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Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences

Laboratory Studies In Animal Diversity, Lee Kats, Cleveland Hickman, Susan Keen Dec 2011

Laboratory Studies In Animal Diversity, Lee Kats, Cleveland Hickman, Susan Keen

Lee Kats

Laboratory Studies in Animal Diversity offers students hands-on experience in learning about the diversity of life. It provides students the opportunity to become acquainted with the principal groups of animals and to recognize the unique anatomical features that characterize each group as well as the patterns that link animal groups to each other.


Autotomy Of The Posterior Foot In Agaronia Propatula (Caenogastropoda: Olividae) Occurs In Animals That Are Fully Withdrawn Into Their Shells, Samantha D. Rupert, Winfried S. Peters Oct 2011

Autotomy Of The Posterior Foot In Agaronia Propatula (Caenogastropoda: Olividae) Occurs In Animals That Are Fully Withdrawn Into Their Shells, Samantha D. Rupert, Winfried S. Peters

Winfried S. Peters

This paper has no abstract; this is the first paragraph. Autotomy is the active shedding of a body part which occurs in a variety of emergency situations including attacks by predators (Stasek, 1967; McVean, 1975; Maginnis, 2006). The immediate advantage of autotomy – surviving an otherwise deadly attack – comes at a price, which may include physical, energetic, behavioural and reproductive costs (Cooper, 2003; Maginnis, 2006). While the evolutionary and ecological consequences of autotomy have been studied most thoroughly in lizards (Clause & Capaldi, 2006; Bateman & Fleming, 2009), the phenomenon also is known from numerous invertebrate taxa, where it …


Phenotypic Divergence Despite High Levels Of Gene Flow In Galapagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus Albemarlensis), Mark Jordan, H. Snell, H. Snell, W. Jordan Jul 2011

Phenotypic Divergence Despite High Levels Of Gene Flow In Galapagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus Albemarlensis), Mark Jordan, H. Snell, H. Snell, W. Jordan

Mark A. Jordan

The extent of evolutionary divergence of phenotypes between habitats is predominantly the result of the balance of differential natural selection and gene flow. Lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis) on the small island of Plaza Sur in the Galápagos archipelago inhabit contrasting habitats: dense vegetation on the western end of the island thins rapidly in a transitional area, before becoming absent on the eastern half. Associated with these habitats are phenotypic differences in traits linked to predator avoidance (increased wariness, sprint speed, and endurance in lizards from the sparsely vegetated habitat). This population provides an opportunity to test the hypothesis that reduced …


The Influence Of Historical Landscape Change On Genetic Variation And Population Structure Of A Terrestrial Salamander ( Plethodon Cinereus ), Mark Jordan, Douglas Morris, Scott Gibson Jul 2011

The Influence Of Historical Landscape Change On Genetic Variation And Population Structure Of A Terrestrial Salamander ( Plethodon Cinereus ), Mark Jordan, Douglas Morris, Scott Gibson

Mark A. Jordan

Forest loss and fragmentation is expected to shape the genetic structure of amphibian populations and reduce genetic variation. Another factor widely understood to have impacted these same parameters in North America is the range expansion that occurred following glacial retreat at the end of the Pleistocene. The Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) has been subjected to both processes. In this context, we investigated the historical events that are likely to have shaped genetic variation in this species using a panel of six microsatellite markers screened on individuals sampled across ten localities in northeastern Indiana, USA. We found low genetic diversity …


Historical Fragmentation And Genetic Drift In Populations Of Galápagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus Albemarlensis Complex), Mark Jordan, H. Snell Jul 2011

Historical Fragmentation And Genetic Drift In Populations Of Galápagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus Albemarlensis Complex), Mark Jordan, H. Snell

Mark A. Jordan

No abstract provided.


Mexican Axolotls ( Ambystoma Mexicanum ) Appear To Be Resistant To Ambystoma Tigrinum Virus (Atv), Crystal Paulson, Robert Visalli, Mark Jordan Jul 2011

Mexican Axolotls ( Ambystoma Mexicanum ) Appear To Be Resistant To Ambystoma Tigrinum Virus (Atv), Crystal Paulson, Robert Visalli, Mark Jordan

Mark A. Jordan

No abstract provided.


