bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Variation in Calls of Males and Determination of Species Boundaries in Tetraploid Frogs of the Australian Genus Neobatrachus (Myobatrachidae)
Authors: Roberts J. D.
Published: August 2004

I analysed geographic variation in advertisement call of tetraploid forms of
Neobatrachus. Comparing five regional samples spanning
the range of N. kunapalari, there was significant
geographic variation in pulses per call but not in dominant frequency, pulse
rate, pulse duration or percentage rise time. The call of
N. kunapalari was significantly different from four
other samples covering the geographic range of tetraploid forms across
Australia in all but percentage rise time. Calls of frogs from Mt Magnet in
Western Australia (WA) differed from calls from Port Hedland (WA) in pulse
duration and in multivariate descriptions but were similar in pulse rate.
Pulse rates of calls from N. centralis on Eyre Peninsula
in South Australia (SA) were distinct from all other populations sampled but
in multivariate space these calls were similar to calls of
N. sudellifrom eastern Australia. There may be an
eastwest cline in call from N. sudelli to calls of
N. aquilonius and N. centralis in
WA. Call data support the recognition of two tetraploid species:
N. kunapalari and N. sudelli.
N. sudelli exhibits geographic variation in call, but
the status of N. aquilonius and
N. centralis as possible synonyms of
N. sudelli was not resolved.
Distribution of the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish in the Wet Tropics Region, North Queensland
Authors: Pusey B. J. , Bird J. , Kennard M. J. , Arthington A. H.
Published: August 2004

The Lake Eacham rainbowfish, Melanotaenia eachamensisAllen & Cross, 1982, was thought to be extinct in the wild until recentresearch demonstrated the presence of wild populations in a few tributaries ofthe upper Johnstone River and the upper Barron River, north Queensland, byusing the technique of DNA sequencing. We present the results of amultivariate analysis of a range of morphological and meristic characters ofrainbowfish collected from rivers of the Wet Tropics region, particularly theJohnstone River, that demonstrate that M. eachamensis iswidespread in the upper and lower reaches of the North and South Johnstonerivers and tributaries of the upper Tully River.M. eachamensis was most often the dominant species inthose locations where sympatry withM. splendida splendida was observed.M. eachamensis should be considered a stream-dwellingspecies rather than a lacustrine species although a significant lacustrinepopulation (Koombooloomba Dam) was detected.
Extra-group Courtship Displays and Other Reproductive Tactics of Superb Fairy-wrens
Authors: Mulder Raoul A.
Published: August 2004

A behavioural study was conducted to investigate reproductive strategies of
female and male superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus).
Such strategies are of particular interest in this species because males and
females form lifelong pair bonds, yet exhibit the highest documented frequency
of extra-pair mating among birds. In this study, a conspicuous element of
behaviour of males was the performance of a courtship display involving the
presentation of a flower or flower petal. This unusual display was performed
exclusively (97%) for extra-group females during excursions into
neighbouring territories by lone males, and appears to have evolved
specifically for the purpose of soliciting future extra-pair fertilisations.
Since displays were never followed by an immediate copulation, the behaviour
appears most consistent with self-advertisement by males. Females appear to
control copulation, and may assess males through their displays. Copulations
were rarely seen in this study, and the proportion of all observed copulations
that were extra pair (11%, N = 1)
significantly underestimated the frequency of extra-pair fertilisation
(76%) determined from previous DNA fingerprinting studies. When and
where copulations occur remains poorly known. Consistent with control of
copulation by females, males showed evidence of only weak mate guarding, and
may follow females primarily for copulation access. The evolution of a unique
and context-specific extra-group solicitation display emphasises the
significance of extra-pair fertilisations in the mating system of this
species.
Embryological Development of Oxygen Consumption and Egg Parameters in the Semi-altricial Australian Diamond Dove, Geopelia cuneata
Authors: Prinzinger Roland , Biricik Murat , Dietz Volker , Schleucher Elke
Published: August 2004

Diamond dove eggs show characteristics typical of semi-altricial birds. All
egg parameters that we examined were within the expected range for
semi-altricial birds; only the relative portion of lipid content
(7·9% of egg mass) was different from (25% higher) the
mean value for comparable-sized eggs of semi- altricial birds. The embryonic
development of oxygen consumption shows a clear plateau phase with values
within the expected range for semi-altricial species. The plateau occurs at
83·0 ± 6·0% of incubation, and is about 1 day in
duration; the oxygen consumption per egg is 42·2 ± 3·14
mL per day and 0·80 ± 0·06 mL per g per h, respectively.
Reduced Rates of Water Loss and Chemical Properties of Skin Secretions of the Frogs Litoria caerulea and Cyclorana australis
Authors: Christian Keith , Parry David
Published: August 2004

