bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Le cycle sexuel des mâles chez Lacerta laevis sur la côte du Liban et comparaison avec les lézards de montagne
Authors: Bloquet G. , Hraoui-Bloquet S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractUne étude comparative du cycle sexuel de deux populations d'un Lacertidae du Liban, Lacerta laevis vivant l'une en montagne, l'autre sur la côte montre: La spermiogenèse devient très active à partir de la deuxième quinzaine d'octobre pour la population de la côte. Elle apparait 2 à 4 semaines plus tard que dans la population de la montagne. Elle dure 2 à 4 semaines de plus. L'involution des tubes séminifères se fait dès le début d'août pour la population côtière, 2 à 4 semaines plus tard que pour la population de la montagne. L'hypertrophie des caractères sexuels secondaires de la population côtière s'étend du 15 novembre jusqu'à la fin de juillet. Elle apparait 2 semaines après celle de la montagne et reste 1 mois de plus.
Intervention des membres dans la locomotion et le creusement du nid chez la tortue luth
Authors: Renous Sabine , Lescure Jean , Gasc Jean-Pierre , Bels Vincent 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
La tortue luth (Dermochelys coriacea) adaptée à la vie pélagique, possède aussi un déplacement terrestre tout à fait original qui implique un système économique de traction du corps. Un répertoire précis de mouvements est utilisé: mouvements périodiques et synchrones des membres antérieurs et postérieurs. Les mouvements qui interviennent dans le balayage de l'aire de ponte appartiennent également à ce même répertoire. Par contre, les mouvements de creusement du nid, qui correspondent à une alternance d'activité des membres postérieurs suggèrent la réactivation du patron moteur utilisé par les tétrapodes.
Age estimation of habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis (Viperidae) using growth bands in angulares
Authors: Nishimura Masahiko 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWhite bands in the angulares of captive-grown habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, were counted by see-through methods, and numbers of the bands were found to be correlated with age of a snake.
Is there a direct link between the ophidian tongue and Jacobson's organ?
Authors: Young Bruce A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAn analysis of the interaction between the tongue and Jacobson's organ was conducted using x-ray cinematography and two experimental procedures. The results failed to support the traditional hypothesis of a direct linkage between the tongue and Jacobson's organ since the tongue was never observed to enter the lumen of Jacobson's organ. Conversely, the results presented provide strong support for the role of elevation of the anterior lingual processes as the mechanism for stimulus transfer.
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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractThe 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

Abstract
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

AbstractStrike-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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

AbstractDissection 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

AbstractNewly 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

AbstractI. 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

AbstractThree 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

AbstractForty 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

AbstractTwo 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

Abstract
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.