Zoology Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

A fraction of cats exposed to feline leukemia virus (FeLV) effectively contain virus and resist persistent antigenemia/viremia. Using real-time PCR (qPCR) to quantitate circulating viral DNA levels, previously we detected persistent FeLV... more

A fraction of cats exposed to feline leukemia virus (FeLV) effectively contain virus and resist persistent antigenemia/viremia. Using real-time PCR (qPCR) to quantitate circulating viral DNA levels, previously we detected persistent FeLV DNA in blood cells of non-antigenemic cats considered to have resisted FeLV challenge. In addition, previously we used RNA qPCR to quantitate circulating viral RNA levels and determined that the vast majority of viral DNA is transcriptionally active, even in the absence of antigenemia.

Environmental conditions can influence the physiology of marine organisms and have important implications for their reproductive performance and capacity to supply new recruits. This study examined the seasonal reproductive patterns of... more

Environmental conditions can influence the physiology of marine organisms and have important implications for their reproductive performance and capacity to supply new recruits. This study examined the seasonal reproductive patterns of the coral Montipora capitata in habitats exposed to different sedimentation regimes. Although M. capitata is a main reef-building coral in the Hawaiian Archipelago, little is known about the gametogenic cycle and reproductive ecology of this important species. Our results indicate that gamete production in M. capitata is a resilient process; no differences in gamete development or fecundity were observed among sites with very different sedimentation regimes. The gametogenic cycle of M. capitata lasts between 10 and 11 months, with spawning occurring over 3-5 months during warmer months (May-September). Oocytes were found throughout the year, but spermatocysts were only found April-August. The largest increases in oocyte size occurred during February to May, the months when solar radiation increased rapidly. The largest variation in oocyte sizes was found during July and August; during this period individual colonies contained mature oocytes for immediate spawning and new oocytes being formed for spawning the next year. The capacity of M. capitata to reproduce in areas with high sedimentation is an interesting finding highlighting the potential of the species for acclimatization, adaptation, or both. Despite this optimistic finding, the management of terrestrial runoff and the restoration of habitat quality for corals remains a top priority to ensure the renewal and maintenance of coral populations.

Lameness in breeding swine has a large negative economic impact and is a welfare concern. Pain-related behaviour, such as postural changes, may be used to evaluate the presence and severity of pain in animals. The objective of this work... more

Lameness in breeding swine has a large negative economic impact and is a welfare concern. Pain-related behaviour, such as postural changes, may be used to evaluate the presence and severity of pain in animals. The objective of this work was to determine the effects of flunixin meglumine (FM) and meloxicam (M) on postural changes in lame sows. Lameness was induced in 24 mature sows (Sus scrofa) using a chemical synovitis model. Three treatments were compared: FM (2.2 mg kg -1 ; n = 24, intramuscular [IM]), M (1.0 mg kg -1 ; n = 24, by mouth [PO]) and sterile saline (equivalent volume to FM; n = 24 [IM]), administered approximately 28 and 52 h after lameness induction. Behavioural data were collected in the home pen during 12-h periods and quantified using 15-min scan sampling on the day prior to (-24 h; Day -1) through +168 h post lameness induction. Frequency of behaviour was analysed by day using generalised linear mixed model methods. The frequency of standing postures significantly decreased and lying postures increased 24-72 h post lameness induction relative to baseline day. All postures returned to baseline frequencies by +168 h.

Diurnal activity is characteristic of many toad species, including Bufo granulosus from the Brazilian semi-arid biome called the Caatinga. Because of their patterns of activity, juvenile toads are exposed to hot and dehydrating... more

Diurnal activity is characteristic of many toad species, including Bufo granulosus from the Brazilian semi-arid biome called the Caatinga. Because of their patterns of activity, juvenile toads are exposed to hot and dehydrating conditions. Our investigation focuses on temperature and water relationships, and is based on the prediction that anuran diurnal activity in a semi-arid environment must be associated with morphological, physiological and behavioral traits enhancing thermal tolerances, capacity for performance at high temperatures and water balance. To test specific hypothesis related with this prediction, we investigated postmetamorphic B. granulosus and collected data on thermal tolerances and preferences, thermal safety margins, thermal dependence of locomotor behavior, thermal and kinetic properties of citrate synthase (CS), and skin morphophysiology. This information was compared with additional data from adult conspecifics and adult toads from sympatric species or from species from more moderate environments. We found that juvenile B. granulosus exhibit the highest critical maximum temperature reported for toads (44.2°C) and are well suited to move at high temperatures. However, and in contrast with juveniles of other Bufo species, they do not show thermal preferences in a gradient and appear to hydroregulate more than thermoregulate. The CS of adult and juvenile toads shows typical patterns of thermal sensibility, but the thermal stability of this enzyme is much higher in juveniles than in adult Bufo of any other species studied. The inguinal skin exhibits a complex folding pattern and seems highly specialized for capillary water uptake. Diurnal activity in juvenile B. granulosus is possible given high thermal tolerances, keen ability to detect and uptake water, and avoidance behaviors. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A 147 (2007) 647 -657 www.elsevier.com/locate/cbpa ☆ This paper is part of the 3rd special issue of CBP dedicated to The Face of Latin American Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology organized by Marcelo Hermes-Lima (Brazil) and co-edited by Carlos Navas (Brazil), Rene Beleboni (Brazil), Rodrigo Stabeli (Brazil), Tania Zenteno-Savín (Mexico) and the editors of CBP. This issue is dedicated to the memory of two exceptional men, Peter L. Lutz, one of the pioneers of comparative and integrative physiology, and Cicero Lima, journalist, science lover and Hermes-Lima's dad.

