bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two spiders in subfamily Mynogleninae (Araneae: Linyphiidae) from the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic
Authors: Usher Michael B.
Published: August 2009

Two new taxa, Falklandoglenes spinosagen. nov. and sp. nov. and Beauchenia striatagen. nov. and sp. nov., are described from Beauchêne Island, the most remote island in the Falkland Islands archipelago. Both species are in subfamily Mynogleninae, previously thought to be confined to Central Africa and to New Zealand and its neighbouring subantarctic islands. Both species show intermediate characters between the Mynogleninae and the remainder of the Linyphiidae, and hence they throw some light on the phylogeny of this large, complex, world–wide family of spiders.
Male behaviour in two bumblebees, Bombus nevudensis auricomus and B. griseicollis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Alcock John , Alcock John P.
Published: August 2009

The mating system of the bumblebees Bombus nevadensis and B. griseicollis involves apparent territorial defence of perch sites near or within visually conspicuous trees. Non–contact chases between perch owners and intruders are rare in B. nevadensis and more common in B. griseicollis. The perches of B. nevadensis are in open areas whereas those of B. griseicoilis are within trees or in sites shaded by trees. The same locations may be occupied on 2 different years. Individual males may return to favoured perches over periods ranging from 2 to 24 days. Males of both species scent–mark spots near their perches early in the morning and then scan visually for passing females for as much as 7–8 h daily. The landmark–based mating system of these bumblebees is similar to that of some other insects and closely resembles the pure dominance (lek) mating system of certain vertebrates. Some hypotheses for the evolution of diversity in male mating tactics among bumblebee species are presented.
Spiders from Beauchêne Island, Falkland Islands, South Atlantic
Authors: Usher Michael B.
Published: August 2009

A collection of 55 spiders, which was made on Beauchêne Island, Falkland Islands archipelago, in December 1980, contains seven species. Three of these are known from the main body of the Falkland Islands, one is a new subspecies of a species previously known from Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, and the remaining three are endemic to Beauchêne Island. New taxa described are Auximus fuegianus bransfieldinssp. and Emmenomma beauchenicumn.sp.
A comparative study of the diet of auks killed during an oil incident in the Skagerrak in January 1981
Authors: Blake B. F.
Published: August 2009

Stomach contents were examined from guillemots Uria aalge (Pont.), Razorbills Alca torda Linnaeus and Little auks Alle alle (Linnaeus) killed by oil in the Skagerrak in January 1981. The range of prey species was small; the commonest fish found in the stomachs were Gobiusculus flavescens (Fabricius), Crystallogobius linearis (Düben), Sprattus sprattus (L.), Trisopterus minutus (L.) and Ammodytes sp. The relative importance of these fish depended on bird species and locality. Guillemots contained gadoids more frequently and sandeels less frequently than razorbills, and the composition of guillemot samples from Oslo Fjord differed from that of samples from Sweden. Invertebrate remains were uncommon in all bird species; the commonest items recorded were polychaete jaws. The frequency of occurrence of items in the diet of guillemots from Oslo Fjord was apparently influenced by the extent of oiling suffered by the birds.
Postnatal ontogeny of the musculo‐skeletal system in the Black‐tailed jack rabbit (Lepus californicus)
Authors: Carrier David R.
Published: August 2009

The ontogeny of 23 postcranial skeletal dimensions, mechanical properties of the third metatarsal and the femur, and the isometric contractile properties of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured in a complete postnatal growth series of the highly cursorial hare Lepus californicus. Newborn hares are handicapped by short limbs, relatively weak muscles and bone tissue, and shorter muscular contractile distances. However, during growth these deficiencies are rapidly overcome. Hind limb length and gastrocnemius contractile distance undergo positive allometry, scaling as (body mass)0·39 and (body mass)0·41, respectively. The mechanical advantage of the gastrocnemius lever system experiences negative allometry (a(body mass)‐0·12), giving young hares larger advantage around their joints. This, combined with initial positive allometry of gastrocnemius contractile force (α(body mass) 1·23) and subsequent negative allometry of contractile force (α(body mass)0·61), results in the production of relatively greater propulsive forces transmitted from the foot to the ground in juveniles than in adults. In addition, the second moment of area of the metatarsal is relatively large in younger animals, and scales in such a way that during the first half of postnatal growth mechanical similarity is maintained between the breaking moment of the bone (α(body mass)1·50) and the moment imposed on the bone by the gastrocnemius (a(body mass)l·54). These ontogenetic changes contribute to the development of a locomotor system which is effective at escape by the time the young hare is only 20% of adult body size, and must forage independently. Differences between the ontogenetic allometry of Lepus, the interspecific allometry of mammals and the ontogenetic allometry of reptiles are noted and considered in a phylogenetic context.
Sucking louse (Hoplopleura erratica: Insecta, Anoplura) exchange between individuals of a wild population of Eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus, in central Tennessee, U.S.A.
Authors: Durden Lance A.
Published: August 2009

