bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteinvariabilität und Taxonomie des Gran Canaria Skinks Chalcides sexlineatus
Authors: Mayer Werner , Tiedemann Franz 
Published: April 2008

AbstractZusammenfassung. 65 Exemplare der Skinkgattung Chalcides von 19 Fundorten auf der Insel Gran Canaria wurden hinsichtlich 11 Genloci elektrophoretisch untersucht. Die Exemplare vom Norden und Südwesten der Insel unterschieden sich in der elektrophoretischen Mobilität von 2 Enzymen, CPK und MDH, konstant voneinander. Von WNW nach OSO zieht sich ein Hybridgütel quer über die Insel. Unser Ergebnis spricht klar für die Annahme einer einzigen Art (Chalcides sexlineatus) mit den Unterarten sexlineatus und bistrialus. Dies steht in ausgezeichneter Übereinstimmung mit den morphometrischen Ergebnissen von Lopez-Jurado und Baez (1985), aber im krassen Gegensatz zur Annahme von 3 unterschiedlichen Arten durch Pasteur et al. (1988). Chalcides pallens wird in die Synonymic von Chalcides sexlineatus bistriatus verwiesen.
Comparative morphology of the adrenal gland in selected species of the genus Podarcis
Authors: Laforgia V. , Varano L. , Capaldo A. , Putti R. , Cavagnuolo A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The morphology of the adrenal gland and relationships between noradrenalin (NA) and adrenalin (A) cells were studied in selected species of the genus Podarcis. As in other previously-studied genera, the morphology of the adrenal gland is not homogeneous, and the species examined can be divided into two groups according to the relationship between chromaffin and steroidogenic tissue. Podarcis taurica and P. hispanica, in which the two tissues are strongly separated, belong to one group. P. wagleriana, P. muralis, P. sicula, P. pelofionnesiaca and P. melisellensis belong to a second group in which dorsal chromaffin ribbons send digitations between the steroidogenic cords. The NA/A cell ratio is higher in species of the first group than in those of the second.
Morphological variation, karyotype and reproduction of the parthenogenetic blind snake, Ramphotyphlops braminus, from the insular region of East Asia and Saipan
Authors: Ota Hidetoshi , Hikida Tsutomu , Matsui Masafumi , Mori Akira , Wynn Addison H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMorphological variation, the karyotype, and reproduction in the parthenogenetic blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) were studied on the basis of a large sample from the Ryukyu Archipelago, Taiwan, and Saipan. Meristic and morphometric characters showed little geographic variation. The numbers of transverse scale rings and vertebrae, each somewhat variable within the sample, were significantly correlated with each other. The karyotype of specimens from the Ryukyu Archipelago and Taiwan consists of 42 chromosomes best interpreted as forming 14 triplets, indicating that R. braminus from this region has a triploid karyotype. Clutch size varied from one to eight, and was significantly correlated with the snout-vent length. From observations of gonads in preserved specimens and from captive breedings, R. braminus begins reproduction after April in the Ryukyu region.
Cytogenetic analysis of the pleurodine turtle Phrynops hogei and its taxonomic implications
Authors: Reed Kent M. , Hanks Brian G. , Bickham John W. , Rhodin Anders G. J. , Greenbaum Ira F. , Mittermeier Russell A. , Fedullo Luiz P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Conventional chromosomal preparations of the Brazilian sidenecked turtle Phrynops hogei indicate the karyotype of this species (diploid number 2n = 58; fundamental number FN = 64) is identical to that reported for other members of the genus. Electron microscopic analysis of whole-cell complements of synaptonemal complexes corroborated the karyotypic description and provided definitive resolution of the acrocentric condition of the microchromosomes. Additionally, this approach provided a continuous sequence of prophase I nuclei which enabled detailed description of chromosomal behavior from leptonema through diakinesis and the sequence of centriolar replication.
