bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The menstrual cycle and its effect on behaviour in the Talapoin monkey (Miopithecus talapoin)
Authors: Scruton Diane M. , Herbert J. 
Published: August 2009

The menstrual cycles of 14 captive Talapoin monkeys (Miopithecus talapoin) were studied by making serial observations on the vaginal smears and sexual skin swellings for up to 15 months. Twelve of these females menstruated and the mean duration of their cycle was32–9 days (95% confidence limits 28.0‐37.7). The corresponding value for the seven most regular females was 33.0 days (29.1‐36.8). There were rhythmic changes in the vaginal smears and sexual skin during the menstrual cycle. Maximum cornification of the smears and maximum sexual skin swelling were observed at midcycle; the sexual skin deflated and the smear became less cornified during the luteal phase. The follicular phase—i.e. from menstruation to maximum skin swelling lasted 20.4 days with a wide distribution, in contrast to the mean duration of the luteal phase (13.7 days) which showed a pronounced peak at 14 days. The menstrual cycle of the talapoin thus resembles those of certain other Old World monkeys that exhibit perineal sexual skin swelling.Sexual behaviour of the male and female was maximal near the female's midcycle and minimal during the luteal phase, with intermediate values in the follicular phase. The males were most aggressive towards other females of the group when one female was at midcycle; there were no consistent changes in aggression between the male and the female herself. The number of times one animal looks at another (a characteristic behaviour pattern in talapoins) was measured and occurred most often at midcycle, but other preliminary observations indicated a more pronounced correlation between this behaviour pattern and an animal's position in the hierarchy.
The burrowing of Priapulus caudatus
Authors: Hammond R. A. 
Published: August 2009

An account is given of the way in which Priapulus caudatus burrows in the muddy sea‐bed in which it lives. Three phases are distinguishable in the muscular activity which is responsible for locomotion. During the first phase the animal is able to feed and defaecate, during the second the proboscis becomes invaginated, and during the third the animal moves forward. The power for locomotion is provided by contraction of the longitudinal and circular muscles of the body wall, not, as has been suggested previously, by the retractor muscles of the praesoma. Invagination of the proboscis is apparently stimulated by the arrival of a wave of contraction in the body wall musculature, propagated from the trunk.In general the animal burrows in a way common for soft‐bodied animals; the anterior and posterior extremities acting in turn as “terminal” and “penetration” anchors in the substratum. The muscular activities of the larva are limited by the presence of a lorica which encases the trunk, and the animal's powers of movement at this stage are very restricted.
Notes on the life history and reproductive biology of the Giant whip scorpion, Mastigoproctus giganteus (Uropygi, Thelyphonidae) from Florida
Authors: Weygoldt Peter 
Published: August 2009

In the postembryonic development of Mastigoproctus giganteus there are four nymphal stages, and the adult never moults again. Size ranges of the different stages are given. Moulting seems to occur once a year. Postembryonic development up to maturity therefore takes about four years. Secondary sexual characters in the form of the pedipalp appear at the adult stage. These include a strong positive allometric growth of the male palpal femur and patella which starts in the fourth nymph and becomes significant in the adult. The only reliable characters by which the sexes can be distinguished in third and fourth nymphs are sclerotized bars within the male genital atrium.Sperm transfer is accomplished by a very complicated spermatophore. This carries two sperm carriers each of which consists of a base, a sperm package with reservoir and ejaculatory duct, and a conductor. The male, using its modified movable palpal fingers, pushes these into the female's gonopore. After mating, they are dropped to the ground and discarded.
The anatomy of the syrinx in passerine birds
Authors: Warner Robert W. 
Published: August 2009

