bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identity, Community and the Natural Environment: Some Perspectives from Process Thinking
Authors: Palmer Clare 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlfred North Whitehead's and Charles Hartshorne's process thinking presents a complex and sophisticated metaphysical underpinning for a theory of self and self-identity. Their construction of the self has significant implications for understanding of the (human) community and the natural environment. Process thinking, I argue, undercuts the idea of self unity; of self-continuity over time; and of self-differentiation from the world. When combined, these three elements mean that it is hard to separate the individual, personal self from the community and the natural world. I compare these implications from process thinking with what might seem similar implications from radical ecological philosophies. Although there are ethical and metaphysical differences between process thinkers and deep ecologists, both kinds of theory need to be treated with caution in application to our thinking about the environment.
Ecological Consciousness and the Decline of 'Civilisations': The Ontology, Cosmology and Ideology of Non-equilibrium Living Systems
Authors: Friedman Jonathan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article is a discussion of the cosmological and ontological bases of ecological thinking in cross-cultural terms. It is argued that there are two different sources for much of modem ecological thinking. One has its origins in the various developments in systems theory and cybernetics and is rooted in a hard 'engineering' framework. The other, which is the basic focus of this discussion, is based on constructions of 'nature' (not necessarily an explicit category in all societies) as temporally variable, and on the transformation of 'nature' in conditions of crisis. Newer approaches in ecological anthropology have rightly emphasised an understanding of the way nature is socially constructed, as, for example, an autonomous entity, or as totally integrated within other social and personal relations. It is suggested here that ecological thinking is related to the inversion of cosmological relations that occurs in many societies in crisis. Examples of the transformation of expansionist chiefdoms into ecologically more stable yet crisis-ridden egalitarian societies are used to argue that ecological thinking is not a product of a particular kind of society but of a particular condition that develops within societies that enter into crises after an earlier phase of growth and expansion. Modem ecological consciousness is argued to be the same kind of phenomenon, even if it develops in a very different kind of social system - one that reconstructs the 'primitive' societies of the Western periphery as the ecologically moral and balanced world that we have lost rather than the backward world of a previous modernist evolutionism.
Gnosticism and Egyptian Religion by
Authors: Parrott Douglas M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDespite the fact that Egypt has provided the most abundant sources for the study of Gnosticism and the occasional mention of Egypt and things Egyptian in those sources, scholars have neglected Egyptian religion as a significant influence in the origin and development of Gnosticism. An examination of the early Nag Hammadi tractate Eugnostos makes it possible to see that it was significantly affected by Egyptian religious conceptions of the Urzeit. The evidence of the influence of Eugnostos upon subsequent gnostic systems suggests that it was at least one route by which Egyptian religion influenced Gnosticism at its core.
Contribution à l'étude des Amphibiens de Guyane française IX. Le têtard gastromyzophore d'Atelopus flavescens DUMÉRIL et BIBRON (Anura, Bufonidae)
Authors: Lescure Jean 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe eggs and gastromyzophorous tadpole of Atelopus flavescens have been found in a small river in French Guiana. The egg-string was fixed under a water-bathed stone below a small cascad, the tadpoles were fixed to stones by their ventral sucker in shallow and oxygeneus (7,5 mg/l O2) water. The tadpole is described.
Nuevos Datos sobre la Sistematica y Distribucion de Podarcis bocagei (SEOANE, 1884) (Sauria, Lacertidae) en la Peninsula Iberica
Authors: Pérez Mellado Valentín 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe taconomic status of Podarcis bocagei in the Iberian Peninsula is reviewed. Since no Holotype is known, a Lectotype from the species is given. P. bocagei carbonelli ssp. n. is also described; it inhabits the western area of the Sistema Central, in particular the "Sierras" of Francia and Gata, both in Spain and the Serra da Estrela in Portugal. Finally, new localities for both subspecies are described, that together with those reported in the previous paper sum a total of 76 localities known up to date.
