Head Width Research Articles

Caste-specific storage of dopamine-related substances in the brains of four Polistes paper wasp species.

How the role of dopamine differs according to the evolution of eusociality and how it is required in the flexible society of Polistes paper wasps need further clarification. In the present study, we compared the storage and usage of dopamine-related substances in brains between the castes of paper wasps. The head widths, lipid stores in the abdomen, and levels of biogenic amines in the brains were measured in newly emerged females before male emergence (workers) and after male emergence (gynes) in four Polistes species. The head widths and the lipid stores were significantly larger in gynes than workers in P. snelleni, P. rothneyi, and P. jokahamae, whereas they did not differ between castes in P. chinensis. The levels of dopamine precursors in the brains were significantly higher in gynes than workers in P. snelleni, P. chinensis, and P. rothneyi, whereas those of dopamine and its metabolites did not differ between castes in these species. In P. jokahamae, the levels of dopamine precursors and dopamine in the brains did not differ between castes, but those of a dopamine metabolite were significantly higher in gynes than workers. Thus, the caste differences in the levels of dopamine-related substances did not always match body sizes and nutritional reserves. Foundresses in P. rothneyi had significantly lower levels of dopamine precursors and higher levels of dopamine and its metabolite than newly emerged gynes. These results suggested that in several Polistes species, dopamine precursors were stored in the brain without dopamine biosynthesis at emergence, and then converted into dopamine in foundresses during colony founding. These neuroendocrinal states in Polistes species largely differed from those in eusocial bees.

Correlation between the head width and larval instars of Sitophilus zeamais(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and some morphological characteristicsof its developmental stages

This paper presents the correlation between head width and larval instars of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in maize granaries in Son La province. Results showed that there is a strong correlation between head width and age of maize weevil larvae. Head widths varied with the larval instars, being 0.225-0.325 mm, 0.375-0.425 mm, 0.475-0.55 mm, and 0.6-0.775 mm for the first, second, third, and fourth larval instars, respectively. For each instar, changes in head width were accompanied by changes in other characteristics, such as body colour, body width, and body length. This correlation could enable age determination of maize weevil larvae through samples from granaries, allowing detection of the development stage of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais,and prediction of the appearance of adult weevils inside maize granaries in Son La in particular and Vietnam in general.

Pharmacological intervention of biosynthesized Nigella sativa silver nanoparticles against hexavalent chromium induced toxicity in male albino mice

Hexavalent chromium, toxic heavy metal, among the top-rated environmental contaminants, is declared a potent endocrine disruptor in humans and animals. The present study was planned to find harmful effects on the reproductive system caused by Cr (VI) and the ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa and Nigella sativa-mediated AgNP on male mice (Mus musculus). In the present study, known infertility medicine, clomiphene citrate is also used as a positive control. The main objective of the present study was to assess the ameliorative potential of oral administration of a dose of 50 mg/kg BW clomiphene citrate (control), AgNP via chemical synthesis, Nigella sativa seed extract, and Nigella sativa-mediated AgNP against the Cr (VI) at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg BW from K2Cr2O7 orally induced toxicity over eight weeks on the reproductive performance of male albino mice. Nigella sativa mediated AgNPs were characterized by UV, SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The histological analysis, smear study, antioxidant capacity test, and hormone analysis were conducted by blood samples of albino mice. Cr exposed groups showed a significant decrease in sperm head breadth (5.29 ± 0.54 µ) and length (19.54 ± 1.18 µ), middle piece length, tail length, LH (1.65 ± 0.15 ng/mL), testosterone (2.63 ± 0.29 ng/mL), SOD (61.40 ± 2.48 mmol/mL), CAT (87.40 ± 6.01 mmol/mL), GSH (1.54 ± 0.09 µmol/mL), and no of spermatogonia (1.22 ± 0.25), and spermatocytes (2.33 ± 0.943). However, FSH level (160.00 ± 4.98 ng/mL), seminiferous tubule CSA (1094.69 ± 49.76 mm2), size of spermatogonia (41.30 ± 1.24 µ), and spermatocytes (26.07 ± 1.34 µ) were significantly increased. Administration of Nigella sativa and Nigella sativa-mediated AgNPs reduced the toxicity.

