Differences in diet composition and foraging patterns between sexes of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) during the non-breeding period as revealed by δ13C and δ15N values in feathers and bone

In diving seabirds, sexual dimorphism in size often results in sex-related differences of foraging patterns. Previous research on Magellanic penguins, conducted during the breeding season, failed to reveal consistent differences between the sexes on foraging behavior, despite sexual dimorphism. In this paper, we tested the hypothesis that male and female Magellanic penguins differ in diet and foraging patterns during the non-breeding period when the constraints imposed by chick rearing activities vanish. We used stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in feather and bone to characterize the diet and foraging patterns of male and female penguins in the South Atlantic at the beginning of the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 post-breeding seasons (feathers) and over several consecutive breeding and migratory seasons (bone). The mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of feathers showed no differences between the sexes in any of the three regions considered or in the diet composition between the sexes from identical breeding regions; however, Bayesian ellipses showed a higher isotopic niche width in males at the beginning of the post-breeding season. Stable isotope ratios in bone revealed the enrichment of males with δ¹³C compared with females across the three regions considered. Furthermore, the Bayesian ellipses were larger for males and encompassed those of females in two of the three regions analyzed. These results suggest a differential use of winter resources between the sexes, with males typically showing a larger diversity of foraging/migratory strategies. The results also show that dietary differences between male and female Magellanic penguins may occur once the constraints imposed by chick rearing activities cease at the beginning of the post-breeding season.     

Phenology and population radiation of the nettle caterpillar, Darna pallivitta (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) in Hawai’i

The nettle caterpillar, Darna pallivitta (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is an invasive pest with established populations on three Hawai’ian islands. Indigenous to Southeast Asia, D. pallivitta caterpillars cause defoliation of ornamental nursery stock and pose a human health hazard due to their urticating hairs that can cause painful skin reactions. Identification of the pheromone component n-butyl (E)-7,9-decadienoate (E7,9-10:COOnBu) from D. pallivitta has made it possible to investigate the phenology and population dynamics using baited traps. Male captures in Jackson traps baited with E7,9-10:COOnBu showed a vegetation preference for tall-grass fields and forest/grass interfaces over forest areas. Microlocation preferences were also found for trap height, with over 65% of males being caught in traps suspended at 1 m, compared with the traps at 3 and 5 m. Captures of male moths in traps baited with live females, and direct observations of female calling behavior, showed peak activities 6–7 h after the onset of scotophase. This is a much later communication period than for D. bradleyi and D. trima and may provide a mechanism by which D. pallivitta maintains reproductive isolation in areas where all three species are present. Coastal and inland transects established in eastern Hawai’i measured aspects of population fluctuations and radiation into new areas with relation to elevation and microclimate. Population expansion was measured by comparing moth population means and 80% population boundaries over time. Both population measures showed a higher expansion for the coastal transect. Differences in population expansion may be attributed in part to temperature and elevation, while precipitation does not seem to have a strong effect. Both the behavioral and ecological data collected can be used to optimize deployment of detection/control strategies and to predict population expansion/risk assessment for establishing quarantine protocols for the nettle caterpillar.     

Reproduction and growth of Isostichopus fuscus (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) in the southern Gulf of California, México

The reproduction and growth of Isostichopus fuscus (Ludwig, 1875) at Isla Espíritu Santo, Baja California Sur, México from July 1992 to September 1993 and from August 1996 to July 1997 were analyzed. The reproductive cycle was monitored by using histological analysis. Five gonadal stages were described according to cell types present in the gonad; undetermined, gametogenesis, maturity, spawning and post-spawning. This holothurian reproduces annually during summer (July to September), when sea surface temperature reaches 27 °C. The gonad index is related to the gonadal stages. The first sexual maturity for I. fuscus was calculated at 367 g (4 to 5 years old) according to the von Bertalanffy equation, and nearly all the specimens at Isla Espíritu Santo were 5 to 7 years old (including some individuals over 35 years old). Data of the length–weight relationship showed that I. fuscus grows allometrically at the studied site (b = 1.83). The mortality rate was relatively high (M = 0.51), indicating that in a typical cohort, 40% of the recruits does not survive the first year, and less than 20% reaches maturity. Received: 15 July 1998 / Accepted: 19 August 1999     

Input and fate of anthropogenic estrogens and gadolinium in surface water and␣sewage plants in the hydrological basin of Prague (Czech Republic)

The concentration of the estrogens 17β-estradiol, estriol, estrone, 17α-ethinylestradiol, mestranol and norethisterone and of the anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd_ant) has been determined in the creeks and rivers, sewage treatment plants and water works of the city of Prague. The rapid degradation of estrogens in surface water allows the estrogen concentration gradient to be used as a very precise and sensitive guideline by which to pin-point sewage leaks into surface run-off water. The rather conservative behavior of Gd_ant in surface and ground water documents in the present case the presence of sewage water in the surface water cycle.     

