Intraspecific ecomorphological variation: linear and geometric morphometrics reveal habitat‐related patterns within Podarcis bocagei wall lizards

Morphological variation in relation to habitat is known to occur in several lizard groups. Comparative studies have linked morphology and habitat use, showing that locomotion is the principal mediator of this evolutionary relationship. Here, we investigate intraspecific ecomorphological variation in Podarcis bocagei by examining three habitat types, representing a variety between saxicolous and ground‐dwelling habits. Our results indicate variation in absolute and relative limb length, but patterns are only partially concordant to biomechanical predictions. Whereas the femur and hind foot are longer in ground‐dwelling lizards, confirming previous observations, the tibia and hind limb are relatively shorter, contradicting expectations. Additionally, head shape varies substantially between habitats, in line with a hypothesis of mechanical restrictions related to microhabitat and refuge use. Finally, we detect male‐specific variation between habitats in total body size and head size, providing evidence for interactions between natural and sexual selection. Although performance and behaviour studies are necessary to definitely confirm the functional and evolutionary significance of the observed patterns, our study indicates that ecomorphological adaptations can arise in a very short evolutionary time in this group of lizards.     

Females show greater changes in wing colour with latitude than males in the green‐veined white butterfly,Pieris napi (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

In butterflies, wing colour may simultaneously be under sexual selection in the context of mating selection and natural selection in the context of thermoregulation. In the present study, we collected mated females of the green‐veined white butterfly (Pieris napi) from locations spanning 960 km of latitude across Fennoscandia, and investigated sex‐specific latitudinal wing colour variation in their offspring raised under identical conditions. We measured wing colour characteristics, including reflectance at wavelengths 300–700 nm and the degree of wing melanization. At all latitudes, females reflected more light in the short wavelengths (< 400 nm) and less in the long wavelengths (> 450 nm), and they were more melanized than males. However, female wing colour varied more with latitude than that of males. Among females, long wavelength reflectance decreased, whereas short wavelength reflectance and melanization increased, towards the north. By contrast, among males, latitudinal variation was found only in the ventral hindwing melanization. These results are consistent with the idea that the balance between natural and sexual selection acting on wing colour changes with latitude differently in males than females. The dark wing colour of females in the north may be a thermoregulatory adaptation, although males may be constrained from evolving the dark dorsal wing colour favoured by natural selection because of constant sexual selection across latitudes. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ?? , ??–??.     

Conspicuous male coloration impairs survival against avian predators in Aegean wall lizards,Podarcis erhardii

Animal coloration is strikingly diverse in nature. Within‐species color variation can arise through local adaptation for camouflage, sexual dimorphism and conspicuous sexual signals, which often have conflicting effects on survival. Here, we tested whether color variation between two island populations of Aegean wall lizards (Podarcis erhardii) is due to sexual dimorphism and differential survival of individuals varying in appearance. On both islands, we measured attack rates by wild avian predators on clay models matching the coloration of real male and female P. erhardii from each island population, modeled to avian predator vision. Avian predator attack rates differed among model treatments, although only on one island. Male‐colored models, which were more conspicuous against their experimental backgrounds to avian predators, were accordingly detected and attacked more frequently by birds than less conspicuous female‐colored models. This suggests that female coloration has evolved primarily under selection for camouflage, whereas sexually competing males exhibit costly conspicuous coloration. Unexpectedly, there was no difference in avian attack frequency between local and non‐local model types. This may have arisen if the models did not resemble lizard coloration with sufficient precision, or if real lizards behaviorally choose backgrounds that improve camouflage. Overall, these results show that sexually dimorphic coloration can affect the risk of predator attacks, indicating that color variation within a species can be caused by interactions between natural and sexual selection. However, more work is needed to determine how these findings depend on the island environment that each population inhabits.     