Adult Hoplopleura erratica sucking lice were labelled using a setal clipping technique. Host exchange for lice marked in this manner was monitored through a small population of dye‐marked Eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus, the normal host of this ectoparasite, in a deciduous woodland in central Tennessee, U.S.A. This was accomplished by frequent host live‐trapping, anaesthetization and pelage examinations. Louse transfer was most prevalent during the host summer mating period, presumably because of increased chipmunk contacts. At this time, 66·7% of marked adult lice within the host population transferred. Exchanges between opposite sex hosts were more common and adult males donated most lice; no juvenile chipmunks were recorded as louse donors. A greater proportion of male than female lice transferred. Using the exclusive boundary strip method, all exchanging chipmunks had overlapping ranges or shared at least one boundary line.
Convergent evolution of shell colour patterns in two Caribbean terrestrial prosobranch snails
Authors: Goodfriend Glenn A.
Published: August 2009

Two species of helicinid land snails, the Jamaican endemic Eutrochatella pulchella and the Cuban endemic Viana regina, display a colour pattern of white spots on a greenish background. Microstructural and optical investigations of the shells have revealed that the colour patterns are non‐homologous. In E. pulchella the white spots are associated with areas of granular shell structure, in which the crystals have an irregular, peak‐like form. In V. regina, there is no structural modification of the shell mineral associated with the spots. Modification of the organic matrix is responsible for the appearance of spotting. In V. regina, the shell pigment is yellow and located in the inner part of the shell. It appears greenish as seen from the outside through the translucent shell. The pigment fluoresces yellow under ultraviolet light. The greenish shell pigment of E. pulchella is non‐fluorescent and is uniformly distributed through the shell (except in the white spots).

Since the colour patterns are non‐homologous, their similarity must have arisen through convergent evolution. The adaptive value of the colour patterns is thus indicated. Both species live exposed on limestone rocks and their colour patterns (at least in the case of E. pulchella) cause them to be very cryptic. Predation by visually oriented predators (perhaps birds) is a probable cause of selection for shell colour pattern.

The association of polymorphism with wide habitat breadth and of monomorphism with narrow habitat breadth is proposed. This relationship is seen in the two helicinid species, both of which show little within‐population variation as compared with polymorphic snails (e.g. helicids), which occupy a wide range of habitats. The generally monomorphic character of populations of Jamaican snails may be a result of habitat specialization associated with the unusually high species diversity on the island (some 450 species in 11,400 km2).

The need for studies on the relationship of shell colour and structure is pointed out.
The effect of winter nutrition on growth of young Scottish Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Suttie J. M. , Hamilton W. J.
Published: August 2009

Compared with European Red deer, Scottish Red deer stags are remarkably small. Previous research has shown that this may be primarily due to nutritional, rather than genetic reasons. The present study tested the hypothesis that poor nutrition, especially during the first winter of life, prevented the stags from reaching their genetic potential size. The study was carried out at Glensaugh Research Station on 20 newly weaned Red deer assigned to either of two groups, one fed a high plane of nutrition during the winter, the other a low plane. The trial began in December 1977 and in May 1978 both groups were released into a 200 acre paddock. In September 1978 some of each group were slaughtered. Despite considerable compensation by the low plane winter nutrition group there were significant differences in live weight, antler length and carcass weight at slaughter. It is considered that Scottish Red deer stags reach the maximum size that the environment can maintain despite this being far below their genetic potential.
The population dynamics and sexual strategy of Anodonta woodiana (Bivalvia: Unionacea) in Plover Cove Reservoir, Hong Kong
Authors: Dudgeon David , Morton Brian
Published: August 2009

A 12‐month investigation of the population dynamics, growth, ageing, reproduction and sexuality of Anodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) in Plover Cove Reservoir, Hong Kong, has been undertaken. Recruitment occurs in the summer, May through July being the period of peak incidence of glochidia on captive fish hosts. Juveniles grow rapidly to a shell length of 30 mm and are sexually mature by the following spring. A study of the population structure of A. woodiana indicated that most animals were less than 8 years old. Results of a Walford plot for this species indicated a maximum theoretical shell length (in Plover Cove) of 162·5 mm and a life span of approximately 12 years; the latter is in good agreement with age estimates for European unionids.

Anodonta woodiana is dioecious with females predominating in a ratio of 60:40. A very small number of individuals (0·3%) are hermaphrodite. Males possess mature gonads throughout the year whereas females come into reproductive condition during the spring. There was no evidence of shell form sexual dimorphism, as has been recorded for other unionaceans.

The reproductive strategy and time of gonad maturation of A. woodiana is compared with that of unionids from elsewhere and with other fresh water bivalves from southern China.
Predation, sex ratios, and male competition in equids (Mammalia: Perissodactyla)
Authors: Berger Joel
Published: August 2009

Existing data indicate that a greater preponderance of adult females rather than adult males occurs in most species of mammals. The hypothesis that such differences arise as a result of intermale reproductive competition for females (and not predation) was examined in the Equidae by comparing populations of horses (Equus caballus), asses (E. asinus), and two species of zebras (E. zebra and E. burchelli) in predator‐free, predator‐rich and insular ecosystems.

