Habitat use, interspecific competition and phylogenetic history shape the evolution of claw and toepad morphology in Lesser Antillean anoles

Ecologically functional traits are the product of several, at times opposing, selective forces. Thus, ecomorphological patterns can be disrupted locally by biotic interactions, such as competition, and may not be consistent across lineages. Here, we studied the evolution of claws and toepads in relationship to macrohabitat (vegetation), use of structural microhabitat (perch height) and congeneric competition for two distantly related Lesser Antillean anole clades: the Anolis bimaculatus and Anolis roquet series. We collected univariate and geometric morphometric data from 254 individuals across 22 species to test the hypotheses that functional morphology should covary with both vegetation and perch height and that the presence of a competitor may disrupt such covariation. Our data showed predictable associations between morphology and macrohabitat on single-species islands but not when a congeneric competitor was present. The outcomes of competition differed between series, however. In the A. bimaculatus series, species with a sympatric congener diverged in claw and toepad traits consistent with functional predictions, whereas A. roquet series anoles showed either no association between habitat and morphology or the opposite pattern. Our results demonstrated that ecomorphological patterns across macrohabitats can be disrupted by competition-driven microhabitat partitioning and that specific morphological responses to similar ecological pressures can vary between lineages.

Faktor Risiko Kejadian Leptospirosis Di Wilayah Kabupaten Gresik (Tahun 2017-2018)

Leptospirosis is a disease derived from animals with Leptospira bacteria as the main cause. Leptospirosis can occur if the host / human is in contact with animals infected with Leptospira bacteria. In 2017-2018, leptospirosis occurs in the community in several sub-districts in Gresik Regency. The purpose of this study was to determine what risk factors related to the incidence of leptospirosis in Gresik Regency. This study uses an observational method with case control study design with 14 respondents and 14 controls. Analysis was performed by chi square statistical test (α = 0.05) and odds ratio (OR) calculation. Factors studied were standing water, ditch conditions, flood history, presence of vegetation, use of APD while doing risky work, washing hands and feet with soap and the habit of closing food. The results showed 54.5% of leptspirosis patients aged 46-55 years, 50% were male, and 66.7% had a risky job. There is a relationship between the presence of stagnant water (p = 0.0001 and OR = 22), ditch conditions (p = 0.053 and OR = 0.205), APD use (p = 0.000), and washing feet and hands with soap (p = 0.000 and OR = 0.031) with the incidence of leptospirosis. There was no relationship between the history of flooding, the presence of vegetation, and the habit of closing food with the incidence of leptospirosis. Rats were caught by placing 28 traps and found 9 trapped rats. It was concluded that the factors associated with the incidence of leptospirosis in Gresik Regency were the presence of stagnant water, ditch conditions, APD use, and washing hands and feet with soap.

DIVERSITY OF FEED PLANTS OF SUMATRAN ELEPHANT HABITATS (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS SUMATRANUS) IN JANTHO PINUS NATURE RESERVE, ACEH BESAR DISTRICT

This research conducted to identify the kinds of feed plants sumatran elephant which is the main component of elephant habitats .The purpose of this research was to obtain data about kinds of feed plants sumatran elephant and analyzes the species diversity. The study conducted with analysis vegetation use of systematic sampling methods at any community different vegetation .The research results recorded there are 75 species of feed plants from 269 species of plants found , which means 28% plants in the study locations is a source of feed for sumatran elephants. The data was obtained show that the number of species to spread of feed plants of elephant more on a community of I , a number of 36 species of all level vegetation began to the seedling, sapling, pole and tree; while community II and III each 30 and 23 species . Community IV and V had the same number of feed plants species, a number of 31 species . Based on the analysis of the diversity of species to feed plants of elephant, shows that community III have index the diversity of species ( H = 4,53; Hmax = 5,17 ) higher than other locations.

Germination Response of Dormant Tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus) Seeds to Smoke-infused Water and the Smoke-associated Stimulatory Compounds, Karrikinolide and Cyanide

Tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus) is a native Hawaiian grass that has been used in restoration and has potential for expanded re-vegetation use. Although interest and demand for tanglehead re-vegetation has increased, the supply of tanglehead seeds has remained limited as a result of a lack of seed production protocols addressing seed dormancy. Smoke water from burning vegetation may provide an economical and practical seed treatment because aerosol smoke has been reported to stimulate tanglehead seed germination. Dose rate and side-by-side comparison studies were conducted to evaluate the germination stimulation efficacy of food-grade liquid smoke, xylose smoke-infused water, tanglehead smoke-infused water, karrikinolide (KAR1), and cyanide (i.e., mandelonitrile and potassium cyanide). Optimum smoke water dilutions were 1% v/v for food-grade liquid smoke and undiluted for xylose smoke-infused water and tanglehead smoke-infused water. KAR1 was not stimulatory at concentrations between 0.0067 and 66.7 μm. Potassium cyanide stimulated tanglehead seed germination at concentrations between 50 to 500 μm. Germination was promoted to even greater levels with the cyanohydrin, mandelonitrile, indicating a role for benzaldehyde (a byproduct of mandelonitrile decomposition) in stimulating tanglehead seed germination. Benzaldehyde was confirmed to be stimulatory at concentrations between 50 to 100 μm. The presence of cyanide at stimulatory levels was confirmed in tanglehead smoke-infused water (i.e., ≈100 μm), but not in food-grade liquid smoke or xylose smoke-infused water. Germination with non-cyanide-containing smoke waters indicates the presence of other compounds in smoke that can stimulate tanglehead germination. In the side-by-side comparison study, food-grade liquid smoke (1% v/v) and undiluted tanglehead smoke-infused water provided consistent germination stimulation comparable to 500 μm potassium cyanide. Undiluted xylose smoke-infused water did not provide significant germination stimulation in the comparison studies. This may be the result of differences in seed batch sensitivity to the germination stimulant, seed storage duration as well as subtle differences in the preparation of xylose smoke-infused water.