We measured the rates of water loss in two Australian hylid frogs: the
arboreal Litoria caerulea and the terrestrial burrowing
frog Cyclorana australis. We measured the latter species
with and without cocoons. Both species showed reduced rates of water loss
compared with ‘typical’ amphibians that lose water as if from a
free surface. Cocooned C. australis had very low rates
of water loss. We examined the chemical composition of skin secretions rinsed
(using only high-pure water) from both species and the cocoon material from
C. australis. The chemical composition of the material
from these three sources was generally similar and consisted of
5–10% neutral lipids and 78–85% proteinaceous
material. The fact that the terrestrial species has a high resistance to water
loss is unusual given that almost all other known species of non-cocooned
frogs with reduced rates of water loss are arboreal. The chemical similarity
of the skin secretions and cocoons from this species suggest that the reduced
rate of water loss in this species is linked to its ability to form a cocoon.
Amino acid composition of the material indicated that a sclerotisation process
may occur upon oxidation of the secretions. This would result in a physical
barrier to water loss in the cocoons and possibly a thin physical
proteinaceous barrier on the skin of both species in the absence of cocoons.
We suggest that the high proportion of proteins in the skin secretions cannot
be ignored, and that it may, in conjunction with the lipids, produce an
effective waterproofing barrier in both species. We suggest that chemical
components other than lipids also may be important in frogs from other
continents, and complete compositional analyses of frog ‘mucus’
are required before we can fully understand the nature of the mechanisms
involved in reduced rates of water loss in amphibians with and without
cocoons.
Milk Composition in the Grey-headed Flying-fox, Pteropus poliocephalus (Pteropodidae : Chiroptera)
Authors: Messer Michael , Parry-Jones Kerryn
Published: August 2004

Milk samples from 11 captive flying-foxes were collected at various times
during lactation from 5 to 139 days post partum and analysed for protein,
carbohydrate, total solids and ash. In addition, samples from 14 free-living
animals, collected on a single occasion, were analysed. No significant changes
in milk composition were observed during lactation in the captive bats except
for a small increase in protein and a small decrease in carbohydrate
concentration late in lactation. The milk from captive bats contained less
protein and total solids than that from free-living animals (mean values:
protein, 2·59 and 3·64%, repectively; total solids,
11·1 and 12·7%, repectively) but there was no significant
difference with repect to the carbohydrate (6·13 and
6·44%, respectively). The fat content, estimated from the total
solids by difference, was low (1·9 and 2·2%,
respectively) in both captive and free-living animals. The results are
compared with previously published values for milk composition in Chiroptera
and are discussed in the context of nursing behaviour and diet in captive and
free-living flying-foxes.
Variation in Length, Fecundity and Survival of Pink Wax Scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), on Umbrella Trees
Authors: Loch A. D. , Zalucki M. P.
Published: August 2004

We investigated some of the factors that may lead to outbreaks of pink wax
scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell, on umbrella trees,
Schefflera actinophylla (Endl.). Estimates of birth and
death rates of pink wax scale were high and variable within and among trees;
variation in these rates was not related to scale density. Adult fecundity
correlated significantly but weakly with adult test length; mean fecundity was
292 eggs per female with a range of 5–1178. Adult test length and its
variance decreased weakly with increasing density. Field experiments showed
that mortality of C. rubens is greatest during the first
24 hours after hatching when approximately half disappear. The rate of loss
decreases over time with 0·3% of initial motile first- instar
nymphs surviving to maturity. Rates of loss varied significantly between
trees, indicating that some trees are more suitable for scale colonisation and
survival.
Seasonal Field Energetics and Water Fluxes of the Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) in Southern Victoria
Authors: Wallis I. R. , Green B. , Newgrain K.
Published: August 2004

Field metabolic rates (FMRs) and water-flux rates of free-living male and
female long-nosed potoroos (Potorous tridactylus) were
measured in two seasons near Warrnambool in southern Victoria, Australia,
using the doubly labelled water technique. Potoroos, which weighed about 835
g, expended 30% more energy (590 kJ day-1) in
early spring than they did in midsummer (463 kJ day-1 ),
despite mean minimum temperatures in the two seasons differing by only 4C. We
did not find any difference in the FMRs of males and females even though all
females carried pouch young or had young at foot. The mean water flux rates
followed a similar seasonal trend to that of FMR with the summer mean influx
rate (131 mL day-1 ) being 30% lower than that in
spring (174 mL day-1 ). This difference in
water-turnover rate may reflect changes in the seasonal water status of the
environment. Hypogeous fungi constitute a major part of the diet of potoroos
and the role played by this food source in supplying amino acids is discussed.
High Levels of Genetic Variability in an Isolated Colony of Rock-wallabies (Petrogale assimilis): Evidence from Three Classes of Molecular Markers
Authors: Spencer Peter B. S. , Adams Mark , Marsh Helene , Miller David J. , Eldridge Mark D. B.
Published: August 2004

Estimates of genetic variation for a small
(Ne = 39) colony of allied
rock-wallabies (Petrogale assimilis) were calculated
with three different categories of molecular marker. Average heterozygosity
was estimated at 3·8% for allozymes, 47·3% for
multilocus ‘DNA fingerprints’ and 85·5% for
microsatellite markers. Overall these values indicate that this small isolated
colony of rock-wallabies maintains a high level of genetic variation despite
its relative isolation and the apparently low levels of migration between
colonies. It is likely that mechanisms exist (such as kin avoidance, multiple
mating systems, high and variable selective pressure in extreme and
fluctuating environmental conditions) that promote the maintenance of high
levels of genetic variation in isolated colonies of
P. assimilis. These mechanisms are discussed in the
context of the results obtained from the molecular markers.
Tethered-flight and Age-related Reproductive Performance of Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) and H. armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Coombs Marc
Published: August 2004

