Showing papers in "Biological Reviews in 1989"

Predator vigilance and group size in mammals and birds: a critical review of the empirical evidence

Abstract: One commonly cited benefit to animals that forage in groups is an increase in the probability of detecting a predator, and a decrease in the time spent in predator detection. A mathematical model (Pulliam 1973) predicts a negative relationship between group size and vigilance rates. Over fifty studies of birds and mammals report that the relationship at least partly explains why individuals forage in groups. This review evaluates the strength of these conclusions based on their evidence. Those variables that may confound the relationship between vigilance and group size are outlined, and their control is assessed for each study. The variables I consider to be important include the density and type of food; competition between individuals; the proximity to both a safe place and the observer; the presence of predators; the visibility within the habitat; the composition of the group; the ambient temperature and the time of day. Based on these assessments, most of the studies fail to adequately demonstrate an unambiguous relationship between vigilance behavior and group size. Nevertheless, many studies reveal interesting features of the relationship between vigilance and group size that should provide fruitful avenues for future research.

Mycetocyte symbiosis in insects.

Abstract: 1. Non-pathogenic microorganisms, known as mycetocyte symbionts, are located in specialized 'mycetocyte' cells of many insects that feed on nutritionally unbalanced or poor diets. The insects include cockroaches, Cimicidae and Lygaeidae (Heteroptera), the Homoptera, Anoplura, the Diptera Pupiparia, some formicine ants and many beetles. 2. Most mycetocyte symbionts are prokaryotes and a great diversity of forms has been described. None has been cultured in vitro and their taxonomic position is obscure. Yeasts have been reported in Cerambycidae and Anobiidae (Coleoptera) and a few planthoppers. They are culturable and those in anobiids have been assigned to the genus Torulopsis. 3. The mycetocyte cells may be associated with the gut, lie free in the abdominal haemocoel or be embedded in the fat body of the insect. The mycetocytes are large polyploid cells which rarely divide and the symbionts are restricted to their cytoplasm. 4. The mycetocyte symbionts are transmitted maternally from one insect generation to the next. In many beetles (Anobiidae, Cerambycidae, Chrysomelidae and cleonine Curculionidae), the microoganisms are smeared onto the eggs and consumed by the hatching larvae. In other insects, they are transferred from mycetocytes to oocytes in the ovary, a process known as transovarial transmission. The details of transmission in the different insect groups vary with the age of the mother (adult, larva or embryo) at which symbiont transfer to the ovary is initiated; whether isolated symbionts or intact mycetocytes are transferred; and the site of entry of symbionts to the egg (anterior, posterior or apolar). 5. Within an individual insect, the biomass of symbionts varies in a regular fashion with age, weight and sex of the insect. Suppression of symbiont growth rate and lysis of 'excess' microorganisms may contribute to the regulation of symbionts (including freshly-isolated preparations of unculturable forms) are used to investigate interactions between the partners. However, some methods to obtain aposymbiotic insects (e.g. antibiotics and lysozyme) deleteriously affect certain insects and aposymbionts may differ from the symbiont-containing stocks from which they were derived. 7. The mycetocyte symbionts have been proposed to synthesize various nutrients required by the insect. The symbionts of beetles and haematophagous insects may provide B vitamins and those in cockroaches and the Homoptera essential amino acids. The role of symbionts in the sterol nutrition of insects is equivocal. 8. Mycetocyte symbionts may have evolved from gut symbionts or guest microorganisms. The association is monophyletic in cockroaches but polyphyletic in many groups, including the sucking lice, beetles and scale insects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Ecology and physiology of hibernation and overwintering among freshwater fishes, turtles, and snakes