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) was diagnosed in rainbow trout in the UK in May 2006. VHS virus (VHSV) was isolated from fingerlings showing typical histopathological lesions at a single rainbow trout farm site experiencing high... more

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) was diagnosed in rainbow trout in the UK in May 2006. VHS virus (VHSV) was isolated from fingerlings showing typical histopathological lesions at a single rainbow trout farm site experiencing high mortality. The virus was confirmed as VHSV by serological and molecular biological tests. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete glycoprotein gene sequence revealed that the isolate was closely related (99% nucleotide identity) to several Danish isolates from 1991 to 2000 and was assigned to VHSV genogroup Ia. The pathogenicity of the isolate was determined in infection experiments using rainbow trout fry. Following waterborne challenge, cumulative mortalities reached 96.67-100% by 12 days post-infection. This represents the first isolation of a pathogenic freshwater VHSV in the UK.

Three processes, production, usage, and response, can be used to describe vocal ontogeny. They may develop independently of each other for a given vocalization and a given species as a result of the different selective pressures... more

Three processes, production, usage, and response, can be used to describe vocal ontogeny. They may develop independently of each other for a given vocalization and a given species as a result of the different selective pressures associated with each process. We have investigated vocal ontogeny in the swift fox Vulpes velox, using recordings and observations of captive foxes from the time of natal den emergence (age 3-4 weeks) to the time of natal dispersal in the wild (age 4-5 months). We first classified adult vocalizations used during the mating and pup rearing seasons into vocal types (19 types in total) and found that swift foxes have a vocal repertoire comparable in size and diversity to other canids. The repertoire of juvenile foxes contained 16 of the 19 adult-type vocalizations and one juvenile vocalization by age 10 weeks, after which no new types appeared by the end of the study period. Two of the 3 adult vocalizations not observed in juveniles appear to be associated with mating and possibly territoriality and the third is a high intensity alarm vocalization. Apart from 3 vocal types (1 alarm and 2 non-agonistic), once vocalizations had appeared in the juvenile repertoire, they did not seem to change in context over time. Juvenile responses to 5 vocalizations emitted by adults (3 alarm, 1 agonistic, and 1 non-agonistic) appeared to change with increasing age to approach adult-type responses. The emergence of these adult-type responses to 2 of the 3 alarm vocalizations coincided with their first appearance in the juvenile repertoire. The results indicate that there is variation in the degree (in terms of the number of vocal types) of modification over time among the three processes.

Intracellular recordings were obtained from pyramidal neurons in layer 5 of rat somatosensory and visual cortical slices maintained in vitro. When directly depolarized, one subclass of pyramidal neurons had the capacity to generate... more

Intracellular recordings were obtained from pyramidal neurons in layer 5 of rat somatosensory and visual cortical slices maintained in vitro. When directly depolarized, one subclass of pyramidal neurons had the capacity to generate intrinsic burst discharges and another generated regular trains of single spikes. Burst responses were triggered in an all-or-none manner from depolarizing afterpotentials in most bursting neurons. Regular spiking cells responded to electrical stimulation of ascending afferents with a typical EPSP-IPSP sequence, whereas IPSPs were hard to detect in bursting cells. Orthodromic activation of the latter evoked a prominent voltage-dependent depolarization that could trigger a burst response. Intracellularly labelled bursting and regular spiking cells were located in layer 5b, but had distinctly different morphologies. Bursting neurons had a large pyramidal soma, a gradually emerging apical dendrite, and an extensive apical and basal dendritic tree. Their axonal collateral arborization was predominantly limited to layers 5/6. In contrast, regular spiking cells had a more rounded soma with abruptly emerging apical dendrite, a smaller dendritic arborization, and 2 to 8 ascending axonal collaterals that arborized widely in the supragranular layers. Both bursting and regular spiking cells had main axons that entered the subcortical white matter.

We quantified the diet of the Chilean Hawk (Accipiter chilensis) by analyzing 495 prey remains collected during two breeding seasons (2001-2002 and 2002-2003) in an Andean Nothofagus forest of Nevados de Chillán, northern Patagonia. The... more

We quantified the diet of the Chilean Hawk (Accipiter chilensis) by analyzing 495 prey remains collected during two breeding seasons (2001-2002 and 2002-2003) in an Andean Nothofagus forest of Nevados de Chillán, northern Patagonia. The diet was almost exclusively birds (97.8% of all prey remains), with relatively few rodents (1.6%) and insects (0.6%). At least 19 vertebrate species composed the prey remains (1 small mammal and 18 bird species), with Austral Thrush (Turdus falcklandii), White-crested Elaenia (Elaenia albiceps), Black-chinned Siskin (Carduelis barbata), Fire-eyed Diucon (Xolmis pyrope), and Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) being the most common. All identified vertebrate prey are known to use forest habitats; 47% (n ϭ 9) are forest specialists. Prey that inhabit both forest and shrublands accounted for 82% of the remains, and 18% of prey remains were of forest specialists. Our results indicate that during the breeding season, Chilean Hawks in Nevados de Chillán are pre-eminent, bird-eating predators that feed primarily on forest-dwelling birds.

