bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution de la masse corporelle et de la masse relative des corps gras, des ovaires et des oeufs au cours des cycles reproducteurs chez Vipera aspis
Authors: Saint Girons H. , Duguy R.
Published: April 2008

The dissection of 159 adult female Vipera aspis from Western France allowed the study of the evolution of fat bodies, ovaries and eggs during the sexual cycle. The latter is frequently biennial, sometimes triennial and only exceptionally annual. Vitellogenesis in reproductive females is essentially vernal and accompanied by a decrease in the relative mass of the fat bodies. This decrease is slow during the gestation period, when females eat little or not at all and use other reserves, including the liver. Participation of the kidneys is weak or absent. The fat bodies are reconstituted during periods of food intake; this requires one or two years, according to the duration of the potential feeding periods and feeding opportunities. Individual variation is important for all parameters including reproductive effort and available resources. Problems in evaluating reproductive effort and in comparing the relative clutch masses between viviparous and oviparous species are discussed.
Trapping the arboreal snake Boiga irregularis
Authors: Rodda Gordon H. , Rondeau Renee J. , Fritts Thomas H. , Maughan O. Eugene
Published: April 2008

The snake Boiga irregularis, an exotic on Guam, has eliminated the majority of the native vertebrates there. We tested traps designed to control this arboreal snake during three periods of 20-41 days in 1988 and 1989. The relative trapping successes with different baits and trap configurations indicated that this snake will not readily push through a visually obstructed entrance. However, under some conditions, 80% of the snakes escaped from traps lacking a physical blockage at the entrance. Live bait was more successful than odoriferous bait alone, and odoriferous guide ropes that led to trap entrances did not enhance capture rates. These findings corroborate laboratory experiments indicating an unusually strong dependence on visual cues in this highly successful nocturnal predator.
Further data on sex chromosomes of Lacertidae and a hypothesis on their evolutionary trend
Authors: Odierna G. , Kupriyanova L.A. , Capriglione T. , Olmo E.
Published: April 2008

Sex chromosomes were studied in eight species of lacertid lizards using C-banding, G-banding and restriction enzyme treatment. All of the species showed female heterogamety. The W chromosome was a microchromosome in Lacerta graeca and Ophisops elegans. Two types of W were found in Lacerta vivipara; in specimens from The Netherlands it was metacentric, whereas in specimens from Russia it was acrocentric or subtelocentric. The W chromosome was homomorphic or nearly homomorphic but completely C-banded and heterochromatic in Lacerta agilis, Podarcis hispanica, Algyroides moreoticus and A. nigropunctatus. In was only possible to find sex chromosomes using the G-banding method in Podarcis sicula. The results obtained, together with data in the literature, suggest that sex chromosomes are likely to be present in all Lacertidae and that their differentiation took place repeatedly and independently in different taxa within the family. A model for sex chromosome evolution in the family, in which the starting point was the heterochromatization of the W chromosome, is proposed.
Allometry and autotomy of the tail in the Golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica
Authors: Arntzen J.W.
Published: April 2008

The Golden-striped salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica) from the Iberian peninsula is characterised by the possession of a long tail which it can shed (autotomy). The allometric relationship of tail length and body length is described for larvae, juveniles and adult males and females, using modal values extracted from a large data set. Tail length increases non-lineary with body length and in adults the tail frequently exceeds twice the length of the body (i.e. tail-index > 2). The frequency of observed autotomy ranges from 6% to 33%. Differences are observed in tail-index and autotomy rates between life stages and sexes; differences are also observed between temporal and spatial subgroups. It is concluded that tail-length is an important demographic character in C. lusitanica. Comparisons are made with some American plethodontid salamanders to which C. lusitanica shows a striking morphological similarity.
Hygrotactic orientation of frogs in the laboratory
Authors: Lázár Gy. , Brändle K.
Published: April 2008

The ability of green frogs (Rana esculenta) to find water in the laboratory was studied in complete darkness and in daylight. Plastic boxes with small holes in their lids were used as traps. Frogs preferred a water-containing dish to a dry dish when the humidity of the air was low (47-51%) They did not use visual cues in the localization of the water-containing dish. When the humidity of the air was higher (65-68%) preference for water could not be observed. Bilateral transection of the olfactory nerves abolished hygrotactic orientation.
Strike-induced chemosensory searching by the anguid lizard Elgaria coerulea
Authors: Cooper William E.
Published: April 2008

Strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS), including a post-strike elevation in tongue-flick rate (PETF) and searching movements following experimental removal of prey from the predator's mouth, is demonstrated to occur in an anguid lizard, Elgaria coerulea. This finding confirms predictions based on the previously established widespread occurrence of SICS in scleroglossan (especially autarchoglossan) lizard families and on a strong association between SICS and active foraging. Reasons why SICS should be favored by natural selection in active foragers are discussed, but the presence of SICS in anguids is attributed to phylogenetic inertia rather than adaptation. SICS was statistically significant only during the first two minutes in E. coerulea. Its limited duration in an anguid and much greater duration in helodermatids, varanids, and snakes suggest that prolonged SICS may have had a single origin in the common ancestor of Varanoidea or, much less likely, of (Varanoidea + Xenosauridae). Uncertainties about origins due to missing data on certain taxa and to unresolved phylogenetic relationships within Seleroglossa are discussed.
Etude cinématique de la prise de nourriture chez Eublepharis macularius (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) et comparaison au sein des geckos
Authors: Delheusy Véronique , Brillet Charles , Bels Vincent L.
Published: April 2008