Reproduction en élevage de Euproctus platycephalus (Urodela, Salamandridae)
Authors: Alcher Marc 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper reports some observations on the reproductive behaviour of captive Sardinian Brook Salamanders (Euproctus platycephalus). Amplexus was observed frequently from October to May; eggs were preferentially deposited between stones ofvarious sizes or burried in the sand; egg-laying was spread over several months and had a maximum in spring; clutch size was hight (maximum: 221) as compared to that of the closely related species E. montanus and E. asper.
Argenteohyla altamazonica, ein neuer Hylide mit paarigen, lateralen Schallblasen aus Peru (Amphibia: Salientia: Hylidae)
Authors: Henle Klaus 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA new species of hylid frog, Argenteohyla altamazonica, is described from Pucallpa, Peru. This species seems to be less derived from a supposed Osteocephalus like basis of the genus Argenteohyla than the other species A. siemersi.
Ecological Observations on Chioglossa lusitanica (Caudata, Salamandridae)
Authors: Arntzen J.W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring 1977 and in October 1978 fieldwork was carried out on the Golden-striped Salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica) in the surroundings of Porto (Portugal). The occurrence of C. lusitanica appears to be limited to the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula; its distribution is well defined by the region with a precipitation of more than 1000 millimeters per annum and not exceeding 1500 meters altitude. Here it leads a nocturnal and secretive life along small streams in hilly and mountainous terrain. In autumn, the adults meet on their mating-sites, observations on the mating process conform with data already available. Oögenesis takes place in summer. A positive relation was found between the length of the female and its fecundity. C. lusitanica can autotomize its tail, which can regenerate completely. It was found that oögenesis proceeds at the expense of tail-regeneration. Egg-deposition takes place in September, October and November, the larvae hatch after six to nine weeks. Metamorphosis takes place from the beginning of summer onward. Some larvae postpone metamorphosis until next season, having spent two winters in the water. Adults spend the summer in hidden places and remain largely inactive. It was found that with the drying up of the brooks a part of some populations migrated to summer-refuges such as dams and deserted mine galleries, thereby sometimes covering long distances. These refuges may also serve as a place for copulation and for egg-deposition. Migration-patterns in the populations under study were markedly different, largely depending on the availability of resorts and summer-refuges. Juveniles lead a live less nocturnal than the adults. Furthermore they show a stronger tendency to stay close to the brook and to stay there in summer. The population-density along one of the brooks investigated was estimated at four to five adult specimens per section of one meter in length. Water withdrawal presents a serious danger to certain populations.
Determinacion del Nivel de Ploidia en Ejemplares Preservados del Genero Ceratophrys
Authors: Mercadal Isabel T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractErythrocyte size can be helpful as a measure of the ploidy level in Amphibians not only with fresh blood, but using preserved museum specimens too. The latter technique is described and applied to the identification of Ceratophrys species.
Introduced Species of Reptiles in Surinam. Notes on the herpetofauna of Surinam VIII
Authors: Hoogmoed M.S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHemidactylus mabouia (MOREAU) DE JONNÈS) is a recent invader of Surinam, apparently still extending the limits of its distribution. Recent introductions of the Hispaniolan lizards Anolis chlorocyanus chlorocyanus DUMÉRIL and BIBRON and A. cybotes cybotes COPE have led to the establishment of viable populations in Paramaribo. Anolis baleatus (COPE) from Hispaniola and A. lineatus DAUDIN from Curaçao, also introduced recently, maintained themselves, but apparently did not (yet) establish large populations. Anolis marmoratus speciosus GARMAN is extending its range in French Guiana and may reach Surinam in the near future. Other recent introductions of Cyclura cornuta (BONNATERRE) and of Epicrates spec., both from Hispaniola, have not led to the establishment of viable populations. Anolis richardi DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, introduced from Grenada, apparently thrived for a few years, but became extinct after destruction of its habitat.
