bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convoluted maxillary stylets and the systematics of some Phlaeothripine thysanoptera from casuarina trees in Australia
Authors: Mound LA
Published: June 2005

Twelve species with unusually long, sometimes highly convoluted, maxillary stylets are discussed under four genera. Ten of these species have been collected from Casuarina trees. It is suggested that the elongate stylets are adapted to feeding on the chlorophyllous tissue of Casuavina trees, which lies deep in longitudinal furrows of the stem protected by sclerenchyma. Keys are given to the Phlaeothripine genera and species from Casuarina trees. The systematic changes include four new synonyms, five new combinations, six new species, and three new genera; notes are also given on the genera Pygmaeothrips and Teuchothrips which are affected by these changes.
Frequency of the white phase of the southern giant petrel, Macronectes giganteus (Gmelin)
Authors: Shaughnessy PD
Published: June 2005

Published data on frequencies of white-phase M. giganteus in breeding colonies
and at sea are reviewed and compared with observations made at colonies on
Macquarie I. and at three locations in Antarctica.
The frequency of white birds in the single east-coast colony on Macquarie
I. (1 5.1 %) was significantly higher than that in west-coast colonies (6.8 %) while
that in Antarctic colonies was very low (0.3 %).
No relationship could be shown between plumage-phase frequency in breeding
colonies and either their latitude or their position relative to the Antarctic Convergence.
Several suggestions for the control of plumage-phase frequency are made.
A winter epizootic of myxomatosis in subalpine south-eastern Australia
Authors: Dunsmore JD , Williams RT , Price WJ
Published: June 2005

An epizootic of myxomatosis in rabbits that occurred during the winter months (March-August) of 1969 is described in detail. Virus of virulence grade 111, the common virulence of field strains of myxoma virus presently in Australia, was isolated during the epizootic. The estimated case mortality was 86% over the 5 months during which the epizootic was active. Only 41228 of the original susceptible and established population completely avoided infection. Transmission through the population was relatively slow and apparently depended on social contact between individual rabbits. The seasonal conditions and the slow progression of the disease through the population make it most unlikely that mosquitoes were involved in transmitting the virus. The origin of the virus that initiated the epizootic is discussed, including the possibility that it was not a reintroduction of myxoma virus to the population. This implies that the virus may have remained latent in the rabbit population for several years.
Comparative observations on the pineal body of some Australian Parrots
Authors: Renzoni A , Watters PA
Published: June 2005

The pineal bodies of 19 species from 5 families and 13 genera of Australian parrots
were examined. Histological studies revealed differences in shape and structure of this
organ among various groups. Three morphological types are recognized: (1) a wedgeshaped
form typical of the great majority of birds; (2) a more elongated tubular form,
found in some birds and intermediate between the first and third groups; (3) an
extremely long tubular form. The modifications and development of the pineal body in
other birds and in other vertebrate classes are discussed in relation to the conditions
found in parrots. Some possible evolutionary trends for the pineal in the Order
Psittaciformes are suggested.
Observations on a stabilizing population of weddell seals
Authors: Stirling I , Greenwood DJ
Published: June 2005

The Weddell seal population of eastern McMurdo Sound, after a period of
increase and subsequent decline, is now stabilizing in terms of total numbers and pup
production. Increased intrasexual strife resulting mainly from competition for access
to the best pupping and breeding colonies appears to be the major factor causing
stabilization.
Notes on the reproduction anatomy and cytogenetics of some Australian Acavacean molluscs
Authors: Dartnall AJ , Dartnall JA
Published: June 2005

The chromosome numbers of five species of Austraiian acavacean molluscs
are recorded. In Anoglypta launcestonensis 2n = 52; in Caryodes dufresnii 2n = 54;
in Pedinogyra hayii, Pygmipanda kershawi, and Hedleyella falconeri 2n = 58.
Chromosome numbers and reproductive anatomy are discussed in relation to the
taxonomy of the group.
Species complexes and the generic classification of leaf-litter thrips of the tribe Urothripini (Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Mound LA
Published: June 2005

Collections of the predominantly wingless urothripine Thysanoptera from leaf
litter in Australia show little variation in external morphology within any one population,
although the variation between populations is frequently very considerable. Morphological
segregates in which winged individuals are known show little variation between
populations, and these segregates can be regarded as distinct species. However,
morphological segregates in which winged individuals are not known exist in the field
as a complex of similar but distinctive local forms. Taxonomy is concerned with the
interpretation in biological terms of morphological difference, but the significance of
these distinctive populations cannot be determined at present, whether they are species,
subspecies, or local variants. However, this high rate of incipient speciation of the
Urothripini is evidently related, at least in part, to the low degree of dispersive activity
of the wingless forms. The resulting complicated pattern of variation at the species level
is reflected in the unsatisfactory generic classification, and several of the characters which
have been used for distinguishing genera are here shown to be of little value. As a result
four genera, Bournieria, Ramachandraiella, Transithrips, and Verrucothrips, are here
placed in synonymy with Baenothrips, and a key is provided to the remaining 13 genera
of Urothripini from the world. An account is given of the eight species in five genera
known from Australia, including two new species: Baenothrips caenosus (Stannard),
comb. nov. ; Baenothrips moundi (Stannard), comb. nov. ; Biconothrips reedi Stannard;
Habrothrips curiosus Ananthakrishnan; Octurothrips pulcher Priesner; Stephanothrips
occidentalis Hood & Williams; S. barretti, sp, nov.; S. ferrari, sp. nov. In addition,
knechteli Priesner is transferred to Amphibolothrips, comb. nov., and erythrinus Pelikan
is transferred to Baenothrips, comb. nov.
The status of myxomatosis at Urana, New South Wales, from 1968 until 1971
Authors: Williams RT , Parer I
Published: June 2005