Evidence is presented that: (1) sex differences in adult mortality occur; (2) they relate to the type and intensity of natural predation; and (3) asymmetries in sex ratios are most often explicable in terms of intermale reproductive competition. Exceptions are discussed and they are complicated by numerous proximate factors.
Male breeding behaviour and mate acquisition in the Common toad, Bufo bufo
Authors: Reading C. J. , Clarke R. T.
Published: August 2009

The breeding behaviour of a Common toad (Bufo bufo) population was studied at a breeding pond on Portland, Dorset. Major toad movements towards the breeding pond occurred on warm, wet nights when the temperature did not fall below 6°C. Males arrived earlier than females resulting in an initially exaggerated sex ratio which then slowly reduced as the breeding season progressed. No size assortative pairing was found although large males were more successful at mating than small males. Although males demonstrated no ESS (evolutionary stable strategy) in searching for a female between sites within the pond evidence suggesting the existence of one between the pond and an undefined area surrounding it was found.
Age determination and growth in the hyrax Procavia capensis (Mammalia: Procaviidae)
Authors: Steyn Daníile , Hanks J.
Published: August 2009

The use of eye lens weight, tooth eruption and tooth attrition has been investigated as a method for age determination in the hyrax. Illustrations are presented on the stages of eruption to reduce subjectivity of eruption criteria and to aid age determination. All teeth are fully erupted and in wear by five years of age, from which point age determination can be based on attrition of M3. Growth with age is described by means of the von Bertalanffy equation. Asymptotic weight is reached by 60 months, asymptotic body length and body girth by 40 months, and hindfoot length by 35 months. The asymptotes and the coefficient of catabolism (K) are compared with values obtained in other studies.
Multivillous cells: epidermal sensory cells of unknown function in lamprey skin
Authors: Whitear M. , Lane E. B.
Published: August 2009

In Lampetra planeri the epidermis of adult and ammocoete contains a type of bipolar cell, with numerous microvilli about 1 μm long on the apex, and the base associated with a nerve fibre by bar‐type synapses. These multivillous cells can be identified with types found by previous authors. In the ammocoete, they correspond to those previously described as epidermal photoreceptors, which were shown to be innervated from the lateralis nerves; this is consistent with the mode of innervation seen by electron microscopy. A pigment seen in the photoreceptors is presumably represented by an organelle consisting of a tangle of microcylinders or tubules, associated in tetrads. The organelle can be called a sinnet, from its configuration. In adult skin, multivillous cells have a close resemblance to the receptor cells of the end buds of adult lamprey epidermis, but they are not associated with supporting cells.
Functional analysis of frog pectoral girdles. The epicoracoid cartilages
Authors: Emerson Sharon B.
Published: August 2009

Two types of pectoral girdles occur among frogs. Arciferal girdles have overlapping epicoracoid cartilages; in firmisternal girdles the epicoracoid cartilages are fused along the ventral midline. Cineradiographic experiments of jumping frogs show that the epicoracoid cartilages of arciferal girdles move relative to each other at the time of landing. Recordings of landings on a force platform reveal that the pectoral girdle of frogs is loaded compressively through the glenoid. This loading regime coupled with differential mobility between firmisternal and arciferal girdles results in differences in stress distribution in the two girdles during landing. The patterns of stress distribution suggest that variation seen among frogs in other aspects of pectoral morphology in addition to the condition of the epicoracoid cartilages may be best understood when analysed from a biomechanical perspective.
Genetic differentiation of starling (Sturnus vulgaris: Aves) populations in New Zealand and Great Britain
Authors: Ross Howard A.
Published: August 2009

Several hundred starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to New Zealand from Great Britain during1860–1880. Allozymic variation at 24 loci was analysed in winter populations sampled at six localities in each country. New Zealand samples had fewer alleles per locus but the same mean heterozygosity (3% per locus) and proportion of polymorphic loci as did British samples. Winter populations in Britain contain European migrants and were genetically homogeneous. Paradoxically, genetic distances among derived New Zealand populations, and between New Zealand and Great Britain were much greater, similar in magnitude to those observed among allopatric populations in other avian species. The geographical pattern of genetic variation in New Zealand suggests that reproductive isolation of populations and random drift have contributed to the development of population differentiation.
Jet propulsion in salps (Tunicata: Thaliacea)
Authors: Bone Q. , Trueman E. R.
Published: August 2009

This paper describes the locomotion of salps by jet propulsion, from a combination of measurements of chamber pressures, static thrust, and electromyographic activity, with kinematic records of free‐swimming and tethered salps. From such measurements, estimates are made of the thrust exerted, the drag incurred, and the work performed by single salps, and by chains of linked individuals. It is concluded that salp jet propulsion is a more economical process than is jet propulsion in other animals.
Ultrastructural and ultrahistochemical studies on ventricular endocardial cells in teleosts (Pisces)
Authors: Leknes Ingvar Leiv
Published: August 2009