An ultrastructural study of the cysts in chicken ultimobranchial glands,with special reference to C-cells

Summary The ultimobranchial glands of the chicken were examined by electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry using a calcitonin antiserum. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of C-cells, containing numerous secretory granules storing calcitonin, in the luminal lining of cyst-like structures found in these glands. These cells were furnished with prominent microvillar projections at their luminal surface, and the cytoplasm of the apical region was filled with fibril material. Furthermore, the cells contained prominent junctional complexes and desmosomes at their apico-lateral surfaces. In these C-cells, secretory granules were concentrated near the lumen and some were attached to the apical cell membrane. The luminal content of the cysts had a colloid-like and flocculent appearance, and was frequently seen attached to the cytoplasmic projections or apical cell membrane of the C-cells. Since the cysts progressively increase in volume and number with age, it is suggested that they may partly play a role in the storage of excess or unneeded hormonal products.     

Development of hearing in vertebrates with special reference to anuran acoustic communication

Amphibians, specially anurans, are excellent model systems for studying acoustic communication. After hatching, anurans exist in two forms; these have two distinct mode of sound perception. Aquatic larvae are perceptive to waterborne sound stimuli; then, following metamorphosis, as terrestrial adults, perceptive to airborne sound stimuli. Added to this, the metamorphosing tadpole presents an equally interesting study as it could recapitulate the events which occurred during the evolution of hearing in vertebrates at the lime of the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. Metamorphosis entails the loss of a prominent aquatic sensory system—the lateral line system—and the simultaneous gain of another, the inner ear, along with the coevolution of the tympanic middle ear, a basilar papilla and a periotic labyrinth in the inner ear. Another interesting feature is that anurans are believed to be the first terrestrial vertebrates to use vocalization as a part of their reproductive behaviour. Vocal communication plays an important role in behaviour, ranging from territorial defense to reproduction, and calls are classified according to the particular behaviors that they subserve. Adult male anurans produce a species-specific mating call which is used to attract conspecific females dung their mating season, and this call serves as a mechanism in maintaining reproductive isolation from other sympatric species.     

Body size variation and sexual size dimorphism across climatic gradients in the widespread treefrog Scinax fuscovarius (Anura,Hylidae)

Variation in body size represents one of the crucial raw materials for evolution. However, at present, it is still being debated what is the main factor affecting body size or if the final body size is the consequence of several factors acting synergistically. To evaluate this, widespread species seem to be suitable models because the different populations occur along a geographical gradient and under contrasted climatic and environmental conditions. Here we describe the spatial pattern of variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism in the snouted treefrog Scinax fuscovarius (Anura, Hylidae) along a 10° range in latitude, 25° longitude, and 2000 m in altitude from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay using an information‐theoretic approach to evaluate the support of the data for eight a priori hypotheses proposed in the literature to account for geographical body size, and three hypotheses for sexual size dimorphism variation. Body size of S. fuscovarius varied most dramatically with longitude and less so with latitude; frogs were largest in the northwestern populations. Body size was positively related with precipitation seasonality, and negatively with annual precipitation. Furthermore, the degree of sexual size dimorphism was greatest in the western populations with less annual precipitation, as the increase in body size was stronger for females. Our results on body size variation are consistent with two ecogeographical hypotheses, the starvation resistance and the water availability hypotheses, while our results on sexual size dimorphism in S. fuscovarius supports the differential‐plasticity hypothesis but the inverse to Rensch's rule and the parental investment hypothesis. Due to the weak association between environmental variables and body size and sexual size dimorphism variation, we stress that there are other factors, mainly those related to the life history, driving the geographical variation of S. fuscovarius.     

Sexually dimorphic tegumental gland openings in Laniatores (Arachnida,Opiliones), with new data on 23 species

Sexually dimorphic glands often release sexual pheromones both in vertebrates and invertebrates. Species of Laniatores (Arachnida, Opiliones) seem to depend on chemical communication but few studies have addressed this topic. In this study, we review the literature for the Phalangida and present new data for 23 species of Laniatores. In 16 taxa, we found previously undescribed sexually dimorphic glandular openings on the femur, patella, metatarsus, and tarsus of legs I and metatarsus of legs III and IV. For the other species, we provide scanning electron micrographs of previously undescribed sexually dimorphic setae and pegs located on swollen regions of the legs. We also list additional species in which males have swollen regions on the legs, including the tibia, metatarsus, and tarsus of legs I, trochanter and tibia of legs II, femur, metatarsus, and tarsus of legs III, and metatarsus and tarsus of legs IV. The function and biological role of the secretions released by these glands are discussed. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Neotropical harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones) use sexually dimorphic glands to spread chemicals in the environment

