bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth wear patterns in voles (Microtus agrestis and Clethrionomys glareolus) and efficiency of dentition in preparing food for digestion
Authors: Lee W. B. , Houston D. c.
Published: March 2009

Voles (Microtinae) are among the smallest of mammals which feed extensively on plant leaf material. They achieve higher digestive efficiencies than large ungulates, and this study considers the role that dentition may play in grinding food into small particles, so assisting efficient digestion. Bank (Clethrionomys glareolus) and field voles (Microtus agrestis) were found to chew their food into far smaller particles than ungulates, field voles producing smaller particle sizes than bank voles. Scanning electron micrographs showed differences in tooth wear patterns between species, and in bank voles a change in diet led to changes in tooth wear and to changes in the efficiency with which food was processed. Field voles have a pore structure on the occlusal surface of the molar teeth which could play an important role because when the teeth act antagonistically these pores could grate fragments of plant leaves into very small particles and hence enable the animals to achieve high digestive efficiencies.
Intramuscular crossed connective tissue fibres: skeletal support in the lateral fins of squid and cuttlefish (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)
Authors: Johnsen S. , Kier W. M.
Published: March 2009

The lateral fins of cuttlefish and squid were modelled to test the hypothesis that an array of crossed connective tissue fibres embedded within the musculature of the fins provides the support required for bending and to evaluate the role of the connective tissue in elastic energy storage. Previous morphological studies showed that the fins consist of a tightly packed array of musculature similar to that found in other muscular hydrostats. However, an electromyographical study of low amplitude, low frequency fin beating found that, unlike other muscular hydrostats, synergistic muscle contractions do not provide the support required for fin bending. Three computer simulations were performed. The first, a force analysis. considered the resistance to lateral compression provided by the crossed connective tissue fibres of an unbent fin. The second, an energy minimization analysis, considered the shape and deformation of the fin when subjected to lateral compressive forces confined to either the dorsal or ventral surface of the fin. The results from these first two simulations were combined in a third simulation that calculated the upper limit for connective tissue strain as a function of the angle subtended by the arc of the fin. This last simulation suggests that the connective tissue array provides the support required. It also predicts that the connective tissue strain is slightly non‐linear as a function of fin angle and that the connective tissue fibres on the concave side are considerably more strained than those on the convex side of a bent fin. Further, the original fibre angle of the connective tissue is such that the total amount of elastic energy stored in the array is parabolic as a function of fin angle, suggesting that the array may allow the fin to function as a harmonic oscillator. The ‘spring stiffness’ predicted by the model approximates the optimal value calculated for a harmonically oscillating fin at the frequency and wavelength observed. This suggests that elastic energy storage in the connective tissue fibre array may increase the efficiency of the fins during locomotion.
Play in a captive breeding colony of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina): constrained by time or by energy?
Authors: Renouf Deane
Published: March 2009

The play of a breeding colony of captive harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) was documented over a four‐year period to identify changes associated with seasonal variations in energy use, and to corroborate previous field studies which were restricted to observations at the hauling grounds during breeding and moulting. Outside the breeding/moulting period, play was more frequent and in some animals average daily food intake was higher. Thyroid hormones did not vary seasonally in any clear manner. The adults increased their daily activity markedly during the breeding/moulting period. It is argued that these changes in play rate were a reflection of constraints on time rather than energy, since the animals played most when mass and fat were being accumulated for the winter. Field observations were confirmed in the laboratory, showing most play to be solitary, with significant amounts of adult play which was more stereotyped than that of younger seals. Behaviour in captivity was less ebullient and sometimes truncated in comparison to that seen in the wild; however, nine new types of play and a more elaborate repertoire of object play were seen in the laboratory, where seals could be observed throughout the year and underwater.
Diet of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Authors: Oli M. K. , Taylor I. R. , Rogers D M. E.
Published: March 2009

The diet of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) was studied from 213 scats collected between April 1990 and February 1991 in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Nepal. Seven species of wild and five species of domestic mammals were taken, as well as an unidentified mammal and birds. Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) were the most frequently eaten prey. Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana) were also important, except in winter when they were hibernating. During winter, snow leopards ate more Royle's pika (Odiotona royki) and domestic livestock. Yaks were eaten more frequently than other livestock types.
Is intersexuality a cost of environmental sex determination in Gammarus duebeni?
Authors: Dunn A. M. , Adams J. , Smith J. E.
Published: March 2009

Three possible causes of intersexuality in Gammarus duebeni, a crustacean with environmental sex determination, were investigated. Intersexuality appears to be a cost of the flexible sex‐determining mechanism of this species: the occurrence of intersexes is influenced by photoperiod, which also cues sex determination. Intersexuality is heritable: intersex mothers produce more intersex offspring than do true females. Parasitism by a feminizing microsporidian is ruled out as a significant cause of intersexuality.
The relative merits of foregut and hindgut fermentation
Authors: Alexander R. McN.
Published: March 2009

Mammalian herbivores cannot break down cellulose except by fermentation, and may have Termentation chambers at either end of the gut: ruminants have their principal fermentation chamber in the stomach but horses ferment only in the hindgut. A mathematical model (Alexander, 1991) predicted that foregut fermenters should do better than hindgut fermenters on poor foods, and the reverse on richer. less fibrous foods. Further, the optimum gut for poor foods would have the hindgut fermentation chamber only a little smaller than the foregut chamber. However. it has been claimed that horses do better than ruminants on poor food, and the hindgut of ruminants is much smaller than the rumen.