Flight capacity of female and male moths was age dependent in both
H. punctigera and H. armigera
using a tethered-flight technique. In H. punctigera,
flight capacity increased from the first night following emergence up to Night
4, and was maintained at least until Night 10. In
H. armigera, a peak in flight capacity occurred on Night
4, followed by a decline with increasing age. Long-flying moths (> 5 h
duration) were evident in both species from the night following emergence.
Attainment of reproductive maturity was rapid in both species, with 91%
of H. punctigera and 77% of
H. armigera ovipositing by Night 3. Hence, the increase
in flight capacity recorded for both species during early adult life is
coincident with the onset of reproductive activity. Both species retain the
capacity for extensive inter-crop and inter-regional movement throughout most
of the reproductive phase of their adult lives. Neither successful mating or
the absence of adult food sources influenced flight capacity during early
adult life.
Effect of Wavelength of Light and Pulse Magnetisation on Different Magnetoreception Systems in a Migratory Bird
Authors: Munro Ursula , Munro John A. , Phillips John B. , Wiltschko Wolfgang
Published: August 2004

Two hypotheses on magnetoreception in animals are currently discussed. The
first hypothesis is based on light-dependent processes associated with the
visual system, while the second hypothesis suggests that magnetoreception is
based on biogenic magnetite. Both mechanisms are supported by experimental
evidence, but whether the information they provide involves the magnetic
compass or the ‘map’ is still open. In order to identify the
relevance of light-dependent or magnetite-transduced processes in
magnetoreception, juvenile migratory birds were tested for their orientation
behaviour in the natural geomagnetic field as the only directional cue
available to them. The test birds were juvenile Tasmanian silvereyes
(Zosterops l. lateralis), which were caught on their
native island soon after fledging, before they had an opportunity to establish
a navigational ‘map’. (1) Under ‘white’ (full
spectrum) and green light (571 nm), they were well oriented in their
appropriate migratory direction, while they were disoriented under red light
(633 nm). This coincides with previous findings on adult silvereyes and
suggests that light-dependent processes are involved in an orientation
mechanism used by both juvenile and adult migrants, namely the magnetic
compass. (2) A short, high-intensity magnetic pulse, a treatment designed to
alter the magnetisation of magnetite, did not affect the young birds´
orientation. They continued to select their seasonally appropriate migratory
direction. In contrast, adult silvereyes from the same population had
responded in a previous study with a 90° clockwise deflection from their
normal migratory course. These results suggest that (a) magnetite is involved
in an orientation mechanism used exclusively by adult migrants; and (b) a
magnetite-based receptor is associated with the navigational
‘map’, which provides information on geographic position.
Growth of Southern Elephant Seals, Mirounga leonina, during their First Foraging Trip
Authors: Bell Cameron M. , Burton Harry R. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: August 2004

A longitudinal study of growth of southern elephant seals,
Mirounga leonina, during their first foraging trip was
undertaken at Macquarie Island. On average, body mass increased by 75%
while foraging at sea, with individuals growing at 0.34 ± 0.12 (s.d.)
kg day-1 (n = 64), and
spending 182 ± 51 days (n = 64) at sea.
Relatively smaller changes in body length were recorded during the same
period, suggesting that growth was composed primarily of adjustments to body
composition, rather than increases in gross body size. This may be in response
to the functional demands of pelagic life. Body size established early in life
(birth mass and departure mass) positively influenced body mass upon return
from the first foraging trip. Growth rate, however, was negatively related to
departure mass for females, and this is hypothesised to be related to sex
differences in body composition, as well as intrasex differences in foraging
skills, diving ability and food- conversion efficiency. Despite this, there
was no detectable age-specific sexual dimorphism in the first year of life.
Animals that were at sea longer tended to return in better body condition.
Interspecific comparison suggests that southern elephant seals grow more than
do northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, and
this difference may be related to prey abundance and distribution.
Growth and Development of Pouch Young of the Stripe-faced Dunnart, Sminthopsis macroura (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae), in Captivity
Authors: Frigo L. , Woolley P. A.
Published: August 2004

The growth and development of the stripe-faced dunnart,
Sminthopsis macroura (Gould), a small insectivorous
marsupial, was examined and described from birth to weaning (a period of
65–70 days). All observations and analyses were based on known-age
individuals from a laboratory colony. Growth curves showing the regression of
body weight, head, pes, crown–rump, tail and head+body lengths as a
function of age were constructed. Relative growth was determined by
calculating the instantaneous relative growth rate, k,
and two major phases of growth were recognised: during Phase I (birth to about
Day 54 post partum) growth rate was rapid, and during Phase II (about Day 55
to weaning) a deceleration in growth rate was apparent. Growth rate may
decline because of regression of the mammary tissue associated with the
commencement of weaning. No significant relationship was found between month
of birth and growth rate, and preliminary evidence suggests that litters of
different sizes may grow at varying rates during Phase II of the suckling
period. Preserved and living specimens were used to examine the development of
young from birth to weaning.
Lactational Energetics of a Marsupial Carnivore, the Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus)
Authors: Green Brian , Merchant Jim , Newgrain Keith
Published: August 2004