Sexually dimorphic glands have convergently appeared in animals and are often responsible for the production of pheromones. In the suborder Laniatores of the order Opiliones (Arachnida), glands of such type are widespread, but there is not a single paper on how they are used. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and a behavioral approach, we describe glandular openings and how these glands are used, in the harvestmen Gryne perlata and Gryne coccinelloides (Cosmetidae). Males of these two species have glandular openings on the metatarsi of legs I and on the metatarsi IV. Males were shown rubbing the glands of the metatarsi I against their other legs, whereas glands on the metatarsi IV are gently touched on the substrate or rubbed either against other legs, or against the substrate. Not all behaviors were seen in both species.     

The biology of Creatonotos (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) with special reference to the androconial system

The reproductive biology of the arctiid moths Creatonotos transiens and C. gangis exhibits a novel ontogenetic phenomenon, the morphogenesis of male coremata size being directly controlled by the quantity of hostplant-derived pyrrolizidine alkaloids ingested by the larvae. In addition, the same alkaloids directly control the quantity of male pheromones synthesized and available for deployment by these scent organs. Reproduction in these insects thus shows striking linkages between ecological, behavioural, chemical and morphological features. This paper presents an account of the general biology of the moths, and reviews the literature on Creatonotos as a basis for reports on experimental work.     

Histochemistry of complex carbohydrates in the skin of the pig snout, with special reference to eccrine glands

The histochemistry of carbohydrates has been studied in the skin of the pig snout with selected methods of light microscopy including peroxidase-labelled lectin-diaminobenzidine (PO-LT-DAB) procedures. In the snout skin the dark secretory cells and the luminal secretion of the eccrine glands contained considerable amounts of neutral glycoproteins, but only a very small amount of acidic ones. It was possible to demonstrate glycogen in the secretory cells of these glands. The other skin structures of the snout also showed positive reactions for complex carbohydrates. Most remarkable were stronger reactions of intercellular substances among the spinosum cells, particularly following the PO-LT-DAB procedures, which demonstrated such saccharide residues as beta-D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.     

Hyphessobrycon platyodus (Teleostei: Characiformes), a new species from the Rio Madeira basin,Brazil, with comments on how multicuspid teeth relate to feeding habits in Characidae

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from the Rio Juma, a tributary of the lower Rio Aripuanã–Rio Madeira basin, Amazonas, Brazil. Hyphessobrycon platyodus can be distinguished from its congeners by the: presence of an elongated dorsal fin in adult males, 25–28 branched anal‐fin rays and absence of dark blotches from the dorsal fin and caudal peduncle. The presence of multicuspid teeth in species of Characidae and its relation with feeding habits are briefly commented on.     

Antagonistic pleiotropy in species with separate sexes,and the maintenance of genetic variation in life‐history traits and fitness

Antagonistic pleiotropy (AP)—where alleles of a gene increase some components of fitness at a cost to others—can generate balancing selection, and contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation in fitness traits, such as survival, fecundity, fertility, and mate competition. Previous theory suggests that AP is unlikely to maintain variation unless antagonistic selection is strong, or AP alleles exhibit pronounced differences in genetic dominance between the affected traits. We show that conditions for balancing selection under AP expand under the likely scenario that the strength of selection on each fitness component differs between the sexes. Our model also predicts that the vast majority of balanced polymorphisms have sexually antagonistic effects on total fitness, despite the absence of sexual antagonism for individual fitness components. We conclude that AP polymorphisms are less difficult to maintain than predicted by prior theory, even under our conservative assumption that selection on components of fitness is universally sexually concordant. We discuss implications for the maintenance of genetic variation, and for inferences of sexual antagonism that are based on sex‐specific phenotypic selection estimates—many of which are based on single fitness components.     

