The ontogeny of sexual dimorphism in the cranium of Bornean orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) as detected by principal-components analysis

The ontogeny of cranial sexual dimorphism in the Bornean orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) is examined by means of principal-components analysis (PCA). Normalized first components are called allometry vectors or vectors of relative growth and show that sexual dimorphism is present at all stages of growth. Two patterns of sexual dimorphism are present: (1) sexual differences at age groups 2 and 3 are the result primarily of differences in principal component II scores, reflecting mainly shape-related differences, and (2) age groups 5, 6, and 7 show a trend of stronger size-related shape differences with increasing age in the allometry vector along with decreasing differences in principal component II scores, reflecting an increase in size-related shape differences between the sexes. Age group 4 shows a combination of both patterns. Our results support Shea's hypothesis (1985a) that when using multigroup PCAs in closely related taxa, the allometry vector will generally estimate the shape variation resulting from the extension of common growth allometry patterns (ontogenetic scaling). The second and subsequent components summarize shape variation from slope and intercept differences between the groups, provided that ontogenetic scaling is not solely responsible for all the shape differences present. Subanalyses of those dimensions previously found to show ontogenetic scaling and acceleration follow this pattern well. The total sample provides a pattern whereby ontogenetically scaled dimensions possess a stronger influence over accelerated dimensions but still generally follow Shea's hypothesis. Finally, variously derived coefficients provided several interesting findings: (1) strong evidence was found against multivariate isometry for both the pooled and the separate samples, (2) multivariate allometric coefficients for both sexes follow the general growth pattern of negative scaling in neurocranial dimensions and positive scaling in the viscerocranium, and (3) multivariate slopes have a very high correlation with bivariate slopes relative to the same independent X variable, thereby lending further support to Jolicoeur's (1963a, b) allometry generalization.     

Noninvasive semen collection from an adult orangutan

Preservation of the genetic diversity of the captive orangutan, especially the wild-caught founders, is critical in maintaining a long-term population in zoological parks. One solution to the problem of maintaining maximum genetic diversity would be to initiate a program of artificial insemination for genetically underrepresented individuals through the banking and interinstitutional use of cryopreserved semen. However, little is known about basic orangutan semen characteristics, and current methodology is inadequate to support such a program. In this paper, we report the results of semen collection from an adult Sumatran orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus abelli), using an artificial vagina without anesthesia or electrical stimulation. A total of 27 ejaculates were evaluated during a 1-year period. The total and liquid volumes of the ejaculates at 1 h following collection were 6.1 ± 0.6 ml and 2.6 ± 0.4 ml, respectively (mean ± SEM). The liquid portion continued to exude semen for 2 h; however, 90% of the motile sperm was exuded within the first 30 min. The total number of sperm in the ejaculate was 164 ± 10⁶ ± 16.5, and the percentage of motile cells was 60 ± 2.7%. We conclude that the artificial vagina provides a promising technique for semen collection in the orangutan, and view these results as an initial step in developing methods for in vitro sperm capacitation, sperm cryopreservation, and artificial insemination. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Life‐history parameters and predation capacity of Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) on eggs of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

相似文献   

Multiplex panels of polymorphic microsatellite loci for two cryptic bat species of the genus Pipistrellus,developed by cross‐species amplification within the family Vespertilionidae

The paper presents multiplex panels of polymorphic microsatellites for two closely related cryptic species Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus. We tested the cross‐species amplification of 34 microsatellite loci, originally developed for five vespertilionid bat species. Ten and nine polymorphic loci in P. pipistrellus (mean number of alleles per locus = 10.5) and P. pygmaeus (8.1), respectively, in three multiplex polymerase chain reactions per species were amplified. All loci can be analysed in a single fragment analysis and can be used as markers to the study of evolution and the ecology of structured populations of socially living bats.     

