bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal Evolution in the Diplodactylinae (Gekkonidae, Reptilia) .1. Evolutionary Relationships and Patterns of Change
Authors: King M
Published: June 2005

A chromosomal analysis of 47 species of diplodactyline gekkos indicates that these are a monophyletic assemblage derived from a 2n = 38 acrocentric ancestral karyotype. Four major clades are present, the first possessing the ancestral karyotype. The remainder are defined by the possession of a series of shared derived chromosomal rearrangements, or by the type of chromosome change. The first of these derived clades includes the subgenus Strophurus, which has five fixed, presumed pericentric inversion differences. The second includes members of the D. vittatus species group. Here, a number of chromosome fusions have been established which appear to have been associated with speciation. The third derived clade is distinguished by 19 fixed, presumed pericentric inversions, and includes the genera, Oedura, Rhacodactylus, Bavayia, Pseudothecadactylus, Carphodactylus and Hoplodactylus. It is argued that the 2n=38 acrocentric karyotype common to many of the species is the ancestral karyomorph, and the modifications of this format have been achieved by both chromosome fusion and pericentric inversion. The decision that this is the ancestral karyomorph was based on its dominance in extant species; the fact that similar karyotypes are present in other gekkonid subfamilies (effective out-groups), that 2n =38 all acrocentric ancestral karyotypes are also found in some other lizard families, and that such a diversity of rearrangements was established, provide arguments against any other viable ancestral format. Two discrete modes of chromosomal repatterning are found in the Diplodactylinae: the fixation of presumptive multiple pericentric inversions, producing a karyomorph which characterises large groups of species; and the fixation of fusion or presumptive inversion differences which distinguish individual species or chromosome races. The latter appear to have been associated with speciation. It is clear that in certain groups, such as the Strophurus species group (the members of which all share a derived karyomorph defined by the presence of five inverted chromosomes), speciation has proceeded without gross chromosomal rearrangements.
Local Dispersal of the Biting-Midge Culicoides-Brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Murray MD
Published: June 2005

C. brevitarsis 'rested' in the ground herbage during the day and flew just before dusk and during the evening and night, when air temperature was above 18�C and wind velocity was below 8 km h-'. More females were caught in light traps with 6-V 18-W globes than with 7.2-V 3-W globes. Only the light ventral to the traps played a part in catching this biting-midge. More were captured with the 120�-traps, which illuminated a 10-m circle of herbage beneath, than with 40�-traps, which illuminated a 2-m circle. Covering up to 20 by 20 m of the ground beneath 40�-traps with opaque plastic or setting these traps in ploughed paddocks, 40 m from any ground herbage, gave collections of females similar in numbers and population structure to nearby collections over grass. Nulliparous and parous females, empty, blood-fed and gravid, were captured at 2, 4 and 6 m above the ground. Females were shown to congregate around cattle to feed, to oviposit, and to maintain contact. Dispersal in the wind is an integral part of the biology of C. brevitarsis.
Logical Synthesis of an Animals Environment - Sponges to Non-Human Primates .1. Primitive Terms and Definitions
Authors: Niven BS
Published: June 2005

This paper is the first in a series on the environment of the freshwater sponge, Spongilla lacustris, the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, the cane toad, Bufo marinus, and the chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes. A new version is given of the formal symbolic definition of total environment, which was published by Niven (Erkenntnis, 1982, 17, 307-20). Informal defining equations are then presented, with examples from the environments of the five species of the study.
Logical Synthesis of an Animals Environment - Sponges to Non-Human Primates .2. The Fresh-Water Sponge, Spongilla-Lacustris
Authors: Niven BS , Stewart MG
Published: June 2005

The environment of the freshwater sponge S. lacustris is classified according to the defining equations given in the first paper of this series. An envirogram displaying objects in the environment in their correct place is presented. Notes on the envirogram include informal versions of the appropriate defining equations that are used for the classification.
Monophyleticism and Polyphyleticism in the Gekkonidae - a Chromosomal Perspective
Authors: King M
Published: June 2005

Kluge (1967, 1983) proposed that the four subfamilies within the Gekkonidae were monophyletic assemblages, but that the Gekkoninae could be divided into two tribes on the basis of hyoid apparatus structure. Whilst agreeing that four subfamilies were present in the Gekkonidae, Moffatt (1973) argued that those groups of non-Eublepharine gekkos which remained after the differentiation of the Diplo- dactylinae and Sphaerodactylinae, and which had not become sufficiently distinct to be classified into separate subfamilies, had been lumped together as the Gekkoninae. Subsequently, Russell (1976, 1979) found that at least seven distinct groups could be defined within the Gekkoninae on the basis of toe structure. In the present paper I compare chromosomal evolution in the monophyletic Diplodactylinae and that in the possibly polyphyletic Gekkoninae, to test whether the tribal subdivision made by Kluge (1983) is valid, or whether this is a far more heterogeneous group as Russell and Moffatt proposed. The chromosomal data from 47 of the 92 species show that the Diplodactylinae have evolved from a 2n = 38 all acrocentric ancestral karyotype by the processes of pericentric inversion and centric fusion. In contrast, an analysis of 74 species from the Gekkoninae shows that eight distinct putative ancestral karyomorphs are present, 2n=32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46, each of which is acrocentric or telocentric. Numerous fusions, inversions, additions and tandem fusions have occurred within each of these categories. These data suggest that the Gekkoninae are a polyphyletic assemblage, and group comparisons indicate that there is some agreement with the morphogroups proposed by Russell (1976).
Logical Synthesis of an Animals Environment - Sponges to Non-Human Primates .3. The Rat Tapeworm, Hymenolepis-Diminuta
Authors: Niven BS
Published: June 2005

