Animal husbandry between the Roman times and the High Middle Ages in central Europe: a biometrical analysis of cattle, sheep and pig

This paper presents a meta-analysis of biometrical data of cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pig (Sus domesticus), with a diachronic, long-term approach (first–twelfth centuries AD) and at a large regional scale (Switzerland and adjacent areas of France), with the aim of looking at changes in animal husbandry during the transition between Roman times and the Early Middle Ages. With this in mind, a comprehensive biometrical analysis is carried out, on the basis of the log-ratio technique (or logarithmic size index — LSI). The results show an increase of the size of domesticates during the Late Roman period, as well as a long period of size decrease in the subsequent centuries. The possible reasons behind this size decrease are discussed, focusing on three factors: a genetic change, less direct control over feeding and breeding, and changing patterns of herd sex ratios. We argue that these changes should be seen as an efficient adaptation of animal husbandry strategies to broader social, economic, and political transformations.

Biometry, Distribution and Genetic Characterization of Blue Jack Mackerel Trachurus picturatus (Bowdich, 1825), a Rare Pelagic Fish Species in the Adriatic Sea

The blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus (Bowdich, 1825) specimens (N = 155) were collected during the MEDITS survey, done along the eastern side, precisely, of the Croatian fishing ground in July 2018. Biometrical analysis of ten morphometric and five meristic characters, as well as genetic analysis proved that the collected specimens were blue jack mackerel. The total length (TL) and weight (W) of all observed specimens ranged from 9.2 to 33.7 cm (12.15 ± 2.95 cm) and from 5.79 to 384.94 g (17.64 ± 39.42 g), respectively. All calculated length–length relationships were linear (r > 0.923). Sex was determined only on two larger specimens (28 cm < TL < 32.8 cm), which were females. In the length–weight relationship, positive allometry was established (b = 3.1789). Based on 37 partial cytochrome b sequences, the overall haplotype diversity (h) of 0.812 ± 0.048 and nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.0064 ± 0.0007 indicated high levels of haplotype and low nucleotide diversity. The obtained sequences were compared to previously published research within the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, confirming the absence of genetic structure among these populations.

Biometrical analysis and thallus morphology characteristics of Placopsis antarctica from King George Island, Antarctica ( Short Communication )

Placopsis antarctica is an ornithocoprophilous lichen that has been for a long time confused with P. contortuplicata I. M. Lamb. In our study, we focused on morphological characteristics of P. antarctica thalli. We report biometrical data on dominant morphological structures of P. antarctica thallus: cephalodia, marginal lobes, sorediate pits and soralia. Thalli of P. antarctica were collected at the King George Island, Antarctica and analyzed in a laboratory using a digital microscopy approach. Central cephalodium was found rather elliptic then round-shaped. Mean length/width was found 2.424/1.720 mm. Marginal lobes were found wider at the apex (1.415 mm) than basal part (0.495 mm). Side cephalodia were smaller, their mean length/width was found 1.034/0.610 mm.

Biometrical analysis of bovine female reproductive system

This study was conducted to investigate basic biometric information on organs of female reproductive system of indigenous cows. Ovaries were grouped on the basis of corpus luteum (CL) and ovarian position in the tract. Visible follicles were counted and graded as small (<3.00mm), medium (3.0 to 8.0mm) and large (>8.0mm). Oocytes were recovered from all visible follicles and graded into four groups (grade 1 to 4). Results showed that the oviduct, horn, body of the uterus and cervix of cow’s reproductive system were longer and wider than heifers, respectively. Except length, the width and visible follicle numbers in the ovary did not vary with ovarian position or CL. Weight of left and right ovaries did not differ. Weight of ovary was increased (P>0.01) in presence of CL. Each ovary possessed 9.65±5.91visible follicles belonging to small (5.38±0.37), medium (3.57±0.23) and large (0.72±0.07) groups. Oocyte recovery rate was 62.16±1.46%. Among the recovered oocytes 52.01±1.63% were belonging to grade 1 and 2. This study provides baseline on biometry of female reproductive system along with follicular statistics of indigenous cows. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 20(1-2): 1-7, Jan-Dec 2013

Reply to Comment on: Álvaro J.J., Esteve, J. & Zamora, S. 2019. Morphological assessment of the earliest paradoxidid trilobites (Cambrian Series 3) from Morocco and Spain [Geological Magazine] by Geyer G, Nowicki J, Żylińska A & Landing E

Two research teams have different opinions regarding the number of paradoxidine species close to the base of the Miaolingian in Morocco and Spain. Geyer & Vincent (2015) recognized five species based on a mosaic of overlapping characters that include some relative length and width ratios, qualitative descriptions of cranidial and pygidial outlines, and relief observations. In contrast, Álvaro et al. (2018) conducted a morphometric analysis of all these specimens from the Cambropallas telesto acme level of the Assemame quarry and concluded that the Moroccan material had been taxonomically over-split and was represented by only two species, Acadoparadoxides mureroensis and A. nobilis. Subsequently, Geyer et al. (2019) commented that we had not analysed some diagnostic characters, and applied the stratigraphic setting of their morphospecies as a diagnostic character for taxonomic identification. After sampling the Cambropallas telesto acme level in the Taroucht quarry, where the other team purchased its collection, and re-analysing the diagnostic characters claimed by Geyer et al. (2019), our conclusions are maintained: (i) morphometric values of several paratype specimens fall outside the purported ranges of diagnostic characters; (ii) all 2D morphometric analyses incorporating the diagnostic characters of the morphospecies are unable to detect interspecific differences, except for A. nobilis; and (iii) the slight concavity displayed by some pygidia, strongly controlled by preservation, is in need of 3D biometrical analysis. Hence, our proposed synonymy should be maintained until 3D statistical analyses are available on material preserved in carbonate or concretions.

Crayfish chelae usage suggests predominantly ambidextrous habitude

Heterochely is an important feature in some marine decapod crustaceans, but it is seldom investigated in freshwater crayfish. In this study, we applied a biometrical analysis targeting wild populations of three European crayfish species, Astacus leptodactylus, Astacus astacus, and Austropotamobius torrentium, as well as one invasive North American species, Faxonius limosus. Field data were combined with video-recorded observations to understand the usage of chelae in laboratory experiments for A. leptodactylus and F. limosus. According to biometrical measurements, heterochely was evenly distributed between species and sexes in wild populations, leading to the assumption that there is no specific pattern in chela size. Moreover, we found that the ambidextrous usage of chelae is a commonly encountered behaviour in crayfish, since no significant relationship was found between their chelae and asymmetry. This behaviour could maximize the chances of survival for crayfish in general, since losing one or both chelae is often recorded in the wild.