The rates of milk consumption by young of the eastern quoll
(Dasyurus viverrinus), a polytocous medium- sized
marsupial carnivore, were estimated by means of the
22Na-turnover technique. The mean individual daily rate
of milk consumption at seven weeks of age was 0·6 mL, which increased
to a peak of 16 mL at about 14 weeks, when the young weighed 130 g. The total
amount of milk energy delivered to each young from birth to the commencement
of weaning was 4·1 MJ. The digestible energy intake of lactating quolls
(± s.d.), 740 ± 117 kJ kg-1
day-1, was nearly double that of non-lactating quolls,
333 ± 75 kJ kg-1 day-1.
With such high energy demands during lacation, it is unlikely that a complete
litter of six could be successfully reared unless prey are abundant.
Ecomorphology of the Tongues of Australian Megachiroptera (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)
Authors: Birt Patrina , Hall Leslie S. , Smith Geoffrey C.
Published: August 2004

The tongues of six species of Australian megachiropterans were studied
macroscopically and microscopically to observe whether there were any
morphological characteristics correlating with their foraging and feeding
behaviour. Tongues varied from being extensible and brush-like (with long
hair-like papillae) in Syconycteris australis, to
club-like (with very few types of papillae) in
Nyctimene robinsoni, to long-pointed (possessing several
types of surface papillae) in the Pteropus species. The
morphology of the tongue of S. australis and the
Pteropus species was similar to that of nectar-feeding
birds, marsupials and other mammals. N. robinsoni
possessed a tongue highly structured for processing the fruit on which it
feeds, whilst the tongue of the S. australis and
P. scapulatus was highly structured for a diet
predominantly made up of nectar. Although the surface papillae were similar
among P. poliocephalus, P. alecto
and P. conspicillatus, the shape of the tongue varied
considerably, suggesting that there may be subtle differences between
individual feeding strategies. The morphology of the tongues in this study,
combined with field observations, suggest that many megachiropterans are able
to consume different food types when their preferred food source is
unavailable. In addition, the structure of tongue and its papillae support the
role of megachiropterans in both pollination and seed dispersal.
Molecular Systematics of Australian Carrion-breeding Blowflies of the Genus Calliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Wallman J. F. , Adams M.
Published: August 2004

Allozyme electrophoresis was used to determine the systematic affinities of
nine forms of carrion-breeding blowfly of the genus
Calliphora: C. stygia,
C. albifrontalis, C. augur,
C. dubia, C. hilli hilli,
C. hilli fallax, C. varifrons,
C. sp. nov., and C. maritima. The
results (1) confirm the species status of all forms currently described as
such, (2) support a return to the ranking of
C. hilli fallax as a full species,
C. fallax, (3) support the recognition of
C. sp. nov. as a distinct species, and (4) indicate that
distinct Kangaroo Island and adjacent mainland subpopulations appear to exist
in at least three species. The allozyme data also strongly support the placing
of eight of the forms into three separate species-groups on morphological
grounds, and the placement of C. maritima in a fourth
group. However, on the basis of these data, the comparative genetic affinities
of the parasitic blowfly Onesia tibialis suggest that
Calliphora in its current form may be paraphyletic.
Interspecific Variation of Testis Size and Epididymal Sperm Numbers in Australasian Rodents with Special Reference to the Genus Notomys
Authors: Breed W. G.
Published: August 2004

When testis mass is plotted against body mass for Australasian rodents, an
allometric relationship is found to occur. Nevertheless, considerable
interspecific variability in testis mass as a percentage of body mass is
evident for the different species, with the smallest relative size of testes
in the Australian rodents being present in most Notomys
and several Pseudomys species. In other
Pseudomys, and nearly all species of the other genera,
the relative size of testes is considerably greater.
Notomys and Pseudomys with small
testes tend to have a lower relative volume of seminiferous tubules to the
total testicular mass than species with relatively large testes. These species
also generally have small cauda epididymides and a less dense sperm population
in this region. The data thus clearly indicate far fewer sperm are produced,
and stored, in the male reproductive tract of these animals. The causative
reason(s) for the differences in relative testis size are discussed and the
possibility that it relates to variation in breeding system, and hence
potential intermale sperm competition, is considered. However, the scant data
available do not indicate an obvious association among these parameters. It is
thus suggested that, in Notomys at least, the relatively
small testes may relate to the other divergent features of the reproductive
tract one of the consequences of which may be a highly efficient
sperm-transport system.
A Review of the Helminth Parasites of Australian Rodents
Authors: Smales L. R.
Published: August 2004

