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Feeding selectivity and a functional trade-off in a benthic fish with a continuous morphological variation: an experimental test BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 Chiharu Endo
Functional trade-offs through ecological specializations are hypothesized to become causes of adaptive phenotypic divergence under divergent natural selection, where intermediate phenotypes may have the lowest fitness. Evidence of phenotypic divergence in a trade-off between populations experiencing different environmental/ecological conditions is abundant. However, traits in divergent selection sometimes
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Giant pandas in captivity undergo short-term adaptation in nerve-related pathways BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2024-02-21 Yan Li, Wei Xu, Juan Wang, Hong Liu, Jiawen Liu, Liang Zhang, Rong Hou, Fujun Shen, Yuliang Liu, Kailai Cai
Behaviors in captive animals, including changes in appetite, activity level, and social interaction, are often seen as adaptive responses. However, these behaviors may become progressively maladaptive, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative reactions in animals. In this study, we investigated the whole-genome sequencing data of 39 giant panda individuals, including 11 in captivity
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Echoes through time: amazing inferences from a fossil bat BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2024-02-04 Lucas J. S. Greville, Lily Hou, Harry A. W. Kumbhani, Beatriz Nogueira e Figueira, Karen J. Vanderwolf, Ryan A. C. Leys, Mathumy Sivatheesan, Thomas P. Pianta, Liam P. McGuire
Sister to the Chiroptera crown-clade, the 50 million year old Vielasia sigei is suggested to have used laryngeal echolocation based on morphometric analyses. We discuss how Vielasia’s discovery influences our understanding of the evolution of echolocation in bats and the insights fossils provide to the lives of extinct species.
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Forest fragmentation causes an isolated population of the golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi Thomas, 1911) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in the Qinling Mountains (China) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2024-01-30 Hui Feng, Fangjun Cao, Tiezhi Jin, Lu Wang
Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi is a rare animal uniquely distributed in the Qinling Mountains (China). Human disturbance and habitat fragmentation have directly affected the survival of B. t. bedfordi. It is urgent to clarify the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the B. t. bedfordi population and implement effective conservation measures. In this study, 20 new polymorphic microsatellite loci
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High disparity in repellent gland anatomy across major lineages of stick and leaf insects (Insecta: Phasmatodea) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2024-01-02 Marco Niekampf, Paul Meyer, Felix S. C. Quade, Alexander R. Schmidt, Tim Salditt, Sven Bradler
Phasmatodea are well known for their ability to disguise themselves by mimicking twigs, leaves, or bark, and are therefore commonly referred to as stick and leaf insects. In addition to this and other defensive strategies, many phasmatodean species use paired prothoracic repellent glands to release defensive chemicals when disturbed by predators or parasites. These glands are considered as an autapomorphic
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Morphological and functional trait divergence in endemic fish populations along the small-scale karstic stream BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-12-11 Elif Acar, Nehir Kaymak
Organisms with broad distribution ranges, such as fish, often exhibit local ecological specializations based on their utilization of food and habitat. Populations of species that live in different habitat types (lotic vs. lentic) show morphological variations. However, the phenotypic differences of endemic fish populations in a small karst river basin under anthropogenic pressure are still not fully
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Exploring the morphological dynamics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn. 1758) in Victoria Nile as depicted from geometric morphometrics BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-11-23 Papius Dias Tibihika, Manuel Curto, Harald Meimberg, Cassius Aruho, George Muganga, Jerome Sebadduka Lugumira, Victoria Tibenda Namulawa, Margaret Aanyu, Richard Ddungu, Constantine Chobet Ondhoro, Tom Okurut
Various anthropogenic activities continue to threaten the fish biodiversity of the East African water bodies such as the Victoria Nile. Although the Victoria Nile is a significant source of livelihood for human populations, the biology and ecology of Nile tilapia in this ecosystem remain understudied with little or no information on the morphology of the fish given varying and immense anthropogenic
