High Altitude Frogs (Rana kukonoris) Adopt a Diversified Bethedging Strategy in the Face of Environmental Unpredictability

Environmental unpredictability can influence strategies of maternal investment among eggs within a clutch. Models predict that breeding females should adopt a diversified bet-hedging strategy in unpredictable environments, but empirical field evidence from Asia is scarce. Here we tested this hypothesis by exploring spatial patterns in egg size along an altitudinal gradient in a frog species(Rana kukunoris) inhabiting the Tibetan Plateau. Within-clutch variability in egg size increased as the environment became variable(e.g., lower mean monthly temperature and mean monthly rainfall at higher altitudes), and populations in environments with more unpredictable rainfall produced eggs that were smaller and more variable in size. We provide support for a diversified bet-hedging strategy in high-altitude environments, which experience dynamic weather patterns and therefore are of unpredictable environmental quality. This strategy may be an adaptive response to lower environmental quality and higher unpredictable environmental variance. Such a strategy should increase the likelihood of breeding success and maximize maternal lifetime fitness by producing offspring that are adapted to current environmental conditions. We speculate that in high-altitude environments prone to physical disturbance, breeding females are unable to consistently produce the optimal egg size due to physiological constraints imposed by environmental conditions(e.g., duration of the active season, food availability). Species and populations whose breeding strategies are adapted to cope with uncertain environmental conditions by adjusting offspring size and therefore quality show a remarkable degree of ability to cope with future climatic changes.     

Characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci and development and validation of multiplex reactions for the study of right whale species (genus Eubalaena)

A North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) genomic library was developed and screened with a (GATA)₈ probe to identify tetranucleotide microsatellite loci. Sixteen characterized loci were polymorphic in North Atlantic and/or South Atlantic (Eubalaena australis) right whales, 12 being polymorphic in E. glacialis, and 15 in E. australis. Fourteen of these were combined with 21 other previously identified loci for a suite of 35 loci which can be used to increase resolution of genetic analyses of these species. Multiplex reactions were developed for genotyping samples at these loci, providing a method that is rapid, reliable and cost‐effective.     

Intracellular and Extracellular Uptake of Cadmium by the Moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus

Intra- and extracellular Cd uptake were investigated in themoss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. Intracellular Cd uptake displayedMichaelis–Menten kinetics and showed that the moss hada high uptake rate and high affinity for Cd. Extracellular Cdbinding capacity was also high. The anion used had little effecton Cd uptake to either location but both intra- and extracellularCd uptake were reduced by equimolar concentrations of Ca, Mgor Zn, although inhibition was not wholly competitive. IntracellularCd uptake was not significantly affected by the supply of energygenerating reserves but, like extracellular Cd uptake, showedaltered characteristics following growth under controlled laboratoryconditions. The results are compared with data on Cd uptakeby the lichen genus Peltigera. Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, moss, cadmium, intra- and extracellular uptake characteristics, kinetics     

Mechanism of iron uptake by plants

Abstract. Green plants require a continuous supply of Fe as they grow, because Fe does not not move from the older to the newer leaves. Soils do not lack Fe per se , but it may not be available to plants grown in alkaline soils. Plants are classed 'Fe-efficient' if they respond to Fe-deficiency stress by inducing biochemical reactions that make Fe available in a useful form, and 'Fe-inefficienT' if they do not. Iron uptake induced in response to Fe stress involves release of hydrogen ions and reductants by the root. The lowered pH and presence of reductant at the root zone, along with reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ at the root surface, enables Fe²⁺ to be taken up primarily through the young lateral roots. Ferrous iron is present throughout the protozylem and may or may not have entered the root by a carrier. The root-absorbed Fe²⁺ is oxidized to Fe³⁺ at the junction of the protoxylem and the metaxylem, chelated by citrate, and then transported in the metaxylem to the plant top. In the plant, the chemical reactions injuced by Fe-deficiency stress may affect nitrate reductase activity, use of Fe from Fe³⁺ phosphate and chelating agents, and tolerance to heavy metals. An efficient mechanism for Fe uptake in roots appears to be important for the efficient use of Fe in plant tops.     

Reintroducing the European Beaver to Britain: nostalgic meddling or restoring biodiversity?

The European Beaver Castor fiber once occurred throughout Europe, but in many countries was exterminated or greatly reduced by over-hunting. In the UK, Beavers were last recorded in Scotland in the sixteenth century. Thirteen countries have carried out reintroduction programmes to restore the range of the Beaver in Europe, We provide a basis for discussing the feasibility and desirability of reintroducing the Beaver to Britain. The basic biology of the Beaver is described, followed by summaries of reintroductions in Europe and an evaluation of their successes and failures. We address the fundamental questions of propagule size, habitat requirements, habitat size and provenance of Beavers to be released, before examining in theory whether reintroducing Beavers to Britain is likely to fulfil UKCINC and IUCN criteria relating to environmental impact, socioeconomics and conservation. We then make suggestions as to how a reintroduction to Britain could proceed. Essential work outstanding includes site assessment and public consultation. The restoration of the Beaver to Britain could be a fitting start to the millennium.     

The Use of Polyvalent Sera for the Serotyping of Mycobacteria within the Mycobacterium avium– M. intracellulare-M. scrofulaceum Complex

A modification to Schaefer's agglutination method for serotyping mycobacteria within the Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare-M. scrofulaceum complex is described. The antigens are screened against polyvalent sera and subsequently a reduced range of absorbed antisera. This expedites the serotyping procedure and conserves expensive antiserum stocks.