The genus Cornulites , with the type species C. serpularius Schlotheim, 1820, from the Silurian of Gotland, comprises annulated, conical or tubular calcite shells, often found attached to the hard parts of other organisms. No consensus... more

The genus Cornulites , with the type species C. serpularius Schlotheim, 1820, from the Silurian of Gotland, comprises annulated, conical or tubular calcite shells, often found attached to the hard parts of other organisms. No consensus has ever been reached over the zoological affinities of the taxon, and no examples of soft-part preservation are known: detailed examination of shell structures and growth patterns provide the only means of assessing its systematic position. Using transverse and longitudinal thin sections of C. serpularius Vine, 1882, and C. cellulosus sp. nov. , from the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation of England, the shell structure of Cornulites is shown to be lamellar, but with conspicuous internal chambers (camerae) at the apical end of the shell and, particularly in C. cellulosus , numerous smaller vacuities (cellulae) between the lamellae in the apertural shell region. Growth of the shell was by the secretion of low-magnesian calcite increments within one another, giving a cone-in-cone structure, with the prominent development of cellulae in C. cellulosus probably a constructional feature relating to an upright life position. By comparison of morphology and shell structure with other taxa, the zoological affinities of Cornulites are re-examined; previously suggested affinities with annelids, foraminifers, molluscs and poriferans can be ruled out. Specific shell structures, most notably pseudopuncta similar to those of bryozoans and brachiopods, have led some recent workers to interpret cornulitids as lophophorates. However, it is shown that they can be interpreted alternatively as solitary, aseptate members of the stem-Zoantharia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa). Four cornulitid species are recognized in the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation: C. cellulosus sp. nov. , C. gremialis sp. nov. , C. scalariformis and C. serpularius . In the absence of the type material, C. serpularius is here restricted to cornulitids closely resembling the specimens originally figured by Schlotheim.

We conducted a 2-yr study to determine the effects of crop density and weeds on levels of damage caused by stalk-boring insects in rain-fed sunßowers in west-central Kansas. Weed-free sunßower had higher seed weight and oil content in... more

We conducted a 2-yr study to determine the effects of crop density and weeds on levels of damage caused by stalk-boring insects in rain-fed sunßowers in west-central Kansas. Weed-free sunßower had higher seed weight and oil content in 2007, but not in 2006, but weeds did not affect infestation by stalk-boring insects in either year. High-density sunßower had lower estimated seed yield per unit area than low-density sunßower in both years, but percentage oil was slightly greater in the high-density treatment in 2006. Sunßowers were more heavily infested by larvae of Ataxia hubbardi Fisher, Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Leconte), and Pelochrista womanana (Kearfott) in 2006 than in 2007, ostensibly as a result of being planted earlier. Larvae of Dectes texanus LeConte appeared unaffected by planting date and were present in Ͼ70% of plants in both years. Conditions during the period of crop maturity were much drier in 2006 than in 2007 and were associated with higher seed oil content and earlier and faster progression of stalk girdling by D. texanus larvae in both low-and high-density plots. There was also a strong effect of plant density on girdling behavior that seemed to be mediated by effects on soil moisture. Stalk girdling began earlier in high-density plots and a larger proportion of plants were girdled compared with low-density plots on all sampling dates in both years. Certain cultural tactics, in particular reduced plant spacing, have potential to delay the onset of girdling behavior by D. texanus larvae and thus mitigate losses that otherwise result from the lodging of girdled plants.

Nymphalidae): how to be a successful wetland butterfly Abstract. Continent-wide loss of traditionally managed humid meadows is raising concern for associated butterfly specialists across Europe. However, not all species associated with... more

Nymphalidae): how to be a successful wetland butterfly Abstract. Continent-wide loss of traditionally managed humid meadows is raising concern for associated butterfly specialists across Europe. However, not all species associated with this biotope are threatened, and the Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) has even spread locally. We employed mark-recapture and transect walks to study its population structure and patterns of landscape occupancy in a hilly region of western Bohemia, Central Europe, to determine which life history or demography traits might be responsible for its success. A population studied by mark-recapture harboured more than 1000 individuals and was interconnected with other populations. This was further supported by a fit of the inverse power function to dispersal data. Observations of adult behaviour revealed a broad host plant range: at least three species of plants were used by the single population. On a landscape scale, the butterfly exhibited an aggregated distribution matching its host plants. It was associated with the distribution of characteristic plants and butterflies of semi-natural humid meadows, but its frequency exceeded those of other humid grasslands specialists. The relatively broad host range coupled with varying biotope requirements of individual host plant species results in a wide biotope range for the butterfly, explaining its persistence in fragmented Central European landscapes.

SYNOPSIS. The role of infaunal predators in structuring marine soft-bottom communities was evaluated according to these predators': 1) effects on prey density based on manipulative field experiments, 2) feeding rates, 3) effects on prey... more

SYNOPSIS. The role of infaunal predators in structuring marine soft-bottom communities was evaluated according to these predators': 1) effects on prey density based on manipulative field experiments, 2) feeding rates, 3) effects on prey distribution, 4) effects on species diversity, and 5) interactions with their prey. Estimates of feeding rates indicate that many predatory taxa have the potential to reduce the size of prey populations and suggest that nemerteans are likely to have a larger impact on infaunal abundances than polychaetes. Infaunal predators have been demonstrated to have a significant effect on infaunal densities and to affect the spatial and temporal distribution of their prey. The effects of these predators on species diversity apparently depend on the predator and the diversity of the system. These conclusions may not be applicable to all soft-bottom habitats or all groups of infaunal predators because they are based on studies of very few taxa conducted almost exclusively in intertidal, unvegetated, mud habitats. Additional studies are needed on the effects of predation by infauna on infaunal population dynamics and on the mechanisms of interactions between predator and prey. Further investigation will probably reveal that different groups of infaunal predators play different roles in structuring soft-bottom communities.

