Majority Of Mammals Research Articles

Perception of social vocalizations in bats

Although bats are well known for their highly specialized echolocation systems, the majority of produce social vocalizations whose form, function, and complexity vary widely across taxa. Here we review and compare two types of social vocalizations bats produce and perceive: infant isolation calls and complex songs. Infant isolation calls are simple (2 notes), innate vocalizations produced by the majority of mammals with little specialization in bats. Research has shown that auditory sensitivity co-evolved with isolation call frequencies across bats and bats can discriminate among individuals using isolation calls. In contrast to isolation calls, Tadarida brasiliensis songs are much more complex (100’s of notes), hierarchically structured and highly variable across renditions. Playbacks revealed that bats rapidly perceive echolocation from passing conspecifics and sing in response. This occurs only in response to echolocation, even though “echolocation” calls are embedded within complex song phrases. Thus, bats can rapidly discriminate between “echolocation alone” and “song with echolocation embedded” signals. We further share some evidence of differences in the syntax of songs produced in response to songs from familiar and unfamiliar bats. These studies and new discoveries of bats’ songs will no doubt have a large impact on our understanding of vocal perception and cognition.

Dispersal-induced social stress prolongs gestation in wild meerkats.

In the majority of mammals, gestation length is relatively consistent and seldom varies by more than 3%. In a few species, females can adjust gestation length by delaying the development of the embryo after implantation. Delays in embryonic development allow females to defer the rising energetic costs of gestation when conditions are unfavourable, reducing the risk of embryo loss. Dispersal in mammals that breed cooperatively is a period when food intake is likely to be suppressed and stress levels are likely to be high. Here, we show that pregnant dispersing meerkats (Suricata suricatta), which have been aggressively evicted from their natal group and experience weight loss and extended periods of social stress, prolong their gestation by means of delayed embryonic development. Repeated ultrasound scans of wild, unanaesthetized females throughout their pregnancies showed that pregnancies of dispersers were on average 6.3% longer and more variable in length (52-65 days) than those of residents (54-56 days). The variation in dispersers shows that, unlike most mammals, meerkats can adapt to stress by adjusting their pregnancy length by up to 25%. By doing so, they potentially rearrange the costs of gestation during adverse conditions of dispersal and enhance offspring survival.

Occipital condyle width (OCW) is a highly accurate predictor of body mass in therian mammals

BackgroundBody mass estimation is of paramount importance for paleobiological studies, as body size influences numerous other biological parameters. In mammals, body mass has been traditionally estimated using regression equations based on measurements of the dentition or limb bones, but for many species teeth are unreliable estimators of body mass and postcranial elements are unknown. This issue is exemplified in several groups of extinct mammals that have disproportionately large heads relative to their body size and for which postcranial remains are rare. In these taxa, previous authors have noted that the occiput is unusually small relative to the skull, suggesting that occiput dimensions may be a more accurate predictor of body mass.ResultsThe relationship between occipital condyle width (OCW) and body mass was tested using a large dataset (2127 specimens and 404 species) of mammals with associated in vivo body mass. OCW was found to be a strong predictor of body mass across therian mammals, with regression models of Mammalia as a whole producing error values (~ 31.1% error) comparable to within-order regression equations of other skeletal variables in previous studies. Some clades (e.g., monotremes, lagomorphs) exhibited specialized occiput morphology but followed the same allometric relationship as the majority of mammals. Compared to two traditional metrics of body mass estimation, skull length, and head-body length, OCW outperformed both in terms of model accuracy.ConclusionsOCW-based regression models provide an alternative method of estimating body mass to traditional craniodental and postcranial metrics and are highly accurate despite the broad taxonomic scope of the dataset. Because OCW accurately predicts body mass in most therian mammals, it can be used to estimate body mass in taxa with no close living analogues without concerns of insufficient phylogenetic bracketing or extrapolating beyond the bounds of the data. This, in turn, provides a robust method for estimating body mass in groups for which body mass estimation has previously been problematic (e.g., “creodonts” and other extinct Paleogene mammals).

