female that has recently matured (carapace length c. 150 mm), to 30 eggs per annum for a full‐sized female (length c. 250 mm). Selected life‐history traits of Emydura krefftii are discussed in the context of findings for other populations of the species and for other species of freshwater turtle.
Sexual selection and simultaneous hermaphroditism among the Unionidae (Bivalvia: Mollusca)
Authors: Kat Pieter W.
Published: August 2009

Simultaneous hermaphroditism is an infrequent mode of reproduction among bivalves of the family Unionidae: only five of the 220 North American species are simultaneous hermaphrodites. However, hermaphroditic individuals of otherwise predominantly dioecious species have been encountered in 30 of I01 species examined. These hermaphroditic individuals as well as simultaneous hermaphrodites can exhibit considerable variability in the ratio of spermatogenic: oogenic tissue within the gonad, and the purposes of this paper are to determine the underlying causes of both this variability and the occurrence of occasional hermaphroditic individuals among dioecious species. Results indicate that the ratio of male: female gonodal tissue of a simultaneous hermaphrodite is bimodally distributed, and several hypotheses to account for this observation are presented. It is proposed that populations occurring in different habitats and under conditions of different individual density are subject to fundamentally different sexual selection pressures acting on ratios of allocation to male and female gametes. Occasional hermaphroditism among otherwise predominantly dioecious species was in this study associated with infection of the gonads by digenean trematodes. A model of sexual determination among unionids presented in this paper proposes that sex is determined by genetically controlled hormone levels: occasional hermaphrodites result from alterations in these hormone levels caused by developmental errors and trematodal infections which mimic the results of such errors. Predictions of this model are consistent with observed levels of variability in male: females gonadal tissue among occasional hermaphrodites.
Spring dispersal and agonistic behaviour of the Red‐legged partridge (Alectoris rufa)
Authors: Green R. E.
Published: August 2009

Spring behaviour, dispersal and population changes were studied in two populations of individually marked Red‐legged partridges.

Young males took up home ranges close to their natal site but young females dispersed away. The incidence of agonistic behaviour between males, the extent of the spring decline in population density and the distance dispersed by males between the winter and breeding ranges were less in an area with more abundant nesting cover.

Half the neighbours of a typical male came from the same winter social group. These groups were based on family parties. Males from the same winter group showed less frequent agonistic behaviour to each other and had more overlapped home ranges than those from different groups.
Movements of the cranial vibrissae in the Golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Wineski Lawrence E.
Published: August 2009

Vibrissae are highly refined vibrotactile receptors that are present on most mammals. The Golden hamster exhibits three different behaviours of its mystacial, supraorbital, and genal vibrissae. During rest, all the vibrissae are reclined and motionless. When hamsters are alert, the vibrissae are partly or fully erect and essentially motionless. During active investigation, the mystacial vibrissae “whisk” or “sweep” through antero–posterior excursions. The genal vibrissa moves only slightly in periodic erection. The supraorbital vibrissae carry through a wide erection arc and have limited excursions with movements of the upper eyelid. The mystacial vibrissae whisk quickly (about 16 sweepsls). Whisking is divisible into contact (relatively high amplitude, low frequency), non–contact (relatively low amplitude, high frequency), and double–pump (combination contact and non–contact) types, and can be either bilaterally symmetric or asymmetric. The dimensions of the mystacial territory around the snout change throughout whisking due to coordinated changes in the shape of the mystacial pad and the tilting of the vibrissae relative to the pad. Such differential movements have implications for sensory physiology as they point to an ability for fine sensory monitoring of the environment.
Quantitative data on morphology and organ weights during the protracted spawning‐run period of the Southern Hemisphere lamprey Geotria australis
Authors: POTTER I. C. , HILLIARD R. W. , BIRD D. J. , MACEY D. J.
Published: August 2009