Abstract: Summary 1. Freshwater fishes are the most northerly of freshwater ectotherms, followed by frogs. North American freshwater snakes, turtles, and salamanders do not range farther north than southernmost Canada. 2. Freezing and desiccation are the main challenges during terrestrial hibernation of ectotherms. Oxygen depletion, water balance, and ionic balance are the major problems for air breathing ectotherms that hibernate underwater. 3. The importance of accumulation of energy stores for overwintering among fishes depends upon the length and severity of the winters, whether or not there is springtime reproduction, body size, latitude, and the availability and use of food during overwintering. 4. Fishes can decrease energy demands during the winter by reductions in activity, metabolic depression, and entrance in semi-torpidity. 5. Adaptations for coping with hypoxia and anoxia among overwintering freshwater fishes may include metabolic depression, a decrease in blood O2 affinity, microhabitat selection, air breathing, short-distance migration, biochemical modifications aimed at adjusting glycolytic rates, and alcoholic fermentation. 6. Freshwater turtles have a worldwide northern limit of approximately 50° N, which means that some species spend about half of their lives hibernating. 7. Aquatic turtles normally hibernate underwater, although occasionally they hibernate on land. In water they usually hibernate in a hypoxic or anoxic (mud) environment and in relatively shallow water. Wintertime movements of unknown frequency occur in some species. 8. The hatchlings of many turtle species can overwinter in the nest. Among northern species this behaviour is most common among painted turtles, whose hatchlings can withstand freezing. 9. Mortality among adult turtles is probably highest during the hibernation cycle. 10. Temperature appears to the most important cue for entry and exit from hibernation among freshwater turtles. 11. Little is known of the energetics of overwintering turtles. Energy stores for overwintering may be more important at lower latitudes than at higher ones, due to the higher metabolic rates of overwintering, but non-feeding, southern turtles. 12. The ability of turtles to tolerate submergence is a function of temperature, degree of water oxygenation, latitude of origin, efficacy of extrapulmonary respiratory pathways, and metabolic rate. 13. For turtles that hibernate in an anoxic hibernaculum, and for those without sufficient extrapulmonary uptake of O2 to allow metabolism to be completely aerobic, the most important physiological perturbation is an acidosis developed from a continuing production of lactate. If sufficient O2 can be obtained, the most likely factors limiting hibernation time are water balance and ion balance. 14. Mechanisms of turtles for coping with acidosis include metabolic depression, integumental CO2 loss, bicarbonate buffering, and changes in ion concentrations that minimize the decrease in SID (strong ion difference). The most important among the latter are a decrease in plasma [Cl-] and large increases in plasma calcium and magnesium. 15. Turtles are unique among reptiles in their ability to maintain both cardiovascular and nervous system function during prolonged anoxia. 16. Turtles gain weight from water uptake during submerged hibernation, but apparently maintain some kidney function; however, osmoregulation is one of the least known areas of the physiology of hibernation. 17. Recovery of turtles upon emergence commences with a rapid hyperventilatory compensation of pH, followed by a slower adjustment of ion levels. Basking speeds recovery greatly. 18. While hibernation of turtles in the northern parts of their ranges is most likely very stressful physiologically, northern range limits are more likely to be determined by reproductive restraints than by the rigors of extended hibernation. 19. The superior ability of turtles to tolerate anoxia may be more the result of an annual hibernation than of their diving habits during active periods of the year. 20. Freshwater snakes usually hibernate on land. However, they appear to be capable of aquatic hibernation and may not do so because of the risk of death from anoxia. 21. Some species of terrestrial snakes are known to hibernate underwater, and are able to do so in the laboratory for months. In the field, this behaviour is considered opportunistic, as there is no evidence to suggest that any snakes can tolerate extended anoxia.

Differences in the foraging of juvenile and adult birds: the importance of developmental constraints

Abstract: Summary Juvenile birds differ from conspecific adults in their diet and methods of prey capture and prey handling. Juvenile-adult differences in foraging result from (1) immaturity of the beak, skeleto-muscular and neurological systems and (2) the time required to learn foraging skills. These conclusions are largely based on field observations. More experimental studies to assess the relative importance of the various constraints are needed. Juvenile birds appear to be under strong selection to reach adult form and function as rapidly as possible. Remaining differences between juveniles and adults are largely attributable to constraints. In contrast to many other taxa there are few examples in which juvenile-adult differences in foraging have been accentuated by selection on the juvenile behaviours.