The environment of the rat tapeworm, H. diminuta, is classified according to the defining equations given in the first paper of this series. Two envirograms are presented: they display the objects within the environments of larva and adult in their correct places. Notes on the envirograms include informal versions of the appropriate defining equations that are used for the classification.
The Water and Electrolyte Metabolism of Free-Ranging and Captive White-Browed Scrubwrens, Sericornis-Frontalis (Acanthizidae), From Arid, Semi-Arid and Mesic Environments
Authors: Ambrose SJ , Bradshaw SD
Published: June 2005

Seasonal variations in water and sodium turnover of resident populations of free-ranging Sericornis frontalis were measured at three sites in Western Australia ranging from arid, through semi-arid to mesic environments. Scrubwrens at all three sites maintained water and sodium balance despite the wide variation in environment. During winter at semi-arid Eyre, however, scrubwrens had a greatly increased dietary sodium intake resulting from the deposition of airborne oceanic salt over the coastal dunes. Scrubwrens at arid Hamelin had significantly lower water turnover rates (e.g. 1.3 ml 10 g-'d-') than those at Eyre and mesic Rockingham during hot, dry periods. The highest rates of water turnover were recorded at Rockingham during wet winters. We discuss the ecological implications of these results.
In laboratory studies, scrubwrens from arid regions consumed NaCl solutions of up to 0.8 mol l-', compared with a maximum of only 0.6 ml l-' by scrubwrens from semi-arid and mesic regions. Shark Bay scrubwrens also had a much greater renal-concentrating ability which may be partially accounted for by the larger proportion of medullary tissue in the kidneys of these birds.
The Energetics of Free-Living Little Penguins Eudyptula-Minor (Spheniscidae), During Molt
Authors: Gales R , Green B , Stahel C
Published: June 2005

Levels of circulating triglycerides and cholesterol in moulting little penguins in Tasmania were measured before, and throughout the moult. Levels at the initiation of moult were similar to those in breeding birds but increased by 2.5 times (triglycerides) and 1.8 times (cholesterol) during the moult. Water flux rates and field metabolic rate (FMR) were measured throughout moult with tritiated and doubly labelled water. TBW ranged from 54 to 70% body weight and increased during moult. Water influx rates were significantly correlated with rate of weight change. Mean FMR of moulting little penguins was 657 kJ kg-' day-', or 1.5 times basal metabolic rate (BMR), and there was no difference between sites or sexes. The water influx rates of birds foraging immediately after moult were 11 times higher than in moulting birds. The energy required to sustain a moulting little penguin is 15% higher than that required for a resting, non-moulting penguin. Although the cost of moult is elevated above BMR, the main energetic expense is met during the pre-moult foraging period when birds must consume enough food to ensure that they lay down sufficient fat reserves to sustain the moult.
Milk Consumption and Energetics of Growth in Pouch Young of the Tammar Wallaby, Macropus-Eugenii
Authors: Green B , Merchant JC , Newgrain K
Published: June 2005

Milk consumption rates of young tammar wallabies, Macropus eugenii, were measured during the first 32 weeks of lactation by means of 22*Na turnover. Milk consumption rates were low during the first 18 weeks or so of lactation, rising from 1.2 to 9.0 ml d-'. Milk consumption rose to 43 ml d-' at 30 weeks post-partum. Changes in milk consumption were paralleled by increases in the size of mammary glands and weight gain by the sucklings. The mass gain for each millilitre of milk consumed (crude growth efficiency) averaged 0.23 g ml-I during the first 26 weeks of lactation, but then increased to more than 0.35 g ml-'. The increased growth efficiency was associated with massive increases in the lipid and energy content of milk from 26 weeks onwards. The conversion efficiencies of milk protein and energy to body materials were intermediate (55-87%, 23-36%, respectively) to those of other mammals, which suggests that the slow growth of pouch young during the first 17 weeks of lactation is the result of restricted milk production by the mother. Milk production and the growth of young were closely correlated with maternal mass (r=0.96; r=0.80, respectively) at 16 weeks post-partum.
Protozoan Parasites of the Cane Toad, Bufo-Marinus, in Australia
Authors: Delvinquier BLJ , Freeland WJ
Published: June 2005

A survey of the protozoan parasites of the introduced South American cane toad, Bufo marinus, was conducted between 1983 and 1984 in Queensland. In all, 267 fully grown specimens, 7 juveniles and 115 tadpoles were checked for blood, cloaca, gall bladder and, for the tadpoles only, skin protozoans, and results are compared with records of the toad's protozoans in South America. Results show that Bufo marinus has not retained any of its native blood protozoans, and that it has introduced species of intestinal and gall bladder protozoans: Trichomitus batrachorum; Zelleriella antilliensis; Hyalodaktylethra renacuajo n.g. (=Saccamoeba renacuajo); and, Myxidium immersum. The toad has adopted at least three species of native protoopalinids: Protoopalina australis; P. hylarum; and, P. raffae. The intestinal flagellates Chilomastix caulleryi, Retortamonas dobelli, Giardia agilis, Spiro- nucleus elegans, and Monocercomonas batrachorum are all new records for B. marinus. Undetermined species of Nyctotheroides were observed in the cloaca. A species of Trichodina is reported for the first time on the skin of the toad's tadpoles.
Flock Size and Vigilance in Parrots
Authors: Westcott DA , Cockburn A
Published: June 2005