Epizootics of myxomatosis which occurred each year from 1968 until 1971 in a
rabbit population inhabiting a 700-acre study site at Urana, N.S.W., were studied.
Transmission was rapid in 1968 and 1969, Anopheles annulipes being the vector,
and the peak of these epizootics occurred in early November. Transmission in 1970 was
primarily by the flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi, and was slower, but the midpoint of the
epizootic still occurred in early November. In 1971 the epizootic peaked in late
December, transmission was rapid, and the vector was unknown.
Each year, about 75% of the susceptible animals older than 3 months of age at
the time of the epizootic contracted myxomatosis; of these, 60% recovered, and of
the recoveries, 20% died between the time of recovery (early December) and 1 January.
Fewer animals (16-55 %) under 3 months of age were seen with myxomatosis; of these,
about 50% were seen to recover, and a large proportion (from 25 to 45%) of animals
seen to recover died before 1 January each year. The great majority of animals not seen
to contract myxomatosis probably died from other causes without being exposed to the
disease. These data indicate that myxomatosis killed very few animals directly during
these epizootics, and that other factors were responsible for the majority of deaths
which occurred during the epizootic period.
In 1968, 1969, and 1970, reactivation of latent virus in animals which had previously
recovered from myxomatosis was probably the source of the virus which
initiated the epizootics.
The reproductive cycle of the firetail gudgeon, Hypseleotris galii I. Seasonal histological changes in the ovary
Authors: Mackay NJ
Published: June 2005

Seasonal histological changes in the ovary of H. galii are described. Oogenesis
occurs in January and February, at the end of the breeding season. Evidence suggests
that oogenesis continues in senile (post-reproductive) fish.
Oocytes in the primary growth phase grow throughout the winter months.
Vitellogenesis commences in August, and fish mature by November. During the
breeding season (November-January) females ovulate and spawn repeatedly. Mature
oocytes remaining after the breeding season become atretic. The fate of follicular
derivatives and their possible role in steroid biosynthesis is discussed.
Parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali, Mercet and A. melinus Debach of Californian red scale, Aonidiella aurantoo (Maskell), in relation to seasonal availability of suitable stages of the scale
Authors: McLaren IW , Buchanan GA
Published: June 2005

A field study was undertaken to investigate the host-parasite relationship of A. aurantii and two species of Aphytis in north-western Victoria, and to suggest methods for improving and extending the biological control of A. aurantii in Victoria.

Monthly samples of scale-infested Valencia oranges from five unsprayed biocontrol properties at Mildura provided information which showed a positive correlation between the percentage of available stages in the host population and the efficiency of parasitism by the Aphytis. This was thought to result from the seemingly inefficient method employed by the Aphytis in selecting a suitable host in which to oviposit; a postulate reinforced by the results of earlier work.

The scarcity of suitable hosts at certain times of the year is thought to limit the efficiency of the Aphytis by reducing the chances of the parasite to achieve its reproductive potential.

On the basis of this study an improved approach to red scale control is proffered, namely that attempts be made to augment the effectiveness of the established Aphytis by devising methods for increasing the proportion of available stages in red scale populations during late spring and early summer.

Field and laboratory evidence indicates that parasitism by Aphytis, rather than variation in weather, is responsible for the considerable seasonal fluctuations in percentage of scales available for parasitism.
Passage of maternal immunoglobulins to the pouch young of a marsupial. Setonix brachyurus
Authors: Yadav M , Eadie M
Published: June 2005

Prenatal and precolostral newborn quokkas, S. brachyurus, had no immunoglobulins in their serum. Immunoglobulins were not detected in the yolk-sac fluid, the amniotic fluid, or the allantoic fluid, but were present in the uterine fluid, the colostrum, and milk whey. Immunoglobulins were present in the serum of neonatal quokkas that had suckled for at least 24 hr. Initial immunization of a female with Salmonella adelaide flagella and bacteriophage 0 x 174 antigen resulted in high titres of antibodies in her blood 1 week later, but there was a lag of less than 1 week before anti-S. adelaide agglutinins and a lag of 2 weeks before antiphage antibodies were detectable in the serum of the suckling pouch young. A further delay of 2 weeks occurred before serum antibody titres were as high in pouch young as they were in the mother. At no time in development did antibody titres in the sera of pouch young exceed those of the mother. The ability to absorb antibody in the gut ceased 2-3 weeks after the 6-month-old young left the pouch.
A study of breeding in grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus Shaw and M. fuliginosus (Desmarest), in central New South Wales
Authors: Poole WE
Published: June 2005