Absorption and retention of polydimethylsiloxanes (silicones) in fish: Preliminary experiments†

Hydrophobicity and bioaccumulation potential of linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oligomers were estimated by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and feeding experiments with guppies (Poecilia reticulata). PDMS concentrations in fish were determined by capillary column gas chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In contrast to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), only very small amounts of PDMS were retained by the fish after six weeks feeding.     

The scent of alarm: ontogenetic and genetic variation in the osmeterial gland chemistry of Papilio glaucus (Papilionidae) caterpillars

Within a species, ontogenetic and genetic variation in defensive chemistry can provide the basis for natural selection from different predator types. The osmeterial chemistry of fifth (last) instar Papilio glaucus caterpillars is known to differ qualitatively from the composition of early instar caterpillars. However, the osmeterial chemistry of early instar caterpillars has not been thoroughly characterized and may change as the caterpillars undergo their first three molts. We have used GC/MS to identify a suite of about 50 different terpene compounds in the osmeterial secretions of P. glaucus caterpillars, and found the relative amounts of these compounds changed significantly with each molt. These quantitative changes preceded the more dramatic qualitative switch to the production of 2-methylbutyric and isobutyric acids after the molt to the fifth instar. We also examined the effects of diet and genetic background on the relative quantities of 15 terpenes present in the secretions of third instar caterpillars. Parentage was found to affect the percentages of many more of the individual components than did diet, although both exerted an effect. The ontogenetic and genetic variations in the composition of the osmeterial secretions appear to have an effect on would-be predators. In the laboratory, terpene secretion was found to discourage attack by ants, whereas the switch from terpene to acid production rendered the caterpillars less palatable to a larger predator, the green anole. In the field, the presence of functional osmeteria did not seem to dramatically increase survival in a field study, and only a small, non-significant advantage was seen. Similarly, field data was suggestive that parentage might affect the likelihood of survival in a natural setting, but the stage of the caterpillar and the field site significantly affected survivorship. Further studies with greater replicates will be needed to determine whether and to what extent chemical differences in osmeterial components as well as behavior contribute to differences in outcomes in the field.     

Accumulation and transfer of Hg, As, Se, and other metals in the sediment-vegetation-crab-human food chain in the coastal zone of the northern Brazilian state of Pará (Amazonia)

The high consumption of crabs (Ucides cordatus) stimulated interest in the present study on the northern coast of Brazil, which encompasses a preserved area of mangrove forest. The objective was to describe and quantify the transfer of metals from the muddy sediments to the leaves of the Rhizophora mangle, and thence the crabs and humans. The samples were collected along two transects, while samples of hair were obtained from local habitants. The pH, interstitial salinity, Eh (mV) were measured, the granulometry and mineralogical and multi-element chemical analyses were run, and the organic material determined. The sediments are silty-clayey, composed of quartz, kaolinite, iron oxides, and illite, as well as smaller portions of smectite, pyrite, halite, and high levels of SiO₂ (56.5 %), Al₂O₃ (18.5 %), and Fe₂O₃ (7 %). The elements Zn, Sr, As, and Zr are concentrated in the leaves, while the bioaccumulation of Zn, Se, Sr, and As was recorded in the crabs, of which, Se is the most concentrated in the tissue of the muscles and the hepatopancreas. The concentrations of nutrient and toxic elements were similar in all age groups (hair samples), with only Hg presenting an increasing concentration between infants and adults. The highest rates of transfer were recorded for the elements Zn and Se in the crabs and Hg in leaves and hair. The accumulation of metals in the leaves and crabs reflects the chemical composition of the sediments and low rates of sediment-vegetation-crab transfer, with the exception of Hg, which accumulated in the hair.     

The effects of developmental lead (Pb) exposure on the expression of the CTGF and TGF-β1 in hippocampus of pups

Pregnant mice were exposed to control (0%), low (0.1%), moderate (0.5%), and high (1%) lead (Pb) acetate in deionized drinking water from the first day of gestation to postnatal day (PND) 21. Pb concentration was determined in blood and the hippocampus at the 7th, 14th, or 21st day of neonatal mice pups. The expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein was also measured in the hippocampus using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assays. The expression of CTGF and TGF-β1 mRNA was up-regulated in hippocampus in Pb-exposed groups. These results were further confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining. Data suggest that CTGF and TGF-β1 genes are differentially regulated and are affected by Pb.     