We observed the effect of several flock and extrinsic variables on the vigilance and foraging behaviour of red-rumped parrots, Psephotus haematonotus (Gould), and galahs, Cacatua roseicapilla (Vieillot), during the non-breeding and early breeding season in the Canberra region. Birds devoted less time to vigilance and more to foraging as flock size increased. However, log-linear modelling revealed that this relation was affected by a complex set of variables, inevitably in the direction of higher vigilance as predation risk increased. Although both species adjust scan rates, red-rumped parrots were more likely to adjust the length of scans than galahs, possibly because the opportunity to increase scan rates is restricted when scan rate is already high. Changes to food resources and the physiological demands of winter cause adjustments to the diurnal pattern of foraging, but not to the total time spent foraging, or to the pattern of flocking. We conclude that the risk of predation is the dominant influence on flocking by parrots.
The Pitfall Trap of the Australian Ant-Lion Callistoleon-Illustris (Gerstaecker) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae) - an Evolutionary Advance
Authors: Mansell MW
Published: June 2005

The Australian ant-lion Callistoleon illustris (Gerstaecker), constructs a unique pitfall trap with trenches radiating from the pit. This development, hitherto unrecorded, is documented and discussed and the larva is described and illustrated.
The Digestion of Pollen by Some Australian Birds
Authors: Wooller RD , Richardson KC , Pagendham CM
Published: June 2005

About one-third of all banksia pollen grains excreted 1-2 hours after ingestion by captive New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), zebra finches (Poephila guttata) and budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), had lost their protoplasmic contents. Most pollen passed through the digestive systems of these birds in 4-5 hours and up to 44% of grains were digested. The faeces of wild purple- crowned lorikeets (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) showed a similar proportion of empty grains. In the budgerigar, honeyeater and lorikeet, loss of contents of pollen grains occurred, not in the stomach, but progressively along the intestine.
Microbial Activity in the Forestomach of Free-Living Macropodid Marsupials - Comparisons With Laboratory Studies
Authors: Dellow DW , Hume ID , Clarke RTJ , Bauchop T
Published: June 2005

Parameters of fermentative digestion were measured in five species of macropodid marsupials shot while feeding in the wild. These included details of microbiota, fermentation products (volatile fatty acids, gas, ammonia) and forestomach digesta pH. Ciliate protozoa and fungi, similar to anaerobic rumen fungi, were present in the forestomach of all species except Thylogale thetis. The bacterial flora was complex and numbers were similar to those in the ruminant forestomach. The forestomach gas contained more methane than found previously in captive macropodids, and in Wallabia bicolor hydrogen was present at 10- 11% of total gas. The pH of forestomach digesta was 5.7-6.7, indicative of animals actively feeding.
Comparisons of stomach fill, ammonia and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and molar proportions, and rates of VFA production in the forestomach and hindgut, indicated that conclusions on digestive function in macropodids derived from studies on captive animals are generally applicable to free-living macropodids. The main differences probably lie in greater levels of feed intake in the field, and in greater opportunity for free-living macropodids to select from a more heterogeneous diet.
Effects of Fasting and Sedation on Gastrointestinal-Tract Function in 2 Potoroine Marsupials
Authors: Hume ID , Carlisle CH , Reynolds K , Pass MA
Published: June 2005

Radiographic techniques were used to follow the movement of barium sulfate given orally, either as a suspension or incorporated into feed pellets, through the gastrointestinal tract of two potoroine marsupials, Aepyprymnus rufescens, the rufous rat-kangaroo; and Potorous tridactylus, the long-nosed potoroo. Compared with previously reported results from fed animals, fasting for 12-15 h delayed the passage of contrast medium into the small intestine, but sedation with ketamine hydrochloride visibly increased gastrointestinal tract activity and significantly reduced retention times of contrast medium in the stomach.
A daily cycle of ingesta movements within the potoroine stomach, consequent upon the discontinuous feeding pattern and nature of the diet of these small marsupials, is proposed. In this proposal the sacciform region of the forestomach plays a primary role in storage of ingesta for later digestion in the intestine, and fermentative digestion of fibre is of secondary importance.
Sexual Selection in Dung Beetles .2. Female Fecundity as an Estimate of Male Reproductive Success in Relation to Horn Size, and Alternative Behavioral Strategies in Onthophagus-Binodis Thunberg (Scarabaeidae, Onthophagini)
Authors: Cook D
Published: June 2005

One component of the reproductive success (fitness) of Onthophagus binodis Thunberg males was estimated by the number of offspring their mate produced relative to male horn and body size. O. binodis males consist of large horned and small hornless morphs. Female fecundity was significantly increased when reproducing with: (1) large horned males compared with small hornless males; (2) the horned morph compared with the hornless morph of males with similar body size. Horned males cooperating with females invest a considerable effort in providing each egg with dung. Hornless males do not appear to assist females after mating. Alternative male mating strategies are predicted under intense intrasexual competition. As hornless O. binodis males persist in large numbers alongside cooperative, mate guarding horned males, selection should favour alternative tactics by hornless males to gain reproductive opportunities.
Nesting Biology and Taxonomy of Arpactophilus-Mimi, a New Species of Social Sphecid (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae) From Northern Australia
Authors: Matthews RW , Naumann ID
Published: June 2005

