The Toad-Headed Agama Phrynocephalus guttatus (Reptilia: Agamidae): The Correlates of Survival in a Translocated Population in the Southwestern Kalmyk Republic

Observations of a translocated population of toad-headed agamas (Phrynocephalus guttatus) in the south of the Kalmyk Republic (1998–2001) have shown that seasonal differences in animal survival are manifested only in juveniles and the survival rate of juveniles is higher than that of adult individuals. A significant correlation between survival rate and sex is also characteristic only of juveniles: survival rate is higher in females than in males. In adult males, survival positively correlates with the level of activity; in juvenile males, with body size. In adult females, survival inversely correlates with body size and weight.     

Analysis of Survival of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) at the Phases of Population Growth and Decline

Changes in the survival parameters of the red fox were analyzed at different phases of the population cycle. It was found that the survival rate in all age classes, including newborns, drastically increased at the phase of population growth. The relationship between the general mortality rate and population size was determined. A hypothesis concerning the mechanism of these changes in the general mortality rate is suggested.     

The Outcome of Northern Fur Seal Harvesting: The Results of Calibration of Mathematical Models Based on Observation Data (the Example of Tyulenii Island Population)

Tendencies in the dynamics of harvested northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) population on the Tyulenii Island have been analyzed in detail. The results show that retardation of reproduction (decrease in the numbers of pups) and decline in the survival of young females (up to 3 years of age) by the late 1980s resulted in a reduction of the total number of females and a significant increase in the proportion of older females. This tendency changed during the later observation period (after 1988–1989) due to increase in the survival of young females: the female population has gradually recovered, with the proportion of young females increasing at the expense of old females (aged over 10 years). The age composition of males has also changed: the proportion of young animals has decreased, while that of large mature males (bulls) has increased. Moreover, the number of bulls continues to increase and has already exceeded the level that formerly provided for the well-being of the population. This, a paradoxical situation has arisen: the numbers of females and bulls are increasing, whereas pup production remains at a low level.

     

Seasonal modulation of sex-related differences in hippocampus size and spatial behavior in bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

Male and female bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were compared with respect to seasonal variation in hippocampus size and dynamics of spatial behavior during the annual population cycle. The winter decrease in the size of the hippocampus (the brain region involved in the processing of spatial information about the environment) in young autumn-born voles coincided in time with reduction of their home ranges and did not differ significantly between males and females. The growth of the hippocampus in spring, after winter regression, was higher in males (19–28% in different populations) than in females (8–20%) and coincided with an increase in spatial activity, which was also more distinct in males. A significantly greater hippocampus size in males during the breeding period correlated with their higher mobility (reflected in capture rate) and greater size of home ranges. Thus, parallel seasonal modulation of sex-related differences in hippocampus size and spatial behavior was revealed: sexual dimorphism in these characters was insignificant among young voles in autumn; disappeared in winter; manifested itself again, synchronously in both characters, in early spring (with the onset of puberty); and reached a peak in summer.     

雅鲁藏布江异齿裂腹鱼生活史对策和种群资源利用现状

2008年8月至2009年8月在西藏雅鲁藏布江中游采集到异齿裂腹鱼（Schizothorax oconnori）1 126尾,对其生活史对策和种群资源利用现状进行了研究。结果显示：异齿裂腹鱼的总死亡系数（Z）雌性为0.090/a,雄性为0112/a;自然死亡系数（M）雌雄分别为0053/a和0064/a;捕捞死亡系数（F）雌雄分别为0037/a和0048/a;开发率（E）雌雄分别为0415/a和0428/a。以达氏鳇（Huso dauncus）和尖头塘鳢（Eleotris oxycephaoa）作为参照物,运用模糊聚类进行分析,表明异齿裂腹鱼属于比较典型的K 选择类型鱼类。在现捕捞死亡系数、现起捕年龄和现自然死亡系数下,异齿裂腹鱼的繁殖潜力比雌雄分别为5280%和5164%,都大于目标参考点40%。通过单位补充量亲鱼生物量模型分析,显示目前雅鲁藏布江中游异齿裂腹鱼种群资源的开发水平较为合理     

