bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth replacement in the Slow worm (Anguis fragilis)
Authors: Cooper J. S.
Published: August 2009

The dentition of the Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) has been carefully observed in a range of individuals from birth to advanced age. Although a considerable volume of carefully prepared dead material has been used, emphasis in the investigation is placed upon three living specimens kept in near‐natural conditions and examined by taking impressions of the teeth every week throughout a whole season.

A general description of the gross anatomy of the dentition is given, and the changes that occur with increasing age. The tooth attachment and the process of replacement in the individual tooth is considered and found to conform to the Anguinomorphan type of replacement described by McDowell & Bogert (1954).

The evidence obtained from both dead arid living material as to the pattern and order of tooth replacement is presented and found to be in agreement with the theoryof Edmund(1960).

Further details of the replacement pattern, discernible only in the records from the living specimens, and the effects of season and age upon tooth replacement are described.

Anguis is found to provide an excellenl illustration of the fundamentalprinciples in reptilian tooth replacement, being relatively uncomplicated in the featuresof its replacement pattern. The species also appears to be a promising subject for the further investigation1 oftooth replacement phenomena.
Migration and orientation of passerine night migrants in northeast England
Authors: Evans P. R.
Published: August 2009

Evening departures of passerine migrants were watched by radar in northeast England on 193 nights in the months of August to November 1961 to 1963. It was found that migrants were not departing each night on the same heading, from which they were drifted passively by the wind, but rather were departing on similar tracks night after night. On ten nights they maintained their tracks even when the upper‐air wind changed during the night. This indicates that migrants can, at least sometimes, compensate completely for the effect of the wind and fly on a fixed track, but calculations show that there are certain wind conditions when this becomes impossible.

Movements were grouped according to the months in which they took place and the tracks which they followed, and then related to variousweather factors. Migration was seen most frequently with light winds favourable to the birds'track, after a marked drop in temperature (in October/November, but not August/September), and withabsence of cloud. However, it was also recorded on 17 nights when the cloud cover was complete.

The departures of small passerines from Britain in August and September follow tracks east of south, yet the same birds reach western Iberia later in their journey. It is suggested that the direction of departure from Britain has been evolved to take advantage of the prevailing (westerly) upper‐air winds. Certain warblers leave their breeding areas in Northumberland without laying down much migratory fat, yet the same species make long flights non‐stop (across the Mediterranean and Sahara) later in their migrations. These migrants change froman insect to a fruit diet in autumn, and can presumably IaKdown fat more quickly the further south they travel in Europe, as the soft fruit ripens earlier in southern areas.
Food and feeding habits of the Common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) in the west of England
Authors: Avery R. A.
Published: August 2009

Common lizards caught at two different localities in April‐May, July and September, were dissected and their stomach contents identified. Spiders were the principal food, andHomoptera were important in the summer months. With the exception of some distastefulforms like ants and woodlice, the proportions of invertebrates on the ground and in stomachsshowed a fairly close correspondence. Food eaten by juveniles in September was similar tothat of the adults, but the mean size of items in each category was smaller. A wide range of invertebrates was taken, and it was concluded that selection of food was on the basis of its size, taste and speed of movement.
Skull growth in the albino rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Moore W. J.
Published: August 2009

A longitudinal study of growth in the rat skull, based on serial radiographs, has shown that by the age of one month after birth, the braincase attains some 93% of its adult (fifth‐month) size whilst the facial skeleton and mandible attain but 75% of their adult size. By the third month, growth in the braincase has virtually ceased, whereas significant facial growth continues until the age of five months.
The food and feeding habits of the Torrent frog, Amolops larutensis
Authors: Berry P. Y.
Published: August 2009

The stomach contents of 661 Amolops larutensis (Blgr.) showed that this frog feeds on a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic animals of which insects form the greater part. Feeding was confined to the rocks and vegetation bordering the water‐falls. Although adult frogs were capable of ingesting large prey up to a maximum length of 47.0 mm, they showed a definite preference for prey animals within the size‐range of 1 to 6.5 mm length. No clear seasonal variation in the diet was found and it was suggested that the monthly fluctuations in the amount and type of prey ingested depend largely on the activity of the prey.
The behaviour and neuro‐anatomy of some developing teleost fishes
Authors: Gideiri Yousif Babiker Abu
Published: August 2009

This investigation relates the ontogenetic development of observable behaviour to theunderlying co‐ordinating and conducting systems in telecosts. It is based on a study of the eggs of seven species, fertilized artificially. The onset of behaviour was marked by the heart beat; this started in separate regions which became connected and developed a rhythm. It was followed by non‐rhythmic contractions of the body musculature, the resulting flexures becoming alternating or serial and cephalo‐caudal. Movements of the pectoral fins, jaws and opercula were first performed as part of the axial musculature of the body; later they became independent and co‐ordinated. There was an increasing tendency towards stability and efficiency in the development of response to tactile, chemical, vibrational, feeding, rotational and light stimulation.
The anatomy and histology of the blood system of the maldanid polychaetes Clymenella torquata and Euclymene oerstedi
Authors: Pilgrim Muriel
Published: August 2009