Description Of The Larva And Female Genitalia Of Trechus Gamae With Data On Its Ecology, Ana Reboleira, Vicente Ortuño Apr 2011

Description Of The Larva And Female Genitalia Of Trechus Gamae With Data On Its Ecology, Ana Reboleira, Vicente Ortuño

Ana Sofia P.S. Reboleira

The third instar larva and the female genitalia of Trechus gamae Reboleira et Serrano (Coleoptera Carabidae Trechini) are described, illustrated and commented. Larvae and imagos were collected in deep parts of caves from Estremenho karstic massif in the centre Portugal. The work provides the first study on hypogean beetle larvae from Portugal, increasing the knowledge about hypogean microendemic species from the Lusitanic district of the Iberian Peninsula. The morphological diagnostic characters of the female genitalia corroborate the inclusion of T. gamae in the “T. fulvus-group”. Some new data on the ecology of this species are also given.


Population Growth Of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats (Tadarida Brasiliensis Mexicana) Predates Human Agricultural Activity, Amy L. Russell, Murray P. Cox, Veronica A. Brown, Gary F. Mccracken Mar 2011

Population Growth Of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats (Tadarida Brasiliensis Mexicana) Predates Human Agricultural Activity, Amy L. Russell, Murray P. Cox, Veronica A. Brown, Gary F. Mccracken

Amy L. Russell

Background: Human activities, such as agriculture, hunting, and habitat modification, exert a significant effect on native species. Although many species have suffered population declines, increased population fragmentation, or even extinction in connection with these human impacts, others seem to have benefitted from human modification of their habitat. Here we examine whether population growth in an insectivorous bat (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) can be attributed to the widespread expansion of agriculture in North America following European settlement. Colonies of T. b. mexicana are extremely large (~106 individuals) and, in the modern era, major agricultural insect pests form an important component of their …


On The Iberian Endemic Subgenus Lathromene (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae): Description Of The First Hypogean Domene Fauvel, From Portugal, Ana Reboleira, Fernando Gonçalves, Pedro Oromí Feb 2011

On The Iberian Endemic Subgenus Lathromene (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae): Description Of The First Hypogean Domene Fauvel, From Portugal, Ana Reboleira, Fernando Gonçalves, Pedro Oromí

Ana Sofia P.S. Reboleira

Domene (Lathromene) lusitanica n. sp. from Sicó karstic massif in Portugal is described and compared with other species of the subgenus, representing the first hypogean rove beetle from mainland Portugal. A comparison between Domene lusitanica n. sp. and the other species of the Iberian endemic subgenus Lathromene is made using diagnostic characters. An identification key for the males of Lathromene species is presented, and biogeographical and ecological comments are also included. The species of Domene known from the Iberian Peninsula are listed and their distributions are mapped.


110 Years Of Avipoxvirus In The Galapagos Islands, Robert Ricklefs Jan 2011

110 Years Of Avipoxvirus In The Galapagos Islands, Robert Ricklefs

Robert Ricklefs

No abstract provided.


110 Years Of Avipoxvirus In The Galapagos Islands, Patricia G. Parker, Elizabeth L. Buckles, Heather L. Farrington, Kenneth Petren, Noah K. Whiteman, Robert E. Ricklefs, Jennifer L. Bollmer, Gustavo Jiménez-Uzcátegui Jan 2011

110 Years Of Avipoxvirus In The Galapagos Islands, Patricia G. Parker, Elizabeth L. Buckles, Heather L. Farrington, Kenneth Petren, Noah K. Whiteman, Robert E. Ricklefs, Jennifer L. Bollmer, Gustavo Jiménez-Uzcátegui

