Biometric Differences Research Articles

Differences in Primary Molt and Biometrics between Adult and Second-year Black-headed Gulls in Puck Bay (Southern Baltic)

Abstract Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) were caught on the southern Baltic coast during early phase of their autumn migration between 27 July and 9 August from 1992 to 1995. Due to involvement in breeding, adult Black-headed Gull started primary replacement later than second-year birds, but their molt was slightly faster during the studied two-week period. This suggests that the difference in primary molt score between the age classes may decrease toward the end of the molt period. There were no differences in primary molt between sexes. Adults had larger hole in wing area and they had higher body condition index than second-year birds. This might reflect higher cost of flight of adults due to their lower aerodynamic efficiency of the wing and their tendency to buffer themselves against increased energetic stress. Second-year Black-headed Gulls migrate for longer distances farther than adults on average and this might be a reason of their slower rate of primary replacement.

Valeurs biométriques de l’œil du sujet africain de race noire et hypothèse du rôle dans certaines pathologies: À propos de 325 yeux

The international literature seldom refers to eye measurements of the black African patient. Therefore, the various patterns where biometry elements are used as constituents deserve reconsideration as they may not correspond to the eye of the black patient of our region. This study provides true measurements for the black African patient in Ivory Coast. It also establishes hypotheses by extrapolating the role of measurements in pathologies such as glaucoma. and method: The study included 325 eyes of 217 male and female patients. All the patients underwent ocular keratometrics and echo biometrics to measure the depth of the anterior chamber, the width of the lens, and the total axial length with the ultrascan biometer using the contact method in A echometrics. The mean keratometry in women was significantly higher than in men (43.99 +/- 1.62 diopters vs 43.46 +/- 1.45 diopters). The anterior chamber was deeper in men (2.69 mm +/- 0.54 vs 2.53 mm +/- 0.48). The men's eyes were significantly longer, with an axial length of 23.26 mm +/- 1.07 vs 22.56 mm +/- 0.90. Significant biometric differences between men's and women's eyes, on the one hand, and between black African and white patients' eyes, on the other hand, can be observed. The reasons for these differences are several: they are natural, socioeconomic, and technical. If standard implant of a different power for black and white patients can be imagined, can we also infer that the biometrics of a black African patient predisposes him to a disorder such as glaucoma more than a white patient? Further in-depth studies could provide an answer to this question.

Seasonal age differences in weight and biometrics of migratory Dunlins (Calidris alpina) at Eilat, Israel

This study was undertaken to understand the migratory strategies of the Dunlins (Calidris alpina) caught in Eilat, Israel, before and after they accomplish the crossing of the combined ecological barrier of the Sinai, Sahara and Sahel deserts. Between 1999–2001, a total of 410 adults and 342 juveniles were banded. The significant difference in mean wing length between birds caught in autumn and spring reflects the degree of abrasion of the outer primaries during over-wintering in Africa. Dunlins caught in Eilat in autumn and early winter had a mean wing length 1.4–1.9mm longer than in the spring. The rate of body mass increase was comparatively high and the mean body mass of the heaviest 10% of Dunlin at Eilat was 56.2g (SE ± 0.6, N = 80). The heaviest birds from Eilat carried on average about 10g of fat with a lipid index (fat mass as a percentage of total body mass) of 18%. These reserves allow a flight of approximately 1 000km, which is probably sufficient for continued migration to more southerly wintering grounds.

Biometric Differences Among the DipperCinclus cinclusPopulations of Spain

The length of the tarsus and wing, and the weight of the Dipper were measured in four mountain ranges in Spain (Cantabrian Mountains, western Pyrenees, the Central Mountains and Sierra Nevada). Birds from the Sierra Nevada were the largest but there were no significant differences among the other three areas. In the north, the range of the C. c. cinclus and C. c. aquaticus subspecies overlapped. In the south only aquaticus was present and in the central mountains only cinclus. The biometrics of cinclus in the north and centre were similar but aquaticus was larger in the south than the north. Spanish populations of C. cinclus thus appear to go against the predictions of Bergmann's rule. The residual index (RI) was calculated for individual birds from the regression of mass/tarsus length. RI was higher in males than females in the northern populations, but the same in the centre and south. According to this index, males (but not females) were heavier than the theoretical weight in the north and lighter in the centre and southern ranges. Some other variations in the Spanish populations are also discussed.

