bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foraging range of king penguins Aptenodytes patagonicm during summer at Marion Island
Authors: Adams N. J.
Published: March 2009

Foraging ranges of king penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus were estimated by combining information on the feeding rates to chicks and brood shift lengths of adults (assessed by daily weighings of large chicks and daily checks of marked birds brooding small chicks) with measurements of travelling speeds and activity budgets at sea (assessed using remote recording devices). Adults brooding small chicks were relieved on average every 13 days and large chicks were fed every four days. Adults with large chicks spent 36% of their time, between attachment of the device and recapture, travelling at an average speed of 8.7 km.h‐1. This gives an estimated mean maximum foraging range of about 300 km. Adults attending small chicks spent 19% of their time away swimming, giving an estimated mean maximum foraging range of 225 km. Extreme foraging ranges for all birds were 75 and 902 km for penguins returning between two and 24 days at sea, respectively. Total distance travelled was highly correlated with time away from the colony.
The scent‐marking behaviour of the spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta in the southern Kalahari
Authors: Mills M. G. L. , Gorman M. L.
Published: March 2009

All hyaenas scent mark their territories by smearing grass stems with paste from their subcaudal scent glands and by depositing faeces at latrines, but they adopt different strategies in terms of how they disperse these scent marks in their territories. For example, brown hyaenas living in the southern Kalahari deposit pastes and latrines throughout the whole of their territory, while spotted hyaenas living in the Ngorongoro Crater of East Africa place their scent marks strictly along the territorial borders. We have argued elsewhere (Gorman & Mills, 1984) that these different strategies are not species‐specific but are instead adaptive responses to local conditions. Here, we use data from a population of spotted hyaenas, living in small clans and large territories in the Kalahari, to test the hypothesis that hinterland marking is a response to the problem of marking a very large territory with a limited amount of scent and within a limited time budget.
Inter‐familiar differences in sprint speed of hatchling Sceloporus occidentalis (Reptilia: Iguanidae)
Authors: Berkum Fredrica H. van , Tsuji Joyce S.
Published: March 2009

Hatchling Sceloporus occidentalis from the same dam had more similar sprint speeds than did hatchlings from different dams. Families (e.g. siblings from the same dam) of hatchlings differ significantly in body size. However, family differences in sprint speed remain significant when the size differences are removed statistically. Genetic differences among the families of lizards may account for most of the family differences in speed, although environmental or maternal effects may also contribute to family differences in sprint speed.
Demography of a Cape porcupine, Hystrix africaeaustralis, population
Authors: Aarde R. J. van
Published: March 2009

The Cape porcupine is a large (12.0 kg), nocturnal hystricomorph rodent and widely distributed throughout southern Africa. The present paper examines age‐specific survival, mortality and fecundity rates in a population, evaluates the roles of possible density‐dependent changes of population parameters in the regulation of porcupine numbers, and describes the life history strategy of the species. The study is based on data sets obtained from animals collected during 1977/78 and during 1981/82. Changes in demographic characteristics are ascribed to an artificial reduction in density, resulting in the relaxation of social factors inhibiting reproduction in young adults.
Characteristics of spawning sites of the common frog (Rana temporaria) with particular reference to acidity
Authors: Aston R. J. , Beattie R. C. , Milner A. G. P.
Published: March 2009

Sixty‐one ponds in northern England with pHs ranging from 4.2 to 8.9 were examined for the numbers of spawn clumps per unit area in the spring of 1985. In addition, measurements were made of 25 other chemical and physical variables in the ponds, including the concentration of aluminium, various heavy metals, pond area and depth. Thirty‐one of the ponds contained from one to more than 1000 spawn clumps in densities ranging from 0.001 to 3.7 m−2 of pond area. Contrary to the findings in other surveys, spawn clumps occurred in relatively high densities in ponds of low pH. This was possibly related to the fact that other (unmeasured) variables, conducive to high spawn densities, had a greater influence in ponds where pH was coincidentally low. However, it is emphasized that, although the selection of spawning sites may not be influenced by low pH, other stages in the life cycle may be affected. A comparison of the present results with those from an earlier survey led to the conclusion that the number of frogs in the Wear Valley had decreased over the last 10 years. Possible reasons for this decline were discussed.
The ovarian cycle and control of ovulation
Authors: Hodges J. K.
Published: March 2009

The ovarian cycle of primates is a sequence of events reflecting follicular growth and development, the ovulation of a mature oocyte and the formation of a functional corpus luteum. A typical cycle generally consists of three phases: (1) the follicular or proliferative phase, (2) ovulation and (3) the luteal or secretory phase. Within this general pattern exists considerable species variation in terms of cycle length, timing of ovulation, presence or absence of menstruation and influence of season.