Allometric analysis of sexual dimorphism and morphological variation in two chromosome races of the Sceloporus grammicus complex (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from Mexico

Sexual dimorphism is a widespread feature in the Animal Kingdom. In lizards of the Sceloporus grammicus complex, studies of sexual dimorphism that analyze the allometric trajectories of body traits remain unexplored. Here we investigate sexual dimorphism in key phenotypic traits, including body size (snout-vent length, SVL) as well as head length (HL), head width (HW), and forearm length (FL). We use an allometric approach to detect differences in scale relationships among body parts in the S. grammicus complex in Mexico. We focus on two chromosomal races within this complex, F5 (2n = 34) and FM2 (2n = 46). In the complex, we found that males are larger than females in all morphological variables, and this pattern was confirmed in both races. We determined negative allometric trajectories (SVLvs.HL and HW), isometry (SVLvs.FL) and intersexual differences in the slopes of the SVLvs.HL and HW; the males showed steeper slopes. Thus, the growth of the head is more pronounced in males than females. Additionally, we found between-race differences in these trajectories (SVLvs.FL) and in all morphological variables (F5 lizards are larger than those of the FM2 race), which correlate with their chromosomal divergence. We discuss biological implications of our findings in relation to sexual selection and natural selection.

Morphological characterization of some poorly known populations of the genus Spalerosophis Jan, 1865 (Reptilia: Colubridae): is the geometric morphometrics useful to identify them as taxonomic units?

Despite the use of traditional morphology as a standard method for species identification, additional methods like image-based analysis can be desirable to differentiate species and populations. In this study, we used traditional morphology and geometric morphometrics (GM) to describe three distinct populations of the genus Spalerosophis and test the hypothesis that all populations are morphologically distinct. A total of 132 specimens were analysed and based on morphological traits (morphometric, meristic, and colour pattern) subcaudal scales was the only distinguishable trait between Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii and Spalerosophis diadema schirasianus. In addition, Spalerosophis atriceps showed significant differences in most studied characters compared to the other two populations. In the geometric morphometric analysis, we placed 2D Landmarks on the dorsal view images of the head of 93 specimens. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) showed significant differences among the head shape of all three populations. There was an increase in the head width, snout length, and curvature in the posterior part of parietals from west Africa in S. d. cliffordii to the north of India in S. atriceps. This may be the result of variations in their environmental factors, diet and the amount of time that has passed since their separation.

Asiatic acid increased locomotor and head width by inducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor in intrauterine hypoxia-exposed zebrafish.

Hypoxia ischemia leads to abnormal behavior and growth. Prenatal hypoxia also decreases brain adaptive potential, which can cause fatal effects such as cell death. Asiatic acid (AA) in Centella asiatica is a neuroprotector through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to analyze the effect of AA as a neuroprotector against hypoxia during intrauterine development on locomotor activity, head width, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. The true experimental laboratory research used a posttest control-only design. Zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) aged 0-2 dpf (days postfertilization) were exposed to hypoxia with oxygen levels reaching 1.5 mg/l. Then, AA was administered at successive concentrations, namely, 0.36, 0.72, and 1.45 μg/ml, at 2 hpf (hours postfertilization), 3, 6, and 9 dpf. Head width, velocity activity, and BDNF expression were observed. Intrauterine hypoxia significantly decreased head width, velocity rate, and BDNF expression (<0.001). Administration of AA at all concentrations and age 9 dpf to zebrafish larvae with intrauterine hypoxia exposure increased head width ( p < 0.0001), velocity (p < 0.05), and relative mRNA expression of BDNF (p < 0.05). AA is potentially neuroprotective to the brain in zebrafish larvae exposed to hypoxia during intrauterine development.

Relationship between anthropometric indices and Mizaj (temperament) in Persian medicine.