A detailed description is given of the anatomy and histology of the blood systems of the maldanid polychaetes Clymenella torquata (Leidy) and Euclymene oerstedi (Claparède) (=Caesicirrus neglectus Arwidsson,1911–12). The systems are similar in many ways to that of the arenicolids. All the longitudinal vessels are contractile. Enlarged cells which contain chloragosomes, glycogen, and iron, are associated with the greater part of the ventral vessel and with the plexus of capillaries surrounding the oesophagus. A gut sinus is associated with the stomach and intestine. Intravasal tissue is present in the dorso‐lateral regions of the gut sinus in the tail of Clymenella but not of Euclymene.
The functions and mechanisms of the protrusible upper jaws of two species of cyprinid fish
Authors: Alexander R. McN.
Published: August 2009

Photographs have been taken of Idus and Gobio feeding. Idus, a primitive cyprinid, protrudes its premaxillae very little when it opens its mouth to take in food, but closes the mouth by further protrusion of the premaxillae. This enables it to close its mouth while keeping its buccal cavity fully expanded. Gobio, a more advanced cyprinid, protrudes its premaxillae strongly as it opens its mouth and is thereby able to apply the mouth closely to a surface from which it is taking food. The mechanisms of the movements are described.
Forest living baboons in Uganda
Authors: Rowell T. E.
Published: August 2009

The climate and vegetation of the study area is described: in many ways it was not typical of baboon habitats in Uganda, but had the advantage and interest of offering a clear choice of a variety of habitats. The structure and composition of the baboon population is described Ndashthis was a rapidly expanding population with no seasonality in breeding. Their use of the
Embryonic behaviour in the lizard, Lacerta vivipara
Authors: Hughes Arthur , Bryant Susan V. , Bellairs A. D'A.
Published: August 2009

The behaviour of embryos of the lizard Lacerta vivipara has been studied in cultured eggs, removed from the mother. Spontaneous movements begin at a time when the embryo is still unresponsive to touch, and about two days before the appearance of reflex responses. The earliest movements consist of lateral flexion which gradually gives place to dorsiventral flexion. Embryonic movements are not necessarily related to contractions of the amnion. The activity of the embryo, as measured by the number of times movements were initiated and the amount of time spent in activity during a half hour period, rises to a plateau and then decreases sharply as the time of hatching approaches. Activity of the tail is prominent, particularly at times when other movements occur in rapid succession. Serpentine movements were not observed in embryos younger than stage 39; some prematurely born animals showed such activity in response to contact with the substratum. During embryonic life any part of the animal may move individually or in combination with any other part, such combined movements being unco‐ordinated. In these respects the spontaneous motility of the lizard embryo closely resembles that of the chick. Statistical analysis of the embryonic movements provides evidence of rhythmic activity within the developing central nervous system.
The breeding biology of equatorial vertebrates: reproduction in the fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, at latitude 0°20′N
Authors: Mutere Festo A.
Published: August 2009

The African fruit bat, Eidolon helvum Kerr, is known to occur only south of the Sahara where its distribution is localized. At 0°20′ N, this bat exhibits seasonal and synchronized breeding the rhythm of which appears to correspond with the two rainfall peaks typical of Uganda. Quite unexpectedly and unprecedently, this bat exhibits delayed implantation lasting about three months. Evidence for this phenomenon comes from the histological examination of the adult female genital tracts which indicate that mating occurs only in April‐June, but implanted embryos are only in evidence in October‐November. The male sexual cycle corresponds to such a rhythm and shows a maximum testicular weight at the mating time. Births take place in February‐March thus giving a gestation period of about four months. Only one young is born at a time and births occur just before the onset of the higher of the two rainfall peaks, presumably creating favourable conditions for the maximum survival of the young bats when weaned.
The taxonomy of the larvae and pupae of the British Phryganeidae (Trichoptera)
Authors: Bray R. P.
Published: August 2009

Ten species of Phryganeidae are found in the U.K. They also occur in continental Europe and descriptions are available. Certain British larvae show distinct differences and a reassessment of some taxonomic characters is necessary. The immature stages of Agrypnetes crassicornis are described for the first time from Britain and the four Phryganea species can now be separated. Eight species have been reared through their complete life‐cycle but the larvae and pupae of Agrypnia picta and Oligotricha clathrata are, still unknown in Britain. Keys are provided.
Identification and distribution of bats of the genus Plecotus in England
Authors: Stebbings R. E.
Published: August 2009

The chief aim of this work was to find characters which would enable positive identifications to be made of living Plecotus auritus, Linn., 1758, and Plecotus austriacus Fischer, 1829. Previous work has related to museum material and usually did not give measurements which could be obtained from living bats. Sixteen indices per bat were at first measured, but only 12 of these were found to be significant and necessary for identification. The results were reasonably reproducible which allows their comparison with European data. Other diagnostic characters are described together with the known distribution in the British Isles. A summary of the known distribution and ecological data from Europe is given.
The life history of the mangrove tree crab, Aratus pisoni
Authors: Warner G. F.
Published: August 2009