Generation of Fad2 and Fad3 transgenic mice that produce n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Linoleic acid (18 : 2, n-6) and α-linolenic acid (18 : 3, n-3) are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential for mammalian health, development and growth. However, the majority of mammals, including humans, are incapable of synthesizing n-6 and n-3 PUFAs. Mammals must obtain n-6 and n-3 PUFAs from their diet. Fatty acid desaturase (Fad) plays a critical role in plant PUFA biosynthesis. Therefore, we generated plant-derived Fad3 single and Fad2–Fad3 double transgenic mice. Compared with wild-type mice, we found that PUFA levels were greatly increased in the single and double transgenic mice by measuring PUFA levels. Moreover, the concentration of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs in the Fad2–Fad3 double transgenic mice were greater than in the Fad3 single transgenic mice. These results demonstrate that the plant-derived Fad2 and Fad3 genes can be expressed in mammals. To clarify the mechanism for Fad2 and Fad3 genes in transgenic mice, we measured the PUFAs synthesis-related genes. Compared with wild-type mice, these Fad transgenic mice have their own n-3 and n-6 PUFAs biosynthetic pathways. Thus, we have established a simple and efficient method for in vivo synthesis of PUFAs.

Offspring dependence on parental care and the role of parental transfer of oral fluids in burying beetles

BackgroundImmature stages of many animals can forage and feed on their own, whereas others depend on their parents’ assistance to obtain or process food. But how does such dependency evolve, and which offspring and parental traits are involved? Burying beetles (Nicrophorus) provide extensive biparental care, including food provisioning to their offspring. Interestingly, there is substantial variation in the reliance of offspring on post-hatching care among species. Here, we examine the proximate mechanisms underlying offspring dependence, focusing on the larvae of N. orbicollis, which are not able to survive in the absence of parents. We specifically asked whether the high offspring dependence is caused by (1) a low starvation tolerance, (2) a low ability to self-feed or (3) the need to obtain parental oral fluids. Finally, we determined how much care (i.e. duration of care) they require to be able to survive.ResultsWe demonstrate that N. orbicollis larvae are not characterized by a lower starvation tolerance than larvae of the more independent species. Hatchlings of N. orbicollis are generally able to self-feed, but the efficiency depends on the kind of food presented and differs from the more independent species. Further, we show that even when providing highly dependent N. orbicollis larvae with easy ingestible liquefied mice carrion, only few of them survived to pupation. However, adding parental oral fluids significantly increased their survival rate. Finally, we demonstrate that survival and growth of dependent N. orbicollis larvae is increased greatly by only a few hours of parental care.ConclusionsConsidering the fact that larvae of other burying beetle species are able to survive in the absence of care, the high dependence of N. orbicollis larvae is puzzling. Even though they have not lost the ability to self-feed, an easily digestible, liquefied carrion meal is not sufficient to ensure their survival. However, our results indicate that the transfer of parental oral fluids is an essential component of care. In the majority of mammals, offspring rely on the exchange of fluids (i.e. milk) to survive, and our findings suggest that even in subsocial insects, such as burying beetles, parental fluids can significantly affect offspring survival.

Social dominance and wheel running in females of Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

AbstractWheel running is a behaviour that has a rewarding effect on animals. There are not numerous papers investigating potential relationships between social rank and wheel running in mammals kept in groups, and the majority of published researches were conducted on male house mice (Mus musculus). The aim of our study was to investigate if social dominance and wheel running are related in female Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Hamsters were kept in groups, and social position of every animal was expressed as dominance index calculated on the basis of agonistic behaviour. We found significant positive correlation between dominance index and wheel running (rs = 0.809, n = 18, P < 0.0001), thus dominants used wheel more often than subordinates. Our results are consistent with those published on male mice. In conclusion, we claim that in majority of mammals (independent of their sex) kept in groups with restricted possibility of wheel running, dominants use wheel more often (or in optimal time) than subordinates, what is consistent with the fact that dominants have priority of access to resources.

The calcium-frequency response in the rat ventricular myocyte: an experimental and modelling study.