Comparative Reproductive Biology of Two Sympatric Tropical Lizards Chamaeleo jacksonii BOULENGER and Chamaeleo hoehnelii STEINDACHNER (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)
Authors: Lin Jun-yi , Nelson Craig E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe reproductive biology of two sympatric tropical lizards Chamaeleo jacksonii and C. hoehnelii was investigated from April 1972 to June 1973 in Karatina, Kenya. The smallest gravid female was 80 mm SVL in C. jacksonii, and 67 mm SVL in C. hoehnelii. The smallest male showing enlarged testis, epididymis and as deferens was 90 mm SVL in C. jacksonii and 70 mm SVL in C. hoehnelii. The age at sexual maturity was estimated to be approximately 91/2 months for female C. hoehnelii and 101/2 months for male C. hoehnelii, 131/2 months for female C. jacksonii and 16 months for male C. jacksonii. Both species are viviparous. Monthly means of testis weight/SVL in C. jacksonii revealed a seasonal cycle with a minimum in August and a maximum in February. The monthly means of kidney weight/SVL showed a cyclic pattern slightly different from the testicular cycle, in that kidney size peaked during period in which actual matings were observed. Parturition began in mid-January and persisted into March in C. jacksonii. Post-reproductive quiescence extended from January to March. Vitellogenesis extended from mid-March through August, and the peak of ovulation occurred in August. Gestation began early in July and extended into February. Although female C. jacksonii require more than a year to mature, some apparently gave birth during their first post partum breeding season at an age of 14-15 months. The average litter size was 21.7 in C. jacksonii. Litter size increased strongly with SVL and age, and slightly with reproductive category. Reproductive effort was 46.7%, 51.9%, 46.4%, 42.8%, and 39.7%, respectively for the first, second, third, fourth and fifth year old individuals. Both male and female C. hoehnelii reproduced continuously throughout the year as shown by the testicular and kidney cycles for males, and by the continuous presence of yolked follicles, oviducal ova and fertilized ova every month for females. The average litter size was 13.7 in C. hoehnelii. Litter size correlated positively with SVL. Reproductive effort was 53.6%, 44.6%, 40.4%, and 40.5%, respectively for the first, second, third and fourth year old individuals. Although C. jacksonii and C. hoehnelii are two closely related species, and occur sympatrically, their reproductive patterns are widely divergent, and are found to be on the opposite sides of Tinkle's dichotomy. It is proposed that C. jacksonii and C. hoehnelii evolved in allopatry. The presently known distribution and current theory of lizard reproductive strategy support this proposal.
A New Species of Small Yellow Hyla from Perú (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Duellman William E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHyla aperomea n. sp. is described from the cloud forests on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Perù. The new species is the only Andean species in a complex of small Hyla having 30 chromosomes and otherise inhabiting the cis-Andean tropical lowlands.
Taxonomic Notes Concerning the Trionychid Turtle Lissemys punctata (LACEPÈDE)
Authors: Webb Robert G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough long-conceived as a monotypic species of three subspecies (SMITH, 1931), intergradation has not yet been demonstrated between subspecies of Lissemys punctata. The two subspecies L. p. punctata and L. p. andersoni show intergradation in pattern features of head and carapace, and are similar in osteological features. The configuration of peripheral bones, and advent of well developed plastral callosities at a relatively small size that indicates small maximal size, suggest specific status for L. p. scutata..