On the basis of few and contentious morphological characters Gnathostomulids have been thought to be the sister-group of either the Platyhelminthes or the Syndermata (Rotifera ؉ Acanthocephala). We provide a full 18S rDNA sequence for a... more

On the basis of few and contentious morphological characters Gnathostomulids have been thought to be the sister-group of either the Platyhelminthes or the Syndermata (Rotifera ؉ Acanthocephala). We provide a full 18S rDNA sequence for a species of Gnathostomula and attempt to resolve its position among the Metazoa, on the basis of molecular evidence. Sixty sequences, representing 30 nominal phyla and including new entoproct and gastrotrich sequences, were used to reconstruct phylogenies using maximumparsimony, neighbor-joining, and minimum evolution models. We were unable to support either of the morphological hypotheses outright and, moreover, our data supported more strongly a third possible relationship with the gnathostomulids as a member of the Nematoda ؉ Chaetognatha clade. Superficially, as active benthic, vermiform creatures with sclerotized cuticular jaws, they fit a predicted ancestral form of the Nematoda ؉ Chaetognatha clade and, as such, would arguably be members of the Ecdysozoa. The molecular data at least call for a reevaluation of the morphological data and a denser sampling of the lesser phyla. Data from morphology and molecules act synergistically in estimating phylogeny; morphology alone provided limited phylogenetic signal and alternative phylogenetic hypotheses, whereas the molecular solution suggested an alternative topology which, when interpreted in the light of comparative anatomy, may suggest previously unconsidered possibilities. 1998

issues signals a clear warning for the future sustainability of this global industry. The linking together of global experts in the culture, capture and trading of crustaceans with pathologists, epidemiologists, ecologists, therapeutics... more

issues signals a clear warning for the future sustainability of this global industry. The linking together of global experts in the culture, capture and trading of crustaceans with pathologists, epidemiologists, ecologists, therapeutics specialists and policy makers in the field of food security will allow these issues to be better identified and addressed.

Felids in captivity are often inactive and elusive in zoos, leading to a frustrating visitor experience. Eight roars were recorded from an adult male lion and played back over speakers as auditory enrichment to benefit the lions while... more

Felids in captivity are often inactive and elusive in zoos, leading to a frustrating visitor experience. Eight roars were recorded from an adult male lion and played back over speakers as auditory enrichment to benefit the lions while simultaneously enhancing the zoo visitor experience. In addition, ungulates in an adjacent exhibit were observed to ensure that the novel location and increased frequency of roars did not lead to a stress or fear response. The male lion in this study roared more in the playback phase than in the baseline phases while not increasing any behaviors that would indicate compromised welfare. In addition, zoo visitors remained at the lion exhibit longer during playback. The nearby ungulates never exhibited any reactions stronger than orienting to playbacks, identical to their reactions to live roars. Therefore, naturalistic playbacks of lion roars are a potential form of auditory enrichment that leads to more instances of live lion roars and enhances the visitor experience without increasing the stress levels of nearby ungulates or the lion themselves, who might interpret the roar as that of an intruder.

We conducted a 2-yr study to determine the effects of crop density and weeds on levels of damage caused by stalk-boring insects in rain-fed sunßowers in west-central Kansas. Weed-free sunßower had higher seed weight and oil content in... more

We conducted a 2-yr study to determine the effects of crop density and weeds on levels of damage caused by stalk-boring insects in rain-fed sunßowers in west-central Kansas. Weed-free sunßower had higher seed weight and oil content in 2007, but not in 2006, but weeds did not affect infestation by stalk-boring insects in either year. High-density sunßower had lower estimated seed yield per unit area than low-density sunßower in both years, but percentage oil was slightly greater in the high-density treatment in 2006. Sunßowers were more heavily infested by larvae of Ataxia hubbardi Fisher, Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Leconte), and Pelochrista womanana (Kearfott) in 2006 than in 2007, ostensibly as a result of being planted earlier. Larvae of Dectes texanus LeConte appeared unaffected by planting date and were present in Ͼ70% of plants in both years. Conditions during the period of crop maturity were much drier in 2006 than in 2007 and were associated with higher seed oil content and earlier and faster progression of stalk girdling by D. texanus larvae in both low-and high-density plots. There was also a strong effect of plant density on girdling behavior that seemed to be mediated by effects on soil moisture. Stalk girdling began earlier in high-density plots and a larger proportion of plants were girdled compared with low-density plots on all sampling dates in both years. Certain cultural tactics, in particular reduced plant spacing, have potential to delay the onset of girdling behavior by D. texanus larvae and thus mitigate losses that otherwise result from the lodging of girdled plants.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is the most important pest of cultivated Brassica worldwide, including those grown in greenhouses like cauliflower. In this article, we evaluate the potential of... more

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is the most important pest of cultivated Brassica worldwide, including those grown in greenhouses like cauliflower. In this article, we evaluate the potential of various species (and various strains of some species) of Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) to control this pest on cauliflower in greenhouse in France. We assessed the parasitism levels on P. xylostella of 17 Trichogrammatidae strains, belonging to 12 different species (2 indigenous strains from France), under greenhouse conditions. Parasitism levels for each of the Trichogrammatidae species and strains were determined on cauliflower leaves (Brassica oleracea botrytis L., Brassicaceae) infested with P. xylostella eggs. Nine strains parasitized 60% (or more) of the P. xylostella eggs. Compared to previous results in laboratory conditions, climatic conditions of the greenhouse did not influence parasitism levels. The presence of the cauliflower plants may have a positive effect on eight strains, a negative effect on four strains and no effect on five strains. Our study points out the importance of including the host plant of P. xylostella when conducting studies aiming to select the most efficient parasitoid against this pest.