The macroscopical structure of the organ of voice in songbirds has long been known, but detailed information on the microscopical anatomy of the syrinx has generally been lacking. Observations based largely on macroscopical evidence have led to a number of erroneous interpretations of function of various syringeal components, and lacking microscopical information, the vocal mechanism of birds cannot be adequately understood.A wide variety of passeriform bird syrinxes have been studied by means of serial sections. Although there is much less variation in syringeal anatomy amongst songbirds than there is in the other orders of birds, and although all songbird syrinxes conform to the same basic pattern, there is nevertheless marked variation in various syringeal components between different passerine groups. Variations in syringeal structure within families Corvidae (Corvus corone, C. frugilegus), Sturnidae (Sturnus vulgaris, Gracula religiosa), Turdidae (Turdus merula, Erithacus rubecula), Hirundinidae (Delichon urbica), Ploceidae (Passer domesticus) and Paridae (Parus major, Aegithalos caudatus) are described and discussed. The significance of these findings in relation to bird sound production is discussed.
On a polyploid complex of freshwater snails (Planorbidae: Bulinus) in Ethiopia
Authors: Brown D. S. , Wright C. A. 
Published: August 2009

In Bulinus as in other Planorbidae the basic haploid chromosome number is 18 and B. tropicus belongs to a group of diploid forms (2n=36) distributed predominately in southern Africa. B. truncates belongs to a group of tetraploid forms (2n=72) occurring mainly in northern Africa and extending northwards beyond the limit of the diploid forms. Hexaploid (2n= 108) and octoploid (2n= 144) populations occur in Ethiopia. Observations were made on snails belonging to this polyploid complex collected from 69 localities in Ethiopia. Chromosome numbers were determined in gonad tissue and in embryos. Morphological features studied are the shell (spire length, columella shape, umbilicus, costulation), radula (size of the first lateral tooth and the shape of its mesocone), copulatory organ (presence or absence) and egg size. Biochemical features investigated are the body‐surface mucus, egg‐proteins and esterase iso‐enzymes.Certain diploid populations conform to B. natalensis and others to B. tropicus but these extremes are connected by intermediates preventing taxonomic subdivision and the entire diploid group is regarded as a northern part of the range of a B. natalensis/tropicus complex. Ethiopian tetraploid populations are identified as B. truncates because of similarity to Egyptian snails in morphology and egg‐proteins and the susceptibility of some Ethiopian snails to infection with Egyptian Schistosoma haematobium. The shell spire is comparatively long in many hexaploid and octoploid populations, and distinctive egg‐protein patterns are given by octoploids but these groups do not provide clear‐cut taxonomic species.Hexaploids and octoploids are associated with streams at high altitudes while diploids and tetraploids occur in various habitats, most frequently at lower levels. The comparative rarity of the tetraploid B. truncates probably is one of the factors that have apparently prevented the establishment of truncates‐borne strains of S. haematobium in Ethiopia, though present developments are likely to increase the abundance of tetraploid snails and provide opportunities for transmission of the parasite.
Leg chaetotaxy and the classification of the Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: Evans G. Owen 
Published: August 2009

Details of the segmental chaetotaxy of the legs of 47 species of Uropodina are given. On the basis of the ontogenetic development of the chaetotaxy, the Uropodina may be divided into two groups which coincide with the concepts of the Lower (Polyaspidoidea) and Higher (Uropodoidea) Uropodina of certain authors. Chaetotactic criteria do not support the classification of the Polyaspidini and Trachyuropodini sensu Hirschmann and Z‐Nicol within the Oplitinae Hirschmann & Z‐Nicol, the Diarthrophallini within the Uroactiniinae Hirschmann & Z‐Nicol or the genus Trachytes within the Uropodini.A critical appraisal is given of the classification of the Uropodidae (based on “Gangmerk‐male”) by Hirschmann and Z‐Nicol.
The life histories and distribution of the centipedes Rhysida nuda togoensis and Ethmostigmus trigonopodus (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae) in Nigeria
Authors: Lewis J. G. E. 
Published: August 2009