The ultrastructure of the ventricular endocardial cells in 17 bony‐fish species representing eight families, is described. In species of Characidae, Cobitidae, Cyprinidae, and Gyrinocheilidae these cells are flat (1–2 µm at nucleus) and contain numerous ribosomes, some few bristle‐coated vesicles (BCV) and small (0.243 pm) electron dense inclusion bodies. However, in species of Cichlidae, Gadidae, and Poeciliidae most endocardial cells appear relatively thicker (2–5 µm at nucleus) and contain numerous BCV, tubules of agranular endoplasmic reticulum, and large (0.5‐1.5 µm) moderately electron dense bodies (MDB). In the MDB occur a number of small (20–150 nm) electron dense granules. Within the family Anabantidae, most endocardial cells seem to be of the first type in Colisa laliu and Trichogaster leeri. whereas in Helosioma iemmincki there are numerous cells of the second type. When glutaraldehyde/tannic acid fixed heart tissue of Pollachius virens is treated with ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, or osmium tetroxide, and grid stained by uranyl and lead solutions, damaged endocardial cells appear highly electron dense, whereas undamaged ones are electron lucent. Further, when glutaraldehyde fixed tissue is treated with osmium tetroxide/potassium ferrocyanide the subendocardial space is filled by a highly electron dense material. The methods described in this study make it possible to distinguish between those endocardial vacuoles having structural contact with the cell membrane, and those lacking such contact, and also to determine whether the lumen of the former is continuous with the subendocardial space, or with the intertrabecular lumen.
Initiation and kinetic profiles of spermatogenesis in the frog, Runa esculenta (Amphibia)
Authors: Rastogi R. K. , Iela L. , Meglio M. Di , Matteo L. Di , Minucci S. , Izzo‐Vitiello I.
Published: August 2009

Spermatogenesis in Rana esculenta is initiated during metamorphic climax and mature spermatozoa are present in froglets 45 days old. Cytological analysis of cell populations shows that some of the primary spermatogonia may lie dormant for brief intervals of time. Timing analysis of the process of spermatogenesis, in adults and in developing Frog larvae maintained at approximately 18°C, was investigated by different methods. The results are remarkably similar. Although perfect synchrony of the developing cells within a single germinal cyst is not the rule, a uniform rate of advancement of germinal cysts of the same stage of development, in most of the seminiferous tubules of a testis is evident. The duration of the secondary spermatogonial divisions is five to six days, involving five or six mitotic cycles, each cycle lasting approximately 24 h. The premeiotic S‐phase, and phases of leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene+secondary spermatocytes, and spermiogenesis each have a duration, respectively, of six, two, six, twelve, two and seven days. The duration of spermatogenesis, from a “committed” primary spermatogonium to the formation of spermatozoa is 41 days.
The action of the anterior feeding apparatus of Caenorhabditis elegans (Nematoda: Rhabditida)
Authors: Seymour Malcolm K. , Wright K. A. , Doncaster C. C.
Published: August 2009

From analysis of ciné film, combined with ultrastructural observations, the anterior feeding structures and their behaviour in the free‐living microbivorous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans during ingestion in dense and sparse suspensions of Escherichia coli are described In dense suspensions bacteria accumulate in the buccal cavity against the three metastomal flaps that nearly close it, and are then swallowed down the three tubular apical expansions of the triradiate oesophageal lumen when the flaps open. Excess medium is then expelled, as the oesophageal lumen closes and traps the swallowed bacteria. The flaps and oesophagus operate by contractions in the seven most anterior oesophageal muscle cells, probably coordinated via proprioceptive nerve endings between the cells. About one million nematode hours are needed to extract 1 g of bacteria from 30 ml of medium. With few or no bacteria, the head moves more, the metastomal flaps do not close and medium seems to pass in and out of the buccal cavity, probably as part of the widespread exploration phase of food‐finding behaviour. Abnormal feeding behaviour, control and functions of the metastomal flaps and associated structures, and control of food intake volume are discussed.
Temperature‐dependent sex determination in Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Ferguson Mark W. J. , Joanen Ted
Published: August 2009

The structure of the reproductive systems of hatchling and 1 ‐year‐old alligators was investigated macroscopically and histologically. Sex is fully determined at the time of hatching and irreversible thereafter. Constant temperature laboratory experiments revealed that the sex of Alligator miuissippiensis is determined by the temperature of egg incubation, 30°C or below producing females, and 34°C or above, males. Experiments in which eggs were shifted from female‐producing temperatures to male‐producing temperatures and vice versa at weekly intervals during incubation demonstrated that the temperature‐sensitive period for sex determination is around 20 and 35 days after egg laying. In the wild, temperature probes were placed in alligator nests constructed in three different habitats: wet marsh, dry marsh and levee (elevated firm ground). The position of the eggs in the nests were mapped at 60 days incubation and the sex of the enclosed hatchlings correlated with the nest temperatures at that site. Levee nests were hot (34°C) and hatched approximately 100% males. Wet marsh nests were cool (30°C) and hatched approximately 100% females. Dry marsh nests had an intermediate temperature profile, the hottest location (34°C) being the top centre of the nest. Males developed from eggs in this location and females from eggs around the periphery and base of the nest. The sex ratio in dry marsh nests was five females to one male. The natural sex ratio at hatching was determined for a large area of representative habitat for four consecutive years and averaged five (±0.7) females to one male. Females hatched from eggs incubated at 30°C weighed more than males hatched from eggs incubated at 34°C because the former contained more absorbed abdominal yolk. These extra energy reserves enable females to grow faster and become larger than males in the early years of life. This means that heavy females become sexually mature ahead of either light females or light males, and because of the reproductive lifestyle of alligators, this early maturity constitutes a selective biological advantage for the evolution of temperature‐dependent sex determination in Alligator mississippiensis. The occurrence of temperature‐dependent sex determination in alligators has wide‐ranging implications for embryological, teratological, molecular, phylogenetic, conservation and farming studies.
Maturity, castration and behaviour of male Bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus (Mammalia)
Authors: Gipps J. H. W.
Published: August 2009