BIOMETRIC AND GENETIC EVALUATION OF SPERMOPHILUS (MAMMALIA: RODENTIA) POPULATIONS IN WESTERN TURKEY

Three Spermophilus populations in western Turkey with two different karyotypic forms were analyzed biometrically (NTSYS) and genetically from their 16S rRNA sequence data. Two of these populations, from Turkish Thrace and southwest Anatolia, share the same chromosomal number of 2n = 40 but were previously considered to represent two closely related species, Spermophilus citellus and Spermophilus xanthoprymnus. Our study revealed a high degree of biometric and genetic similarity between these two populations, concluding that both belong to the same species, S. citellus. In contrast, the population from central Anatolia was identified as S. xanthoprymnus, which shows the diploid chromosomal number of 2n = 42 and distinct biometric and genetic differences. UPGMA cluster analysis established the close relationship between S. citellus (Turkish Thrace) and S. citellus (southwest Anatolia) with a distance of 0.84, and S. xanthoprymnus connected to this cluster with a distance of 0.93. The similar cluster was als...

Autumn migration of the Broad‐billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus on the southern Baltic Coast

Broad‐billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus were counted and trapped in Puck Bay on the southern Baltic coast in autumn. The number of arriving birds varied greatly between years. The observed pattern was not completely convergent with data gathered at Ottenby, Sweden, 220 km north of Puck Bay. It seems that within years these two stop‐over sites might be used by different groups of migrants with the majority of birds that stopped in southern Sweden being able to fly over the Polish coast, making their next stop somewhere closer to the wintering grounds. Adult Broad‐billed Sandpipers migrated in the second half of July, and juveniles in August and the first half of September. There were no significant differences in biometrics between adults and juveniles. Morphometric variables were not correlated with date in either age group. Hence, the assumption of earlier departure of females from the breeding grounds was not supported. On average, Broad‐billed Sandpipers gained 1.6 g/ day in body weight, with a maximum value of 4.0 g/day (from 29 g to 33 g after one day). The theoretical flight range of Broad‐billed Sandpipers departing from the Puck Bay region ranged between 1,300 and 1,400 km. Thus, it seems that the majority of Broad‐billed Sandpipers are able to reach the northern Black Sea coast, which is one of the most important stop‐over sites, in one flight.

Spatial and seasonal variations in size, body volume and body proportion (prosome:urosome ratio) of the copepod Acartia tonsa in a semi-closed ecosystem (Berre lagoon, western Mediterranean)

Variations in size (prosome), body volume and proportion (prosome:urosome ratio) of female Acartia tonsa copepods were studied during three different seasons (June, October and November) in a network of 13 stations distributed throughout the Berre Lagoon, near Marseille. Strong morphological differences were found between the populations collected through the different seasonal surveys, but also between the different stations or groups of stations. They were related to the variations of environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, particulate seston) according to the season and to the location of the stations (submitted to the marine influence in the south and to the intake of fresh water in the north of the lagoon). Considering all seasonal data, the size and body volume were inversely related to temperature. Body volume also showed a negative correlation with chlorophyll and carbon and a positive one with the C:N ratio of particles. The body proportion was positively correlated with temperature, chlorophyll and carbon. For each seasonal survey, the relationship between morphological features and environmental factors did not reach the significant level except in October when body proportion and volume were positively correlated to chlorophyll.Nevertheless, for each season, significant spatial changes in size or body proportion appeared in parts of the population of Acartia tonsa, in relation with local specific conditions of environmental factors, especially chlorophyll. These biometric differences suggest that individuals must develop in situ for at least the final period of larval growth, despite the dispersion effect caused by hydrodynamic movements. This stability in horizontal distribution may result from the diurnal vertical migrations of copepods between the surface and the bottom, two layers displaying currents of opposite directions. These results justify the use of somatic features (size and body proportion) to discriminate sets of individuals belonging to the same population. %

Structural and functional divergence of Campanula spatulata subspecies on Mt Olympos (Greece)

Campanula spatulata is represented on Mt Olympos (2917 m) by two subspecies: the lowland spruneriana, from 400 to 1100 m, and the upland spatulata, from 1700 m to 2500 m. Spatulata populations significantly differed from those of spruneriana in the following features: (i) they consisted of shorter individuals with smaller flowers and lower flower production, (ii) they allocated more energy and resources below ground, (iii) they flowered much later in the year, had longer duration of flowering, and longer flower life span, (iv) they produced smaller fruits with fewer but heavier seeds, (v) they received lower numbers of insect visits for fewer hours per day, and (iv) they were pollinated by smaller insects. Between and within subspecies comparisons showed that in most cases the patterns of character change were neither gradual nor monotonous all along the elevation gradient. The differences in phenological characters are in agreement with patterns associated so far with elevation change. The taxonomic and biometric differences of the insect pollinators as well as the temporal separation of the flowering periods provide substantial evidence of reproductive isolation of the two C. spatulata subspecies on Mt Olympos.