Fine structure of the “button setae” in the deep-sea pelagic copepods of the genus Euaugaptilus (Calanoida: Augaptilidae)

 Many species of the carnivorous copepod family Augaptilidae, a primarily meso- and bathypelagic group, possess specialized “buttons” on the setae of their maxilla and maxilliped, which have been thought to be a simple cuticular outgrowth. The fine structure of the button setae in three species of Euaugaptilus was examined by light- and electron microscopy from samples collected in the eastern Indian Ocean and the subtropical western North Pacific. The buttons are arranged in two rows along the inner surface of the setae. There are differences in the shape, size, and arrangement of buttons among the three species, Euaugaptiluslaticeps, E.longimanus, and E.magnus. The button setae have an elaborate internal structure consisting of “setal shaft”, “stalk”, “disc”, and “outer membrane”, with microtubule bundles in the setal lumen, but have no muscular tissues. The disc has only pin-point contact to the core of the stalk, but has connection over a wider area with the fibrous tissue surrounding the core, and the contact area between the stalk and the setal shaft is also small. These structures suggest that the disc will move freely on the apex of the core of the stalk and the stalk may be movable at its connection to the setal shaft. All these components of the button setae may function in concert to fit the surface of the discs firmly to the surface of a prey, and to absorb the energy generated by the struggling prey. Received: 30 November 1999 / Accepted: 19 May 2000     

Decoration supplementation and male–male competition in the great bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis): a test of the social control hypothesis

Many animals use signals to communicate their social status to conspecifics, and the social control hypothesis suggests that social interactions maintain the evolutionary stability of status signals: low-quality individuals signal at a low level to prevent high-quality individuals from “punishing” them. I examined whether the numbers of decorations at bowers are socially controlled in the great bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus nuchalis). In two populations, I supplemented males with decorations to determine whether they (a) rejected supplemental decorations and (b) experienced increased bower destruction from rivals. In contrast to the social control hypothesis, males in both populations accepted most supplemental decorations. Though the mean destruction rate did not increase during supplementation in either population, one of the study populations (Townsville) exhibited a negative correlation between the numbers of decorations naturally displayed at bowers and the change in destruction rate during the experiment. Townsville males that naturally had few decorations at their bowers also had more decorations stolen by other males during supplementation than males that naturally had many decorations. These results suggest that the numbers of decorations at bowers are an honest signal of the male's ability to defend his display site from rivals in at least one population of the great bowerbird (Townsville), but they do not support the social control hypothesis because males at both sites failed to limit signal expression. I discuss how the external nature of bower decorations and their availability in the environment may influence the costs and benefits of decoration theft and social control.     

Determination of natural and artificial radionuclide materials in the Ma’assel used in hubbly-bubbly (Shisha) in Jordan

In the last decade the habit of smoking the hubbly-bubbly has increased sharply in many regions, including Europe, North America and Australia. Jordan is considered as having one of the highest consumptions of hubbly-bubbly in the world with respect to the general population. Our investigation was initiated due to the increasing trend of cancer cases in the last 10 years. The aim of this study was to determine the radioactive content in tobacco products available in the Jordanian market together with the related supplies. This study showed that all 13 samples investigated contained one or more radionuclides, from ²¹⁰Pb, ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs, ²³⁸U, and ²²⁶Ra. Most of the samples contained natural potassium ⁴⁰K and uranium ²³⁸U, lead ²¹⁰Pb was found in three samples, while radium ²²⁶Ra was present only in one sample. Five samples contained the anthropogenic ¹³⁷Cs. The estimated daily intake of U was found in the range between 4.4 and 115.8?µg per day (0.05–1.43 Becquerel (Bq) per day ²³⁸U), with geometric mean of 17.3?µg per day (0.2?Bq per day ²³⁸U). The geometric mean of U daily intake found represents 25% of the reference dose (RfD) value, where the highest determined U content represents 165% of the RfD value. This study demonstrated that a water vessel of hubbly-bubbly trapped less than 1.5% of the total U in Ma’assel samples. It is misleading to the public to indicate that a water vessel serves as an active filter for toxic and radiotoxic elements.     

