Sexual selection is not the origin of long necks in giraffes
The evolutionary origin of the long neck of giraffes is enigmatic. One theory (the ‘sexual selection’ theory) is that their shape evolved because males use their necks and heads to achieve sexual dominance. Support for this theory would be that males invest more in neck and head growth than do females. We have investigated this […]
Assessment of body condition in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20099.abs A method of assessing body condition of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) is presented. The method uses visual assessment to assign numerical scores to six different regions of the body, which are totaled to give a numerical index ranging from 0–11. The relationship between the index and morphometric variables is compared for a sample […]
Morphology of the blood cells from three species of wobbegong sharks (Orectolobus species) on the east coast of New South Wales
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20079.abs This study is the first study to describe blood cell morphology, using light microscopy, for three species of wild-caught wobbegong shark. Blood cell morphology was similar to that described previously in fish. Wobbegong sharks possess erythrocytes, at least three different morphological types of thrombocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, granuloblasts and monocytes. No basophils were […]
Blood platelets of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20009.abs The blood platelet count and platelet morphology of 22 adult cheetahs was investigated. The platelet counts of the animals displayed a normal distribution, with a mean count of 344×109/l and a mean platelet volume of 11 fl. Morphological and ultrastructural features of the cheetah platelets revealed the typical platelet morphology of anuclear cells, […]
Use of computerized image analysis in the morphometric characterization of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) spermatozoa obtained from the epididymis 4 hours postmortem
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10106.abs The reproductive tract of Chu-Lin, a giant panda that had died at Madrid Zoo, was removed. Four hours postmortem the epididymides was cut with a blade, and the spermatozoa were collected and immersed in a freezing medium. The sample was kept under refrigeration at 5°C. After 4 hr the sperm suspension was aspirated […]
Environmental modulation of androgen levels and secondary sex characters in two populations of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo
Morphology and endocrinology were studied in two populations of the peacock blenny Salaria pavo, with different regimes of sexual selection imposed by differences in nest site availability. The peacock blenny is a small, sexually dimorphic benthic fish that presents exclusive paternal care of the clutch and inhabits rocky shores of the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic […]
Personality Traits in Dumpling Squid (Euprymna tasmanica) : Context-Specific Traits and Their Correlation With Biological Characteristics
Personality traits are a major class of behavioral variation often observed within populations of animals. However, little is known of the integration between personality and an individual’s underlying biology. To address this, the authors measured personality traits in squid (Euprymna tasmanica) in 2 contexts while also describing trait correlates with biological parameters. Four traits (shy […]
Taxonomy of the Bornean Slow Loris, With New Species Nycticebus kayan (Primates, Lorisidae)
More species of nocturnal primates are now recognized than in the past, because many are cryptic species. Subtle morphological disparities, such as pelage pattern and color variation, vocal cues, and genetics have aided in elucidating the number of diagnosable species in a genus. The slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) once included only two species, but recent […]
Differential effects of dietary protein on early life-history and morphological traits in natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) tadpoles reared in captivity
The production of high quality amphibian larvae through optimal diets is a critical component of amphibian conservation breeding programs. Larval period, survival, body weight and total length are frequently used as metrics of adequate nutrition. However, the effects of nutrition on tadpole and metamorph morphology are rarely tested in detail. In the present study, we […]
Semen characterization, seasonality of production, and in vitro sperm quality after chilled storage and cryopreservation in the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Research was conducted to examine seasonal seminal traits and to establish short-term and long-term sperm preservation methods in the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) for use in genome banking and artificial insemination (AI). Spermic ejaculates (n = 87) obtained using a cooperative method were collected across multiple (n = 6, Male 1) and a single (Male 2) breeding season(s). Non-contaminated […]