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Diet of Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas, Schreber, 1775), impacts on livelihood and perceptions of farmers in Konasa Pulasa community conserved forest, omo valley of Ethiopia BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-11-09 Mesfin Matusal, Aberham Megaze
Livestock depredation by the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) occurs widely across Africa. The study on human-jackal conflict is important for conservation efforts in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to investigate the diet of black-backed jackals, to understand their predation effects on domestic livestock and perceptions of farmers’ in the Konasa-Pulasa Community Conserved Forest, Omo Valley
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Rewilding: a requirement for a sustainable future BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-11-03 Ashish Kumar Arya
Nowadays rewilding has received an increasing focus as a sustainable conservation tool for restoring damaged or disturbed habitats. Many types of rewilding initiatives have been implemented all over the globe with the goal of reinstalling the extinct or lost fauna as well as restoring ecological relationships and natural processes. The effectiveness of rewilding initiatives depends on a comprehensive
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Acute toxicity of ammonia and nitrite to Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-11-02 Makiko Kajimura, Kazuyuki Takimoto, Ayaka Takimoto
The acute toxicity and sublethal effects of ammonia and nitrite on the air-beathing Siamese fighting fish, betta (Betta splendens) was studied for 96 h. The LC50 (50% Lethal Concentration) for 96 h for adult bettas to ammonia-N and nitrite-N was 123.4 mM (1.7 g/L, 95% confidence limits: 114.7–130.0 mM) and 24.6 mM (343.6 mg/L, 95% confidence limits: 22.7–26.4 mM) respectively. Exposure to 90 mM ammonia
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Ecology, behavior and bionomics: functional response of Heterotermes tenuis Hagen (Insecta: Blattaria: Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in forests of the Colombian Orinoquía BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-10-26 Luis Ricardo Salazar-Salazar, Olga Patricia Pinzón-Florian
Land use intensification may affect diversity, abundance, and functional morphological traits (FMT) related to dispersal, food acquisition, digestion, and nesting in some insects, possibly impacting their ecological role. Most studies of termites on the effects of afforestation focus on diversity and abundance, but changes in FMT have yet to be studied. To better understand the response mechanisms
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Shifts in energy allocation and reproduction in response to temperature in a small precocial mammal BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-10-18 Fritz Trillmich, Anja Guenther
Species adjust to changes in temperature and the accompanying reduction in resource availability during the annual cycle by shifts in energy allocation. As it gets colder, the priority of energy allocation to maintenance increases and reproduction is reduced or abandoned. We studied whether and how young female guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) adjust even under ad libitum food conditions growth, storage
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Reproductive characteristics of the hermaphroditic four-finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804), in tropical coastal waters BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-09-19 Kay Khine Soe, Teuku Haris Iqbal, Apiradee Lim, Wen‑Xiong Wang, Karl W. K. Tsim, Yutaka Takeuchi, Nirattisai Petchsupa, Sukree Hajisamae
This study investigated the reproductive traits of the hermaphroditic four-finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum, along the coasts of Thailand during January to December 2021. Fish samples were collected from Pattani Bay, Thailand to assess the sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (GSI), maturity stage and fecundity. Additional fish samples were also collected from other areas to evaluate the length
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Evaluation of freshwater heavy metals accumulation effect on oxidative stress, Metallothionein biosynthesis and histopathology of Procambarus clarkii (Girard,1985) collected from three locations in the Delta region, Egypt BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-09-18 Mahy M. Mona, Mai L. Younis, Aalaa I. Atlam
In this study, the effect of heavy metals accumulation influence was evaluated on adult crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda, Astacidea) collected from three different Governmental locations (Kafr El-Shaikh, El-Menofya, and El-Gharbiya) of the Egyptian Delta. The activity of super oxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) of gills, hepatopancreas, and muscle tissue