Arpactophilus mimi, Naumann, sp. nov., is described from Kakadu National Park, N.T. and its biology is outlined. A. mimi nests in abandoned cells of mud-dauber wasps in sandstone overhangs. Its nests are lined heavily with silk and contain 1-15 cells and 1-10 adult wasps (1-7 females, 0-3 males). On average nests contain 5.2 cells and 2.75 adult females. Prey (immature Psyllidae and Tingidae) are supplied progressively. Nests are parasitised by a species of megalyrid wasp, but incidence of parasitism is low. Nest defense is both physical (entrance guard always present) and chemical (citrus odour from heads of both sexes). Females from a single nest could be ranked on the basis of relative ovarian development, suggesting that more than one female oviposits. Females apparently cooperate in brood care and offspring in a nest develop asynchronously. The biology of A. mimi is compared to that of Microstigmus comes Krombein, the most socially advanced sphecid known, and selective pressures that may have acted to promote female cooperation in the two genera are discussed. For A. mimi the lack of available nest sites could be an important factor restricting the ability of offspring to disperse and establish nests.
Osteological Differences of the Skulls of Lasiorhinus-Latifrons Owen, 1845 and Vombatus-Ursinus Shaw, 1800 (Marsupialia, Vombatidae)
Authors: Scott GG , Richardson KC , Groves CP
Published: June 2005

The two extant genera of wombats, the hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons and common wombat Vombatus ursinus, are distinguishable by their skull morphology. Significant size differences were found for skull length, nasal length binasal breadth, bitemporal breadth, bizygomatic breadth, parietal bone thickness and mandible length. The important different gross morphological features are summarised to allow rapid identification of these two species. A number of new diagnostic differences are described which distinguish the species from dorsal, lateral and ventral views and on the basis of mandibles and dentition. Some of these differences, and those listed in the results, also distinguish the Pleistocene fossil wombats V. mitchelli (Owen, 1838) and L. krefftii (Owen, 1871) from each other, and strongly suggest their generic status.
Biology, Ecology and Control of Soldier Flies Inopus Spp (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) - a Review
Authors: Allsopp PG , Robertson LN
Published: June 2005

The taxonomy and identification of the soldier flies, Inopus spp., their distribution, host plants, population biology and dynamics, and their chemical and cultural control are reviewed. Previous work has concentrated on I. rubriceps (Macquart), the most economically important species and a pest of sugar cane in Australia and pastures in New Zealand. Areas where further study is desirable include: the taxonomy and distribution of the genus; effects of host plants on development; processes involved in the inhibition of ratooning of sugar cane; detailed life-table studies on different host plants and different cultivars of sugar cane; damage and intervention thresholds and statistically based sampling plans for sugar cane; factors influencing pupation; the contribution of predation, parasitism and disease to mortality; control with insecticides other than organochlorines; the long-term need for insecticides; and control strategies other than insecticide treatments.
Hematozoa of Fishes From Heron Island, Australia, With the Description of 2 New Species of Trypanosoma
Authors: Burreson EM
Published: June 2005

Two species of Trypanosoma, three species of Haemogregarina and one species of Haemohormidium were found in 69 fishes belonging to 28 species. Trypanosoma mackerrasi, sp, nov., from Hemiscyllium ocellatum, measures 125 �m long by 18 �m wide, has no free flagellum, and has the kinetoplast located 37% of the body length from the posterior end. Trypanosoma taeniurae, sp. nov., from Taeniura lymma measures 55 �m long by 4 �m wide and has a free flagellum 9 �m long. Haemogregarina hemiscyllii was found in H. ocellatum, H. tetraodontis parasitised Diodon hystrix, and H. bigemina was found in Ecsenius bicolor. A species of Haemohorrnidium was found in Pomacentrus melanochir, but it could not be identified with certainty.
Derogenes-Capricorniensis, Sp-Nov (Digenea, Derogenidae), in a Blenny From Heron Island, Queensland
Authors: Bray RA
Published: June 2005

A new species, Derogenes capricorniensis, is described from the intestine of the blenniid fish Salarias fasciatus from Heron I. in the southern Great Barrier Reef. It differs from all other species of Derogenes (sensu stricto) in the lack of uterine coils in the forebody.
Grillotia-Heroniensis, Sp-Nov, and Grillotia-Overstreeti, Sp-Nov, (Cestoda, Trypanorhyncha) From Great-Barrier-Reef Fishes
Authors: Sakanari J
Published: June 2005

Two new species of Grillotia are described from fishes collected from Heron I., Australia. The plerocerci of Grillotia heroniensis, sp. nov., were found in the mesenteries of Epinephalus quoyanus (Valenciennes, 1830) and Lethrinus nebulosus (Forsskal, 1775). This species has five hooks per principal row, three intercalary hooks, a longitudinal band of small hooks, a distinctive basal armature, and bulbs which are only slightly longer than wide. Grillotia overstreeti plerocerci were found in the mesenteries of Choerodon cyanodus (Richardson, 1843) and C. venustus De Vis, 1885, and have six principal hooks, one and two intercalary hooks, a longitudinal band of small hooks which end midlength along the tentacle and which extends to the base, and a distinctive basal armature.
Richardsonobdella-Lineatae, Gen Et Sp-Nov (Hirudinea), a Parasite of Meiacanthus-Lineatus (Pisces, Blenniidae) From Heron Island, Great-Barrier-Reef
Authors: Burreson EM , Dybdahl RE
Published: June 2005