Data are presented for a wide variety of different measurements and observations made on representatives of the lamprey Geotria australis caught during the first four months after they had left the sea in seven successive years. Comparisons have been made with the trends shown by similar data obtained from animals subsequently held in the laboratory for a number of months to provide information on the subsequent pattern of changes and the duration of the spawning run. In comparison with anadromous holarctic species, the gonads at the beginning of the upstream migration in July were very small. The eggs, which did not yet contain yolk platelets, measured only 190 μm in diameter and took until October of the following year to reach 1120 μm, which is comparable to the size of the mature eggs of other lampreys. This indicates that the spawning run of G. australis lasts for the exceptionally long period of 16 months, which is consistent with the time of appearance of young larvae. At the commencement of the spawning run, the mean lengths and weights of G. australis were approximately 655 mm and 250 g. Hepatosomic (c. 0·8%) and heart ratios (c. 0·18%) were significantly lower than those of other species. The relatively long length of the trunk, which was associated with a very high mean myomere number (78·8), helped to compensate for a small body depth and permitted the production of a large number of eggs (mean fecundity 57,943). The intestine underwent rapid atrophy immediately after the animal entered fresh water, even though the gonads were not developing rapidly at this time. Migratory movements in the river were most marked on nights when water levels were rising, the temperature lay between 12 and 14.5°C, rain was falling and extensive cloud cover or the dark phase of the moon was present.
Kidney lesions in pelagic seabirds with high tissue levels of cadmium and mercury
Authors: NICHOLSON J. K. , OSBORN D.
Published: August 2009

Light and electron microscopic techniques were employed to examine the kidneys of three species of pelagic seabird which had high tissue cadmium and mercury levels. Direct examination and comparison with the kidneys of cadmium and mercury dosed starlings showed that the seabirds had patchy nephrotoxic kidney lesions. It was suggested that these lesions were due to natural exposure of the animals to high levels of metals, particularly cadmium through their diet. Pathological features included necrosis and degeneration of the proximal tubular epithelium together with the direct observation of obstruction of the more distal neprhon segments by necrotic cellular debris. Abnormalities of the glomerular podocytes and Bowman's capsule cells were also observed. There was a high degree of similarity between the type and distribution of kidney lesions in the seabirds and the laboratory metal dosed starlings. The significance of this kidney damage and its possible effects on the birds survival prospects are discussed.
Changes among wild House mice (Mus musculus) bred for ten generations in a cold environment, and their evolutionary implications
Authors: Barnett S. A. , Dickson R. G.
Published: August 2009

Wild House mice, Mus musculus, bred at 23°C (controls) changed little in reproductive performance over ten generations. Similar mice bred at 3°C (Eskimo) became more fertile and heavier. Eskimo body fat also rose. Control adrenal weights declined; Eskimo adrenal weights were heavier than those of controls, but only during the first four generations. The Eskimo phenotype after ten generations was a combined result of a direct response to cold, parental effects and genetical changes in the Eskimo population. Maternal effects were probably especially important. In such conditions, the minimum unit of selection that it is useful to consider is the female and her litter.
The annual cycle of the testis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island
Authors: Griffiths D. J.
Published: August 2009

The testis of the Southern elephant seal demonstrates seasonal changes in weight, with highest values early in the breeding season (September‐November) and lowest values in mid‐winter (May‐June). Weight changes originate in the seminiferous tubules, there being little variation in the interstitial tissue.

Spermatogenesis begins in August, one month before the breeding season, and stops in November. Testicular testosterone concentration is significantly elevated in the months July‐September. Plasma testosterone concentration is high only in September, the first month of breeding.
Aspects of the reproductive endocrinology of the female Giant panda (Ailuropoda metanoleaca) in captivity with special reference to the detection of ovulation and pregnancy
Authors: Hodges J. K. , Bevan D. J. , Celma M. , Hearn J. P. , Jones D. M. , Kleiman D. G. , Knight J. A. , Moore H. D. M.
Published: August 2009

The metabolism and pattern of excretion of urinary steroids during oestrus and pregnancy in the Giant panda is described. Three female pandas from the London, Washington and Madrid Zoos were studied over different periods between March 1980 and September 1982.

High pressure liquid chromatography and sequential enzyme hydrolysis indicated that oestrone glucuronide was the most abundant urinary oestrogen metabolite during oestrus. Levels of conjugated oestrone in late pregnancy, however, were low and similar to those of conjugated oestradiol‐17β

There was a rapid increase in the excretion of conjugated oestrone to reach maximum levels during late pro‐oestrus; oestrus occurred when levels of conjugated oestrone were declining. The measurement of oestrone‐3‐glucuronide by direct, non‐extraction assay provides a rapid and reliable method for detecting oestrus and ovulation in the Giant panda.