The influence of tadpole swimming behaviour on predation by dragonfly nymphs
Authors: Chovanec Andreas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis study analyses interspecific differences in anuran tadpole swimming behaviour that could influence vulnerability and therefore prey selection by dragonfly nymphs (Aeshna cyanea). Laboratory experiments showed that Bufo bufo tadpoles were almost continually and slowly in motion, which makes them easy prey for the dragonflies. Hyla arborea tadpoles were also very active and slow in swimming; in contrast to Bufo, however, they showed effective predator avoidance strategies (different habitat preferences, high evasiveness). The predation risk of Rana dalmatina larvae was low because the tadpoles were immobile and benthic, rare movements were made with high speeds. Bombina bombina is intermediate in swimming activity, velocity, and vulnerability.
Mating and oviposition in the hylodine frog Crossodactylus gaudichaudii (Anura: Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Weygoldt Peter , Potsch de Carvalho e Silva Sergio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMales of Crossodactylus gaudichaudii call from stream edges, and they regularly dive and excavate oviposition places under stones and rocks. A female ready to spawn visits a male, and both animals dive and dig themselves under a stone to lay eggs. Oviposition takes only 1 to 2 minutes. The male visits the eggs again after the female has left, and afterwards carefully closes and conceals the entrance to the oviposition crevice. After hatching, the larvae remain in their crevice for about 2 more weeks, until they are fully pigmented and able to swim in the current. The implications of the observations are discussed. The behaviour observed is compatible with the idea of hylodine-dendrobatid relationships although not sufficient to support this hypothesis.
Is there a dialect in Pelodytes punctatus from southern Portugal?
Authors: Paillette M. , Oliveira M.E. , Rosa H.D. , Crespo E.G. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The mating call of Pelodytes punctatus from Algarve (Southern Portugal) is composed of two multipulsed motives, "a" and "b", lasting about 200 ms. One "a" is followed by two, three or more "b"s giving a sucession of "a-b-b-...". The inner timing in pulse rate acceleration distinguishes each motive. We suggest that the Algarve population has its own dialect, which is different from those of Camargue and Liguria, whose mating calls are longer (about 300 and 400 ms) with a syntax of "a-b" pairs. Pulse rates and durations change with temperature.
Variation in stomach contents of the gecko Ptyodactylus hasselquistii guttatus in relation to sex, age, season and locality
Authors: Perry Gad , Brandeis Michael 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe examined stomach contents of 77 specimens of Ptyodactylus hasselquistii guttatus (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) from three locations in Israel. Juveniles took smaller and softer prey items than adults. Males had relatively larger bodies and heads and took fewer, larger and more diverse prey items than did females. Composition of stomach contents varied with collection locality and season, suggesting opportunism. Most of the prey items were small. All 324 food items were invertebrates (65.3% Insecta, 23.8% Arachnida, and 10.9% of other classes). A large proportion of food items were strict ground dwellers, suggesting frequent hunting trips to the ground.
The skink Mabuya ivensii: new records from Zambia and Zaire, and the status of the subspecies septemlineata Laurent 1964 and the genus Lubuya Horton 1972
Authors: Branch W.R. , Haagner G.V. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Twenty one specimens of the poorly-known skink Mabuya ivensii Bocage 1879, collected from northwestern Zambia and adjacent Zaire, represent the first records of the species from these countries. Continued recognition of the eastern subspecies M.i. septemlineata Laurent 1964 is not supported. Recognition of a monotypic genus, Lubuya Horton 1972, for ivensii is also rejected. The species shows sexual dimorphism in size, females having a maximum snout-vent length of 148 mm, males reaching only 120 mm SVL.
A new species of Latonia (Anura, Discoglossidae) from the lower Miocene of France
Authors: Hossini Saïda 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe extinct discoglossid genus Latonia Meyer (1843) was widely distributed in Europa in the Tertiary, and included the largest known discoglossid frogs. Among the characters used by most subsequent authors as diagnostic of this genus, is the presence of dermal sculpturing on certain cranial bones, especially on the maxillae and frontoparietals. The state of this character (presence or absence of sculpture) is unknown in the type species of the genus (Latonia seyfriedi), as well as in some fossils referred to this genus. It is established here that sculpture may be lacking in Latonia; this feature characterizes a new species known from three French localities: Coderet (late Oligocene), Laugnac and "Saint-Gérand-Le-Puy" (early Miocene). Such as feature could correspond to a generic distinction. A revision of the type species is required to redefine the genus Latonia.