In this paper, the basic model is modified in ways designed to make it more realistic and the effects are investigated. None of the modifications alters the conclusion that the optimum gut for poor food has a large foregut fermentation chamber. However, the optimum proportions of fore‐to hindgut, for poor diets, become more like those of real ruminants when account is taken of the diminishing volume of the food passing through the gut, and of incomplete mixing in the rumen.
Natural history of small mammals of subtropical montane areas in central Taiwan
Authors: Yu Hon‐Tsen
Published: March 2009

Based on samples collected in 1989–90, I report on several aspects of the natural history of species of small mammals from seasonal montane areas in subtropical central Taiwan, including their reproduction, demography, sex ratio and body size. The climatic seasonality in the areas is striking. The wet season lasts from May through September and the dry season from October through April. The phenology of plant life is related to this seasonality: vegetative growth occurs primarily in the wet season, but fruit and seed production is concentrated in the dry season. Variation in the reproduction and demography are analysed between the wet and the dry season for six species, Apodemus semotus, Niviventer culturatus. Eothenomys melanogaster, Microtus Kikuchii, Anourosorex syuamipes and Soriculus fumidus. Two murid rodents. A semotus and N. culturatus. are capable of breeding year‐round, whereas the microtine rodents, E. melanogaster and M. Kikuchii, have discrete breeding seasons. The shrews, A. squamipes and S. fumidus are both seasonal breeders. but they differ in the timing of their breeding cycles. While S. fumidus breeds primarily in the late dry season, A. syuamipes reproduces in the wet season. Finally, seasonal variation in reproduction is discussed in relation to phylogenetic and physio‐ecological characteristics of these six species.
Changes in body mass and feeding behaviour in male harbour seals, Phoca vitulina, in relation to female reproductive status
Authors: Walker B. G. , Bowen W. D.
Published: March 2009

Loss of body mass has been used as an index of the cost of reproductive effort in mammals. We studied changes in body mass of male harbour seals, Phoca vitulina, during the breeding season on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Individually marked subadult (n= 21) and adult (n= 22) males were captured at approximately six‐day intervals throughout the breeding season. Adult males weighed an average of 108 kg ± 5·6 (S.E.) at initial capture, whereas subadults weighed an average of 76 ± 6·6 kg. The rate of mass loss by adult males did not differ from zero during the pre‐mating period (i.e. the period without receptive females), but differed significantly from zero (‐0·91 ± 0·007 kg/day) during the mating period (i.e. the period with receptive females). By contrast, the rate of mass change of subadults did not differ from zero in either period, indicating that food availability was unlikely to be responsible for the observed changes in adults. Adult males lost up to 24% of body mass during the breeding season. Examination of sera for the presence of chylomicrons (i.e. evidence of recent feeding) also suggested that adults stopped feeding during the mating period, while subadults did not. These results suggest that reproduction represents a significant energetic cost to adult male harbour seals.
Biochemical divergence and biogeography of anglerfish of the genusLophius(Lophiiformes)
Authors: Grant W. S. , Leslie R. W.
Published: March 2009

We used an allozyme phylogeny (withLophiomus setigerusas an outgroup) and the geologic and oceanographic history of the Atlantic Ocean to construct an historical biogeographical hypothesis for the seven species ofLophius.Nei's modified genetic distances based on 32 loci ranged from 0·418 betweenL. piscatorius(Europe) andL. litulon(Japan), to 1·05 betweenL. piscatoriusandL. vaillanti(West Africa). The topologies of the phenetic trees were incongruent with the cladistic trees of polarized character‐state changes. The cladistic analyses show thatL. piscatoriusandL. litulonare sister taxa. but it is not clear whetherL. budegessa(Mediterranean Sea) andL. romerinus(southern Africa) are sister taxa or whether the latter taxon lies outsideL. piscatorius, L. litulonandL. budegassa.The branch leading toL. americans(North America) lies just outside these taxa. andL. vaillantiis the most primitive species ofLophius.The allozyme phylogeny suggests the following scenario of vicariances and dispersals. AncestralLophiusarose as a vicariant split with a common ancestor toLophiomusby the collision of the African Plate with Eurasia in the Neogene. The rifting of Africa from South America led to the appearance ofLophius gastrophysus(Brazil) andL. vaillanti. Lophius americanusappeared by a northward range expansion along the Americas and climatic vicariance or by dispersal from ancestral South American populations. An ancestral EuropeanLophius, arose by range expansion or dispersal across the North Atlantic of an ancestral North AmericanLophius, andL. budegassaarose in the Mediterranean Sea following the Messinian Crisis in the Pliocene.Lophius vomerinusarose through dispersal along West Africa and appears to be a sister taxon ofL. budegassa. Lophius piscatoriusandL. litulonare sister taxa, andL. litulonarose by long‐distance dispersal through the Arctic Ocean after the Bering Strait opened. These results suggest that dispersal has been as important as vicariance in driving speciation inLophius.
Sperm displacement in a millipede? An investigation into the genital morphology of the southern African spirostreptid millipede Orthoporus pyrhocephalus
Authors: Barnett Mandy , Telford Steven R. , Villiers Casper J. de
Published: March 2009

