bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of artificially increased day length in winter on female domesticated canaries
Authors: Steel Elizabeth , Hinde R. A.
Published: August 2009

Three groups of female canaries were given different schedules of increasing day‐length between October and December: all groups responded in the same way. Three groups of female canaries were given a 20 hour light/four hour dark schedule at different periods outof the breeding season (October‐December, October‐January, and January‐February).All experimental birds became defeathered and vascular. There was an increase in skin tactile sensitivity in October‐December but not in January‐February. Nest‐building was induced in all months. Only six out of 41 experimental birds laid eggs. Eleven birds which did not lay showed marked incubation behaviour. Discussion centres around the hormonal control of brood patch formation. The possibility that the absence of an effect of photostimulation on sensitivity in January‐February is due to shortage of progesterone is considered. These light schedules induced more nest‐building than injected oestrogen: no conclusions are yet possible on the hormonal control of next‐building.
Mole activity in woodlands, fens and other habitats
Authors: Mellanby K.
Published: August 2009

Monks Wood, a deciduous wood of 155 hectares on clay soil, has an estimated population of 400 moles. There is an anastomosing system of permanent burrows, and when a mole is trapped its area of burrow is soon occupied by another animal. Little new digging occurs, except in winter, after frost has driven the soil fauna deeper into the ground. The burrows usually act as pit‐fall traps for the food. Young animals migrating in summer may live more superficially, in tunnels in moss and grass, but survivers usually move into a permanent tunnel system by autumn.

Woodwalton Fen has an easily worked peat soil, and few earthworms. Here moles burrow at all seasons, presumably needing an extensive burrow system to catch sufficient food. In times of flood, the moles leave submerging ground but return very soon after the water subsides. They probably swim across flooded areas but iis yet we do not know if the same animals return after floods to the same burrows.

Moles are not good indicators of soil fertility, particularly as many mole heaps are made by few moles in poor soil, and fewmew heaps may appear in good soil with permanent burrows. We do not understand why there are so few moles in some apparently suitable pasture, with high worm populations, or how others manage to obtain sutficient food in infertile areas.
The mole as a surface dweller
Authors: Morris Patrick
Published: August 2009

Evidence is presented that, in normal circumstances, moles spend a part of their active periods on the soil surface. In abnormal circumstances, as during a drought in Northern France (in 1964) when the soil became too hard to dig, many moles were seen and captured alive on the surface of the soil.
The anatomy of mole locomotion
Authors: Yalden D. W.
Published: August 2009

The main features of the limb anatomy of the mole (Talpa europaea L.) are described and illustrated, following, but simplifying, Reed's (1951) account. The importance of the axial rotation of the humerus, shown in his account, is emphasized and also illustrated. Additional details of the structure and mode of action of the wrist are given.
The pituitary gland of the mole in relation to that of other insectivores
Authors: Holmes R. L.
Published: August 2009

A brief review of our knowledge of the structure of the pituitary gland of the mole indicates that in most features this corresponds to the general mammalian pattern. Ideas of the precise secretory function of cells of the pars distalis are so far based on correlations between cytology and states of activity of the animals, and experimental studies are lacking. There is no apparent indication that the pituitary shows any major adaptive changes in direct response to the mole's underground existence.
The mole's sensory apparatus
Authors: Quilliam T. A.
Published: August 2009

Attention is drawn to a number of unusual ecological problems posed by the special character of the mole's natural habitat. An account is given of what has been learnt about the mode of function of the animal's sense organs from behavioural observations carried out in the field and in captivity. An attempt is made to show how the neurohistological design of the various receptors is adapted to enable the mole, in the most efficient manner, to perform those special tasks that are appropriate to its subterranean environment.
The central visual pathways and their functional significance in the mole(Talpa europaea)
Authors: Lund R. D. , Lund Jennifer S.
Published: August 2009

Anatomical studies on the visual system of the mole (Talpa europaea) using degeneration techniques, show that the distribution of optic fibres is reduced compared with hedgehog and other mammals. In five of the six moles studied, degeneration after eye removal was found in only the pretectal region and the ventral lateral geniculate body. A behavioural study shows that moles can respond to some visual stimuli and learn a light‐dark discrimination.
The behaviour of Corophium volutator (Crustacea: Amphipoda)
Authors: Meadows P. S. , Reid Alison
Published: August 2009

The behaviour of Corophium volutator (Pallas) is outlined. Swimming, crawling, burrowing and feeding activities are described in detail. Animals usually swim on their backs. Every few seconds, swimming alternates with passive sinking. Animals can crawl over surfaces in and out of water. Out of water they do so by a looping motion using their second antennae and telson. When out of water animals crawl away from light and down slopes. In water they swim towards light. Burrowing is initiated by rapid beating of the pleopods; the animal then sinks below the surface by a concerted action of pereiopods, pleopods, telson, uropods and second antennae; within a few minutes, a shallow burrow is formed. The formation of permanent burrows is dependant on particle size, on adhesive properties of detritus and primary films on sand particles, and on a secretion produced by the animal itself. Individuals can turn about in permanent burrows. The species is essentially a detritus feeder. Animals normally feed only when in their burrows, by using their second antennae to scrape material from the substrate surface into the entrance of the burrow. This material is then transported to the mouth by the feeding appendages and respiratory current. The behaviour of small and large animals differs; small animals burrow rapidly and permanently, and do not emerge spontaneously; furthermore, they only swim occasionally. Large animals swim more frequently, spend more time on the substrate surface, and periodically move burrows. It is suggested that new habitats are colonized by large animals which have already bred once.
Nomenclature for seal research in Britain
Authors: Smith E. A.
Published: August 2009