L'étude cinématique des diverses phases de la prise de nourriture (capture, réduction, transport et léchage) a été réalisée chez le lézard Gekkonidae Eublepharis macularius grâce à des films tournés à 64 images par seconde. Les profils cinématiques des différentes phases et la comparaison des variables cinématiques décrivant les déplacements maxima des machoires et de la proie, et les durées de ces déplacements au cours des phases successives de la prise de nourriture sont présentés. Une premiere analyse de variance a été utilisée afin de tester 1'effet des facteurs individus et phases ainsi que leur interaction sur les variables cinématiques. Une seconde a permis de tester le facteur espèce sur les variables cinématiques des mouvements des mâchoires entre deux Gekkonidae occupant des niches écologiques différentes: E. macularius (terrestre) et Phetsuma madagascariensis (arboricole). Les effets de la radiation adaptative sur les propriétés cinématiques des mouvements de la tête, des machoires et de la langue au sein des Gekkonidae et des Scleroglossa sont discutés à partir de ces résultats. En conclusion, (1) le profil des différentes phases de la prise de nourriture est semblable pour les Scleroglossa étudiés, mais 1égèrement différent de celui des Iguania (presence d'un plateau appelé SOII dans le profil d'ouverture-fermeture de la gueule au cours des cycles de transport chez les Scleroglossa, p. ex.), (2) les caractéristiques morphométriques des pièces buccales permettent d'expliquer des différences entre les valeurs des variables cinéma- tiques pour chaque espèce.
Correlates of melanism in a population of adders (Vipera berus) from the Swiss Alps and comparisons with other alpine populations
Authors: Monney Jean-Claude , Luiselli Luca , Capula Massimo
Published: April 2008

A free-ranging population of adders (Vipera berus) was studied from 1987 to 1993 in a prealpine area of western Switzerland situated at about 1400-1600 m a.s.l. Adders of two chromatic morphs (melanistic and zig-zag) are found in this locality. Body sizes of melanistic specimens (including both males and females) significantly exceeded those of zig-zag (cryptic) ones, and fecundity was higher in black than in cryptically coloured females. The existence of a dwarf mountainous "ecotype" in this alpine region is suggested. The frequency of melanism was higher in females.
A new crag lizard from the Cape Folded Mountains in South Africa
Authors: le F.N. Mouton P. , van Wyk J.H.
Published: April 2008

A new crag lizard of the genus Pseudocordylus is described from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. It is an archaic melanistic form, occurring in sympatry with other archaic melanistic lizard and mollusc taxa within the mistbelt of the Hottentotsholland Mountains, part of the Cape Folded Mountains. With a maximum snout-vent length of less than 80 mm, it has an exceptionally small body size for a crag lizard. It has a conservative morphology which bridges the morphological gap that exists between Pseudocordylus and Cordylus. It is suspected that this species has a very restricted range in the Hottentotsholland Mountains, and that indiscriminate burning of the veld and collecting of the species may pose a serious threat to its survival.
Reproduction, seasonal activity and growth of the coral snake, Micrurus corallinus (Elapidae), in the southeastern Atlantic forest in Brazil
Authors: Marques Otavio A.V.
Published: April 2008

Dissection of 360 specimens of the coral snake Micrurus corallinus, combined with data on captive individuals and field observations, provided information on the reproductive ecology of this elapid snake. Clutch size ranged from 2 to 12 eggs, and was correlated with maternal body size. Reproduction seems to be highly seasonal, with mating and vitellogenesis occurring at the onset of the rainy season, oviposition in mid rainy season, and hatching at the end of the rainy season and early dry season. Incubation in the laboratory ranged from 78 to 93 days. Neonates measured 177-197 mm snout-vent length and weighed 2.02-2.76 g. Growth of juveniles is quick, with both males and females attaining sexual maturity at an age of about 18 months. Seasonal patterns of surface activity seem to be related to age and sex.
Characterizing the suitability of new ponds for amphibians
Authors: Stumpel Anton H.P. , van der Voet Hilko
Published: April 2008