Male and female genital morphology of the spirostreptid millipede Orthoporus pyrhocephalus was examined by conventional and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The relative syncopulatory positions of the genitalia were established through dissections of pairs in copula. Male gonopods bear scoops and regions of pitted spines. both of which are similar in form to morphological structures implicated in insect sperm displacement. Consideration of the position of the oviduct‐spermathecal junction in females predicts that displacement is restricted to a sperm removal mechanism. The importance of spermathecal shape in determining sperm precedence patterns is discussed. The orientation of the genitalia during copulation indicates that sperm displacement is plausible and a mechanism of gonopod action is suggested.
A biomechanical comparison of the lantern of the cidarid sea‐urchin Stylocidaris affinis with the typical camarodont lantern
Authors: Andrietti F. , Carnevali M. D. Candia , Wilkie I. C.
Published: March 2009

In the present analysis experimental results and computer modelling have been used to compare biomechanics of the two most contrasting lantern types among regular echinoids, i.e. the cidarid‐type (Stylocidaris affinis) and the camarodont (Paracentrotus lividus) lantern. The lantern is modelled as a rigid pyramid anchored in the centre of the peristomial area. Each side is connected to the test by means of muscles (protractors and retractors) rind ligaments (compass depressors). The overall movement of the lantern may be resolved into vertical displacement and lateral tilting. Computer‐aided mechanical analysis of the system takes into account the action of protractor and/or retractor muscles, their elastic reaction and the interaction with the ligamentous structures (peristomial membrane and compass depressors). The geometrical parameters have been determined by preliminary structural analysis and the values of active and passive forces have been measured experimentally. The results of simulations highlight important differences in the mechanics of the Stylocidaris lantern compared to that of Paracentrotus: (1) a very much greater antagonistic effect of muscular passive stretch resistance on lateral tilting: (2) a minor role of the peristomial membrane tensile strength and muscular activity in controlling vertical lantern displacement: (3) a less efficient lantern retraction and protraction owing to unfavourable muscle insertion position on the perignathic girdle and ineffective muscular contraction forces. As a conclusion, in Stylocidaris the action of the protractor and retractor muscles seems to play no significant role in moving the overall lantern, their action being mainly exerted to stabilize it. On the contrary, in Paracentrotus such stabilizing action is provided by the compass depressor ligaments. Finally, on theoretical grounds the arrangement of muscle attachments around the perignathic girdle in Stylocidaris seems to be just as good as that of Paracentrotus for controlling overall lantern mobility, if relative heights of insertions are ignored.
Ecomorphological constraints imposed by the kidney component measurements in honeyeater birds inhabiting different environments
Authors: Casotti G. , Richardson K. C. , Bradley J. S.
Published: March 2009

The histological renal anatomy of 10 species of honeyeaters was examined quantitatively, using stereology. The kidneys of five species of predominantly wet zone inhabiting birds: the western spinebillAcanthorhynchus superciliosus, White‐checked honeyeaterPhylidonyris nigra. New Holland honeyeaterPhylidonyris novaehollandiae, little wattlebirdanthochaera chrysopteraand red wattlebirdAnthochaera carunculata, were compared to five predominantly arid zone inhabiting birds: the grey‐fronted honeyeaterMeliphaga plumula, white‐plumed honeyeaterMeliphaga penicillata, white‐fronted honeyeaterPhylidonyris albifrons, spiny‐checked honeyeaterAcanthogenys rufogularisand yellow‐throated minerManorina flarigula.The kidneys were asymmetrical, with the left kidney being larger than the right kidney. Kidney mass was directly proportional to body mass (coefficient of correlation, r =+0·95), as was kidney volume to kidney mass (r =+1·0). Wet zone honeyeaters generally and a higher percentage and absolute volume of renal cortex, whilst arid zone honeyeaters generally had a significantly higher percentage and absolute volume of renal medulla. There were few differences between species, in either the percentage or absolute volume or luminal surface area of nephron components within the cortex. Within the medulla, wet zone honeyeaters generally had a higher percentage and absolute luminal surface area of collecting ducts, whilst arid zone honeyeaters had a higher percentage and absolute surface area of capillaries. This may be due to factors such as variations in diet and climate between habitats resulting in differences in honeyeater renal morphology which enable arid zone birds to conserve water and wet zone birds to conserve ions more efficiently.
Agonistic behaviour in full‐grown larvae of the damselfly Diphlebia euphoeoides (Odonata: Amphipterygidae)
Authors: Rowe R. J.
Published: March 2009