Morphology and biometry of three populations of Artemia (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

The morphology and biometry of two populations of Artemia sp. from the Fortuna and Botoncillo salterns in Puerto Rico and one from the Monte Cristi saltern in the Dominican Republic were compared. The genitalia, dehydrated cysts, and the male second antennae were compared between populations. Biometric differences were assessed by comparing adult morphology and body length, length of freshly hatched nauplii, and hydrated cyst diameter. All organisms used in the study were cultured under identical laboratory conditions. Significant differences were detected in the length of the adults, first instar naupliar length, and hydrated cyst diameter. Differences were detected in the general shape, ectodermal ridge structure, and spination of the brood pouch and the eversible portion of the penes. Caribbean populations were shown to differ from A. franciscana in some characters considered in this study. The results suggest that female brood pouch morphology is the most useful morphological character to discriminate between the three Caribbean populations. Breeding experiments, karyotype, protein electrophoresis and DNA sequencing studies are needed to supplement these findings and to evaluate the phylogenetic and taxonomic status of these populations.

BIOMETRIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AGE AND SEX CLASSES OF THE LEVANT SPARROW HAWK ACCIPITER BREVIPES ONMIGRATION AT EILAT, ISRAEL

The Levant sparrow hawk (Accipiter brevipes) is a typical raptor with reversed sexual size dimorphism wherein the female is larger than the male. Here, we present the factors contributing to biometric differences between the age and sex classes. Starting from 1984, 1164 Levant sparrow hawks were captured and banded in the area immediately to the north of Elat, Israel. Comparing mean values, feather-dependent characters were 6.6–7.3% larger in adult females than in adult males, and 6.2–6.8% larger in second year females than in second year males. Differences were greater for culmen and hallux length and for body mass. We found wing cord and body mass to be the parameters most efficient in separating sex or age classes. Upon performing discriminant analyses on our data set, we found that hallux length varied independently between males and females, irrespective of the age of the bird. Our data establish that the Levant sparrow hawk is the least dimorphic of the European Accipiter species but has a sex-speci...

Clinical phenotype of juvenile open-angle glaucoma linked to chromosome 1q in a Danish family.

To describe in a Danish family the phenotype of members with autosomal dominant juvenile open-angle glaucoma linked to chromosome 1q, GLCA1, and to assess possible biometric differences between the eyes of affected and unaffected subjects. Thirty-five subjects in a six generation family were examined. The records of five additional affected family members were available. Records from former examinations and treatments were also obtained. In 18 affected subjects and 13 unaffected subjects above 24 years biometric parameters were assessed and compared between the groups. The age at diagnosis of glaucoma was on average 18 years (range 8 to 33 years). Bilateral intraocular pressure was high at the time of diagnosis (mean 37 mmHg, range 28-69 mmHg). All subjects except two needed filtering surgery shortly after diagnosis (mean 1 year, range 0-8 years). Gonioscopy displayed open chamber angle and goniodysgenesis in all affected subjects, but no dysgenesis in unaffected subjects. A comparison of biometric parameters of affected and unaffected subjects showed a deeper anterior chamber, but no other differences were found. The phenotype of the affected family members is characterized by juvenile onset of glaucoma, open chamber angle with goniodysgenesis, high initial intraocular pressure, and the need for filtering surgery to control pressure. The deeper anterior chamber in affected subjects could indicate more extensive maldevelopment in affected subjects.