This paper discusses the relationship between aggressive behaviour and sexual maturity, prepubertal castration and wounding in male Bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus. In neutral arena tests in the laboratory, sexually mature males exhibited more aggressive components of behaviour than immature males or than adult males that had been castrated prepubertally. Mature males also exhibited fewer amicable components than the immature or castrated males. During several months residence in large outdoor enclosures, mature males consistently had more fresh skin wounds (inflicted by other voles) than did either immature or castrated males. The relevance of these results to the population ecology of Bank voles is discussed.
Allometry of the leg bones of moas (Dinornithes) and other birds
Authors: Alexander R. McN.
Published: August 2009

The body masses of various moas have been estimated, measurements have been made of their leg bones and allometric equations have been calculated. Corresponding equations have been calculated for various groups of living birds, using new data and data from the literature. The two families of moas are compared with each other, with modern ratites and with flying birds. Shortening of the tarsometatarsus in moas and narrowing of the pelvis in other ratites are interpreted as adaptations concerned with balancing the bird on its feet. following reduction of the wings.
Ovarian activity and reproduction in the frog, Rana esculenta
Authors: Rastogi R. K. , Izzo‐Vitiello I. , Di Meglio M. , Di Matteo L. , Franzese R. , Di Costanzo M. G. , Minucci S. , Iela L. , Chieffi G.
Published: August 2009

Rana esculenta specimens were collected, during the last 13 years, in well‐defined areas around Naples. The annual ovarian cycle shows distinct phases of recrudescence (starting September; vitellogenesis), breeding (late March‐early July; egg deposition and active oogenesis) and quiescence (July‐August; no follicular growth). Previtellogenic follicles are recruited for vitellogenesis in early September and in between two successive ovulatory waves. Breeding congregations are generally formed after a heavy rain fall and eggs are laid in standing waters, temporary or permanent. A maximum of three clutches of eggs is produced during the breeding season, at roughly monthly intervals. All mature females reproduce to some extent. Ovarian weight and clutch size are positively correlated to body weight. Depending upon the body size, the potential clutch size ranges from 1000 to 3500 eggs during the first wave of ovulation and it is notably smaller in the successive wave(s) of ovulation. Egg masses and tadpoles are left unprotected and mortality is high. The life cycle from the fertilized egg to completion of metamorphosis is 2 months and oogenesis in the ovary starts in the larva before the onset of metamorphic climax. Young females hatching from the first clutch of eggs may reach sexual maturity and breed in May the following year; those hatching from the last clutch require nearly 20 months to reach sexual maturity. The importance of some endocrine and exocrine factors for the regulation of ovarian activity and reproduction is discussed.
Abundance, distribution and age structure offish populations in a Western Australian estuary
Authors: Potter I. C. , Loneragan N. R. , Lenanton R. C. J. , Chrystal P. J. , Grant C. J.
Published: August 2009

Beach seines, gill nets and otter trawls were used during 1979–81 to sample extensively the fish fauna of the Peel‐Harvey estuarine system. Approximately 145,000 individuals were caught, representing 29 familes and 55 species. The Clupeidae, Teraponidae, Mugilidae, Apogonidae, Atherinidae and Gerreidae were the dominant families, each contributing at least 8.9% to the total catch and together contributing 86.2%. Seasonal catch data and length‐frequency distributions were used to help clarify the way in which the estuary was utilised by fish. Nine of the 15 most abundant fish species were marine species which entered the estuary for variable periods while the other six were represented by populations in which the individuals were capable of passing through the whole of their life cycle within the estuary. In order of abundance, the nine marine species were Hyperlophus vittatus, Pelates sexlineatus, Aldrichetta forsteri, Mugil cephalus, Torquigener pleurogramma, Favonigobius lateralis, Pranesus ogilbyi, Gymnapistes marmoratus and Sillago schomburgkii, while the six species with estuarine populations were Apogon rueppellii, Atherinosoma elongata, Nematalosa vlaminghi. Atherinosoma wallacei, Cnidoglanis macrocephalus and Amniataba caudavittatus. The extent and seasonality of the distribution of the species within the estuary and associated river systems varied considerably. Evidence is also presented to show that fish tend to move further away from the shallow banks near the shore with increasing age and size. The fish fauna of the Peel‐Harvey is compared with those of Cockburn Sound and the estuaries of the Swan‐Avon and Blackwood rivers in Western Australia and with Botany Bay in eastern Australia.
Allometry of gill dimensions in some British and American decapod crustacea
Authors: HUGHES G. M.
Published: August 2009

The gill areas and their component measurements of 16 species of North American crab and seven species of British decapod crustaceans have been analysed in relation to body mass using the method of logarithmic transformation.