Agonistic displays of larval Diphlebia euphoeoides, an amphipterygid damselfly, are described. Damselflies are conventionally regarded as consisting of two broad taxonomic divisions, namely ‘narrow‐winged’ damselflies and ‘broad‐winged’ damselflies. Agonistic displays are known from many larval ‘narrow‐winged’ damselflies. This is the first description of agonistic behaviour in the larva of a ‘broad‐winged’ damselfly. Twenty six major displays were distinguished. Several new major displays, unlike those described for any other odonate larva, were found. Other display motor patterns showed a strong similarity with those recognized in larval Coenagrionidae. Such displays probably represent symplesiomorphies. The potential use of larval agonistic display characters in phylogenetic analysis is discussed. Contrary to recent hypotheses on turnover of agonistic displays, change within odonate lineages appears to be very slow.
Comparative behaviour of sand and mountain gazelles
Authors: Habibi K. , Thouless C. R. , Lindsay N.
Published: March 2009

Behavioural observations of both captive and free‐ranging sand and mountain gazelles revealed differences in group size and composition, territory size and agonistic behaviour. Sand gazelles are seasonal breeders and form large herds (maximum = 56) during rut and post‐rut as compared to mountain gazelles, which breed throughout the year in smaller groups (maximum = 5). As a result, mountain gazelle males maintain their territories year round, whereas sand gazelle rams show marked morphological changes and defend a territory only during the rut. Mountain gazelle males exhibited threat displays rather than engaging in actual combat more often than did sand gazelles. Although subject to the same environmental conditions, sand gazelles are seasonal breeders and the young are born in March‐April, whereas mountain gazelles give birth throughout the year.
The diet of the introduced carnivorous snail Euglandina rosea in Mauritius and its implications for threatened island gastropod faunas
Authors: Griffiths O. , Cook A. , Wells Susan M.
Published: March 2009

Euglandina was collected over a three‐year period in four habitat types in Mauritius. Smaller collections were also made in Reunion and Rodrigues. The areas in which the Euglandina were collected were simultaneously sampled for potential prey species. Identification of the stomach contents and comparison with the available prey shows that most prey are eaten whole and that native species are eaten in greater numbers that would be expected form a consideration of their numbers in the habital. Achatina spp., which Euglandina was originally introduced to control, was not positively identified in the diet. Even if all unidentified prey fragments were form Achatina then this would form less than 5% of the total number of items in the stomachs.

Habital destruction, together with predation by Euglandina, appear to be major contributors to the extinctions of native Mauritian snails. The conservation of primary forests, into which Euglandina has not penetratd, is suggested as the most effective way to save the remaining endemic ground‐dwelling snails form extinction. These results add further emphasis to the importance of preventing introductions of Euglandina to areas with native snail faunas, and show clearly that this predator is not a successful control agent for Achatina.
Does metatarsal/femur ratio predict maximal running speed in cursorial mammals?
Authors: Garland Theodore , Janis Christine M.
Published: March 2009

We tested the hypothesis that hind limb proportions may be used to predict locomotor performance in a sample of 49 species of primarily cursorial mamals. Data on maximal sprint running speeds taken from published sources were related to measurements of hind limb lengths. To control for statistical complications due to the hierarchical nature of phylogenetic relationships, we used Felsenstein's (1985) independent contrasts method for analysing comparative data, and a composite phylogeny for all 49 species, based on a variety of published sources. The independent contrasts method indicates that maximal running speed does not covary significantly with body mass for this sample of mammals (mass range= 2.5–2,000 kg). Even though quality of the available speed data is highly variable, both metatarsal/femur ratio—the traditional index of ‘cursoriality’ in mammals—and hind limb length (corrected for body size) are significant predictors of maximal running speed. When only fully curorial species are included in the analyses (n = 32), hind limb length still significantly predicts speed (r2= 16%), but MT/F ratio does not. Although ungulates tend to have larger MT/F ratios than do Carnivora, they are not generally faster; relatonships between speed and limb proportions within the two clades show no significant differences. These and previous results suggest that hind limb proportions and maximal running speed may not have evolved in a tightly coupled fashion. Prediction of locomotor performance of extinct forms, based solely on their limb proportions, should be undertaken with caution.
An experimental field study of a eurytopic anole, Anolis oculatus
Authors: Malhotra A. , Thorpe R. S.
Published: March 2009

