Showing papers in "Copeia in 1974"
TL;DR: The Third ICES Symposium on the Early Life History of Fish held in Bergen, Norway, 3-5 October 1988 as discussed by the authors was the most important event in the history of the field.
Abstract: S. Blaxter, J. C. Gamble, and H. v. Westernhagen (eds.). 1989. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Copenhagen, Denmark. 497 p., DKK 460.00 (U.S. -$75.00) (softcover).-This book contains papers presented at the Third ICES Symposium on the Early Life History of Fish held in Bergen, Norway, 3-5 October 1988. The previous two symposia were held in Oban, Scotland, in 1973 (Blaxter, 1974) and Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1979 (Lasker and Sherman, 1981). Fifty-three full articles are included, divided into six categories, representing the charge of the organizers (number of papers in parentheses): spawning studies (5); field investigationsdistribution and transport (19); field investigations-growth and feeding (8); field investigations-late larvae and juveniles (5); recruitment studies (7); and experimental studies (9). Additionally, abstracts are presented of all articles and posters from the symposium other than those published in full in this volume. These are in nine groups: spawning studies (14); field investigations-distribution and transport (16); field investigations-growth and feeding (17); field investigations-late larvae and juveniles (7); recruitment studies (11); experimental studies-feeding, growth, and metabolism (20); experimental studies-predation, locomotion (9); experimental studies-osmoregulation, endocrines, albinism (5); and pollution (6). A summary and prognosis by Blaxter concludes the volume.
366Â citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that freshwater species of Fundulus were derived from fully euryhaline ancestors which gradually lost the ability to live in sea water during extended isolation from brackish or marine environments.
Abstract: A comparison was made of environmental salinities, ability to survive in fresh water and upper salinity tolerance for over 20 species of the teleost genus Fundulus. All species of the genus occur, at times, in fresh water and are able to survive in this medium in the laboratory. Species found in brackish environments have upper salinity tolerances ranging from 74-114%o, while most species characteristic of fresh waters are unable to survive in salinities above 29%o. Notable exceptions are F. zebrinus, an inland species commonly found in saline waters, F. diaphanus, a freshwater form which often enters dilute brackish estuaries and F. waccamensis, a Pleistocene lacustrine derivative of F. diaphanus. Since brackish-water species are tolerant of life in fresh water while the reverse is not the case, it is suggested that freshwater species of Fundulus were derived from fully euryhaline ancestors which gradually lost the ability to live in sea water during extended isolation from brackish or marine environments.
216Â citations
TL;DR: Minnows (Cyprinidae) Central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum Largescale Stoneroller campostoma oligolepis Goldfish Carassius auratus BluntfaceShiner Cyprinella camura Red shiner CyPRinella lutrensis Spotfin shiner cyprinlla spiloptera Blacktail shiner Cyprus venusta Steelcolor shinercyprinellas whipplei
Abstract: Minnows (Cyprinidae) Central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum Largescale stoneroller Campostoma oligolepis Goldfish Carassius auratus Bluntface shiner Cyprinella camura Red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis Spotfin shiner Cyprinella spiloptera Blacktail shiner Cyprinella venusta Steelcolor shiner Cyprinella whipplei Common carp Cyprinus carpio Ozark minnow Dionda nubila Gravel chub Erimystax x-punctatus Cypress minnow Hybognathus hayi Mississippi silvery minnow Hybognathus nuchalis Plains minnow Hybognathus placitus Bigeye chub Hybopsis amblops Pallid shiner Hybopsis amnis Cardinal shiner Luxilus cardinalis Striped shiner Luxilus chrysocephalus Ribbon shiner Lythrurus fumeus Ouachita shiner Lythrurus snelsoni Redfin shiner Lythrurus umbratilis Prairie chub Macrhybopsis australis Shoal chub Macrhybopsis hyostoma Minnows (Cyprinidae) continued Silver chub Macrhybopsis storeriana Redspot chub Nocomis asper Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides Blackspot shiner Notropis atrocaudalis Red River shiner Notropis bairdi River shiner Notropis blennius Bigeye shiner Notropis boops Ghost shiner Notropis buchanani Ironcolor shiner Notropis chalybaeus Arkansas River shiner Notropis girardi Wedgespot shiner Notropis greenei Bluehead shiner Notropis hubbsi Taillight