The concentration of Cu and Pb in the funnel spider Eratigena atrica (C. L. Koch 1843) (Araneae: Agelenidae) and its web

Studies on the heavy metal concentrations on spider webs in relation to the pathways of pollution penetration (external and internal) have yet to be performed. This work assesses the concentration levels of two heavy metals: essential copper (Cu) and toxic lead (Pb) in spider webs and spiders (females, males and juveniles). Spiders divided into three treatment groups were exposed to the heavy metals in their diet as prey (fruit flies and mealworms larvae) were artificially contaminated with Cu and Pb. In general, we found higher rates of Cu compared to Pb concentrations in spiders and their webs. A positive correlation between levels of Cu and Pb in webs and spiders was found. Males had higher concentrations of both metals Cu and Pb in their bodies and webs compared to females. In an additional experiment, washed webs had significantly less metals than unwashed suggesting the dominance of external pollution in the contamination pathway.     

A chemical mechanism for dry deposition—the role of biogenic hydrocarbon (Terpene) emissions in the dry deposition of O3, SO2 and NOx in forest areas

Terpenes react quite rapidly with ambient ozone and lead via ozonides to highly oxidizing radicals and consecutive products forming aerosols. In the presence of SO₂ sulphur containing compounds, mainly as sulphate, are formed. By means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and by comparison with known spectra the main products of the reaction of ß‐pinene (as a model compound) with ozone and sulphur dioxide could be identified.

Reaction of terpenes with NO₃‐radicals, which build up in the atmosphere at night‐time, leads to the formation of organic nitrates that form aerosols. The kinetics as well as the products of the reaction between NO₃‐radicals and ß‐pinene have been studied by FTIR and MS.     

Determination of the framework conditions and research–development needs for the dissemination of cleaner (sustainable) production applications in Turkey

SUMMARY

A cross-section survey of five states in Nigeria was derived through a stratified random sampling technique in 1999–2000 to assess the contribution of traditional knowledge in environmental conservation. Data were collected through a combination of questionnaire survey and discussions with stakeholders, with field assessment of herb gardens. Interviews were held with 1953 respondents composed of women, men and youths drawn from 20 settlements in 10 local government areas in the savanna and rainforest ecological zones.

The results derived from data analysis indicated that: (i) the rural communities were willing to accept integrated rural land-use practices that would conserve species and habitats, sustain the rural economy and the socio-cultural lifestyles of the people; (ii) the people at the local level had some basic knowledge about species and habitats, and have been conserving the forests with traditional land tenure rights; and (iii) environmental projects acceptable to the rural communities must be beneficial to the people, participatory, integrated with traditional knowledge and based on local needs.     

Diversity and community composition of phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the sediments of the Sanshiliujiao Lake reservoir北大核心CSCD

The diversity and community composition of phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the sediments of the Sanshiliujiao Lake reservoir in Pingtan island, Fujian Province, were investigated by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) methods combined with the construction of clone libraries. The diversity of PAOs in summer samples was significantly higher than that in winter. The dominant terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) of PAOs were in the range of 200 to 300 bp in summer, while they were in the range of 150 to 200 bp in winter. Cloning sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the main phyla of PAOs in the sediment of the Sanshiliujiao Lake reservoir were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Anaeromyxobacter, Azospirillum, Microlunatus phosphovorus, and Burkholderia were the dominant genera in the summer samples. Anaeromyxobacter, Methylobacterium, Solibacter, Azospirillum, and Microlunatus phosphovorus were the dominant genera in sediment samples in winter. The results of this study demonstrated that the diversity and community composition of PAOs in the sediments of the Sanshiliujiao Lake reservoir had specific seasonal characteristics. Various forms of phosphorus also showed their influence on the diversity of PAOs, especially Fe/Al-P. Our findings lays a scientific foundation for the future disclosure of microbial mechanisms involved in the phosphorus metabolic cycle in the sediments of reservoirs. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Territory and group sizes in Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber): echoes of settlement and reproduction?

According to current theories of territoriality, an animal is expected to defend the smallest area that can provide resources for maximisation of reproduction, known as the economically defendable area. In group territorial species however, the strategies behind resource defence are likely to be more complex with corporate territoriality, cooperative breeding, delayed dispersal and intra-group competition all potentially playing a role. Here we examined group territoriality in a social herbivorous rodent, the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber. Beavers in our study do not inhabit economically defendable territories. Instead the sequence of arrival of pairs into unoccupied areas seems to play a more important role in determining the size of the territory, whereas group size is determined by past reproductive success. We argue that the settlement pattern and reproductive history have a lasting impact in the territorial system of beavers due to a combination of the low adult mortality, high dispersal costs, and avoidance of resource depletion.R.D. Campbell and F. Rosell contributed equally to this work     