Ultrasound biomicroscopic and conventional ultrasonographic study of ocular dimensions in primary angle-closure glaucoma

Objective To determine the biometric findings of ocular structures in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Design An observational case series with comparisons among three groups (patients with acute/intermittent PACG [A/I-PACG], patients with chronic PACG [C-PACG], and normal subjects [N]). Participants A total of 54 white patients with PACG (13 male, 41 female) were studied: 10 with acute, 22 with intermittent, and 22 with chronic types of PACG. Forty-two normal white subjects (11 male, 31 female) were studied as control subjects. Only one eye was considered in each patient or subject. Testing Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and standardized A-scan ultrasonography (immersion technique) were performed in each patient during the same session or within 1 to 3 days. Main outcome measures The following A-scan parameters were measured: anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), lens/axial length factor (LAF), and relative lens position (RLP). Ten UBM parameters were measured, the most important of which were anterior chamber angle, trabecular-ciliary process distance (TCPD), angle opening distance at 500 μm from the scleral spur (AOD 500), and scleral-ciliary process angle (SCPA). Results Compared to normal subjects, the patients with PACG presented a shorter AL (A/I-PACG = 22.31 ± 0.83 mm, C-PACG = 22.27 ± 0.94 mm, N = 23.38 ± 1.23 mm), a shallower ACD (A/I-PACG = 2.41 ± 0.25 mm, C-PACG = 2.77 ± 0.31 mm, N = 3.33 ± 0.31 mm), a thicker lens (A/I-PACG = 5.10 ± 0.33 mm, C-PACG = 4.92 ± 0.27 mm, N = 4.60 ± 0.53 mm), and a more anteriorly located lens (RLP values, A/I-PACG = 2.22 ± 0.12, C-PACG = 2.34 ± 0.16, N = 2.41 ± 0.15). The LAF values in A/I-PACG, C-PACG, and N were 2.28 ± 012, 2.20 ± 0.11, and 1.97 ± 0.12, respectively. Anterior chamber angle (A/I-PACG = 11.72 ± 8.84, C-PACG = 19.87 ± 9.83, N = 31.29 ± 9.18°) and SCPA (A/I-PACG = 28.71 ± 4.02, C-PACG = 30.87 ± 6.04, N = 53.13 ± 9.58°) were narrower, TCPD (A/I-PACG = 0.61 ± 0.12 mm, C-PACG = 0.71 ± 0.14 mm, N = 1.08 ± 0.22 mm) and AOD 500 shorter (A/I-PACG = 0.13 ± 0.09 mm, C-PACG = 0.21 ± 0.10 mm, N = 0.36 ± 0.11 mm) in patients with PACG. All the biometric differences proved statistically significant using the one-way analysis-of-variance test. Conclusions In patients with PACG, the anterior segment is more crowded because of the presence of a thicker, more anteriorly located lens. The UBM confirms this crowding of the anterior segment, showing the forward rotation of the ciliary processes. A gradual progressive shift in anatomic characteristics is discernible on passing from normal to chronic PACG and then to acute/intermittent PACG eyes.

Biometric differences between Common Terns Sterna hirundo and Arctic Terns S. paradisaea

Significant differences were found in statistical comparisons of adult Common Terns and Arctic Terns. Common Terns were heavier and had higher values of bill + head length, wing breadth and wing area. Although Arctic Terns were smaller than Common Terns in most measurements, they had significantly longer outer wings (wing length as normally measured by ringers). Differences between the species in total wing length (wing tip to body) and in wing loading (body weight/wing area) were not significant. These differences, especially the longer outer wing and lighter weight of the Arctic Tern, can be related qualitatively to the flight characteristics and habitat preferences of each species.

EXERCISE INDUCED INSULIN, C-PEPTIDE, AND GLUCOSE RESPONSES IN NON-OBESE BLACK AND WHITE FEMALES

999 The purpose of this study was to compare insulin, C-peptide, and glucose responses of black (n = 7) and white (n = 10) females during 45 min of treadmill exercise. Black females averaged 25.8 yrs old and 25.3% body fat. White females were 26.9 yrs old and 26.8% body fat. T-tests revealed no significant biometric differences (p>.05) between groups. ˙VO2 and RER were determined by indirect calorimetry. Venous blood specimens were drawn after 30 min of rest and at exercise min 15, 30, and 45 from an indwelling cannula. Insulin and C-peptide were determined by radioimmunoassay.˙VO2max for the black females (30.7±4 ml/kg/min) was significantly lower than for white females (36.1±3.5 ml/kg/min). Data for RER, glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were analyzed using ANCOVA with˙VO2max as a covariant. No significant group differences were observed for RER, insulin and C-peptide. A significant covariant effect of˙VO2max (F=6.09, p=.03) and significant group effect (F=5.93, p=.03) were observed for blood glucose levels. Controlling for the effect of˙VO2max, corrected glucose values were 93.7 ± 3.4 mg/dl vs 106 ± 2.9 mg/dl for black and white females, respectively. The black and white females of this study displayed similar patterns of substrate oxidation and hormonal response throughout exercise. The results fail to support previously reported differences between black and white females.