Observations on populations of Rhysida nuda togoensis and Ethmostigmus trigonopodus in Zaria, Nigeria, show that growth rates are very rapid and life cycles shorter than in centipedes from temperate regions. R. nuda togoensis reproduces when one year old and, in all probability, E. trigonopodus does so as well.It is suggested that both species are enabled to continue feeding in damp areas after the rains have ended by virtue of their mobility and large size (with consequent greater resistance to desiccation). Increasing aridity drives them into crevices in the soil where a relatively rich fauna may persist through the dry season. The young appear at the beginning of the rains, thereby having the entire rainy season available for feeding.The taxonomy of R. nuda togoensis is discussed and the distribution of both species in Nigeria is described. They are virtually absent from the dry sudan savanna vegetation belt.
The structure of the scales of Latimeria chalumnae
Authors: Smith Moya Meredith , Hobdell M. H. , Miller W. A. 
Published: August 2009

Scales from four specimens of Latimeria chalumnae were examined in a dissecting microscope and then X‐rayed. Some were demineralized and prepared for routine histology. Others were cleared in cedarwood oil. Ground sections of plastic embedded scales were micro‐radiographed and electronmicrographs made of araldite embedded frozen scales. Corresponding 1 μm thick serial sections were examined in the light microscope.The greater part of the scale is composed of layers of unmineralized isopedine surmounted by the exposed portion of the scale which is pigmented and ornamented by a series of denticles of tubular dentine tipped with enameloid. Between these two parts is a thin ridged bone‐like layer. In the electron micrographs the isopedine was seen to consist of layers of densely packed collagen fibres; the orientation of which was uniform in each layer but varied markedly from layer to layer. Only few cells were found between the fibre bundles.The X‐rays revealed numerous concentric annulae and, lying approximately at right angles to these, a further series of ridges radiating from the centre of the scales.It is suggested that the basal unmineralized isopedine and the ridged layer of bone‐like tissue covering it represents a highly modified cosmoid scale on which the denticles and pigmented layer have become superimposed.
The feeding behaviour of some common lotic insect species in two streams of differing detrital content
Authors: Fahy Edward 
Published: August 2009

The trophic relationships of the benthic invertebrates at two places of differing detrital content in an oligotrophic stream system were examined during a 12 month period.The sites are described and their detrital contents and other abiotic features compared.The faunal list at each site is fairly similar but certain species are more common at or restricted to one or other site. The reasons for this are briefly discussed.The predators and omnivores are in two groups: the first feed only on certain prey and are thus limited by the distribution of their prey. The others consume a wide range of prey and have wider distributions.The predator species are non‐selective in their choice of prey which are devoured in an intensity which cannot however be related to their density in the benthos.In poorer trophic conditions predators adapt by consuming a greater quantity of algae and detritus; cannibalism and interpredator‐predation occur. The prey species are more intensely consumed under poor trophic conditions.The ecology of two species of predatory Plecoptera is examined and the results indicate that competition probably occurs between them.
Reactions of the adult female of the soft scale Kilifia acuminata to some physical factors in laboratory experiments (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Coccidae)
Authors: Habib A. , Salama H. S. , Saleh M. R. 
Published: August 2009

The reactions of the soft scale insect Kilifia acuminata (Signoret) towards some environmental factors namely light, temperature and air humidity have been studied experimentally in the laboratory, to detect their effectiveness on the insect's orientation towards its habitat. The mechanisms of the insect's orientation towards these factors have been also discussed. Light seems to be the most important factor regulating the insects distribution on different zones of the mango trees in natural conditions in all seasons and this is followed by temperature.SummaryThe soft scale insect, Kilifia acuminata (Signoret) reacts positively to light. The simple eyes are the photoreceptors by means of which the insect can sum up the light from various directions and steers in a path towards the high intensity beam. The insect reacts skototactically towards dark objects.The linear velocity of the insect significantly increases with the increase of temperature. It has a zone of thermopreferendum extending between 22° and 32°C. Above 37°C, the insect is sensitive to small temperature differences of 2°C.At different humidity combinations below 75% R.H., the insect prefers the moist side, while in the upper range above 83% R.H., it usually prefers the dry side. The preferred zone of humidity extends between 75 and 83%.Orthokinesis, klinokinesis and klinotaxis are the main mechanisms regulating the insect reaction towards different physical factors.The insect behaviour and its correlation to the normal environment is also discussed.
Conception dates in relation to age and condition in two populations of Red deer in Scotland
Authors: Mitchell Brian , Lincoln G. A. 
Published: August 2009