Aratus pisoni (Milne Edwards) breeds throughout the year according to a lunar rhythm; the hatching of the eggs occurs at both full and new moon. Females become mature at about six months old or 12 mm carapace width and from then on, ovulate, on the average, once every intermoult; the number of eggs laid is directly proportional to the volume of the crab. By the time a female is eighteen months old at a size of 18 mm carapace width it will have laid 27,500 eggs and passed through seven moults. Mortality is greatest during the larval life and is caused mainly by predation.
The hyoid complex of Rattus rattus rufescens
Authors: Sharma D. R. , Sivaram S.
Published: August 2009

The hyoid apparatus of the rat consists of an anteroposterior compressed and somewhat arched basihyal, the small anterior cornua and the more prominent posterior cornua. The ceratohyal is the only movably articulated element of the anterior cornu and is generally lost during the normal methods of preparing skeleton. The absence of stylohyal has resulted in modifications in the origins and insertions of Mm. stylohyoideus, styloglossus, and stylopharyngeus. The study of the hyoid region of rats, gerbils and squirrels supports the view that the muroid rodents have originated from the more generalized squirrel‐like forms.
Mechanical wear of the gastropod radula: a scanning electron microscope study
Authors: Runham N. W. , Thornton P. R.
Published: August 2009

The wear sustained by the teeth of the highly mineralized radula of Patella vulgata and the unmineralized radula of Agriolomax reticulatus has been studied with the scanning electron microscope. The unworn teeth of P. vulgata have tall pointed cusps and wear is first seen as a chipping of the tips then as abrasion. There is a well defined abraded surface giving the worn teeth a chisel shape. In cleaved teeth fibres ˜ 800 Å in diameter are observed parallel to the axis of the tooth. Evidence is presented for chemical etching and for the existence of a surface coat on the tooth. A. reticulatus teeth show wear over their whole surface. With the aid of the grooves in the jaw caused by the teeth the role of the jaw in flattening the radula and protracting and retracting the odontophore is confirmed. From the arrangement of the abraded surfaces on the teeth of P. vulgata it was deduced that the teeth rows are abraded one at a time while on a convex surface at or near the bending plane.
The external morphology and life history of the pseudoscorpion Roncus lubricus
Authors: Gabbutt Peter D. , Vachon Max
Published: August 2009

The external morphology of all stages of Roncus lubricus L. Koch is described. The morphogenesis of characters of taxonomic importance has been followed through all the nymphal stages to the adults. The observation on the chaetotaxy of the body and the appendages, and the variation in the measurements and ratios of various structures of the British specimens suggests that Beier's (1963) key to the European members of this genus can only be used with extreme caution at the subspecific level.

The life history, based on a quantitative sampling technique, is described from data from a single site. The seasonal variations in the densities of each of the nymphs and the adults observed over a two‐year period, suggests that one generation is produced each year. The problems of the low densities of protonymphs, of winter migration into the soil and of the shortage of females during the summer are discussed in relation to the sampling and extraction techniques.

Le présent travail fait partie d'un ensemble de recherches poursuivies depuis plusieurs années sur le développment post‐embryonnaire des Pseudoscorpions britanniques et leur cycle vital. L'un des buts de ces recherches est de découvrir les modifications que subit la morphologie depuis le stade protonymphal jusqu'au stade adulte, surtout en ce qui concerne les caractères utilisés par les systématiciens et qui servent à la distinction des espèces et des sous‐espèces.

La chaetotaxie du corps, des appendices et du flagelle chélicérien, les rapports morphométriques, ont été relevés à tous les stades et sur de nombreux exemplaires de l'espèce commune; Roncus lubricus L. Koch; les limites de leurs variations sont fixées par des formules ou des tableaux. Les spécimens britanniques de Roncus lubricus possèdent des caractères particuliers mais leur dénomination sous‐spécifique ne sera envisagée qu'une fois terminées les recherches de morphologie dynamique entreprises sur la faune britannique des Pseudoscorpions. De toute manière, il apparaît qu'il faut être très prudent dans l'emploi des caractères actuellement utilisés dans les tableaux de détermination et notamment dans ceux de Max Beier (1963).

Le cycle vital de Roncus lubricus est étudié par la méthode des prélèvements. Celle‐ci permet de connaitre le nombre des spécimens de chaque stade tout au long de deux années consécutives. Les problèmes de la rareté des protonymphes, du sex‐ratio, des migrations hivernales sont etudies et commentés.
Reproduction of the quokka, Setonix brachyurus, in captivity
Authors: Shield John
Published: August 2009

