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  • 1
    Publication Date: 2011-12-23
    Description:    The distribution of parasites is often characterised by substantial aggregation with a small proportion of hosts harbouring the majority of parasites. This pattern can be generated by abiotic and biotic factors that affect hosts and determine host exposure and susceptibility to parasites. Climate factors can change a host’s investment in life-history traits (e.g. growth, reproduction) generating temporal patterns of parasite aggregation. Similarly, host age may affect such investment. Furthermore, sex-biased parasitism is common among vertebrates and has been linked to sexual dimorphism in morphology, behaviour and physiology. Studies exploring sex-biased parasitism have been almost exclusively conducted on polygynous species where dimorphic traits are often correlated. We investigated the effects of season and life-history traits on tick loads of the monogamous eastern rock sengi ( Elephantulus myurus ). We found larger tick burdens during the non-breeding season possibly as a result of energetic constraints and/or climate effects on the tick. Reproductive investment resulted in increased larval abundance for females but not males and may be linked to sex-specific life-history strategies. The costs of reproduction could also explain the observed age effect with yearling individuals harbouring lower larval burdens than adults. Although adult males had the greatest larval tick loads, host sex appears to play a minor role in generating the observed parasite heterogeneities. Our study suggests that reproductive investment plays a major role for parasite patterns in the study species. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0874-0 Authors Heike Lutermann, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa Katarina Medger, Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa Ivan G. Horak, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
    Print ISSN: 0028-1042
    Electronic ISSN: 1432-1904
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 2
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    Springer
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    This is a comment on Thatje (Naturwissenschaften 97:237–239, 2010 ) The multiple faces of journal peer review, Naturwissenschaften, 97:237–239. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0812-1 Authors Ivan Couée, UMR CNRS 6553 Ecosystems-Biodiversity-Evolution, University of Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, bâtiment 14A, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
    Print ISSN: 0028-1042
    Electronic ISSN: 1432-1904
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 3
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    Most orb-web spiders face downwards in the web. A downward orientation has been proposed to be the optimal strategy because spiders run faster downwards and thus can catch prey quicker. Consequently, orb-web spiders also extend their web in the lower part, leading to top-down web asymmetry. Since the majority of orb-web spiders face downwards, it has been difficult to test the effect of orientation on prey capture and web asymmetry. In this study, we explored the influence of reverse orientation on foraging efficiency and web asymmetry in Verrucosa arenata , a neotropical orb-web spider that faces upwards in the web. We show that reverse orientation does not imply reverse web asymmetry in this species. V. arenata spiders captured more prey in the lower part of the web but more prey per area on the upper part. The average running speeds of spiders did not differ between upward and downward running, but heavier spiders took longer to capture prey while running upwards. We discuss these findings in the context of foraging efficiency and web asymmetry. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0811-2 Authors Dinesh Rao, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Oscar Ceballos Fernandez, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Ernesto Castañeda-Barbosa, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Francisco Díaz-Fleischer, INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Culturas Veracruzanas No.101, Col. E. Zapata, CP 91090 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
    Print ISSN: 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 4
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    Unpublished field observations in Leucauge argyra , a tropical orb weaver spider, suggest the occurrence of conspicuous mating plugs that could reduce or prevent remating attempts. Otherwise, the sexual behavior of this species remains unknown. The aims of this study were to describe the courtship behavior and copulation in L. argyra and investigate mating plug formation in this species. Fourteen virgin females and 12 plugged females were exposed to up to three males and checked for mating plug formation. Of the 12 virgins that copulated, nine produced plugs (five immediately after copulation), and the five plugged females that copulated produced another mating plug immediately after copulation. We did not detect the transfer of any male substance during copulation but observed a whitish liquid emerging from female genital ducts. Plug formation was positively associated with male twanging during courtship. One virgin and four plugged females cannibalized males. In seven trials with virgins and in three trials with plugged females, the male’s palp adhered to a substance that emerged from female genital ducts and spread on her genital plate. The male had to struggle energetically to free his glued palp; two of these males were cannibalized while trying to release their palps. Females seem to determine copulation duration by altering the timing of mating plug formation and through sexual cannibalism. This is the first case reported of a mating plug as a sticky trap for males. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0807-y Authors Anita Aisenberg, Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Av. Italia 3318, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay Gilbert Barrantes, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, San José, Costa Rica Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Electronic ISSN: 1432-1904