Endocrine disruptors in the Leça River and nearby Porto Coast (NW Portugal): presence of estrogenic compounds and hypoxic conditions

The Leça River and two beaches close to the north and south margins of the estuary, nowadays an important seaport harbor, show signs of contamination. However, the chemical nature of that contamination is uncertain. Therefore, this study checked for the presence of 11 endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) of animal (17β-estradiol and estrone), pharmaceutical (17α-ethynylestradiol), and industrial (alkylphenols, alkylphenol ethoxylates, and bisphenol A) origins in water samples collected from six points at the river gradient and at two sites in the coastline (Atlantic Ocean). Along with the EDCs, evaluated by gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) during spring, summer, and autumn, physico-chemical parameters were also assessed and particular attention was given to dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Data showed the presence of high amounts of estrogens (up to 10?ng?L^?1 for estrone) and industrial compounds (up to 2?µg?L^?1 for the nonylphenol ethoxylates) at both river and seacoast. Along with this, clear signs of hypoxia were found in the river (DO??1 at several sampling sites). Taking into account these issues, it was concluded that there are local conditions for the occurrence of endocrine disruption in aquatic animals.     

Gametogenesis, spawning behavior, and early development in the “iceworm”Hesiocaeca methanicola (Polychaeta: Hesionidae) from methane hydrates in the Gulf of Mexico

Gametogenesis, spawning behavior, and early development have been described in the methane-seep polychaete Hesiocaecamethanicola Desbruyères and Toulmond, 1998, the first documentation of the reproductive biology of any cold-seep polychaete species. The worms were collected at the Green Canyon site in the Gulf of Mexico (27°44.77N; 91°13.33W) in August 1997. The gonads are situated in the neuropodia in association with an intraepithelial capillary system. Oogenesis is intraovarian, with oocytes remaining in the ovary until late vitellogenesis when they are released into the coelom for final growth and differentiation. Vitellogenesis involves both autosynthetic and heterosynthetic processes and, along with ovarian structure, suggests a relatively slow process of egg formation. Sperm differentiation is intertesticular until early spermiogenesis, when spermatid tetrads complete development in the coelom. The mature spermatozoon is an ect-aquasperm consisting of a tapering, digitate acrosome, a spherical nucleus, a midpiece containing from six to eight mitochondria and glycogen stores, and two centrioles associated with the flagellum. Both sexes undergo broadcast spawning, but the males spawn exclusively through the anus, a behavior previously unknown in polychaetes. Artificial fertilization resulted in spiral cleavage and development to the trochophore stage. Oocyte size-frequency analysis of adult females indicates a wide range of oocyte sizes and vitellogenic stages, suggesting that asynchronous gametogenesis occurs. Received: 13 July 2000 / Accepted: 29 November 2000     

Growth and life span of the small octopus Octopus tehuelchus in San Matías Gulf (Patagonia): three decades of study

Phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variability is one of the main characteristics of cephalopods. This study compares growth and life span of Octopus tehuelchus in different coastal environments of San Matías Gulf (Patagonia) at three different periods. The progression of maturity jointly with modal progression analysis and the detection of hatchlings in the natural environment were used to differentiate cohorts and assign ages. Growth was described using the oscillatory von Bertalanffy growth model. Within San Antonio Bay, O. tehuelchus seems to have the most favourable conditions for an extended spawning season and the development of two sub-annual cohorts. O. tehuelchus growth is strongly seasonal with slow growth rates during winter. There were differences in the growth pattern between sites and particularly between sub-annual cohorts in San Antonio Bay. The growth pattern in each site seems to be similar along the last 26 years. The results of our study make evident the variability and plasticity of O. tehuelchus in response to the environment.     

Research of usability of tree leaves and soil in determining the contribution of industry and traffic to air pollution in Bozüyük (Turkey) region

In industrialized regions like Bozüyük, generally density of settlement and traffic is also observed. As a result of this density, the metal pollution that results from either industrial activities or traffic shall affect the air quality negatively. In determining this effect and sources thereof inspection of the depositing of heavy metals, which cause pollution, on the tree leaves and in the soil, and making comments by comparing with the values in the same kinds of plants and soil in the clean region has been aimed. For this purpose, zinc, copper, chromium, cadmium, iron, nickel, lead analysis have been carried out in order to determine the accumulation of pollution in plants and soils resulting from heavy industry and vehicles around Bozüyük (Turkey) region which is close to highway. These analyses have been carried out on washed and unwashed tree leave samples and surface soil from ten locations. Data used in the results were the average values of a series of data obtained from the experimental studies.