Che posto occupavano gli animali nell’antichità? Come noi oggi, anche i Greci e i Romani avevano a che fare con cani, cavalli, galline; avevano allevamenti, vivari, acquari, e adottavano pratiche zootecniche. Amavano i loro animali da... more

Che posto occupavano gli animali nell’antichità? Come noi oggi, anche i Greci e i Romani avevano a che fare con cani, cavalli, galline; avevano allevamenti, vivari, acquari, e adottavano pratiche zootecniche. Amavano i loro animali da affezione, mentre ne uccidevano altri e li mangiavano (magari dopo averli sacrificati in onore di una divinità). Conoscevano e usavano animali selvatici o feroci, o esotici come elefanti e pappagalli. Non mancavano, nel loro immaginario, creature aliene che si credeva popolassero paesi lontani, come l’India e l’Etiopia, patrie dei manticora, dei cinocefali e dei grifoni. Quello che per noi sono i dinosauri per loro erano i ciclopi, i pegasi, le chimere, gli uomini-toro. Un affresco suggestivo che restituisce per intero l’esotismo di un mondo scomparso.

Knowledge learned from research has been effectively transferred to the agricultural industry in some areas and poorly transferred in others. Knowledge that has been used to create a thing such as pharmaceutical or a piece of equipment is... more

Knowledge learned from research has been effectively transferred to the agricultural industry in some areas and poorly transferred in others. Knowledge that has been used to create a thing such as pharmaceutical or a piece of equipment is more likely to be adopted by industry than a behavioral management technique that reduces stress to improve productivity and welfare. The author has observed during her career that some people will purchase a new cattle handling system which is designed with animal behavioral principles but they will continue to handle cattle roughly. People are more likely to purchase new equipment than use easy to learn low stress techniques for moving cattle. Even when financial benefits are clear, some people find it difficult to believe that a purely behavioral management method will really work. Many studies done during the last twenty years on dairies and pig farms have clearly shown the benefits of good stockmanship on animal productivity. Unfortunately a large segment of the livestock industry has been slow to implement improved stockmanship. I would like to speculate that a possible reason why some people resist learning better stockmanship is because a good stockperson must recognize that an animal is a conscious being that has feelings.

The Domestic Cat The biology of its behaviour Humans have lived with cats for thousands of years, and there are now more cats kept in western households than any other animal. Cherished as companions, valued as rodent catchers, their... more

The Domestic Cat The biology of its behaviour Humans have lived with cats for thousands of years, and there are now more cats kept in western households than any other animal. Cherished as companions, valued as rodent catchers, their enigmatic behaviour has intrigued and ...

Six cunaxid species of three known genera, including one new species are reported for the first time from Iran. The known species are Coleobonzia saaymani , Coleoscirus simplex ), Coleoscirus buartsus Den Heyer, 1980b, Coleoscirus... more

Six cunaxid species of three known genera, including one new species are reported for the first time from Iran. The known species are Coleobonzia saaymani , Coleoscirus simplex ), Coleoscirus buartsus Den Heyer, 1980b, Coleoscirus breslauensis Den Heyer, 1980b and Coleoscirus tuberculatus Den Heyer, 1978. The new species, Neoscirula sepasgosariani, is described and illustrated. A key for the Iranian Coleoscirinae is given.

Understanding the fundaments of colony losses and improving the status of colony health will require cross-cutting research initiatives including honeybee pathology, chemistry, genetics and apicultural extension. The 7th framework of the... more

Understanding the fundaments of colony losses and improving the status of colony health will require cross-cutting research initiatives including honeybee pathology, chemistry, genetics and apicultural extension. The 7th framework of the European Union requested research to empirically and experimentally fill knowledge gaps on honeybee pests and diseases, including 'Colony Collapse Disorder' and the impact of parasites, pathogens and pesticides on honeybee mortality. The interactions among these drivers of colony loss will be studied in different European regions, using experimental model systems including selected parasites (e.g. Nosema and Varroa mites), viruses (Deformed Wing Virus, Black Queen Cell Virus, Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus) and model pesticides (thiacloprid, τ-fluvalinate). Transcriptome analyses will be used to explore host-pathogen-pesticide interactions and identify novel genes for disease resistance. Special attention will be given to sublethal and chronic exposure to pesticides and will screen how apicultural practices affect colony health. Novel diagnostic screening methods and sustainable concepts for disease prevention will be developed resulting in new treatments and selection tools for resistant stock. Research initiatives will be linked to various national and international ongoing European, North-and South-American colony health monitoring and research programs, to ensure a global transfer of results to apicultural practice in the world community of beekeepers.