The process of diagnosis and treatment in Persian medicine (PM) are based on the concept of Mizaj (temperament). Among the indices of Mizaj determination, anthropometric indices are less influenceable regarding age change and other environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric indices and Mizaj. Four PM experts determined the Mizaj of 121 participants. Those who had ≥70% agreement in their Mizaj determination by the experts were selected and their anthropometric indices were measured. The best cutoff point of each index and its relationship with the defined Mizaj were extracted using Receiver Operative Characteristic Curve and Binary Logistic Regression. 52 out of 121 participants entered the main study. The warm-Mizaj people had larger dimensions in height, shoulder, chest, palm and sole width, and head height. Cold-Mizaj people had smaller dimensions in weight, height, shoulder, chest and head. High levels of BMI, chest depth and head dimensions had the highest correlation with the wet Mizaj and lower dimensions of these indices had the highest correlation with the dry Mizaj. Among the anthropometric indices, chest, palm, sole dimensions, head height and weight had the highest correlation with warmness/coldness and BMI, head width and chest dimensions had the highest correlation with wetness/dryness. The BMI which is more closely related to the soft tissue, only correlates with the wetness/dryness, while, bone dimensions are associated with warmness/coldness. Further studies are needed to metricize the anthropometric indices for Mizaj determination.

Predicting the body weight of indigenous goat breeds from morphological measurements using the classification and regression tree (CART) data mining algorithm

Classification and regression tree (CART) is a tree-based data mining algorithm that develops a model to predict an outcome. This study purposed to create a model to predict the body weight (BWT) of Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats using morphological measurements (such as body length, BL; head girth, HG; head width, HDW; face length, FAL; height at wither, HTW; rump length, RL; shoulder width, SW; rump width, RW; and rump height, RH). In total, 600 goats were used for this study (200 each of RS, SH, and WAD goats). Pearson?s Moment Correlation was used to evaluate the degree of association between BWT and each morphological measurement. Concomitantly, CART analysis was performed to estimate which independent variable (morphological measurements) played a considerable role in the BWT (dependent variable) prediction. In RS and WAD goats, a positive and statistically significant (p &lt; 0.0001) correlation was observed between BWT and each morphological measurement. However, in SH goats, both positive and negative statistically significant correlations were observed between BWT and morphological measurements. The CART analysis indicated that in RS and WAD goats, HG played a considerable role in BWT prediction, while, in SH goats, BL was considered the most critical independent variable in BWT prediction. Therefore, this study suggests that HG can be used as a prognostic index for BWT estimation in Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf, while BL can be used for Sahel goats. The SAS codes used are available via a GitHub repository (https://github.com/Soullevram/CART).

Measurement of some body parts of muscovy duck (Carina moschata) at age 3 weeks old fed by pellet feed under an intensive farming system

This study was aimed to measure and determine the size of some body parts of the muscovy duck (Carina moschata) and their relationship with body weight. The research was be carried out for two months from August to September 2023 in local Intensive Muscovy Duck farm, Kademangan area, Blitar, East Java. The research material use were 60 muscovy ducks (unsexed), aged 3 weeks old, and reared in intensive farming system. This study used experiment quantitative methods (measurement). Muscovy duck sampling was carried out by random sampling. The variables observed were body weight, beak length, beak width, head length, head circumference, neck length, neck circumference, wing length, back length, chest length, chest width, shank length, shank circumference, and leg membrane width. Measurements were made on each individual using a measuring tape. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed using normality test, correlation test and regression test. The results showed that there is a positive correlation between the morphological dimensions of livestock, including membrane width, shank length, beak width, wing length, head width, head length, neck length, shank circumference, beak length, breast length, breast width, neck circumference, back length, and body weight. And the length of the back has the largest contribution of 54% to the body weight of muscovy ducks (Carina moschata) aged 3 weeks old.

Wireless Sensor Network Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a high potential technology used in many fields (agriculture, earth, environmental monitoring, resources union, health, security, military, and transport, IoT technology). The band width of each cluster head is specific, thus, the number of sensors connected to each cluster head is restricted to a maximum limit and exceeding it will weaken the connection service between each sensor and its corresponding cluster head. This will achieve the research objective which refers to reaching the state where the proposed system energy is stable and not consuming further more cost. The main challenge is how to distribute the cluster heads regularly on a specified area, that’s why a solution was supposed in this research implies finding the best distribution of the cluster heads using a genetic algorithm. Where using an optimization algorithm, keeping in mind the cluster heads positions restrictions, is an important scientific contribution in the research field of interest. The novel idea in this paper is the crossover of two-dimensional integer encoded individuals that replacing an opposite region in the parents to produce the children of new generation. The mutation occurs with probability of 0.001, it changes the type of 0.05 sensors found in handled individual. After producing more than 1000 generations, the achieved results showed lower value of fitness function with stable behavior. This indicates the correct path of computations and the accuracy of the obtained results. The genetic algorithm operated well and directed the process towards improving the genes to be the best possible at the last generation. The behavior of the objective function started to be regular gradually throughout the produced generations until reaching the best product in the last generation where it is shown that all the sensors are connected to the nearest cluster head. As a conclusion, the genetic algorithm developed the sensors’ distribution in the WSN model, which confirms the validity of applying of genetic algorithms and the accuracy of the results.