A manipulative field experiment, to investigate the interaction of physiology with ecolgy, is described. Body temperatures of four ecotypes of the lizard Anolis oculatus were studied in their natural habitats on the ecologically diverse island of Dominica. A sample of each ecotypic population was then transferred to one of four 12 times 12 metre experimental enclosures, situated in one of the original habitats. The four in situ populations were found to differ significantly in mean body temperature, and, to a lesser extent, in the degree of thermoregulation. Howerve, no differences were found between enclosed populations. This experiment demonstrates that the apparent differences in the thermal preference of the different ecotypes are attributable solely to the availabiltity of thermal microclimates in the different habitats. The apparent lack of specialization of physiogical traits is surprising in view of the fine‐scaled evolutionary adjustment of morphology to geographic variation in local environment that has been recorded in this species, and suggests that more detailed examination of physiology and ecology would be fruitful.
Jumping in springtails: mechanism and dynamics
Authors: Brackenbury J. , Hunt H.
Published: March 2009

An analysis of the mechanism of the jumping organ of the cylindrical springtail Tomocerus longicornis and the globular springtail Dicyrtoma ornata is presented based on morphological examination and high‐speed photography. Both species have a click mechanism involving deformation of the abdominal sclerites. Morphological and photographic evidence supports the hypothesis that eversion of the springing organ involves a hydroelastic mechanism based on haemocoel pressurization and increased tension in the abdominal sclerites. A computer model was used to analyse jump kinematics and energetics. This model accounts for the spin observed during jumping and shows how body planform (e.g. cylindrical versus globular) and tail length can influence direction, height, range and rate of spin.
Intraspecific variation in resistance to desiccation and climatic gradients in the distribution of the bush‐dwelling land snail Trochoidea simulata
Authors: Arad Z. , Goldenberg S. , Heller J.
Published: March 2009

Resistance to desiccation was examined in six populations of the Israeli bush‐dwelling snail Trochoidea simulata, a desert species distributed mainly between the 100–200 mm isohyets.

The present study revealed significant intraspecific differences in resistance to desiccation which are correlated with habitat and climatic gradients within the distribution range of the species. Populations from more arid sites were more resistant to desiccation and heat exposure than those from more mesic areas. However, the population from the Rift Valley (an extremely arid region) was surprisingly poorly resistant. Rates of population water loss under the controlled experimental conditions in the laboratory generally matched the calculated water losses during natural summer aestivation.
Dietary differences between male and female fallow deer in sympatry and in allopatry
Authors: Putman R. J. , Culpin S. , Thirgood S. J.
Published: March 2009

Composition of the diet of fallow deer in the New Forest in southern England was determined on a monthly basis from faecal analyses. The deer were shown to be predominantly grazers: grasses accounted for approximately 70% of annual forage intake, with the remainder of the diet dominated by sedges, rushes, heather and broadleaved browse. Differences in dietary composition and diet quality could be shown between males and females where buck and doe groups occupied discrete home ranges. Differences between the male and female diets were also maintained in areas where the two sexes. while still socially segregated, occupied overlapping ranges. Males had higher quality diets in winter, while females consumed higher quality diets in spring and summer. These results are considered in the context of general theories of dietary difference between the sexes in dimorphic species of ungulates.
Seasonal changes in density, demography and body composition of small mammals in a southern temperate forest
Authors: Wirminghaus J. O. , Perrin M. R.
Published: March 2009

Eleven small mammal species (nine rodents and two shrews) were recorded in 16 months of trapping in the Karkloof Forest, Natal. Total densities varied seasonally, ranging from 60.7 animals/ha in the dry autumn and winter to 29.1 animals/ha at the onset of the rains in spring and early summer. Peaks in breeding coincided with high body fat and water content in the five common species during summer: in winter, when body fat and water levels were low, there was no breeding. This may be related to poor food quality at this time. Annual changes in density, breeding season and juvenile recruitment of Rhabdomys pumilio, Mastomys natalensis and Myosorex varius are the same as recorded in conspecific populations from other habitat types and do not seem modified by the habitat stability of the forest environment. Of the five common species, only Grammomys dolichurus, one of the few forest‐associated small mammals in southern Africa, and Graphiurus murinus demonstrated stable, K‐selectéd life‐history styles.
The dorsal paracloacal gland and its relationship with seasonal changes in cutaneous scent gland morphology and plasma androgen in the marsupial sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps; Marsupialia: Petauridae)
Authors: Bradley A. J. , Stoddart D. M.
Published: March 2009

A study spanning two breeding seasons was carried out to examine changes in the size of the dorsal paracloacal glands and testes in the marsupial sugar glider Petaurus breviceps Waterhouse 1839. These changes were related to seasonal increases in the plasma testosterone concentration and to morphological changes in the frontal and gular cutaneous scent glands of males.

Both dorsal paracloacal glands and testes underwent a seasonal cycle of development which reached its maximum during the June‐September breeding season. These changes coincided with an increase in the plasma testosterone concentration and with the increase in activity of certain cell types within the frontal and gular glands.

Castration caused a significant decrease in the size of the dorsal paracloacal glands, while androgen replacement was effective in restoring the glands to their pre‐castration size thus demonstrating the influence of androgens upon the activity of these glands.