In the majority of species, including humans, increased heart rate increases cardiac contractility. This change is known as the force-frequency response (FFR). The majority of mammals have a positive force-frequency relationship (FFR). In rat the FFR is controversial. We derive a species- and temperature-specific data-driven model of the rat ventricular myocyte. As a measure of the FFR, we test the effects of changes in frequency and extracellular calcium on the calcium-frequency response (CFR) in our model and three altered models. The results show a biphasic peak calcium-frequency response, due to biphasic behaviour of the ryanodine receptor and the combined effect of the rapid calmodulin buffer and the frequency-dependent increase in diastolic calcium. Alterations to the model reveal that inclusion of Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII)-mediated L-type channel and transient outward K(+) current activity enhances the positive magnitude calcium-frequency response, and the absence of CAMKII-mediated increase in activity of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) -ATPase induces a negative magnitude calcium-frequency response. An increase in heart rate affects the strength of cardiac contraction by altering the Ca(2+) transient as a response to physiological demands. This is described by the force-frequency response (FFR), a change in developed force with pacing frequency. The majority of mammals, including humans, have a positive FFR, and cardiac contraction strength increases with heart rate. However, the rat and mouse are exceptions, with the majority of studies reporting a negative FFR, while others report either a biphasic or a positive FFR. Understanding the differences in the FFR between humans and rats is fundamental to interpreting rat-based experimental findings in the context of human physiology. We have developed a novel model of rat ventricular electrophysiology and calcium dynamics, derived predominantly from experimental data recorded under physiological conditions. As a measure of FFR, we tested the effects of changes in stimulation frequency and extracellular calcium concentration on the simulated Ca(2+) transient characteristics and showed a biphasic peak calcium-frequency relationship, consistent with recent observations of a shift from negative to positive FFR when approaching the rat physiological frequency range. We tested the hypotheses that (1) inhibition of Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII)-mediated increase in sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) -ATPase (SERCA) activity, (2) CAMKII modulation of SERCA, L-type channel and transient outward K(+) current activity and (3) Na(+) /K(+) pump dynamics play a significant role in the rat FFR. The results reveal a major role for CAMKII modulation of SERCA in the peak Ca(2+) -frequency response, driven most significantly by the cytosolic calcium buffering system and changes in diastolic Ca(2+) .

Bats as new models for social communication

Bat echolocation has been the focus of extensive acoustic research for over 50 years. However, our knowledge of bat social communication is in its infancy, having really only begun to develop over the last decade. This is because only recently have ultrasonic recording and playback become affordable, rugged, and portable—making field research highly expedient. These advances have in essence opened up an entirely new frontier in acoustic research. Indeed a very large frontier with over 1000 diverse species, nearly all of which are highly social. Here, I review the types of vocalizations bats produce, from echolocation calls, to simple calls to complex songs. For example, simple infant isolation calls are produced by the majority of mammals with little to no specialization in bats. In contrast, our work on Molossid bats shows that they embed “echolocation” calls into complex song phrases while roosting and in flight. In this case, social communication is likely an exaptation of the highly specialized echolocation system. Finally, I discuss where bats fit into our current models—birds, anurans, cetaceans, and rodents—and how using a comparative approach can greatly expand our understanding of acoustic communication.

Biogeography of time partitioning in mammals.

Many animals regulate their activity over a 24-h sleep-wake cycle, concentrating their peak periods of activity to coincide with the hours of daylight, darkness, or twilight, or using different periods of light and darkness in more complex ways. These behavioral differences, which are in themselves functional traits, are associated with suites of physiological and morphological adaptations with implications for the ecological roles of species. The biogeography of diel time partitioning is, however, poorly understood. Here, we document basic biogeographic patterns of time partitioning by mammals and ecologically relevant large-scale patterns of natural variation in "illuminated activity time" constrained by temperature, and we determine how well the first of these are predicted by the second. Although the majority of mammals are nocturnal, the distributions of diurnal and crepuscular species richness are strongly associated with the availability of biologically useful daylight and twilight, respectively. Cathemerality is associated with relatively long hours of daylight and twilight in the northern Holarctic region, whereas the proportion of nocturnal species is highest in arid regions and lowest at extreme high altitudes. Although thermal constraints on activity have been identified as key to the distributions of organisms, constraints due to functional adaptation to the light environment are less well studied. Global patterns in diversity are constrained by the availability of the temporal niche; disruption of these constraints by the spread of artificial lighting and anthropogenic climate change, and the potential effects on time partitioning, are likely to be critical influences on species' future distributions.