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The gametogenic cycle and spawning of the short-necked clam, Paphia undulata Born, 1778 (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-09-13 Mostafa A. M. Mahmoud, Mohamed H. Yassien
Paphia undulata, The Short-Necked Clam, is an edible marine bivalve that is consumed internationally and locally in Egypt. Overfishing and pollution have caused population declines in Egyptian fisheries during the last decade. Accurate reproductive biology knowledge is critical for designing long-term exploitation strategy for this resource. P. undulata spawning and gametogenic cycle research were
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Variation in claw morphology among the digits of Bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus: Gekkota: Gekkonidae) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-09-08 Jendrian Riedel, Melinda Klemm, Timothy Higham, L. Lee Grismer, Thomas Ziegler, Anthony Russell, Dennis Rödder, Klaus Reinhold
Ecomorphological studies of lizards have increasingly employed comparison of claw morphology among species in relation to spatial niche use. Typically, such studies focus on digit IV of the autopodia, especially the pes. Uniformity of claw morphology among digits is more often implicitly assumed than tested. Using four species of Cyrtodactylus, comprising two generalist and two scansorial taxa that
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Reproductive studies on the carpet clam Paphia textile (Paratapes textilis) (Gmelin 1791) (Family: Veneridae): a guide of aquaculture management along the Egyptian coasts of the Red Sea and Suez Canal BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-09-07 Marwa I. Farghaly, Tamer El-Sayed Ali, Hanan M. Mitwally, Fatma A. Abdel Razek
Most aquatic biota's reproductive biology and life cycle are essential to the sustainable management and development of coastal ecosystems and aquaculture. The bivalve Paphia textile (Gmelin 1791), also known as Paratapes textilis, has an economic value in Indo-Pacific waters, including the Red Sea and the Suez Canal lakes, the Egyptian coasts. However, P. textile suffers from extensive fishing and
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Synergist response of the Peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) to some ammonium based proteinaceous food bait attractants BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-09-04 Muhammad Hasnain, Shafqat Saeed, Unsar Naeem Ullah, Sami Ullah, Syed Muhammad Zaka
Under the family Tephritidae, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) is a serious pest, attacking fruits and vegetables causing large quantitative and qualitative damages throughout the world. Fruit flies require proteinaceous food for sexual maturation and egg development. Therefore, food bait attractants are frequently utilized for fruit fly detection, monitoring, mass trapping, and control. Using a Y-shape
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Diversity and abundance of birds in dumpsites of Afar region, Ethiopia: implication for conservation BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-08-31 Weldemariam Tesfahunegny, Alembrhan Assefa
Dumpsites play key role in conservation of birds. A study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of birds in dumpsites of Afar region, Ethiopia from August, 2019 to March, 2020, covering both the wet and dry seasons. A total of nine dumpsites that contain domestic wastes found in different towns of Afar region were selected. Point count technique was employed to identify and count the
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Morphology of the male reproductive system and sperm ultrastructure of the green lacewing, Chrysopa pallens (Rambur, 1838) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-08-28 Xiaoping Liu, Xingkai Guo, Yanjiao Feng, Lisheng Zhang, Mengqing Wang, Yuyan Li, Jianjun Mao
Chrysopa pallens is one of the most beneficial and effective natural predators, and is famous for its extensive distribution, wide prey spectrum, and excellent reproductive performance. This study examined the anatomy and fine structure of the C. pallens reproductive system and spermatogenesis. The male reproductive system of C. pallens comprises a pair of testes, a vas deferens, seminal vesicles,
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Review of the genus Sparasion Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea: Sparasionidae) of the Oriental region with descriptions of new species from India BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-08-25 Kamalanathan Veenakumari, Andrew Polaszek, Roberto Poggi, Kolla Sreedevi, Prashanth Mohanraj, Farmanur Rahman Khan, Gundappa Baradevanal
The genus Sparasion, endoparasitoids of Tettigoniidae, occur in the Nearctic, Palearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions. It is absent in the Neotropics and Australasia. Of the thirteen species found in the Oriental region only a single species is from India. Two new species groups - Sparasion bilahari species group and Sparasion manavati species group - are proposed for species from the Oriental