shiner Notropis maculatus Kiamichi shiner Notropis ortenburgeri Carmine shiner Notropis percobromus Peppered shiner Notropis perpallidus Chub shiner Notropis potteri Roseyface shiner Notropis rubellus Silverband shiner Notropis shumardi Sand shiner Notropis stramineus Rocky shiner Notropis suttkusi Mimic shiner Notropis volucellus Pugnose minnow Opsopoeodus emiliae Suckermouth minnow Phenacobius mirabilis Southern redbelly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster Bluntnose minnow Pimephales notatus Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas Slim minnow Pimephales tenellus Bullhead minnow Pimephales vigilax Flathead chub Platygobio gracilis Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus
191Â citations
TL;DR: Single pairs of zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio, 12 months old, spawned at an interval of 1.9 days when the male and female were left continuously together, suggesting that age is a factor in determining the spawning cycle.
Abstract: Single pairs of zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio, 12 months old, spawned at an interval of 1.9 days when the male and female were left continuously together. Three months later the spawning interval had increased to 2.7 days, suggesting that age is a factor in determining the spawning cycle. Hard water had no effect on spawning cycle in these experiments, nor did grouping the fish with three males for each female. An experiment was done in which prolongation of the spawning cycle was enforced by separating the male from the female for random intervals of 2-9 days. In 93% of the trials spawning occurred on the morning following reintroduction of the male after a 2-day separation. Similar results were obtained upon reintroduction of the male after 3-9 days of separation. The greatest number of eggs per day can be obtained by leaving the pair continuously together. In two experiments in which this was done the mean number of eggs produced per day per pair was 23.1 and 60.4. In the experiment where male and female were separated for 2-9 days, and then spawning was allowed to occur, egg production varied from 45 eggs per day per pair with 2 days of separation to 10 eggs per day per pair with 9 days separation. Evidence was obtained that egg development is triggered by interaction with the male. Eggs usually could not be stripped from the female without the male having been present. Introduction of the male for 7 hours at the end of one day enabled eggs to be stripped from the female the next morning. The precise stimulus for egg development was not determined, but it is suggested that it may be the chasing of the female by the male, behavior which goes on almost continuously when the two are together.
148Â citations
TL;DR: The blood serum of the euryhaline cyprinodont fish, Fundulus heteroclitus, adapted to fresh or to salt water, and the hematology of certain freshwater teleosts IV are studied.
Abstract: persimilis from Yucatan. Occ. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich. 568. . 1972. Threatened freshwater fishes of the United States. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 101: 239-252. PICKFORD, G. E., F. B. GRANT AND B. L. UMMINGER. 1969. Studies on the blood serum of the euryhaline cyprinodont fish, Fundulus heteroclitus, adapted to fresh or to salt water. Trans. Conn. Acad. Arts Sci. 43:25-70. REID, G. K. 1961. Ecology of inland waters and estuaries. Reinhold Publishing Corp. New York, N. Y. RELYEA, K. G. 1967. Systematic study of two species complexes of brackish water Fundulus (Pisces: Cyprinodontidae). Unpubl. Ph.D. Dissertation, Tulane University. ROOT, R. W. 1931. The respiratory function of the blood of marine fishes. Biol. Bull. 61: 427-456. SLICHER, A. M. 1961. Endocrinological and hematological studies in Fundulus heteroclitus (Linn.). Bull. Bingham Oceanogr. Coll. 17: 1-55. SMITH, C. G., W. M. LEWIS AND H. M. KAPLAN. 1952. A comparative morphologic and physiorsimil s from Yucatan. Occ. Papers Mus. logic study of fish blood. Prog. Fish-Cult. 14:169-172. SRIVASTAVA, A. K. 1968a. Studies on the hematology of certain freshwater teleosts. I. Erythrocytes. Anat. Anz. 123:233-249. . 1968b. Studies on the hematology of certain freshwater teleosts IV. Hemoglobin. Folia Haemat. Lpz. 90:411-418. SWARTS, W. P. 1969. Blood studies of some marine teleosts. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 98: 328-330. TAGATZ, M. E., AND D. L. DUDLEY. 1961. Seasonal occurrence of marine fishes in four shore habitats near Beaufort, N. C. 1957-60. U.S.D.I. Fish Wildlife Spec. Sci. Rep. No. 390. WEED, A. C. 1921. Fishes from Southern Wisconsin. Copeia 99:69-72.