This study records estimations of the chronology of certain events in the calendar of development of the quokka. One gestation period of between 25 and 26 days was observed and 22 joeys (young) had an average birth weight of 0.3852±0.0436 g. Vacation of the pouch occurred between 185 and 195 days of age. One thousand joeys were found to have a masculinity of 0–453 which is statistically smaller than parity. An estimation was made of the age at which the separate teeth erupt and a method of approximating the ages of juveniles and yearlings proposed by using dental eruption stages. The youngest recorded ages at which males and females became reproductively mature were 389 and 252 days respectively. After attaining reproductive maturity all animals born in captivity bred throughout the year. Animals taken from Bald Island, although showing seasonal breeding in the wild, will breed without periodic anoestrus interruption when taken into captivity. Captive animals may live seven years or longer. Using the chronology of some of the above events a comparison was made of the reproductive potential of the wild and domesticated populations.
Supernumerary deciduous incisors and the order of eruption of the incisor teeth in the albino ferret
Authors: Berkovitz B. K. B.
Published: August 2009

A radiological study of the developing dentition of the domestic albino ferret has revealed the presence of four upper and three lower deciduous functionless incisor teeth in each half of the jaw. The presence of the additional upper incisor tooth can only be accounted for in two ways:

(1) It arose as the result of a gene mutation within the closed colony.

(2) It is indicative of the fact that at some early date in the evolution of the Carnivora, four deciduous incisors were functional in each half of the jaw.
The hyoid arch of Solenodon cubanus
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

A descriptive and interpretative account is given of the hyo‐laryngeal apparatus of Solenodon cubanus, known previously only from Peters' (1863) incomplete description of the type specimen. The constitution of the Solenodon hyoid arch is discussed, with particular reference to the fate of its tympano‐hyal element.
Mammalian olecranon epiphyses
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

The ossification of the olecranon has been examined in immature ulnae representative of several mammalian orders. It is found that, in primates, the olecranon develops from two constant epiphyses, viz. a superficial, scale‐like traction epiphysis and a deeper, articular or pressure epiphysis, responsible for the ossification of the proximal portion of the articular trochlear fossa. In non‐primates the olecranon manifests a single epiphysis, of the traction variety, remote from the trochlear fossa which is exclusively diaphyseal in constitution.
The reproductive system of male rock hyrax (Procavia and Heterohyrax)
Authors: Glover T. D. , Sale J. B.
Published: August 2009

The male genitalia of the rock hyrax (Procavia and Heterohyrax) are described. Features of the gross anatomy and histology of the testes and male accessory organs are presented, and comparison is made between the sexually active and sexually quiescent animal.

Microscopical observations have revealed the main area of storage of spermatozoa in this mammal and partly on these grounds, a new nomenclature for different parts of the reproductive system is proposed. Seasonal variations in male sexual activity in these mammals are also discussed, in addition to anatomical considerations.
The functional morphology of the digestive system in the carnivorous intertidal isopod Eurydice
Authors: Jones D. A.
Published: August 2009

A detailed study of the diet of Eurydice pulchra Leach and Eurydice affinis Hansen, sand beach isopods, reveals that these species are almost wholly carnivorous. A description of the mouthparts, together with their mode of functioning, derived both by direct observation and an interpretation of their structure, shows how they are adapted for tearing and bolting animal food material.

The gross morphology of the alimentary canal is described, including a detailed study of the foregut, which appears to be relatively simple in structure, lacking a cardiac region. An interpretation of the functioning of the foregut is given, from which it is apparent that this region serves to mix rapidly bolted food with digestive gland enzymes, and also to squeeze out liquid food matter which is channelled into the digestive glands. The bulk of the solid food is passed back into the distensible anterior hindgut, where it may be stored for up to three weeks undergoing gradual digestion. The hindgut lacks a peritrophic membrane, but anal irrigation occurs.

The digestive system is compared with that of herbivorous and omnivorous isopods. It shows structural and functional modifications related to the carnivorous mode of life, which appear to be characteristic of Eurydice and are related to the general ecology of the genus.
The meiofauna and macrofauna of some tropical beaches
Authors: McIntyre A. D.
Published: August 2009

The fauna of a number of intertidal habitats ranging from estuarine mud to marine sand has been examined in the region of Porto Novo, south‐east India. Quantitative estimates of meiofauna and macrofauna are given, and the distribution and relationships of these two size categories discussed. Comparison is made with intertidal areas in other parts of the world.
An examination of the cuticle of three species of Ricinulei (Arachnida)
Authors: Kennaugh J. H.
Published: August 2009

A study of the cuticle of Ricinoides sjostedti, Ricinoides afzelii and Cryptocellus lampeli has been carried out using staining and histochemical tests in an attempt to determine its chemical composition and to relate it to other arthropod cuticles. The examination has revealed that the cuticle of ricinulids differs in several ways from other arthropods studied and shows most similarity to the spider and king crab cuticle. Histochemical tests failed to reveal the presence of sulphur, an element occurring in the cuticle of other arachnids. Insufficient material prevented the use of strong oxidizing methods to determine whether or not sulphur does occur in the cuticle. A description is given of the pore canals in the ricinulid cuticle. The structure and pattern of the pore canals is different from that seen in any other arthropod so far described.
The ultrastructure of the alimentary tract of the skin‐penetrating larva of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nematoda)
Authors: LEE D. L.
Published: August 2009