Newly constructed ponds in the Netherlands were sampled for the presence of amphibians. Nine species were found. Relationships were established with pond characteristics and effects were found of factors such as pond age, topography of the surroundings, vegetation cover of water and bank, and electrical conductivity of the water. A total of 16 pond characteristics were screened for their explanatory power to discern ponds that are or are not inhabited by a certain amphibian species. Also interactions between pond characteristics were screened, and were often found to be significant. For example, electrical conductivity was strongly related (negatively) with Rana temporaria presence in the older but not in the younger ponds. The greatest number of effects were found for Triturus vulgaris and the least for T. cristatus. The effects give indications as to the specific requirements to be considered when constructing ponds.
The Family Group in Golden Hamsters: Its Formation and Break-Up
Authors: Rowell T.E.
Published: April 2008

I. Behaviour of the golden hamster during normal parturition is described. 2. This is compared with behaviour of mothers who did not rear their litters because of faulty response to suckling attempts by the pups. Absence of milk at the nipples is suggested as a cause for this unwillingness to nurse. 3. Pups which are not born in the nest are often abandoned. 4. Pups born dead are often treated as food, but live pups are not eaten until after parturition is over. 5. Litters do not form into the characteristic compact unit until they have fed and been brooded. 6. Three stages in family break-up are recognised: (i) At about twentyfive days the mother begins to wean her litter, stops rebuilding the old nest, and may build a smaller one elsewhere. It is possible she would normally leave her litter at this point. (ii) During their fifth week the pups stop trying to suckle and showing contact behaviour ; they begin to sleep in small groups, and seem to try to escape from the mother's cage. At this time the mother attacks them occasionally. (iii) With sexual maturity of the females (six weeks) play-fighting stops, and marking was not seen. If a female becomes pregnant she becomes dominant in a few days, but does not dare fight the mother. 7. It is likely that the third stage is an artefact of captivity and that the litter would be left by the mother in stage (i) and would largely disperse during stage (ii) in natural conditions. 8. The interpretations of observations described are necessarily tentative, and need experimental tests before they can be accepted.
Reproductive Behaviour of the Cod (Gad Us Callarias L.)
Authors: Brawn Vivien M.
Published: April 2008

Three weeks before spawning, aggressive and reproductive behaviour was seen in a group of thirteen captive cod. By aggression directed against males and females the most vigorous males were able to establish territories in the pre-spawning period. Less vigorous males and unripe females formed an inactive group outside the territory. All spawning observed occurred in the territory of the dominant male. The amount of reproductive activity was closely linked with dominance in the males. Behaviour culminating in spawning was initiated by a female entering the territory of the male. Males were able to distinguish the sex of mature intruding fish during the spawning period. The distinction appeared to be based on the slow swimming, unafraid approach of the female compared with the quick movements and readiness to flee shown by the males. The male approached ripe females and presented a lateral view of the flaunting display. In this display the median fins are fully erected and the male moves in front of the female with many unnecessary turns sometimes accompanied by a low grunting sound. Ripe females followed flaunting males for ten to fifteen minutes. Then if the female became stationary at the bottom of the tank it was prodded ventrally by the male, which caused it to swim upwards. At the surface the male mounted the female dorsally and then immediately slipped down one side into a ventral mount with the male inverted below the female. In this position the cod spawned while swimming in circles at the surface. No interest was shown by the rest of the group in the spawning. After spawning the spent female returned to the bottom of the tank and rejoined the group of inactive cod. The pattern of spawning behaviour was often initiated but failed to reach completion because of the inappropriate response of the female at some stage. During successive entries the courtship behaviour was carried to later stages until the female swam to the surface and spawned. Aggressive behaviour during the spawning period seems to be important in allowing only the most vigorous males to spawn and preventing interference by other males in the courtship pattern. The production of sounds by the males was used to enforce aggressive behaviour and stimulated the female. It is suggested that, as much of the behaviour leading to spawning involves vertical movements, natural cod shoals may be stratified with a layer of vigorous males above a group of females and less vigorous males.
Effects of Chlorpromazine On Dominance and Fighting Behavior in Rats
Authors: Heimstra Norman W.
Published: April 2008

Forty male albino rats were paired and tested for five trials, one trial daily, in a dominance test situation. At the end of the five trials the dominant-submissive relationships of the pairs of animals were determined and the pairs assigned randomly to one of four groups. The criterion for dominance was total time in control of a food source during the trials. In the second five trials of the study, animals assigned to Group I, which served as a control group, were given injections of saline solution one hour before a dominance test. In Group II, submissive animals were administered .5 mg/kg. of chlorpromazine one hour prior to testing while dominant animals received saline solution. In Group III, dominant animals were given the drug while submissive animals received saline and in Group IV all animals received chlorpromazine. At the conclusion of the five drug trials, all pairs of animals were tested on five more trials during a port-drug stage. Results showed that: 1. When either a dominant or submissive animal of a pair was administered chlorpromazine, the drugged animals tended to control the food source for longer periods of time than did the non-drugged animals. Administration of chlorpromazine to both dominant and submissive animals of a pair caused both animals to spend more time in control of the food although the dominant animals tended to control the food source for longer periods of time than the submissive animals. 2. Fighting behavior was significantly reduced in all drug groups during the drug stage of the study.
Interference in Learning and Lesions in the Visual System of Octopus Vulgaris
Authors: Parriss J.R.
Published: April 2008