137Â citations
TL;DR: A clear but subtle social organization, based on a straight-line, size-dependent, dominance hierarchy was found in a colony of bonnethead sharks, though position within the hierarchy was not determined by sex, and data indicated that all individuals tended to shy away from larger males.
Abstract: Behavioral activities of a colony of 10 bonnethead sharks, Sphyrna t. tiburo, held under semi-natural conditions, were examined over a period of six months. All sharks had attained, or were approaching, sexual maturity. Objectives of the study were to describe species-typical motor patterns and postures, to analyze the diurnality of patrolling activity and to characterize pattern(s) of organization underlying social interactions noted within the colony. Eighteen postures and patterns of movement were described, almost half of them having apparent social relevance. In specific instances, functional significance of a pattern was cautiously given. Patrolling activity appeared to have a diurnal rhythm, with a peak occurring in the late afternoon; smaller individuals were more erratic in their patrolling. Finally, a clear but subtle social organization, based on a straight-line, size-dependent, dominance hierarchy was found. Though position within the hierarchy was not determined by sex, data indicated that all individuals tended to shy away from larger males. Sexual differences in the performance of certain patterns of movement were also established.
130Â citations
TL;DR: Production, toxicity and preliminary pharmacology of the venom from the sea snake Pelamis platurus, and the effects on the white mouse are studied.
Abstract: ofidismo en Centroamerica. 2nd Ed. Departamento de Publicaciones, Universidad de Costa Rica. . 1972. Toxicity of Costa Rican snake venoms for the white mouse. Amer. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 21:360-363. BELLUOMINI, H. E. 1968. Extractions and quantities of venom obtained from some Brazilian snakes, p. 97-117. In: Venomous animals and their venoms, Vol. I: Venomous Vertebrates, W. Bucherl, E. Buckley and V. Deulofeu, eds. Academic Press, New York. PICKWELL, G. V., J. A. VICK, W. H. SHIPMAN AND M. M. GRENAN. 1972. Production, toxicity and preliminary pharmacology of the venom from the sea snake Pelamis platurus. In: Food-drugs from the sea, L. R. Worthen, ed. Proceedings of the third conference. Marine Technology Society. Washington, D. C. SMITH, M. 1926. Monograph of the sea snakes (Hydrophiidae). British Museum (Nat. Hist.), London. VISSER, J. 1967. Color varieties, brood size, and food of South African Pelamis platurus (Ophidia: Hydrophiidae). Copeia 1967:219.
127Â citations
TL;DR: It is hypothesize that the increase in body temperature experienced by the red-sided garter snake during emergence from hibernation induces the intense mating activity observed shortly following emergence.