A wide range of relationships was found, each of which is typical for a given species. The slope, b, of the log/log regression lines varied from 0·5 to 1·0, the lower values being most commonly found in the Macrura. For the North American species the average slope is about 0·8 whereas for British brachyurans the relationship was close to linear (b=0·97).

The analysis shows that the increase in gill surface body size is mainly due to the increasing area for individual platelets or gill lamellae.

Comparison of weight‐specific gill areas for animals of the same body weight suggests that the most active species have larger gill areas. For some of these species the values (900mm2/g) approximate to those of active fish.

As plots for interspecific relationships derived from average values for many individual species have slopes which are not typical for any of the component species, it is concluded that caution must be exercized when interpreting such interspecific plots in Allometric studies.
Ultrastructural distribution of morphology of the mammary gland with observations on the size fat droplets in milk of the Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddelli (Pinnipedia)
Authors: Tedman R. A.
Published: August 2009

Ultrastructural observations were made of the non‐lactating and lactating mammary gland of the Weddell seal, and measurements of several cell components were compared with those in other species to determine whether there are any morphological modifications within the gland to explain the unusual milk composition and very rapid growth of sucking young in this species.

The mammary parenchyma in non‐lactating and lactating Weddell seals is almost identical morphologically to that found in other mammals. Although the relative volumes of most organelles are similar to those in other eutherians, the relative volume of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is reduced in the Weddell seal. In addition, the absolute and relative volumes of Golgi vacuoles are smaller in the Weddell seal, probably associated with the low lactose and water content of the milk. The synthesis and secretion of milkspecific proteins and fat droplets by mammary secretory cells in the Weddell seal appear to be identical to other eutherians. Relatively small numbers of fat droplets less than 1 μm diameter are present in epithelial cells, alveolar lumina and milk samples, and there is a far greater contribution by large fat droplets to the total fat volume of Weddell seal milk than milk from other mammals.
Energetics, body size, and the limits to endothermy
Authors: MCNAB BRIAN K.
Published: August 2009

The scaling rate of metabolism with respect to body mass is analysed. Scaling of heat production implies that scaling also exists between temperature regulation and body mass. Most vertebrates follow a Kleiber relation down to a “critical mass, below which the scaling of metabolism must be changed to ensure the maintenance of endothermy. Such an adjustment is found interspecifically in birds and mammals, and is found intraspecifically in mammals during post‐natal growth. If the Kleiber scaling relation is maintained below the critical mass, mammals and birds shiR from endothermic temperature regulation (above critical mass) to endothermy with obligatory torpor (below critical mass). If the Kleiber relation is followed to masses far below the critical mass, ectothermy results. Critical mass varies inversely with the level of energy expenditure, which therefore accounts for the fact that most mammals and birds are endotherms and most reptiles and fish are ectotherms. The same relationship permits the facultative endothermy found in some insects and plants.

The scaling relations existing among rate of metabolism, endothermy, and body mass can be written as a modification of the Kleiber relation. This analysis suggests that any organism, irrespective of phylogenetic position, can be endothermic at any body size, if its rate of metabolism is high enough, or can be endothermic with any rate of metabolism, if it is large enough. Consequently, it is difficult to distinguish minimal endothermy from inertial homoiothermy in animals having a large mass. The boundary conditions for effective endothermy are similar to the relationship described between metabolism and mass in the evolution of endothermy through a decrease in mass in the phylogeny of mammals. Even though endothermy may evolve with an increase in mass, its perfection may always require an evolutionary decrease in mass.
Studies on an Indian polydesmoid millipede Streptogonopus phipsoni Life cycle and swarming behaviour of the larvae
Authors: Bellairs Vivien , Bellairs Ruth , Goel S.
Published: August 2009

The adults of Streptogonopus phipsoni (Pocock), an Indian polydesmoid millipede, emerge from the soil at the onset of the monsoon and mate. Eggs are laid in the soil and the adults die. The larvae leave the soil at stadium III and, apart from moulting periods, remain on the surface until the end of the monsoon. The larvae are aggregated in swarms, usually consisting of several hundred individuals. They are active on open ground, including metalled roads, during daylight, but usually spend the night in an inactive state under cover of stones or vegetation. If a swarm is disturbed, the individuals scatter but later reaggregate.

Laboratory experiments show that the larvae are sensitive to light even though they lack eyes, and if given a choice spend more time in the light than the dark. Just before and after moulting however they spend more time in the dark than in the light.

