The increased population of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Europe

In this paper the recent population changes of the Wild Boar in different European countries is analysed through the study of hunting statistics. A simultaneous increase in numbers is observed throughout the whole area during the period 1965–1975. From 1975 onwards the population stabilizes itself apart from in peripheral areas like Finland. Potentially favourable factors which play a part in this process are discussed and certain reproductive and dispersive characteristics which favour its invasive behaviour are discussed.     

Pineal gland as an endocrine gravitational lunasensor: Manifestation of moon-phase dependent morphological changes in mice

We found that some morphological properties of the pineal gland and submandibular salivary gland of mice are significantly distinct at the new and full moon. We suppose that the differences are initiated by the displacements of the electron-dense concretions in the secretory vesicles of pinealocytes. This presumably occurs under the influence of the gravitational field, which periodically changes during different phases of the moon. It seems that the pinealocyte is both an endocrine and gravisensory cell. A periodic secretion of the pineal gland probably stimulates, in a lunaphasic mode, the neuroendocrine system that, in turn, periodically exerts influence on different organs of the body. The observed effect probably serves, within the lifelong clock of a brain, to control development and aging in time.     

A Review of the Book by L. I. Korochkin,Vvedenie v genetiku razvitiya (Introduction to Developmental Genetics), Moscow: Nauka, 1999

Russian Journal of Developmental Biology -     

I.F. Zhimulev,General and Molecular Genetics,Novosibirsk: Novosibirsk Univ., Sib. Univ. Izd., 2002

Russian Journal of Genetics -     

Chromosome numbers in Brazilian species of Crotalaria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) and their taxonomic significance

Chromosome numbers were counted for 23 species of Crotalaria native to Brazil. Among these data there were new counts for 15 taxa, and some confirmed previous reports or represented numbers that were different from those cited previously. The chromosome numbers most frequently found were 2 n  = 16 and 2 n  = 32. Only C. incana L. had 2 n  = 14 and C. tweediana Benth. had 2 n  = 54. The counts 2 n  = 32 and 54 were found in species of section Calycinae and 2 n  = 16 and 14 in species of section Chrysocalycinae . The data revealed the importance of chromosomal parameters in the characterization of sections Calycinae and Chrysocalycinae in Brazil. We discuss the systematic significance and evolutionary aspects for the genus, comparing the results with the two sections that are native in Brazil.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 271–277.