Evolutionary Origins of Viviparity in the Reptilia. I. Sauria
Authors: Blackburn Daniel G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractReproductive mode data were extracted piecemeal from the literature and superimposed over currently accepted phylogenies to permit estimation of the minimum frequencies with which viviparity (live-bearing) has evolved in lizards, aswell as to facilitateanalysisoffactors hypothesizedto inlluencethis evolution. Viviparity has arisen on at least 45 separate occasions in the Sauria. Each ofthese origins is pinpointed phylogeneticallyas far as is now possible. Ofthese origins, 22 have occurred in the Scincidae, ten in the Iguanidae, five in the Anguidae, two each in the Lacertidae and Gekkonidae, and one each in the Chamaeleontidae, Xantusiidae, Agamidae, and Cordylidae. Further origins may be detected in the Scincidae, Iguanidae, and Diploglossa as phylogenetic relationships are elucidated. Over 19 % of the saurian species are live-bearing, and about 2/3 of the viviparous species are skinks. Most of the sub-generic saurian origins ofviviparity have occurred in cold climates, possibly as an adaptation to facilitate maternal thermoregulation of the developing embryos. Phylogenetic distributions of these origins are consistent with hypotheses that genetic sex-determination of the male-heterogametic type as weil as a tendency towards egg'retention preadapt a lineage for viviparity. Evolution of the live-bearing mode may be constrained by temperature-dependent sex determination, female heterogamety, and formation of highly calcified eggshells.
Reproductive Tactics in an Island Population of Adders, Vipera berus (L.), with a fluctuating Food Resource
Authors: Andren Claes , Nilson Göran 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper describes the density fluctuations of the adder Vipera berus and its prey during seven years. The reproduction during high adder density and low food availability was compared with that seven years later in the same population during low adder density and high food availability. Female length was similar but weight status (mass/length 2.56) was significantly higher during high prey density. Female mass loss when giving birth and clutch mass were significantly higher during high availability of food, but relative clutch mass and relative mass loss were similar in the two situations. However, the variance in relative clutch mass was significantly lower with high prey density. Clutch size and mass per young were significantly higher during high prey density. During high food availability there were significant positive correlations between female length (~ age) and birth mass loss, female length and clutch mass, female length and clutch size, clutch mass and mass per young and between relative clutch mass and mass per young. During low food availability there were significant positive correlations between clutch mass and clutch size and relative clutch mass and clutch size. A significant negative correlation was found between female length and relative mass loss. This study do not conform entirely to general theories on reproductive adaptations to varying food availability (r-K strategies). During high prey density both more and heavier young were produced than during scarcity of food. A high correlation of reproductive parameters during high food availability indicates a maximal utilization of reproductive capacity in most females, while the lack of such correlations during low food availability indicates a varying access to food and fat storage possibility among females.
Sexual behaviour of the Montandon's newt, Triturus montandoni (Boulenger) (Caudata: Salamandridae)
Authors: Pecio Anna , Rafiński Jan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn its general pattern the sexual behaviour of Triturus montandoni most resembles that of Triturus helveticus. The courtship consists of three phases: orientation, static display and retreat display, followed by a spermatophore transfer phase. During display the male performs three tail movements: the fan, the whip, and the wave. The relative frequencies of tail movements and the duration of fanning bouts are the main difference between T montandoni, T. helveticus, and T. vulgaris. The phylogenetic relationships between these three species are discussed.
An Improved Method to estimate the Number of Year Rings resorbed in Phalanges of Bufo bufo (L.) and its Application to Populations from Different Latitudes and Altitudes
Authors: Hemelaar Agnes 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPhalanges of adult Bufo bufo were analysed skelettochronologically. The bone appears to reflect the period of metamorphosis as an hematoxylinophilic line, referred to as the line of metamorphosis. If present, it indicates that periosteal bone has not been resorbed in the toads concerned. These specimens formed the basis for estimating the degree of resorption of year rings in the remaining toads. In 82 up to 100% of the toads from the populations studied, the number of year rings resorbed could be estimated. Resorption of year rings appears to stop, once maturity is reached. Interpopulational and intersexual differences were found in resorption, owing to differences in the age at which maturity was reached. Apart from this, the number of year rings resorbed may vary considerably, both individually and among phalanges. Ignoring resorption of year rings in age determination might produce as much as 75% error.