A total of 2750 grey kangaroos were examined at Mt. Hope, N.S.W., over a period of 4 years, commencing in 1962. Two colour phases of grey kangaroo were recognized but it was not until late in the study that concurrent investigations revealed that two sympatric species occurred in the area in the approximate ratio 1 : 8. As it was not possible to distinguish the species accurately in retrospect, all the kangaroos were treated as one group. A few males became sexually mature at 20 months of age, most by 36 months, and all before they were 72 months old. Females generally became sexually mature when between 20 and 36 months of age but onset of breeding was dependent on the breeding season (September-March). Most females were breeding by their second summer, some by the third summer, and a few not until the fourth summer. Most births occurred between September and March but some occurred in all months of the year. Of the total females carrying pouch young, 5% had dormant embryos in the uterus and all of these had pouch young more than 180 days old. The highest per- centage of females carrying dormant embryos was found in late autumn, possibly because of improved nutrition after heavy rains. No western grey kangaroos apparently carried a dormant embryo but 30% of the total eastern grey females did. A significant excess of pouch young were attached to an anterior rather than a posterior teat in multiparous females. When an anterior teat was already being suckled by a young-at-foot, the posterior teat on the same side was apparently shielded and a significant excess of young born to such females attached to the anterior teat on the non-suckled side. If a posterior teat was enlarged, almost two-thirds of the newborn young attached to anterior teats; the greater number on the non-suckled side. One female had two young in the pouch, separated in age by the length of one gestation period, indicating that suckling by the first young had failed to inhibit the next expected ovulation. Disparity between 713 male and female young was not significant at 105: 100 for pouch young and 84: 100 for young-at-foot. For sets of pouch young through the age range 113-280 days there was an estimated constant mortality rate of 1.82% per 28 days. No between-sex or between season variation in the mortality rate was revealed.
Studies on the Marsupial Glider, Schoinobates Volans (Kerr). 4. Feeding Biology.
Authors: Marples TG
Published: June 2005

Stomach contents of 133 gliders were examined for total dry weight of food, and
calorific values. From four years' collections it was estimated that daily food intake
was 20g dry wt. or 108 kcal. The feeding rate was estimated at 2.8g dry wt. hr-1 and
was observed to be leaves, buds, and bark of the major tree species. The estimated
harvest by the glider population was 6 kg dry wt. ha-1 yr-I (3.2 x 10*4 kcal ha-1 yr-I).
The presence of teh cervical and thoracic thymus lobes in marsupials
Authors: Yadav M
Published: June 2005

Thymus lobes, in 93 marsupial species studied, were found in two different topographical
locations: the thoracic cavity (thoracic thymus), the ventral cervical region,
superficial to hyoid, sternomastoid, and depressor neck muscles and just beneath the
skin (superficial cervical thymus), or in both places. All polyprotodont species examined
(42 examples from Didelphidae, Dasyuridae, Thylacinidae, Notoryctidae, Peramelidae,
and Caenolestidae) had two to four lobed thoracic thymus and no superficial cervical
thymus. Species examined from the diprotodont Burramyidae, Petauridae,
Phalangeridae, Phascolarctidae, and Tarsipedidae (17 species) and Macropodidae (32
species) had both a thoracic thymus with two to four lobes, and a pair of superficial
cervical thymus lobes. Both of the two genera in the diprotodont Vombatidae,
Lasiovhinus and Vombatus, had a cervical thymus; no thoracic thymus was seen in
the latter but the former had specimens with and without it.
The presence of superficial cervical thymus lobes in only the superfamily
Phalangeroidea is discussed with particular reference to herbivorous diet, small litter
size, and immunological development of pouch young.
The relation between food, age and flight in the Rutherglen bug, Nysiusm vinitor (Hemiptera : Lygaeidae)
Authors: Kehat M , Wyndham M
Published: June 2005

The relationships between food, egg-laying, age, and flight were studied with
the aim of providing a better understanding of the causal factors of displacement
flights in N. vinitor. The distinction in N. vinitor between "fliers" and "non-fliers" is,
most probably, a reflection of the environment. Thus, an increased proportion of
individuals taking off and of distinctively prolonged flights were a response to
inadequate food either during the nymphal or adult stage. Shortage of water during
the adult stage resulted also in increased flight activity. The quality of the food
consumed by the nymphs rather than its quantity affected the behavioural flight
response of emerging adults. Immature females, whether virgin or not, had different
flight responses from egg-laying females and are probably the true migrants of the
species. Displacement flights in N. vinitor are always triggered by adverse conditions
in the nymphal or adult stage, but the type of flight changes as females become older;
flights are migratory in the immature females and dispersive in the mature ones.
Reproductive characteristics of wild native Australian Rattus (Rodentia : Muridae)
Authors: Taylor JM , Horner BE
Published: June 2005

