Phosphate Compounds in Vertebrate Red Blood Cells

This review brings together and discusses the significance ofexisting information about water-soluble (small molecule) organicphosphate constituents of red blood cells in different vertebratespecies, with emphasis on 2,3 diphosphoglycerate (DPG), inositolpentaphosphate (IP₅) ATP and guanosine triphosphate (GTP), compoundswhich may play an important role in respiratory physiology bymodifying the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. Results onthe distribution and concentration of these compounds in redcells of vertebrate animals can be summarized as follows 1)DPG High in mammals (except cats and ruminants) Absent in crocodilianssquamata and fishes. High briefly in the bird embryo absentin adult. High briefly in turtle embryo low in juvenile lowto absent in adult 2 IP₅. High in birds. Absent in mammals,crocodilians squamata and fishes (with the exception of Arapaimagigas). Low in turtles 3 ATP Intermediate in mammals. High inbirds and turtles. Very high in squamata Intermediate to veryhigh in fishes. Low in crocodilians 4) GTP Very low in mammalsbirds, reptiles and amphibians (except for small pool in Ranatadpole). Low to very high in fishes.     

Background selection by the peppered moth (Biston betularia Linn.): individual differences

The hypothesis that dimorphically coloured, cryptic moths select appropriate rest sites by comparing their body scales to substrate reflectance was tested using typical and melanic morphs of the peppered moth, Biston betularia (L.). Experiments designed to block the individual's inspection of its inherited colour phenotype do not support Kettlewell's contrast/conflict (self-inspection) hypothesis. Instead, tracking of marked moths over successive days revealed individual differences in rest-site selection which were not related to treatments, experience (imprinting), nor closely to a moth's inherited colour pattern. Differences between family broods indicate that some genetic bias in background selection exists. The production of artificially selected lines with consistent but opposing preferences will allow us to investigate the co-evolution of pattern and behaviour.     

Behavioral Regulatory Mechanisms in the Social Homeostasis of Termites (Isoptera)

Recent progress in the elucidation of the behavioral mechanismsresponsible for maintaining the steady state in a termite colonyis discussed. It is pointed out that various homeostatic mechanismshave common behavioral mechanisms. The mechanisms involved innest repair and construction, foraging, defense, and generalmass movements within nests are explained. An experiment isdescribed in which differential responses to a discrete simplestimulus (heat) are made by two different castes of Nasulitermescorniger and the homeostatic significance emphasized. The factorsin volved in foraging behavior in Reticulitermes are described.An hypothesis for the significance of the behavioral phenomenonof head-banging in termites is put forward: it is consideredto be connected with the maintenance of accelerated activityin a colony after "General Alarm".     

Relationships between egg size, chick size at hatching, and chick survival in the Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

The relationships between egg size, chick size at hatching and chick survival in Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus were studied over a three-year period in the Shetland Isles. Three measurements of chick size at hatching were all positively correlated with egg volume, though the relationship was strongest with hatchling body-weight. In two of the three years the proportion of chicks from a brood which survived to fledging increased significantly with the mean hatching weight of chicks in the brood. Within broods, a significant effect of hatching weight on survival was detectable only up to 7 days after hatching. Between years the egg volumes and hatchling weights of individual female Whimbrels showed relatively little variability, indicating that these attributes could be controlled to a large extent by inheritance.     

The relationship between floral display size, pollen carryover and geitonogamy in Myosotis colensoi (Kirk) Macbride (Boraginaceae)

The relative amounts of self- and cross-pollen deposited on stigmas depends on both the number of pollinator visits that occur within plants and the amount of pollen carryover. Data collected for Myosotis colensoi (Kirk) Macbride and compiled from a survey of the literature, reveal that pollen carryover is frequently very high (upwards of 80%) and this at least partially relieves some of the effects of geitonogamous pollinator movements. It is suggested that in some cases, selection for traits that confer a high rate of pollen carryover may occur. Aspects of the plant–pollinator interaction that are likely to influence pollen carryover are discussed.     

A Diurnal Settling Rhythm in Platymonas subcordiformis Hazen*

SYNOPSIS. In cultures of Platymonas subcordiformis Hazen, grown in appropriate light-dark cycles, as many as 75% of the cells adhered to the surface of the glass culture vessel toward the end of the light period of each day. Cell division occurred primarily while the cells were attached. Subsequently, motile daughter cells were released into the growth medium by the rupture of the mother cell theca. The settling behavior appears to be an integral part of the life cycle being synchronized to the same extent as cell division.