Patricia Parker

The role of disease in regulating populations is controversial, partly owing to the absence of good disease records in historic wildlife populations. We examined birds collected in the Galapagos Islands between 1891 and 1906 that are currently held at the California Academy of Sciences and the Zoologisches Staatssammlung Muenchen, including 3973 specimens representing species from two well-studied families of endemic passerine birds: finches and mockingbirds. Beginning with samples collected in 1899, we observed cutaneous lesions consistent with Avipoxvirus on 226 (6.3%) specimens. Histopathology and viral genotyping of 59 candidate tissue samples from six islands showed that 21 (35.6%) were positive …


Acute Toxicity Of Mercury And Chromium To Clarias Batrachus (Linn), Azhaguraj Ramakrishnan Jan 2011

Acute Toxicity Of Mercury And Chromium To Clarias Batrachus (Linn), Azhaguraj Ramakrishnan

Azhaguraj Ramakrishnan

Pollution of the aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals is a worldwide problem. In the present study, Clarias batrachus was exposed to Mercury and Chromium for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of mercury to C. batrachus for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure were 1.4 ppm, 1.2 ppm, 1.0 ppm and 0.8 ppm respectively. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of chromium to C. batrachus for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure were 120 ppm, 115 ppm, 110 ppm and 102 ppm respectively. The acute toxicity levels were derived from LC50 concentrations …


Effects Of Indian Herbs On The Modulation Of Stress And Immune Response In Tilapia., Ahmed Mustafa, Brittany Byerley, Paul Mccain Dec 2010

Effects Of Indian Herbs On The Modulation Of Stress And Immune Response In Tilapia., Ahmed Mustafa, Brittany Byerley, Paul Mccain

Ahmed Mustafa Dr.

No abstract provided.


Effects Of Dietary Supplementation Of The Acidifier Vitoxal-Mionix On Growth, Survival, Immune Response And Gut Microbiota Of The Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus Vannamei, Ahmed Mustafa, Davies Anuta, Alehandro Buentello, Susmita Patnaik, Addison Lawrence, Michaele Hume, Delbert Gatlin, Maurice Kemp Dec 2010

Effects Of Dietary Supplementation Of The Acidifier Vitoxal-Mionix On Growth, Survival, Immune Response And Gut Microbiota Of The Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus Vannamei, Ahmed Mustafa, Davies Anuta, Alehandro Buentello, Susmita Patnaik, Addison Lawrence, Michaele Hume, Delbert Gatlin, Maurice Kemp

Ahmed Mustafa Dr.

No abstract provided.


Intracellular Invasion Of Green Algae In A Salamander Host, Ryan Kerney, Eunsoo Kim, Roger Hangater, Aaron Heiss, Cory Bishop, Brian Hall Dec 2010

Intracellular Invasion Of Green Algae In A Salamander Host, Ryan Kerney, Eunsoo Kim, Roger Hangater, Aaron Heiss, Cory Bishop, Brian Hall

Ryan Kerney

The association between embryos of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and green algae (“Oophila amblystomatis” Lamber ex Printz) has been considered an ectosymbiotic mutualism. We show here, however, that this symbiosis is more intimate than previously reported. A combination of imaging and algal 18S rDNA amplification reveals algal invasion of embryonic salamander tissues and cells during development. Algal cells are detectable from embryonic and larval Stages 26–44 through chlorophyll autofluorescence and algal 18S rDNA amplification. Algal cell ultrastructure indicates both degradation and putative encystment during the process of tissue and cellular invasion. Fewer algal cells were detected in later-stage larvae …


Symbioses Between Salamander Embryos And Green Algae, Ryan Kerney Dec 2010

Symbioses Between Salamander Embryos And Green Algae, Ryan Kerney

Ryan Kerney

The symbiosis between Ambystoma maculatum (spotted salamander) embryos and green algae was initially described over 120 years ago. Algae populate the egg capsules that surround individual A. maculatum embryos, giving the intracapsular fluid a characteristic green hue. Early work established this symbiosis to be a mutualism, while subsequent studies sought to identify the material benefits of this association to both symbiont and host. These studies have shown that salamander embryos benefit from increased oxygen concentrations provided by their symbiotic algae. The algae, in turn, may benefit from ammonia excreted by the embryos. All of these early studies considered the associ- …