Two groups of Octopuses, one normal and one with lesions in the optic lobe system, were trained on a discrimination between horizontal and vertical rectangles followed by a discrimination with a square and a diamond. They were then retrained on the original horizontal and vertical discrimination. A further group of normal animals were trained on a discrimination between the square and the diamond followed by a discrimination with the horizontal and vertical rectangles. They were then retrained on the original square and diamond discrimination. Results were as follows: 1. Animals with lesions in the optic lobe system showed impairment of relearning following the different and more difficult square and diamond discrimination. Normal animals, on the other hand, showed improved performance under these conditions. 2. In the case of both normal and operated animals the square and diamond discrimination (square positive - diamond negative) was learned less well following the horizontal and vertical rectangle discrimination than when it was learned as a first discrimination by the normal animals. The level of learning with diamond positive- square negative was, however, maintained at the same level as the first discrimination. 3. When the square and diamond discrimination was relearned by the normal group, square positive - diamond negative was relearned less well than first learning, and diamond positive-square negative was not affected by previous learning, thus confirming point 2. 4. At the end of training the operated animals discriminated between black and white circles better than they had re-learned the horizontal and vertical rectangles. These findings have been related to theories of analysing mechanisms in the nervous system of octopus.
Social Roles in a Rhesus Monkey Group
Authors: Bernstein Irwin S. , Sharpe Lawrence G.
Published: April 2008

A group of eleven rhesus monkeys selected to approximate a small natural group were allowed to establish a social organization and to live with minimal disturbance in a specially designed compound. Observations were made on a variety of social and individual activities with some manipulation of feeding used to get at specific behavior patterns. Quantitative data on the frequency of activities for each member of the group was obtained. Individual animals were found to fall into subgroup classification in terms of activity patterns observed. This role differentiation was consistent despite minor modifications observed in some individuals. The subgroups correspond by the large to morphological divisions of size and sex, but status also contributed to the differentiation of roles. The role of the dominant male was analyzed in detail and found to supercede that of simple preempting of incentives. Less elaborate analyses were made for other clearly differentiated roles in the group.
Hormonal Control of Aggressive Behavior in Japanese Quail
Authors: Selinger Howard E. , Bermant Gordon
Published: April 2008

1. Thirty-four five-month old male Coturnix were divided into 17 pairs on the basis of matched body weights (mean difference within pairs = 2 grams). The members of each pair were separated except during daily five-minute pair encounters. 2. Two classes of response were measured during the encounters: "head-grabs" and "pecks". A bird was called dominant if he performed more head-grabs and pecks than his pair-mate during the last three of four preexperimental encounters. 3. After the first four encounters the 17 pairs were divided into four groups: castrate, in which the dominant birds underwent bilateral gonadectomy (five pairs); sham operate, in which the dominant birds underwent the surgical procedure of the castrate group except for testis removal (four pairs) ; TCP injected, in which the submissive birds were administered testosterone cyclopentypropionate on a regular schedule (four pairs) ; and saline injected, in which the submissive birds were administered saline on the same schedule (four pairs). Pairs were observed for 23 encounters subsequent to the first experimental manipulations. 4. Gonadectomy had a clear, rapid effect on the behavior measured. From the fourth postoperative encounter through the eleventh, the (originally dominant) castrated birds performed zero head-grabs and zero pecks. The behavior of the pair-mates increased sharply during this time. 5. From the eleventh through the twenty-third postoperative encounter the castrated birds were given four injections of TCP. Androgen injections led to the reestablishment of original dominance relations in all cases. 6. Sham operations produced a mild effect on the established dominance relations. The operated animals showed relatively slight decreases in head-grabs and pecks; some pair-mates showed increased peck frequencies. In contrast to the behavior of the castrates, zero responding by the sham operates was rare. 7. TCP injections produced large changes in the behavior of three out of four intact submissive birds, and a slight change in the fourth. Androgen increased the average number of headgrabs and pecks exhibited by the injected animals by a factor of more than four; the pair-mates showed substantially reduced rates of responding (encounters 6-9). Cessation of androgen treatment produced a reversion to original relations within nine encounters after the last injection. 8. Treatment with saline had no effect on the originally established dominance relations. 9. The level of aggressive activity could be manipulated by varying the level of circulating androgen. Analysis of the functional significance of the observed behavior was made difficult by the close similarity of response in these homosexual contacts to that observed during heterosexual contact.
The Relation Between Organization and Function of Song in Cardinals
Authors: Lemon Robert E.
Published: April 2008