The synchronization which exists between plasma testosterone concentration, cutaneous scent gland morphology and the size of the dorsal paracloacal glands of males, suggests that the dorsal paracloacal glands, or more likely their secretions, are important in social organization in this species.
A comparative study of the ecology of woodmice Apodemus sylvaticus in two contrasting habitats: deciduous woodland and maritime sand‐dunes
Authors: Gorman Martyn L. , Akbarbin Zubaid , Ahmad Mukhtar
Published: March 2009

The woodmouse is a characteristic rodent of deciduous woodland but also occurs in a wide variety of othe habitats. This paper describes the comparative ecology of woodmice living in two habitats of markedly different productivity; deciduous woodland and a maritime sand‐dune system.

The diets of the two populations were quite different; woodland mice ate mainly seeds whilst those on the dunes subsisted on invertebrates, particularly Coleoptera.

Population densities in the woodland were higher than those on the dunes. In contrast, home range sizes were much larger on the dunes.

Mice living in the two habitats exhibited different patterns of activity. The dune animals left their nests earlier in the evening and they were active for longer each night.

It is argued that all of these differences between the two populations are due to differences in food availability in the two habitats.
Ovarian cycle and egg production of the western swamp tortoise Pseudemydura umbrina (Testudines: Chelidae) in the wild and in captivity
Authors: Kuchling G. , Bradshaw S. D.
Published: March 2009

The reproductive organs of logn‐term captive females and of wild females of the western swamp tortoise, Pseudemydura umbrina, which were taken temporarily into captivity, were studied over several years by ultra‐sound scanning. Pseudemydura umbrina, a critically‐endangered species, is active during winter and spring when the ephemeral swamps it inhabits contain water and aestivates during summer and autumn (November to May/June) when the swamps are dry. The vitellogenic growth of ovarian follicles commences during aestivation in summer and continues during autumn and winter. The timing of the vitellogenic cycle is remarkably similar to that of many other Australian chelids and that of many other chelonians of temperate and subtropical regions, but the patterns of energy harvest, storage and allocation to ovarian follicles is different. Ovulation occurs between late September and early November and is preceded by a feeding bout and a sharp increase in female body mass. One clutch of 3–5 eggs (exceptionally of one or two) is laid in November/December. Sub‐adult females show cycles of follicular growth, followed by atresia, for several years before ovulating and laying eggs. Females taken into captivity may miss the following vitelogenic cycle, but captivity does not generally affect vitellogenic cycles. Ovulation and egg production of captive animals is easily suppressed, however, under stress or sub‐optimal food intake in spring. The sensitivity of ovulation to sub‐optimal conditions and the subsequent reabsorption of the yolk material may enhance survival of the reproducing individual during long dry periods in an unpredictable environment.
Dimensions of the intestine, diet and faecal water loss in some African antelope
Authors: Woodall P. F. , Skinner J. D.
Published: March 2009

Measurements of the intestine of 16 species of antelope were allometrically analysed. Moisture content of the digesta showed greatest interspecific variation in the spiral and distal colon. Small intestine length showed positive allometry, its circumference showed negative allometry, resulting in a surface area which was isometric or related to metabolic rate. Dimensions of the villi were non‐allometric. Grazers had lower surface areas of the small intestine than intermediates/concentrate selectors owing to smaller circumferences. In the large intestine, the dimensions of the distal colon showed the greatest interspecific variation. Lengths of the large intestine showed positive allometry except for the caecum which was isometric. Circumferences and areas of the large intestine were isometric or related to metabolic rate. Species producing dry dung had larger lengths and areas of the large intestine but a smaller circumference of the proximal and spiral colon and also showed greater drying of digesta per unit area than those producing wetter dung. Grazers had smaller lengths, circumferences and areas of the large intestine than intermediates/concentrate selectors.
Biased estimates of fur seal pup mass: origins and implications
Authors: Trites A. W.
Published: March 2009

The mass of fur seal pups weighed in different years can be used to estimate growth rates or compared with one another to make inferences about the relative condition of a population. However, unless appropriate precautions are taken, many factors can bias estimates of pup mass and lead to incorrect conclusions. Using data collected from tagged and untagged northern fur seal pups (Callorhinus ursinus) at the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, I assess how milk consumption, the timing of sampling, and the effects of growth and sample size influence the size of pups captured for weighing. Evidence is presented suggesting that pup mass may increase in a sigmoid fashion, with the most rapid rate of growth occurring when about two months old. This phenomenon can confound efforts to compare the masses of pups weighed on different days in different years, particularly if pups are weighed over the period of rapid growth. Variability in pup mass increases with time because growth rates of individuals vary and because the amount of milk pups consume increases with body size. Thus sample sizes must be increased as the pups grow older in order to detect statistically significant differences in mean body mass. There is also evidence that pups of different ages and sizes are not randomly distributed on the breeding beaches and are not randomly selected for weighing. It appears that the first pups captured for weighing are smaller and younger than subsequent captures, possibly because smaller pups are easier to handle and are segregated to the peripheral rookery regions where sampling begins. These hidden biases, related to sampling error and fur seal biology, must be considered and controlled for when weighing fur seal pups.
Seasonal variation in grouping patterns of the forest‐dwelling Cyprus mouflon Ovis orientalis
Authors: Maisels Fiona G.
Published: March 2009