Richardsonobdella, gen, nov., is characterised externally by well developed suckers, one pair of eyes, 12-annulate mid-body segments and smooth skin. Internal characters include five pairs of testisacs, small atrial-bursa complex, vector tissue with paired strands that fuse with ovisacs, fused posterior crop caeca with fenestrae, and spacious coelomic system with segmental connections among dorsal, ventral and lateral sinuses, and among testicular, dorsal and lateral sinuses, but lacking pulsatile vesicles. Richardsonobdella lineatae, sp. nov., is characterised by 21 black transverse pigment bands separated by narrow unpigmented regions. Suckers are also black; oral with two transverse unpigmented bands, caudal with 13 unpigmented radial lines. Maximum length, including suckers, is 12 mm.
Response by Plectropomus-Leopardus and Other Serranid Fishes to Pearsonellum-Corventum (Digenea, Sanguinicolidae), Including Melanomacrophage Centers in the Heart
Authors: Overstreet RM , Thulin J
Published: June 2005

Adults of the blood fluke Pearsonellum corventum in the heart of Plectropomus leopardus from the Great Barrier Reef evoked a detectable response, but the continual production of their eggs induced a more significant response, including an abundance of melanomacrophage centres (MMCS) and granuloma formation in the ventricle as well as in other visceral organs. MMCs have not been recognised previously as a component of the ventricular spongiosis layer in fishes, but they were a normal feature of the infected and perhaps all P. leopardus as well as certain other serranids. Moreover, at least P. leopardus and certain nonserranid fishes from the Gulf of Mexico contain an abundance of free macrophages among ventricular myocardial and endocardia1 tissues. Because of those MMCS and free macrophages in P. leopardus, as well as an apparently independent extensive response involving pigmented fibrotic encapsulation of foreign bodies in the body cavity in that and other serranids from the Gulf of Mexico and Red Sea, P. leopardus and probably several other serranids should provide especially valuable models to assess macrophages and nonspecific pigmented foreign body responses. Sections in the heart of two serranids from other geographic regions exhibited what appeared to be different sanguinicolid eggs, and those fishes responded differently to P. leopardus.
Reproductive-Biology and the Potential for Genetic-Studies in the Tammar Wallaby, Macropus-Eugenii
Authors: Hinds LA , Poole WE , Tyndale-Biscoe CH , Vanoorschot RAH , Cooper DW
Published: June 2005

The tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, has a seasonal breeding cycle which is dependent upon the light regime. Females normally produce one pouch young a year, while carrying a diapausing blastocyst in the uterus. Before the winter solstice, the sucking stimulus of lactation is responsible for inhibition of blastocyst development (lactational quiescence); after this time, inhibition is caused by increasing day length (seasonal quiescence). Lactational quiescence can be broken by removal of the developing young in the pouch, and seasonal quiescence by artificial light regimes, or melatonin treatment; administration of the drug bromocriptine breaks diapause between April and September. Gestation is approximately 28 days and birth is followed by postpartum mating. Hence in theory these interventions can be used to produce up to 12 young per female per year, raising the possibility that the species can be used for genetics. It has a 2n=16 karyotype. In common with other marsupial species, the tammar possesses low allozymic and serum protein variability within the Kangaroo Island population (4/41 loci polymorphic, average heterozygosity of 0.012). However, there are 5/32 fixed differences between the Kangaroo I. and Garden I. tammar populations. Individuals from these two populations will hybridise, although the fertility of the hybrids has yet to be examined. A highly polymorphic major histocompatibility locus exists. A total of 14 loci is probably involved for both intrapopulation and interpopulation markers. We propose to use the species for comparative gene mapping and to see whether sex differences in recombination exist.
Globin Macromolecular Sequences in Marsupials and Monotremes
Authors: Hope RM , Cooper S , Wainwright B
Published: June 2005

We have reviewed published data on haemoglobin and myoglobin DNA and protein sequences from marsupial and monotreme mammals, and drawn attention to the difficulties that have been encountered in using these data to estimate dates of evolutionary divergence. We argue that continuing studies of marsupial and monotreme globins, particularly molecular studies on gene organisation and regulation, are likely to contribute significantly to our understanding of gene and organismal evolution. In this context we suggest that studies on the globin genes of a monotreme and a South American marsupial would be especially rewarding.
Marsupial Gene Mapping and the Evolution of Mammalian Sex-Chromosome Form and Function
Authors: Graves JAM , Sinclair AH , Spencer JA
Published: June 2005

Comparisons between the gene maps of distantly related mammalian species can provide information about the evolution of genome arrangement and function in mammals. Marsupial gene mapping is now being vigorously pursued, using newly developed cell and molecular techniques to complement classic breeding studies of model species. Gene associations and localisations established by all these techniques are tabulated, and the beginnings of gene maps, based on in situ hybridisation, are presented for a macropodid and a dasyurid species. The significance of marsupial gene mapping is apparent even from these limited data, which show that large autosomal regions have been conserved between marsupials and eutherians. However, an ancient X-autosome translocation is revealed, which either removed most of the human X short-arm markers (including the putative sex determining factor) to autosomes or added this region to a smaller ancestral X. The implications of these findings to theories of mammalian sex chromosome evolution and function are discussed, and a hypothesis proposed for a gradual differentiation of the mammalian X and Y chromosome, accompanied by progressive spreading of X chromosome inactivation.
Monotreme Genetics and Cytology and a Model for Sex-Chromosome Evolution
Authors: Watson JM
Published: June 2005

