Skin, gland, and urine odors elicit intense investigation by male gray short-tailed opossums, Monodelphis domestica

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ido Zuri ◽  
Danielle Nguyen ◽  
Yasmine Daniels ◽  
Mimi Halpern
Keyword(s):  
Monodelphis Domestica ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Sternal Gland ◽  
Chemical Signaling ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Urine ◽  
Strange Male ◽  
Similar Body

Chemical signaling between animals of the same species is common among vertebrates. We have reported this phenomenon in the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica (Wagner, 1842). We now find that male opossums investigate odors derived from the mandibular and flank regions and from urine of male and female opossums and from the sternal gland of male opossums significantly more than distilled water. Males investigate female odors significantly more than male odors. They also investigate strange male odors significantly more than their own odors when similar body parts were compared. The males investigate female flank odors significantly longer than female urine odors when these were paired, but the time spent investigating other pairings of female odors was not significantly different. Furthermore, experimental males, unlike females tested in former studies, discriminate between urine of male and of female conspecifics when compared with water control. We hypothesize that male opossums require information about the presence of male conspecifics that recently traversed their home range to avoid potential conflicts. Urine from diestrous females signals the proximity of a female that has not already mated.

scholarly journals Possible Epigenetic Origin of a Recurrent Gynandromorph Pattern in Megachile Wild Bees

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
Daniele Sommaggio ◽  
Giuseppe Fusco ◽  
Marco Uliana ◽  
Alessandro Minelli
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Phenotype ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Gene Transcripts ◽  
Individual Body

Gynandromorphs, i.e., individuals with a mix of male and female traits, are common in the wild bees of the genus Megachile (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). We described new transverse gynandromorphs in Megachile pilidens Alfkeen, 1924 and analyze the spatial distribution of body parts with male vs. female phenotype hitherto recorded in the transverse gynandromorphs of the genus Megachile. We identified 10 different arrangements, nine of which are minor variants of a very general pattern, with a combination of male and female traits largely shared by the gynandromorphs recorded in 20 out of 21 Megachile species in our dataset. Based on the recurrence of the same gynandromorph pattern, the current knowledge on sex determination and sex differentiation in the honey bee, and the results of recent gene-knockdown experiments in these insects, we suggest that these composite phenotypes are possibly epigenetic, rather than genetic, mosaics, with individual body parts of either male or female phenotype according to the locally expressed product of the alternative splicing of sex-determining gene transcripts.

scholarly journals An Assessment of Treated Greywater Reuse in Irrigation on Growth and Protein Content of Prosopis and Albizia

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Naji K. Al-Mefleh ◽  
Yahia A. Othman ◽  
Maher J. Tadros ◽  
Amani Al-Assaf ◽  
Samer Talozi
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Albizia Lebbeck ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Significant Difference

This study investigated the influence of treated greywater on growth and protein content of multipurpose (forage and ornamental) transplants, Prosopis juliflora L., Prosopis tamarugo L., and Albizia lebbeck L. Transplants of tested species were irrigated with treated greywater, diluted greywater (grey + distilled water, 1:1/by volume), and distilled water (control) for seven months. Water quality analysis showed that the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals found in the greywater were within the acceptable range compared with Jordan Institution for Standard and Metrology (JISM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds for safe use of greywater. Escherichia coli found in the greywater were lower compared to JISM and WHO guidelines for the safe use of greywater. Irrigation with treated greywater increased shoot fresh weight by 24–39% and dry weight by 34–40% compared to diluted greywater and control. No significant difference in crude protein was noticed between water treatments. Prosopis species (P. juliflora Albizia lebbeck L. and P. tamarugo Albizia lebbeck L.) had higher shoot fresh (35%) and dry weight the same species had lower crude protein (44%) when compared to Albizia lebbeck Albizia lebbeck L. The reuse of treated greywater for landscaping or forage production alleviates the demand for water resources and reduces the pressure on wastewater treatment plants. However, considering the controversial findings of previous studies on greywater quality (especially, long-term reuse), the reuse of treated greywater needs to be considered with caution and periodic quality analyses and economic assessments are required.

Early sex determination of Turkey by observation of differences in body weight between male and female

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-226
Author(s):  
S Akter ◽  
SC Das ◽  
AS Apu ◽  
T Ahmed ◽  
A Lahiry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Live Body Weight ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Percent Accuracy ◽  
Similar Body ◽  
Black Color ◽  
Average Body ◽  
Average Body Weight