Artificial insemination of the London and Madrid pandas was performed in 1981 and 1982, respectively. The Madrid panda gave birth to twin cubs after a gestation period of 159 days. Levels of urinary oestrone conjugate remained low throughout pregnancy. There was no increase in the excretion of pregnanediol‐3α‐glucuronide (assumed to be an urinary metabolite of progesterone) until approximately day 120 when a rapid, five‐fold increase in levels occurred. The levels of pregnanediol‐3α‐glucuronide remained elevated for approximately three weeks after which there was a gradual decline beginning two‐and‐α‐half weeks before parturition. Measurement of pregnanediol‐3α‐glucuronide enables the detection of pregnancy after three to four months and should also be useful in predicting parturition. A delay of implantation during pregnancy in the Giant panda is suggested.

There was no consistent elevation in pregnanedioI‐3α‐glucuronide excretion in the five months after artificial insemination of the London panda, despite a marked increase in circulating progesterone of ovarian origin. Pregnancy could not be confirmed from external examination of the uterus at laparotomy; histological examination of biopsy material revealed advanced endometrial hyperplasia.
Hindlimb muscle activity during locomotion in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) (Rodentia: Muridae)
Authors: Nicolopoulos‐Stournaras S. , Iles J. F.
Published: August 2009

Electromyographic studies of mammalian locomotion have concentrated on cursorial species. Since these may not be typical of mammals in general, the present study has been made on the relatively non‐cursorial rat.

Electromyography has been performed on 20 muscles or muscle groups of the hind‐limb in decerebrate rats, moving at from one to eight steps per second. All muscles were active in discrete bursts, with fixed phase relations in the step cycle. They can be categorized as flexors–active just before and during swing, extensors/adductors–active just before and during stance, muscles controlling the foot, and some double joint muscles. The latter, represented by semitendinosus and rectus femoris, tend to be active twice in each step cycle. There is a distinct reciprocity in the activities of these two muscles. The duration of the extensor/adductor activity decreases with increase of stepping speed.

The pattern of muscle activity during the step cycle is very similar in both cursorial species and the rat. This suggests that central nervous mechanisms controlling the timing of single limb motor output in mammals may be very conservative.
The functional anatomy of the foregut of Porcetlana platychetes and a comparison with Galathea squamifera and Upogebia deltaura (Crustacea: Decapoda)
Authors: Ngoc‐Ho Nguyen
Published: August 2009

Muscles, ossicles and internal structures of the foregut of Porcellana platycheles are described and figured. The function of the foregut is deduced from the distribution of food particle size within its chambers. The trough of the cardio‐pyloric valve is considered to be the main site of digestion and the supra‐ampullary valve to have an active role in the formation of the ventral cap of faecal pellets.

The structures and function of the foregut of Galathea squamifera are similar to those of P. platycheles. Certain differences found in the foregut of Upogebia deltaura may be related to the small size of food particles ingested and the absence of a ventral cap from faecal pellets may be due to the supra‐ampullary valve having no action on surrounding particles.
Pollen‐feeding in thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera)
Authors: Kirk W. D. J.
Published: August 2009

Eight species of thrips in three families fed readily on individual grains of pollen. Feeding behaviour is described. Thrips fed on the contents of the grains, but left the pollen wall. In Thrips fuscipennis Halid., the feeding time per grain increased in direct proportion to grain volume up to a grain volume of about 60,000 μm'. but then began to level off. Large grains and tetrads were usually abandoned before all the contents were removed. Mean feeding times ranged from 3 s to 120 s per grain.

Thrips appeared to have alternate periods of feeding and non‐feeding. Drops of fluid were sometimes deposited from the end of the abdomen after non‐feeding periods. Large amounts of pollen can be consumed; one thrips fed on more than 100 pollen grains in less than 15 min. Pollen‐feeding appears to be widespread among flower thrips. The implications for pollination ecology are discussed.
Ecology of lowland lizards in the eastern United Arab Emirates
Authors: Arnold E. N.
Published: August 2009