The structure of the alimentary tract of the third stage infective larva of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis has been described. The cuticle which lines the buccal cavity and oesophagus differs from that which lines the mouth and covers the external surface of the nematode. The oesophagus is a cellular structure and is not, as previously thought, a syncytium. The secretory granules of the oesophageal glands are surrounded by multi‐layered membranes which give a myelinated appearance to the granules. The cells of the oesophago‐intestinal junction are lined with cuticle and are presumably part of the stomodaeum. The intestine is thin‐walled and the cells bear short, widely spaced microvilli. The lumen of the intestine contains whorls of membranes which are probably phospholipid and could act as a food reserve for the larva. The rectum and anus are lined with cuticle.
Ten new species ofHaliotrema(Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from Australian fish and a revision of the genus
Authors: Young P. C.
Published: August 2009

Ten new species ofHaliotremafrom Australian fish are described and figured:H. cteno‐chaetisp. n.fromCtenochaetus strigosus; H. falcanalissp. n.fromTriacanthus falcanalis; H. lineatesp. n.fromAcanthurus lineatus; H. chrysotaeniaesp. n.fromLutjanuschrysotaenia; H. cromileptissp. n.fromCromileptis altivelis; H. epinephelisp. n.fromEpinephelus merraandE. fasciatus; H. holocentrisp. n.fromHolocentrus ruber; Haliotrema chrysostomisp. n.fromLethrinus chrysostomusandPlectorhinchus pictus; H. fletisp. n.n. fromL. fletusandL. chrysostomus; H. scarisp. N.fromScarus fasciatus.

H. dempsteri(Mizelle & Price, 1964)comb. n.fromAcanthrus mata, A. dussumieriandA. xanthopterus: H. johnii(Tripathi, 1959)comb. n.fromLutjanus johniandL. fulviflamma: H. parahaliotrema(Mizelle & Price, 1964)comb. n.fromZebrasoma veliferumandA. grammoptilus:andH. obesa(Caballero, Bravo Hollis & Grocott, 1955)comb. n.fromTetraodon hispidusare redescribed and transferred from the generaParahaliotremaMizelle & Price, 1964,AncyrocephalusCreplin, 1839,Parahaliotrema, andTetrancistrumGoto & Kikuchi, 1917 respectively.

H. brevis(Mizelle & Price, 1964)comb, n.,H. canescens(Mizelle & Price, 1964)comb. n.andH. zanclus(Mizelle & Price, 1964)comb. n.are transferred fromPseudohaliotremaYamaguti, 1953;H. eilatica(Paperna, 1965)comb. n.,H. teuthis(MacCallum, 1915)comb. n.,H. triacantha(Tripathi, 1959)comb. n.andH. lethrini(Yamaguti, 1937)comb. n.are transferred fromAncyrocephalusCreplin, 1839.

The generic diagnosis is emended to include the above‐mentioned species and the taxonomy of the genus is discussed and the formation of six species groups is proposed.
The ecology of the Australian gecko, Gehyra variegata, in northern New South Wales
Authors: Bustard H. Robert
Published: August 2009

A two year study was carried out on Gehyra variegata (Dumeril & Bibron) in the Pilliga Scrub by means of visits of six days duration in each month of the year. Animals were individually marked by toe‐clipping and a mark‐recapture programme was carried out throughout the study.

This arboreal gecko lives below the bark of dead trees or stumps most commonly at a height of two to three feet from the ground.

The mark‐recapture programme provided extensive data on the population, its movements, growth, tail loss and regeneration. Monthly samples were collected for intestinal analysis and for gonadal studies. These together with behavioural observations provided a well corroborated picture of the biology of this small gekkonid lizard.
Reproduction, growth and bionomics of Dynamene bidentata (Crustacea: Isopoda)
Authors: Holdich D. M.
Published: August 2009

Laboratory and field investigations show that there are five distinct marsupial stages and eight post‐marsupial stages in the development of the isopod Dynamene bidentata (Adams). Extensive sexual dimorphism is apparent, beginning at stage 6, and females undergo extensive tissue reduction at the moult to the eighth stage. Young stages inhabit and feed on intertidal algae, and the non‐feeding adults (stage 7 and 8 females, and stage 8 males) shelter in crevices or empty barnacle tests. Average brood numbers are fairly high (c. 90) and the average marsupial mortality rate is about 36%. Release of young takes place in May/June, after which the females die, and a resident population of males remains in the crevices to be joined by newly maturing females and males from August onwards each year. The occurrence of two breeding seasons in males, but not in females, explains how the sex ratio of males to females as they leave the algal habitat (1:9) is about half the ratio of males to females in the reproductive habitat (1:4).
A crocodile from the Upper Triassic of Lesotho
Authors: Nash Diane
Published: August 2009

In 1963, a specimen of a small, armoured reptile was discovered in the Red Beds formation in the Qacha's Nek Province of Lesotho, southern Africa. Unfortunately, the matrix in which the specimen is embedded is particularly hard and resistant to chemical action. Preparation must therefore be by mechanical means and is not yet complete. However, certain features of the osteology of the skull and postcranial skeleton of the specimen are clear and are described below.