A wide terminology is now in use in the study of seals. Terms which are useful for research on Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus and Common seals (Phoca vitulina)in Great Britain are redefined.
A review of the world's Grey seal population
Authors: Smith E. A.
Published: August 2009

A review is made of current information on the numbers of Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus throughout its range. The world stock is estimated at 52,500 with 5000 in the north‐west Atlantic, 42,500 in the north‐east Atlantic (34,200 in Great Britain) and 5000 in the Baltic.
The interstitial tissue of the testis of the River lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis
Authors: Hardisty M. W. , Rothwell B. , Steele K.
Published: August 2009

The cytology of the interstitial cells of the testis of the river lamprey has been studied from the autumn when the upstream migration begins up to the completion of sexual maturation in the following spring. In the early stages of spermatogenesis the interstitial tissue consists of isolated interlobular connective tissue cells. During the winter these appear to increase in numbers and form compact groups sometimes showing an acinar type of structure. In the earlier stages of the secretory cycle the cytoplasm contains small osmiophilic and sudanophilic granules, which appear to aggregate to form much larger lipid positive masses. In the later stages of spermatogenesis in early spring, the interstitium accumulates large areas of lipid and cholesterol positive droplets and in fixed material the cytoplasm shows extensive vacuolization. In the terminal stages the cells undergo complete disintegration. It seems probable that the stage when the interstitium shows masses of lipid and cholesterol positive droplets represents a phase of degeneration and that the secretion of hormone occurs in earlier stages. No convincing evidence has been obtained for the presence of the enzyme steroid‐3β‐ol‐dehydrogenase during the later stages of the secretory cycle. There is evidence that following the degeneration of the interstitium there may be a replacement of the secretory tissue by the transformation of residual connective tissue elements, which may then re‐enter the secretory phase. The changes in the interstitium are paralleled by hypertrophy and evidence of lipid metabolism in the modified fibroblasts of the lobular wall and this tissue may also be involved in the secretory activity of the testis.
Seasonal changes in the distribution of gonadal lipids and spermatogenetic tissue in the male phase of Monopterus albus (Pisces: Teleostei)
Authors: Chan S. T. H. , Phillips J. G.
Published: August 2009

The gonad of Monopterus albus undergoes cyclical changes after the reversal of sex from female to male. The seasonally variable events include a prenuptial accumulation of cholesterol‐positive lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of the interstitial cells when spermatogenetic activity is resumed in late February and early March. The development of the interstitial Leydig cells reaches a maximum in May just before spawning. There occurs a sudden depletion of the interstitial lipids during the breeding season in June at a time when the male animals exhibit active nuptial behaviour. After spermiation, the old interstitial cells degenerate, and during the succeeding phase of gonadal inactivity, become replaced by a new generation from connective tissue cells in the interstitium of the gonadal lamellae which gradually accumulate lipoidal material.

The lobular cycle comprises a postnuptial accumulation of amorphous intralobular lipids which become completely cleared in February when active spermatogenesis is restored. Spermatogenesis resumes shortly after spawning, but only advances as far as primary spermatocytes during the postnuptial period of inactivity.

The authors conclude that, as far as the seasonal variations in gonadal lipid distribution is concerned, the cycles in the gonad of the hermaphroditic teleost, M. albus, conform to the same pattern as those of the gonochoristic seasonal breeders studied.
Structural adaptation for reducing water‐loss in three species of terrestrial snail
Authors: Machin John
Published: August 2009

Laboratory measurements indicate that observed differences in the rate of water‐loss from inactive Helix aspersa, Otala lactea and Sphincterochila boissieri are due to morphological adaptations such as a thicker shell, reduced aperture and thicker epiphragm. These modifications enable terrestrial snails to inhabit dryer environments by increasing the length of time the snail can remain inactive.
The genetics of the white tigers of Rewa
Authors: Thornton Ian W. B. , Yeung K. K. , Sankhala K. S.
Published: August 2009

An up‐to‐date pedigree is provided for the white tigers of Rewa, and it is pointed out that the hypothesis that the characteristics “white” are determined by an autosomal recessive gene “w”, is consistent with the known pedigree. Suggestions are made regarding future crosses.
Gastric and duodenal differentiation in Erinaceus europaeus and its relationship to antibody absorption
Authors: Morris B. , Steel E. D.
Published: August 2009

The stomach of the hedgehog is a simple sac‐like structure, and is divisible into three main regions based upon the histological structure of the gastric glands.