The conception dates of wild Red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in two parts of Northern Scotland (the Isle of Rhum in the Inner Hebrides, and Glen Feshie in the Central Highlands) were estimated from foetus weights and from the known birth dates of calves. In both localities, the conceptions were spread over periods of about 100 days from late September to late December with a peak in October. The median conception date was seven to ten days earlier on Rhum than at Glen Feshie.The conception data from shot hinds showed distinct patterns in relation to age, whether or not the hinds had current year's calves, and to body condition. Body condition may be the most important “secondary factor” influencing the time of conception; hinds in poor condition tended to conceive later than those in good condition. Body condition could also account for year to year fluctuations in the time of breeding; hinds tended to breed earlier in years when they were in better condition.
The ear in Amphisbaenia (Reptilia); further anatomical observations
Authors: Wever Ernest Glen , Gans Carl 
Published: August 2009

The anatomy of the ear, and especially of the sound‐receptive and conductive system, was studied in nine species of amphisbaenians. In all species a region of skin is used as the sound‐receptive surface, and the vibrations are transmitted along a columellar apparatus consisting of cartilage and bone that expands to form a footplate in the oval window of the cochlea. In all species but one the receptive skin area is on the face; in the form Bipes biporus it is in the region of the neck constriction.The structures of the inner ear present a fairly uniform pattern, except for species variations of nearly four‐fold in the size of the hair‐cell population. The amphisbaenian extracolumella is shown to be an epihyal and not homologous to the structure of the same name in lizards.
Studies on the ecology and systematics of a new species of clawed toad, the genus Xenopus, from western Uganda
Authors: Tinsley R. C. 
Published: August 2009

A new species of African clawed toad, Xenopus kigesiensis sp.n., has been recorded from Lake Mutanda in South‐west Kigezi, Uganda. Information on the biology and morphological variation of the species has been compiled from a sample preserved in the field and from a collection of living specimens maintained in the laboratory. An analysis of the characters of the species has been conducted and its relationships with the six known species of the genus assessed.In the early part of this century the clawed toad populations occupying the lakes of South‐West Kigezi exclusively comprised a Xenopus laevis subspecies. It appears that X. kigesiensis sp.n. has recently migrated into Lake Mutanda and has replaced the previous form. Hybridization experiments have demonstrated the reproductive isolation of X. kigesiensis sp.n. from two subspecies of X. laevis. There is evidence of a change in the ecology of the lakes during the period of apparent invasion.The locality of X. kigesiensis sp.n. lies close to one of the main watersheds of Central Africa; taxonomically the toad forms an important link in the series of known Xenopus species.
Observations on the ecology and breeding biology of the genus Chiromantis (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Coe Malcolm 
Published: August 2009

The construction of foam nests by the Anura seems to be a habit that has evolved separately in all the main zoogeographical regions. Chiromantis is a large tree frog weighing up to 5.5 g which is restricted to the Ethiopian region. This genus comprises three species which are found in the three main African biomes from rain forest (C. rufescens), through woodland (C. xerampelina) to semi‐arid savannah (C. petersii). The female of C. rufescens is shown in this study to construct her nest with the assistance of three males, and like the other two species, the nests are always fastened to objects over temporary water sources.Although the rain forest and savannah species are the same size the latter lays twice as many eggs as the former. Additionally it is shown that the eggs of C. petersii are only half the size of C. rufescens. These facts can be correlated with the degree of permanence of the water source over which the nest is constructed.Features of the water economy and ecology are also described.
Male behaviour and territoriality in the Yellow‐bellied marmot
Authors: Armitage Kenneth B. 
Published: August 2009