Molecular Anatomy Of The Developing Limb In The Coqu ́I Frog, Eleutherodactylus Coqui, Joshua Gross, Ryan Kerney, James Hanken, Clifford Tabin Dec 2010

Molecular Anatomy Of The Developing Limb In The Coqu ́I Frog, Eleutherodactylus Coqui, Joshua Gross, Ryan Kerney, James Hanken, Clifford Tabin

Ryan Kerney

The vertebrate limb demonstrates remark- able similarity in basic organization across phylogenetically disparate groups. To gain further insight into how this mor- phological similarity is maintained in different developmental contexts, we explored the molecular anatomy of size-reduced embryos of the Puerto Rican coqu ́ı frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui. This animal demonstrates direct development, a life- history strategy marked by rapid progression from egg to adult and absence of a free-living, aquatic larva. Nonethe- less, coqu ́ı exhibits a basal anuran limb structure, with four toes on the forelimb and five toes on the hind limb. We in- vestigated the extent to …


Effects Of Indian Herbs On The Modulation Of Stress And Immune Response In Tilapia., Ahmed Mustafa, Brittany Byerley, Hasina Karki Dec 2010

Effects Of Indian Herbs On The Modulation Of Stress And Immune Response In Tilapia., Ahmed Mustafa, Brittany Byerley, Hasina Karki

Ahmed Mustafa Dr.

No abstract provided.


Levels Of Biological Organization And The Origin Of Novelty, Brian Hall, Ryan Kerney Dec 2010

Levels Of Biological Organization And The Origin Of Novelty, Brian Hall, Ryan Kerney

Ryan Kerney

The concept of novelty in evolutionary biology pertains to multiple tiers of biological organization from behavioral and morphological changes to changes at the molecular level. Identifying novel features requires assessments of similarity (homology and homoplasy) of relationships (phylogenetic history) and of shared developmental and genetic pathways or networks. After a brief discussion of how novelty is used in recent literature, we discuss whether the evolutionary approach to homology and homoplasy initially formulated by Lankester in the 19th century informs our understanding of novelty today. We then discuss six examples of morphological features described in the recent literature as novelties, and …


Feasibility Of Farming Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis Niloticus (L.), In Suboptimal Water Temperature, Ahmed Mustafa, Laura Randolph, Shree Dhawale Dec 2010

Feasibility Of Farming Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis Niloticus (L.), In Suboptimal Water Temperature, Ahmed Mustafa, Laura Randolph, Shree Dhawale

Ahmed Mustafa Dr.

No abstract provided.


Effects Of Indian Herbs On The Modulation Of Stress And Immune Response In Tilapia, Ahmed Mustafa, Brittany Byerley, Paul Mccain Dec 2010

Effects Of Indian Herbs On The Modulation Of Stress And Immune Response In Tilapia, Ahmed Mustafa, Brittany Byerley, Paul Mccain

Ahmed Mustafa Dr.

No abstract provided.


Embryonic Staging Table For A Direct- Developing Salamander, Plethodon Cinereus (Plethodontidae), Ryan Kerney Dec 2010

Embryonic Staging Table For A Direct- Developing Salamander, Plethodon Cinereus (Plethodontidae), Ryan Kerney

Ryan Kerney

This work presents a refined staging table for the direct-developing red-backed salamander Plethodon cinereus, which is based on the incom- plete staging system of James Norman Dent (J Morphol 1942; 71:577– 601). This common species from eastern North America is a member of the species-rich lungless salamander family Plethodontidae. The stag- ing table presented here covers several stages omitted by Dent and reveals novel developmental features of P. cinereus embryos. These include putative Leydig cells and open gill clefts, which are found in lar- vae of metamorphosing species but were previously reported as absent in direct-developing Plethodon. Other features found …


Observing Copepods Through A Genomic Lens, J. E. Bron, D. Frisch, E. Goetze, S. C. Johnson, C. E. Lee, Grace Wyngaard Dec 2010

Observing Copepods Through A Genomic Lens, J. E. Bron, D. Frisch, E. Goetze, S. C. Johnson, C. E. Lee, Grace Wyngaard

Grace Wyngaard

No abstract provided.