Peptic cells containing prominent Bowie positive granules are present at the bases of the rudimentary gastric glands at birth. A mucinogen component persists in these cells until about three weeks after birth.

Oxyntic cells differentiate from a non‐mucoid cell type, they are far less numerous than petic cells throughout the suckling period.

Pepsin assays on the fundic mucosa reveal that pepsin is present in considerable amounts at nine days of age, and that near‐adult levels are attained by about the end of the fourth week. Gastric pH declines during the suckling period, from near neutrality at birth to generally between 3.0 and 4.0 during the fourth and fifth weeks. Proteolytic digestion of antibody is delayed not through lack of enzyme but because the hydrogen ion concentration is generally inadequate for its action.

Evidence is presented to support the suggestion that the cessation of antibody absorption in the hedgehog and the rat is brought about, initially at least, by changes in the secretory activity of the gut, rather than by changes in the absorptive intestinal epithelium.
Studies on the biology of Spirorbinae (Polychaeta)
Authors: Silva P. H. D. H. de
Published: August 2009

Of four species studied, tolerance of extreme temperatures in greatest in Spirorbis pagenstecheri (which extends highest on the shore) and least in S. corallinae (which always occurs immersed in water). The latter species breeds between May and August, the other three from May to October. S. borealis liberates its larvae mainly at the moon's quarters, but this fortnightly rhythm is less obvious in S. corallinae and not found in the other two species. S. corallinae differs from S. borealis in being slower to re‐emerge after disturbance and in having a lesser breeding size, maximum size and life span. Growth in the laboratory is slower in S. tridentatus than in the other species. Growth of S. borealis under natural conditions is much faster in summer than in winter.
Muscular function and skull growth in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Moore W. J.
Published: August 2009

Bilateral masseterectomy in newly‐born rats results in a diminution in cranial weight and size. Such reduction affects the facial skeleton to a greater overall extent than the braincase, although in each region it is the dimensions of length that are affected to a greater extent that are those of height or width. Such contrasts are not dependent upon changes in body weight.

Removal of both temporal muscles—a smaller component of the masticatory musculature—results in little change in cranial proportions other than an increase in width of the braincase.

Such findings can be related, first, to contrasts in the timing of growth in the braincase and facial skeleton and, second, to the extent to which muscular function is reduced.
Variation in the Long‐tailed field‐mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) in south‐west england
Authors: Delany M. J. , Healy M. J. R.
Published: August 2009

Measurements of four skull and five external characters were made on each of 277 specimens of Apodemus sylvaticus (L.) from the two Isles of Scilly (Tresco and St Mary's) on which it occurs and from six localities in mainland Cornwall. The skull characters were greatest length of skull, maxillary tooth row, cranial breadth and length of palatal foramen. Lengths of the pectoral stripe, tail, hindfoot and ear were obtained, as well as the weight of each animal. The age of each individual was assessed by means of a tooth wear character and a regression adjustment was used to bring all the characters to a uniform age class. The adjusted and unadjusted means have been calculated of each character for every locality. The sexes were separate throughout the analysis.

The island mice are slightly larger than those from the mainland, the latter forming a fairly homogeneous group. In addition to overall size the most distinctive sign for the Tresco mice is the particularly small pectoral stripe. The St Mary's mice have a long tooth row, large pectoral stripe and large palatal foramen. The females were usually slightly smaller than the males.

A canonical analysis was made in an attempt to account for as much variation as possible between groups using a limited number of linear combinations of the original measurements. The greater part of the variance was contained in the first two canonical variates. From these, the populations separated into three groups, i.e. the mainland group, the mice from Tresco and those from St Mary's. The two Scilly Island populations are as distinct from each other as they are from the mainland populations. Separate introductions from different sources and, possibly, slightly different genetic composition of the original immigrants may have accounted, in part, for the divergence shown by these two island stocks. It is not proposed that the island races should be given subspecific status.
The relationships and ecology of Apodemus sylvaticus from the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Authors: Berry R. J. , Evans I. M. , Sennitt B. F. C.
Published: August 2009

Island “races” of the field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) have often been used to support particular theories of colonization or microevolution. Comparisons between Apodemus from a group of four islands in the Inner Hebrides (Rhum, Muck, Eigg and Canna) give support to the idea that the amimals were introduced onto these islands by man—mice first becoming established on Eigg and thence being transported to the other islands.
Development of behaviour in the hindlimb of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Hughes Arthur , Prestige M. C.
Published: August 2009

The paper is one of a series of studies of the ontogeny of the innervation of the vertebrate limb in which the histogenesis of the nerves is correlated with the development of the pattern of behaviour in the limb. Here, the motility of the developing limb in tadpoles of Xenopus laevis is described, both in the normal larva and those in which the spinal cord is isolated from the brain. In spinal tadpoles the responses of the limb to electrical stimulation are correlated with its normal behaviour.
The taxonomy of the gazelles (genus Gazella) of Arabia
Authors: Groves Colin P. , Harrison David L.
Published: August 2009

The classification and relationships of the members of the genus Gazella occurring in the Arabian peninsula are discussed. Three species are considered to exist in the region and G. marica Thomas, 1897, is here considered to be a desert race of the Goitred gazelle, G. subgutturosa Guldenstaedt, 1870; the other species recognized are G. gazella, with three, possibly four valid local races, and G. dorcas saudiya.
Experiments on aggregations of Phymateus purpurascens (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Pyrgomorphinae)
Authors: Rowell C. H. Fraser
Published: August 2009

Phymateus purpurascens Karsch has been studied in the wild and in captivity in Uganda. Its habits, colouration, behaviour and life cycle are described.