The most recent catalogue of the internal parasites of Australian rodents is
that prepared by Mackerras in 1958. She listed 89 native rats belonging to 18
genera of which 8 species had had parasites recorded from them. There has been
very little progress made since that time. The most recent catalogue of
Australian mammals lists 57 extant species of rodents in 14 genera. Helminths
have now been reported from 16 of those species. The helminth communities
occurring in only two rodent hosts, Rattus fuscipes and
Hydromys chrysogaster , have been studied in detail. The
contrast in helminth communities from these two hosts, one dominated by
trematodes and the other by nematodes, may reflect not only differences in the
ecology and geographic distribution of both host and parasite but also
differences in the origins of the two subfamilies, the Hydromyinae and the
Murinae, to which they belong.
An analysis of the helminth communities of native rodents suggested patterns
of speciation of the helminths that included co-evolution with host
species-groups, and host switching from the Hydromyinae to the Murinae as well
as the reverse. Species such as the cestode
Hymenolepis diminuta and the nematode
Heterakis spumosa may have been introduced or
re-introduced by the recent arrival of cosmopolitan
Rattus species, and species such as
Paramelistrongylus skedastos have transferred from
marsupial hosts.
Skull development and growth in the southern fur seals Arctocephalus forsteri and A. pusillus doriferus (Carnivora : Otariidae)
Authors: Brunner S.
Published: August 2004

Cranial development in skulls of New Zealand and Australian fur seals
(Arctocephalus forsteri and
A. pusillus doriferus) was compared and found to be
similar. The complete closure of cranial sutures showed little variation in
sequence for either species but was generally slower in males. Based on suture
closure, females matured earlier than males and showed monophasic growth.
Males matured later and expressed monophasic growth for some characteristics
but a secondary growth spurt for others. The former included variables that
were of shared functional importance (e.g. growth of the braincase plus
characteristics related to hearing, breathing and feeding). The latter
occurred in features related to biting and structural support of the skull.
Not all males exhibited biphasic growth in these characteristics, which may
reflect the existence of multiple mating strategies or interpopulation growth
differences. Variation in size was greatest in physiologically mature
specimens and occurred mainly in those variables that expressed sexually
dimorphic development.
Cranial morphometrics of the southern fur seals Arctocephalus forsteri and A. pusillus (Carnivora : Otariidae)
Authors: Brunner S.
Published: August 2004

The identification and classification of unknown specimens of
Arctocephalus from regions of Australasia has proven
difficult. Skulls from the New Zealand fur seal
(Arctocephalus forsteri) and the Australian fur seal
(A. pusillus doriferus), and data from specimens of the
South African fur seal (A. p. pusillus), were examined.
A visual method was devised to identify and separate
A. p. doriferus from A. forsteri
for both sexes and for most physiological age-groups. A statistical method for
morphometric separation of these species was applied to adult specimens.
Characteristics of males and females for both species fell into two broad
categories: sexually dimorphic – mainly those characters that increase
the ability of males to hold and defend territories; and non-dimorphic –
those of functional importance. Studies of geographical variation showed that
adult male A. forsteri from Australia were generally
larger than those from Macquarie Island and New Zealand. Characteristics of
A. p. doriferus were generally larger than those of
A. p. pusillus. Nine specimens of New Zealand fur seals
were morphologically different from the typical
A. forsteri, which indicates the presence of extreme
outliers or hybrids in the sample.
Social Behaviour in an Australian Allodapine Bee Exoneura (Brevineura) xanthoclypeata (Hymenoptera : Apidae)
Authors: Tierney Simon M. , Schwarz Michael P. , Adams M.
Published: August 2004

The allodapine bees are well suited for comparative studies of social
evolution because of the wide variation in social behaviour within and between
genera. There are three main clades in the endemic Australian genus
Exoneura. Two groups
(Exoneura sensu stricto and
Exoneurella) have received extensive study. In this
paper we provide the first detailed study of social behaviour in the third
group, Brevineura, based on a heathland population of
Exoneura (B.)
xanthoclypeata Rayment. This species has two seasonal
pulses of egg-laying and brood rearing occurs throughout most of the year,
including winter. This extended period of egg-laying and brood development
differs from the two other Australian Exoneura subgenera and provides
extensive opportunities for eusocial-like sib-rearing. Dissection data
indicate that reproductive differentiation among adult nestmates is well
developed and dependent on body size, with smaller females being mostly or
entirely non-reproductive. Per capita brood production
is dramatically higher in multi-female nests than in single-female nests and
relatedness between adult nestmates is moderately high
(r ≈ 0·5). These two factors suggest that
local fitness enhancement may be occurring and our limited sex allocation data
suggest female-biased ratios. Because of the opportunities for sib-rearing in
this species, local fitness enhancement has the potential to lower selective
thresholds for eusociality.
Microhabitat Use by Two Species of Nyctophilus Bats: a Test of Ecomorphology Theory
Authors: Brigham R. Mark , Francis Rebecca L. , Hamdorf Sandy
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to measure microhabitat use by light-tagged
foraging Nyctophilus geoffroyi and
Nyctophilus gouldi, two at-least-partly sympatric
species of Australian microchiropteran long-eared bats. We tested the
hypothesis that because of their similar wing morphology (low wing loading and
aspect ratio) and echolocation-call design (high-frequency,
frequency-modulation calls), the two species’ choice of foraging
microhabitat should be similar. Our results showed that, typically,
individuals of both species flew relatively slowly in large circles
approximately 2–5 m above the ground and below the canopy but amongst
the trunks of forest trees, with some individuals occasionally flying amongst
smaller branches and the vegetation of the forest canopy. We found no
statistical difference in the proportion of time spent in different forest
microhabitats by individuals of the two species. Furthermore, on only one
occasion did we observe a bat land on the ground to forage, despite the fact
that both species are described in the literature as substrate gleaners. We
also found no evidence for any change in habitat use with changing lunar
condition. Our data support ecomorphological predictions generated from simple
measurements of wing form and lend credence to the notion that, at least in
some circumstances, measurements of wing morphology alone can be a useful
indicator of the ecology of similar bat species.
Sugar Preference and Apparent Sugar Assimilation in the Red Lory
Authors: Downs Colleen T.
Published: August 2004