Reproduction in field populations of the five species and 13 of 14 subspecies
of native Australian Rattus is compared, using both materials personally collected
and museum specimens. We have separated each subspecies into juvenile and adult
categories, the dividing point reflecting the approximate size at which sexual maturity
is reached. Occurrence of pregnancies and juveniles, treated monthly, permit estimates
of time and length of seasonal breeding for each subspecies. Information on gonads
and accessory sex glands is given for both breeding and non-breeding adults and for
juveniles.
All Australian subspecies of Rattus have a fundamentally similar mechanism
of reproduction. Those attaining high densities have the highest ovulation rates, the
largest litter sizes, and the greatest number of teats. Furthermore, in the two subspecies
of high reproductive potential for which we have evidence, females can be
precocious in attaining sexual maturity under field conditions.
Cation content of salt gland secretion and tears in the brolga, Grus rubicundus (Perry) (Aves : Gruidae)
Authors: Hughes MR , Blackman JG
Published: June 2005

This is the first report of salt gland secretion in cranes (Gruidae). The sodium
and potassium concentrations of the plasma, tears, salt gland secretion, and urine of
the brolga were determined. Tear sodium was equal to plasma sodium; tear plasma
was four times as concentrated as plasma potassium. These values were normal for
tears. The salt gland secretion sodium concentration (about 300 m-equivll) was lower
than that reported for other NaC1-injected birds. This may be due to the diet, small gland
size, or to insufficient stress. The salt gland secretion to plasma ratios were the same
for sodium and potassium. This is unusual. The urine had a lower sodium concentration
than the plasma.
Flight moult of the Australian honeyeater, Myzantha melanocephala (Latham)
Authors: Dow DD
Published: June 2005

Over a period of 3 years 368 M. melanocephala were examined from study
areas east and west of the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern Queensland. Moult
was under way in 119 of them, and was recorded as a score from 0 to 5 for each of the
remiges and rectrices. All populations sampled required about the same period for their
members to complete their moult, averaging 153 days for primary feathers and 174
for all flight feathers. The sequence of moult was typically passerine.
The estimated average duration for an individual's primary moult is 113 days,
complete flight moult requiring 128. Moult occurs between late September and mid-
March. It begins later in adult females than in adult males. It also tends to begin about
2 weeks earlier in eastern than western populations, but among eastern birds in 1969
moult began some 26 days later than in 1970 or 1971. A tenuous relation between
early rainfall and this late moult is suggested.
Immature miners moult in the same sequence as adults but begin by shedding
primary 3, 4, or 5, not primary 1. Secondary moult of immatures is even more variable
than that of adults, and shows little synchrony with primary moult. Their tail moult
is more regular.
The period of moult of M. melanocephala is longer than those of the few
Australian passerines examined, and much longer than those of passerines from
temperate localities. Miners show no cryptic behaviour during moult, and some
continue to breed. Thus the prolonged moult is probably adaptive in avoiding
interference with other behaviour.
The role of food plants in the survival and development of Chortoicetes terminifera (Walker) under drought conditions
Authors: Bernays EA , Chapman RF
Published: June 2005

Field and laboratory observations on C. terminifera at Trangie, N.S.W., during
drought conditions showed that none of the commoner plants in the habitat was
entirely acceptable as food. Only suboptimal meals were taken with the result that
development was slow, survival was poor, and the survivors were of small size.
It is concluded that lack of food may be a major factor inducing mortality in
the more arid parts of the insect's range, death resulting from lack of water rather than
nutritional deficiencies.
Movements of the weddell seals in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
Authors: Stirling I
Published: June 2005

Weddell seal populations are sedentary and discrete in stable ice areas. Adult females showed a
high degree of fidelity to specific pupping colonies but retained the behavioural plasticity to accept
adjacent colonies in unfavourable ice conditions. The movements of non-parturient females during
the pupping season were not related to the colony at which they preferred to give birth.
Studies in Ovipositional Behaviour and Control of Sex in Aphytis Melinus Debach, a Parasite of California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii (Mask.).
Authors: Abdelrahman I
Published: June 2005

The growing adult female red scale was the most preferred stage for A. melinus, followed by the second growing instar and lastly the male prepupa. The numbers of scale parasitized, the total of eggs laid, the number of eggs per scale, sex ratio and size of the parasites produced were all ranked in the same order. The mean size of parasites produced within the third instar decreased as the number of parasites per host increased. In the absence of the preferred host stages, female A. melinus laid readily in the unpreferred stages. In both A. melinus and A, chrysomphali it was noted that in multi- parasitism pupation, pupal development and adult emergence of all parasites in one host were synchronized. In A. melinus the sex and number of eggs laid per host are influenced by the host's size and quality. When A. melinus laid more than one egg in one host, it laid female eggs first and male eggs later; apparently the spermatheca goes through a period of fatigue, and is incapable of delivering sperm to the eggs descending the oviduct. Sex ratio decreases with increase in number of parasites per host and density of parasite population relative to hosts. The deposition of parasite eggs in a host by one female was observed during a short cycle of oviposition. A. melinus laid its eggs both 'above' and 'below' the body of the scale, whereas A. chrysomphali did so exclusively 'below'. In young mated A. melinus, eggs laid above the body of the scale were females and those below were males, but in old mated females all eggs, wherever laid, were male. Host development stops as soon as a parasite egg is laid. A. melinus avoids laying eggs in already parasitized hosts. The stages of red scale were ranked according to the percentage of mutilated individuals as: first moult (most mutilated), second instar, first instar, third instar, male prepupa and male pupa; second-moult females, egg-maturation stage and crawler-producing stage were unmutilated. A. melinus sometimes partitions her clutch of eggs into two hosts, particularly when host density is high. Partitioning in A. melinus may substitute for the generally accepted practice of super- parasitism, which would not be appropriate because the parasite is able to distinguish between parasitized and unparasitized hosts, is able to sense host density and to distribute her progeny on available hosts. Partitioning is advantageous for biological control. Behaviour of oviposition, mutilation and mutilation feeding in A. melinus are described in detail.
A biometric analysis of measurement data from a collection of north Queensland dugong skulls, dugong dugon (Muller)
Authors: Spain AV , Heinsohn GE
Published: June 2005