All individuals are attracted towards each other by visual stimuli, and a moving individual is more attractive than a stationary one. This behaviour is unchanged by several instars in isolation. The aggregated larvae tend to move in synchronous bursts. and it is suggested that this is due to retinal image stabilization by an optomotor reflex.

In an open field all instars are attracted towards isolated vertical objects in the visual field. This, together with the interindividual visual responses described, produces columns of moving insects. No olfactory communication could be demonstrated.

Adults and larvae behave similarly in experimental situations; this contrasts with the observed dispersion in the wild with increasing age. It is suggested that dispersion results from loss of visual contact, caused by (a) loss of the conspicuous larval colouration, (b) chance isolation, and (c) increased mobility of fledged adults. The possible biological function of the gregariou habit is discussed, and the significance of the various colour patterns of the life history as inter‐and intraspecific signals.
The giant cell trophoblast of the Senegal galago (Galago senegalensis senegalensis) and its bearing on the evolution of the Primate placenta
Authors: Butler H.
Published: August 2009

Examination of early embryos of the Senegal galago (Galago senegalensis senegalensis) show that the centrally implanted bilaminar blastocyst is temporarily attached to the surface of the endometrium which has been denuded of its covering epithelium. This attachment is mediated by an area of giant polyploid trophoblast cells which are situated at its abembryonic pole. At no stage do these cells penetrate into the depths of the stroma which does not undergo any decidual reaction. At the height of its development in the blastocyst of 4.0 to 5.0 mm diameter the giant cell trophoblast forms one‐third of the blastocyst surface. The remainder of the trophoblast shell consists of small cells which do not exhibit any invasive ability. By the time the primitive streak appears nearly all the giant cell trophoblast has degenerated and lost contact with the surface of the endometrium. As this takes place the endometrium becomes re‐covered by uterine epithelium. From this stage onwards the trophoblastic shell consists entirely of small, non‐invasive cells lying in contact with the uterine epithelium. Simultaneously chorionic invaginations appear over the mouth of each uterine gland. Shortly after the 18 somite stage the chorion is vascularized by the allantoic mesoderm to form the definitive placenta which is diffuse and epithelio‐chorial. Re‐examination of the twin blastocysts of Loris lydekkerius (Loris 5) from the J. P. Hill Embryological Collection indicates that the abembryonically situated “absorptive area” is the remnant of a similar temporary trophoblastic attachment. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the early blastocyst of Nycticebus coucnng is also temporarily attached to the uterine wall. Tarsius, Tupaiu and some insectivores (Sorex, Crociduvn and Talpa) also have primary attachment of their bilaminar blastocyst by invasive trophoblast situated on the abembryonic pole. In Tarsius and Tupniu the definitive haemochorial allantoic placenta is formed at the primary attachment site. In the others the primary attachment site is temporary and the definitive allantoic placenta is formed at the embryonic pole after amnion formation by folding. Thus it appears that invasive trophoblast occurs on the mammalian blastocyst at different times and places and that some trophoblast never exhibits invasive ability. Apart from the initial invasion by the temporary attaching trophoblast, the blastocysts of Loriscids and Lemuroids retain a covering of non‐invasive trophoblast hence theirepithelio‐chorial placenta is regarded as being of primary, and not secondary origin. Despite the very marked difference in the structure of the definitive allantoic placentas of Lorisoids, Lemuroids, Tarsius and Insectivora all stem from essentially the same type of blastocyst. Hence it is concluded that structural differences in the definitive allantoic placenta are not necessarily of phylogenetic significance.
Growth and breeding of Spirorbis rupestris (Polychaeta: Serpulidae)
Authors: Gee J. M.
Published: August 2009

Settlement of young occurred mostly between June and September. Monthly increments in coil diameter of tubes were about 0.5 to 0.7 mm between September and January, but only about 0.2 mm between January and March. Growth seems to continue throughout life, which lasts for about a year. Breeding may begin at a coil diameter of about 2 mm, but is more prolific in larger individuals. Maturation of gametes occurred slowly at 5d̀C, more rapidly at higher temperatures. Spawning occurs between March and October, particularly between April and September. Incubation lasts for much more than a fortnight and there was no trace of the neap tide breeding rhythm seen in closely related species.
The proventriculus of some trichopterous larvae
Authors: Gibbs D. G.
Published: August 2009

A well‐developed proventriculus is present in larvae of the Polycentropodidae and Hydropsychidae. Its structure varies greatly between species but there is a common bilaterally symmetrical pattern based on a pair of posterior ventral folds. These are continuous with the sides of a ventral gap in the fold of foregut that invaginates into the midgut. Modifications of this basic structure to form either triturating or filtering devices occur, and there are others where the mechanism of food treatment is not immediately apparent and may be complex.
Carotenoids and carotenoid metabolism in Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Decapoda)
Authors: Gilchrist Barbara M. , Lee W. L.
Published: August 2009

The carotenoid pigments of the hepatopancreas, ovaries and epidermis of Carcinus maenas were investigated. The following pigments were identified: β‐carotene, δ‐carotene, echinenone, isocryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, flavoxanthin and astacene.