In both skull and postcranial material, features indicating that this is a relatively advanced crocodilian form are present. It will be shown that on the basis of these characters, this form must be included within the order Crocodilia. It is proposed to name this specimen Ortho‐suchus stormbergi.

The discovery of a specimen possessing many diagnostic crocodilian characteristics in Upper Triassic beds is remarkable since hitherto it has been considered that these forms did not appear before the Jurassic. Indeed, our knowledge of Jurassic crocodiles is mainly limited to the more aquatic members owing to the dearth of continental deposits.
Geographical and taxonomic variation in the pattern of natural sex reversal in the teleost fish order Synbranchiformes
Authors: Liem Karel F.
Published: August 2009

Two types of males have been found in all members of the Synbranchidae. The primary males are born as males and possess single, but bilobular, testes with two gonadal sinuses. Secondary males evolve by sex reversal of functional females and possess a lamellar organization of the testes with three gonadal sinuses and often ovarian residua. Undifferentiated races lack primary males and are recorded only from certain geographical areas. Rudimentary hermaphroditism is classified as a derived evolutionary stage and gonochorism, which is represented in the Amphipnoidae, a primitive evolutionary condition. The alternative of primary versus secondary male is decided by a genetic shift mechanism instead of by environmental conditions. The precarious poise of sexual identity in the Synbranchidae is defined as a switch mechanism to compensate for the vicissitudes of the natural habitat, allowing reproduction in spite of severe population depletions. Based on an examination of its gonadal structure, Alabes is considered to have no phylogenetic affinities with the Synbranchiformes. The occurrence of natural hermaphroditism in phylogenetically unrelated groups of fishes in radically different environments is regarded as the results of chance evolution, rather than convergence.
The metrical attributes of two samples of bovine limb bones*
Authors: Higham C. F. W.
Published: August 2009

The examination of bovine bone samples from prehistoric and medieval settlements may be undertaken for both zoological and archaeological information. Interpretation of samples displaying bi‐ or trimodalism however, has been hindered by the absence of modern comparative material from animals of known age, sex, breed and plane of nutrition. Two such modern samples have been collected and their metrical attributes described, prior to a consideration of their relevance to the problems encountered in interpreting prehistoric bone samples.
Seasonal reproductive periodicity in the male Australian Brush‐tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Gilmore D. P.
Published: August 2009

The reproduction of the possum, Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr), was investigated on Banks Peninsula, Canterbury, from 1963 to 1965. The majority of births occur in the autumn, but there is a minor breeding season in the spring. After undergoing an anoestrous period during the summer most females enter oestrus around April. A small proportion of females give birth to a second young during September or October. Reproductive periodicity was also found to occur in the male possum. Although spermatogenesis continues throughout the year in the sexually mature animal there is a marked change in the size of the prostatic urethra at particular periods of the year which correspond to those in which the majority of females are undergoing oestrus. The mean weight of the prostate shows a sixfold increase during the autumn. However only very small changes take place in the size of the testis and epididymis. Changes in size and activity of the prostate correspond with marked changes in the interstitial tissue of the testis. Leydig cells, responsible for the secretion of testosterone, show a great increase in number in animals in which the prostate is enlarged. Associated with the growth of the prostate are changes in the behaviour of the possum. The body weight and fat deposits of the male possum drop markedly at the time of the autumn breeding season.
Variation in the skull of the Long‐tailed field‐mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus in mainland Britain
Authors: Delany M. J. , Whittaker H. M.
Published: August 2009

Nine skull measurements and a measure of age have been made on each of 613 specimens of Apodemus sylvaticus (L.). The mice were collected from 12 mainland and three island localities. From five of the localities they were obtained in more than one year; each year's collection was kept separate in the subsequent analysis.

Unadjusted and adjusted (for age) means have been calculated for each character. Differences in both space and time are small for the mainland populations. A discriminant function analysis was undertaken with a view to accounting for the larger part of the variation using a limited number of linear combinations of the adjusted measurements. It was found that the greater part of the variation was contained in the first two canonical variates. Finally, the generalized distances were obtained.

The multivariate analyses suggest that one island population (St Mary's) is quite distinct, the other two (Tresco, Mull) less so, that there is in any one locality little variation from year to year, that the Scottish mainland populations as a group display a small statistical divergence from the English mainland populations and that the former differ rather more from each other than do the latter.
The parasite fauna of the fish of the Shropshire Union Canal, Cheshire
Authors: Mishra T. N. , Chubb James C.
Published: August 2009

A survey was made of the parasites of 603 roach Rutilus rutilus (L.), 15 bream Abramis brama (L.), 201 perch Perca fluviatilis L., 30 pike Esox lucius L. and four eels Anguilla anguilla (L.) caught in the Shropshire Union Canal at Backford, Cheshire from December 1964 to August 1966. Twenty‐seven species of parasites were found, 17 in roach, seven in bream, ten in perch, ten in pike and two in the eel. Two species of Protozoa, seven species of Monogenea, five species of Digenea, six species of Cestoda, two species of Nematoda, one species of Acanthocephala, two species of Hirudinea, one species of Crustacea and mollusc glochidia were recorded. The following parasites are believed to be new records for the British Isles: Henneguya oviperda (Cohn, 1895), Dactylogyrus suecicus Nybelin, 1936, D. wunderi Bykhovskii, 1931, Asymphylodora kubanicum (Isaichikov, 1923), and Philometra rischta Skryabin, 1917.