Details of the basic physiological mechanisms controlling cyclic ovarian function in primates are known for only a few species. Concentrating on information derived from studies in women and in rhesus and marmoset monkeys, this paper examines some of the hormonal mechanisms underlying the primate ovarian cycle with particular reference to the factors controlling preovulatory follicular development during the follicular phase.
Processing of environmental stimuli and primate reproduction
Authors: Keverne Eric B.
Published: March 2009

The prosimian primates have much in common with the non‐primate mammals in that reproduction is strictly limited by the physical environment. This determines the onset of the ovarian cycle which in turn synchronizes reproductive behaviour with ovulation. In simian species (monkeys and apes), however, the reproductive cycle does not directly depend on such environmental factors as temperature, rainfall or day length. Indirectly, of course, such factors exert an influence in so far as they dictate the nature of the habitat which in the long term has shaped social organization and in the short term determines the availability of food. It is through these factors, social organization and food availability, that the physical environment determines the timing of reproduction. The seasonal onset of reproductive cycles is principally related to the changing nature of mother‐infact interactions, which in annual breeders is influenced by the availability of food. This availability depends in part on climatic conditions, but also on social status: high rank determines priority of access to food, so that dominant females resume cycling after giving birth earlier than do females of low rank. Another way in which social status operates to enhance the reproductive success of animals that achieve high rank is by the suppression of sexual behaviour in subordinate males and inhibition of fertility in low‐ranking females. Of importance in this context has been the emancipation of reproductive behaviour (proceptivity/receptivity) from strict gonadal control. The degree to which this emancipation from both the external, physical environment and the internal, gonadal environment has been made possible is related to the growth of the neocortex and its domination of the limbic brain.
Observations on the evolution of the genitalia and copulatory behaviour in male primates
Authors: Dixson A. F.
Published: March 2009

Comparative studies of genital anatomy and sexual behaviour in male primates show that penile morphology and copulatory patterns tend to be more specialized in species which have a multimale or dispersed (non‐gregarious) mating system. The penis may be longer and more complex morphologically in such species. Copulatory patterns involving a series of intromissions or prolonged single intromissions are more common than in species with a monogamous or polygynous mating system. Elongation of the baculum occurs in species which prolong intromission into the post‐ejaculatory period. Sexual selection may have favoured the evolution of such features in species where females mate with a number of males rather than with a single partner. Relative testis size is also greatest under such conditions and larger testes occur in some non‐gregarious or seasonally breeding prosimians, as well as in anthropoids with multimale mating systems.
Maturity, mating and age‐specific reproductive effort of the snake Natrix maura
Authors: HAILEY A. , DAVIES P. M. C.
Published: March 2009

The ecology of reproduction was studied in the snake Natrix maura. The presence of sperm in cloacal fluid was used to show the size at maturity, the season of mating and, together with information on the persistence of sperm in cloacal fluid of females after mating, the frequency of mating. These results suggest that each female mated several times per year. Female N. maura grew substantially after maturity, and clutch size increased with body size. Current and expected future reproduction increased in parallel during the period of growth after maturity; subsequently they were constant. This pattern would be expected to lead to a constant proportional allocation of energy to current reproduction. Reproductive effort (eggs/body energy) was independent of age as measured by growth rings. There was some evidence that not all stored energy was used in reproduction in the current season even when some follicles regressed.
The infrastructure of aesthetes in Tonicella marmorea (Polyplacophora; Ischnochitonina) and a new functional hypothesis
Authors: BAXTER J. M. , JONES A. M. , STURROCK M. G.
Published: March 2009

The valve surface morphology and aesthete ultrastructure of Tonicella marmorea is described. The possible functions of these very numerous organs are considered with particular reference to the ecological needs of the animal and their similarity to other invertebrate organs. A periostracum‐secreting function is proposed as an alternative to the more commonly postulated light receptor theory.
Social organization in the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): harem formation, mate selection and the role of mate guarding
Authors: RIDLEY M. W. , HILL D. A.
Published: March 2009

Harem formation and mate selection were studied in the pheasant in order to determine the advantages of territorial harem defence polygyny to the two sexes. We investigated the factors affecting harem size and the advantage to a female in remaining with one territorial male during breeding.

Female group size declined during late March and early April as females moved from large overlapping ranges into smaller, more widely dispersed breeding ranges. The proportion of female groups accompanied by males increased during this period.

Some males had a disproportionate share of females. Settled females were monogamous but, because a female's nest was generally outside the male's territory, her home range was larger than his territory.

Harem members were usually from the same winter group. Harem size was not related to territory quality in terms of food supply or nesting cover. Females were loyal to one male in more than one year even if his territory position changed. Older, territory‐owning males had more females, both adult and immature, than males with newly‐established territories. Harem size was not correlated with territory size.

