Indirect sperm transfer and male mating strategies in soil invertebrates

Summary

Many soil invertebrates transfer their sperm indirectly by means of spermatophores. Among the different taxa there is great variation in spermatophore architecture, auxiliary structures and behaviour. The behaviour, ranging from elaborate courtship rituals to seemingly indifferent scattering of spermatophores, can roughly be classified as association and dissociation. Which of the two is adaptive depends on many factors which can be summarized in a simple functional response model showing that in some cases the best choice depends on density.     

Polymorphism of transferrin and esterase in Alaskan wolves: evidence of close molecular homology with the dog

By the use of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels serum samples from 146 Alaskan wolves were studied with regard to transferrin (Tf) and esterase (ArE) polymorphism, comparing the phenotypic band patterns with those of selected Norwegian dogs. The study revealed Tf and ArE polymorphisms in the wolf with phenotypic band patterns being indistinguishable from the corresponding ones in dogs. This suggests the occurrence of the same two common Tf alleles in the wolf as in the dog. In the ArE system the results are consistent with the occurrence of three alleles which also occur in dogs whereas a fourth allele, so far not seen in dogs, is seen in Alaskan wolves.     

Xylem Hydraulic Characteristics, Water Relations and Wood Anatomy of the Resurrection PlantMyrothamnus flabellifoliusWelw.

Myrothamnus flabellifoliusWelw. is a desiccation-tolerant (‘resurrection’)plant with a woody stem. Xylem vessels are narrow (14 µmmean diameter) and perforation plates are reticulate. This leadsto specific and leaf specific hydraulic conductivities thatare amongst the lowest recorded for angiosperms (k_s0.87 kg m^-1MPa^-1s^-1;k_l3.28x10^-5kg m^-1MPa^-1s^-1, stem diameter 3 mm). Hydraulic conductivitiesdecrease with increasing pressure gradient. Transpiration ratesin well watered plants were moderate to low, generating xylemwater potentials of -1 to -2 MPa. Acoustic emissions indicatedextensive cavitation events that were initiated at xylem waterpotentials of -2 to -3 MPa. The desiccation-tolerant natureof the tissue permits this species to survive this interruptionof the water supply. On rewatering the roots pressures thatwere developed were low (2.4 kPa). However capillary forceswere demonstrated to be adequate to account for the refillingof xylem vessels and re-establishment of hydraulic continuityeven when water was under a tension of -8 kPa. During dehydrationand rehydration cycles stems showed considerable shrinking andswelling. Unusual knob-like structures of unknown chemical compositionwere observed on the outer surface of xylem vessels. These maybe related to the ability of the stem to withstand the mechanicalstresses associated with this shrinkage and swelling.Copyright1998 Annals of Botany Company cavitation, desiccation, hydraulic conductivity, refilling, resurrection plant, root pressure, xylem anatomy,Myrothamnus flabellifolius