Modeling the Biogeography of Fossil Baboons

We use a model of modern baboon socio-ecology to explore the behavioral ecology and biogeography of the extinct Plio-Pleistocene baboons (genera Parapapio, Gorgopithecus, Dinopithecus, and Papio). The model is based on the way climate affects the baboons’ time budgets, and focuses on intersite variability in behavior rather than on species-typical patterns of behavior, as most previous approaches have done. We use climate estimates for individual fossil sites based on matching modern habitats using faunal profiles and estimates of individual species’ body masses given in the literature. The model allows us to examine the minimum and maximum sizes of groups that individual species would have been able to support at particular localities, and hence the biogeography of a species on a continental scale. In doing so, the model allows us to examine which variables are most responsible for limiting a species’ ecological and biogeographic flexibility, and through this to explore a species’ capacity for coping with climate change. Feeding time is identified as the main constraint. In general, large-bodied species would have had more difficulty surviving in as wide a range of habitats as smaller-bodied species, and this may explain the limited geographical distribution of large-bodied baboons such as Gorgopithecus and Dinopithecus.     

Practical aspects of dietary management of hypertension: compliance

This paper addresses compliance issues that arise in the implementation of weight loss and other therapeutic diets prescribed for the individual with hypertension. Dietary compliance poses a significant problem. Studies suggest that dropout rates in both self-help and other weight loss programs range from 50 to 70% within 1-2 years. Further, just 50% of persons can be expected to comply with diets for cardiovascular disease. Assessment of adherence is confounded by the lack of precise measures that reflect adherence over time. Measures in general use include daily diaries, urinary chloride dip sticks, multiple 24-h or overnight urinary sodium, analysis of food samples, as well as 24-h recall and food histories. When poor compliance has been identified, it has been associated with a variety of factors. These include multicomponent regimens, conflicting lifestyle habits, skill in identifying and (or) preparing appropriate foods, the cost:benefit ratio of compliance, and social support. Limited investigation has been undertaken to directly improve compliance to diet. However, such strategies as tailoring, goal setting, self-monitoring, stimulus control, social support, cognitive restructuring, and a consistent approach between the care providers show promise.     

Forage quality and the costs of lactation for female gelada baboons

Field studies of two species of baboons suggest that Altmann's model of maternal time budgets (1980, Baboon Mothers and Infants, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press) provides a good qualitative but a poor quantitative fit to observed changes in the time that mothers spend feeding across infant age. We suggest that the poor quantitative fit might be explained by the fact that food quality varies across time, so that females are forced to feed for longer to gain the same nutrient intake when quality is poor. The hypothesis was tested with data from both gelada baboons,Theropithecus gelada , and Altmann's own baboons, Papio cynocephalus, with rainfall and ambient temperature as indices of vegetation nutritional quality. The results confirm that a three-factor model incorporating infant age, rainfall in the 2 preceding months and current ambient temperature provides a significantly improved fit to the observed data. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.     

A comparison of the karyotypes of six species of the genus Macaca and a species of the genus Cercocebus

Karyotypes from 72-hour whole blood cultures were compared for six species of macaques (Macaca arctoides, M. fascicularis, M. mulatta, M. nemestrina, M. nigra, and M. radiata) and one species of mangabey (Cercocebus atys). G-bands, sequential C-bands, and late replication patterns were studied. Results showed a variation in a single chromosome pair which differentiated C. atys from the macaques. Heteromorphic variation in silver stained nucleolar organizing regions was seen between and within individuals. This data supports previous work showing the highly conserved nature of the chromosomes of the subfamily Cercopithecus.