黑尾近红鲌人工繁殖研究

报道了2001~2003年对长江上游特有鱼类黑尾近红鲌开展人工繁殖试验的结果。黑尾近红鲌亲鱼来源于四川泸州长江上游一级支流龙溪河。催产剂为促黄体素释放激素类似物(LRH A)，绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG) 与鲤鱼脑垂体(PG)。采用一次注射法，并用干法进行人工授精。共进行了23次人工催产，催产成功的占16次，有效的占3次，失败的占4次；共注射雌鱼70尾，其中46尾雌鱼排卵，平均催产率65.71%，受精率8.33%~100.0%，孵化率0.50%~94.71%，获得仔鱼29.3万尾。对亲鱼选择、催产方法、孵化与苗种培育等技术细节进行了讨论。     

Age,Survivorship and Life Expectancy in Near Eastern Fire Salamander, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salamandra infraimmaculata</Emphasis> (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Populations from different environmental habitats indicate variation in life history traits and these differences are mostly related to longevity, age and size at maturity. In this study, age structure, longevity, survivorship and sexual size dimorphism of Near Eastern fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) were assessed by means of skeletochronological analysis. Maximum lifespan was recorded to be twelve years in females and eleven years in males and age at maturity was estimated as three and four years for both sexes. Females had significantly larger SVL than that of males, while age structure and mean age did not differ between sexes. Age and body size were positively correlated with each other for both females and males. Since the populations of the Near Eastern fire salamander in Turkey are in decline, the present study which provides preliminary data on life history traits of this species could be helpful for future biological studies.     

Reproductive performance and organochlorine pollutants in an Antarctic marine top predator: the south polar skua

Despite low levels of organochlorine contaminants (OCs) in Antarctic biota, some compounds may exceed the levels in equivalent Arctic species, and previous studies have found biochemical evidence of pollutant exposure in south polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki), a common marine top predator in the region. In this study we examined relationships between fitness components (fecundity and adult return rate between breeding seasons) and concentrations of OCs in this species. In 65 nests, both males and females were caught, and using principal component analyses (PCA) we produced composite measurements (PC1 and PC2) of six highly correlated OCs measured in blood samples. Although the concentrations of OC were below those documented to have reproductive effects in other aquatic birds, we found that the eggs of females with high levels of OCs in the blood hatched later, and their chicks were in poorer condition at hatching, than females with low OC levels. Thus OCs may delay reproduction and reduce foetal growth in the skuas. However, there was no relationship between the parents' OC residues and the occurrence of non-viable eggs, although the proportion of nests containing non-viable eggs was high (47%). Moreover, there were no significant relationships between OCs and reproductive variables in males, even if males had higher OC levels than females, and no associations between OCs and adult return rate between breeding seasons.     

Use of pooled samples to assess human exposure to parabens,benzophenone-3 and triclosan in Queensland,Australia

Parabens, benzophenone-3 and triclosan are common ingredients used as preservatives, ultraviolet radiation filters and antimicrobial agents, respectively. Human exposure occurs through consumption of processed food and use of cosmetics and consumer products. The aim of this study was to provide a preliminary characterisation of exposure to selected personal care product chemicals in the general Australian population. De-identified urine specimens stratified by age and sex were obtained from a community-based pathology laboratory and pooled (n = 24 pools of 100). Concentrations of free and total (sum of free plus conjugated) species of methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl paraben, benzophenone-3 and triclosan were quantified using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry; with geometric means 232, 33.5, 60.6, 4.32, 61.5 and 87.7 ng/mL, respectively. Age was inversely associated with paraben concentration, and females had concentrations approximately two times higher than males. Total paraben and benzophenone-3 concentrations are significantly higher than reported worldwide, and the average triclosan concentration was more than one order of magnitude higher than in many other populations. This study provides the first data on exposure of the general Australian population to a range of common personal care product chemical ingredients, which appears to be prevalent and warrants further investigation.     