One table shows the species of parasites found, together with data on the site of occurrence in the host, and the percentage and intensity of infection of the fish. A second table compares the occurrence of the parasites in four other localities in the British Isles, Loch Lomond Scotland, Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), Merionethshire, Rostherne Mere, Cheshire and the River Lugg, Herefordshire. A further column gives the normal hosts in the U.S.S.R.

A limited comparison is made of the numerical occurrence of six species of parasites in the canal, Llyn Tegid and Druzno Lake, Poland. It is concluded that unless relatively large samples of fish of all length groups are collected on a regular basis throughout the year such comparisons will have little meaning.

The concept of the characterization of parasite faunas is briefly noted. It is suggested that the high degree of host specificity shown by many of the species of parasites is evidence in support of the concept.
Feeding mechanisms in anuran larvae
Authors: Kenny J. S.
Published: August 2009

Larvae of the neotropical frogs Phyllomedusa are distinctive in that they feed normally in mid‐water on phytoplankton, maintaining neutral buoyancy by means of an independently beating tail filament. The feeding mechanism of larval Phyllomedusa trinitatis was studied morphologically and experimentally. The primary feeding mechanism involves a buccal rasp which may in some circumstances render food into small particles, a pumping mechanism which forces water through the buccal cavity and the gill filters, an entanglement system which traps particles in mucous strings produced in special organs, and the formation of mucous cords which transport particles to the oesophagus. In mid‐water feeding and surface feeding the buccal rasp serves only its other function in preventing backflow of the respiratory stream. The primary feeding mechanism is discussed and compared with schemes proposed for Rana temporaria and R. agilis. Little agreement exists between these schemes and that which is here proposed. It is concluded that the primary feeding mechanism is the same in the three forms but that there are behavioural differences in feeding generally. Some comment is made on the primary feeding mechanism in the Microhylidae.
Variations in the middle ear of the Mammalia
Authors: Hinchcliffe Ronald , Pye Ada
Published: August 2009

The comparative morphology of mammalian middle ear structures has been studied by examining the histological sections of the ears of 144 specimens of mammals which had been collected, with a few exceptions, in two expeditions to the Caribbean area. Fifty‐four species of six orders of mammals were represented. Sixteen structural features or relationships were specifically studied and the bearing of taxonomic groupings on the variability was analysed.

A taxonometric analysis using these middle ear features indicated that Microdipodops may lie nearer to Dipodomys than to Perognathus.

A table presenting the detailed results has been deposited with the British Museum (Natural History).
The structure and possible mode of functioning of the female reproductive system in Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: King P. E. , Ratcliffe N. A.
Published: August 2009

Associated with the female insect reproductive system are a number of glands. Those present in Nasonia vitripennis are described, their microanatomy examined and where possible this is linked with their function during the process of drilling into the host puparium, feeding on the host fluids and oviposition. The structures dealt with are the ovaries, spermatheca, alkaline gland, colleterial gland and the acid gland with reservoir.
The hunting‐web of the young spider Pisaura mirabilis
Authors: Lenler‐Eriksen Peter
Published: August 2009

In the Pisauridae both web‐building and non web‐building spiders are present, the former building webs comparable to the funnel‐webs of the Agelenidae.

Pisaura mirabilis has always been described as a non web‐building spider catching the prey by sight.

However the sexually immature Pisaura mirabilis has been found to build a web in which the animal sits.

The structure of this web is not directly comparable to any other type of web, but some kind of relationship to the funnel‐web of the Agelenidae may exist.

Even if the young Pisaura mirabilis is capable of catching prey without using the web, detection of the prey seems to be a main function of this structure.
Causes of badger mortality in eastern counties of England
Authors: Jefferies D. J.
Published: August 2009

The circumstances of the deaths of 17 badgers in south‐eastern England are described together with post‐mortem examinations. The livers of eight animals were analysed to detect the levels of organochlorine insecticides. All contained dieldrin (0.01 to 46.3 ppm), five contained DDT and/or its derivatives (0.30 to 19.2 ppm) and three contained heptachlor epoxide (1.9 to 4.4 ppm). It is concluded that five of the 17 died after road accidents whilst of the remainder, six certainly and six very probably died of dieldrin poisoning. The behaviour of one poisoned badger maintained in the laboratory is described. The amounts of dieldrin contained and consumed by the badgers are discussed together with the possible sources of the poison.
The structure and behaviour of Notiphila riparia and Erioptera squalida, two root‐piercing insects
Authors: Houlihan D. F.
Published: August 2009