Anatomical and Morphological Variations in Supernumerary Third Head of Biceps Brachii Muscle in Human Cadavers and its Clinical Significance

Introduction: The biceps brachii muscle takes its name from its two proximally attached ‘heads’. On rare occasions, an anomalous third head arises from the superomedial part of the brachialis and is attached to the bicipital aponeurosis and the medial side of the tendon of insertion. The slip frequently descends in front of and behind the brachial artery and often causes compression of the median nerve or brachial artery. Aim: To calculate incidence of the supernumerary third head of the biceps brachii along with its anatomical and morphological variations to establish its clinical significance. Materials and Methods: The observational study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Dr. Kiran C Patel Medical College and Research Institute, Bharuch, Gujarat, India, from October 2021 to September 2022. It included 32 cadaveric upper limbs- 16 right-sided and 16 left-sided. The morphometric measurements were done with the use of digital vernier caliper. The findings were photographed and recorded. The mean and standard deviation deviation were hereby presented and analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. Results: The biceps brachii was constituted of supernumerary third head in three (9.375%) limbs, one on the right and two on the left-side. In all cases, third head arose from the anteromedial aspect of the mid-humeral shaft; medial to the brachialis and inserted together with the other two heads of the biceps into bicipital aponeurosis and radial tuberosity. The mean length and mean width of the supernumerary head was measured as 141.16±43.63 mm, 25.22±4.99 mm, respectively. A significant difference was not found when compared for symmetrical sides. Conclusion: Three specimens of upper limb were observed with distinct occurrence for the third head with the incidence of 9.37% and predominance on the left-side. In case of various arm surgical procedures knowledge can be used to avoid injuries.

Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Kachhi Sheep Breed

For the evaluation of the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of Kachhi sheep, a total of 300 adult Kachhi sheep (female240 and male 60) were selected from different study areas (Hyderabad, Matiary, Mirpurkahs, Sanghar, Umerkot and Thaparkar) of Sindh province. Among all the study areas majority of male and female Kachhi sheep physically possessed plain white coat with black and brown (tan) color, compact body shape, coarse type wool, convex face profile, roman nose, small pendulous ears, sloppy rump, dark colored hooves, and small cylindrical tail, compact udder. Moreover, majority of male and female sheep were noted with wattles, remarkably few cases of female and male Kachhi sheep were detected with deviated Morphometric characters. Average live body weight and linear body measurements (chest girth, body length, height at withers, facial length, ear length, head width and tail length) of both sexes, at Matiary area were observed comparatively (P&lt;0.05) higher, followed by Hyderabad, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Tharparkar vicinities of Sindh. However, statistical (P&lt;0.05) differences were recorded in the morphometric traits between male and female Kachhi sheep among all the selected vicinities of Sindh province.

Assessment of The Effects of Edentulousness on Temporomandibular Components by Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of edentulousness on the temporomandibular joint using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: In this study, CBCT images were evaluated in a total of 48 patients (24 dentulous, 24 edentulous). Ninety-six temporomandibular joint CBCT images were examined. Eminence inclination, condyle head widths and joint space were measured and statistically compared between the edentulous and dentulous groups. Results: The articular eminence inclination value the mediolateral width of the condyle and the anteroposterior width of the condyle were found significantly higher in the dentulous group than in the edentulous group. There was no significant difference between the dentulous and edentulous groups in terms of the anterior, superior and posterior joint space. Conclusion: In the edentulous patients, the articular eminence inclination value, mediolateral and anteroposterior widths of the condyle head were found to lower in comparison to the dentulous patients