The State of Populations and Selective Hunting of Game Ungulates in the Middle Urals

The population dynamics of moose, wild boar, and roe deer in the Middle Urals and changes in the proportion of females among the animals taken by hunters were analyzed. For all the three species, a tendency toward selective hunting for females was revealed. In this situation, the proportion of females in a population decreases with time, and its reproductive potential is impaired.     

Sex-specific predation on two lizard species by kestrels

Sex-biased predation is thought to have important implications for sexual selection, sex allocation, and population dynamics (Magnhagen, 1991; Le-Galliard et al., 2005 for an example in lizards). Most studies found that males are subjected to higher predation pressure than females during the reproductive season (Korpimäki, 1985; Lodé et al., 2004; Christe et al., 2006; Costantini et al., 2007). In that period, males are very mobile, emit acoustic signals and exhibit brilliant colourations, which are needed to attract females but may make them more visible to predators. With regard to lizards, a recent study provided the first evidence that males of a lizard species may be preyed on more than females (Costantini et al., 2007). In the present study, we investigated whether there is sex-biased predation on two small lacertid species, the common wall lizard Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768) and the Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810), by Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) during the reproductive season. We also examined whether (1) the rate of predation differed between species and (2) the rate of predation differed across years or among hunting habitats for each species.     

Toxic effects of waterborne polychlorinated biphenyls and sex differences in an endangered goodeid fish (Girardinichthys viviparus)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) elicit toxic effects in different species. PCBs undergo biotransformation by enzymes associated with the mixed functional oxidase system, such as cytochrome P450 (cyt P450), this biotransformation being sex-dependent. No other metabolic pathways are known, however, in connection with this process. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of waterborne PCBs at sublethal nominal concentrations (0.92 mg PCBs/L) on the black-fin goodeid Girardinichthys viviparus, an endangered fish native to the Valley of Mexico, as well as any sex differences related to PCB biotransformation. Eight-month-old adult fish born in the laboratory were exposed for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 days to half the LC(0) (calculated concentration at which no deaths occurred after 96 h) determined by an acute toxicity test. Specimens were sacrificed following exposure and the liver was used to evaluate different biomarkers: cyt P450 concentration and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities. Results show sexual differentiation with regard to all biomarkers in both the control group and PCB-treated fish, with higher values found in males. The induction rate of cyt P450 remained constant throughout the study in males. In females, induction peaked on day 4, coinciding with maximum EROD activity, and fell significantly thereafter. EROD was lower in PCB-treated males than in the control group, but was greater in magnitude. ADH was significantly induced in both sexes from day 2 to day 16 of exposure. The highest response as compared to the control group occurred on day 8 in females. A correlation was found between ADH activity and exposure to PCBs. Three possible action mechanisms, operating either individually or concurrently, are proposed.     

Urbanization,unemployment rate and China' rising divorce rate

This paper analyzes the impacts of urbanization and unemployment rate on China's divorce rate with the panel data of 31Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2011.The study manifests as follows.First,the significant influence of urbanization cannot be observed on the rising breakdown since the latter is not the inevitable result of the former.In the second place,unemployment rate has a significant negative influence on divorce rate,namely,with the former increasing,the latter will decrease,which echoes the perspective of divorce cost.And finally,this paper also finds positive effects of per capita fixed investment,old-age dependency rate,average household size,the proportion of floating population and population density,and negative correlation of average education attainment on divorce rate.     

Indoor aerobiological pollution in certain indian domestic environments

The paper deals with bacterial and fungal populations and other pollutants in the indoors of slums, middle class, and upper class dwellings. Both allergenic and nonallergenic organisms have been observed to be higher in slums than in other dwellings. Further, females were more susceptible to various kinds of allergies than males.     

Dynamics of phenotypic traits and intrapopulation processes in great tit (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Parus major</Emphasis> L.) populations of the Middle Ural

Variability of the length of the white area on the outermost quill feathers of the great tit from two cities in the Middle Ural has been investigated. Dynamics of the average length of the white area in the birds from the city of Asbest reproduced the dynamics observed in the city of Yekaterinburg with a one-year lag in the females and a two-year lag in the males. Phenotypic changes in the great tit population did not occur simultaneously in the whole population, but rather moved along the living range with a certain velocity (50–60 km/year for the females and 25–30 km/year for the males). The results obtained are discussed in view of the concepts of population biology.     