We conclude that the mating system of the pheasant is based on mate guarding which protects females not only from the risk of predation or injury, but also from excessive energy expenditure incurred through being chased by other males. When escorted by a territorial male, females spent three times as much time feeding, one‐fifth as much time running, and one‐tenth as much time alert, as they did when not guarded.
Adult feeding time, lipid accumulation, and overwintering in Aglais urticae and Inachis io (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: PULLIN ANDREW S.
Published: March 2009

The influence of restricted feeding time on the subsequent survival of adult Aglais urticae and Inachis io during diapause was tested in the laboratory. Abdominal lipid weight increased in the first 7 days of feeding by A. urticae and up to day 15 in I. io. Lipid as a proportion of dry weight also increased during this time. Individuals of both species feeding for 0–3 days began overwintering at significantly lower weights, and percentage weight loss during overwintering was more rapid than for those feeding for longer periods. Differences in fresh weights at the beginning of the overwintering period are reflected by differences in overwintering survival. In A. urticae, all 0–3 day feeders died in less than 150 days, in contrast, over 75% of 7–30 day feeders survived this period. In I. io, all 0–1 day feeders died within 160 days, less than 50% of 3 day feeders survived, whilst over 90% of7–15 day feeders were alive after this time. In I. io individuals feeding for one day, fresh weight is correlated with survival time suggesting that a larger body size may enhance survival time if feeding time is restricted.
Analysis of pellets of the Grey heron, Ardea cinerea, from colonies in Belgium
Authors: DRAULANS D. , PERREMANS KARINE , VAN VESSEM JANINE , POLLET M.
Published: March 2009

Analyses of the contents of pellets of Grey herons from different breeding colonies and breeding seasons indicated that the mammal and invertebrate species included in the heron diet varied between colonies and between years. The large differences in mammal species found in neighbouring heronries suggested the existence of important small‐scale variability in the exploitation of mammals. Almost no fish and bird remains were found in the pellets. We believe that most invertebrates, even the smallest ones, were actively taken by the herons. Identification of mammal species composition by means of skulls and hair remains gave different results. The shape of a pellet seemed to be dependent upon the (moisture?) conditions during its formation.
Foraging and habitat use by Nycteris grandis (Chiroptera: Nycteridae) in Zimbabwe
Authors: FENTON M. B. , CUMMING D. H. M. , HUTTON J. M. , SWANEPOEL C. M.
Published: March 2009

This study describes the foraging strategies, foraging areas, and roosts used by four female radio‐tagged Nycteris grandis along the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. The bats exhibited two foraging strategies, sometimes hunting from perches, other times flying continuously close to the ground. Some individuals used one strategy more than the other. During the study, the bats fed mainly on frogs, selecting only Ptychadena anchietae; they also took crickets, moths and cicadas. Each bat usually consumed two frogs each night and patterns of occupation of feeding perches suggest that their foraging efficiency was between 21 and 36%. The marked bats roosted in an old water tower or in a hollow Acacia albida. Four of five marked females were nursing young during this study.
Extensive genome reorganization in the African rodent genus Otomys
Authors: ROBINSON T. J. , ELDER F. F. B.
Published: March 2009

Two species of Otomys, O. unisulcatus (2n = 28) and O. irroratus (2n = 28) were karyotypically compared by G‐banding, C‐banding and silver staining. The genomes of the two species differ in respect to all three cytogenetic parameters examined. Although no G‐band homologies were evident between O. unisulcatus and O. irroratus, the former species, on comparison with the murid, Rattus norvegicus, and the New World cricetid, Peromyscus melanophrys, shows the conservation of several primitive cricetid‐murid G‐band sequences. The extensive changes in the O. irroratus genome have resulted from numerous structural rearrangements to the point where neither the changed patterns nor events causing them are identifiable. It is argued that narrow habitat specificity and its susceptibility to climatic vagaries has, through population fractioning and the creation of isolated demes, facilitated rapid chromosomal evolution in O. irroratus.
Health of adult free‐living cheetahs
Authors: Caro T. M. , Holt M. E. , FitzGibbon C. D. , Bush M. , Hawkey C. M. , Kock R. A.
Published: March 2009

Health of free‐living adult cheetahs was assessed using haematological and biochemical measurements of condition. Results showed that cheetahs of both sexes varied on several of these measures, demonstrating that their genetic monomorphism does not result in individuals being of equivalent health. Differences in condition appeared to be somewhat associated with sex, age and whether males were territorial. Compared to two different groups of captive cheetahs, free‐living cheetahs were monocytotic, and free‐living females were macrocytic. Limited data from captive animals showed they ate more than their free‐living counterparts, possibly reflecting the elevated blood glucose levels of captive cheetahs.
Competitive resource sharing by seaweed‐eating sheep Ovis aries (Mammalia: Artiodactyla)
Authors: Paterson I. W.
Published: March 2009

The seaweed‐eating sheep of North Ronaldsay, Orkney, were used to examine the distribution of a herbivore in relation to patchily distributed food. Seaweed occurred in discrete patches on the beach and sheep distributed themselves amongst the patches to ked. Sheep selected Rhodymenia palmata in autumn and Rhodymenia palmala and Alara esculenta in spring. There was a statistically significant agreement between the distribution of food and the distribution of sheep between patches. There was a significant correlation between the distribution of the two sexes between patches. The sex ratio in patches differed from the beach as a whole, probably due to social groupings. Social organization will constrain, and may account for, the unexplained variation in the sheep distribution.
Reproductive endocrinology of free‐living nestling and juvenile starlings, Sturnus vulgaris; an altricial species
Authors: Williams T. D. , Dawson A. , Nlcholls T. J. , Goldsmith A. R.
Published: March 2009

Plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin and testosterone, and pituitary content of LH and prolactin, were measured in free‐living starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, from hatching until 12 weeks of age.

