Is Fatter Sexier? Reproductive Strategies of Male Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Sexually dimorphic traits can evolve through male–male competition or female choice. Squirrel monkeys (genus Saimiri) live in large multimale, multifemale groups and are seasonal breeders with concealed ovulation. In several species of the genus, females are dominant to males. Males show weight gain preceding and during the mating season, which produces a “fattened” appearance in the upper arms, shoulders, and torso. Although much is known about the physiology of fattening, the evolutionary function(s) of this sexually dimorphic trait, including possible benefits and costs, remain(s) unknown. This unusual reproductive physiology of males is suggestive of sexual selection. Here I present data on wild Saimiri sciureus studied in Brazil to describe male reproductive investment in the species and to examine the hypothesis that male fattening is a product of sexual selection. I observed at least nine adult males via focal animal sampling and ad libitum observations during four mating seasons and during an additional 10 nonbreeding season months for comparison. Compared to less robust males, fatter males spent significantly more time near females and less time alone. These males also spent more time engaged in sociosexual activities and less time feeding/foraging, suggesting a trade-off between maintenance and reproductive behaviors. The 2-mo mating season accounted for 62% of all male–male agonism observed over one 12-mo period. These results are suggestive of male–male competition for females. However, males did not coerce females to mate and females often rejected males; this pattern suggests female choice. It is possible that male fattening in Saimiri is a product of both intra- and intersexual selection. Males experience intense reproductive costs related to agonism with other males, and related to time and energy invested in the pursuit of females. Although fattening may mitigate some of these costs by aiding in male–male competition and in female preference, this phenomenon is likely not without physiological costs to adult males.     

The Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii): introduced hybrid or endemic species?

Although squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp., Primates: Cebidae) are abundant and widespread in South America, the disjunct Central American species, Saimiri oerstedii, has been restricted to the Pacific wet lowlands of Costa Rica and Panama since the earliest historical records. This taxon is now endangered in Costa Rica and nearly extinct in Panama because of habitat loss, development, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts have been hampered because of the influential, but untested, speculation that S. oerstedii represents a hybrid species introduced by prehispanic Amerind traders from multiple localities in South America. Using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among Saimiri from Central and South America, we reexamine the taxonomic status of squirrel monkeys from different geographic regions. The sequence data support P. Hershkovitz's (1984, Am. J. Primatol. 6: 257-281) taxonomy advocating four distinct species. Combining this information with evidence from the fossil record to date the divergence times among sister taxa, we test and reject the hypothesis that Central American squirrel monkeys are the result of human introduction.     

Erythrocyte membrane alterations induced by Plasmodium simium infection in Saimiri sciureus: relation to Schüffner's dots.

The nature of erythrocyte membrane alterations in Plasmodium simium infections was determined employing light microscopy, carbon replication and transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy of Giemsa stained preparations shows that infected cells initially acquire a faint stippling (schuffnerization) which becomes pronouced with subsequent parasite development. Enlargement of the host cell usually accompanied stippling. Both phenomena appear to depend on host cell age since infected mature erythrocytes were neither stippled nor enlarged. Carbon replicas show numerous indentations over the outer membrane surface of most infected cells. Their distribution suggests that they account for Schuffner's granules. The surface indentations are manifest as small infundibular which open to the infected cell's surface. Cytoplasmic microvesciles in the infected cell's stroma frequently are observed adjacent or catenated to the surface infundibula. Images suggest their funsion with the surface infundibula thus adding membrane to the cell's surface and accounting for host cell enlargement.     

Multicystic bone disease (Gorham-Stout syndrome) in a spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi )

Background In April 2000, a 2.5‐year‐old pet female Geoffroyi’s spider monkey presented for reduced activity, a subdued demeanor, and boney enlargement involving both radii. Methods On further examination, polyostotic bone cysts were identified involving many of the tubular bones and were identified radiographically. Microscopic examination of a bone biopsy revealed hemorrhage and other characteristics typical of an aneurysmal bone cyst. In addition, excessive osteoclasia was noted, in association with fibrotic areas rather than with Howship’s lacunae as expected from a growing animal. Results These findings were consistent with Gorham–Stout syndrome, a rare condition reported previously in ∼175 human cases and in a dog at necropsy. The diet history and further testing suggested a negative calcium balance. Treatment included the administration of bis‐phosphonates, which appeared to bring about marked improvement. Almost 8 years later (November 2008), radiographs were again taken and suggested some resolution of bone cysts, primarily those in the legs. Conclusions This represents the first reported case and a potential therapy for this rare condition in a non‐human primate.     

植物新陈代谢(2)

(续 2 0 0 3年第 38卷第 7期第 4 5页 )3　能力训练3.1　实验设计 ,不仅有助于学生掌握基本概念和原理 ,更有助于学生掌握科学的研究方法 ,培养学生的创造性思维 ,培养学生应用所学知识综合解决问题的能力 ,是培养学生综合素质的有效手段。例题 1:设计一个实验 ,验证缺硼会影响油菜的结实率。 (答案 :略 )例题 2 :设计一个实验测定洋葱表皮细胞细胞液的质量分数 ?(利用质壁分离实验原理可测定细胞的质量分数 ,答案 :略 )3.2　研究影响酶作用因素实验方法　　研究某一因素对酶促反应速度的影响时 ,应在保持其他因素不变的情况下 ,单独改变研…