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 5
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    In the blowfly Phormia regina , experience of simultaneous feeding with d -limonene exposure inhibits proboscis extension reflex (PER) due to decreased tyramine (TA) titer in the brain. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of TA signaling pathway related to the associated feeding behavior, we cloned cDNA encoding the octopamine/TA receptor (PregOAR/TAR). The deduced protein is composed of 607 amino acid residues and has 7 predicted transmembrane domains. Based on homology and phylogenetic analyses, this protein belongs to the OAR/TAR family. The PregOAR/TAR was mainly expressed in head, with low levels of expression in other tissues at adult stages. Gene expression profile is in agreement with a plethora of functions ascribed to TA in various insect tissues. The immunolabeled cell bodies and processes were localized in the medial protocerebrum, outer layer of lobula, antennal lobe, and subesophageal ganglion. These results suggest that decrease of TA level in the brain likely affects neurons expressing PregOAR/TAR , causing mediation of the sensitivity in the sensillum and/or output of motor neurons for PER. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0806-z Authors Yuko Ishida, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1–1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657–8501 Japan Mamiko Ozaki, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1–1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657–8501 Japan Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 6
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    In a predator–prey system where both intervenients come from the same taxon, one can expect a strong selection on behavioural and morphological traits involved in prey capture. For example, in specialised snake-eating snakes, the predator is unaffetced by the venom of the prey. We predicted that similar adaptations should have evolved in spider-eating (araneophagous) spiders. We investigated potential and actual prey of two Palpimanus spiders ( P. gibbulus , P. orientalis ) to support the prediction that these are araneophagous predators. Specific behavioural adaptations were investigated using a high-speed camera during staged encounters with prey, while morphological adaptations were investigated using electron microscopy. Both Palpimanus species captured a wide assortment of spider species from various guilds but also a few insect species. Analysis of the potential prey suggested that Palpimanus is a retreat-invading predator that actively searches for spiders that hide in a retreat. Behavioural capture adaptations include a slow, stealthy approach to the prey followed by a very fast attack. Morphological capture adaptations include scopulae on forelegs used in grabbing prey body parts, stout forelegs to hold the prey firmly, and an extremely thick cuticle all over the body preventing injury from a counter bite of the prey. Palpimanus overwhelmed prey that was more than 200% larger than itself. In trials with another araneophagous spider, Cyrba algerina (Salticidae), Palpimanus captured C. algerina in more than 90% of cases independent of the size ratio between the spiders. Evidence indicates that both Palpimanus species possesses remarkable adaptations that increase its efficiency in capturing spider prey. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0804-1 Authors Stano Pekár, Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic Jan Šobotník, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic Yael Lubin, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University, 84990 Sede Boqer Campus, Beer-Sheva, Israel Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 7
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    The journey of the European eel to the spawning area in the Sargasso Sea is still a mystery. Several trials have been carried out to follow migrating eels with pop-up satellite tags (PSATs), without much success. As eels are very efficient swimmers, tags likely interfere with their high swimming efficiency. Here we report a more than twofold increase in swimming cost caused by a regular small satellite tag. The impact was determined at a range of swimming speeds with and without tag in a 2-m swimming tunnel. These results help to explain why the previous use of PSATs to identify spawning sites in the Sargasso Sea was thus far unsuccessful. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0805-0 Authors Erik Burgerhout, ZF-Screens BV, Niels Bohrweg 11, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands Ryotaro Manabe, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Sebastiaan A. Brittijn, ZF-Screens BV, Niels Bohrweg 11, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands Jun Aoyama, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Katsumi Tsukamoto, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8546, Japan Guido E. E. J. M. van den Thillart, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Lab, POB 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 8
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    Describing postures has always been a central concern when studying behaviour. However, attempts to compare postures objectively at phylogenetical, populational, inter- or intra-individual levels generally either rely upon a few key elements or remain highly subjective. Here, we propose a novel approach, based on well-established geometric morphometrics, to describe and to analyse postures globally (i.e. considering the animal’s body posture in its entirety rather than focusing only on a few salient elements, such as head or tail position). Geometric morphometrics is concerned with describing and comparing variation and changes in the form (size and shape) of organisms using the coordinates of a series of homologous landmarks (i.e. positioned in relation to skeletal or muscular cues that are the same for different species for every variety of form and function and that have derived from a common ancestor, i.e. they have a common evolutionary ancestry, e.g. neck, wings, flipper/hand). We applied this approach to horses, using global postures (1) to characterise behaviours that correspond to different arousal levels, (2) to test potential impact of environmental changes on postures. Our application of geometric morphometrics to horse postures showed that this method can be used to characterise behavioural categories, to evaluate the impact of environmental factors (here human actions) and to compare individuals and groups. Beyond its application to horses, this promising approach could be applied to all questions involving the analysis of postures (evolution of displays, expression of emotions, stress and welfare, behavioural repertoires…) and could lead to a whole new line of research. