Ecology and social behaviour of the Mongolian gerbil: a generalised review

Behaviour ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-39
Author(s):  
Vladimir S. Gromov
Keyword(s):  
Mongolian Gerbil ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Typical Feature ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Mongolian Gerbils ◽  
Social Monogamy ◽  
Family Groups

Abstract The present review provides a compilation of the published data on the ecology and social behaviour of Mongolian gerbils. Behavioural observations in the wild show that the Mongolian gerbil is a diurnal social rodent living in extended family groups. Seasonal breeding is typical of Mongolian gerbils in their natural habitat. Social monogamy seems to be characteristic of the Mongolian gerbil reproductive strategy, which however does not exclude facultative polygyny and promiscuity. A typical feature of the space use system in this species is territoriality. Social relationships in family groups may be defined as a subordination hierarchy. The hierarchy order is primarily determined by the age of the animals and maintained chiefly by the subordinates’ behaviour patterns. The complex social organisation in the Mongolian gerbil is characterised by cooperation in different activities. Cooperation appears to enhance the survival of family groups of this species under the extreme climatic conditions of Central Asia.

scholarly journals A comparative UHPLC-Q/TOF–MS-based eco-metabolomics approach reveals temperature adaptation of four Nepenthes species

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Changi Wong ◽  
Yee Soon Ling ◽  
Julia Lih Suan Wee ◽  
Aazani Mujahid ◽  
Moritz Müller
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Metabolic Response ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Temperature Adaptation ◽  
Altitudinal Distribution ◽  
Distinct Temperature ◽  
Survival Mechanisms ◽  
Metabolite Regulation ◽  
Tof Ms

AbstractNepenthes, as the largest family of carnivorous plants, is found with an extensive geographical distribution throughout the Malay Archipelago, specifically in Borneo, Philippines, and Sumatra. Highland species are able to tolerate cold stress and lowland species heat stress. Our current understanding on the adaptation or survival mechanisms acquired by the different Nepenthes species to their climatic conditions at the phytochemical level is, however, limited. In this study, we applied an eco-metabolomics approach to identify temperature stressed individual metabolic fingerprints of four Nepenthes species: the lowlanders N. ampullaria, N. rafflesiana and N. northiana, and the highlander N. minima. We hypothesized that distinct metabolite regulation patterns exist between the Nepenthes species due to their adaptation towards different geographical and altitudinal distribution. Our results revealed not only distinct temperature stress induced metabolite fingerprints for each Nepenthes species, but also shared metabolic response and adaptation strategies. The interspecific responses and adaptation of N. rafflesiana and N. northiana likely reflected their natural habitat niches. Moreover, our study also indicates the potential of lowlanders, especially N. ampullaria and N. rafflesiana, to produce metabolites needed to deal with increased temperatures, offering hope for the plant genus and future adaption in times of changing climate.

Natural resistance of marals of Altai-Sayan breed during the process of adaptation under the environments of the Republic of Tyva

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Ch. N. Sambyla ◽  
N. M. Bessonova ◽  
R. B. Chysyma
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Phagocytic Activity ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Natural Resistance ◽  
Phagocytic Index ◽  
Mountain Forest ◽  
Altai Republic ◽  
The Republic

The Republic of Tyva is a region in the geographical center of Asia, which located at the junction of the Siberian taiga and Central Asian desert-steppe landscapes, in a wide band of mountains and intermountain plains. The mountain-forest area of Tyva has long been considered a natural habitat for antler deer, one of which is the maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus). In order to restore maral breeding and increase the number of marals in the former limits, marals of the Altai-Sayan breed have been imported to the Republic of Tyva from the Republic of Altai. The preservation of productive traits, reproductive function and the realization of the genetic potential of animals introduced to new climatic conditions largely depends on the ability of these animals to adapt to existing environments. We have assessed in this paper the natural resistance of the marals of Altai-Sayan breed during introduction in the Tyva Republic in comparison with the indicators of the marals have been bred in the Altai Republic. The researches have been carried out in 2019. The research material was blood samples of marals of Altai-Sayan breed imported to the Republic of Tuva (n=27) and marals of the same breed bred in the Republic of Altai (n=17). Studies have shown some deviations in the blood leukogram of imported marals, such as a decrease in the number of eosinophils and rod nuclear neutrophils (P < 0,001), the increase in the number of segmented nuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes (P < 0,05). The number of monocytes have been increased in 18,6 times compared to the Altai marals. The change in the number of monocytes exceeded the physiological norm by 24,7 %. The indicator of adaptation evaluation in imported marals had higher values (6,8), which were in 1,7 times higher than in marals bred in the Altai Republic (4,1), which indicates the intensity of adaptive mechanisms in imported animals during adaptation. Analysis of phagocytic activity and phagocytic index revealed intensive phagocytosis in imported marals: phagocytic activity – by 12,4 % (P < 0,05), phagocytic index – by 5,1 %, and the increase in the content of lysosomal and cationic proteins by 12,8 % (P < 0,05). Analysis of the bactericidal activity of blood serum has shown its lower level in imported animals (45,97±1,36 %), compared with marals of the same breed bred in the Altai Republic (52,19±2,15 at P < 0,05). Thus, according to most indicators of natural resistance marals of Altai-Sayan breed imported to Tyva have a fairly high level of natural protection, which indicates that they can be adapted to the natural climatic and feeding conditions of the Republic of Tyva.