Experiments were carried out on the reactions of the larvae to aquatic suspensions of benzaldeyde, since this substance is related to components of the exudate of the repugnatorial glands; strong concentrations (10‐1) repelled the larvae, whilst weak concentrations (10‐6) attracted them. It is suggested that swarms may be dispersed or reaggregated by the effects of variations in concentration of components of the exudates. The benefits to the larvae which may result from swarming are discussed.
A taxonomic reappraisal of the Daphnia hyalina complex (Crustacea: Cladocera): an experimental and ecological approach
Authors: Christie P.
Published: August 2009

The paper is a taxonomic study of the limnetic Daphnia populations of the English Lake District, the populations upon which the most popular taxonomic scheme is based (Johnson, 1952).

Johnson treats these populations as three varieties of the species D. hyalina, namely D. hyalina s. str., D.h. var. galeata and D.h. var. lacustris.

Careful examination of the populations of Esthwaite reveals that what has previously been regarded as a population of a single variety of D. hyalina. includes three distinct forms. Experimental work confirms that these are genetically distinct. One of these forms corresponds to D. hyalina var. galeata, whilst the other two are designated the “toothed” and “round‐headed” forms.

The first part of the paper is concerned with the taxonomic status of var. galeata. Brooks (1957) and some later workers treat this as a separate species (D. galeata) on morphological grounds. This is fully supported by the present work. Differences between var. galeata and co‐existing forms in incidence of sexual reproduction, in vertical distribution and in seasonal abundance and average brood‐size provide further support for the separation of D. galeata.

The second part of the paper is concerned with D. hyalina s.str. which, on the basis of morphology, ecology and reproductive behaviour, is shown to be at least as distinct from other members of the complex as is D. galeata. It is argued that other forms should therefore to be removed from D. hyalina. The taxonomic status and affinities of the remaining “toothed” and “round‐headed” forms are discussed.
Variations in size and growth of Great skua Catharacta skua chicks in relation to adult age, hatching date, egg volume, brood size and hatching sequence
Authors: Furness R. W.
Published: August 2009

The paper describes the relationships between adult age, hatching date, egg volume, brood size, hatching sequence, chick weight at hatching, chick growth rate and chick body size for a population of Great skuas in Shetland. The relative importance of these factors, and food availability, is assessed in determining chick size, weight, and growth rate.
Breeding biology of the Light‐mantled sooty albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata) at South Georgia
Authors: Thomas G. , Croxall J. P. , Prince P. A.
Published: August 2009

Aspects of the breeding biology of the Light‐mantled sooty albatross Phoebetria palpebrata were studied at South Georgia. Its breeding distribution there is summarized and an annual breeding population of c. 5000 breeding pairs estiamted. Laying, hatching and fledgine dates are given, together with egg measurements and data on the duration of incubation and brooding shift. Chick growth in weight and wing length from hatching to fledging was followed in detail.

Breeding season adaptations of P. palpebrata are compared with those of the other three albatrosses at South Georgia. The slow chick growth of P. palpebrata results in a nestling period even longer than those of the two larger mollymawks and is attributable mainly to the lower frequency of feeding resulting from the highly pelagic existence of adult P. palpebrata.

Comparisons are made with other breeding populations and especially with that on Marion Island. This is basically very similar and differences in chick growth patters are suggested to relate to differences in diet and particulartly to the frequency with which chicks receive food.
Formation and fate of the corpus luteum in the Dusky leaf monkey (Presbytis obscura)
Authors: Burton G. J.
Published: August 2009

The formation and fate of the corpus luteum have been described for a previously un researched species of South‐east Asian colobine, the Dusky leaf monkey, Presbytis obscura. Histological material from 44 wild female monkeys collected at various stages of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and lactation over a 12‐month period was available for study. The corpus luteum of the menstrual cycle was a cystic structure and consisted of a thin rim of luteal tissue surrounding a central cavity filled with a meshwork of fibrin. At the end of the luteal phase the corpus luteum either degenerated into a corpus albicans, or became transformed into a corpus aberrans. Corpora aberrantia have previously only been described in the ovaries of the rhesus monkey, where they may persist for many months. Ultimately the corpus aberrans may also degenerate into a corpus albicans. Small corpora lutea atretica were observed during early pregnancy but there was no evidence of corpora lutea accessoria. Anovulatory cycles were common amongst the females included in this study and may play a role in limiting the growth of troops in their natural environment. Comparisons have been drawn between the findings presented here and those published for other species of catarrhine primate.
The annual cycle of the epididymis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island
Authors: Griffiths D. J.
Published: August 2009

The tubules of the head and body of the elephant seal epididymis undergo large increases in diameter and principal cell height for the duration of the breeding season, and regress at the conclusion of breeding. The tubules of the tail show a lesser development, and only towards the end of breeding. Spermatozoa, first produced in the testis in August, reach the tail of the epididymis in September, and are present in large numbers throughout the epididymis in October and November. In December, the first month of sexual quiescence following the breeding season, sperm are almost totally absent from the epididymis.
Sex specificity in the anal gland secretion of the Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon
Authors: Hefetz Abraham , Ben‐Yaacov Rina , Yom‐Tov Yoram
Published: August 2009