Plasma LH concentrations were elevated in both sexes until four days after hatching, then they decreased. Throughout the period, plasma LH levels were low compared to those in breeding adults but were comparable to levels in post‐breeding photorefractory adults. Pituitary LH content increased until 12 days after hatching, but this increase was due to physical growth during this period. Plasma prolactin concentration and pituitary prolactin content increased dramatically during the nestling period. The increase in pituitary prolactin content was in excess of that accounted for by increasing size. Plasma prolactin remained high during the immediate post‐fledging period, but had started to decrease by 12 weeks after hatching. Plasma testosterone concentrations were lower than those in breeding adults, but generally higher than in post‐breeding photorefractory adults. The gonads of both sexes remained regressed.

These results suggest that the reproductive system of nestling and juvenile starlings is in a similar state to that of post‐breeding photorefractory adult starlings. The comparatively high levels of testosterone may reflect involvement in sexual differentiation.
Asynchronous male and female life cycles in the sexually dimorphic, harem‐forming isopod Paragnathia formica (Crustacea: Isopoda)
Authors: Upton N. P. D.
Published: March 2009

The complex life history of the sexually dimorphic, harem‐forming isopod Paragnathia formica Hesse is described, combining published information with new observations. The results of a two‐and‐a‐half year field study, carried out within the animal's saltmarsh habitat, are presented, revealing significant differences in the life cycles of males and females. Settlement to the breeding habitat of final stage male and female larvae, derived from the same annual generation, was recorded at very different times of the year. The total lifespan of males was shown to be twice that of females.

The larvae, temporary ectoparasites of estuarine fish, and the non‐feeding, burrow‐living adults are described and categorized into several developmental phases, whose numbers were recorded during the course of the study.

The annual production of larvae during a limited period in the autumn, and the subsequent settlement of final stage larval females and males the following year, were monitored. Larval females entered the burrows of adult males in the spring to breed, and died after releasing viviparous broods in the autumn. Larval males settled later in the summer, reaching adulthood in the autumn and overwintering before breeding some 18 months after their birth and dying at the end of the breeding season. Adult males thus bred with females from the next generation. The differences in male and female life cycles led to great seasonal variations in adult sex ratios, a huge winter bias towards males contrasting with a brief excess of females in the summer.
Gametogenesis and embryonic brooding in the cheilostome bryozoan Celleporella hyalina
Authors: Hughes D. J.
Published: March 2009

Celleporella hyalina (L.) is unusual among cheilostomes in producing sexually dimorphic gonozooids which are frontally budded from a layer of sterile autozooids, and also in the possession of a placental system for extracoelomic nutrition of the developing embryo. This paper investigates these two aspects of the reproductive strategy, combining observations of living colonies with ultrastructural study of preserved material. The formation of the male and female gonozooids is described. Female zooids underwent a maximum of four successive reproductive cycles before senescence. About 29% of embryos failed to develop to completion and were prematurely expelled from the ovicell. Spermatogenesis follows the typical cheilostome pattern. Fertilization is internal, and probably occurs during vitellogenesis of the oocyte. Oogenesis involves the activity of a nurse cell. The telolecithal egg increases in volume approximately 15–fold after transfer to the ovicell, and is nourished by a relatively simple placental system formed by the distal epithelium of the maternal zooid.
A proposal for the functional and phylogenetic significance of differences in the dentition of lampreys (Agnatha: Petromyzontiformes)
Authors: Potter I. C. , Hilliard R. W.
Published: March 2009

The shape and arrangement of the teeth and multicuspid laminae of the oral disc and tongue‐like piston are described for parasitic lampreys representing the six holarctic genera (Petromyzonli‐dae) and each of the monogeneric Southern Hemisphere families (Mordaciidae and Geotriidae). Particular attention is paid to describing the divergent dentitional characters, the location of attack and the size of the oral disc and buccal glands of the blood‐feeding Petromyzon marinus and the flesh‐feeding Lampetra (Lampetra) fluviatilis and Lampetra (Lampelra) ayresii. The conclusions drawn from these comparisons are used to make suggestions regarding the feeding biology of other parasitic species of lamprey for which less comprehensive data are available.

Compared with P. marinus, the flesh‐feeding L.fiuviatilis and L. fluviatils have fewer and smaller oral disc teeth between the circumoral and marginal teeth, a much wider and deeper supraoral. a far larger central cusp on the transverse lingual lamina (which in turn is convex rather than V‐shaped) and a smaller oral disc and buccal glands. It is proposed that in the two Lampetra species, the central cusp on the transverse lingual lamina and the interaction of this lamina with the supraoral are adaptations for gouging and cutting out pieces of host tissue. By contrast, the serrated edges of the lingual laminae in P. marinus are used to create a small but deep wound through which a stream of blood is then drawn. This mode of feeding is facilitated by the ability of P. marinus to remain attached for long periods at a single location on the host and to secrete a flow of anticoagulant ‘saliva’ from its relatively large buccal glands.