Abstract.—Harvesting of chameleons from the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania for the exotic pet trade is of concern due to the high rates of habitat loss in this region and the fact that many of the species are endemic or near endemic... more

Abstract.—Harvesting of chameleons from the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania for the exotic pet trade is of concern due to the high rates of habitat loss in this region and the fact that many of the species are endemic or near endemic to this isolated montane forest. Export of the majority of chameleons found in the East Usambaras is regulated by their listing under CITES Appendix II. To ensure harvesting is sustainable, however, greater knowledge of the ecology of species is needed.

BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and... more

BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Behavioural observations in the field of male Mediterranean damselfish Chromis chromis were combined with molecular analyses, using bi-parentally and maternally inherited markers, to investigate reproductive success patterns of... more

Behavioural observations in the field of male Mediterranean damselfish Chromis chromis were combined with molecular analyses, using bi-parentally and maternally inherited markers, to investigate reproductive success patterns of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) in terms of number of eggs sired and number of females contributing to each nest. Cuckoldry was observed in every nest sampled, with at least two and up to seven sneaker males per nest. The nesting male, however, always significantly fertilized the greater number of eggs (on average 49%) in each clutch, whereas each sneaker fertilized around 7% of the clutch. The average number of females whose eggs were fertilized by nesting males was 6·76 (range 2-13), while each sneaker on average fertilized the eggs of 1·74 (range 1-8) females. Using this sibship reconstruction, some of the factors involved in the regulation of the dynamic equilibrium of reproductive success were investigated between the two ARTs shown by C. chromis...

A new species of the genus Physalaemus from the Atlantic Rain Forest of the state of Minas Gerais is described. It belongs to P. signifer species group and is characterized by well-developed vocal sac, second finger with the same size of... more

A new species of the genus Physalaemus from the Atlantic Rain Forest of the state of Minas Gerais is described. It belongs to P. signifer species group and is characterized by well-developed vocal sac, second finger with the same size of the fourth, granulate dorsal skin, large inguinal gland with black ocelli, presence of dorso-lateral folds, and advertisement call composed by harmonic notes, generally four, being the last shorter than the others. Information on tadpole external morphology are also presented.

We studied beneficial difference of the skin of two snakes. Two snakes were chosen from two different habitats and two families: Colubridae (Natrix tessellata) and Viperidae (Cerastes vipera). The investigations were performed by light... more

We studied beneficial difference of the skin of two snakes. Two snakes were chosen from two different habitats and two families: Colubridae (Natrix tessellata) and Viperidae (Cerastes vipera). The investigations were performed by light and electron microscopy. Histologically, the skin of the studied species show pronounced modifications that correlated with functional demands. The scales in Natrix tessellata overlapped slightly, while in Cerastes vipera they were highly overlapped. SEM shows that scales of Natrix tessellata had bidentate tips while the scales of Cerastes vipera were keeled. Histochemically, in both studied species, melanocytes and collagenous fibres were distributed throughout the dermis. Polysaccharides were highly concentrated in the epidermis and dermis of both species while proteins were highly concentrated only in the epidermis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the skin of both snakes consisted of keratins located in the epidermis. Some lipids and mucus were incorporated into the outer scale surfaces such that lipids were part of the fully keratinised hard layer of the snakes' skins. Lipids are probably responsible for limiting water loss and ion movements across the skin. Melanosomes from epidermal melanocytes were present only in Cerastes vipera. In aggregate, these results indicate that snakeskin may provide an ecological indicator whereby epidermal and integumentary specializations may be ecologically correlated.

In recent years, zoos and aquaria have intensified efforts to develop approaches and tools for assessing the welfare of populations and individual animals in their care. Advances made by welfare scientists conducting studies on exotic,... more

In recent years, zoos and aquaria have intensified efforts to develop approaches and tools for assessing the welfare of populations and individual animals in their care. Advances made by welfare scientists conducting studies on exotic, farm, laboratory, and companion animals have led to the emergence of a new perspective on welfare assessment in zoos. This perspective: (1) emphasizes the importance of supplementing resource-based assessments with animal-based approaches that require measures of the behavioral and/or physical state of individual animals, (2) focuses on the subjective experiences of individual animals, and (3) considers positive affective states. We propose that the zoo community also should increase efforts to integrate measures of positive affect into both population-level studies and tools for monitoring individual well-being. For years, zoo welfare researchers have conducted trans-disciplinary, multi-institutional studies to identify risk factors associated with poor welfare. In the future, large-scale research projects, as well as epidemiological studies specifically designed to examine the patterns of welfare issues within populations, should integrate behavioral, physiological, and biological measures of good well-being (e.g. play, exploratory behaviors, measures of immunological function). While the results of population-level studies can be used to refine animal care guidelines, individual animals should be monitored to ensure that their needs are being met. Furthermore, after determining how to elicit positive affective states in individual animals, the zoo community should attempt to promote these states by offering positive experiences. We describe two strategies that zoos can currently pursue to facilitate the occurrence of positive affective states: (1) provide animals with stimulating opportunities to overcome challenges, make choices, and have some level of control over their environments, and (2) promote appropriate and beneficial keeper−animal relationships. Ultimately, we hope that as welfare researchers gain a better understanding of how to assess and promote good well-being, zoos and aquaria can apply these findings to actively strive toward achieving the best possible welfare for all animals in their care.