Sex- and age-related biometric variation of Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus in Western European populations

A multivariate discriminant analysis was performed with biometric data from 583 Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus of known sex, either wintering in central Spain or wintering and breeding in The Netherlands. The discriminant function calculated from these birds was applied to 1158 Black-headed Gulls trapped in Madrid; age, sex and temporal differences in biometrics were analysed for those birds. All measurements taken varied significantly between the sexes, but head-and-bill length and bill depth were the best discriminant variables. Bone measurements (bill length, head-and-bill length, and tarsus length) did not vary between first- or second-winter birds or adults. In contrast, wing length, length of the eighth primary, mass and bill depth increased significantly with age for both sexes, although females attained their final size quicker than males. Both wing length and body condition increased throughout the winter. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.

Age related differences in biometrics and body condition in a Spanish Population of Alpine Swift (Apus melba)

Measurements of 141 Alpine Swifts captured in NE Spain are presented. The data are close to those of a population living in the western part of the country, but differ from Central European and Caucasian Populations. For the first time in a swift species, differences in bodymass and body condition between adults and second-year birds are reported.

Craniometric variability in two populations of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Spain

Two populations of roe deer from Spain, approximately 300 km apart from each other and currently recognized as separate subspecies. were studied to analyse the nature of the morphological differences between these populations and to assess the validity of its taxonomic division. Sixty‐one skulls of roc deer from the Occidental Cantabric Mountains (OCM) and 17 from the Northern lberic Mountains (NIM) were used. No significant sexual dimorphism allowed pooling of male and female samples, on which a large set of 53 measurements was taken. Skulls from the OCM population are, on average, 1·9% larger than those from the NIM population. Twenty‐five out of the 53 characters showed some degree of significant differences between means of both populations, though only four showed highly significant differences. Mandible characters were the most variable traits, showing also significant differences between populations. Eight principal factors were extracted. explaining a total of 84·7% of the sample variance. An ANOVA of factor scores from each population revealed significant differences in PF 1 and PF 3. Interpretation of these two factors suggests that morphological differences between both populations can be summarized as specimens from OCM having larger mandibles and broader neurocranium than specimens from NIM. Mandible differences might reflect morphological adaptations to favour the consumption of ligneous plants, which are more frequently eaten by the OCM roe deer population, whereas a broader neurocranium might be related to antler size. It is concluded that biometric differences observed in skulls from these two populations only reflect minor morphological adaptations to different habitats, thus. there is a lack of morphological data to support the taxonomic distinction of the OCM population as a separate subspecies.

Révision des populations de Mimomys de petite taille (Rodentia, Mammalia) du Pliocène supérieur d’Europe sud-occidentale

The small-sized Mimomys populations from the Pliocene localities Balaruc 2, Seynes (France) and Moreda (Spain) have been comparatively studied. The two former ones were initially attributed to Mimomys septimanus latelly Mimomys minor, and the third one to Mimomys stehlini. After analysis, all of them are here attributed to the. same species, M. stehlini Kormos, 1931, their morphologic and/or biometric differences being considered intraspecific. For obtain these results, a empirical criteria of specific differenciation based on the study of recent Arvicolid species and comparation of the population variability has been neccessary. A new diagnosis for Mimomys stehlini is proposed after revision of the type. The species M. stehlini (including as junior synonymus M. septimanus Michaux, 1971 and “ M. kretzoi” Fejfar, 1961 from Deutsch-Altenburg 9 and 20, Rabeder 1981) can be distinghished from M. minor ( Fejfar, 1961). It spread over Western Europe, from Austria to Spain, during Late Pliocene (Early Villanyan).

Age and sex‐related differences in biometrics and moult of Kittiwakes

Measurements collected from a post‐breeding population of Kittiwakes showed that juvenile Kittiwakes were smaller and lighter than older birds. Second‐summer birds showed no difference in biometrics from adults but were more advanced in moult. Males were found to be less advanced in moult than females.

Red and Grey squirrels: some behavioural and biometric differences

Red and Grey squirrels: some behavioural and biometric differences