Abstract: At latitudes of about 50?-55? N in Manitoba, Canada, the red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) hibernates in concentrated aggregations of several thousand individuals and mates shortly following emergence in late April or early May. Mating is most intense when air temperatures are above 15 C, and lasts about 4 weeks. Mating activity of about 10 days duration can be induced in the laboratory by: 1) collecting snakes at the hibernaculum site in September, subjecting them to 5 C, OL24D for at least 4 months and then transferring them to 25 C, 12L12D; and 2) collecting snakes at the hibernaculum site in late April or early May, holding them at 5 C, OL24D, and transferring them to 25 C, 12L12D at any time until August. Food intake is completely inhibited for 3 days following the transfer, and then increases progressively in an inverse relationship to declining mating activity. A transfer from 5 C, OL24D to 5 C, 12L12D does not result in mating. On the basis of these experiments we hypothesize that the increase in body temperature experienced by the red-sided garter snake during emergence from hibernation induces the intense mating activity observed shortly following emergence.
120Â citations
TL;DR: The Spearman rank correlation and t-test were employed as a novel method for comparative analysis of total diets of three species of Killifish (Cyprinodontidae) and results agree with the expected feeding performance of closely related species inhabiting the same trophic level sympatrically and allopatrical.
Abstract: The Spearman rank correlation and t-test were employed as a novel method for comparative analysis of total diets of three species of Killifish (Cyprinodontidae). The Calfornia killifish, Fundulus parvipinnis and mummichog, F. heteroclitus, of Nova Scotia have similar diets in similar but remotely separated habitats. In contrast two populations of F. heteroclitus inhabiting substantially different habitats have different diets. Two phylogenetically related sympatric species, F. heteroclitus and the banded killifish, F. diaphanus are shown to have differing diets. These results agree with the expected feeding performance of closely related species inhabiting the same trophic level sympatrically and allopatrically.
TL;DR: The trophic level effect on the accumulation of cesium-137 in cougars feeding on mule deer and the Weibull distribution function inThermally-affected aquatic environments.
Abstract: thermally-affected aquatic environments. J. Water Pollution Control Fed. 45:726-733. PENDLETON, R. C., R. D. LLOYD, C. W. MAYS AND B. W. CHURCH. 1964. Trophic level effect on the accumulation of cesium-137 in cougars feeding on mule deer. Nature 204: 708-709. , C. W. MAYS, R. D. LLOYD AND B. W. CHURCH. 1965. A trophic level effect on cesium-137 concentration. Health Physics 11: 1503-1510. e aquatic environments. J. SCHEFFE, H. 1959. Analysis of variance. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. SOKAL, R. R., AND F. J. ROHLF. 1969. Biometry. W. H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco. STEIGER, F. H. 1971. Practical applications of the Weibull distribution function. Chem. Technol. 1:225-231.
TL;DR: This report is a portion of a thesis submitted to the faculty of California State University, San Diego in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.
Abstract: David Wake. Roger Carpenter, Richard Etheridge and Paul Nichols critically reviewed portions of the manuscript. Financial support for this study was provided in large part by my wife, Janet, and is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This report is a portion of a thesis submitted to the faculty of California State University, San Diego in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.
TL;DR: The use of a complete enclosure system in conjunction with pitfall traps is discussed and considered to be a valuable method for studying population dynamics of species which migrate to localized habitats as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Terrestrial activity of 16 species of frogs in South Carolina was correlated with season, environmental temperatures and the incidence and amount of precipitation. Terrestrial drift fences and pitfall traps encircling two aquatic habitats were used to monitor movements to and from local habitats. Ranidae (primarily Rana pipiens) were most abundant at a permanently aquatic habitat whereas Bufonidae and Pelobatidae (mainly Bufo terrestris and Scaphiopus holbrooki) were captured more frequently at a temporary pond. Numbers of individuals captured during each month showed fairly consistent progressions from highs in spring to lows in autumn. Activity was positively correlated with the incidence of precipitation, and the number of captures increased with the amount of rainfall. Anuran activity decreased noticeably during periods of low temperature. The use of a complete enclosure system in conjunction with pitfall traps is discussed and considered to be a valuable method for studying population dynamics of species which migrate to localized habitats.