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0803-2 Authors Carole Fureix, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Martine Hausberger, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Emilie Seneque, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Stéphane Morisset, Hôpital E. Herriot, Unité de Recherche Clinique du Service d’Hématologie, 5 Place d’Arsonval, 69437 Lyon cedex 03, France Michel Baylac, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle CNRS-UMR 7205 and «plate-forme Morphométrie», UMS 2700, 45 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Raphaël Cornette, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle CNRS-UMR 7205 and «plate-forme Morphométrie», UMS 2700, 45 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Véronique Biquand, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Pierre Deleporte, Université Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Campus de Beaulieu bât. 25, 263 avenue Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 9
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    Efficient cooperation in eusocial insect colonies requires effective communication, and there is abundant evidence of non-volatile chemicals playing a role in regulating reproduction within colonies. In contrast, there have been fewer studies investigating the role of volatile chemicals. This study investigated the potential role of volatile chemicals in regulating queen reproduction either by directly inhibiting queen reproduction or by honestly signalling queen fecundity to workers. We tested this using multiple queen colonies of the ant ( Leptothorax acervorum ) from a functionally monogynous population where one queen monopolizes all reproduction. Nine colonies, each with an established laying queen, were split to produce two colony fragments—one containing the reproducing queen (group 1) and one containing only previously non-reproducing queens (group 2). Each group was separated by a fine wire mesh preventing physical contact, but allowing volatile chemical contact. In each group 2 fragment, we found that a single formerly non-reproductive queen commenced reproduction and that the rate of egg laying and maximum number of eggs recorded did not significantly differ between groups 1 and 2, results that do not support volatile chemicals as playing a role in regulating queen reproduction. Instead, our findings suggest that physical contact is necessary to maintain functional monogyny. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0801-4 Authors Duncan J. Coston, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK Richard J. Gill, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK Robert L. Hammond, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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  • 10
    Publication Date: 2011-06-12
    Description:    Integral quantities, wind run, S , and recirculation factor, R , useful for describing air flow, are calculated and combined with CO 2 mixing ratios. Meteorological observations were obtained from a RASS sodar and CO 2 mixing ratios from a continuous analyzer installed at a rural site in the upper Spanish plateau. The measuring campaign spread over 3 years and two approaches were followed. The first approach considered integral quantities on a daily basis and two classifications of air flow, to date scarcely used. The first classification distinguished among stagnation, recirculation, and ventilation, the second considering synoptic, meso-, and local scales. Moreover, 52.94% of daily values handled in this paper corresponded to ventilation and 49.70% to synoptic scale. The main goal of this approach is the subsequent link between the two classifications: the synoptic scale was associated with ventilation, mesoscale with recirculation and local scale partially with recirculation. CO 2 observations were distributed in air flow groups following these classifications and mesoscale processes were satisfactorily described since noticeable evidence of transport from nearby cities was observed. In the second approach, S and R pairs were used and CO 2 mixing ratios were distributed following percent intervals of ventilation, calculated by binning these pairs. The main goal of the second approach is to consider only three groups of mixing ratios. In the first group, with high ventilation, mixing ratios were low. With intermediate ventilation, mixing ratios were medium, and with low ventilation mixing ratios were high. A contrast of 21 ppm between the third and first groups was obtained at the 95th percentile. Finally, the second group provided a contrast of 3 ppm between north and south directions and also between east and west attributed to transport from nearby cities. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00114-011-0800-5 Authors Isidro A. Pérez, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain M. Luisa Sánchez, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain M. Ángeles García, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain Vanessa Paredes, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, c/ Prado de la Magdalena s/n, 47071 Valladolid, Spain Journal Naturwissenschaften Online ISSN 1432-1904 Print ISSN 0028-1042
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    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Natural Sciences in General
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