The protherian mammals consist of three species: the platypus, the Australian echidna and the Niugini echidna. These mammals diverged from the therian line of descent about 150-200 million years ago; hence comparisons of gene arrangements and gene control mechanisms between prototherian and therian mammals may yield significant data about gene rearrangements during mammalian evolution and about the evolution of complex genetic control systems. The chromosome complements of the three monotreme species are highly conserved. In particular, the X (or X1) chromosomes are G-band identical and share considerable G-band homology with the Y chromosomes. Replication asynchrony between X chromosomes suggests that X chromosome inactivation operates in females, and is apparently tissue- specific (as it is in marsupials), and confined to the differential region of the X (X1) chromosome (as it is in eutherian mammals). These results suggest that sex chromosome differentiation in the monotremes represents an intermediate stage in the evolution of the dimorphic sex chromosomes of therian mammals and that X-chromosome inactivation may also represent a comparatively primitive stage. Studies of gene location in the platypus using platypus-rodent cell hybrids suggested that HPRT and PGK are syntenic in the platypus, but it was not possible to assign the syntenic group to a particular chromosome. In situ hybridisation was used to assign three genes, located on the X in eutherians and marsupials, to the monotreme X. However, human X short-arm markers were found by in situ hybridisation to be autosomal in monotremes (as they are in marsupials). A model for the evolution of mammalian sex chromosome differentiation and X-chromosome inactivation is presented in which a gradual reduction of the Y chromosome, and recruitment of newly unpaired loci on the X into a system of X-chromosome inactivation, has accompanied eutherian evolution.
Marsupials and Mechanisms of X-Chromosome Inactivation
Authors: Riggs AD
Published: June 2005

X chromosome inactivation is reviewed with molecular mechanisms in mind. Models for the various steps leading to the establishment and maintenance of X inactivation are discussed, with comparisons between eutherians and marsupials included. Late DNA replication is proposed to be an epigenetic, self-propagating mechanism aiding the somatic inheritance of determined states, and thus could be the ancestral mechanism for X inactivation. Also, a novel mechanism, Type I DNA-reeling, is proposed to maintain higher order chromosome structure and to help explain the cis-spreading of X inactivation.
Revision of the Family Gilquiniidae Dollfus (Cestoda, Trypanorhyncha) From Elasmobranch Fishes
Authors: Beveridge I
Published: June 2005

The trypanorhynch cestode family Gilquiniidae Dollfus, 1942 is revised. The existing genera Gilquinia Guiart, 1927 and Aporhynchus Nybelin, 1918 are redescribed, and two new genera, Plesiorhynchus, gen. nov., and Deanicola, gen. nov., are added. Gilquinia squali (Fabricius, 1794) is redescribed, and G. robertsoni, sp. nov., and G. stevensi, sp. nov., are added. G. nannocephala (Pintner, 1930) is unrecognisable from the description and the only extant types are in a macerated condition, preventing redescription. Plesiorhynchus etmopteri, sp. nov., and P. campbelli, sp. nov., differ from related genera in having an elongate pars post-bulbosa. Deanicola protentus, sp. nov., and D. minor, sp. nov., differ from related genera in having a prominently craspedote scolex. Aporhynchus norvegicus (Olsson, 1868) is redescribed, and A. tasmaniensis, sp nov., added.
A Comparison of Tooth Microwear Between an Extinct Marsupial Predator, the Tasmanian Tiger Thylacinus-Cynocephalus (Thylacinidae) and an Extant Scavenger, the Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus-Harrisii (Dasyuridae, Marsupialia)
Authors: Robson SK , Young WG
Published: June 2005

Tooth microwear patterns in the predator Thylacinus cynocephalus and the scavenger Sarcophilus harrisii were examined as potentical indicators of dietary differences and occlusal mechanics. Homologous proximal facets on the metacrista of the maxillary right 3rd molar of each species were examined as gold coated replicas under the SEM. The density, dimensions and relative abundances of microwear features were recorded.
Significant intrafacet microwear variation exists relative to the direction of the occlusal stroke in Thylacinus. Striation and pit frequency are inversely correlated down the facet, with striations being more frequent at the leading edge; pits are larger and more frequent at the trailing edge. This pattern supports proposed models of the carnassial chewing stroke, where it is predicted that the shearing component, that produces striations, is greater at the leading edge of the facet, while the compression component of the occlusal stroke, which results in relatively more pits, is greater at the trailing edge of the facet.
Significant intraspecific and interspecific variation is found in microwear feature dimensions, and densities. Pit diameters and densities are significantly greater in Thylacinus, although only approximately 11% of the total variance in these features was attributable to species differences. The remaining variance was distributed equally between individuals of the same species, and the leading and trailing regions of the facet. The high degree of intraspecific variability indicates that in carnivorous species at least, a sufficient number of individuals must be examined before accurate dietary interpretations and comparisons with other species can be made.
The Biology of the Northern Brown Bandicoot, Isoodon-Macrourus (Marsupialia, Peramelidae) at Mitchell Plateau, Western-Australia
Authors: Kemper C , Kitchener DJ , Humphreys WF , How RA , Schmitt LH , Bradley A
Published: June 2005