Histology and ultrastructure of the lymph nodes of the buffalo (Bos bubalus).

Pre-scapular, femoral and mesenteric lymph nodes from five buffalo calves and five buffalo bulls were studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. The nodes were surrounded with a thin capsule of dense connective tissue and smooth muscles. Subcapsular and trabecular lymphatic sinuses were lined with endothelial cells resting on a basement membrane. The cortex was formed by lymphoid follicles and inter-follicular lymphocytes. Primary and secondary follicles were observed. The medulla was made up of medullary cords of lymphocytes separated by lymphatic sinuses. These sinuses were lined with a discontinuous epithelium and interestingly crossed by reticular fibres. High endothelial venules were found in the paracortical area. Several lymphocytes were observed infiltrating the wall of these venules. The lymph nodes of the Egyptian water buffalo showed a typical structure compared with the majority of mammals, with no age-related structural variation.

Impact of climate and moonlight on a venomous mammal, the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus Geoffroy, 1812)

Predation pressure, food availability, and activity may be affected by level of moonlight and climatic conditions. While many nocturnal mammals reduce activity at high lunar illumination to avoid predators (lunarphobia), most visually-oriented nocturnal primates and birds increase activity in bright nights (lunarphilia) to improve foraging efficiency. Similarly, weather conditions may influence activity level and foraging ability. We examined the response of Javan slow lorises (Nycticebus javanicus Geoffroy, 1812) to moonlight and temperature. We radio-tracked 12 animals in West Java, Indonesia, over 1.5 years, resulting in over 600 hours direct observations. We collected behavioural and environmental data including lunar illumination, number of human observers, and climatic factors, and 185 camera trap nights on potential predators. Nycticebus javanicus reduced active behaviours in bright nights. Although this might be interpreted as a predator avoidance strategy, animals remained active when more observers were present. We did not find the same effect of lunar illumination on two potential predators. We detected an interactive effect of minimum temperature and moonlight, e.g. in bright nights slow lorises only reduce activity when it is cold. Slow lorises also were more active in higher humidity and when it was cloudy, whereas potential predators were equally active across conditions. As slow lorises are well-adapted to avoid/defend predators by crypsis, mimicry and the possession of venom, we argue that lunarphobia may be due to prey availability. In bright nights that are cold, the combined effects of high luminosity and low temperature favour reduced activity and even torpor. We conclude that Javan slow lorises are lunarphobic – just as the majority of mammals.

Influence of body mass on the shape of forelimb in musteloid carnivorans

In the majority of mammals, the limbs are positioned under the body and play an important role in gravitational support, allowing the transfer of the load and providing stability to the animal. For this reason, an animal's body mass likely has a significant effect on the shape of its limb bones. In the present study, we investigate the influence of body mass variation on the shape of the three long bones of the forelimb in a group of closely-related species of mammals: the musteloid carnivorans. We use geometric morphometric techniques to quantify forelimb shape; then estimate phylogenetic signal in the shape of each long bone; and, finally, we apply an independent contrasts approach to assess evolutionary associations between forelimb shape and body mass. The results obtained show that body mass evolution is tightly coordinated with the evolution of forelimb shape, although not equally in all elements. In particular, the humeral and radial shapes of heavier species appear better suited for load bearing and load transmission than the ulna. Nevertheless, our results also show that body mass influences only part of forelimb long bone shape and that other factors, such as locomotor ecology, must be considered to fully understand forelimb evolution. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 110, 91–103.

Frequency of lactase persistence genotype in a healthy Polish population

Abstract The majority of mammals are unable to digest lactose due to post-weaning deactivation of the LCT gene, which is responsible for encoding the enzyme lactase (i.e., adult-type hypolactasia). A substitution of C with T at position −13910 bp upstream of the LCT gene has been linked to the lactase persistence phenotype in European populations. We investigated the frequency of LCT-13910C>T polymorphism in 223 blood donors from central Poland. All samples were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. The LCT-13910 T allele (lactase persistence) was present in 51% of individuals sampled from the Polish population. We did not find any non-European variants associated with lactase persistence (LCT-13907C>G, LCT-13913T>C, LCT-13915T>G), or any new polymorphisms within the sequenced region. Allele frequencies obtained are in agreement with results from other countries and confirm the unique pattern of distribution of the LCT-13910C>T genotype in Europe.