TL;DR: Analysis of form location and trailing information indicated a seasonal shift in habitat utilization from grasslands in late spring and early fall to forested areas in summer, early spring and late fall and that turtles exist within a relatively limited microclimatic range during seasons of activity.
Abstract: A quantitative study of habitat selection in Terrapene carolina triunguis was conducted from August 1969 through January 1972. Thirtythree microenvironmental variables were measured in the vicinity of 201 form locations. Principal component analysis of these data indicated that temperature, cover and moisture are fundamental aspects of the environment at form locations. Canonical correlation of microhabitat and microclimatic variables showed that the microclimate surrounding forms was primarily influenced by ground cover aspects of the habitat. Moisture variables immediately surrounding the turtle were not correlated with features of the microhabitat, suggesting that turtles select humidity levels independent of prevailing conditions at the surface. Microclimatic factors were measured at the location of 55 active turtles within the study area. The similarity in temperature and humidity levels with those taken at form locations indicated that turtles exist within a relatively limited microclimatic range at all times during seasons of activity. Analysis of form location and trailing information indicated a seasonal shift in habitat utilization from grasslands in late spring and early fall to forested areas in summer, early spring and late fall. Activity in the grassland areas was found to coincide with moderate temperature and peak moisture conditions. At other seasons turtles burrowed beneath the litter in wooded areas to avoid temperature extremes and maintain high humidity.
TL;DR: Observations and experiments suggest the possibility that epidermal sculpturing of terrestrial Bufonidae may have a functional role in relation to water uptake, thermoregulation and the prevention of integumentary desiccation.
Abstract: When live toads (Bufo) are placed on a water-saturated surface, it can be demonstrated that a film of water moves upward over the sides of the body and, in some individuals, reaches the dorsal midline. Movement of water over the skin follows interconnecting channels which characterize the outer epidermis of many terrestrial species. It was demonstrated that such water movement may replenish evaporative losses from skin surfaces and act to retard both cutaneous desiccation and elevated temperatures in individuals which are forced to bask in the laboratory. Observations and experiments suggest the possibility that epidermal sculpturing of terrestrial Bufonidae may have a functional role in relation to water uptake, thermoregulation and the prevention of integumentary desiccation.
TL;DR: A device for the study of salinity preference in mobile marine animals and environmental impact of brine effluents on the Gulf of California.
Abstract: STAALAND, H. 1969. A device for the study of salinity preference in mobile marine animals. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 29:853-857. THOMSON, D. A. 1973. Tide calendar for the northern Gulf of California. Bur. Mimeogr. Multil., Univ. of Arizona. THOMSON, D. A., A. R. MEAD AND J. R. SCHREIBER, JR., EDS. 1969. Environmental impact of brine effluents on the Gulf of California. Off. Sal. Water Res. Dev. Progr. Rept. No. 387.
TL;DR: A technique for controlling the time of daily spawning and collecting of eggs of the zebra fish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan).