Aspects of the size allometry of the dugong skull were examined for 26 variables on a sample of 52 animals using the condylo-premaxillary length as a reference standard. Asymmetry was assessed in four paired variables of the mandible. The relationship between body length and condylo- premaxillary length is described by a second degree polynomial. The condylo-premaxillary length at attainment of sexual maturity is approximately 34 cm.
The reproductive cycle in the firetail gudgeon, Hypseleotris galii III. Environmental regulation of vitellogenesis
Authors: Mackay NJ
Published: June 2005

Fish were maintained under four combinations of photoperiod and temperature for 10 weeks. Fish maintained at 25C showed extensive vitellogenesis but at 15C vitellogenesis was inhibited and yolky oocytes became atretic. Photoperiod had no effect. The effect of reserpine on vitellogenesis was examined, but no evidence for a reserpine-sensitive central nervous mechanism controlling gonadotropin release was found.
The subgenus Cytostethum Domrow (Acardi : Atopomelidae) : Multiple speciation on the marsupial Potorous tridactylus (Kerr)
Authors: Fain A , Domrow R
Published: June 2005

New locality records are given for the eight species of fur mites of the genus Cytostethum Domrow, subgenus Cytostethum, known to parasitize the potoroo, P. tridactylus. The true host of the ninth, and only other, known species is uncertain. Thirteen new species of Cytostethum S.S. are described from the potoroo: C. potorous, C. mediostriatum, C. procharactum, C. mesocharacturn, C, tubiferum, C. pseudotubiferum, C. neotubiferum, C. tooloomense (female unknown), C. harnatum, C. gracile, C. dendriticum, C, postscutatum and C. spinulatum. A key to all 21 known females of Cytostethum S.S. is given. Such extreme speciation in a group whose members all parasitize the same host is rare, and may result from microisolation caused by variations in fur texture, skin secretions, etc. Not enough populations have been analysed to determine the influence, if any of geographical isolation on speciation in these mites, but several are known to be widespread both on the mainland of south-east Australia and in Tasmania, supporting the thesis that potoroos in these two areas are conspecific.
The Insect Pathogenic Fungus Culicinomyces in Mosquitoes and Other Hosts.
Authors: Sweeney AW
Published: June 2005

Experiments to define the host range of Culicinomyces, a fungus pathogenic to mosquito larvae, indicate that it may be restricted to aquatic larvae of certain families of the Order Diptera. Larvae of the families Culicidae (mosquitoes), Chironomidae (midges) and Ceratopogonidae (biting midges) are susceptible and the course of infection is the same in each. A species of the nematocerous family Psychodidae (moth flies) was insusceptible, as the cellular defence reaction restricted the infection to the invasion site. Several other aquatic insect larvae, as well as atyid shrimps and the mosquito-predaceous fish Gambusia, appeared to be unaffected after prolonged exposure to viable inoculum. The ceratopogonid species had no observable reaction to the pathogen; the chironomid species reacted weakly, which suggests that they may be the normal hosts of Culicinomyces. Mosquitoes reacted strongly to the infection and may be unusual hosts.
A revision of the Australian species of Pareromene (Lipidoptera : Pyralidae : Crambine : Diptychophorini)
Authors: Gaskin DE
Published: June 2005

Ten Australian species of diptychophorine Crambinae, alypophanes Turner, diargema Turner, dilatella (Meyrick), leucogramma Turner, microxantha Meyrick, molydocrossa Turner, ochracealis (Walker), pogonias Turner, stenura Turner, and torva Lucas, are transferred from Diptychophora Zeller to Pareromene Osthelder. One new species, queenslandensis, is described from the Cape York Peninsula. The zoogeography of the genus in Australia is briefly discussed. The species include two distinct groups, those such as queenslandensis with clear Inner Melanesian Arc island relationships, and those such as pogonias with close affinities to species distributed in the Lesser Sunda archipelago. At least two invasions of Australia by this genus appear to have taken place at different times. Pareromene has not yet been recorded from Western Australia or the Northern Territory.
Dinosaur polyphyly and the classification of Archosaurs and birds
Authors: Thulborn RA
Published: June 2005