Morphometric characterization and genetic distance in bitches (oryctolagus cuniculus) in several regions in Indonesia

Rabbits are a group of animals that are very popular and enjoyed by the community. Rabbits, in general, have the high biological and economic potential to produce quality meat, skin, and hair, as well as pets (ornamental) and modern business farming. Rabbits are well known in Indonesia and developed mostly for farming. This literature study discusses morphometric characteristics and genetic distances among rabbits. The parameters used were head length (PK), head width (LK), ear length (PTL), ear width (LTL), chest circumference (LKD), chest width (LD), humerus bone length (PH), radius-ulna bone length (PRU), tibial bone length (PT), and body length (PB). The results of body variables measurement in FG rabbits had a higher mean for body size, including PK (12.64 cm), PTL (13.59 cm), LTL (6.47 cm), PH (9.52 cm), PRU (8, 95 cm), and PB (41.97 cm) compared to other families. Genetic distance shows that it has a close genetic distance (0.63106), while the farthest genetic distance is found between Rexb rabbits and ES rabbits, which is 6.96749. The genetic distances and tree phenogram construction are useful for estimating kinship between Rabbits clumps.

Stature Estimation from Forearm Length: An Anthropometric Study on Medical Students of South Indian Origin

Forensic identification of mutilated and fragmented body parts is a critical part of forensic investigation. Stature is a major criterion of identification and provides useful clues to the investigating agency. There are established correlations of stature with body parts such as extremities, head, trunk, vertebral column, etc. This study was formulated to find out the correlation between maximum head length and maximum head breadth with stature in humans and to calculate a regression equation to determine stature from the head length and head breadth at Kolkata Police Morgue attached to the Upgraded Department of Forensic and State Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata. It is a cross-sectional, observational study. Total 32 deceased subjects (n= 32, m=26 f=6) were selected for the study depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Maximum head length and breadth were measured in each using spreading calipers and stature was measured using standard autopsy procedures. The results were tabulated in an excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Stat Cal C software and SSS (online). The mean, stature of the study population was 162.54 cm, head length 17.78 cm, and head breadth 13.75. cm r = 0.473 (head length, p &lt;0.006) , 0.181 (head breadth, p &lt;0.321). Regression equations: stature = 3.83 × head length + 94.43; 2.09 × head breadth + 133.69 and 3.76 × head length + 0.29 × head breadth +91.60. Head length and head breadth were correlated with stature. Regression equations can be used to estimate stature in forensic cases from head length and breadth.

Ecological conditions and phenotypic characteristics of Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank, 1803) in the Subotica and Toplik Rivers

Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank, 1803) lives in two watercourses, namely Subotica (Sana) and Toplik (Tilava). The influence of the ecological conditions of these rivers on individuals of this species is analyzed based on 22 morphometric parameters. The assessment of abiotic conditions was done through the measurement of physical and chemical water parameters and the analysis of the composition of phytobenthos and macrozoobenthos. Sampling was carried out in June, September, and October 2021. Water quality at the investigated localities (on the basis of abiotic and biotic parameters) is oligo to betamesosaprobic. A total of 37 crayfish were analyzed (20 from Subotica and 17 from Toplik). Female crayfish have shown significant differences in the head width (HEW) and abdominal thickness (ABH). Males differed significantly in a number of parameters, including the weight (W), head shape (HEL and HEW), rostrum length (ROL), carapace width (CPW), and abdominal shape (ABH and ABL). Higher values of the indicated parameters have been found in the males from the Subotica River. The obtained results are influenced by different ecological conditions of their habitats. The Subotica River is a larger watercourse in the lowland belt with a large number of microhabitats, and the Toplik is a small river in the mountain belt, with uniform sediment and a small number of ecological niches of the analyzed species. The general ecological conditions in the water of both watercourses are also affected by aquaculture facilities, where wastewater has a direct influence on the distribution of Austropotamobius torrentium individuals in the watercourses of the Subotica and Toplik Rivers. For more detailed and complete data, it is necessary to analyze a larger number of individuals in both populations, and to include additional morphometric-meristic parameters and molecular-genetic analyses.