Breeding, population dynamics and seasonal changes in physical and physiological parameters were examined in Isoodon macrourus at the Mitchell Plateau between September 1981 and November 1982.
Females gave birth to litters of 2.5 � 1.0 (16) young between September and April. They produced up to three litters in a breeding season with an average interval between successive litters of 89.5 (51-108) days. Adult testosterone levels and scrota1 size began to increase in July and peaked in September 1982. The overall ratio of adult males to adult females was 1:0.54; it was 1:0.80 for pouch young.
Females were more frequently trapped on sequential trips than were males. Density on the grids increased towards the end of the dry season (July and September 1982)-mostly as a result of increased numbers of females. Adult males and females moving onto the grids during the dry season tended to select different habitats. Adult males moved significantly more in the wet season (September 1981, January and April) than they did in the dry season (July and September 1982); they also moved significantly more than adult females in the wet season. Seasonal variations were recorded for most physical and physiological parameters. During the wet period from September 1981 to January 1982, body weight, haemoglobin, haematocrit and total plasma albumin declined, while total white blood cells and proportion of lymphocytes to granular leucocytes rose. This indicated that this period was one of change in condition for this species. Compared to adult females, adult males were larger and heavier, had higher values of haematocrit and lymphocytes, and lower values of granular leucocytes, free steroids, CBGBd and albumin bound corticosteroid. There was considerable between-year variability in condition of individuals and both sexes differed significantly in September 1981 and 1982 in their weight, haematocrit, total white blood cells, granular leucocytes, MCBC and testosterone. Individuals at disparate localities at the Mitchell Plateau showed similar seasonal physiological and physical responses, except for one grid where they were heavier.
Host Plant Preferences of Populations of Helicoverpa-Armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) From Different Geographic Locations
Authors: Firempong S , Zalucki MP
Published: June 2005

Helicoverpa armigera in Australia is found in many different geographic locations and has been recorded on a large number of host plants. We partly investigated the nature of this polyphagy by offering moths from six different sources the same set of host plants in oviposition trials. Laboratory H. armigera ranked the plants offered into the following categories: most preferred-tobacco, maize, sunflower; least preferred-cabbage, pigweed and linseed; intermediate-soybean, cotton and lucerne. Moths reared from field collected larvae showed a similar basic rank order, although there were a number of differences between populations. Further work will be needed to clarify if these small differences represent real geographic variation or simply reflect differences between batches of test plants. Tobacco and sunflower were consistently ranked highly by virtually all populations and, cotton, on which H. armigera is a major pest, was ranked very low. The possibility of exploiting the non- attractiveness of cotton in pest management is discussed.
Metabolic Physiology of Euthermic and Torpid Honey Possums, Tarsipes-Rostratus
Authors: Withers PC , Richardson KC , Wooller RD
Published: June 2005

Euthermic honey possums have a higher body temperature (Tb), basal metabolic rate and wet thermal conductance than other marsupials of similar mass. Honey possums enter torpor when cold-stressed and deprived of food. The pattern of decline in body temperature and oxygen consumption during torpor generally resembles that of other heterothermic endotherms. The duration of torpor bouts in honey possums was about 10 h; torpor bouts longer than one day were not observed. The Tb declined during torpor to within 1-2�C of ambient temperature (Ta>5�C) and oxygen consumption rate declined dramatically. The minimal body temperature (Tb,min) measured for torpid honey possums was about 5�C, because Tb was regulated at about 5�C by honey possums torpid at Ta<5�C, by an elevation of oxygen consumption rate. Previous studies of small marsupials have delineated two basic patterns of torpor: (1) shallow (Tb,min>10-15�C) and short-term torpor cycles (e.g. in dasyurids); (2) deep (Tb,min<10�C) and multi-day torpor cycles (e.g. in burramyids). Honey possums appear to have a third pattern of deep (Tb,min=5�C) but short-term torpor. The ecological reasons for this pattern of deep torpor and the apparent absence of multi-day torpor in honey possums may be related to their nectarivorous diet and lack of extensive fat stores.
The Tapeworm Spiniloculus-Mavensis (Tetraphyllidea, Onchobothriidae) From the Brownbanded Bambooshark in Australia
Authors: Caira JN
Published: June 2005

Sixteen specimens of the tapeworm Spiniloculus mavensis were collected from the spiral valve of the brownbanded bambooshark in Australia. These specimens were examined with both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and were compared with specimens of Acanthobothrium lineatum. The scolices of 50% of the specimens of S. mavensis were spined. The concept of a loculus is discussed; it was determined that each of the bothridia of S. mavensis possesses three loculi distinguished by two types of costae. The anterior costa is composed of radial muscle fibres similar to the costae in other onchobothriids such as A. lineatum; the posterior costa consists of transverse muscle fibres with little external representation and is therefore difficult to see with SEM. It is suggested that this construction accounts for the disagreement among previous authors with respect to the number of post-hook loculi. The specific description of S. mavensis is supplemented and the description of Spiniloculus is emended.
Energy and Water Metabolism in Free-Living Greater Gliders, Petauroides-Volans
Authors: Foley WJ , Kehl JC , Nagy KA , Kaplan IR , Borsboom AC
Published: June 2005