Load carrying during locomotion in the barnacle goose ( Branta leucopsis): The effect of load placement and size

Load carrying has been used to study the energetics and mechanics of locomotion in a range of taxa. Here we investigated the energetic and kinematic effects of trunk and limb loading in walking barnacle geese ( Branta leucopsis). A directly proportional relationship between increasing back-load mass and metabolic rate was established, indicating that the barnacle goose can carry back loads (up to 20% of body mass) more economically than the majority of mammals. The increased cost of supporting and propelling the body during locomotion is likely to account for a major proportion of the extra metabolic cost. Sternal loads up to 15% of body mass were approximately twice as expensive to carry as back loads. Given the key role in dorso-ventral movement of the sternum during respiration we suggest that moving this extra mass may account for the elevated metabolic rate. Loading the distal limb with 5% extra mass incurred the greatest proportional rise in metabolism, and also caused increases in stride length, swing duration and stride frequency during locomotion. The increased work required to move the loaded limb may explain the high cost of walking.

Der Zusammenhang zwischen Lokomotionsweise, Begattungsstellung und Penislänge bei Säugetieren1

Penis length, copulation and locomotion: Their relationship to each other in Mammals A relationship between the mode of locomotion, copulatory position and length of the male copulative organ has been found in all groups of Mammalia. In this paper particular emphasis is given to the orders of the Testiconda, while the Testiphaena receive only brief account (for explanation of terms see Frey 1991 a). Results from my previous antomical study are utilized that are essential for assessing the respective modes of locomotion (Frey 1991b). Information on penis length and copulatory position are taken from the literature and evaluated. Small and middle-sized Testiphaena, which represent the majority of mammals, are capable of a dynamic sagittal bending in the trunk, which is evidenced both in the galloping mode of locomotion and in the usual mammalian copulatory position (mounting). A sagittal bending of the trunk enables the male to bring his genital region into close proximity of the female's genital opening. In this case, a short penis is sufficient to ensure sperm transfer. The construction of the trunk in the Testiconda (excepting the Hyracoidea) entirely or nearly entirely prevents the sagittal bending. This is largely due to rigidity of the lumbar region or insufficient (dynamic) muscular control. The immobilization and/or the functional weakness of the lumbar region are derived from different anatomical conditions. 1. Shortening of the lumbar region, e.g., Tachyglossidae, Elephantidae, Sirenia; 2. Tightening of the lumbar region by tendons and muscles, e. g., Macroscelididae, Cetacea; 3. Xenarthry of the lumbar vertebrae and a double connection of the pelvis on the vertebral column, e. e., Bradypodidae, Myrmeco-phagidae; 4. The lumbar region may be flexible but the hypaxial muscles too short and weak, e. g., Tenrecinae, Soricidae, Erinaceidae. Lumbar rigidity or insufficient muscular control in the lumbar region, resulting from any of these conditions, makes copulation difficult by restricting close approximation of the male and female genitals. Most Testiconda compensate for this by having a long penis. The same also applies for large-sized Testiphaena. Although these animals have retained the ability to gallop, the flexibility of their trunk is restricted and mostly localized in a single joint due to the great body mass and the constructive constraints necessary for increased stability. A long penis is not the only way to compensate for the absence of sagittal flexion. A phylogenetic change in the copulatory posture also solves the problem as seen in the Myr-mecophagidae and Bradypodidae (both Testiconda) which are equipped with a secondarily short-enedpenis. The permanently aquatic testicondid mammals (Sirenia and Cetacea) cannot copulate in the usual mammalian mount position. This is largely due to the phylogenetic reduction and reconstruction of the extremities as well as the secondary evolution of a powerful tail. Sagittal movements of the heavily musculated tail act upon the more or less rigid trunk to provide for a “rear drive” locomotion. Both a change in the copulatory position and a long penis were necessary for these aquatic mammals. The only Testiconda in which a marked dynamic sagittal flexibility of the trunk is developed -the Hyracoidea - are characterized by a short penis. On the whole, the relationship between the mode of locomotion, copulatory position and penis length within the mammalia is confirmed. A rigid lumbar region as opposed to a sagittally flexible, presumably represents the primitive condition among mammals. All Testiconda have