The seasonal variations in grouping patterns of the forest‐dwelling Cyprus mouflon were examined over the annual cycle. Most of the trends observed in the size and composition of groupings agree with previous work on open‐country living sheep. The main difference between Cyprus mouflon, which live in forest, and wild sheep living in open country, was in the overall group size, which is smaller in Cyprus mouflon. In fact, in their overall group size, Cyprus mouflon seem to follow the pattern of other forest‐dwelling ungulates.
A new species of the genus Enoplocotyle (Plateyhelminthes: Monogenea) parasitic on the skin the moray eel Gymnothorax kidako in Japan, with observations on hatching and the oncomiracidium
Authors: Kearn G. C.
Published: March 2009

The anatomy of the monogenean Enoplocotyle kidakoi sp. nov., a skin parasite of the moray eel, Gymnothorax kidako, in Japan, is described. E. kidakoi is readily distinguishable from the other two members of the genus, namely E. minima and E. hawaiiensis, by the structure of the copulatory apparatus, which is supported by two independent tubular sclerites. The oncomiracidium of E. kidakoi is unciliated and has no trace of hamuli or a pseudohaptor. The relationship between Enoplocotyle spp. and other monogeneans is discussed and previous suggestions that Enoplocotyle and the acanthocotylids share a common ancestry are supported. This affinity is recognized by the inclusion of the Enoplocotylidae with the Acanthocotylidae in a newly‐defined superfamily, the Acanthocotyloidea. Eggs of E. kidakoi require to make contact with host skin before hatching takes place.
Predation by foxes, Vulpes vulpes, on the fossorial form of the water vole, Arvicola terrestris scherman, in western Switzerland
Authors: Weber J. ‐M. , Aubry S.
Published: March 2009

Predation on the fossorial form of the water volc by the red fox was studied in western Switzerland from April 1988 to February 1991. As well as analysis of the ramains found in fox scats collected monthly, seasonal trapping was carried out to estimate water vole density. During this study, the water vole was the main prey of the fox, representing 54.5% of all items (n=1707). There was a significant correlation between availability of water voels and their consumption by the red fox.
Body condition of a small passerine bird: ultrasonic assessment and significance in overwinter survival
Authors: Newton Stephen F.
Published: March 2009

The fitness benefits of intraspecific variation in physiological attributes have rarely been measured. Body condition, defined as the current status of metabolic reserves relative to likely demands, has often been implicated in subsequent survival, but has proved difficult to assess reliably in the live animal. A technique for assessing body condition, in terms of the main protein reserve of small birds, is presented. Pectoralis muscle thickness was measured in live birds using ultrasound reflection from the sternum. The relationship between the relative size of pectoralis muscles in autumn and the likelihood of overwinter survival in the dipper Cinclus cinclus was examined. The pectoralis reserves of male dippers surviving overwinter were significantly greater than those of birds which died or disappeared between late November and the breeding season in April. In contrast, variation in autumn condition of females was unrelated to overwinter survival.
Sociality, time and space in a sparse population of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Gibb John A.
Published: March 2009

This 10‐year study describes a sparse population of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) living in small, semi‐isolated groups on river flats with some scrub in an otherwise forested valley. The rabbits lived above ground in the scrub by day and fed in the open at night. They bred in isolated ‘stops’ dug in the shingle often far from suitable grazing for the young. Many stops collapsed, killing the young. Home ranges were recorded by radio telemetry. Bucks had larger ranges than does and spent less time in the scrub. Adults of both sexes were sedentary for life. Some bucks travelled > 500 m at night. Most ranges were too large to be defended strictly; night feeding grounds were often communal. In the evening, adult rabbits spent 44% of the time feeding and 33% inactive. Social interactions were frequent. At all seasons, in the evening most adult rabbits were seen singly or as pairs. Pairs seldom remained intact for > 12 months even when both partners were alive. The buck of the pair was usually older than the doe because bucks outlived does. The adult survival rate was about 0.80 for bucks, 0.55 for does. Four bucks lived for > 7 years. Few young survived for long after leaving the nest; many were killed by predators. Dungheaps, used for 60% of the droppings, were concentrated near the scrub where rabbits congregated in the evening. The behaviour of these rabbits differed in many ways from that of rabbits in enclosures or at higher density in the wild.
White rhinoceros range size in the south‐western Kruger National Park
Authors: Pienaar D. J. , Bothma J. du P. , Theron G. K.
Published: March 2009