Water flux and metabolic rate were measured using a low-level, doubly-labelled water technique in eight free-living greater gliders, Petauroides volans which were maintaining constant body masses at about 1 kg in eucalypt forest near Maryborough, Queensland. Mean water influx was 88.0�3.2 mL d-' and mean metabolic rate was 25.1 L C02 d-' or 520 kJ d-'. These arboreal folivores have field metabolic rates and water influx rates that are 96% and 71% respectively of those predicted for a herbivorous marsupial of their body mass. Assuming that faecal energy losses were 43% of gross energy intakes and that urinary energy losses were 15% of digestible energy intakes, the gross energy intake of the animals was about 1130 kJ d-'. Animals would need to eat between 45 and 50 g of dry matter daily to satisfy these energy requirements. Based on these results, a preliminary energy budget for greater gliders has been proposed.
Isolation of Arboviruses From Cattle and Insects at 2 Sentinel Sites in Queensland, Australia, 1979-85
Authors: Cybinski DH , Muller MJ
Published: June 2005

Blood samples were collected regularly from two sentinel herds of cattle in northern and southern Queensland between 1979 and 1985. From 2660 samples, virus isolation attempts using baby hamster kidney (BHK21) and Aedes albopictus (AA) tissue cultures and suckling mice produced 308 viruses of which 243 (79%) were in the Palyam subgroup of orbiviruses. Mosquitoes and biting midges were collected at the southern sentinel herd site in January-February 1984 and processed for virus isolation in BHK2l and AA tissue cultures and by intrathoracic inoculation of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Totals of 14 338 midges of four species in 156 pools, and 9030 mosquitoes of 27 species in 232 pools, were processed and yielded 59 isolations. Of the 35 viruses isolated from Culicoides brevitarsis, 17 were members of the Palyam subgroup. Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) virus was isolated once from Anopheles bancroftii, once from C. brevitarsis and 17 times from cattle. Akabane virus was isolated for the first time from C. wadai, as well as a further 10 times from C. brevitarsis and 20 times from cattle. Other viruses isolated from cattle included bluetongue serotype 1, and serotypes 5, 6 and 7 of epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer (EHD). A new BEF group virus, tentatively called Oak Vale, was isolated nine times from Culex edwardsi mosquitoes. Of the orbiviruses, those in the Palyam subgroup were isolated almost exclusively in BHK2l tissue cultures but those in the bluetongue and EHD subgroups were isolated almost exclusively in AA cell cultures or after passage through Ae. aegypti. Of 22 rhabdovirus isolations from blood and insects (BEF, Kimberley and Tibrogargan), 16 were made only in AA cell cultures or after passage through Ae. aegypti.
Radio Telemetry of Heart-Rate in Male Tammar Wallabies (Marsupialia, Macropodidae) - Temporal Variations and Behavioral-Correlates
Authors: Dressen W , Grun H , Hendrichs H
Published: June 2005

A group of tammar wallabies consisting of three males and four females was kept in an enclosure of 800 m2. Behavioural data on all animals and the heart rate of the males were recorded simultaneously by combined telemetric and computer equipment. The overall mean heart rate of the three males correlated with their age and social status, with the highest value for the youngest and lowest ranking animal. Overall variability of heart rate was lowest in the mid-ranking male. Heart rate fluctuated within infra-, circa-, and ultradian time scales, and the patterns exhibited considerable variability both between and within individuals. In all males infradian changes were irregular and could not be correlated with general activity, with the frequency of agonistic or sexual behaviour, or with changing ambient temperatures. Within the 24-hour scale a regular pattern was observed in all males. This circadian rhythm was characterised by stationary positions of two maxima at dusk and dawn. Circadian fluctuations of all males occurred simultaneously and were positively correlated with activity level, though some cases revealed an independence of heart rate and activity. There were also ultradian variations attributable to motor activity with sexual and/or agonistic behaviour or non-interactive behaviour including locomotory activity. A differentiated behavioural categorisation and the assessment of individual variability of heart rate during social encounters are necessary if motoric and arousal components are to be distinguished.
Observations on the Blood of the Australian Lungfish, Neoceratodus-Forsteri Klefft .1. Ultrastructure of Granulocytes, Monocytes and Thrombocytes
Authors: Hine PM , Lester RJG , Wain JM
Published: June 2005

The ultrastructure of eosinophils, heterophils, neutrophils, basophils, monocytes and thrombocytes is reported from the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri. Eosinophils have an eccentric simple or bilobed nucleus and granules with an axial rod-like core similar to those of elasmobranchs, birds and mammals. Heterophils are polymorphonuclear with a prominent centrosome, and eosinophilic granules of many forms, some of which have a dense core that may become fragmented. Neutrophils are aiso polymorphonuclear, and are agranular or contain azurophilic granules and many dense core vesicles. Basophils have a central or eccentric nucleus and dense granules with a complex internal structure similar to those of mast cells of mammals. Monocytes have an indented or reniform nucleus, a few granules, rough endoplasmic reticulum and filiform surface projections; they contain secondary lysosomes and are similar to monocytes of other vertebrates. Thrombocytes contain granules with a fibrillar substructure similar to those of other lungfishes. Inter-relationsips of granulocytes, particularly between heterophils and neutrophils, are discussed.