The spermatozoa of the polychaeta (annelida): an ultrastructural review

Abstract: 1 Polychaete sperm are divisible into ect-aquasperm, ent-aquasperm, and introsperm 2 Ect-aquasperm are the commonest type of polychaete sperm and are considered plesiomorphic for the Polychaeta Re-evolution of ect-aquasperm (as neo-aquasperm) is, nevertheless, tentatively hypothesized for some Sabellida 3 In terms of ultrastructural studies of sperm in the investigated polychaete families, only ect-aquasperm have been demonstrated for 16 families; only ent-aquasperm for 3 families; ect- and ent-aquasperm for 3; ect- and intro-sperm for 2; ect-, ent- and intro-sperm for 1 family; and only introsperm for 11 families but investigations can only be regarded as preliminary To date no family is known to have ent- and intro-sperm only Sperm ultrastructure has yet to be examined in the orders Magelonida, Psammodrilida, Cossurida, Spintherida, Sternapsida, Flabelligerida and Fauvelopsida 4 Much variation occurs in gross morphology, ultrastructure and configuration of the several components of ect-aquasperm: acrosome, nucleus, mitochondria, and centrioles and associated anchoring apparatus A 9 + 2 axoneme is constant 5 Group-specific sperm structure has been demonstrated for the Nereidae (chiefly ect-aquasperm), and for introsperm of the families Histriobdellidae, Questidae; Capitellidae, Spionidae and Protodrilidae Species-specificity of all classes of spermatozoa is well established 6 The very small size of ect-aquasperm is correlated with production of large numbers of sperm as an adaptation to broadcast spawning Simplicity of structure may relate more to conservation of materials than to hydrodynamics 7 Fertilization by ent-aquasperm requires fewer eggs than in external fertilization and is accompanied by a tendency to lecithotrophy Elongation of the nucleus and development of asymmetry are seen in several of the few known examples of ent-aquasperm Whether modifications are related to transfer or to other features, such as lecithotrophy, is uncertain 8 Evident multiple origins of polychaete introsperm contraindicate their value in establishing relationship between families, in contrast with their utility in groups such as decapod crustacea 9 At the intrafamilial level polychaete introsperm have taxonomic and phylogenetic value, as seen in the Spionidae, Capitellidae, and Histriobdellidae, and are distinctive of each of these and other families 10 At higher taxonomic levels, the ultrastructure of the sperm of the oligochaetoid Questidae distinguishes this family from euclitellates, each class of which has its own distinctive subtype of the euclitellate introsperm 11(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Stages in the origin of vertebrates: analysis by means of scenarios.

Abstract: Vertebrates lack an epidermal nerve plexus. This feature is common to many invertebrates from which vertebrates differ by an extensive set of shared-derived characters (synapomorphies) derived from the neural crest and epidermal neurogenic placodes. Hence, the hypothesis that the developmental precursor of the epidermal nerve plexus may be homologous to the neural crest and epidermal neurogenic placodes. This account attempts to generate a nested set of scenarios for the prevertebrate-vertebrate transition, associating a presumed sequence of behavioural and environmental changes with the observed phenotypic ones. Toward this end, it integrates morphological, developmental, functional (physiological/behavioural) and some ecological data, as many phenotypic shifts apparently involved associated transitions in several aspects of the animals. The scenarios deal with the origin of embryonic and adult tissues and such major organs as the notochord, the CNS, grills and kidneys and propose a sequence of associated changes. Alternative scenarios are stated as the evidence often remains insufficient for decision. The analysis points to gaps in comprehension of the biology of the animals and therefore suggests further research.