The red lory, Eos bornea (family Psittacidae), was
tested to determine its preference for hexose sugars or sucrose. The indices
of sugar preference used were (a) number of visits to feeders, (b) time spent
feeding and (c) volume of solution drunk. The red lory showed no preference
for a specific sugar when offered a choice of glucose, fructose and sucrose at
a concentration of 0.73 mol L-1. However, when
concentration of the sugars was 0.25 mol L-1, the red
lory showed no significant preference by the number of visits but it showed a
preference for sucrose by increasing the time spent feeding and the volume
drunk. The choice made at lower concentrations may reflect preference for the
sugar with the highest energy reward.
Birds were fed 0.25 mol L-1 sucrose, 0.73 mol
L-1 sucrose and 0.73 mol L-1
glucose in separate laboratory trials to determine the concentration of sugar
in the excreta. The red lory was efficient at energy extraction, excreting
less than 1% sucrose equivalent, irrespective of the initial sugar
concentration of each diet.
Antechinus agilis (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae), a new species from the A. stuartii complex in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Dickman C. R. , Parnaby H. E. , Crowther M. S. , King D. H.
Published: August 2004

A new species from the Antechinus stuartii stuartii
complex, A. agilis, sp. nov., is
described from Victoria and south-eastern New South Wales. It differs from
A. stuartii primarily in its smaller average size,
lighter and greyer fur colour, relatively smaller anterior and posterior
palatal vacuities, and more rounded premolars. The species can be
distinguished in the field on external morphology.
A. agilis resembles
A. stuartii adustus from northern Queensland more
closely in skull and dental morphology than it does
A. stuartii from central coastal New South Wales, with
which it is parapatric and occasionally sympatric in the southern coastal part
of the State. Considerable morphological variation is apparent amongst
populations regarded previously as A. stuartii from
southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, suggesting that more than
one taxon is included currently under A. stuartii.
Further clarification of the relationships of A. agilis
requires evaluation of variation in such populations of
A. stuartii and also with
A. flavipes from northern New South Wales and southern
and central Queensland.
Digestive Physiology of the Ground Cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis), a New Guinean Phalangerid Marsupial
Authors: Hume I. D. , Runcie M. J. , Caton J. M.
Published: August 2004

Digestive-tract morphology and function were studied in the ground cuscus
(Phalanger gymnotis), reported to be the most
frugivorous of eight species of New Guinean phalangerid marsupials. When
offered a mixed diet of fruit and foliage, captive animals selected a diet of
more than 90% fruit. Fibre digestibility was low and variable, but
apparent digestibilities of both dry matter (90%) and energy
(87%) were high, and intake of digestible energy was similar to that of
the Australian phalangerid Trichosurus vulpecula (common
brushtail possum) in captivity. The small intestine of
P. gymnotis was the longest and heaviest region of the
gastrointestinal tract, but the stomach contained more digesta. The total
nitrogen content of digesta was low in the stomach and small intestine, but
increased four-fold in the hindgut, because of microbial activity. No
difference in nitrogen concentration or in the proportions of small or medium
particles was found along the hindgut, but the caecum contained a smaller
proportion of large particles than the distal colon. The transit time of a
large particle marker was much longer than that of a solute marker, but mean
retention times (MRTs) of the two markers did not differ. Both transit times
and MRTs were long relative to those reported in
T. vulpecula. Although fermentation rates in the caecum
and proximal colon were similar to those in T. vulpecula
on a foliage diet, fluid volumes were less than one-third those of
T. vulpecula, and, consequently, daily production of
short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was less than half that in
T. vulpecula, and contributed only 5% of
digestible energy intake (v. 15% in
T. vulpecula). These results are consistent with reports
that the natural diet of P. gymnotis is based largely on
fruit rather than on foliage.
Sex of Pouch Young Related to Maternal Weight in Macropus eugenii and M. parma (Marsupialia: Macropodidae)
Authors: Sunnucks Paul , Taylor Andrea C.
Published: August 2004

Competing theories of sex allocation in mammals may best be reconciled in the
light of data from diverse species. The tammar wallaby
(Macropus eugenii) is potentially a particularly
interesting study animal because females wean only one young per year, and
exhibit extreme synchronicity in the annual onset of breeding. By contrast,
reproduction in the closely related parma wallaby
(M. parma) is almost asynchronous. These two Australian
species are found sympatrically only on Kawau Island, New Zealand, where they
were introduced in about 1870. We sampled wallabies on Kawau Island in April
of 1996, when both species were breeding. Although the sex ratios in both
species were not significantly different from unity, offspring of
M. eugenii were very significantly more likely to be
male with increasing maternal weight (logistic regression
χ2 = 16.8, P <
0.0001), and the fewer M. parma data showed a
non-significant trend in the same direction (χ2
= 1.9, P= 0.16). These data, at least for
M. eugenii, are consistent with the
Trivers–Willard hypothesis, and warrant further investigation in wild
and captive populations under different measured or manipulated ecological
conditions. We suggest an approach utilising the characteristics of
M. eugenii which might help determine whether the sex
bias is determined close to conception, or is effected later in the
reproductive cycle by differential survival of the sexes.
Novel Protonephridial Filtration Apparatus in Cylindrostoma fingalianum, Allostoma sp. and Pseudostomum quadrioculatum (Platyhelminthes: Prolecithophora)
Authors: Watson Nikki A. , Rohde Klaus
Published: August 2004