Evidence relating to dinosaur origins, dinosaur physiology and bird ancestry is reviewed. The thesis that birds evolved directly from theropod dinosaurs is perfectly acceptable. There is no convincing evidence to support the view that dinosaurs were endotherms, with an avian system of thermo-regulation, and the biological success of dinosaurs is explicable in terms of straightforward anatomical adaptations (particularly the development of an enarthrodial hip joint). There is considerable evidence in favour of dinosaurian polyphyly. The dinosaur order Saurischia is apparently diphyletic - sauropods and prosauropods having descended from proterosuchian thecodonts, and theropods probably having evolved from pseudosuchian thecodonts. The ancestry of the dinosaur order Ornithischia remains a matter for speculation. The tarsal and pelvic structures of pseudosuchian thecodonts are not irreconcilable with those of dinosaurs, and the differences that do exist are not sufficient to debar pseudosuchians from consideration as dinosaur ancestors. The common pattern of limb joint structure in Triassic dinosaurs is not conclusive evidence of dinosaur monophyly, and is probably nothing more than a consequence of parallel evolution across the thecodontian- dinosaurian boundary.
A new classification of archosaurs and birds is presented, wherein the theropod ancestors of birds are transferred to the class Aves while all other dinosaurs (sauropods, prosauropods and ornithischians) are retained in the reptilian subclass Archosauria. This scheme places full emphasis on the dinosaurian ancestry of birds but still manages to retain the stability of conventional classifications.
Biochemical Markers in the Family Canidae.
Authors: Clark P , Ryan GE , Czuppon AB
Published: June 2005

One quantitative and nine qualitative genetic markers were investigated in some 200 individuals of the family Canidae, including 34 breeds and species. A high degree of homogeneity was observed and only one marker, transferrin, displayed marked variation. The consistent differences were: wolf (one sample), transferrin; jackal (one sample), transferrin and glucosephosphate isomerase; foxes, albumin, transferrin and glucosephsophate isomerase. Two abnormal transferrins were observed in two siblings among six German short-haired pointers. All other markers were homogeneous, usually single protein species or multiple forms dispersed randomly through the group.
The results suggest that domestic dogs and dingoes share a common pool of genes and that all canids but the foxes possess many genes in common. There are indications that the jackal and wolf may differ from other canids in some marker systems.
Reproduction, growth and size allometry of Valamugil seheli (Forskal) (Pisces : Mugilidae) from north Queensland inshore waters
Authors: Grant CJ , Spain AV
Published: June 2005

Aspects of growth and breeding biology of V. seheli were studied in the topical waters of north Queensland. A detailed study of size allometry was also included.
The agonistic vocalisations of Rattus villosissimus
Authors: Begg RJ
Published: June 2005

All sounds produced by R. villosissimus during agonistic behaviour were recorded for spectrographic analysis. The social context of sound production was noted, along with any immediate overt changes in the behaviour of recipient rats. The effect of sounds on an opponent was also tested by playing prerecorded sounds to individual rats and observing their behaviour. R. villosissimus possess a large vocal repertoire. They produce five basic sounds in the audible range: squeal; squeak; tooth chattering; hissing; coughing. Squeals consist of a whole range of graded intermediates, allowing a great potential for communication. Most sounds appear to have little immediate overt effect on the behaviour of opponents. Suggestions are made as to their significance in communication.
Reproduction in a Parthenogenetic Aphid, Aphis Craccivora Koch: Embryology, Ovarian Development and Fecundity of Apterae and Alatae.
Authors: Elliott HJ , McDonald FJD
Published: June 2005

The embryology of A. craccivora is described. Ovarian growth of apterous and alate morphs was compared. At maximum ovarian development, apterae contained significantly more oocytes and embryos than alatae, they achieved this maximum 1-2 days earlier, and their fully developed embryos were always larger than those in alatae. There was no significant variation in oocyte and embryo number between individuals of the same stage and morph, but considerable variation between corresponding embryos from different ovarioles in the one ovary. Total fecundity of individual apterous aphids (96 : 32) was significantly greater than that of alatae (84 : 08), although alatae had a much longer reproductive life (29.02 days) than apterae (21.52 days). The results are discussed in relation to the different life cycles and physiological requirements of the two morphs.
Reproduction of Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Muridae) in the laboratory
Authors: Kemper CM
Published: June 2005

Oestrous cycle, gestation, parturition, litter size, lactation and sexual maturity were studied in a captive colony of the Australian murid P. novaehollandiae. The pattern of reproduction is similar to that of other murids, although oestrous cycle (6.0 � 1.26 days) and gestation period (31.5 � 0.96 days) are longer than those in the laboratory rat and mouse. Changes in the external appearance of the vagina were too inconsistent to identify stages of the oestrous cycle, but were of use in determining the stage of pregnancy or lactation. Parturition took place during the light phase of the day-length regime, with post-partum oestrus during the following dark phase. Weight changes in pregnant and lactating females were considered. The average litter size was 4.0 � 1.03 with a range of one to six. Oestrus was inhibited during lactation and recurred about 24 days after parturition. Sexual maturity was earlier in females (13 weeks) than in males (20 weeks).
Digestion and Nitrogen Metabolism in the Koala, Phascolarctos Cinereus.
Authors: Harrop CJF , Degabriele R
Published: June 2005