Adaptations of terrestrial arthropods to the alpine environment

Abstract: Summary 1. The climate changes drastically above the timberline. Diverse adaptations have been evolved by insects and other terrestrial arthropods to survive the alpine environment. The fitness of each species depends on a combination of different factors in accordance with their special habitats. 2. Morphological adaptations such as reduced body-size, are known from a number of alpine insects, increasing their possibility to find sheltered microhabitats. Selection for reduced body size in Andean Phulia spp. butterflies is probably a result of their rigorous environment. Wing atrophy, which is also known in insects from other extreme environments, is widespread in alpine species. In several terrestrial arthropods the absorption of solar radiation is increased by melanism. Increased pubescence, protecting against the loss of heat, is known in alpine butterflies and bumblebees. 3. Several behavioural adaptations are described. Thermoregulatory behaviour is important in many species to raise their body temperatures. Alpine butterflies orient the dark basis of their wings perpendicular to the rays of the sun. Body temperatures of 30 °C may be required for flight. To increase their activities many alpine terrestrial arthropods seek warmer microhabitats in the vegetation and under rocks. The adaptive advantage of nocturnal activity as observed in several species, may be to maintain the water balance or to avoid predation. 4. Tropical alpine terrestrial arthropods are faced with special problems. The large diel temperature fluctuations require cold-hardiness during the night and tolerance to heat during the day. Many species seek sheltered microhabitats under rocks and in vegetation. 5. Due to low precipitation and high evaporation rates many mountain areas are extremely dry. High resistance to desiccation may be very important to alpine species, and in particular to tropical species. Rates of water loss at low relative humidities are comparable to those of desert arthropods. 6. As an adaptation to the cold alpine summers several species of terrestrial arthropods require more than one year to complete their life-cycles. Special to these species is their adaptation to low temperatures in two or more overwintering stages. In spite of their cold surroundings several species have univoltine life cycles, frequently combined with highly specialized adaptations. Increased metabolic rates as a compensation to low temperatures may be widespread in alpine species, but few data are available. 7. Cold tolerance is of particular importance in temperature alpine species. Winter survival in Collembola and Acari depends on supercooling. Great seasonal variations have been observed in a number of species. Freezing tolerance is also known from alpine insects, e.g. in some species of beetles. At high latitudes alpine species must endure periods of up to eight or nine month at low temperatures during hibernation. Anaerobiosis is known from species that are enclosed in ice, with lactate as the main end product of metabolism.

Is greater female longevity a general finding among animals

Abstract: (A) There are data showing beyond question a gender gap, with women living longer than men, especially in economically developed societies. There is greater male vulnerability to the major causes of human death. (B) In lower animals there are data suggesting a female survival advantage to adult life in many species, but the observations do not consider longevity or survival to an advanced age. (C) In laboratory rodents kept under controlled conditions the relationship of sex to longevity is variable, with males sometimes showing greater longevity than females and with life span being dependent on factors like breeding and diet. (D) Similar genetic and hormonal processes operate in humans and in non-human mammals including the genetic mechanism of sex determination, the hormonal consequences of sex determination, and the effects of hormones on processes which affect longevity such as cholesterol levels and immune functions. (E) Causes of death in humans and animals are different, and it seems unlikely, therefore, that the same mechanisms could be determinants of longevity in all mammalian species. (F) Human male and female longevity continue to change, and it is likely that the gender gap will narrow, with societal and medical changes in post-industrial societies reducing the male disadvantages in behaviour and in the handling of cholesterol. (G) It remains an important question whether part of the gender gap seen in humans is based on other differences in the basic biology of males and females.