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Effects of morphological traits on body weight and analysis of growth-related genes of Parabramis pekinensis at different ages BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-08-24 Wentao Xu, Yaming Feng, Zhengyan Gu, Shuanglin Zhang, Zhijing Yang, Ye Xu, Hailong Gu
Parabramis pekinensis was treated as research object in order to investigate the correlation between morphological traits and body weight. We measured 9 morphological indexes including total length (X1), body length (X2), body height (X3), head length (X4), snout length (X5), eye diameter (X6), eye distance (X7), caudal stalk length (X8) and caudal stalk height (X9). The principal morphological traits
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Heart ventricles of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): new insights from sectional anatomy, 3D computed tomography, and morphometry BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-08-18 Mohamed A.M. Alsafy, Samir A.A. El-Gendy, Basma M. Kamal, Catrin S. Rutland, Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez, Soha Soliman, Ahmed N. ELKhamary, Ahmed G. Nomir
Dromedary camel heart morphology is a crucial research topic with clinical applications. The study aims to understand the dromedary camel anatomy, morphology, and architecture of the ventricular mass. Results: Sagittal and transverse gross sections were compared to sagittal, transverse, and 3D render volume reconstruction computed tomography (CT) scans. The subepicardial fat, which covered the heart
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First record of rainbow shrimp, exotic species Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis (Heller, 1862), in the Brazilian coastal amazon, validated by DNA barcode BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-08-11 Charles Samuel Moraes Ferreira, David Carvalho de Mesquita, Ítalo Antônio de Freitas Lutz, Ivana Barbosa Veneza, Thaís Sousa Martins, Paula da Conceição Praxedes Santana, Josy Alessandra Barreto Miranda, Jefferson Miranda de Sousa, Suane Cristina do Nascimento Matos, Francisco Carlos Alberto Fonteles Holanda, Maria Iracilda da Cunha Sampaio, Grazielle Fernanda Evangelista-Gomes
This is the first record of the alien shrimp Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis in Brazil. The invasion was detected within Marine Extractive Reserves based on eight specimens accidentally caught by local fishermen using trawlnets focused on fisheries of native species. These specimens were transported to the Laboratory of Applied Genetics and morphologically identified as Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis (rainbow
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Comparative study of ovarian development in wild and captive-reared long-whiskered Sperata aor (Hamilton, 1822) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-07-24 Muhammad Anamul Kabir, Mohammed Mahbub Iqbal, Shishir Kumar Nandi, Mahbuba Khanam, Md Afsar Ahmed Sumon, Albaris B. Tahiluddin, Zulhisyam Abdul Kari, Lee Seong Wei, Guillermo Téllez-Isaías
Long-whiskered catfish Sperata aor is a freshwater catfish known for its supreme flesh quality and fast growth, whose captive-reared broodstock denotes a difficult challenge for aquaculture. The reproductive dysfunctions in long-whiskered catfish raised in tank conditions were observed by comparing tissue biochemical composition and ovarian histology of wild female broodstock. Sixty (60) female broodstocks
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New insights into phylogenetic relationships of Rhabdocoela (Platyhelminthes) including members of Mariplanellida BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-07-11 Íñigo Vicente-Hernández, Werner Armonies, Katharina Henze, M. Teresa Aguado
Previous flatworm phylogenetic research has been carried out analysing 18S and 28S DNA markers. Through this methodology, Mariplanellinae subfamily has been recently re-classified as Mariplanellida status novus. This new classification implied that 3 genera belonged to Mariplanellida: Mariplanella, Lonchoplanella and Poseidoplanella. In this study, we aim to clarify some of the relationships within
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The effects of endogenous FSH and its receptor on oogenesis and folliculogenesis in female Alligator sinensis BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-07-04 Haitao Nie, Yunlu Xu, Yuqian Zhang, Yue Wen, Jixiang Zhan, Yong Xia, Yongkang Zhou, Renping Wang, Xiaobing Wu
The precise mechanisms of hormone action responsible for the full course of events modulating folliculogenesis in crocodilian have not been determined, although histological features have been identified. The Alligator sinensis ovarian morphological characteristics observed at 1, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 300 days post hatching(dph) revealed that the dynamic changes in germ cells varied in different meiotic