1. This paper represents an attempt to relate the organization of song in North American cardinals to the manner in which song is used. 2. Each cardinal has several distinctive song types in common with his neighbours. When singing each male sings a series or bout of one song type, followed by a series of another song type. 3. Often when two or more cardinals are singing simultaneously, the song types of the singers are the same. 4. Matching was recorded from males singing under natural conditions. It usually ranged from between 25 and 50% of the time the birds were singing together, although the differences in the amounts of matching by the different pairs of males were not significant. Two males did match significantly more when closer together than when further apart. 5. The relative amount of matching by two males was noted when brought together at the common boundary of their territories. One of these males was also provoked into considerable singing and matching by a tape recorder and decoy placed inside his territory. In both cases the amount of singing and matching was higher than in the normal situation. Also, the latencies of matching were much shorter, as were the bouts. 6. A male exposed to repeated recordings on five successive occasions showed almost perfect matching on the first occasion, but decreased the amount of matching regularly thereafter. The amount of matching was found to be consistent with other variables of song. 7. Matching of song types occurred to a high degree between mated males and females, in fact, to a higher extent than between males. Females do not sing very often so the total amount of this matching with the males is probably no higher than between males. 8. The peculiarities of the organization of song in cardinals are interpreted as reflecting a feed-back system by which homoeostasis of the territorial system is maintained, and as such it permits the co-ordination of the singing of two individuals. Under high stimulation the co-ordination becomes more precise with higher amounts of matching, shorter latencies of matching, and more changes of song type per unit of time. 9. In addition to being used by cardinals, this kind of communication occurs among other members of the Fringillidac and Paridae. All of these species exhibit long tenure of territory throughout the year and some, at least, over several years.
The Effect of Experience and Novelty On Avian Feeding Behavior With Reference To the Evolution of Warning Coloration in Butterflies Part I: Reactions of Wild-Caught Adult Blue Jays To Novel Insects
Authors: Coppinger Raymond P.
Published: April 2008

Several neo-tropical butterfly species were presented to 171 wild-caught adult Blue Jays to determine if insects of unfamiliar color pattern would elicit an attack response from an avian predator regardless of the visual characteristics of the prey. It was found that unfamiliar insects do not always elicit an attack response. Four aspects of the birds' behaviors were noted: 1) the initial responses to various training diets were different; 2) the training diets had a direct effect on the reactions of the birds to new insects; 3) there was a difference in the attack responses of the birds to different novel insects ; 4) there was an interaction between training diets and novel insects. Four aspects of avian feeding behavior were discussed as possible explanations of the results : preference for familiar food, generalization from previous experience, innate avoidance of specific stimuli, and innate avoidance of novel stimuli.
Application of the Method of Second Order Sign Behavior To the Study of Non-Spatial Delayed Response in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Cardu Bruno
Published: April 2008

The behavior of seven rhesus monkeys on a test of non-spatial delayed response based on the method of second order sign behavior is reported. Four stimuli were used: two first order stimuli presented individually (two sounds or two lights) and two second order stimuli presented simultaneously (two objects). Subjects first learned to associate one of the objects to each of the two first order stimuli. An interval between the termination of the first signal and the moment of choice was then introduced; hence the subjects' short-term memory could be estimated. All subjects succeeded in this task; the limits of the memory span ranged from 20 to 45 seconds.
Behavioral Aspects of Spatial Organization in the Chipmunk, Tamias Striatus
Authors: Dunford Christopher
Published: April 2008

This study attempts to demonstrate the possible role of agonistic behavior and vocalization in maintaining the spatial organization found in a population of 12 eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus. The home ranges of the chipmunks overlapped almost entirely, but their burrow entrances were regularly spaced in the study area and their core areas did not overlap. Agonistic behavior was studied while attracting the chipmunks to small piles of sunflower seeds. Chasing occurred most often in 398 agonistic encounters. The chase orders at 15 locations in the study area were remarkably different. Reversal of dominance consistently occurred between neighboring chipmunks. Each chipmunk seemed to maintain a dominance area centered around its burrow entrance. This dominance area roughly coincided with its core area. If reversal of dominance with difference in space is accepted as a criterion of territorial behavior, chipmunks seem to exhibit territorial behavior. Chipmunk vocalizations form a graded sound system. There is a gradation of both temporal patterning and frequency. All vocalizations seem to function as alarm calls. One of the vocalizations, chipping, may also function as an agonistic signal. Reciprocal chasing between neighboring chipmunks may in part explain the regular spacing of burrow entrances and the mutual exclusiveness of the core areas. Since each animal's dominance area centers around its burrow entrance, the chipmunk can, by chasing, prevent another chipmunk, from digging or using a burrow near its own. Since the dominance area roughly coincides with its core area, the animal can likewise prevent other chipmunks from frequenctly using its core area. It is also possible that the vocalizations of the chipmunks, especially chipping, help maintain the spatial organization of the population. The chipping could well advertise the presence of a chipmunk in its dominance area, thereby dissuading intrusion by neighboring chipmunks.
Das Erkundungsverhalten Und Seine Beeinflussbarkeit Durch Vorerfahrung Bei Der WeißEn Ratte (Ratt Us Norvegicus)
Authors: Kramer Peter
Published: April 2008