Developmental processes, developmental sequences and early vertebrate phylogeny

Abstract: Summary (1) We have put forth the position that evolutionary sequences can be deduced by an analysis of fundamental developmental sequences. Such sequences are highly conserved within a group and ‘contain steps which are necessary to achieve a developmental fate’. The premise of our work then, is that such fundamental sequences do not arise de novo time and time again but can be traced back through their evolutionary history in organisms which contain portions of the sequence. (2) These highly conserved developmental sequences are in fact developmental constraints to evolution in as much as natural selection has not been able to discard them, but rather has utilized them in achieving evolutionary change. (3) We have demonstrated the ability to use developmental data by producing an evolutionary sequence for the origin of the vertebrates using the processes of neuralization and cephalization, the latter due primarily to the influences of the neural crest and epidermal placodes. The evolutionary sequence created, while not novel in structure, is distinct in that it was created solely by following a developmental sequence that is highly conserved among the vertebrates. The sequence is: (a) Chordamesoderm differentiates from the surrounding mesoderm and induces an overlying neural tube. (b) Through the influence of neuralizing morphogens, the neural tube differentiates into anterior (fore-, mid- and hindbrain) and posterior (spinal cord) parts. Cephalization has begun. (c) Cephalization proceeds via the development of two new populations of embryonic cells, the neural crest, a derivative of the neural epithelium and the epidermal placodes, derivatives of the ectoderm immediately adjacent to the neural tube. These two populations contribute significantly to the subsequent development of the vertebrate head including the skeleton, connective tissues, cranial nerve and sensory organs. Sequence (a) occurs in the most primitive protochordates and is one of the differences between the chordates and deuterostome invertebrates. Sequence (b) occurred next leading to a protochordate with a differentiated central nervous system, but lacking most vertebrate head structures. Sequence (c) signalled the beginning of the true vertebrates or branchiates (after the branchial arches which all vertebrates' share) since the production of a neurocranium, viscerocranium, cephalic armour, teeth and cranial peripheral ganglia was only possible with the acquisition of this developmental step. (4) Current investigations into the cellular, molecular and biochemical basis of developmental sequences will allow biologists to test for the integrity of these developmental sequences and to test for their presence in the ontogenies of any species in question. These investigations will ascertain the validity of determining an evolutionary sequence based on a particular developmental process(es) as outlined in the present paper.

Colony form and the exploitation of spatial refuges by encrusting bryozoa

Abstract: Summary The sheet-runner continuum model of unilaminar encrusting colony growth is reassessed for cheilostome Bryozoa. It is concluded that the model does not adequately account for the existence of spatially predictable refuges from mortality, which can be selected by the larva at the time of settlement. A third end-point category of colony form, named the spot colony, is recognized for species settling in small spatially predictable refuges and growing to small, early maturing colonies of determinate or semi-determinate size. Similar colonies are reported from spatially restrictive substrates such as flexible algal fronds and single sediment grains on particulate seabeds. Runner growth is also reappraised. In some cases, uniserial growth may be regarded as a primary adaptation for growth in linear refuges, or on maze-like or strongly three-dimensional surfaces where multiserial growth is impossible, rather than as a general fugitive strategy adopted by competitively inferior forms. A revised classificatory model for encrusting growth is proposed. This consists of two continua, sheet-ribbon-runner and sheet-patch-spot. It is suggested that an improved ecological classification of encrusting growth might be framed as a series of coupled settlement/growth strategies.

Wild mice in the cold: some findings on adaptation.

Abstract: The house mouse, Mus domesticus, can thrive in natural environments much below its optimum temperature. Thermogenesis is then above that at more usual temperatures. In addition, body weight, and the weights of brown adipose tissue and the kidneys, may be higher than usual. In free populations of house mice cold lowers fertility and may prevent breeding. Other possible limiting factors on breeding are food supply, shelter for nesting and social interactions. In captivity, wild-type house mice exposed to severe cold (around 0 degrees C) at first adapt ontogenetically by shivering and reduced activity. But raised thermogenesis is soon achieved without shivering; nest-building improves; and readiness to explore may be enhanced. Endocrine changes probably include, at least initially, a rise in adrenal cortical activity and in catecholamine secretion. Some females become barren, but many remain fertile. The maturity of fertile females is, however, delayed and intervals between births are lengthened; nestling mortality rises. A limiting factor during lactation may be the capacity of the gut. Similar adaptive changes are observed during winter in some species of small mammals that do not hibernate. But neither the house mouse nor other species present a single, universal pattern of cold-adaptation. Wild-type mice bred for about 10 generations in a warm laboratory environment (20-23 degrees C) change little over generations. In cold they become progressively heavier and fatter at all ages; they mature earlier, and nestling mortality declines. The milk of such 'Eskimo' females is more concentrated than that of controls. If 'Eskimo' mice are returned to a warm environment, they are more fertile, and rear heavier young, than controls that remained in the warm. Despite the heavier young, litter size is not reduced: it may be increased, probably as a result of a higher ovulation rate. Parental effects have been analyzed by cross-fostering and hybridizing. Survival, growth and fertility are all favourably influenced by the intra-uterine and nest environments provided by 'Eskimo' females. 'Eskimo' males are also better fathers. Hence after ten generations the phenotype of cold-adapted house mice shows the combined effects of (a) an ontogenetic response to cold, (b) a superior parental environment and (c) a change genotype. The secular changes in the cold that lead to this phenotype give the appearance of evolution in miniature; but it is equally possible that they represent a genetical versatility that allows rapid, reversible shifts in response to environmental demands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