The relative abundance of these pigments in the three tissues and the presence of possible hydroxy and keto intermediates suggest the metabolism of astaxanthin from β‐carotene. The metabolic pathway in Carcinus is discussed in relation to recent studies on other invertebrates.
The distribution and variation of Daphnia lumholtzi (Crustacea: Cladocera) in relation to fish predation in Lake Albert, East Africa
Authors: Green J.
Published: August 2009

In Lake Albert Daphnia lumholtzi is found in two forms. One has a pointed anterior prolongation, or helmet, on the head. The other has a shorter rounded head, and was originally described as a separate species, D. monacha. The latter form dominates the zooplankton in the middle of the lake where planktivorous fish are rare or absent. The helmeted form becomes commoner near the margins of the lake and reaches its greatest abundance in Ndaiga Lagoon, where planktivorous fish are common. The possession of a helmet is associated with a reduction in the size of the carapace compared to the round headed form. The carapace with its contained eggs is the most conspicuous part of a cladoceran, so that the helmeted forms are at an advantage in the presence of planktivorous fish which locate their prey by sight. The mid‐lake monacha forms are larger than specimens of the same form in Ndaiga Lagoon, where it is shown that Alestes baremose feeds selectively on the larger specimens of the monacha form.

The helmeted form produces more, but smaller eggs than the monacha form. The total brood volume (= mean egg volume x mean number eggs per female) is greatest in the midlake monacha forms. The selective advantages of variations in egg size and the possession of a helmet are discussed. It is concluded that the data from Lake Albert support the hypothesis of Brooks (1965) concerning the adaptive significance of helmet development in Daphnia.
Endemic species of Bulinus (Mollusca: Planorbidae) in Lake Malawi (= Lake Nyasa)
Authors: Wright C. A. , Klein J. , Eccles D. H.
Published: August 2009

Bulinus nyassanus and B. succinoides are both endemic to Lake Malawi and for many years were known only from their shells. Recent collections of living material have made possible a study of the anatomy of both species and the application of biochemical and immunological techniques have indicated their affinities within Bulinus. Some interesting aspects of their ecology have also been revealed.
The relationship of the mantle and shell of the Polyplacophora in comparison with that of other Mollusca
Authors: Beedham G. E. , Trueman E. R.
Published: August 2009

The structure and growth of the polyplacophoran shell, characteristically consisting of eight plates surrounded by a girdle, is examined in the light of current views on the relationships of mantle and shell in the Bivalvia. The periostracum and outer and inner calcareous layers of the shell of the latter group are homologous with the cuticle, tegmentum and articulamentum respectively of the shell of the Polyplacophora. The margin of the mantle consists of a large marginal fold, which secretes the cuticular girdle, and a small accessory fold bearing mucous cells. These are functionally comparable with all three folds of the mantle margin found in other molluscs, although anatomically the marginal fold of the chitons probably represents only the inner surface of the outer fold of the mantle margin.

The cuticle not only forms the girdle, which bears calcified spines or spicules, but also extends between the shell plates. The principal part of the cuticle consists largely of mucopolysaccharide material but there is also a thin discrete inner region which is similar chemically to the periostracum of other molluscs. The cuticle, possibly without spines, probably covered the entire dorsal surface of a primitive placophoran and beneath this, plates developed. As these grew the cuticle became worn away except marginally and between the plates. It is suggested that a covering of mucus over the visceropallium may have been the forerunner of the molluscan shell and the possible evolutionary relationships of the shell throughout the Mollusca are discussed.
Mechanisms of the jaws of some atheriniform fish
Authors: Alexander R. McN.
Published: August 2009

The Atheriniformes is an order of teleost fish which consists of the Atherinoidei (sand smelts etc.), Cyprinodontoidei (tooth‐carps) and Exocoetoidei (halfbeaks etc.). Some of its members have protrusible upper jaws and some do not. Photographs have been taken of two species of Cyprinodontoidei feeding, to discover how they use their jaws, which are protrusible. The anatomy and mechanisms of the jaws of these and of various other Atheriniformes have been studied. The terminology of the kinematics of machines is used in a general discussion of the mechanisms of teleost jaws. Anatomical similarities between the jaws of Acanthopterygii, Cyprinoidei and Atheriniformes are noted and discussed.
Biology of the jerboa, Jaculus jaculus butleri (Rodentia, Dipodidae), in the Sudan
Authors: Happold D. C. D.
Published: August 2009