The dimensions of different regions of the digestive tract and digestive efficiency were determined in koalas maintained on leaves from the grey gum, Eucalyptus punctata, in summer and winter trials.
Intakes of wet and dry matter, and apparent digestibility of dry matter, compared favourably with values reported for various other herbivorous mammals. Seasonal differences were marginal. A low but positive nitrogen balance was generally maintained in both seasons, although the apparent digestibility of nitrogen was lower in winter. This was reflected in the values for dietary and apparent digestible nitrogen intakes required for the maintenance of similar levels of nitrogen equilibrium in summer and winter. Mean nitrogen balances in summer and winter were not significantly different at 0.040 and 0.034 g/kg W*0.75 per day respectively. Daily dietary nitrogen intakes were significantly different, however, at 0.426 and 0.493 g/kg W*0.75 in summer and winter respectively, while the apparent digestible nitrogen intakes were not significantly different at 0.180 and 0.127 g/kg W*0.75 per day respectively. This is discussed in relation to the quality of the food offered.
It is concluded that the digestive tract of the koala, presumably aided by the relatively large caecum, is well suited to the fibrous dietary matter on which the animal feeds.
Sexual cycles of pigeons in arid and semiarid Australia
Authors: Frith HJ , Carpenter SM , Braithwaite LW
Published: June 2005

The gonad cycles of the crested pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes and the common bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera in inland New South Wales, and the plumed pigeon Geophaps plumifera and the red- plumed pigeon G. ferruginea in central and north-western Australia, have been studied.
In each species some males were producing abundant sperm and some females had enlarged ovarian follicles in each month of the year. There was a tendency for fewer birds to be at the maximum stage of spermatogenesis in autumn and winter than in other seasons. The size of the testis was not indicative of its spermatogenic state. There were annual cycles of gonad size in each species; the maxima were the spring and summer. The timing of the cycles did not differ in the two plumed pigeons but in both species the maxima were earlier than in the other species. Male common bronze-wings achieved maximum gonad size earlier than did male crested pigeons. In addition to the annual cycle there were significant biannual effects in males. Except for the male and female of the red-plumed pigeon, in which they may have had some biological significance, these biannual effects were probably only included to improve the accuracy of the curve fitting. There were significant effects of rainfall on the gonad cycle of all species except the common bronzewing; these were consistent with the expected effect of rainfall on the birds' food supply and nutrition.
It was concluded that, although the gonad cycles were controlled mainly by changes in photo-period, the abundance of food and the effects of rainfall on it were important in modifying the cycle.
Growth of the Parts of the Alimentary Tract of the Rat, and the Small Intestine of the Sheep, Relative to Growth in Live Weight.
Authors: Williams VJ
Published: June 2005

The dry weight of stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon was obtained from male and female rats from 8 to 184 days old weighing from 18 to 400 g. The length of the colon and small intestine was also measured. The length and dry weight of the small intestine of 35 merino sheep from birth to aged or 3 to 40 kg liveweight were also measured. Regressions between the logarithms of gut measurements and logarithms of the liveweights were calculated. The gut measurements were length, length/kg liveweight, DM, DM/kg liveweight and DM/m for the tubular small intestine and colon, and DM and DM/kg liveweight for the saccular stomach and caecum. For the rat, 2 relations were required to describe the data from all organs. A change in percentage increase or decrease relative to percentage liveweight increase occurred at about 70 to 80 g liveweight or 37 to 44 days old. This is the age range at which increase in metabolic rate relative to liveweight declines to about one-quarter of its previous rate. It is unlikely that there is a causal relation between the maturation of sex hormone output and gut growth and metabolic rate. One allometric regression coefficient adequately described growth of the small intestine of the sheep relative to weight gain.
Gross anatomical and microscopic observations on the orbit and its contents in Notomys alexis
Authors: Smith CJD
Published: June 2005

The gross anatomical arrangement of the orbit and its contents in N. alexis are described, with observations of these structures with the light microscope and of the retina with the transmission and scanning electron microscope. The eye is large compared with that of other rodents, and, in view of the rod outer segment length (43 �m), may afford sensitive nocturnal vision. It is unlikely that the animal has stereoscopic vision. Behavioural and microscopic evidence suggests that N. alexis has considerable processing of the visual signal at a retinal level, which may facilitate its rapid response to any sudden movement within the wide area of its visual field.
High-sulphur proteins in mammalian keratins: a possible aid in classification
Authors: Marshall RC , Frenkel MJ , Gillespie JM
Published: June 2005

A study has been made of the high-sulphur proteins isolated from keratins to determine the value of using their electrophoretic patterns as an aid in studying the classification of closely related animals. The high-sulphur proteins of 35 different species covering nine orders of the class Mammalia have been examined after electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels at pH 2.6. From this study it can be concluded that keratin samples which have different electrophoretic patterns can be tentatively judged as coming from animals of different species, although identical patterns do not necessarily mean identity of animal source. The ease of keratin sampling and of electrophoretic analysis could make the method useful as an aid in classification.
Insect Growth Regulators: Some Effects of Methoprene and Hydroprene on Productivity of Several Stored Grain Insects.
Authors: Amos TG , Williams P
Published: June 2005