Since the characteristics of the feeding structures in the parasitic members of the genera lchthyomyzon and Mordacia resemble more closely those of P. marinus than L. fluviutilis and L. ayresii, they would appear to be adapted primarily for the extraction of blood. On the other hand, the reverse is true of Lampetra (Lethenleron) japoniea and Geotria auslralis, indicating that these species ingest predominantly muscle tissue. Species such as Lampetra (Entosphenus) tridentata have an intermediate type of dentition and are apparently more versatile in their feeding habits.

It is concluded that: (i) blood‐feeding preceded flesh‐feeding in ‘modern’ lampreys; (ii) endemic freshwater parasitic species typically ingest blood; (iii) the ability to feed on flesh developed in populations which had access to estuarine and marine hosts; and (iv) pre‐Tertiary forms resembling contemporary lehthyomyzon unicuspsis could have given rise independently to both of the divergent and specialized genera of Southern Hemisphere lampreys (Mordacia and Geolria).
Quantitative differences among the brains of cephalopods
Authors: Maddock Linda , Young J. Z.
Published: March 2009

The relative sizes of 30 lobes of the brains of 63 species of cephalopods have been compared. Some of the observed differences could be related to the way of life of the animal and others to the taxonomic relationships. The octopods are separated from the decapods by their larger brachial and other suboesophageal lobes, larger inferior frontal systems and smaller optic lobes. Vampyroteulhis lies somewhat between these two main groups. The vertical lobe system is large in sepioids and loliginids, smaller in decapods from deeper water, but large in Vampyroteuthis. In octopods, it is large in the typical epibenthic forms but smaller in those from deeper water and very small in cirrates. The inferior frontal system is very large in epibenthic octopods and Benthoctopus and in cirrates, but smaller in epipelagic and bathypelagic forms. The optic lobes are larger in decapods than in octopods from comparable depths and are especially large in deep‐sea decapods. They are larger in epipelagic octopods than in the typical benthic forms. The photosensitive vesicles vary by nearly two orders of magnitude. They are very small in squids living in surface waters, larger in mesopelagic forms and enormous in some cranchiids and in Balhyteuthis. In Histioteulhis, the side with the larger eye had an optic lobe twice as big as that on the side of the smaller eye, but with only slight differences in other parts of the brain. In the octopods, the inferior frontal system was generally large, being concerned with the tactile memory system, and tends to be inversely related to the size of the optic lobe.
Foot structure and phylogeny in the Viverridae (Carnivora)
Authors: TAYLOR M. E.
Published: March 2009

The structure of feet is widely used as a diagnostic feature in mammalian taxonomy. The relationship between the lengths of the metacarpals and foot pads are described with regard to plantigrade and digitigrade feet in the Viverridae. Although species in the Herpestinae, Paradoxurinae and Galidiinae vary considerably in size (from 450 g to 10 kg), the increase in length of the metapodial is isometric. Feet in which the metacarpals are less than 15 % of total limb length are plantigrade (Paradoxurinae and Cryptoproctinae) while those larger than 15% are digitigrade (Herpestinae and Galidiinae). The Viverrinae are composed of two natural groups, one in which the species have plantigrade forefeet and digitigrade hind feet and one in which both fore‐ and hind feet are digitigrade. The Hemigalinae does not appear to be a natural grouping, because the banded palm civet has plantigrade fore‐ and hind feet while other members of the subfamily have digitigrade feet; it may be better to reclassify the subfamily into three (Hemigalinae, Fossinae and Euplerinae).
Allopatric and sympatric populations of Polycelis nigra in competition with P. tenuis (Turbellaria; Tricladida)
Authors: YOUNG J. O. , REYNOLDSON T. B.
Published: March 2009

Two allopatric populations of Polycelis nigra (MuUller), one from lowland productive Llyn Maelog on Anglesey and the other from upland unproductive Llyn Dinas in Snowdonia, were each subjected to competition in the laboratory from the same Polycelis tenuis Ijima population from productive Llyn Llygeirian, also on Anglesey, where it coexists with P. nigra. The triclads were fed weekly on crushed Asellus (Isopoda) and their biomasses calculated monthly over five months. Results suggest that sympatric P. nigra are more successful competitors against P. tenuis than allopatric P. nigra. The data also suggest that the inferior competitive ability of allopatric P. nigra may be a consequence of both exploitative and interference competition. Coexistence of P. nigra with P. tenuis appears to increase P. nigra's tolerance to environmental stress; the current experiments and observations during several decades of research have indicated poorer survival and growth in allopatric than sympatric populations.
Redescription of Pennella sagitta (Copepoda: Pennellidae) from Histrio histrio (Pisces) in the North‐west Atlantic Ocean with a provisional review of the genus Pennella
Authors: HOGANS W. E.
Published: March 2009