A study of the jerboa, Jaculus jaculus butleri, was made in the desert near Khartoum, Sudan. The species, habitat and method of capture are described. Information is given on the population and reproduction, and a “pattern of generations” is suggested. Details are given on the behavioural attitudes and activities of the jerboa, moulting, vocal noises, ectoparasites and predators.
A re‐interpretation of the effect of temperature on the metabolism of certain marine invertebrates
Authors: Nwewll R. C. , Northcroft H. R.
Published: August 2009

Measurements by nieans of an oxygen electrode of the rate of oxygen consumption of a wide variety of common intertidal invertebrates show that at least two rates of uptake can be distinguished in the intact animal. First, there is a rapid rate of oxygen uptake corresponding with activity and second there is a slower rate which corresponds with periods of quiescence and which alternates with the fast rate. Intermediate rates correspond with intermediate rates of overt activity. The maximal and minimal rates of oxygen uptake are affected differently by temperature change. The fast rate corresponding to activity (“active metabolism”) increases with temperature in approximate agreement with Arrhenius's law. The slow rate corresponding to quiescence (“maintenance metabolism”) does not vary with temperature over much of the range 7 to 22.5°C. It is concluded that, contrary to common belief, the intertidal invertebrates studied have a “basal metabolic rate” with a Q10 of approximately one over much of the normal environmental temperature range and in this respect are well suited to life in a habitat where rapid fluctuations in temperature occur.
Oxidative activity of poikilotherm mitochondria as a function of temperature
Authors: Newell R. C.
Published: August 2009

In Newell & Northcroft (1967) evidence was presented which showed that the metabolism of certain intertidal invertebrates at rest does not vary greatly with temperature change. The following work was undertaken to determine whether temperature‐independent metabolism could be demonstrated in suspensions of mitochondria extracted from poikilotherm tissue and whether it could be inferred that there was any difference in the ability of poikilotherms from different habitats to adjust to short‐term temperature change.

It was found that the rate of reaction/temperature curve of mitochondria isolated from the skate Raia had a flattened region below 10d̀C but above this the rate of oxidation of succinate and pyruvate increased regularly with temperature. The curve for intertidal forms had a gradual slope extending as high as 20d̀C in the mussel Mytilus edulis while in the terrestrial snail Helix aspersa the gradual slope reached 27.5d̀C after which the rate of oxidation of substrate increased sharply before declining towards higher temperatures. Finally, the curve for mitochondria isolated from the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria showed a gradual slope up to 35d̀C after which a sharp increase in the rate of oxidation of substrate occurred. Thus the extent of the gradual slope corresponds with the normal environmental temperature range to which the tissues of the poikilotherms are subjected and the general form of the R‐T curve is such that rapid fluctuations within the normal environmental temperature range have relatively little effect on the rate of mitochondrial activity.
The systematics of the genus Lates (Teleosti: Centropomidae) in Lake Albert, East Africa
Authors: Holden M. J.
Published: August 2009

The systematics of thc genus Lares Cuvier, 1828 in Lake Albert were examined. It is concluded that the inshore form, originally described as Lates albertianus Worthington, 1929 and subsequently as L. niloticus albertianus should be considered as a synonym of L. niloticus (Linné, 1762) but that the offshore form, Lates macrophthalmus Worthington, 1929, warrants full systematic status. It had been relegated to subspecific status, L. niloticus macrophthalmus.

The lectotype for L. macrophthalmus is selected and redescribed. A method by which the species could have evolved, based on suspected differences in partial pressures of oxygen at which the blood haemoglobins of the two species become saturated, and on desiccation of the lake in the Pleistocene period, is described.

The diagnostic value of allometry in distinguishing between the two species on a morphological basis is discussed, as is the distribution of the two species in Lake Albert.

The possible significance of interspecific differences in the shape of the caudal peduncle and caudal fin is considered.
The food of a community of East African freshwater fishes
Authors: Munro J. L.
Published: August 2009

Quantitative data on the food of the fishes inhabiting Lake Mcllwaine, Rhodesia, show that the feeding of the dominant species in this community (Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), Hydrocynus vittatus (Castelnau), Tilapia melanopleura Dumeril, Tilapia mossamhica Peters, Tilapia macrochir Boulenger, Labeo altivelis Peters, and Gnathonemus macrolepidotus (Peters)) covers a wide spectrum, and almost all elements of the potential food supply are utilized. Exceptions are noted, however, and the introduction of the Indian carp, Catla catla (Cuv. & Val.), is advocated in order to utilize the large blooms of phyto‐ and zooplankton. The oligochaete, Branchiura cf. sowerbyi, which forms over 50% of the benthic biomass is also not utilized as a source of fish food. However, no fish species is known to feed on oligochaetes to any large extent. Predation by the Tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus, is shown to have severe effects upon recruitment to the valuable Tilapia fishery, and the reduction of the abundance of H. vittatus by means of selective fishing techniques is advocated.
Sisor rabdophorus—A study in adaptation and natural relationship: II. The interrelationship of the gas bladder, Weberian apparatus, and membranous labyrinth
Authors: Mahajan C. L.
Published: August 2009

A detailed description of the gas bladder, the Weberian apparatus and the membranous labyrinth in Sisor rabdophorus is given. It has been shown that these structures show a number of specializations which can be correlated with the bottom‐living habits of the fish. Evidence has been brought forth to show that the Weberian mechanism continues to serve as an aid to hearing.