Nutritional regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism in fish

Glucose plays a key role as energy source in the majority of mammals, but its importance in fish appears limited. Until now, the physiological basis for such apparent glucose intolerance in fish has not been fully understood. A distinct regulation of hepatic glucose utilization (glycolysis) and production (gluconeogenesis) may be advanced to explain the relative inability of fish to efficiently utilize dietary glucose. We summarize here information regarding the nutritional regulation of key enzymes involved in glycolysis (hexokinases, 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase and pyruvate kinase) and gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase) pathways as well as that of the bifunctional enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. The effect of dietary carbohydrate level and source on the activities and gene expression of the mentioned key enzymes is also discussed. Overall, data strongly suggest that the liver of most fish species is apparently capable of regulating glucose storage. The persistent high level of endogenous glucose production independent of carbohydrate intake level may lead to a putative competition between exogenous (dietary) glucose and endogenous glucose as the source of energy, which may explain the poor dietary carbohydrate utilization in fish.

Restricted IgA Repertoire in Both B-1 and B-2 Cell-Derived Gut Plasmablasts

Mucosal IgA is the most abundantly produced Ig upon colonization of the intestinal tract with commensal organisms in the majority of mammals. The repertoire of these IgA molecules is still largely unknown; a large amount of the mucosal IgA cannot be shown to react with the inducing microorganisms. Analysis of the repertoire of used H chain Ig (V(H)) genes by H-CDR3 spectrotyping, cloning, and sequencing of V(H) genes from murine intestinal IgA-producing plasma cells reveals a very restricted usage of V(H) genes and multiple clonally related sequences. The restricted usage of V(H) genes is a very consistent observation, and is observed for IgA plasma cells derived from B-1 or conventional B-2 cells from different mouse strains. Clonal patterns from all analyzed V(H) gene sequences show mainly independently acquired somatic mutations in contrast to the clonal evolution patterns often observed as a consequence of affinity maturation in germinal center reactions in peripheral lymphoid organs and Peyer's patches. Our data suggest a model of clonal expansion in which many mucosal IgA-producing B cells develop in the absence of affinity maturation. The affinity of most produced IgA might not be the most critical factor for its possible function to control the commensal organisms, but simply the abundance of large amounts of IgA that can bind with relatively unselected affinity to redundant epitopes on such organisms.

Chromatin, microtubules, and kinases activities during meiotic resumption in bitch oocytes.

In contrast to the majority of mammals, canine oocytes are ovulated at immature germinal vesicle (GV) stage and complete meiotic maturation to metaphase II during 48-72 hr within the oviducts. This study aims to characterize meiotic maturation process in bitch oocytes, with both morphological and biochemical approaches. The follow-up of chromatin and microtubules during maturation was described, and MPF and MAP kinase activities were quantified at different stages of maturation. Since bitch oocyte cytoplasm is darkly pigmented, the first step was to setup an appropriate staining method for DNA. We thus compared the efficiency of two visualization techniques and demonstrated that propidium iodide coupled to confocal microscopy was a better method than Hoechst/fluorescence microscopy for nuclear stage observation (determination rates: 98.6 vs. 69.5%, respectively; P < 0.01, n = 1622 oocytes). Microtubule organization, evaluated by tubulin immunodetection, revealed subcortical and perinuclear alpha-tubulin and asters in GV oocytes and a clear network of microtubules in GVBD oocytes. In MI and MII oocytes, a symmetrical, barrel-shaped, and radially located spindle was observed. MPF and MAP kinase activities were assayed concomitantly using histone H1 and MBP as substrates. Kinase activities were detected at low levels in oocytes at GV and GVBD stages and were significantly higher at MI and MII stages. In conclusion, despite the particular pattern of meiotic resumption in canine oocytes (ovulated at GV stage), cytoskeleton/chromatin organization and kinase activities follow a similar pattern to those observed in other mammalian species.