Two species of root‐piercing insect, Notiphila riparia (Ephydridae) and Erioptera squalida (Tipulidae) are described. The insertion of the spiracles into the plants is dependent on a firm environment which provides the main bracing element for the movements of the spiracles. The structural features of root‐piercing spiracles are described. The spiracles are long enough to reach the gas spaces of the roots of the plants on which the insects are commonly found. The plant epidermis may act as a limiting factor in the respiration of the insects. The emergence of the adults of Erioptera squalida involves a change in buoyancy in the pharate adult as the adult emerges at the surface.
The morphology of the gut and a qualitative review of digestive enzymes in some New Zealand ophiuroids
Authors: Pentreath R. J.
Published: August 2009

The structure of the gut of three New Zealand intertidal ophiuroids, Ophionereis fasciata, Ophiactis resiliens and Ophiopteris antipodum is described. The gut epithelium of all three species contains cells with granular inclusions and deposits of lipid. Glycogen is also detectable in Ophionereis fasciata.

A wide range of digestive enzymes, particularly those hydrolysing glycosidic linkages, is recorded; a greater variety being present in the predominantly algal feeders Ophiactis resiliens and Ophiopteris antipodum. Tests for cellulases however proved negative with all three species.
Epigenetic polymorphism in populations of Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis (Rodentia, Muridae)
Authors: Hedges S. R.
Published: August 2009

The main object of this study was to use discontinuous variation as a means of measuring divergence between populations of A. sylvaticus (L.) and A. flavicollis (Melchior) from Britain and Eurasia. Samples from 17 populations (671 skulls) were each classified for 20 discontinuous morphological variants. The investigation has shown that certain epigenetic variants have a characteristic incidence in populations of the two species and that the relative incidence of the variants could be used as an aid to specific separation. The calculation of degree of divergence between the populations has made it possible to suggest the order in which populations are related to each other.
Toxicocalamus, a New Guinea genus of snakes of the family Elapidae
Authors: McDowell S. B.
Published: August 2009

Toxicocalamus is expanded to include Apistocalamus and Ultrocalamus as subgenera. Pseudapistocalamus nymani, Apistocalamus pratti, A. loennbergi, and A. lamingtoni are considered geographic variations of Toxicocalamus (Apistocalamus) loriae. Toxicocalamus (Ultrocalamus) buergersi, synonymized with T. (U.) preussi by previous workers, is recognized as a distinct species because of many structural peculiarities (most notably, extension of the venom gland back within the body cavity nearly to the heart, as in Maticora). Three species are described as new: T. (Apistocalamus) spiblepidotus, characterized by large size and peculiar colouration; T. (A.) holopelturus, characterized by entire subcaudals and hemi‐penial structure; and T. (Toxicocalamus) misimae, differing from the related T. longissimus in much lower ventral count and in having only 15 scale rows. A population from Garaina (Morobe Division) is believed to be of recent origin from hybridization between T. (A.) loriae and T. (T.) stanleyanus. Toxicocalamus is most closely related to the Australian genera called Brachyurophis, Melwardia, Narophis, Rhinelaps, and Rhynchoelaps by Worrell, but here all grouped in the genus Rhynchoelaps. This Australian genus and Toxicocalamus make up the Rhynchoelaps group, which does not include the genera Vermicella (for V. annulata only), Ogmodon, or Parapistocalamus. The lack of a diastema behind the fang in the elapid genera Kerilia, Ogmodon, and Toxicocalamus is not a primitive, but a specialized, feature, probably developed independently in each of these genera as a mechanism for coordinating the replacement rhythm of the fangs with that of solid teeth behind. It is suggested that the solid maxillary teeth of Toxicocalamus are neomorphs, formed by backward extension of the fang‐forming portion of the dental lamina.
An interpretation of the structure of the cnidarian Pelagohydra mirabilis (Coelenterata: Hydrozoa)
Authors: Rees The Late W. J. , Ralph Patricia M.
Published: August 2009

On the morphological evidence of three specimens Pelagohydra mirabilis Dendy is a floating tubularian hydroid of the subfamily Pelagohydrinae; its regional morphology is interpreted as homologous with the aboral and oral regions of the hydranths of genera such as Tubularia and Corymorpha, rather than with the hydrocaulus; the development of the aboral region into a fluid‐filled float has been brought about by the enormous development of the diaphragm and its parenchymatous cushion, a process resulting also in the scattering of the aboral whorl of tentacles and the blastostyles to positions all over the float; buoyancy and movement of the hydroid is probably attained through density changes in the coelenteric fluid in the float.
The population ecology of the Australian gekkonid lizard Heteronotia binoei in an exploited forest
Authors: Bustard H. Robert
Published: August 2009

The main factors affecting population size were investigated in a population of Heteronotia binoei the general biology of which was already well known. Population size fell by about 40% during a two year observation period and this appeared to have been due to adverse climatic effects greatly depressing egg incubation success. The effect of this was soon apparent as H. binoei is a short‐lived species.

An upper limit to population size appears to be set by social behaviour (territoriality) acting in conjunction with the available home‐sites. When population size is large the effects of this are buffered to some degree by overspill into an inferior home‐site.