Abstract: , AND C. F. FIRLIT. 1960. Further studies on the embryonic development of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan). J. Morph. 107:205-225. , AND . 1962. Ovarian cycle and egg production in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio. Copeia 1962:788-792. KIHLSTROM, J. E., C. LUNDBERG AND L. HULTIH. 1971. Number of eggs and young produced by zebrafishes (Brachydanio rerio, Ham.-Buch.) spawning in water containing small amounts of phenylmercuric acetate. Environ. Res. 4: 355-359. KIMMEL, C. B. 1972. Mauthner axons in living fish larvae. Dev. Biol. 27:272-275. LAALE, H. W. 1971. Ethanol induced notochord and spinal cord duplications in the embryo of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio. J. Exp. Zool. 177:51-64. , AND D. J. MCCALLION. 1968. Reversible developmental arrest in the embryo of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio. J. Exp. Zool. 167:117-128. LEGAULT, R. 1958. A technique for controlling the time of daily spawning and collecting of eggs of the zebra fish, Brachydanio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan). Copeia 1958:328-330. MACKESSACK, T. M. 1962. Fishes of Saraya Man. The Aquarium 31:87-101. ORLAND, H. P. 1965. Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water. American Public Health Association, Inc., New York. SCHIRONE, R. C., AND L. GROSS. 1968. Effect of temperature on early embryological development of the zebra fish, Brachydanio rerio. J. Exp. Zool. 169:43-52. SCHMIDT, V. H. 1930. Speciesbastard zwischen Brachydanio rerio und Brachydanio albolineatus. Aquarium 1930:58-61. SOKAL, R. R., AND F. J. ROHLF. 1969. Biometry. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco. STEFANELLI, A., AND S. CARAVITA. 1964. Ultrastruttura dei sistemi sinaptici del neurone di mauthner di un teleosteo (Brachydanio rerio). Z. Zellforsch. Mikr. Anat. 62:1-15. WEIS, J. S. 1968. Analysis of the development of the nervous system of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio. I. The normal morphology and development of the spinal cord and ganglia of the zebrafish. J. Embryol. Exp. Morph. 19:109-119.
TL;DR: The behavioral features that differed between Puerto Rico and the tropical Pacific appear to be related to ecological differences and different cleaning species, and the similarities between these areas indicate that the total symbiosis is about the same.
Abstract: A two-week saturation dive was devoted to study of cleaning symbiosis by Thalassoma bifasciatum and Gobiosoma spp. in Puerto Rico. The area differed from the tropical Pacific in that there were many more cleaners and ectoparasites. The cleaner's predation on ectoparasites suggests that the symbiosis may be mutualistic on this reef. The behavioral features that differed between Puerto Rico and the tropical Pacific appear to be related to ecological differences and different cleaning species. The similarities between these areas indicate that the total symbiosis is about the same. The symbiotic balance and probable evolution of this relationship are discussed.
TL;DR: The spermatogenesis of hybrids between Triturus cristatus and T. marmoratus (Urodela) and the viability of their offspring is studied.
Abstract: . 1955. Field experiments on the biology and genetic relationships of the California species of Triturus. Ibid. 129:129-148. . 1961a. Experiments of homing behavior and speciation in Taricha, p. 415-459. In: Vertebrate Speciation. W. F. Blair, ed. Univ. Texas Press, Austin. . 1961b. Second-generation hybrids of the species of Taricha. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 47:1461-1486. 1964. Fertility of Taricha specieshybrids and viability of their offspring. Ibid. 51:156-161. . 1966. Of Scientists and Salamanders. W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco. WHITE, M. J. D. 1946. The spermatogenesis of hybrids between Triturus cristatus and T. marmoratus (Urodela). J. Exp. Zool. 102:179205. YANG, S. Y., L. L. WHEELER AND I. R. BOCK. 1972. Isozyme variations and phylogenetic relationships in the Drosophila bipectinata species complex. Studies in Genetics VII. Univ. of Texas. Publ. no. 7213:213-227.
TL;DR: DESSAUER et al. as discussed by the authors studied the relationship between fertility and gross organ composition of the lizard Anolis carolinensis and found that the relationship affects appetite, growth, and tail regeneration in the lizard.
Abstract: DESSAUER, H. C. 1955. Seasonal changes in gross organ composition of the lizard, Anolis carolinensis. J. Exptl. Zool. 128:1-12. LICHT, P. 1967. Interaction of prolactin and gonadotropins on appetite, growth, and tail regeneration in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 9:49-63. . 1974. Photoperiodic and thermal influences on reproductive cycles in reptiles. Excerpta Medica (in press). , AND G. C. GORMAN. 1970. Reproductive and fat cycles in Caribbean Anolis lizards. Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool. 95:1-52.
TL;DR: Reproductive cycles of mountain (San Gabriel 1584 m) and lowland populations of the western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis were investigated and young appear in early July at low elevations as opposed to mid-August in the mountains.