Infanticide risk and the evolution of male-female association in primates.

Year-round association between adult males and females is common in primates, even though internal gestation and lactation predispose males to mate-desertion in the majority of mammals. Because there is little a priori support for alternative explanations, we hypothesized that permanent male-female association in primates serves to reduce the risk of infanticide by strange males whenever females and infants are closely associated. For a phylogenetic test of this hypothesis, we reconstructed the evolution of male-female and female-infant association among primates. The results of Maddison's concentrated changes test confirmed the prediction that mother-infant association, as opposed to infant parking, and female-male association did not evolve independently. Changes in litter size and activity, in contrast, were not significantly associated with evolutionary changes in male-female association. Thus, we demonstrate a fundamental link between primate life history and social behaviour, explain the most basic type of variation in primate social organization, and propose an additional determinant of social organization that may also operate in other mammals.

Amniogenesis in Schreiber’s long-fingered batMiniopterus Schreibersii Natalensis

an amnion by folding as described for the tree-tailed bat Tadarida hrasiliensis cynocephala (Stephens 1962). Schreiber's long-fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii natalensis, is seasonally monoestrous producing a single off­ spring in November. It has a bicornuate uterus with asymmet­ rically sized horns. The right horn is twice the length of the left one. All implantations occur in the right uterine horn, with 90% of the conceptuses originating from the left ovary (Van der Merwe 1986). Implantation is superficial and the blastocyst expands within the uterine horn. Orientation of the point of initial trophoblastic attachment, like the orientation of the embryonic disc, is anti-mesometrial (Van der Merwe 1982). Soon after the endodermic cells have started to delam­ inate from the inner cell mass during the pre-implantation period, a single cavity, the primitive amniotic cavity, devel­ ops between the remainder of the inner cell mass by means of cavitation (Van der Merwe 1980). However, this cavity as well as its roof (composed of cells of the embryonic mass and overlying trophoblast) do not participate in the formation of the definitive amniotic cavity or definitive amnion respec­ tively. At the stage when the trophoblast covering the embry­ onic pole of the blastocyst starts to proliferate to form the invading syncytiotrophohlast, the floor of the primitive amni­ otic cavity flattens off (Van der Merwe 1982). Owing to this action, the roof of the primitive amniotic cavity, as well as the overlying cytotrophoblast, becomes stretched and progres­ sively thinner until it eventually ruptures and disappears. The embryonic disc at this stage is roofed only by the syncytiotro­ phoblast (Van der Merwe 1982). The purpose of the present study was to determine how the pleuramnion in the superficially implanting Schreibers' long-fingered bat is formed. The main aim was to determine whether the cephaliclhead, lateral and caudal folds develop simultaneously and contribute equally to its formation. There has been some controversy as far as this aspect is concerned because, although authors refer to these folds, some do not elaborate on the contribution made by each of these folds dur­ ing amniogenesis. They normally only mention that the free edges of the folds meet dorsally of the embryo. In the pig these circumferential amniotic folds are in reality all directly continuous with each other (Patten 1948). This, indeed, is expected to be the case in the majority of mammals where a pleuramnion exists. In Schreibers' long-fingered bat these folds eventually become continuous, but this occurs only at a later stage of amniogenesis (see below). Twenty Schreiber's long-fingered bats carrying embryos were collected during July and August at Sandspruit Cave No.1 (24'37'S, 27°40'E) in the northern Transvaal bushveld. Following paraffin-wax embedding, all the genital tracts were serially sectioned at 5 11m and the mounted sections stained:with Ehrlich's haematoxylin and counter-stained with eosin. The sections revealed that upgrowing folds from the peri­ meter of the embryonic disc in Schreiber's long-fingered bat, brought with them ectoderm and extra-embryonic mesoderm (Figures la, b). Because this is a double fold of soma top leur a, the outer part comes into close contact with the syncytiotro­ phoblast. As growth of the folds progresses, the outer layer of the folds eventually covers more of the syncytiotrophoblast overlying the embryonic pole. Finally the folds unite dorsally,