White rhinoceros range size was ascertained telemetrically in the south‐western Kruger National Park. The mean annual range size of territorial males was 9.86 km2 compared to 22.83 km2 for adult females. White rhinoceros females' summer wet season range was larger (21.44 km2) than the winter dry season range (11.64 km2). It is argued that abundant field‐water during the wet season enables animals to range further from permanent water supplies and to utilize larger foraging areas. White rhinoceros have core areas in their individual ranges that usually are situated along riverbanks in the preferred grazing regions. These core areas also include some favourite resting spots on high‐lying areas. White rhinoceros range sizes in the south‐western Kruger National Park were similar to those of other reserves with comparable white rhinoceros densities. In the Umfolozi Game Reserve, which has a higher white rhinoceros density than the Kruger National Park, the individual ranges are much smaller.
Kinematic analysis of drinking by the lacertid lizard, Lacerta viridis (Squamates, Scleroglossa)
Authors: Bels V. L. , Goosse Véronique , Kardong K. V.
Published: March 2009

The kinematics of drinking of Lacerta viridis were analysed. A drinking bout is composed of four phases: approach, immersion, emersion and withdrawal. The tongue and gravity are central to moving water through successive compartments of the buccal cavity and into the oesophagus. Upon the basis of formifunction analysis of water intake and transport, a kinematic model of drinking in lizards is proposed.
Parental investment and brood defence by made and female great skuas Catharacts skua: the influence of food supply, laying date, body size and body condition
Authors: Hamer K. C. , Furness R. W.
Published: March 2009

This paper tests the predictions of parental investment theory and other hypotheses relating to variation in brood defence by examining aggression displayed by great skuas Catharacta skua towards intruders within their territories. Aggression serves the function of nest defence; hatching success of adults breeding in Shetland increased with aggression displayed during incubation, and the correlation between aggression and hatching success was apparent in three separate age classes. Adults displayed higher levels of aggression and greater parental investment in reproduction in years of poor food supply. This was not due to an increase in adults' expectations of future benefits of brood defence with increased investment. since hatching success was unaffected by food supply, and breeding success was lower in years of poor food supply. The observed increase in aggression therefore supports parental investment theory. Aggression increased with body condition index (in terms of mass corrected for body size) for females, but decreased with increasing body condition index for males. This probably reflects size‐specific differences in the relative benefits of weight and manoeuvrability as means of promoting effective brood defence and reducing the risk of injury to parents. Aggression may also reflect adult quality, with body condition reflecting quality in opposite ways in males and females, as a result of their different roles during the breeding season.
Diving pattern and performance in the macaroni penguin Eudptes chrysolophus
Authors: Croxall J. P. , Briggs D. R. , Kato A. , Naito Y. , Watanuki Y. , Williams T. D.
Published: March 2009

The pattern and characteristics of diving in two female macaroni penguins Eudyptes chrysolophus was studied, during the brooding period, using continuous‐recording time‐depth recorders, for a total of I8 days (15 consecutive days) during which the depth, duration and timing of 4876 dives were recorded. Diving in the first 11 days was exclusively diurnal, averaging 244 dives on trips lasting 12 hours. Near the end of the brooding period trips were longer and included diving at night. About half of all trips (except those involving continuous night‐time diving) was spent in diving and dive rate averaged 14–25 dives per hour (42 per hour at night). The duration of day time dives varied between trips, and averaged 1.4–1.7 min, with a subsequent surface interval of 0.5–0.9 min. Dive duration was significantly directly related to depth, the latter accounting for 53% of the variation. The average depths of daytime dives were 20–35 m (maximum depth 11 5 m). Dives at night were shorter (average duration 0.9 min) and much shallower (maximum 11 m); depth accounted for only 6% of the variation in duration. Estimates of potential prey capture rates (3–5 krill per dive; one krill every 17–20 s) are made. Daily weight changes in chicks were directly related to number of dives, but not to foraging trip duration nor time spent diving. Of the other species at the same site which live by diving to catch krill, gentoo penguins forage exclusively diurnally, making longer. deeper dives; Antarctic fur seals, which dive to similar depths as macaroni penguins, do so mainly at night.
The ultrastructure of the aesthetes of Leptochiton asellus (Polyplacophora: Lepidopleurina)
Authors: Sturrock M. G. , Baxter J. M.
Published: March 2009

The ultrastructure of the aesthetes of Leptochiton asellus is described. Comparisons are made with the ultrastructure of the aesthetes of other chiton species and a number of unusual features are highlighted. In particular the perforated structure of the subsidiary caps and the extensive areas of banded molecular strands are discussed.
Observations in nature of detouring behaviour by Portia fimbriata, a web‐invading aggressive mimic jumping spider from Queensland
Authors: Jackson Robert R. , Wilcox R. Stimson
Published: March 2009

Portia fimbriata, a web‐invading, araneophagic salticid that uses aggressive mimicry to deceive its prey (web‐building spiders), takes indirect routes to reach its prey (i.e. it makes detours). Data are presented from 18 instances of Portia making detours to reach prey in nature, the prey being five different species of web‐building spiders. Portia spent 17 min (median) per predatory sequence with the prey out of view and covered 375 mm detouringper sequence. These detours were longer and more complex than those previously recorded for salticids, and these are the first detailed records of detouring behaviour by a salticid in the field.