Abstract: Reproductive cycles of mountain (San Gabriel 1584 m) and lowland (Whittier 150 m) populations of the western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis were investigated. Spermiogenesis begins February at low elevations and is delayed six weeks until early April at high elevations. Testicular regression occurs in both populations during July. Autumn recrudescence is completed earlier in the mountains than at low elevations. The first low elevation female with oviducal eggs was collected in early April; at high elevations oviducal females did not appear until late May and are present in both populations until mid-July. Low elevation females probably lay 1-3 clutches of eggs; high elevation females 1-2. Young appear in early July at low elevations as opposed to mid-August in the mountains.
TL;DR: A population of the rock-inhabiting lizard, Sceloporus undulatus erythrocheilus, was studied over two activity seasons in the eastern Colorado foothills and the large degree of male home-range overlap suggests that home range is not equal to territory in this population.
Abstract: A population of the rock-inhabiting lizard, Sceloporus undulatus erythrocheilus, was studied over two activity seasons in the eastern Colorado foothills. The convex polygon method was used to determine home range and figures were adjusted to eliminate sample size bias. Ninety-seven lizards (53 8 and 44 9) were captured. On the basis of ten or more observations, resident adults (= 50 mm snout-vent length) had an average home-range size of 826 m2 for 12 males and 363 m2 for 9 females. Male home-range size decreased significantly after the breeding season. The large degree of male home-range overlap (52%) suggests that home range is not equal to territory in this population. A promiscuous mating system is implied from the overlap of male and female home ranges and from behavioral notes.
TL;DR: Structural requirements essential to the box turtle morphotype are plastral kinesis; mechanisms for displacement (accommodation) of the limb girdles as the shell is closed; additional space in the shell for displacement of the forelimbs; musculature to effect shell closure.
Abstract: Mechanisms of shell closure in box turtles of the family Emydidae have been analyzed with respect to functional anatomy, evolution and phylogenetic significance. Structural requirements essential to the box turtle morphotype are: 1) plastral kinesis; 2) mechanisms for displacement (accommodation) of the limb girdles as the shell is closed; 3) additional space in the shell for displacement of the forelimbs; 4) musculature to effect shell closure. Girdle accommodation is structurally and evolutionarily the most "difficult" requirement; plastral kinesis is the least.
TL;DR: The relationship of aerobic scope and body temperature in reptiles has been reconsidered and all data are consistent with the hypothesis that maximum aerobic scope occurs near the PBT in non-varanid thermophilic lizards.
Abstract: scope, the difference between maximum and resting rates of oxygen consumption, is maximal near the preferred body temperature (PBT) of each species. For three of these species where body temperature data exist, ca. 85% of maximum aerobic scope may be attained in the body temperature range of animals found active in the field. Heart rate increment, the difference between resting and maximum heart rates, is maximal 2 to 4 C above the PBT. Oxygen pulse, the volume of oxygen consumed per heart beat, is independent of body temperature in resting lizards, but is inversely related to body temperature in active lizards. The relationship of aerobic scope and body temperature in reptiles has been reconsidered. All data are consistent with the hypothesis that maximum aerobic scope occurs near the PBT in non-varanid thermophilic lizards.
TL;DR: Telemetric heart rate measurement of a free ranging alligator indicates that submergence does not necessarily result in bradycardia, and nighttime activity of the free ranging animal involving short voluntary dives did not result in reduced heart rate.
Abstract: Telemetric heart rate measurement of a free ranging alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, indicates that submergence does not necessarily result in bradycardia. Pronounced bradycardia, typically from 31 to 2 bpm, resulted when the submerged alligator was approached by man. Attempts to induce bradycardia by human approach near a captive alligator, removed from the water, were unsuccessful. Nighttime activity of the free ranging animal involving short voluntary dives did not result in reduced heart rate.