Aspects of the ecology of 23 lizard species found in the coastal lowlands of eastern Arabia are reported. The majority of these forms occur in arid environments and the most obvious ecological separation is between diurnal and nocturnal species, the ten latter forms all being geckos. Within these two groupings, species differ principally in microhabitat (particularly such features as distance from vegetation and ground softness), hunting techniques (“sit and wait”, active search or slow visual scanning) and the size of their mainly arthropod prey. However, two large diurnal forms are food specialists, feeding largely on plants and small vertebrates, respectively, and some diurnal species show differences in their time of activity during the morning. Body temperature of day‐active species, which are all essentially heliothermic, is controlled by posture, retreat into shade or burrows and the use of the ground as a heat sink. Usual activity temperatures show correlation with normal time of activity during the morning and the amount of shade cover available. Substantial interspecific variation exists in the extent to which body temperature is regulated. Most nocturnal forms have body temperatures close to the ambient but they may sometimes be elevated in Bunopus tukerculatus, perhaps as a result of utilizing underground warmth. A wide range of predator avoidance techniques are used, including fleeing, hiding in burrows, burial in loose sand and caudal autotomy. The proportion of damaged tails is higher in climbing species than in ground‐dwelling ones. Females are mainly gravid in the spring. The number of eggs carried is low in species of small body size (often one or two), suggesting that egg‐laying is repetitive. Contrary to accepted opinion, clutch size is variable in some gekkonine species, either one or two eggs being laid. Hatchlings appear largely in the late spring and summer. A number of morphological features correlate with niche characteristics: gross body shape is related to hunting and escape technique, foot structure to substratum type, and species living on soft sand have modifications that exclude sand from the body orifices. The lizard fauna discussed here extends with only restricted change over much of Arabia. The faunas of the extreme south west of the peninsula and of the Sahara are generally similar to it, but differ substantially in the species they contain, and possibly in the pattern of occupied niches as well.
Site selection and attachment duration of Anodonta woodiana (Bivalvia: Unionacea) glochidia on fish hosts
Authors: Dudgeon D. , Morton B.
Published: August 2009

The relationship between parasitic glochidia of Anodonia woodiana (Unionidae: Anodonti‐nae) and potential fish hosts was investigated in the laboratory. Intensity of parasitism was highest on the exotic fish Gambusia affinis, lower on the native species Puntius semijascio‐latus and Metzia takakii, and least on Rhodeus sinensis. Glochidia generally attached at fin margins, particularly the pectorals and caudal. In Gambusia affinis, the incidence of glochidia on the pectorals was higher than would be expected on the basis of ratios between fin margin lengths. Apparently, the role of the pectoral fins in locomotion makes them more liable to glochidial contact, thereby increasing their susceptibility to attachment.

The duration of glochidial attachment was shortened as temperatures increased. Mean values ranged from 14‐4 days at 15°C to 6 days at 27°C. At 33°C glochidia rapidly detached and metamorphosis was unsuccessful. Significantly, water temperatures in A. woodiana habitats in Hong Kong rarely exceed 30°C.
Moults and feather generations in the Least, Crested and Parakeet auklets
Authors: Bédard Jean , Sealy Spencer G.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the timing of moults and the resulting plumages in three small auk species of the North Pacific Ocean. These descriptions are based upon the examination of an extensive series of specimens collected during the course of ecological field studies (May to September) and supplemented by the examination of specimens in major US. museum collections. Particular attention is given to the presence of varying degrees of overlap between moult and breeding effort in the three species studied
The functional morphology of Sinonovacula constricta with a discussion on the taxonomic status of the Novaculininae (Bivalvia).
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: August 2009

Sinonovacula constricta is representative of two genera of deep burrowing bivalves hitherto placed in the Novaculininae of the Tellinacea. This species, widely cultured in China, has not previously been critically examined. Aspects of its anatomy show that it should more properly be placed in the Solenacea. The presently accepted classification of this superfamily suggests that it should be placed close to Pharella in the Cultellidae but it is clear that the group requires more detailed re‐examination.

Sinonovacula is somewhat posteriorly elongate with long separate siphons. The anterior pedal gape acts as a valve to the piston‐like foot enabling rapid reburrowing to occur. Sensory tentacles around the pedal gape respond to mechanical disturbance and water can be squirted from the gape to, presumably, flush away the source of irritation. Modifications of this kind are rare in the Bivalvia.

The anatomy of Sinonovacula is described and related to its life style as a suspension feeder in soft intertidal muds. The ciliary currents of the mantle cavity are powerful, the labial palps in particular being large as compared with the relatively small ctenidia. The stomach is adapted for dealing with large amounts of food, though the sorting areas are not extensive; principal sorting is clearly the function of the labial palps. The style sac and mid‐gut are separate (unlike the conjoined style sac and mid gut of the Tellinacea), and ensure separation of the style from the sediment loaded mid gut.

In many ways Sinonovacula foreshadows the highly modified true razor shells and conditions in these bivalves can be accounted for by further posterior elongation of a bivalve essentially similar to Sinonovacula.