Predictors of concentrations of hexachlorobenzene in human adipose tissue: a multivariate analysis by gender in Southern Spain

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was measured in adipose tissue intraoperatively collected from 387 subjects over 16 years old undergoing surgery in two hospitals in Granada (Southern Spain). HCB was quantified in 90.7% of subjects. The concentrations and frequencies of HCB were similar to those reported in adipose tissue samples in other recent European studies. Exposure patterns differed between females and males: higher HCB concentrations were found in females than in males (geometric mean 18.3 vs. 6.8 ng/g, p<0.001). The relationship between HCB concentrations and exposure risk factors was assessed by multivariate analysis stratifying by gender. In men, HCB concentrations were predicted (r(2)=0.45) by age, body mass index (BMI), place of residence, smoking, consumption of fish, chicken and cheese, occupation related to agriculture, and family involvement in construction activities. In women, HCB concentrations were predicted (r(2)=0.50) by age, BMI, consumption of milk and cheese, and occupation related to industry. The finding that women had three-fold higher levels of HCB than the men deserves further investigation.     

Po determination in urines of people living in Central Italy

This paper presents the results of the monitoring programme on the urines of people living in an area of Central Italy (near the Republic of S. Marino) to evaluate the background level of the ²¹⁰Po excretion rate (mBq day⁻¹) in this region. The volunteers were subdivided in five age classes and in every age class groups of males and females, cigarette smokers and non-smokers were taken into account. The results indicated that the ²¹⁰Po excretion rate was widely distributed within each group of volunteers. The ²¹⁰Po excretion rate was <30 mBq day⁻¹ for 93.2% of people. The obtained results are discussed and some conclusion, based upon the average values, was drawn.     

Effect of toxic pollution on fish populations and mechanisms for maintaining population size

The effect of pollution on fish populations has been analyzed. It has been demonstrated that the strategy of the fish life cycle changes in the direction corresponding to r-selection. Smaller individuals that mature at an earlier age and are preadapted to energy allocation for maintaining a higher metabolic rate and activating detoxification gain a survival advantage under toxic conditions. If young females whose gametogenesis is within the normal range join the spawning stock, the population size is successfully maintained but its parameters and gene pool are changed.     

Coat color polymorphism in populations of the northern mole vole in the Ural Region

Collections made in the course of long-term field studies on ecology of the northern mole vole Ellobius talpinus Pall. in the Ural Region and neighboring areas (more than 2000 individuals from 24 points of the species range) were used to analyze geographic variation in its coat color (color morphs). On the basis of long-term observations (1985–1999) on marked animals from a polymorphic population (Kurtamyshskii raion, Kurgan oblast), the life spans of males and females and the dependence of life span on population density and structure were estimated in animals of different color morphs. Each color morph of E. talpinus was shown to have specific features of the seasonal dynamics of age structure and migrations.     

Modelling the propagation of effects of chronic exposure to ionising radiation from individuals to populations

This study evaluated the potential effect of ionising radiation on population growth using simple population models and parameter values derived from chronic exposure experiments in two invertebrate species with contrasting life-history strategies. In the earthworm Eisenia fetida, models predicted increasing delay in population growth with increasing gamma dose rate (up to 0.6 generation times at 11 mGy h(-1)). Population extinction was predicted at 43 mGy h(-1). In the microcrustacean Daphnia magna, models predicted increasing delay in population growth with increasing alpha dose rate (up to 0.8 generation times at 15.0 mGy h(-1)), only after two successive generations were exposed. The study examined population effects of changes in different individual endpoints (including survival, number of offspring produced and time to first reproduction). Models showed that the two species did not respond equally to equivalent levels of change, the fast growing daphnids being more susceptible to reduction in fecundity or delay in reproduction than the slow growing earthworms. This suggested that susceptibility of a population to ionising radiation cannot be considered independent of the species' life history.