The present study was conducted to determine the early sex in turkeys by observation of the differences in body weight between male and female birds. A total of 30-day old black color unsexed poults having almost similar body weight at hatching were considered for the experimentation and housed at the Poultry Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh. All birds were reared up to 12 weeks of age under intensive management with supplementation of commercial broiler starter and grower feeds. Birds were reared under similar management conditions. Significantly higher (p<0.01) body weight was attained in male poults (104g/bird) than the female (90g/bird) at the end of 1st week of age. Similarly, at the end of 2nd week of age higher (p<0.01) body weight attained by male poults (198.31g/bird) than the female (162.13g/bird). At the end of 3rd weeks of age male poults attained higher (p<0.01) body weight (307.23g/bird) than the female (251.33g/bird). After 4 weeks of rearing, male turkeys attained significantly higher (p<0.01) live body weight (424.46g/bird) than the female turkeys (347.87g/bird). The weekly average body weight gains of male and female birds were 94.18g/bird and 76.5g/bird, respectively. Thus, the male and female birds were successfully identified on the basis of differences in their body weight. Weekly feed intake for both the male and female birds was also increased with their age. Up to 4 weeks of age, both the male and female poults consumed same amount of feed (753.46g/bird). The FCR of male and female poults differed non-significantly in 1st, 3rd and 4th week. On the contrary, in 2nd week of age the FCR of male poults (1.60) was significantly lower (p<0.01) than female (2.11). Survivability was 100% up to 4th week of age irrespective of sex of the poults. The birds were reared up to 12 weeks of age until to confirm their sex by observation of the phenotypic appearance. Results of the phenotypic observation of male and female birds correspondence hundred percent accuracy with the results obtained in body weight based differences between male and female birds. It is therefore concluded that farmers can identify male or female poults as early as first week of age on the basis of body weight differences. Progressive Agriculture 31 (3): 218-226, 2020

scholarly journals Redescriptions, Lectotype Designations, New Synonyms and New Geographic Records for the “Tiger” Species of Mycotretus Lacordaire, 1842 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Tritomini)

Insects ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Italo Pecci-Maddalena ◽  
Cristiano Lopes-Andrade
Keyword(s):  
Valid Species ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
Body Coloration ◽  
Black Spots ◽  
Similar Body ◽  
First Descriptions

The Neotropical Mycotretus Lacordaire, 1842 is one of the largest and most widespread genera of the Erotylidae, encompassing more than 200 described species. Among the species with a similar body coloration, there is a “group” of six valid species—called here the “tiger” Mycotretus—that possess several pronotal and elytral black spots, as follows: M. tigrinus (Olivier, 1792); M. multimaculatus Taschenberg, 1870; M. centralis Arrow, 1909; M. tigrinoides Mader, 1942; M. tigripennis Mader, 1942; and M. prioteloides Mader, 1942. Different from any other Mycotretus with spots, the spots of the “tiger” Mycotretus are numerous and are not bilaterally symmetrical in pattern. Here, new geographical records, diagnoses and redescriptions are provided for M. tigrinus, M. centralis, M. tigrinoides, M. tigripennis and M. prioteloides, including the first descriptions of their male and female terminalia. Lectotypes are designated for M. multimaculatus, M. centralis, and M. leopardus. Mycotretus multimaculatus and M. tigrinus pardalis Crotch, 1876 are proposed as new junior synonyms of M. tigrinus. Additionally, the authorship of the name M. leopardus is attributed to Crotch, 1876, because he was the first author to provide a description for that taxon, and the synonymy of M. leopardus and M. conspersus (Germar, 1824) with M. tigrinus (Olivier, 1792) is confirmed.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Influence of Food Colorings in Esthetic Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligatures

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 516-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Dias da Silva ◽  
Eduardo Martinelli S de Lima ◽  
Caroline Dias ◽  
Leandro Berni Osório
Keyword(s):  
Color Change ◽  
Black Tea ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
Influence Of Food

Proposition: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the color changes of esthetic orthodontic elastomeric ligatures of different shades when exposed to four food colorings commonly found in the diet of patients. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of esthetic orthodontic elastomeric ligatures in the colors pearl, pearl blue, pearl white and colorless, which were immersed for 72 hours in five different solutions: distilled water (control group), coffee, tea, Coca-Cola ® and wine. The color changes of the esthetic orthodontic elastomeric ligatures were measured with the aid of a spectrophotometer, at T1 - as provided by the manufacturer; and T2 - after colorings process. Results: The results indicated that the esthetic orthodontic elastomeric ligatures of all initial hues are susceptible to pigmentation. Among the evaluated colors, all changed the finished look and the color of the samples tested. In ascending order, the color of the samples was as follows: distilled water, Coca-Cola®, black tea, wine and coffee. Conclusion: The substances that have a greater potential for pigmentation in esthetic orthodontic elastomeric ligatures were black tea, wine and coffee, respectively. All shades of esthetic orthodontic elastomeric ligatures are susceptible to color change.