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The effect of the egg-predator Carcinonemertes conanobrieni on the reproductive performance of the Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-06-26 Amanda Berben, Natalie C. Stephens, Jaime Gonzalez-Cueto, Yulibeth Velasquez, Sigmer Quiroga, María Teresa González, J. Antonio Baeza
The Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus is heavily fished throughout its Greater Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico distribution, suggesting a heightened susceptibility to a fisheries collapse. In 2017, a nemertean worm, Carcinonemertes conanobrieni was described from ovigerous females of P. argus in Florida, USA. A year later, the presence of the same egg predator was recorded along the southern Caribbean
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Correction: Mitochondrial phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Italian and slovenian fluvio-lacustrine barbels, Barbus sp. (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-06-02 Giovanni Rossi, Federico Plazzi, Gianluca Zuffi, Andrea Marchi, Salvatore De Bonis, Marco Valli, Petra Marinšek, Rosanna Falconi
Correction to: BMC Zoology (2021) 6:8 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-021-00073-x Following publication of the original article [1], the link to the nomenclature act, which is made mandatory by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for a species description to be valid, was accidentally removed. We have therefore added the link and changed the section ‘Nomenclature acts’ from:
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Human-wildlife interaction: past, present, and future BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-05-11 Edward Narayan, Naureen Rana
Human-wildlife interaction is a broad and complex topic. Due to rapid world population growth, there have been greater human impacts on wildlife through agriculture and land fragmentation. In many countries, significant challenges exist with managing wildlife and its negative impacts on humans and wildlife. This special issue discusses human-wildlife co-existence.
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The phylogenetic relationship among two species of genus Nebo (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) from Saudi Arabia and Middle East BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-04-07 Abdulaziz R. Alqahtani, Noura J. Alotaibi, Hamdy Aly, Ahmed Badry
The genus Nebo has been identified as a medically important scorpion species distributed across Arabia and the Middle East. However, its taxonomic status remains unclear. The molecular phylogeny of two Nebo species from Saudi Arabia and comparative sequences from Palestine is presented based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Scorpion specimens were collected from two different
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Comparison of bird assemblage structures and diversity patterns between seasons among two Ethiopian wetlands BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-03-11 Numeri Awash, Wondimagegnehu Tekalign
Wetlands are significant habitats for bird populations, and knowledge of the diversity and other ecological aspects of bird species contribute to the management of the ecosystem. The present study was based on comparative studies of the diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two wetlands of southwest Ethiopia. The point count method was utilized in this study. For the data analysis
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Correction: Solving a running crab spider puzzle: delimiting Cleocnemis Simon, 1886 with implications on the phylogeny and terminology of genital structures of Philodromidae BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-01-18 do Prado, André Wanderley, Baptista, Renner Luiz Cerqueira, Schinelli, Hector Baruch Pereira, Takiya, Daniela Maeda
Correction: BMC Zool 7, 51 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-022-00136-7 Following the publication of the original article, Prado et al. 2022 [1], authors reported that since the amendments to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) [2] dealing with registration of nomenclatural acts in The Official Registry of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) [3], in article 8 of the online electronic
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Effects of fine-scale habitat quality on activity, dormancy, habitat use, and survival after reproduction in Rana dybowskii (Chordata, Amphibia) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2023-01-16 Tong, Qing, Dong, Wen-jing, Long, Xin-zhou, Hu, Zong-fu, Luo, Zhi-wen, Guo, Peng, Cui, Li-yong
Amphibians are facing population declines and extinctions, and protecting and supplementing refuges can help species survive. However, the microhabitat requirements of most species are unknown, and artificial shelters or burrows have not been well tested for amphibians. Some amphibians exhibit complex behaviour during the transition from post-reproductive dormancy to activity. However, little is known