The Egyptian mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, uses its anal gland secretion to mark objects in its home range, presumably to communicate with members of its own or other groups. Chemical analysis (gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry) of the secretion showed that it contained a complex mixture of long‐chain (C10‐C22) carboxylic acids with varying degrees of methyl branching. All the branched acids found in females were 4 methyl substituted. Males possess an additional component that seems to be a sex specific compound 2, 4, 6, 10 tetramethylundecanoic acid, which is a major component of the secretion.
The estuarine biology of the River lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis, in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, with particular reference to size composition and feeding
Authors: Maitland P. S. , Morris K. H. , East K. , Schoonoord M. P. , van der Wal B. , Potter I. C.
Published: August 2009

Samples collected regularly during 1979, 1980 and 1981 from the intake screens of power stations in the estuary of the River Forth produced data on the estuarine phase in the life cycle of the River lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis. Recently metamorphosed animals were common during the spring while sexually maturing adults were abundant in the late summer and autumn. These were assumed to be lampreys at the end of their downstream and start of their upstream migrations respectively. The respective sizes of the presumed downstream and upstream migrants were 69–135 mm (0‐2‐2‐8 g) and 200–361 mm (7‐0‐93‐2 g). Smaller numbers of animals of intermediate size were collected during the summer and late autumn. Males were usually the predominant sex with an average of 56–5% of the population in 1980–1981. In all months, the mean weight and with one exception also the mean length, was greater for females than for males. The intestine frequently contained fish remains, especially muscle, bone and scales of clupeids and thus the River lamprey seems to feed mainly on teleosts in this estuary. An analysis of the size of scales in the intestines of lampreys of various body lengths indicates that there is a relationship between the size of host and predator. Comparisons with other studies of Lampetra fluviatilis emphasize the variability that exists in aspects of the biology of this species within and among populations.
An analysis of the morphological relationships between the Hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) of Newfoundland, the Denmark Strait, and Jan Mayen
Authors: Wiig ØYstein , Lie Rolf W.
Published: August 2009

Sixteen metrical and 18 non‐metrical variants in aged Hooded seal skulls from Newfoundland, the Denmark Strait, and Jan Mayen were recorded. Relationships between the stocks were studied using univariate and multivariate techniques, after appropriate correction for age dependence of the metrical variants. No multivariate separation of the stocks was detected and it is concluded that there are little genetical differences between them. Therefore the null hypothesis that there is a high degree of intermixing between the stocks cannot be rejected.
Age structure and changes in abundance of three important species of teleost in a eutrophic estuary (Pisces: Teleostei)
Authors: Lenanton R. C. J. , Potter I. C. , Loneragan N. R. , Chrystal P. J.
Published: August 2009

Comparisons have been made between the catch statistics for the commercial gill and haul net fisheries of two large neighbouring estuaries in south‐western Australia. The results indicate that during the 1970s the abundance offish in the Peel‐Harvey system in south‐western Australia rose as a result of the effects of nutrient enrichment, which included a massive increase in macroalgae (Cladophora sp. and Chaetomorpha spp.). In terms of mean monthly catch per boat per annum, which is shown to be a good reflection of the annual catch per unit effort, the total fishery increased by 1.8 times from 738 kg in the 10 years prior to 1969 to 1327 kg between 1970 and 1979. The comparable values for the three most important commercial species, i.e. the Yellow‐eye mullet (Aldrkhetla forsteri), Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Cobbler (Cnidoglanis macrocephalus), increased by 1.9, 21 and 3.3 times, respectively. This contrasts with the situation in the nearby large Swan‐Avon estuary which has not seen prolific macroalgal growth but whose fishery uses the same techniques and is exposed to similar market demands. Thus, in the Swan‐Avon the mean monthly catch per boat for the total fishery increased in the 1970s by only 1.2 times and no significant change occurred in this parameter for the important Sea mullet and Cobbler. Length‐frequency data showed that all three species grew rapidly in the Peel‐Harvey estuary, with the result that most individuals had reached the minimum legal length for capture within two years. In the case of the Sea mullet, this length was sometimes achieved by the end of the first year of life. Since growth rates of the main fish species in the Peel‐Harvey were similar to those in the Swan‐Avon, the increase in weight of fish caught is probably attributable to a rise in fish abundance rather than a faster growth rate. While the rise in abundance may reflect a greater food availability, it could also represent a decline in predation from the large, local, piscivorous bird populations as a result of the development of extensive macrophyte cover.
Geographic variation in the Western grass snake (Natrix natrix helvetica) in relation to hypothesized phylogeny and conventional subspecies
Authors: Thorpe R. S.
Published: August 2009

Ordination analysis of the geographic variation in the Western grass snake reveals a V pattern with the northern populations at the apex and the south‐eastern (Italian) populations differentiated clinally down one arm and the south western (Ibero‐African) populations differentiated categorically along the other arm. There is a clear relationship between latitude and extent of differentiation; the populations in the south west being particularly highly differentiated. These phenetic patterns can be closely related to the numerically hypothesized phylogeny and can be explained by Pleistocene events. The relationship between the rejected conventional subspecies and these patterns is discussed and it is shown that some conventional subspecies are derived from arbitrarily sectioned clines and delimited by inappropriate physiographic features.