5.1 Weiße Ratten wurden in Versuchslabyrinthen an zwei gleich beduftete Luftströme, an zwei gleiche optische Muster oder an zwei gleiche taktile Muster gewöhnt. Nach einer solchen Gewöhnung wurden beide Reizgeber ausgewechselt, einer gegen einen gleichen gewohnten Reizgeber, der andere gegen einen neuen, aber jeweils innerhalb der gleichen Modalität. Beobachtet und gemessen wurde die durch Erstzuwendung und Zuwendungszeiten zum Ausdruck kommende relative Bewertung des neuen Duftes, optischen Musters oder taktilen Musters gegenüber dem jeweils bekannten Reizmuster. In allen drei Fällen wurde eine deutliche Bevorzugung des jeweils neuen Reizes beobachtet. Das Ausmaß dieser Bevorzugung wurde als Maß für die Stärke der Erkundungstendenz betrachtet. 5.2 Weiterhin wurde geprüft, welchen Einfluß wechselreiche, bzw. ,,reizreiche" Vorbehandlungen auf die Stärke der Erkundungstendenzen gegenüber den verschiedenen neuen Reizen hatten. Solche reizreichen Vorbehandlungen wurden entweder langfristig in einer sich täglich ändernden Wohnkasten-Umwelt oder kurzfristig unmittelbar vor der Prüfung der Stärke der Erkundungstendenz im Versuchslabyrinth durchgeführt. Langfristig reizreich vorbehandelte Vt waren im Versuchslabyrinth in den ersten Minuten lokomotorisch aktiver, später weniger aktiv als monoton vorbehandelte Vt. Kurzfristig reizreich vorbehandelte Vt unterschieden sich bezüglich lokomotorischer Aktivität nie von monoton vorbehandelten. Die Ergebnisse der Prüfungen der Stärke der Erkundungstendenz lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: Von den gebotenen reizreichen Vorbehandlungen sind diejenigen, in denen eine Anzahl von Düften enthalten ist, besonders geeignet, die Erkundungstendenz zu schwächen. Besonders gut beeinflußbar durch eine solche Vorbehandlung ist die Erkundungstendenz gegenüber einem neuen Duft. Schwächend auf die Erkundungstendenz wirken nicht die gebotenen Düfte selbst, sondern die Duftwechsel. Für diese Schwächung der Erkundungstendenz ist nicht eine Empfindlichkeitsveränderung des Geruchs-Sinnesorgans verantwortlich. 5.3 Abschließend werden Fragen der Reizspezifität der Veränderungen innerhalb der zentralnervösen Mechanismen diskutiert. die das Erkundungsverhalten auslösen.
Exposure of the Nasonov Gland By Honeybees (Apis Mellifera) Collecting Water
Authors: Free J.B. , Williams Ingrid H.
Published: April 2008

It has been found that when worker honeybees have made several consecutive trips for water many of them expose their Nasonov glands at the source of supply, and especially when it lacks an odour of its own. It is suggested that the tendency of bees to expose their Nasonov glands when collecting sugar syrup or abnormally abundant supplies of nectar is an adaptation of the behaviour that naturally occurs when collecting water.
Interspecific Differences in Avian Feeding Behavior and the Evolution of Batesian Mimicry
Authors: Alcock John
Published: April 2008

This paper describes an experiment on interspecific differences in the response of bird predators to an artificial Batesian mimic/model complex. Black-capped chickadees (Parus atricapillus) and white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) were offered a series of 24 pairs of models and mimics after an initial presentation of the emetic model (a 1/2 mealworm adulterated with quinine sulphate and with a black dot painted on it). Chickadees attacked many mimics (unaltered 1/2 mealworms) and a few models. White-crowned sparrows attacked few mimics and almost no models. Differences between species in the manner of preparing mealworms for consumption may have contributed to the interspecific differences in the treatment of the series of model/mimic pairs. Perhaps more importantly, the chickadees, as opportunistic feeders dependent on a wide variety of prey, may possess special tolerance to noxious stimuli. The sparrows, conservative feeders with a more limited range of prey species, need not possess this tolerance in order to exploit their niche fully. Interspecific differences in feeding behavior could contribute to the origin and perfection of Batesian mimicry.
A Cheap Method of Recording Behavioural Events, for Direct Computer-Access
Authors: Dawkins Richard
Published: April 2008

A new system is described for recording behavioural events on a time scale, in a form which can be fed directly into a computer. The user presses keys on a keyboard to denote behavioural events. The number of separate events which can be distinguished depends on the quality of equipment used, and can be over 60. The main disadvantage of the system is that no two events can be recorded simultaneously. The information is coded on magnetic tape, using an unmodified single channel domestic tape recorder. The encoding unit is light and battery driven, and together with the tape recorder can easily be taken into the field. The tapes are later played back through a simple interface to a small computer. The computer decodes them, and punches out a permanent paper tape record of which behaviours occurred, and when, to the nearest tenth of a second. These paper tapes can then be fed back into the same or another computer for analysis. In addition to recording discrete events, the system can be used as a simple analogue to digital converter. The main advantage of the system is that it is extremely cheap and easy to make. This is because a very simple frequency code is used, and the computer itself is programmed to perform the whole decoding operation.
Studies On the Behaviour of Cyprinodent Fish I. the Agonistic and Sexual Behaviour of Aphyosemion Bivittatum (Lönnberg 1895)
Authors: Ewing A.W. , Evans V.
Published: April 2008