The diverse types of protonephridial filtration apparatus in the
Platyhelminthes provide valuable characters for phylogenetic resolution, yet
only one species from the order Prolecithophora has previously been studied.
We examined three further species, two belonging to the family
Cylindrostomidae and one from the Pseudostomidae, and found a novel
arrangement consisting of scattered, short filtration slits in the cytoplasmic
cylinder of the terminal cell surrounding the flame of cilia. In these species
there are no regular, longitudinal ‘ribs’, such as are found in
many other platyhelminth taxa, nor bundles of supporting microtubules in the
cylinder wall, and cilia arise at various levels throughout the long terminal
cell column rather than in a group at the base of the flame, as is found in
most other taxa. The perikaryon lies adjacent to the flame, the wall
surrounding the lumen is strengthened by long, cross-striated ciliary
rootlets, and the terminal cell is joined to the proximal canal by a septate
junction. This simple type of filtration structure bears some resemblance to
that found in Tricladida, but is distinctly different from that described in
another prolecithophoran, Archimonotresis limophila
(Protomonotresidae). This suggests that there may be a fundamental division
within the Prolecithophora with regard to protonephridial filtration
structures.
Understanding the flight movements of a non-breeding wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans gibsoni, using a geographic information system
Authors: Reinke Karin , Butcher E. C. , Russell C. J. , Nicholls D. G. , Murray M. D.
Published: August 2004

This paper discusses the relationship between the movements of a single
wandering albatross and wind conditions. Analyses used a Geographic
Information System (GIS) to examine and describe bird movements in relation to
wind direction and speed. They include separation of the flight into pure
flight and clusters, examination of bird speed and direction relative to the
wind, and the degree to which the bird relies on horizontal wind for flight.
Generally, the flight of the bird was closely linked with the current winds,
although it was found that the bird was able to choose flight paths
independent of the wind direction.
Plasma protein polymorphisms in the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii
Authors: Arthur H. , Bell K. , Cooper D. W.
Published: August 2004

Five populations of the Australian tammar wallaby,
Macropus eugenii, from Kangaroo Island, South Australia,
and Garden, Abrolhos and Middle Islands and Perup, Western Australia, were
examined for plasma protein polymorphisms. Select Kangaroo/Garden Island
hybrids and backcross progeny were also included in the study. Vitamin D
binding protein (GC), albumin (ALB), transferrin (TF), protease inhibitor
(PI), haemopexin (HX), haptoglobin (HP) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were
identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, pH 7.9, isoelectric
focusing, pH 4.2–4.9, and immunoblotting with rabbit antisera to human
proteins. Five GC (A, B, C, D, E), two ALB (A, B), two TF (A, B) and five PI
(I, J, L, M, P) variants were detected, and limited family studies
demonstrated a codominant allelic inheritance for each of the systems.
Temporal and spatial variation in abundances of native bee species on an altitudinal gradient in southern Tasmania
Authors: Hingston Andrew B.
Published: August 2004

Bee assemblages were investigated in heathy coastal forest, shrubby dry
sclerophyll forest, and shrubby subalpine forest near Hobart, in southern
Tasmania, during spring, summer, and autumn between September 1996 and October
1997. Several taxa previously unknown from the state were encountered,
including the first Tasmanian records of the halictid subfamily Nomiinae.
Assemblages varied both temporally and spatially. Temporal variation within
particular vegetation types was due to interspecific differences in flight
periods. Spatial variation resulted from most species being restricted to one
or two of these vegetation types, with species richness being substantially
lower in the subalpine area than the two vegetation types at lower altitude.
This variation also involved several species being more or less restricted to
one habitat. In particular, Lasioglossum
(Austrevylaeus pertribuarium) was a subalpine specialist
while numerous species were more or less restricted to either coastal or dry
sclerophyll forests. There was also an interaction between these two forms of
variation, in the form of divergence in the flight periods of individual
species in different vegetation types.
Acoustic discrimination of passerine anti-predator signals by Australian raptors
Authors: Jurisevic Mark A. , Sanderson Ken J.
Published: August 2004