Pennella sagitta (L.) is redescribed from fresh specimens recovered from Histrio histrio (L.) and from material in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. A small, delicate parasitic copepod, P. sagitta is shown to be a valid species, found only on fishes of the family Antennariidae. Attempts of earlier workers to synonymize P. diodontis with P. sagitta are rejected, and the distinguishing features of both species are presented. A neotype is proposed from material described herein, due to a lack of the original holotype. A provisional review of the genus Pennella Oken, 1816 is provided, and the taxonomic status of 31 species is discussed. Pennella exocoetus is described from material in museum collections. Seven species, P. balaenoptera, P. diodontis, P. exocoetus, P.filosa, P. instructa, P. makaira and P. sagitta are considered as valid members of the genus. The remaining species are reduced to synonymy with valid species or accorded the status of species inquirendae.
The pallial organ of Atrina pectinata (Bivalvia: Pinnidae): its structure and function
Authors: LIANG X. Y. , MORTON B.
Published: March 2009

Hitherto, the unique pallial organ of the Pinnidae has been considered to fulfil a cleansing role, removing sediment and shell fragments from the mantle cavity. This study of the pallial organ of Atrina pectinata describes structure in greater detail than before but was unable to demonstrate a cleansing function. Rather, the organ is thigmotropic and massively secretory. Study of the pallial organ head demonstrates it to have a pH of between 2 and 4 and that tall, apparently empty cells in the head epithelium contain sulphuric acid which can be precipitated as barium sulphate crystals following irrigation with barium chloride.

Acid‐secreting cells are recorded from a number of animal groups, notably opisthobranch gastropods, where they are concluded to possess a defensive function. Such a structure has not hitherto been recorded from the Bivalvia.
General protein patterns of muscle homogenates of some Lake Victoria haplochromines (Pisces: Cichlidae)
Authors: Rompaey J. van , Ahmadyar S. Z. , Verheyen E.
Published: March 2009

Cichlid fishes of the great East African lakes have been the subject of many evolutionary studies over the last decades. Over 100 haplochromine species have been described from Lake Victoria alone, many of which are endemic to that lake. Two recent studies, using enzyme electrophoresis, could not detect any genetic differentiation among the examined species. Consequently, it was concluded that the gene loci which were scored in these studies were not relevant to the genetic changes which occurred during speciation. Analyses of general protein electrophoretic patterns, however, does reveal differentiation on the supraspecific level. Three basic species groups can be discerned, each associated with ecological characteristics of these species such as diet and substratum. Implications for haplochromine evolution and taxonomy are discussed. Our data seem to support the hypothesis that trophic differentiation may have occurred within habitats, implying the possible importance of sympatric speciation in haplochromine evolution in Lake Victoria.
Responses to pulsed light stimuli in a pulmonate slug (Limax pseudoflavus)
Authors: Ford D. J. G. , Cook A.
Published: March 2009

The phase changes in the activity rhythm of the pulmonate slug Limax pseudoflavus caused by light pulses (30 min, 10,000 lux) in otherwise dark conditions were recorded using time lapse cinematography and tipping aktographs. From the timing of the pulse relative to an individual activity cycle a phase response curve was constructed. Phase delays occurred when the pulse was administered in the early subjective night and subjective day, phase advances were recorded during the mid and late subjective night.

The effects of two pulses (30 min, 10,000 lux) forming symmetric and asymmetric skeleton photoperiods were also recorded and related to the phase response curve. Both stable and unstable entrained states were found, the condition being dependent upon the relative timing of the two pulses and the previous activity onset. It was also shown that there was a time lag between the light pulse and its expressed phase setting effect. Thus phase setting is not instantaneous as with some insects.
Morphological discriminants of Scottish wildcats (Felis silvestris), domestic cats (F. catus) and their hybrids
Authors: French D. D. , Corbett L. K. , Easterbee N.
Published: March 2009

Skull characters of wildcats (Felis silvestris), classed as ‘old’, ‘recent’ or ‘modern’, depending on collection date, were compared with those of domestic cats (F. catus) and hybrids, using Fisher Linear Discriminant Functions, Principal Component Analyses and Canonical Variates. A key is derived for classification of individual (unknown) skulls. All analyses indicate that ‘recent’ and ‘modern’ wildcats were different from those collected earlier, and implied marked changes in the rate of hydridization during this century. We suggest that the older wildcat populations were a relatively ‘pure’ form but more recent populations contain a significant hybrid component. Although there may be a trend towards re‐establishment of the earlier type, an alternative conclusion is that the ‘pure’ form of wildcat is effectively extinct in Scotland.
Local adjustment of sex ratio in the spider Pityohyphantes phrygianus
Authors: GUNNARSSON BENGT
Published: March 2009