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Anatomical, histochemical, and immunohistochemical observations on the gastrointestinal tract of Gallinula chloropus (Aves: Rallidae) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-12-28 Abdellatif, Ahmed M., Farag, Amany, Metwally, Elsayed
Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a wild aquatic omnivorous bird characterized by a marked resistance to harsh environmental conditions and a worldwide distribution. In this study, anatomical, morphometrical, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques were employed to study the structure of the gastrointestinal tract of Gallinula chloropus. The esophagus appeared tubular with no distinct
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Selection and validation of reference genes for the normalization of quantitative real-time PCR in different muscle tissues of rabbits BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-12-15 Ni, Mengke, Li, Zhichao, Li, Jing, He, Hui, Wang, Yaling, Jiang, Yixuan, Wang, Xianwei, Li, Zhuanjian, Li, Ming, Xu, Huifen
In molecular biology studies, the selection of optimal reference genes is of vital importance for accurately quantifying gene expression. The purpose of the present study was to screen the most stable reference genes in different muscle tissues of New Zealand white rabbits and Yufeng yellow rabbits. Results indicated that the most stable reference genes in the muscle tissues of New Zealand white rabbits
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Complex strategies: an integrative analysis of contests in Siamese fighting fish BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-12-09 Kareklas, Kyriacos, Kunc, Hansjoerg P., Arnott, Gareth
Animals use contests to attain resources and employ strategic decisions to minimise contest costs. These decisions are defined by behavioural response to resource value and competitive ability, but remain poorly understood. This is because the two factors are typically studied separately. Also, their study relies on overgeneralised assumptions that (i) strategies are fixed, (ii) modulated by the motivation
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Histamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid in the nervous system of Pygospio elegans (Annelida: Spionidae): structure and recovery during reparative regeneration BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-12-07 Starunova, Zinaida I., Shunkina, Ksenia V., Novikova, Elena L., Starunov, Viktor V.
In recent two decades, studies of the annelid nervous systems were revolutionized by modern cell labeling techniques and state-of-the-art microscopy techniques. However, there are still huge gaps in our knowledge on the organization and functioning of their nervous system. Most of the recent studies have focused on the distribution of serotonin and FMRFamide, while the data about many other basic neurotransmitters
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Growth, maturity, reproduction, and life expectancy in ex-situ pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-12-05 Robeck, Todd, Katsumata, Etsuko, Arai, Kazutoshi, Montano, Gisele, Schmitt, Todd, DiRocco, Stacy, Steinman, Karen J.
Pacific walruses are found in Arctic regions of the Chukchi and Bering Sea where rapid changes in environmental conditions resulting in loss of sea ice are occurring. Therefore, accurate life history data are crucial for species management plans and longitudinal data collected over the lives of individual walruses housed in zoos and aquaria provide otherwise difficult to obtain biological information
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The ontogenic gonadal transcriptomes provide insights into sex change in the ricefield eel Monopterus albus BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-11-23 Fan, Miao, Yang, Wei, Zhang, Weimin, Zhang, Lihong
The ricefield eel is a freshwater protogynous hermaphrodite fish and has become an important aquaculture species in China. The sex change of ricefield eel is impeding its aquaculture practice, particularly the large-scale artificial breeding. Many studies including transcriptomes of mixed gonadal samples from different individuals have been aimed to elucidate mechanisms underlying the sex change. However
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Morphological and morphometric studies on the axial skeleton of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-11-18 Onwuama, Kenechukwu Tobechukwu, Ibe, Chikera Samuel, Jaji, Alhaji Zubair, Salami, Suleiman Olawoye, Kigir, Esther Solomon
Anatomical features of the skeleton of wild animals contribute largely to their adaptation. A dearth of information on the skeletal anatomy of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus) necessitated this study. Two adult sitatunga carcasses weighing 54 kg and 57 kg were obtained after post-mortem examination. Bone preparation was achieved through cold water maceration protocol. The tympanic bulla was