Indica-Japonica differentiation of rice cultivars viewed from variations in key characters and isozymes,with special reference to landraces from the Himalayan hilly areas

Summary To assess the extent of differentiation into the Indica and Japonica types of Asian rice in its diversity center, we investigated landraces collected from the hilly areas of Nepal, Sikkim and Assam. We examined variations in four key characters and six isozyme loci known to be diagnostic for classifying Indica and Japonica types, and compared the results with those from a control set of rice cultivars representing the whole of Asia. The hill cultivars showed a high level of genetic diversity in key characters as well as in isozymes. A marked feature found in their character variation was the occurrence of various atypical cultivars that were intermediate between the Indica and Japonica types. With respect to isozymes, however, the hill cultivars could be classified mostly as either Indicas or Japonicas, although the patterns of allelic association were more random than in the control cultivars. Indica-Japonica variation in key characters and in isozymes corresponded well with each other in the controls, but not in the hill cultivars. This means that nonrandom association in characters as well as in genes (gametic disequilibrium) is not fully developed in the diversity center. Populations of hill cultivars were highly polymorphic genetically, but did not show a trend to Indica-Japonica differentiation within their populations. The process of Indica-Japonica differentiation is discussed in view of these observations.     

Progestin and estrogen receptors: characterization and localization in rat submandibular glands, with special reference to epidermal growth factor

By using progestin (P) and estrogen (E), the localization and characterization of both steroid receptors were examined in the submandibular gland (SMG) of 6-week-old immature castrated rats, with special reference to localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF). In the castrated male and female rats, both 3H-estradiol-17 beta (3H-E2 beta) and 3H-promegestone (3H-R5020) bound to SMG cytosol with high affinity and low capacity. These values were similar to those reported for other tissues. However, E-treatment after castration inhibited the specific binding. In sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, it was found that P receptors in both castrated males and females had a sedimentation coefficient of 7S, whereas E receptors had sedimentation coefficients of 4S and 7S. A histochemical study of the SMG of castrated male and female rats showed that the E-peroxidase complex (EPC)- and P-peroxidase complex (PPC)-stained cells were predominantly located in the epithelium of the duct system including the excretory duct and the granular convoluted tubules. Few cells were located in the intercalated duct, and none were found in the acinus. EGF-immunoreactive cells were also located in the epithelium of the same tissue region as in PPC- and EPC-stained sections. Moreover, E-treatment after castration inhibited the intensity of staining and immunoreactivity. These results clearly suggest that rat SMG contains specific P and E receptors which are mainly located in the epithelial cells of the duct system in which EGF-containing cells are identified. We discussed the possibility that P and E might affect EGF immunoreactivity, which reflects EGF production, through their receptors in the epithelium of the duct system.     

Aquatic Oligochaeta in Italy, with special reference to Naididae

We present a list of Italian freshwater and marine Oligochaeta in the families Lumbriculidae, Haplotaxidae, Tubificidae, Naididae, Propappidae, Criodrilidae, and Lumbricidae, representing 57 genera and 130 species. Published data reflect the incomplete knowledge of the Italian oligochaete fauna, restricted to certain geographical areas. Subterranean aquatic and marine fauna are of particular interest as these have been studied the least. We provide a comprehensive review of the Naididae including, for the first time, southern Italy and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The distribution of species is discussed and taxonomic problems arising from the morphological variability of Italian material are examined.     

Development trends in taxonomy,with special reference to fungi

Taxonomy is a traditional subject, but it still receives attention and has become a topic of much discussion in recent years. Many of these discussions have raised concerns about the future of taxonomy, especially with regard to the workforce responsible for the discovery of new species in the context of declining biodiversity. Previous discussions were based on the taxonomic data of plants and animals, but the status of fungal taxonomy has not been mentioned. Fungi have one of the highest levels of biodiversity among all living organisms, second only to insects. The discussion of the future of taxonomy without the inclusion of fungal data is incomplete. Here, we present the results of analyses based on all new fungal taxa published since 1753. Fungal taxonomy is an ever‐growing area of study with increasing numbers of new taxa being described and growing numbers of fungal taxonomists. Compared with plants and most animal groups, there has been a much sharper increase in the rate at which new fungal taxa are being described. Furthermore, the number of taxonomists studying fungi has increased at a faster speed than those studying plants or animals. This indicates that fungal taxonomy is a prosperous subject and a dynamic area for scientific studies, and that it deserves much more attention and support. The study of fungal taxonomy will deepen our understanding of the biodiversity of our planet.     