Effects of fluoxetine on social behaviour and plasma corticosteroid levels in female mongolian gerbils

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 545-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Hendrie ◽  
A. R. Pickles ◽  
M. S. Duxon ◽  
G. Riley ◽  
J. J. Hagan
Keyword(s):  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Mongolian Gerbils

Report of a ‘Bookflood’ in an Outstation School

1987 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-42
Author(s):  
P. Beattie
Keyword(s):  
Small Groups ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Family Groups

In the Northern Territory there are an estimated 400 Outstation or Homeland Centre communities, 63 of which have requested some form of schooling. These are family groups ranging from approximately 12 to 35 in size who, since the 1970’s, have been returning to live on land with which they have a traditional affiliation. Typically, the families are small groups consisting of the clan leader or traditional landowner and members of his immediate and extended family.

scholarly journals JOINT SEALS FOR HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES IN SEVERE CLIMATES

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jahangir Mirza
Keyword(s):  
Cement Mortar ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Deformation Behaviour ◽  
Peel Strength ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Hydraulic Structures ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Closed Cell ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Steel Substrates

This paper presents laboratory test data on 21 joint seals: 10 field-moulded sealants (FMS; 1- and 2-components polyurethanes, polysulphides, silicones, etc.) and 11 preformed seals (neoprene, silicone, high-density open-cell and low-density closed-cell foams, etc.). The aim was to evaluate their performance in submerged, partially submerged and essentially dry conditions in extremely severe climates. These seals were tested on cement mortar substrates as well as on steel substrates. The tests carried out on FMS were: adhesion-in-peel strength, compression-extension cycling at severe temperatures, Shore A hardness, weatherability and modulus of elasticity, etc. On preformed seals, the tests conducted were weatherability, % recovery and load deformation behaviour, etc. Conclusions, recommendations and the specific suitability of joint seals with cement mortar and steel substrates are reported. The general conclusion is that even though the joint seals evaluated had similar base chemical constituents, they showed variable results. Their properties and characteristics differ from one manufacturer to others, indicating that prior knowledge about their performance is essential to the user. Furthermore, the published data on the performance of seals used in hydraulic structures situated in severe climatic conditions is sparse. It is recommended that utilities publish as much information as possible to help others.

scholarly journals Using soil survey data to model potential Coccidioides soil habitat and inform Valley fever epidemiology

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247263
Author(s):  
Robert R. Dobos ◽  
Kaitlin Benedict ◽  
Brendan R. Jackson ◽  
Orion Z. McCotter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Model Potential ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Soil Survey ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is a disease that can result in substantial illness and death. It is most common in the southwestern United States and areas of Latin America with arid climates, though reports increasingly suggest its range is wider than previously recognized. The natural habitat of the causative organisms, Coccidioides spp., have been associated with certain soil properties and climatic conditions. Current understanding of its geographic range is primarily defined by skin test studies and outbreak locations. We developed a fuzzy system model to predict suitable soil habitats for Coccidioides across the western United States based on parameters (electrical conductivity, organic matter content, pH, water holding capacity, temperature, and precipitation) from sites where soil sampling has confirmed the presence of Coccidioides. The model identified high coccidioidomycosis incidence areas as having high suitability and identified pockets of elevated suitability corresponding with outbreak locations outside the traditional range. By providing high-resolution estimates of Coccidioides suitability, including areas without public health surveillance for coccidioidomycosis, this model may be able to aid public health and clinical provider decision making. Awareness of possible Coccidioides soil habitats could help mitigate risk during soil-disturbing activities and help providers improve coccidioidomycosis diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals Ethnobotanical Uses of Wild Edible Fruits of Vitaceae in Kerala

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-76
Author(s):  
Rani Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Wild Edible Plants ◽  
Edible Plants ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Human Survival ◽  
Wild Fruits ◽  
Wild Edible Fruits ◽  
Ethnobotanical Uses

Fruit is a ripened ovary usually developed as a result of flower being pollinated. Plants are cultivated as well as wild, mainly cultivated fruits are grown by farmers for economical value while utility of wild fruits are occurring only in their natural habitat. As population increases the areas of plantation and forest used for human welfare, so wild edible plants lost their identity and decrease in their number. The objective of the study is to analyse ethnobotanically important edible fruits of Vitaceae in Kerala. Wild fruiting plants are major in numbers in Kerala which are not affected by human interaction due to their difficult geographic and climatic conditions which is not suitable for human survival. Vitaceae family includes 5 genus belonging to Kerala that are ethnobotanically very significant and edible.

Kookaburra

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Legge
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
The World ◽  
Family Groups

Laughing Kookaburras are the largest kingfishers in the world, and Blue-winged Kookaburras are not far behind. Their size and distinctive shape and posture make them easily recognisable; their comical and personable characters make them readily memorable. They are able to live in a wide variety of habitats, and adapt to living around humans relatively well. This cheerful familiarity has caused them to figure prominently in the psyches and folklores of all peoples who have inhabited Australia. Kookaburras live in family groups marked by the extremes of social behaviour. Whilst in the nest, chicks fight their siblings for dominance and food so aggressively that the smallest chick is often killed. In complete contrast, many adult kookaburras delay their own breeding in order to help their relatives raise young. Kookaburra: King of the Bush provides a complete overview of kookaburras and their unique place in Australian culture and natural history.

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