The agonistic and sexual behaviour of the Cyprinodont fish Aphyoseznion bivittatum is described. Both males and females develop colour patterns which are useful in identifying the motivational state of the fish and these are also described. Aggressive encounters between males are prolonged and highly ritualised. They result in dominant - subordinate relationships being set up and this is probably associated with a hierarchical structure of social organisation in the wild. The data was analysed to show differences in the sequences of aggressive behaviour of dominant and subordinate males. The possible adaptive values of the differences found are discussed. The sequence of courtship behaviour is relatively simple due to the limited behavioural repertoire of females.
Effect of Number, Kind and Order of Song Elements On Playback Responses of the Golden-Winged Warbler
Authors: Ficken Millicent S. , Ficken Robert W.
Published: April 2008

The Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) has a simple, stereotyped song consisting of an introductory trill (Z) followed by a variable number of similar lower-pitched trills (B). Individual variation is slight, with overlap in the seven individuals studied in syllables per trill, maximum and minimum frequency (pitch), frequency range, duration and interval. However, differences in frequency and perhaps number of syllables per trill may be sufficient for individual recognition. Species recognition probably depends on the grosser aspects of the same parameters. Playback experiments were conducted with both natural and artificial songs to test the effects of number, kind and ordering of trills. Responses were measured in terms of number of playbacks within 30 feet of the speaker. A rigid ordering is necessary for maximal responsiveness with the Z preceding any B trills. The natural song is "read" from the first Z trill to the last B trill. Responsiveness differed according to the number of B trills. Both the Z and B trills are necessary for maximal responsiveness. The minimum effective song was ZB, a naturally occurring song in conflict situations. The song of this species is particularly rich in possibilities for transmitting motivational information. We suggest that such information transfer occurs through varying the number of B trills, amplitude, rate of singing and major changes in the song (frequency, syllables per trill, interval).
Further Studies of the Sea-Finding Mechanism in Green Turtle Hatchlings
Authors: Mrosovsky N. , Shettleworth Sara J.
Published: April 2008

Further studies were made of the simultaneous comparison mechanism used by hatchling green turtles, Chelonia mydas, in sea-finding behaviour. The aim was to learn if visual inputs from different directions, stimulating different parts of the retina, had the same effects on orientation. To do this goggles were designed that permitted occlusion of parts of the visual field. Wearing goggles did not in itself affect orientation. When the nasal visual field for one eye and the temporal field for the other eye were covered, turtles circled consistently in the direction of the eye with the nasal occlusion. The total numbers of circles made in a given time by such turtles were not significantly different from those made by animals with simple unilateral blindfolds. Covering the temporal field of one eye resulted in some, though not all, turtles turning contralateral to that eye, provided the other eye was totally covered. On the whole the data were consistent with the idea that inputs in the nasal field are associated with contralateral turning and those in the temporal field with ipsilateral turning. Some complications to this interpretation are also discussed. However, the results demonstrate unequivocally that inputs from different directions contribute differently to sea-finding orientation of green turtles.
Mother-Young Interactions in the Common Seal, Phoca Vitulina Vitulina
Authors: Wilson Susan
Published: April 2008

The mother-young relationship of the common seal Phoca vitulina in Strangford Lough, N.E. Ireland, lasted about three weeks. Mothers with young were most active during the first two hours of the ebb, and also they spent more time in the water when the ebb occurred towards evening than in the morning. Characteristic behaviour in the water included (i) the mother guiding the pup and maintaining close contact with it (ii) playing, and (iii) the pup sleeping at the surface with the mother close by. Progressive changes in the relationship included a slight decrease in time spent by the mother in guiding the pup, a slight increase in time spent close together, an increase in time spent at a considerable distance apart, and an increase in time spent by the pup sleeping at the surface. Throughout the suckling period the mother controlled the onset of suckling, but rarely terminated it. Throughout, also, the pup broke contact the most, while the mother re-established contact the most. Just before weaning, mothers left their pups for long periods, the separation sometimes terminating a play bout.
Immediate Effects of Allogrooming in Adult Stump-Tailed Macaques Macaca Arctoides
Authors: Goosen C.
Published: April 2008

The behaviour of an adult Stump-tailed Macaque (Macaca arctoides) while in three different experimental situations, is compared. The experimental situations were the following: (I) the female is alone, (II) the female is in the presence of a male while allogrooming is prevented by a plexiglas partition, or (III) the male is present and allogrooming is allowed through a slit in the partition. Comparison of the situations (I) and (II) shows the presence of male induces in the female a tendency to stay close to the male, a slight reduction of locomotion and an increase in the duration of autogrooming. When the female has the opportunity to allogroom, comparing II and III, she prefers to allogroom over walking away from the male as well as over autogrooming.
Neural Mechanisms of Releasing (Unclasping) in American Toad
Authors: Schmidt Robert S.
Published: April 2008