Responses of Golden Shiner Minnows to Chemical Cues from Snake Predators

Behaviour ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 135 (8) ◽  
pp. 1213-1228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renée Godard ◽  
Catherine Wannamaker ◽  
Bonnie Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Cues ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
Antipredator Behaviour ◽  
Alarm Substance ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Nerodia Sipedon ◽  
Golden Shiners ◽  
Response To Water ◽  
Snake Predators

AbstractStudies of a limited number of species of fish in the superorder Ostariophysi have shown they they exhibit strong antipredator behaviour to conserved alarm substance in feces and in other byproducts from predatory fish that have consumed ostariophysans. Our experiments examined the ability of a previously untested ostariophysan to recognize chemical cues from two species of snake predators. In Experiment 1, shoals of golden shiners (Notemigonus chrysoleucas) exhibited strong shelter-seeking responses to water which contained waste byproducts from either a sympatric snake or an allopatric snake which had been fed golden shiners but not to a distilled water control. There was no difference in response to the sympatrie snake predator, northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon), compared to the allopatric snake predator, black-bellied garter snakes (Thamnophis melanogaster). In Experiment 2, individual shiners exhibited vigourous dashing when presented with water which contained waste byproducts from N. sipedon fed golden shiners but exhibited a much weaker response to water which contained waste byproducts from N. sipedon fed green swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri, a non-ostariophysan) or to a water control. These results suggest that the alarm substance produced in the epidermis of the golden shiners is conserved in snake waste byproducts. Experiment 3 showed that there was little difference in shelter-seeking behaviour by shoals of shiners when presented with water in which N. sipedon had soaked, water in which T. melanogaster had soaked, or a distilled water control. Thus it appears that secretions from the skin of these predators may not be chemically labelled.

scholarly journals Performance, but not size, of hindleg weaponry is sexually dimorphic in the giant mesquite bug (Thasus neocalifornicus)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zackary A. Graham ◽  
Nicole Kaiser ◽  
Alexandre V. Palaoro
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Aggressive Interaction ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Single Measure ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Aggressive Interactions ◽  
Sexual Dimorphisms

ABSTRACTIn many species, males possess specialized weaponry that have evolved to confer a benefit during aggressive interactions. Because male weaponry is typically an exaggerated or extreme version of pre-existing body parts, females often possess reduced or weaponry. Although much research has investigated sexual dimorphism in the sizes of such weapons, other weapon components, such as weapon performance or alternative weapon forms can also explain the evolution of weapon sexual dimorphisms. Here, we investigated the allometry and variation of multiple weapon components of hindleg weaponry in the male and female giant mesquite bugs, Thasus necalifornicus. Despite theory predicating greater allocation in male weaponry, we found that females allocated more into the lengths of their hindlegs compared to males. Despite this allocation, males possess relatively wider hindlegs, which likely increase area of muscle mass. Indeed, the squeezing performance of male hindlegs was much greater than that of female hindlegs. Lastly, we also described the allometry and variation in a male weapon component, prominent tibial spines, which likely are used to damage competitors during aggressive interaction. Overall, our findings highlight the intricacies of weapon sexual dimorphism and demonstrate the importance of measuring multiple weapon components and not a single measure.

scholarly journals Volatile Profiles of Male and Female Urine Samples of Asiatic Elephant, Elephas maximusin Captivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Balaji Sundaramahalingam ◽  
Solomon Stepenraj
Keyword(s):  
Urine Samples ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Asiatic Elephant ◽  
Female Urine ◽  
Volatile Profiles

scholarly journals Effect of the Clenbuterol drug in some physiological parameters in male rabbits(Oryctolagus cuniculs)

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-648
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Function ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Biochemical Study ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
The Other ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Blood Samples

This study was designed to investigate the effect of the Clenbuterol drug in some physiological parameters of Liver, Kidney function and lipidprofie concentration. Fourty adult male rabbits were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into four groups,the first group was given distilled water (control) ,while the other third groups were given (2,4,6 µg/kg) of Clenbuterol drug for 30 days. Blood samples were collected after 14 and 30 days of the treatment for biochemical study. Drug caused non significant increase(P

scholarly journals Biology of Flowering, Fruit and Viability of Pollen of Varieties and Forms of Quince Cultivated on the Territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 64-69
Author(s):  
L. Bayramov
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Fertility ◽  
Pollen Germination ◽  
Glucose Solution ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Germinated Pollen ◽  
Autonomous Republic

Abstract. The zones of distribution of varieties and forms of quince on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been established, phenological observations have been carried out, their flowering and fruiting have been studied. On the territory of the Autonomous Republic, flowering of varieties and forms of quince begins in the second decade of April, depending on the distribution zone, with an average daily temperature of 12–13 °C and lasts 12–13 days, depending on weather conditions. Each flower has 10–12 stamens arranged in one row. The article also studied the viability of pollen in a number of quince varieties. Pollen viability was studied in the varieties Sary, Tursh, Ordubad, Gara and wild forms. Pollen fertility was determined by staining with acetocarmine. Pollen germinates in 2–5–10–15 and 20% glucose solution. Counting of germinated pollen grains was carried out under a microscope. The study showed that of all the experimental varieties, the pollen fertility of the Sary quince and Tursh quince varieties is high (up to 96.6–97.1%). The best medium for the germination of quince pollen is a 10–15% glucose solution. Pollen germination in this solution reaches 47.4–88.0%. In distilled water (control), the germination of quince pollen reached from 9.7% to 35.6% for varieties. Quince pollen remains viable for 31–43 days.

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