Breeding of the toad Bufo verrucosissimus: sexual dimorphism and shifting spawning sites
Authors: Tarkhnishvili David N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Colchic toad (Bufo verrucosissimus) inhabits wet mountain forests of Caucasia and breeds in small and unstable slow streams and seepage pools. Pair formation usually takes place on land. Amplexing couples search for new breeding sites every year; there is little site fidelity. Active searching for breeding sites is facilititated by the small size of males; the species is highly dimorphic, males having a mean body length of 70-85 mm, females a length of 100-130 mm. If a larger, more permanent water body appears in a region, reproductive tactics change and males wait for females around the pond. These generalizations are supported by data collected from 1989-1993. There was an inverse correlation between body size of females and males in amplexing pairs.
Larval ecology of Rana arvalis: an allopatric island population compared with a sympatric mainland population
Authors: Lardner Björn 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRana arvalis has escaped its mainland competitor Rana temporaria on the Baltic island of Gotland. Larvae from mainland and island R. arvalis populations were raised in inter- as well as intraspecific regimes of different densities. Gotlandian larvae had a longer larval period and a lower growth rate than mainland conspecifics at the provided densities. The Gotlandian larvae did not respond more strongly to competition with R. temporaria than mainland larvae, but they seemed to have lost competitive ability in general. When competing with a stronger competitor, this loss of competitive ability in general is predicted to give the same effect as a loss of competitive ability towards that specific species.
Tail morphology related to habitat of varanid lizards and some other reptiles
Authors: Bedford Gavin S. , Christian Keith A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTail shape, length and texture were recorded from 28 species of varanid lizards as well as several other reptiles that were known to be either semi-aquatic or arboreal. The varanids were described with respect to their tail characteristics and we then looked for relationships between tail characteristics and what is known about the habitats and lifestyles of the species. Semi-aquatic species of all sizes and phylogenetic groups have laterally compressed tails with a tall "fin" comprising the dorsal one-third of the tail. The tails of the large non-aquatic varanids are laterally compressed with a coarse texture. The smaller species in the subgenus Odatria have more diverse tails, and the tail characteristics generally correspond to habitats and lifestyles. The terrestrial species that live under rocks on the soil surface have very coarse, spinous tails. Saxicolous Odattria have long, smooth tails, and arboreal species have coarse tails.
Albumin and mitochondrial DNA evolution: Phylogenetic implications for colubrine snakes (Colubridae: Colubrinae)
Authors: Lopez T.J. , Maxson L.R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPrevious molecular analyses of colubrine snake relationships have been based on estimates of amino acid sequence differences in the nuclear-encoded protein, serum albumin. Phylogenetic hypotheses based on albumin data are compared to new trees derived from nucleotide sequence variation in a 307-base pair (bp) region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and a 384-bp region of the mitochondrial gene encoding the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) subunit. There are so many multiple substitutions at degenerate sites in the cytochrome b sequences that little phylogenetic signal remains, leaving major conclusions based on the more informative 16S rRNA sequences. Analyses of the sequence data using both parsimony and genetic distance algorithms are largely congruent with earlier conclusions based on albumin, and corroborate (1) the monophyly of the ratsnakes, (2) the derivation of the ratsnake clade from within the racer lineage, and (3) the monophyly of the Nearctic racer clade (Coluber + Masticophis). The 16S rRNA data provide greater resolution of relationships within the racer lineage than either the cytochrome b or albumin data. The trees based on cytochrome b and 16S rRNA sequences do not support monophyly of the racers, in contrast to the albumin data.