The tendency to clasp is increased greatly, in the toad Bufo cognatus, by injections of gonadotrophin. In B. americanus, the forebrain and medial parts of the inferior colliculi are not necessary for releasing (i.e. unclasping) behavior. Small lesions at the lateral edge of the anterio-dorsal nucleus of the inferior colliculi abolish releasing. After removal of the clasp-inhibition mechanisms of the trigemino-isthmic tegmentum, toads show strong clasping (foreleg adduction) and strong releasing (hindleg kicking) movements simultaneously. This suggests that releasing is a distinct behavior pattern, rather than merely an inhibition of clasping Normal releasing can be evoked in B. americanus after complete bilateral labyrinthectomy, and the presence of a nearby, release-calling male does not evoke releasing by a clasping male. Therefore, it must be mainly the tactile effects, rather than the auditory or vestibular effects, of the release signals that evoke releasing. The effects of section of the dorsal roots of various spinal nerves in B. americanus confirm that the foreleg is the most important area for reception of the tactile stimuli evoking clasping and releasing. Gross lesions of the forefoot and sections of various nerves to the forefoot show that receptors involved in eliciting these behaviors are widely distributed in this area. The forefoot sensory field of the deep radial nerve is especially involved in clasping.
The Relationship Between Social Behavior and the Use of Space in the Benthic Fish Chasmodes Bosquianus Lacepede (Teleostei, Blenniidae)
Authors: Phillips R.R.
Published: April 2008

I. The purpose of this study was to determine whether male blennies are attracted to or repulsed by neighboring prior residents. In a previous study of prior residency, I found that the newcomer often was physically attacked and chased. This obscured the question of whether the newcomer initially was attracted to the resident. In the present study, the two animals were separated by a transparent, perforated barrier so that physical contact was impossible. The newcomer could choose between approaching the resident and utilizing the enclosure within his view or withdrawing and using an enclosure out of sight of the resident. 2. A second variable, that of the effect of prior social experience, was also tested. The newcomers were separated into two classes depending on whether they dominated or were subordinate in previous social encounters. The effects of these two variables were separated by means of a 2 X 2 factorial design. Four measures of approach/ withdrawal to the prior resident and three measures of enclosure choice were employed. 3. Those newcomers that had dominated in previous encounters approached the prior resident. They did not demonstrate a preference for either of the enclosures during the observation period (30 minutes). A measure covering a longer period did reveal a preference for the enclosure near the resident. 4. The subordinate fish neither approached nor avoided the resident. They did use the enclosure farther away from the prior resident more than they used the other enclosure, hower.
A Stochastic Analysis of the Display Behavior of the Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus Serrator)
Authors: Van Der Kloot William , Morse Mary Jane
Published: April 2008

1. We have used the methods of stochastic analysis to investigate the timing of two actions - the Head-flick and the Salute-curtsy - in the display of the Red-breasted merganser duck. 2. The intervals between Head-flicks by individual birds cannot be distinguished from a random, exponential time series, in which the occurrence of each event is independent of preceding events. 3. The intervals between Salute-curtsies are unlikely to be distributed exponentially. There is a deficit of short intervals and an excess of intervals between events of about 250 frames durtion. The Salute-curtsies do not occur independently of one another. 4. Variance-time curves and power spectra show that there is a marked periodic component in the timing of Salute-curtsies, but periodicity is not detectable in the performance of Head-flicks. 5. Cross-correlations analysis shows that there is a strong interaction between the occurrence of Salute-curtsies by the different birds in the group and between the performance of Head-flicks and Salute-curtsies. There is no detectable relation between the performance of Head-flicks. 6. We conclude that there is a strong tendency for birds to perform series of two or three Salute-curtsies with an interval of about 250 frames between each action. There is also a strong interaction between the performance of Salute-curtsies by the different birds. There is some tendency for Head-flicks to occur at greater than chance frequency during a period just before the performance of a Salute-curtsy. The remainder of the Head-flicks appear to be distributed randomly.
Circadian Control of Sexual Drive Level in Dacus Tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Tychsen Peter H.
Published: April 2008

There is a large daily fluctuation in the willingness of both males and females of Dacus tryoni to respond with sexual behaviour to a standard light stimulus. The daily fluctuation in sexual drive level persists under constant low light intensity with a period of about 28 hr so it is timed by a circadian clock. Experiments were carried out on the decline in drive level that occurs after each daily peak. Expression of sexual behaviour plays little or no part in causing this decline but periods of low light intenstiy cause large and long lasting reductions in sexual drive level. A consistent relationship was found between the immediate effect of periods of low light intensity on the drive level and their effect on the subsequent phase of the fluctuation (i.e. their effect on the circadian clock). This suggests that the endogenous clock not only controls the timing of fluctuations in drive level but also determines the level of sexual drive at each time of day.