Acoustic discrimination of anti-predator calls was examined in 11 species of
Australian raptors, including 5 Falco species and 2
species of Elanus kites, by their responses to the
playback of alarm and distress calls of Australian passerines. The present
study investigated the ability of raptors to discriminate between alarm and
distress calls that have different acoustic properties and are emitted in
different behavioural contexts. The raptors were tested with broad-band calls
(containing a wide range of frequencies) given as distress calls, mobbing
calls and alarm calls to terrestrial predators, and with narrow-band calls
(comprising a narrow range of frequencies) typically given as a response to
flying predators. Raptor responses were categorised into three classes based
on head orientation (or lack thereof) towards the sound source (i.e. one of 2
or 4 speakers positioned in the cage set-up); (1) ‘correct
response’ – the raptor looked directly at the speaker; (2)
‘incorrect response’ – the raptor detected the sound, but
oriented the head in a direction other than towards the sound source; (3)
‘no response’. All raptor species showed a higher percentage of
correct responses (60–100%) for broad-frequency vocalisations and
a lower percentage of correct responses (usually 0–40%) and more
incorrect responses for narrow-band vocalisations. Further, all raptors showed
a greater rate of overall responsiveness to broad-band alarm and distress
calls than narrow-band calls, indicating a higher interest level in the
former. The behavioural implications of acoustic discrimination by Australian
raptors to different types of alarm call are discussed.
A Morphological and Molecular Review of Camponotus terebrans (Lowne) (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)
Authors: McArthur A. J. , Adams M. , Shattuck S. O.
Published: August 2004

Camponotus terebrans (Lowne) of the subfamily Formicinae
is reviewed with the aid of both morphological and allozyme techniques.
C. testaceipes (Smith) and
C. darlingtoni Wheeler are previously recognised
synonyms while C. latrunculus victoriensis Santschi and
C. myoporus Clark are newly proposed synonyms.
C. darlingtoni is removed from synonymy and its
lectotype is designated. Although considerable variation has been recognised
in this species, this variation is considered to be clinal. A description of
this variable species and its known distribution is presented. Examples of its
habitat preferences and behaviour are also included.
Oviposition behaviour of post-diapause Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Lepidoptera : Nymphalidae) in tropical Australia
Authors: Kemp Darrell J.
Published: August 2004

Observations were made on the oviposition behaviour of post-diapause adults of
Hypolimnas bolina (L.) at a site in Townsville,
Australia (19˚15′S, 146˚45′E). Females most often laid
one or two eggs on freshly emerged seedlings (<10 mm height) of
Synedrella nodiflora (L.) (Asteraceae). Mature
foodplants of S. nodiflora,
Sida rhombifolia (L.), Sida acuta
(Burm. f.) and Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) (all
Malvaceae) were present, and occasionally sampled by females, but were ignored
as oviposition substrates. Females were present at the site from 0900 to 1500
hours, and were more persistent than their male counterparts under adverse
environmental conditions (i.e. reduced temperature and solar radiation). The
relatively high number and apparent selectiveness of ovipositing females in
this situation indicates the importance placed on utilising fresh growth of
the larval foodplant. This behaviour may serve to maximise the rate of return
per unit reproductive effort of post-diapause females.
Morphological variation among populations of the quokka, Setonix brachyurus (Macropodidae : Marsupialia), in Western Australia
Authors: Sinclair E. A.
Published: August 2004

Variation in five external morphological characters was examined among two
island populations and five remnant mainland populations of the quokka,
Setonix brachyurus. Sexual dimorphism was observed, with
males being significantly larger than females at each location. Pairwise
comparisons among populations showed that significant differences were mostly
between the two island populations. There was a general trend for animal size
to decrease with latitude. Multivariate analyses did not show clear geographic
groups, although the island populations tended to cluster. The inheritance of
the morphological characters was examined by comparing island populations with
those of a captive colony on the mainland, but which originated from the same
island. Significant differences between these populations were observed for
tail-width measures, suggesting that environmental conditions may be
responsible for some variation, but considerable variation may also be due to
underlying genetic variation.
Thermogenesis in the marsupial Sminthopsis crassicaudata: effect of catecholamines and diet
Authors: Clements Fiona , Hope Perdita , Daniels Chris , Chapman Ian , Wittert Gary
Published: August 2004

The fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) is a
small carnivorous marsupial with detectable brown adipose tissue. In order to
determine whether catecholamines and food intake increase thermogenesis in
this species, we measured the response of oxygen consumption
(Vo2) to (i) intraperitoneal noradrenaline
(0.25–4.0 mg kg-1), and (ii) food intake. The
effect of nutritional status and macronutrient composition of the diet on the
Vo2 response to food intake was determined by feeding
both non-deprived and 24-h-food-deprived animals with either laboratory diet
(1.01 Kcal g-1 (4.2 KJ g-1),
20% fat) or live mealworms (Tenebrio molitor
larvae) (2.99 Kcal g-1 (12.5 KJ
g-1), 30% fat). Intraperitoneal injection of
noradrenaline at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg kg-1 increased
Vo2 by 14% and 31% respectively at 30 min
(P ≤ 0.05), whereas noradrenaline at 2 and 4 mg kg-1
decreased Vo2 by 10% and 31% respectively
(P ≤ 0.05). Following food intake, Vo2 increased in
both non-deprived (P < 0.05) and 24-h-food-deprived (P < 0.05) animals.
While the magnitude of the increase in Vo2 was similar
in animals fed with either laboratory diet or mealworms, both diets increased
Vo2 more in non-deprived than in 24-h-food-deprived
animals (P < 0.05). These results suggest that in
S. crassicaudata (i) catecholamines increase
thermogenesis and (ii) the magnitude of diet-induced thermogenesis is
dependent on both the nutritional status of the animal and the macronutrient
composition of the diet.