Unto Others (UO) is an important book for all with a genuine interest in evolutionary biology, and right on target for everyone interested in human behavior. It is also of great relevance for those interested in the effects of the global... more

Unto Others (UO) is an important book for all with a genuine interest in evolutionary biology, and right on target for everyone interested in human behavior. It is also of great relevance for those interested in the effects of the global human population increase, and the interaction of population and environment, aspects which will be emphasized in this review. UO is a truly interdisciplinary exploration of the paradox of explaining the existence of both the egoistic (i.e., selfish) and the altruistic (unselfish) behaviors and motives. UO draws upon data and arguments from biology, philosophy, psychology, and anthropology.

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) has, in recent decades, been isolated from an increasing number of free-living marine fish species. So far, it has been isolated from at least 48 fish species from the northern hemisphere,... more

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) has, in recent decades, been isolated from an increasing number of free-living marine fish species. So far, it has been isolated from at least 48 fish species from the northern hemisphere, including North America, Asia and Europe, and fifteen different species including herring, sprat, cod, Norway pout and flatfish from northern European waters. The high number of VHSV isolations from the Baltic Sea, Kattegat, Skagerrak, the North Sea and waters around Scotland indicate that the virus is endemic in these waters. The VHSV isolates originating from wild marine fish show no to low pathogenicity to rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon, although several are pathogenic for turbot. Marine VHSV isolates are so far serologically indistinguishable from freshwater isolates. Genotyping based on VHSV G- and N-genes reveals four groups indicating the geographical origin of the isolates, with one group representing traditional European freshwater isolates and isolates of north European marine origin, a second group of marine isolates from the Baltic Sea, a third group of isolates from the North Sea, and a group representing North American isolates. Examples of possible transfer of virus from free-living marine fish to farmed fish are discussed, as are measures to prevent introduction of VHSV from the marine environment to aquaculture.

A b s t r a c t . Bechstein's bat, Myotis bechsteinii is a European tree-dwelling vespertilionid bat species, which has to be considered as index species for old growth broadleaved woodland. However factors affecting density and habitat... more

A b s t r a c t . Bechstein's bat, Myotis bechsteinii is a European tree-dwelling vespertilionid bat species, which has to be considered as index species for old growth broadleaved woodland. However factors affecting density and habitat selection are still poorly understood. Therefore 22 representative woodland areas in Luxembourg that are located in the central geographic range of the Bechstein`s bat, were analysed. During 76 nights, forest dwelling bats were registered by intensive mist netting, 47 Bechstein bats were radio-tracked to identify tree-roosts and 24 individuals were radio-tracked on 3-5 consecutive nights to determine their foraging areas. In total 14 reproduction areas and 12 nursery colonies were localized, with the number of females ranging between 20-70 individuals (mean 34 ± 18.1 ind.). The distribution of Bechstein's bat revealed to be uneven and to be significantly positively correlated to mean temperature and the presence of Melico-Fagetum forest with a marked amount of old oak trees. Nevertheless the height, the mean precipitation and the occurrence of Luzulo-Fagetum forest is negatively correlated to the occurrence of M. bechsteinii. Altogether, 78 tree-roosts from nursery colonies were identified. Colonies use a day-roost complex and show a significant preference for woodpecker holes. Female Bechstein's bats foraged on a mean area of 46 ha (MCP) with small core feeding areas (mean: 2.1 ha) which show no, or only a small overlap with each other. Roosting and feeding sites are characterised by canopy and understorey structures similar to native woodlands. The results of this study leads to a scientific data base for conservation and long time monitoring for this bat species.

Domestic dogs share a wide range of important disease conditions with humans, including cancers, diabetes and epilepsy. Many of these conditions have similar or identical underlying pathologies to their human counterparts and thus dogs... more

Domestic dogs share a wide range of important disease conditions with humans, including cancers, diabetes and epilepsy. Many of these conditions have similar or identical underlying pathologies to their human counterparts and thus dogs represent physiologically relevant natural models of human disorders. Comparative genomic approaches whereby disease genes can be identified in dog diseases and then mapped onto the human genome are now recognized as a valid method and are increasing in popularity. The majority of dog breeds have been created over the past few hundred years and, as a consequence, the dog genome is characterized by extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD), extending usually from hundreds of kilobases to several megabases within a breed, rather than tens of kilobases observed in the human genome. Genome-wide canine SNP arrays have been developed, and increasing success of using these arrays to map disease loci in dogs is emerging. No equivalent of the human HapMap currently exists for different canine breeds, and the LD structure for such breeds is far less understood than for humans. This study is a dedicated large-scale assessment of the functionalities (LD and SNP tagging performance) of canine genome-wide SNP arrays in multiple domestic dog breeds. We have used genotype data from 18 breeds as well as wolves and coyotes genotyped by the Illumina 22K canine SNP array and Affymetrix 50K canine SNP array. As expected, high tagging performance was observed with most of the breeds using both Illumina and Affymetrix arrays when multi-marker tagging was applied. In contrast, however, large differences in population structure, LD coverage and pairwise tagging performance were found between breeds, suggesting that study designs should be carefully assessed for individual breeds before undertaking genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Italy counts several sheep breeds, arisen over centuries as a consequence of ancient and recent genetic and demographic events. To finely reconstruct genetic structure and relationships between Italian sheep, 496 subjects from 19 breeds... more