The effects of two insect growth regulators on the productivity of Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae and S. granarius were studied by exposing insects to wheat treated with methoprene (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate) or hydroprene (ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate) at concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 ppm. Parental adult mortality was generally higher on wheat treated with methoprene than with hydroprene, and this effect was usually enhanced under unventilated conditions. The productivity of the three species was markedly reduced, in some instances suppressed, under unventilated conditions, whereas only R. dominica productivity was depressed under ventilated conditions. When progeny were produced, their productivity was, in general, lower than normal.
Endodermal formation in blastocytes of the marsupials Isoodon macrousus and Perameles nasuta
Authors: Hollis DE , Lyne AG
Published: June 2005

Eleven embryos, ranging from partly to fully bilaminar blastocysts, were obtained from the bandicoots I. macrourus and P. nasuta and were examined by light and electron microscopy. The morphological changes which occurred during the differentiation of the endoderm and ectoderm are described.
The shell membrane was thinner than it was in unilaminar blastocysts and had a deposit of material of irregular thickness on its outer surface. The mucoid coat and zona pellucida were absent or discontinuous.
Endoderm formation was first observed in blastocysts about 1.0 mm in diameter. Cells migrated inwards from regions of thickened protoderm to form a continuous layer of similar flattened cells - the endoderm - beneath the protoderm, which then became the ectoderm. The blastocysts were fully bilaminar when they were 1.5-1.9 mm in diameter. At this stage the ectoderm was composed of two distinct regions, an embryonic region of cuboidal cells and a non-embryonic region of flattened cells resembling the cells of the endoderm.
The formation of the endoderm in bandicoots closely resembles that described in other marsupials, except the American opossum Didelphis virginiana in which endoderm cells are released into the blastocoele before they form a continuous layer.
Locomotory energetics in a marsupial, Setonix Brachyurus
Authors: Baudinette RV
Published: June 2005

The gait patterns, rates of oxygen consumption, body temperature and sweat gland activity were examined in S. brachyurus during locomotion on a treadmill. At speeds up to 12.6 km h-1 the animal moved in a quadrupedal bound occasionally punctuated by six or seven hops. At the higher speeds within this range, stride frequency became relatively constant and increases in stride length were the primary determinants of increased speed.
Rates of oxygen consumption increased linearly with speed of locomotion up to 7.6 km h-1; above this range the animals would not run for prolonged periods when wearing a gas collection mask. The gradient of this line was similar to that predicted for a eutherian of similar body mass, but the extrapolation to zero speed was much higher than found in other mammals. As the quokka increased speed, a greater proportion of the heat produced while running was stored. At 7.6 km h-1, this was 60% of the total production. Active sweat glands were demonstrated on the limbs and feet during locomotion.
Laboratory evidence for mate recognition behaviour in a member of the Culex pipiens Complex (Diptera : Culicidae)
Authors: Miles SJ
Published: June 2005

Assortative mating between the mosquito taxon Culex pipiens variety molestus and both Culex fatigans and C. globocoxitus is examined in laboratory choice experiments by use of alcohol dehydrogenase allozymes, detected by gel electrophoresis, as genetic markers.
Complete positive assortative mating results when molestus males are present with both sexes of either C. fatigans or C. globocoxitus. This is interpreted as due to the operation of different systems of mate recognition. The existence of mate recognition systems governing the complete positive assortative mating which results when either C. fatigans or C. globocoxitus males are present with both sexes of molestus is masked by the effects of differential development. Mate recognition behaviour in molestus females is inferred, however, from the discrimination against molestus males by C. fatigans and C. globocoxitus females.
A consequence of the different behaviours responsible for mate recognition is the prediction that molestus can coexist in nature with other members of the C. pipiens group of species with which it is interfertile in artificial crosses. This argues for the reinstatement of molestus as a full species.
Introduction of a Male Sterile Allele (Tw2) Into a Population of House Mice Housed in a Large Outdoor Enclosure.
Authors: Pennycuik PR , Johnston PG , Lidicker WZ , Westwood NH
Published: June 2005

The male sterile gene, tw2, has been suggested as a possible means for controlling population size of feral mice because of its detrimental effects on fertility in homozygous males and because of its effects on transmission ratios in heterozygous males . This suggestion was tested by releasing mice carrying the tw2 gene into a population of mice, known to be free of t alleles, housed in a large outdoor enclosure. Attempts to establish +/tw2 males were unsuccessful, but +/tw2 and tw2/tw2 females bred successfully when introduced into an empty territory at the beginning of the breeding season. Following successful introduction of the gene, the size of the enclosure population increased fairly steadily for 18 mth, and a sample of males removed from the enclosure 2 yr after the successful release was found to be tw2-free. It was concluded that, under the conditions used in this experiment, the gene had little or no effect on population size and that it probably disappeared fairly rapidly from the population.