It has been concluded that Günther's inclusion of Sisor in the group Hypostomatina along with certain loricariid and callichthyid genera is not a natural one and that Regan's (1911) and Berg's (1940) family Sisoridae is more indicative of natural relationships. That Sisor diverged early from the main stem of sisorid evolution, is further supported by this study.
On the morphology of Schistosoma rodhaini (Trematoda, Digenea, Schistosomatidae)
Authors: Fripp P. J.
Published: August 2009

A description of a Uganda strain of Schistosoma rodhaini Brumpt, 1931, is presented and the data are compared with published data on strains from other Central African localities.
The relationship between fecundity and fertility in the mouthbrooding cichlid fish Tilapia leucosticta
Authors: Welcomme R. L.
Published: August 2009

The development of fry in the mouth of the female mouthbrooder Tilapia leucosticta Trewavas is described. The egg production by fish of various lengths is plotted and a curvilinear regression for standard and total length fitted. The number of eggs produced is approximately equal to the square of the total length in centimetres of the parent fish. The brood numbers of 460 females are plotted against length, and linear regressions for mean brood number and mean fry number fitted. The relationship between the expressions for numbers of fry brooded and egg production gives an estimate of brooding efficiency that decreases with increasing parent length. Individual female fish show signs of reripening and the timing of this process is estimated from gonad state and from the length of fry brooded in the mouth. The relationship between fecundity (egg production) and fertility (fry brooded) is considered and the effect of maturation size, growth rate and spawning frequency assessed.
Aerial and aquatic oxygen consumption of Monodonta turbinata (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: Micallef H. , Bannister W. H.
Published: August 2009

The midlittoral trochid, Monodonta turbinata (Born) has a higher rate of oxygen consumption in air than in water at temperatures between 15 and 25d̀C. The temperature coefficient of its oxygen consumption is higher for the temperature interval 15 to 25d̀C than it is for the interval 5 to 15d̀C. The aerial oxygen consumption is increased by forced emersion or immersion for 24 hours. Immersion has the greater effect. It would appear that the trochid shows respiratory adaptation to zonation and environmental temperature.
Serum iron and total iron binding capacity in feral and domesticated Soay sheep
Authors: Pegram R. G.
Published: August 2009

Using a colorimetric method, values for serum iron and total iron binding capacity were determined in 33 feral Soay sheep, 32 domesticated Soay sheep, and nine Welsh Mountain sheep. The feral flock showed a higher mean total iron binding capacity than the domesticated Soay flock and the feral males showed a mean serum iron level higher than that of the males of the domesticated Soay flock. Within the feral flock the adult males showed a serum iron level higher than that of the adult females. Within the domesticated Soay flock the serum iron level of the male lambs was higher than both that of the female lambs and that of the male adults. The serum iron level and total iron‐binding capacity of the Welsh Mountain flock were lower than those of the Soay sheep. Results of other workers have been listed.
Aspidomorphus, a genus of New Guinea snakes of the Family Elapidae, with notes on related genera
Authors: McDowell S. B. , Cogger H. G.
Published: August 2009

The Australian snakes that have been included in Aspidomorphus differ markedly from that genus, particularly in hemipenial morphology and in the absence of a muscular slip from the quadrate bone to the venom gland; the genus Aspidomorphus is therefore restricted to the New Guniea species. Aspidomorphus (as here restricted) is closely related to Demansia (in the restricted sense of Worrell, essentially D. psammophis, D. torquata, and D. olivacea), but the Australian species generally referred to Aspidomorphus seem to be related to Glyphodon. The genera Aspidomorphus, Demansia, Rhinhoplocephalus and Drepanodontis form a natural group. Aspidomorphus contains three species, each identifiable by hemipenial features as well as by details of colouration: A. muelleri (=A. mülleri mülleri and A. m. interruptus of Brongersma's revision); A. lineaticollis (=A. mülleri lineaticollis and A. m. lineatus of Brongersma); and A. schlegeli. The last species differs from the others in the form of the maxillary bone and the anterior mandibular dentition; it seems to be confined to northwestern New Guinea and adjacent islands, since specimens from the eastern end of New Guinea that had been referred to schlegeli are actually A. lineaticollis. In all three species some geographical variation can be demonstrated, at least in ventral count, but it is not considered necessary to use trinomials to indicate that geographical variation exists. Pseudonaja textilis is recorded from New Guinea for the first time. (McDowell.)