Reproduction of Psammodromus algirus in coastal sandy areas of NE Spain
Authors: Carretero Miguel A. , Llorente Gustavo A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe variation in the reproductive cycle of three populations of the lizard Psammodromus algirus living in coastal sandy areas of NE Spain was analyzed. In contrast with those in continental climates, they showed evidence of reproductive stress: the reproductive season began sooner and was longer. Moreover, body size was smaller and sexual size dimorphism did not arise. Only the end of the breeding period was relatively constant. Nevertheless, these different reproductive traits seem to follow a common trend. In general, no important reproductive differences were found among the three coastal areas. Females laying two clutches have been detected in one locality. Clutch size was correlated with female size. The high phenological plasticity of this species is associated with its wide ecological niche.
Aquatic fungi growing on the spawn of certain amphibians
Authors: Czeczuga B. , Muszyńska E. , Krzemińska A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe mycoflora developing on the spawn of nine species of amphibians was investigated under laboratory conditions. Fifty-two zoosporic fungus species were found to grow on the spawn investigated, including 6 chytridiomycetes, 1 hyphochytriomycete, 44 oomycetes and 1 zygomycete fungus. Out of these 52 species, 23 are known as parasites or necrotrophs of fish. Five fungus species were recorded for the first time from Poland.
A new species of Typhlophis (Serpentes: Anomalepididae) from Bolívar State, Venezuela
Authors: Celsa Señaris J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstractn. Se describe la segunda especie del género Typhlophis. T. ayarzaguenai sp. nov., para la Serranía de Los Pijiguaos, estado Bolivar, Venezuela. Typhlophis ayarzaguenai se diferencia de T. squamosus principalmente por tener un mayor número total de escamas dorsales (398-418 vs 345), mayor número de escamas alrededor del cuerpo (24 vs 21) y mayor número de escamas cefálicas. Esta nueva especie constituye el primer registro del género Typhlophis para Venezuela.
Lists of European species of amphibians and reptiles: will we soon be reaching "stability"?
Authors: Dubois Alain 
Published: April 2008

AbstractZoologists at the end of our century are faced with a strong demand from "society" for "final and definitive" lists of taxon names: such lists are requested in particular by administrations and users of "official lists" of species. This has entailed, even among some professional taxonomists, a strong movement in favour of artificial stability of taxon names and of a replacement of the basic rule of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the rule of priority, by a so-called "rule of common usage". The aim of this paper is to show, taking the example of European anuran amphibians, that this way of posing the question is wrong. The major factor of change in taxon names in zoology is taxonomic research, not nomenclatural grooming. Contrary to what is often believed, even in "well-known" regions like Europe, numerous new species have recently been discovered, in part through the use of new research techniques (electrophoresis, bioacoustics, etc.), but also as a result of better exploration of natural populations: the misleading idea that "the European fauna is well known" has acted as a brake against recognition of new taxa when these were discovered in the field. Name changes due to the mere application of nomenclatural rules are much less numerous than those due to the progress of taxonomic research, and they would be even much less common if zoologists and editors paid more attention to the international rules of nomenclature. We are still far from reaching the "holy grail" of "final lists" of animal faunae, even in Europe, and, rather than trying to comply with this request from "society", zoologists should explain why this goal will not be reached soon, and that the only way to accelerate the movement towards it would be the creation of numerous positions of professional zoologists and the increase of funds afforded to basic zoological research in Europe.
RAPD identification of north European water frogs
Authors: Zeisset Inga , Beebee Trevor J.C. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
A technique for the identification of north European water frogs (Rana lessonae, R. ridibunda and R. esculenta) based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-amplification of DNA using random primers (RAPD) is presented. The method requires very small amounts (< 2 mg) of tissue and reliably distinguished the three types of frogs using samples taken from two widely separate localities (Britain and Poland). In addition, the primers distinguished the DNA of water frogs from that of a brown frog (R. temporaria) and from that of two toad species (Bufo bufo and B. calamita).