Feed and nutrient utilization efficiency and juvenile traits of Vezaguda chicken of Odisha in floor rearing system

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Vezaguda, an indigenous chicken population of Odisha, up to 8 weeks of age in floor rearing system. Unsexed day-old chicks (100) were selected for this study. Mortality and feed intake were recorded daily while body weight was recorded weekly. Body conformation traits such as shank length, shank circumference, shank width, thigh length, chest girth, keel length, body length, height, back length, wing length, folded wing length, wing span, neck length, head length, skull length, head width, beak length and breast angle were measured at 6th and 8th weeks of age. The 8th week body weight of male and female chicks were 501.58±21.64 g and 423.35±13.44 g, respectively. The cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) at 8th week were 4.00±0.06, 8.73±0.12, and 1.25±0.02, respectively. An index of productivity, production efficiency factor (PEF) was calculated taking into account final weight, liveability %, age of the bird and FCR. The PEF at 8th week was 16.38±0.46. At 6th week of age, all recorded conformation traits were higher in male chicks than that of female chicks. At 8th week of age, chest girth, skull length and beak length were significantly higher in male chicks than that of female chicks.

A New South American Freshwater Turtle of the Genus Mesoclemmys from the Brazilian Amazon (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae)

We describe a new species of small chelid turtle from perennial streams in the Araguaia River subbasin near Serra das Andorinhas State Park, São Geraldo do Araguaia, Pará, Brazil. It is morphologically distinct and the smallest known member of the genus Mesoclemmys, with an average straight-line carapace length (CL) of 144 mm and maximum recorded CL of 170 mm. The species has a moderate head width of approximately 20% of CL. The carapace and dorsal soft parts are blackish, the plastron is light brownish yellow with a blackish brown central plastral figure, and the ventral soft parts are pale yellow. It has the largest femoral scutes of any Mesoclemmys and its plastral contact formula is Intergular > Anal > Humeral > Femoral > Abdominal > Pectoral > Gular. We describe the shell and skull morphology of the new species and performed genetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase, subunits I [COI] and 16S) to build a phylogenetic tree for the genus, which placed the new species as sister to M. vanderhaegei.

Genetic Variability Studies for Yield and Related Attributes in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Genotypes

The fifty-finger millet (Eleusine coracana) genotypes used in the current experiment were examined in four different environments: E1 and E2 at the Student Research Farm at the C.S.A.U.A.&amp;T. Kanpur, and E3 and E4 seeded at the Research Farm in Daleep Nagar, Kanpur. The genotypes were assessed using a randomised block design with three replications to determine genetic variability for the following traits: days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per ear, length of finger (cm), finger width (cm), ear head width (cm), ear head length (cm), ear head weight (g), ear head weight (g), straw yield per plant (g), harvest index (%), 1000 grain weight (g), protein content (%) and grain yield per plant (g). This experiment revealed low genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, ear head width across all conditions, and protein content across all environments with the exception of E2. High levels of GCV and PCV were found in the ear head weight, straw yield per plant, 1000 grain weight, and grain yield per plant. In every context, the magnitude of GCV was often lower than the corresponding PCV. Plant height, finger width, ear head weight, straw yield per plant, harvest index, 1000 grain weight, and grain yield per plant all showed strong heritability along with high genetic progress. As a result of the cumulative impact of its component features, the yield has a complicated and highly variable character. It is the outcome of the combined influence of its constituent features, therefore straight selection for yield might not be very effective.

A new species of frog from the Caribbean island of Montserrat (Eleutherodactylidae, Eleutherodactylus)

I describe a new species of frog, Eleutherodactylus montserratae sp. nov., from Montserrat, previously confused with E. johnstonei Barbour. It is native to that island and has been introduced, and established, on other Lesser Antillean islands west of 62 degrees west longitude including Anguilla, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St. Barthélemy, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Christopher, and Nevis, as well as Bermuda. Previous chromosome and molecular studies have shown that populations from these islands are distinct from E. johnstonei, a species occurring east of 62 degrees west longitude in the Lesser Antilles, and elsewhere, but could not identify diagnostic morphological differences. Here, I show that the new species differs morphologically in being smaller (males and females) and having a proportionately larger tympanum, a wider head, and greater separation between the nostrils. Both species have been introduced within and outside of the Caribbean region and will likely expand their ranges in the future.