New Australian butterfly genus Jameela gen. nov. (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae: Polyommatini) revealed by morphological, ecological and molecular data

This paper proposes to split the Australian Polyommatini genus Erysichton Fruhstorfer, 1916 into two genera on the basis of molecular, morphological and early stage behavioral attributes. The utility of reflective eye pattern as a taxonomic character is discussed and a neotype of Lycaena lineata Murray, 1874 is designated.     

Colour pattern and inhibition of aggression in the cichlid fish Astronotus ocellatus

Oscars Astronotus ocellatus defeated in combat often undergo a colour pattern change in which the normal olive-green to brown body coloration darkens to near black, interrupted with irregular white barring. Dummy oscars were used in two complementary tests which showed that the dark-and-banded colour pattern inhibits aggression in conspecifics under two different experimental designs and with two different subject groups.     

Brain evolution in Old World monkeys.

Sulcal patterns of 14 genera of Old World monkeys were analyzed from 107 endocasts. Colobines and cercopithecines differ in patterns of cerebral convolutions, and functional and evolutionary hypotheses are here proposed regarding those differences. The cercopithecine pattern seems to be the more derived since it suggests relative expansion of prefrontal, and inferior temporal integration cortices as compared to the colobine pattern.     

Root development in winter wheat grown at different N/P supply: Root length patterns and N-P interactions in phosphate uptake

Effects of different N/P ratios on several root parameters and on net P uptake were studied in winter wheat, Triticum aestivum cv. Starke II, grown in water culture. In the First experiment N/P ratios of (0/4, 2/3, 4/2, 6/1 and 8/0) were used, and plants were harvested at age 3, 5, 8, 11 and 14 days. In the second experiment N/P ratios of 6/1, 10/1, 15/1, 17/1, 20/1 and 25/1 were applied at two different N,P levels. Root length and number were determined using a digitizer connected to a computer. In the first experiment. the 6/1 N/P ratio gave the largest plants at day 14, and growth decreased with decreasing N/P ratio, The same pattern was found fur lateral root length and root number (seminal and lateral). In the second experiment the root weights decreased with increasing N/P ratio within each level. Lateral root number and overall length decreased with increasing N/P ratio at both levels as did the average lateral root length at the high N,P level. At the low N.P level, average lateral root length was about the same at all N/P ratios. Increasing the N/P ratio increased net uptake of P at the low N,P level, but decreased net P uptake at the high N,P level. Net P uptake increased with increasing P concentration in the roots and then decreased with further increase in P concentration. Net P uptake based on calculated root length [m (g root)⁻¹] showed no significant deviation from weight-based uptake plots. The effect of N and P on root structure is discussed as well as the interaction of N and P in P uptake. The relevance of a proper basis for expressing root activity is stressed.     

Crypsis in a heterogeneous environment: relationships between changeable polymorphic colour patterns and behaviour in a galaxiid fish

1. The ability to achieve optimal camouflage varies between microhabitats in heterogeneous environments, potentially restricting individuals to a single habitat or imposing a compromise on crypsis to match several habitats. However, animals may exhibit morphological and behavioural attributes that enhance crypsis in different habitats. 2. We used an undescribed fish species, Galaxias‘nebula’, to investigate two objectives. First, we examined two potential methods of enhancing crypsis: change in colour pattern and selection of a suitable background. Second, we characterised the colour pattern of this unstudied fish and assessed its capacity for crypsis. 3. No background selection was apparent but the area of dark pigment expressed varied between backgrounds, which may negate the requirement to be choosy about habitats. The capacity to change colour and selection of a background that maximises crypsis are most likely separate, non‐mutually exclusive strategies. 4. Galaxias‘nebula’ exhibits polymorphic, non‐interchangeable colour patterns that have elements of both background pattern matching and disruptive colouration. This, coupled with habitat characteristics, suggests a combination of generalist and specialist strategies of habitat use. The fish’s camouflage strategy and air‐breathing ability may be key to survival under increasing pressure from habitat degradation and invasive predators.     

Assemblage structure and dynamics of terrestrial birds in the southwest Amazon: a camera‐trap case study

Habitat spatial distribution, seasonal variation, and activity patterns influence changes in vertebrate assemblages over time. Terrestrial birds play major roles in the dynamics of tropical forests, but there are few effective methods to study these species due to their cryptic coloration and elusive behavior. We used camera‐trap data collected during 16 mo (February 2017–June 2018) to describe the terrestrial avifauna in southeastern Peru, assess to what extent the composition of terrestrial avifauna changes among seasons and across two major habitats (terra firme and floodplain forests), and determine daily activity patterns of terrestrial birds. We used overlap analyses to examine temporal co‐occurrence between ecologically similar and sympatric species. Camera traps recorded 16 species, including eight species in the family Tinamidae. Capture rates were highest for Pale‐winged Trumpeters (Psophia leucoptera; Psophiidae) and Gray‐fronted Doves (Leptolila rufaxilla; Columbidae). Species composition did not differ between habitats or seasons, and capture rates between habitats only differed for White‐throated Tinamous (Tinamus guttatus). Overlaps of activity patterns were high between ecologically similar species and species found in terra firme habitats (White‐throated Tinamous and Cinereous Tinamous, Crypturellus cinereus) and in both habitat types (Pale‐winged Trumpeters and Gray‐fronted Doves). Low numbers of captures of possibly locally rare or less abundant species hindered a complete analysis of spatial and seasonal patterns of terrestrial bird assemblages. We suggest a greater sampling effort and greater spatial replication to better understand the spatial and seasonal dynamics of the terrestrial avifauna. Further studies that assess the mechanisms that allow the coexistence of sympatric tinamous would be valuable, both in our study area and elsewhere. The use of camera traps in long‐term monitoring projects proved to be an effective tool for monitoring terrestrial birds, identifying cryptic and often rare animals to species level, and providing valuable ecological information at species and community levels.     

Relocation,consolidation, and settlement pattern in the Canadian subarctic

The relocation and consolidation of subarctic native populations into settlement patterns designed according to southern, urban models has often resulted in cultural confusion and an increase in interpersonal tension, alcohol abuse, and violence. Through a review of selected case material, and the detailed examination of one relocated community, the dynamics of this situation are highlighted. Where native communities have re-established themselves beyond the reach of government planners, the recreation of more culturally appropriate settlement patterns has ensued.