Appearance of ossification centers of the lower arm,wrist, lower leg,and ankle in immature orangutans and chimpanzees with an assessment of the relationship of ossification to dental development

This study examines the appearance of the secondary ossification centers in the lower arms, wrists, lower legs, and ankles of a cross-sectional sample of 20 infant orangutans and chimpanzees (15 of known age). The number of tarsal and carpal centers is analyzed relative to the degree of M₁ development and the weight of individual animals. Variation in the appearance of these ossification centers is discussed relative to these variables and others. In addition, a sequence of appearance is established for the carpal and tarsal ossification centers in the orangutan and data is presented on the status of these centers in a fetal and newborn gorilla. Study results indicate that 1) there is variation in the number of secondary epiphyses present in animals of similar ages; 2) tarsal ossification is completed prior to carpal ossification in the orangutan; 3) there are indications of a relationship between weight and the number of ossification centers present in animals of similar age; and 4) there appears to be no evidence of specific relationships between carpal and tarsal development and M₁ development. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

New tool use by wild Sumatran orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus abelii)

Two forms of tool use by wild Sumatran orangutans are reported from the Agusan Monitoring Station, a new research site in Indonesia. One form, a branch "hook" used in locomotion, has not been reported previously in wild orangutans. The second form, a leaf "pad" used to protect the hands and feet from thorns while feeding, shares similarities in form and function with a tool type used by orangutans at Ketambe, a nearby research site. Both instances of tool use occurred in areas of disturbance, and appear to be spontaneous inventions under novel conditions, although habitual use of the tool in other ecological contexts is plausible. A summary of the distribution of tool use types in wild orangutans is presented.     

Male bimaturism and reproductive success in Sumatran orang-utans

Although orang-utans live solitary lives most of the time, theyhave a complex social structure and are characterized by extremesexual dimorphism. However, whereas some adult male orang-utansdevelop full secondary sexual characteristics, such as cheekflanges, others may stay in an "arrested" unflanged conditionfor up to 20 years after reaching sexual maturity. The resultis a marked bimaturism among adult males. Flanged males allowfemales to overlap with their home range and often toleratethe presence of unflanged males. However, wherever possibleflanged males actively prevent unflanged males from copulatingwith females. Two competing hypotheses, previously untested,have been advanced to explain male reproductive behavior andbimaturism in orang-utans: (1) the "range-guardian" hypothesis,which asserts that the flanged males are postreproductive anddefend a range in which they tolerate sexually active, unflangedmale relatives; and (2) the "female choice" hypothesis, whichasserts that flanged males tolerate unflanged males in their range because they rely on female preference to favor flangedmales. We investigated these hypotheses and a third hypothesisthat the two male morphs represent co-existing alternativemale reproductive strategies ("sitting, calling, and waiting"for flanged males versus "going, searching, and finding" forunflanged males). Fecal samples were collected from a well-studiedpopulation in Indonesia, and eight human microsatellites wereanalyzed for 30 individuals that have been behaviorally monitoredfor up to 27 years. By carrying out paternity analysis on 11offspring born over 15 years, we found that unflanged malesfathered about half (6) of the offspring. Relatedness betweensuccessful unflanged males and resident dominant males wassignificantly lower than 0.5, and for some unflanged/flangedmale pairs, relatedness values were negative, indicating thatunflanged males are not offspring of the flanged males.     

Volatiles released from oak, a host tree for the bark beetle Scolytus intricatus

Volatile compounds emitted in different phases of oak (Quercus robur) development (bark, unopened buds, young developing leaves, and blossoms) were analyzed with the aim of finding possible host-plant attractants for the European oak bark beetle, Scolytus intricatus. Complex mixtures of aliphatic, aromatic, and terpenoid compounds were identified in the samples. (E)-2-Hexenal and hexanal dominated in samples of bark. In buds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate formed a substantial part of the mixture. In both leaves and blossoms (E,E)--farnesene was the main component.

Volatiles released from oak twigs and branches during both the maturation feeding and construction of maternal galleries by Scolytus intricatus were also analyzed. Most compounds found in the samples from females’ and males’ maturation feeding were identical. High contents of anisole, (E)-β-ocimene, -copaene, one unidentified sesquiterpenic hydrocarbon C₁₅H₂₄ and β-caryophyllene were found in both samples of twigs attacked by beetles. During the construction of maternal galleries by bark beetles in oak logs, monoterpene hydrocarbons such as p-cymene, (E)-β-ocimene, and γ-terpinene, and sesquiterpenes -copaene and β-caryophyllene were released in large quantities. No new compound appeared when males were added to the log with feeding females.