Feeding Mechanism in the Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus
Authors: Fransen J.A.M. , Kardong K.V. , Dullemeijer P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCineradiography and electromyography were used to study the strike and swallowing behaviour of the rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus. From the data gathered, we describe the kinetic events of the cranial bones correlated with both the activity of individual jaw muscles (electromyograms) and with the calculated relative forces produced by these same muscles. During the strike, the independently suspended jaws of left and right sides simultaneously protract to erect the folded fangs. This is accompanied by opening of the lower jaws. Some low level activity first appears in the depressor muscles, but immediately thereafter they and all other jaw muscles suddenly and nearly simultaneously reach peak output. From the calculated relative muscle forces, vector models of the jaws were determined for early and peak points in the strike. Swallowing is accomplished by reciprocating alternate motions of bones on the left and right sides of the skull. This produces a swallowing cycle of two phases, moving and fixing. In turn, each phase divides into three parts-opening, advance, close. On the ipsilateral side, opening is characterized by a relaxation of contact of bones and teeth they bear with the prey and the braincase begins rotation about three axes simultaneously. Motions begun in opening, contiue into advance, but now the ipsilateral jaw elements are protracted to progress them along the prey. As protraction ends, the jaws again come into contact with the prey to establish the close part of the moving phase of swallowing. After a pause, the fixing phase begins while opposite jaw elements now take their turn to progress through similar displacements. During this fixing phase ipsilateral elements arc often further retracted. Emphasis is given to the complicated rotations of the braincase which contribute first to disengagement of teeth and second to advancement of suspended jaw elements around and along the prey. Most muscles reached peak output during one of the two swallowing phases, although the timing and intensity of these peaks varied between muscles. The relative muscle forces were used to construct vector models of the jaws during stages of swallowing. Upon these vector models and from the overall patterns of activity, determination was made of the likely roles played by individual muscles in abduction, protraction, and adduction of jaw elements. Muscles, besides being basic movers of the jaw elements, apparently also play critical parts in stabilizing and regulating the controlled positioning of bones.
Distress Calls in Neotropical Frogs
Authors: Hödl Walter , Gollmann Günter 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Large neotropical hylid and leptodactylid frogs frequently emit loud distress calls under hand held conditions. In spite of remarkable similarities in the production and structure (i.e. spectral energy distribution, short rise and fall times) of these calls, distinct differences between the screams of the ten species studied were found. The percentage of adult individuals producing distress calls is high in Leptodactylus pentadactylus (60%), Hyla lanciformis (55%) and Hyla boans (42%). Screaming is far more common in large neotropical species than in their similar sized counterparts in Europe and North America. It appears improbable that distress calls in frogs have evolved as intraspecific warning signals. Startling an attacking predator and attraction of secondary predators capable of interfering with a threatening raptor are discussed as possible functions of distress calls.
Plasma proteins and morphology of Salamandra salamandra in Israel
Authors: Degani Gad 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDifferences between three isolated populations of Salamandra salamandra were examined in this study. It is based on 369 adult specimens which were measured for length and weight. The yellow markings and the quantitative relationship between the black and the yellow areas were compared. Plasma proteins were determined by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. Salamanders from a moist habitat (Tel Dan) are much smaller than salamanders from semi-arid habitats (Mt. Meron and Mt. Carmel). The colour pattern typical of the Lebanese S. s. infraimmaculata was found in all the Israeli populations, whereas colour patterns typical of the European S. s. salamandra were not found in them. The plasma proteins of the Israeli salamanders are very similar to those of the Lebanon (Gasser, 1975) and differ greatly from those of the European S. s. salamandra. These results indicate that the Israeli salamander populations should be arranged taxonomically with S. s. infraimmaculata.
Mise en Évidence d'une Activité Nocturne chez le Serpent Méditerranéen Elaphe scalaris (Ophidia, Colubridae)
Authors: Cheylan Marc 
Published: April 2008

Abstract33 observations réalisées dans la nature démontrent l'existence d'une activité nocturne régulière chez le serpent méditerranéen Elaphe scalaris jusqu'à présent considéré comme exclusivement diurne. Ces sorties nocturnes apparaissent sur l'ensemble du cycle annuel mais s'intensifient à la fin de l'été et en automne avec une participation plus marquée des juvéniles.