Fusion of coccyx to sacrum in humans: prevalence, correlates, and effect on pelvic size, with obstetrical and evolutionary implications

Humans do not have a tail, but we have four rudimentary coccygeal vertebrae. This study considers several issues pertaining to fusion of the coccyx to the sacrum, including prevalence, sexual differences, effect on pelvic size, and obstetrical and evolutionary implications. Previous research on sacral-coccygeal fusion has reported: (1) lower prevalence in females than males, (2) prevalence increases with age, (3) range in prevalence among 13 samples from 0 to 72%, and (4) obstetrical complications. This study uses a sample of 2,354 American skeletons of known sex, age 20 years and older to ascertain prevalence of sacral-coccygeal fusion and to evaluate some of its correlates. Results show that the sexes do not differ in prevalence of sacral-coccygeal fusion for five of seven decades of life, but that prevalence does increase with advancing age-from 24 to 47% from the third to eighth decades of life in females. Pelvimetric analysis of 132 females shows that those with sacral-coccygeal fusion have a shorter posterior sagittal diameter of the outlet compared to those without fusion; more than half of those with sacral-coccygeal fusion have an obstetrically contracted posterior sagittal diameter. Shortening of the posterior sagittal diameter is important, because its conjoint occurrence with a narrow subpubic arch may result in an obstetrically inadequate outlet. This study concludes that sacral-coccygeal fusion is a principal contributor to the evolution of sexual dimorphism in sacral angulation, which is a determinant of the length of the posterior sagittal diameter of the outlet.     

Paleopathology in an Iroquoian ossuary, with special reference to tuberculosis

Pathological skeletal remains from the Uxbridge Ossuary (1490 +/- 80 A.D., N = 457) are classified into four broad categories: trauma, congenital disability, tumor, and infection. Traumatic injuries are relatively common (fractures in 5-9.4% of total), considering the date and subsistence pattern of the population. Congenital disabilities and tumors are rare, affecting approximately 2% of the population. Nonspecific periosteitis and osteitis affect 5% of the sample. By far the most common pathological skeletal changes are lytic lesions leading to cavitation of cancellous bone, especially in the lower vertebral and sacro-iliac regions. It is argued that the changes seen and their distribution are most consistent with a diagnosis of tuberculosis. Applying clinical observations regarding bone involvement, it is estimated that a minimum of 26 skeletons were affected. This in turn indicates a very high population tuberculosis incidence. The Uxbridge sample is neither the only nor the earliest Iroquoian ossuary to display apparent tuberculosis (Hartney 1981). The common presence of this disease in some communities and its low incidence in others are discussed in the context of the epidemic wave phenomenon. There is strong evidence for warfare at Uxbridge, and this warfare may have produced crowding, poor hygiene and diet, such that the disease could flourish.     

Digital microscopy in phycological research, with special reference to microalgae

Digital imaging technology is gradually being incorporated into all areas of biological research, but there is a distinct lack of information resources targeted at scientists in their specialist areas. There is a wealth of potential applications for digital images in phycology, including morphometric or visual analysis of specimens, taxonomic databases and publication of digital micrographs in lieu of photomicrographs. Here, we provide a review of digital imaging in general and its potential for the field of microalgal research in particular. We also present a number of imaging techniques that are critical for image acquisition and optimization, which can enable beginners to build their own libraries of high quality digital images. Resolution requirements of digital cameras are explained and related to microscope resolution. The benefits of digital imaging technology are discussed and contrasted with those of traditional silver halide technology.