Italy counts several sheep breeds, arisen over centuries as a consequence of ancient and recent genetic and demographic events. To finely reconstruct genetic structure and relationships between Italian sheep, 496 subjects from 19 breeds were typed at 50K single nucleotide polymorphism loci. A subset of foreign breeds from the Sheep HapMap dataset was also included in the analyses. Genetic distances (as visualized either in a network or in a multidimensional scaling analysis of identical by state distances) closely reflected geographic proximity between breeds, with a clear north-south gradient, likely because of high levels of past gene flow and admixture all along the peninsula. Sardinian breeds diverged more from other breeds, a probable consequence of the combined effect of ancient sporadic introgression of feral mouflon and long-lasting genetic isolation from continental sheep populations. The study allowed the detection of previously undocumented episodes of recent introgression (Delle Langhe into the endangered Altamurana breed) as well as signatures of known, or claimed, historical introgression (Merino into Sopravissana and Gentile di Puglia; Bergamasca into Fabrianese, Appenninica and, to a lesser extent, Leccese). Arguments that would question, from a genomic point of view, the current breed classification of Bergamasca and Biellese into two separate breeds are presented. Finally, a role for traditional transhumance practices in shaping the genetic makeup of Alpine sheep breeds is proposed. The study represents the first exhaustive analysis of Italian sheep diversity in an European context, and it bridges the gap in the previous HapMap panel between Western Mediterranean and Swiss breeds.

Swiftlet farming is a new industry in Sarawak as compared to other long-standing industries such as rubber, palm oil and timber. It is one of the businesses that involved a small capital investment that could generate enormous returns in... more

Swiftlet farming is a new industry in Sarawak as compared to other long-standing industries such as rubber, palm oil and timber. It is one of the businesses that involved a small capital investment that could generate enormous returns in the future. Swiftlet farming involves the conversion of human-centric building into structures for Swiftlet. The purpose of this conversion is to let Swiftlet for nesting and protect them. The design and construction of such building will also helps to accommodate Swiftlets' population. The nest of the Edible-nest Swiftlet rank amongst the world's most expensive animal products. Therefore, in order to increase the productivity of bird nest, study of the suitable habitat for Swiftlet should be done thoroughly. Environmental factors such as air temperature, surface temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and light intensity are the key factors for a successful Swiftlet farm house. Internal air temperature of building should be maintained from 26⁰C to 35⁰C, relative humidity from 80% to 90%, low air velocity and light intensity less than 5 LUX. Proper ventilation and installation of a humidifier could help the building to achieve the desirable range of environment factors. Location of structure will also be considered from direct sunlight direction to reduce the internal temperature. Only licensed Swiftlet farming is legal.

Signaling plays a critical role in social behavior, particularly in polygynous systems where males compete with rival males and use signals to attract mates. We quantified visual signals and social behavior in two previously unstudied... more

Signaling plays a critical role in social behavior, particularly in polygynous systems where males compete with rival males and use signals to attract mates. We quantified visual signals and social behavior in two previously unstudied species of chameleons in Madagascar, Furcifer labordi and F. verrucosus. Females of both species displayed distinct color patterns that signaled either nonreceptivity or potential sexual receptivity. Nonreceptive females rejected all male courtship. Potentially receptive F. verrucosus females mainly allowed males to attempt copulation, whereas potentially receptive F. labordi females were selective. We found that the fleshy, paddle-like rostral appendage in F. labordi was used only during courtship, whereas other studies showed that hard, keratinized appendages were used for male combat. During male-male contests, F. labordi had much more physically intense encounters, possibly to assess opponent quality more accurately since adult male F. labordi were significantly more size-matched than adult male F. verrucosus. Our study elucidated the role of social signals in these species, illustrated the atypical social behavior of chameleons compared to other lizards, and provided testable hypotheses to further delineate sexual selection in this understudied group. Sexual selection, especially intersexual selection, appears more likely in F. labordi than in F. verrucosus.

In polygynous mating systems, sexual selection can drive the evolution of male characters beneficial to winning fights for mates (intrasexual selection), for improving the mating success of males through mate choice (intersexual... more

In polygynous mating systems, sexual selection can drive the evolution of male characters beneficial to winning fights for mates (intrasexual selection), for improving the mating success of males through mate choice (intersexual selection), or both. However, it may be difficult to disentangle the relative contributions of intra and intersexual selection on multiple traits that may be of dual utility. We used field arena trials to determine which morphological traits best explained male fighting ability and male mating success in 2 species of chameleons in Madagascar, Furcifer labordi and Furcifer verrucosus. In F. labordi, male fighting success was best predicted by body size and size-corrected shorter rostral appendages and male mating success was best predicted by width of the rostral appendage and body size. In F. verrucosus, we found strong intrasexual selection for increased male body size and fewer counted dorsal cones, a trait that may correspond to increased age and experience. Although females in this species are generally passive toward courting males, male mating success with potentially receptive females is highly variable. Fewer counted dorsal cones and larger size-corrected casque height best explained male mating success; traits that may be selected by the female and/or correlated with increased age and experience. Although difficult to determine the relative contributions of intra and intersexual selection on traits with dual benefits (both fighting and mate choice), we documented both types of selection on body size and secondary sexual characters in these 2 chameleon species.

Genetic studies of livestock populations focus on questions of domestication, within- and among-breed diversity, breed history and adaptive variation. In this review, we describe the use of different molecular markers and methods for data... more

Genetic studies of livestock populations focus on questions of domestication, within- and among-breed diversity, breed history and adaptive variation. In this review, we describe the use of different molecular markers and methods for data analysis used to address these questions. There is a clear trend towards the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms and whole-genome sequence information, the application of Bayesian or Approximate Bayesian analysis and the use of adaptive next to neutral diversity to support decisions on conservation.