The sex ratio in five populations of the sheetweb spider Pityohyphantes phrygianus in southwest Sweden was investigated in July and September, the spiders being juveniles and subadults, respectively. In July, no heterogeneity between the five populations was found and the pooled samples revealed a sex ratio of 36% males and 64% females. A significant heterogeneity in sex ratio was observed in the September samples; the proportion of males varied between 23% and 40%. In several cases, male mean weight differed significantly between the five populations, comparing the July and September samples separately. This suggests that the prey availability varied considerably between the sites. In September, dead spiders were collected in two sites. This mortality was probably caused by starvation and the mortality rates differed significantly between the two sites. Indirect evidence suggested that the local sex ratio was affected by the prey availability, males being at a relative disadvantage in poor sites. Local environmental conditions may govern the adult sex ratio in this spider by causing differential mortality and/or migration.
The pulmonary circulation of the Tibetan snow pig (Marmota himalayana)
Authors: SUN S. F. , SUI G. J. , Liu Y. H. , CHENG X. S. , ANAND I. S. , HARRIS P. , HEATH D.
Published: March 2009

Studies are presented on the pulmonary circulation of three Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana (Hodgson)) captured in the mountains north of Lhasa, Tibet. The pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance were low, the right ventricle was not hypertrophied and the arterioles and terminal portions of the muscular pulmonary arteries had thin walls. The observations suggest that this species has adapted through natural selection to high altitude by losing the capacity for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Inter–trap movement and estimating rodent densities
Authors: GURNELL J. , GIPPS J. H. W.
Published: March 2009

The area and inter–trap distance of small mammal live trapping grids can seriously influence observed movement patterns and estimates of animal densities. This paper examines inter–trap movement (ITM) according to inter–trap distance, time of the year, weather and numbers captured for the wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, and the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, in an oak wood in southern England. The analysis is based on live trapping data collected in three studies over an eight–year period. Trap spacing affected inter–trap movement, including the statistic, ‘Mean Distance Moved’ between successive captures (MDM), of different species and sexes of rodents in different and predictable ways. No association was found in MDM between males and females of the same species, MDM and time of the year or MDM and weather. However, there was a weak negative association between MDM and numbers captured, particularly in mice. Using an independent method of assessing effective grid area, the usefulness of the MDM in correcting grid areas for the estimation of animal densities is discussed.
A rhizocephalan (Crustacea; Cirripedia) infestation of the deep‐sea galatheid Munida sarsi (Crustacea; Decapoda), the effects on the host and the influence of depth upon the host‐parasite relationship
Authors: ATTRILL M. J.
Published: March 2009

Three species of rhizocephalan barnacle were found to be infesting 293 specimens of Munida sarsi Huus from the Porcupine Sea‐bight (49–52°N, 11–14°W): Tortugaster boschmai, Lernaeodiscus ingolfi and, by far the most common, Triangulus munidae. Each species was found to have its own preferred abdominal segment site of emergence and particular effect on both male and female host pleopod structure. Triangulus munidae, however, caused a series of pleopod structure forms which led to the definition of a range of pleopod ‘Types’ for male and female hosts, including a peculiar masculinization of the female hosts' pleopods. The hormonal mechanisms behind these modifications are discussed.

Depth was found to have an influence upon the host‐parasite relationship, there being both an increase in the percentage infestation of M. sarsi and a decrease in the effects of T. munidae on the host's pleopod structure with an increase in depth. At extremes of their bathymetric ranges, the host becomes more susceptible to infestation, while the effect of the parasite on its host breaks down.
On the synchronization of breathing with running in wallabies (Macropus spp.) and horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: ALEXANDER R. McN.
Published: March 2009

Previous investigations have shown that, when they run, wallabies and various quadrupedal mammals take exactly one breath per stride. It has been suggested that their breathing movements may be driven by the movements of running, and three mechanisms have been proposed: the lungs may be compressed and expanded by vibrations of a ‘visceral piston’, by bending and extension of the back or by the forces imposed on the rib cage by the forelegs.

The three mechanisms are tested against published observations on wallabies and horses. Simple mathematical models are used to predict the phase relationship between running and breathing for each mechanism, and the amplitudes of breathing that they could cause. The observed breathing movements of hopping wallabies are consistent with a visceral piston mechanism tuned to the stride frequency, but cannot be explained by either of the other mechanisms. Those of cantering and galloping horses are not consistent with a tuned visceral piston mechanism, but could be driven by the bending and extension of the back.
Photoperiodic effects on post‐weaning growth and food consumption in the collared lemming Dicrostonyx groenlandicus
Authors: REYNOLDS P. S. , LAVIGNE D. M.
Published: March 2009

The effects of long ‘summer’ (22L:2D) and short ‘winter’ (2L:22D) photoperiod on post‐weaning growth and food consumption of the collared lemming were examined. Growth was described by Gompertz equations. After 10 weeks, lemmings maintained under short photoperiods developed white winter pelage and heavy bifid claws; body mass and estimated asymptotic mass were significantly greater than for lemmings reared under long photoperiod. Sexual dimorphism in body size was observed within treatments, males growing larger than females. There were no significant differences in the overall growth rate constant k as a result of either sex or photoperiod treatment. However, instantaneous growth rates (dW/dt) were significantly higher in ‘winter’ lemmings. Mass at weaning was a significant determinant of adult mass at 90 days.