How frequent are superior genotypes in plant breeding populations

Abstract: Summary A search of plant breeding literature has produced 69 examples in which reasonable judgements could be made as to potential for genetic advance. The crops covered are all inbreeders (predominantly cereals) or outbred clones. The average potential for genetic advance (roughly 60 % of examples were favourable) seemed to be far higher than would usually be expected and to indicate therefore that excellent new crop varieties should be more frequent than experience suggests. The discrepancy may be partly explained by various biases but the main conclusion is that superior genotypes are indeed fairly frequent but that selection efficiency is too low to take better advantage of them.

Horse diversity through the ages.

Abstract: (4) Pliocene . . . . . (5) Pleistocene . . . . . (6) Holocene . . . . . IV. References. . . . . . . (3) Upper Miocene . . . CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 283 283 287 290 293 295 297 297 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Do insects really have a homeostatic hypotrehalosaemic hormone

Abstract: Summary Since trehalose in insects, in contrast to glucose in mammals, does not enter the haemolymph directly from the digestive tract, but is all synthesized by the insect itself, and furthermore an increased trehalose synthesis during stress and flight does not lead to significant increases in haemolymph trehalose, there seems to be no physiological need for an insect homeostatic hypotrehalosaemic hormone. Experiments in which tissue extractions were found to lower haemolymph trehalose can not prove the existence of such a hormone, while all insect species which so far have been submitted to a trehalose-tolerance test, decrease their haemolymph trehalose concentrations at a rate which can be accounted for by the metabolic use of trehalose. These results therefore indicate the absence, and not the presence, of a homeostatic hypotrehalosaemic hormone. This is also true for blowflies, from which an insulin-like immunoreactive peptide has been isolated. It seems therefore unlikely that this insulin-like peptide is a homeostatic hypotrehalosaemic hormone. The physiological mechanism by which this insulin-like peptide would have to act to function as a hypotrehalosaemic hormone is also an unlikely one. It therefore seems justified to conclude that so far, homeostatic hypotrehalosaemic hormones have not been demonstrated in insects. Furthermore, it may well be that they do not exist.

Ribonucleotide metabolism--fresh approaches to viral and cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract: . . . . . IV. T h e significance of 2’5‘(A), and their core derivatives, and ApqA, in cellular metabolism V. Applications to chemotherapy . . . . . . . . . . . ( I ) Deliver of oligonucleotides in ciivo . . . . . . . . . (2) T h e use of adenine ribonucleoside analogues: an original basis for a primary action on ribonucleotide metabolism by formaldehyde-induced mutagenesis . . (3) ADP-ribosylation reactions in DNA replication and repair (4) Unique cell stage sensitivity for fornialdchyde mutagenesis

The evidence of reproductive mechanisms in fossil dasyclads (algae: chlorophyta)

Abstract: Summary Dasyclads (members of Order Dasycladales: Algae, Chlorophyta) are reviewed for evidence of reproductive structures in the fossil state, and then compared with what is known of the reproductive processes in living examples. The effects of poor preservation in most of the fossils are shown to result in many uncertainties, and the resulting degree of interpretation required is emphasized. Selected genera of fossil dasyclads considered relevant to this problem are briefly analysed and discussed: Archaeobatophora (Ordovician), Kulikia (Carboniferous), Imperiella (Permian), Stichoporella (Jurassic) and Cympolia (Cretaceous to Recent). The pioneer views of J. Pia on dasyclad reproduction through geological time are seen to need much modification in the light of later work. The fundamental dasyclad nucleus-fragmentation-reproduction mechanism is believed to have operated within the great morphological variety of known dasyclads, giving rise to modification in genera where basic evolution was structural. In this way the variety of dasyclads can be seen to be the result of varied morphological evolution, often modified by the consistently simple basic reproductive mechanism.