Five populations of marmots were studied in Colorado from 1962 through 1972. Males are classified by age as yearlings, two‐year olds, and adults. Socially, marmots are colonial, peripheral, or transient. Each population was divided into four age‐sex classes, male yearlings, female yearlings, male adults, female adults, for analysis of social behaviour. Social behaviour was amicable or agonistic. Both types of behaviour occurred between male yearlings and each of the other age‐sex classes. Play‐fighting characterized social behaviour among male yearlings. Agonistic behaviour characterized social interactions between male yearlings and male adults. Male yearlings avoided male adults and usually dispersed from the locality. Adult male aggression enhanced but was not necessary for dispersal of yearling males. Agonistic behaviour between males and the four age‐sex classes was not related to population density.Territorial males are conspicuous and advertise their presence by tail flagging. Many colonial males patrol their territory. Adult male social behaviour is predominantly agonistic. Mean rates of amicable and of agonistic behaviour between adult males and adult females were greater for years of male turnover than for years of male returns.Territoriality is characterized by exclusive use of the area by the colonial male, vigorous defence against transient or peripheral males, and by a relatively fixed area. A decrease in the number of males in an area causes an increase in the size of territories. Additional males in an area causes a decrease in the size of territories. The mean size of 24 typical territories is 0.67 ha. Reduction in the number of territories in an area was associated with increased agonistic behaviour among adult males. Fights were rare and occurred when the territorial system was unstable.The major functions of the territorial system are enhanced reproduction in a limited environment, enhanced outbreeding and enhanced fitness of colonial males.
The structure and diversity of the animal communities in a broadland reedswamp
Authors: Mason C. F. , Bryant R. J. 
Published: August 2009

The fauna of a Phragmites reedswamp at Alderfen Broad, Norfolk, is described in terms of structure and diversity. Three transects were laid parallel to the water's edge at 1 m (T1), 10 m (T2) and 25 m (T3) from the reedswamp/open water interface. Twenty samples were taken randomly along each transect in July and all the macroinvertebrates in the samples were collected. The pH at each site was measured. The pH fell from 8–4 at T1 to 6–4 at T3.The fauna of the three transects was analysed by recurrent groups and by plotting the log abundance against the frequency for each species and dividing the resulting graph into units in terms of abundance and frequency. Both methods gave very similar results but the recurrent groups analysis only gave information on the most frequent species. The recurrent groups of the three transects had no common elements. The abundance/frequency analysis is simple to perform and could be of considerable use in evaluating sites for conservation purposes.Transect T2 had the greatest species diversity, equitability and evenness, T3 the least. Reasons for this are discussed.
The ultrastructure of the cuticle of some British lumbricids (Annelida)
Authors: Richards K. Sylvia 
Published: August 2009

The ultrastructure of the cuticle of 11 species of British lumbricids is described. The number of unbanded collagenous fibre layers varies with the species and is roughly proportional to the size of the adult worm. Four zones are discernible in the cuticle matrix in all species except E. foetida where the outermost zone shows subdivision.Microvilli, cytoplasmic extensions from the epithelial surface, occur. The “long” and “short” microvilli of other workers are shown to be different views of the same structure. The microvilli have an ovoid base with the two poles forming low shoulders on either side of the ascending microvillus. The bases are oriented at right‐angles to the longitudinal axis of the worm and the microvilli are arranged in regular staggered rows along the same axis. Details of the spatial alignment of the microvilli are given and the possible role of these regularly arranged structures as factors in the orientation of the collagen fibre unit filaments is discussed, and it is speculated that they might also have some proprioceptive function.Distally the microvilli terminate among the surface epicuticular projections and are shown to give rise to them. The epicuticular projections are peanut‐shell shaped with a distinct substructure consisting of a 8 nm electron dense lining and two parallel dense discs, each 8 nm deep, above the “waist”.The mucous cell pores are lined with electron pale microfibrillar material and at the base of the pore a circlet of 13–15 short microvilli, with prominent tonofilaments, arises from the cytoplasm of the mucous cell. Surrounding the pore microvilli are numerous, small, membrane bound mucous pore particles.