Examination reveals Demansia ornaticeps is properly referred to Demansia. (Cogger.)
Observations on the fluorescence and function of spiders' eyes
Authors: Young* M. R. , Wanless* F.
Published: August 2009

Preliminary observations on spiders' eyes showed that certain eyes fluoresce in ultraviolet light and others do not. The response of these eyes to ultraviolet and visible light has been investigated to discover the relationship, if any, of eye fluorescence with eye function.

In the first part of this paper it is shown that of eight spiders from families with widely differing habits, vision and behaviour, five species reacted to light fluctuations and to differences in brightness of the primary colours blue, green and red. Three species did not respond to lightand only two, S. scenicus and E. falcata, indicated a preference for blue light. It was also found that the visual sensitivity of S. secenicus extended into the ultraviolet. The second part of the paper gives the results of examination in ultraviolet light of the eyes of 40 species from 11 families. Spiders with poor sight and a preference for shade generally showed a strong fluorescence of all eyes. The anterior median and lateral eyes of those species with good sight fluoresced only weakly or not at all, whereas the posterior median and lateral eyes ofthese spiders fluoresced brightly.

Freshly cut frozen sections of the eyes of two selected species, S. scenicus with good sight and C. similis with poor sight, were examined with the fluorescence, phase and polarizing microscopes. The localization of the fluorescence in these eyes is described and a fluorescent substance, common to all the spiders, was found in the lens of the eyes of most species examined.Additional information on the structure of the cornea and lens was also revealed by phase and polarized light microscopy.

The results suggest that spiders' eyes respond to light in different ways and the fluorescent substance present in the lens of the eyes is related to eye function.
Interspecific differences in photosensitivity between three closely related species of pigeons
Authors: Lofts B. , Murton R. K. , Westwood N. J.
Published: August 2009

It is known from field observations that vernal gonad recrudescence begins in January for the Stock dove, a month later at the end of February for the Wood pigeon, while many town pigeons (Columba livia) have active gonads throughout the year.

Photostimulation experiments demonstrate that spermatogenesis can be stimulated in the Stock dove by exposure to an artificial daylength regimeincreasing from 9.1 to 10.8 hours over 28 days. This photoperiod is the approximate equivalent of natural daylength changes occurring from late January onwards at 52° N. The same phototreatment, however, was not stimulatory for the testes of Wood pigeons, which required the equivalent of a March photoperiod. Natural daylength changes occurring in late November and December failed to evoke gametogenetic recovery in Stock dove controls.

The gonads of feral pigeons in full breeding condition were unaffected when the subjects were transferred from full summer photoperiods to those found in midwinter and spermatogenesis was maintained in birds kept under winter daylengths for four months.

The discussion mentions the problem of intraspecific geographical variation in photosensitivity. Scottish Wood pigeons begin their gonad recovery earlier and by March have considerably larger testes than birds in the south of England. Furthermore, they achieve this more advanced condition before the vernal equinox when daylengths are shorter in Scotland than in the south of England.
Observations on a Wild goat, Capra aegagrus (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) from Oman, E. Arabia
Authors: Harrison David L.
Published: August 2009

A male Wild goat, Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777, is here described, which was obtained in Oman and is now in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London. It is the first known occurrence of the species in peninsular Arabia. The characters of the three species of subfam. Caprinae known to occur in the region are compared.
The functions and mechanisms of the protrusible upper jaws of some acanthopterygian fish
Authors: Alexander R. McN.
Published: August 2009

Photographs of Pterophyllum and Gasterosteus feeding indicate that they suck food into their mouths by expansion of the buccal and opercular cavities. The premaxillae are protruded as the mouth opens, and remain protruded as it closes. The mechanisms whereby these movements can be performed, by these and by more generalized acanthopterygians, are described. It is shown that the palatines of generalized acanthopterygians are so arranged as to prevent retraction of the premaxillae when the mouth is closed with the buccal cavity expanded.

It is estimated, from rough measurements on a few species, that a teleost cannot suck into its mouth food that is further from its mouth opening than about one‐quarter of the length of its head. It is shown that protrusion of the premaxillae can be useful in getting the mouth opening close to food that is to be sucked in, expecially when it is to be taken from the bottom. The possible advantages of closing the mouth with the premaxillae protruded are discussed.

The origin of the acanthopterygian protrusile mechanism is discussed.
Trend‐surface analysis of transformation grids
Authors: Sneath P. H. A.
Published: August 2009

Computer methods are described for trend‐surface analysis of D'Arcy Thompson transformation grids, illustrated by data on skulls and jaws of hominoids.

In comparing two diagrams the following steps are required. First, corresponding points on each diagram are marked, and their co‐ordinates are recorded. Second, the diagrams are scaled and fitted to give the best possible fit; this gives measures of size and shape difference. Third, the displacements of each point relative to its partner on the other diagram are subjected to trend‐surface analysis. The displacements are analysed in terms of linear, quadratic, cubic and higher order trends. Fourth, the differences based on the trends alone can now be estimated.

The results on the illustrative examples are discussed, together with the difficulties in applying such methods. The nature of taxonomic (phenetic) affinity is also discussed, with suggestionsfor measuring different components of this concept.

The techniques show promise for a wide variety of taxonomic and morphological applications.