Cumulative food consumption at 90 days was not significantly different between photoperiod groups, even though ‘winter’ lemmings gained more than double the mass of their ‘summer’ counterparts over the post‐weaning period. Increased gut length observed for winter morphs may act as the physiological mechanism promoting greater gross energy efficiency.

The present study suggests that the overwintering strategy of the collared lemming with respect to body mass changes and energy requirements differs considerably from that of other microtines.
The anatomy of some new archaeogastropod limpets (Superfamily Peltospiracea) from hydrothermal vents
Authors: FRETTER VERA
Published: March 2009

The anatomy is described of seven new species of limpet from hydrothermal vents in five new genera in the new family Peltospiridae, new superfamily Peltospiracea (McLean, 1989). Distinguishing external features are: (1) the tapering snout; (2) no eyes; (3) epipodium with tentacles variously modified; (4) deep mantle cavity; (5) single left bilamellate gill with pectiniform skeleton; (6) separate sexes; (7) no copulatory organ; (8) mantle edge with two folds, the outer secreting the shell with an inturned rim of periostracum, the inner sensory and differing in detailed structure of the secreting areas.

Limpet form is attained by the anterior migration of the posterior viscera into the mantle skirt on the right side. On the left is the single kidney, with monotocardian characteristics, followed posteriorly by the auricle and then the ventricle (not traversed by the rectum), which marks the posterior limit of the mantle cavity. The auricle receives blood from a pallial as well as a ctenidial circulation. There is no right kidney but a pallial excretory organ opens right of the rectum.

The radula is rhipidoglossate. The alimentary canal resembles that of a primitive prosobranch though with an odontophore indicating more powerful action, a subradular organ protrusible through the mouth and held in position by the tapering snout, and paired oesophageal pouches providing the most voluminous cavity of the body.

The gonadial duct acts as a vesicula seminalis in the male, and in the female opens into the kidney, the external opening of which is, in this sex, urinogenital. A second, receptacular duct, pallial in origin, connects with the ovary, opening to the mantle cavity near the anterior limit of the shell muscle and receiving seminal fluid emitted from the pallial vas deferens. Sperm are discharged directly into the ovarian duct, viable ones are stored and effete ones digested. The anatomy indicates that fertilization is internal. A levator muscle regulates the position of the openings of the gonadial and receptacular ducts within the ovary. It originates alongside the median margin of the right limb of the horseshoe‐shaped shell muscle.

Relationships with other vent limpets are discussed.
Environmental effects on activity and honeydew collection by the weaver ant Polyrhachis simplex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) when attending the mealybug Trabutina sp. (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: DEGEN A. A. , GERSANI M.
Published: March 2009

The amount of honeydew collected by the weaver ant Polyrhachis simplex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was measured when it attended the mealybug Trabutina sp. (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Measurements were made in a relatively cool month (March; mean daily minimum and maximum air temperatures while the ants were active were 17 °C and 23 °C, respectively), a warm month (April; 18 °C and 28 °C) and a hot month (May; 20 °C and 35 °C). The Trabutina sp. were located on a tamarisk tree. No byres were made by the ants around Trabutina sp. clusters in March, initial byre stages were noted in April and many byres were found in May. In March, maximum ant activity was at midday, the hottest part of the day, whereas in April and May there were troughs of activity at that time. In May, the trough was more pronounced than in April and activity was high in the early morning while it was low in April. Honeydew fresh matter collected by the ants was significantly negatively correlated with air temperature and positively correlated with relative humidity. Dry matter collected was not significantly correlated with any of these two variables and showed no difference throughout the day or among months. Within months, the least amount of honeydew fresh matter was collected at the highest air temperatures and at the lowest relative humidities and, among months, the least was collected during the hottest month. It was postulated that evaporative water loss of the ants increased with high air temperature and low relative humidity. Activity and honeydew collection by the ants was highest in April. During March, 3372 ants entered the nest daily with 2900 mg dry matter of honeydew, during April, 8157 ants entered daily with 6933 mg and during May, 6207 ants entered daily with 5152 mg. This daily honeydew intake had an energy content of 51 1 kJ, 122.3 kJ and 90.9 kJ in the three months, respectively. Each Trabutina sp. attended by ants excreted 0–51 mg dry matter of honeydew per hour, whereas each unattended Trabutina sp. excreted 012 mg dry matter per hour.

It was concluded that P. simplex used both behavioural and physiological mechanisms in coping with the environment. During cool months they increased their activity at the hottest part of the day. During hot months they reduced their activity during the hottest part of the day and they either remained in their nests, where the air temperature was lower and relative humidity was higher, or many ants remained in byres protected from much of the solar radiation. Those ants that were active during the hottest part of the day increased their evaporative water loss.