The Behaviour of Certain Cardueline F1 Inter-Species Hybrids
Authors: Hinde R.A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1. The behaviour of inter-species hybrids between Carduelis carduelis, Chloris chloris and the domestic Canary was studied. 2. All behaviour patterns which occur in both parent species are unchanged in the hybrids. 3. Behaviour patterns whose form or frequency differs in the parent species, occur in an intermediate condition in the hybrids. 4. Behaviour patterns which occur in one parent species only and which are apparently the result of an evolutionary process in which insignificant intention movements have become stereotyped and exaggerated more in that species than in the other, appear in an intermediate condition in the hybrid. 5. The relation between display components and behaviour tendencies are (qualitatively) unchanged in the hybrids.
"String-Pulling" in Birds. Iii. the Successful Response in Greenfinches and Canaries
Authors: Vince M.A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1. Eighteen greenfinches, of which six were wild trapped adults, five were aviary-reared juveniles and seven were hand-reared juveniles; and also sixteen domestic canaries of which six were adults and ten were juveniles were tested in a "string-pulling" situation. 2. The experiment consisted of (1) a training period when birds were fed repeatedly at the point on a perch where the string and bait were to be suspended; (2) a test period when birds were given up to twelve half-hour trials with the bait suspended on a 4" string; and (3) for those birds which failed in the test period, a period of training in string-pulling. Half the juveniles tested were successful in string-pulling, but none of the adults. 3. Results showed that the finches used more varied methods of pulling up the string than do other species (e.g., tits) which habitually use the feet in feeding. It was also shown that the methods used by juveniles tended to be more varied than those of adults. 4. To this greater variety of behaviour is in part imputed the greater success of the juveniles in the string-pulling situation; this factor is, however, considered to be additional to those previously reported: that juveniles spent a greater proportion of each test trial in responding to the string and/or bait, and a diminished tendency to become extinguished in comparison with adults. 5. The way in which behaviour developed throughout the test trials was adaptive in the sense that activity which was reinforced (e.g., by the movement of the bait following a pull on the string) tended in general to increase at the expense of unreinforced activity. 6. Consideration of individual performances during the test and training trials suggested that the birds showed no evidence of insight into the nature of the experimental situation; success tended to occur intermittently and the improvement in performance was on the whole gradual. This suggested that the performance is closer to "trial-and-error" than to insight learning.
Communal Use of One and the Same Nest By Two Breeding Pairs of the Bengalee 1)
Authors: Masatomi Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the present paper, an example of the communal use of one and the same nest by two "pairs" of the Bengalee, Lonchura striata var. domestica, was described. There was no marked aggressiveness between the pairs. Six eggs laid by the two females were indiscriminately incubated. The eggs did not hatch, but a nestling inserted as replacement for the eggs was normally cared for by every member of the four. Shortly speaking, these birds performed all activities including nest building, incubation, and brooding as an individual of a flock consisting of four birds, rather than as a member of a pair. The availability of only one ready-made nest in the cage was considered one of the most important causes of this curious outcome, in combination with the gentle temperament of the species in general.
Lateral Preferences in Monkeys
Authors: Ettlinger G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHand preferences have been observed in a group of 48 monkeys. It is found that practice in manipulation increases the proportion of animals showing strong and consistent preferences and reduces the initial predominance of left preferences in this sample of animals to near equality with right. The proportion of animals showing strong and consistent preferences is low during initial somatosensory discrimination testing in the dark. The various kinds of change in preference observed on up to ten consecutive tests are analysed in some detail. Thus a full reversal is common in animals changing from a strong preference, whereas a strengthening of the same preference is common in animals changing from a weak preference. 45% of animals change their preference between the first and second test, but this proportion is progressively reduced, for example to 13% changing between tests 3 and 4. Finally the effects of various neurosurgical procedures on the preferences in 30 animals are tabulated. These comprise frontal, temporal or parietal cortical ablations and also section of one optic tract. Only the latter procedure gives rise to changes in hand preferences. It is concluded that the nature of the sensory control (whether visual or somatosensory, or if visual, whether confined to one half visual field) of a manual manipulation is another major determinant of hand preference.