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Disarrangement and reorganization of the hippocampal functional connectivity during the spatial path adjustment of pigeons BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-10-04 Li, Mengmeng, Cheng, Shuguan, Fan, Jiantao, Shang, Zhigang, Wan, Hong, Yang, Lifang, Yang, Long
The hippocampus plays an important role to support path planning and adjustment in goal-directed spatial navigation. While we still only have limited knowledge about how do the hippocampal neural activities, especially the functional connectivity patterns, change during the spatial path adjustment. In this study, we measured the behavioural indicators and local field potentials of the pigeon (Columba
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Human-wildlife conflict and community perceptions towards wildlife conservation in and around Wof-Washa Natural State Forest, Ethiopia BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-09-27 Yazezew, Dereje
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is forecasted to increase globally in the vicinity of protected areas and covers various dimensions. It occurs in several different contexts and involves a range of animal taxonomic groups where the needs and requirements intersect with humans’ needs and development. More often, human-monkey conflict occurs in developing countries and is amongst the main threats to biodiversity
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Evolutionary morphology of sperm in pholcid spiders (Pholcidae, Synspermiata) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-09-26 Dederichs, Tim M., Huber, Bernhard A., Michalik, Peter
Pholcidae represent one of the largest and most diverse spider families and have been subject to various studies regarding behavior and reproductive biology. In contrast to the solid knowledge on phylogeny and general reproductive morphology, the primary male reproductive system is strongly understudied, as it has been addressed only for few species. Those studies however suggested a high diversity
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Solving a running crab spider puzzle: delimiting Cleocnemis Simon, 1886 with implications on the phylogeny and terminology of genital structures of Philodromidae BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-09-07 Prado, André Wanderley do, Baptista, Renner Luiz Cerqueira, Schinelli, Hector Baruch Pereira, Takiya, Daniela Maeda
Among the 16 Neotropical genera of Philodromidae, Cleocnemis has the most troublesome taxonomic situation. Remarkable morphological differences among several genera historically said to be related to Cleocnemis denote controversial notions and general uncertainty about the genus identity. Thus, to clarify the genus limits and contribute to the understanding of Neotropical Philodromidae, we conducted
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Influence of Pleistocene climate fluctuations on the demographic history and distribution of the critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-09-01 Wei, Shichao, Sun, Song, Dou, Hongliang, An, Fuyu, Gao, Haiyang, Guo, Ce, Hua, Yan
Pleistocene climate fluctuations have strongly modified species genetic diversity and distributions. The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) has been recognized as a critically endangered animal due to heavy poaching and trafficking. However, the effect of Pleistocene climate fluctuations on the genetic diversity and spatial distribution of the Chinese pangolin remains largely unknown. Here, we combined
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3D render volume CT reconstruction of the bones and arteries of the hind digit of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-08-31 El-Gendy, Samir A. A., Kamal, Basma M., Alsafy, Mohamed A. M.
The 3D computed tomography produces detailed images of the digit bones in addition to the angiograph render volume 3D of the CT shows the relation between the arteries, bones, and tissues of the digit. Therefore, the present study used those imaging techniques to provide a complete description of the digit bones and arteries’ origin, distribution, and course and their relations with surrounding structures
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Activity patterns and interactions of rodents in an assemblage composed by native species and the introduced black rat: implications for pathogen transmission BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-08-26 Salgado, Rodrigo, Barja, Isabel, Hernández, María del Carmen, Lucero, Basilio, Castro-Arellano, Ivan, Bonacic, Cristian, Rubio, André V.
The degree of temporal overlap between sympatric wild hosts species and their behavioral interactions can be highly relevant to the transmission of pathogens. However, this topic has been scantly addressed. Furthermore, temporal overlap and interactions within an assemblage of wild rodents composed of native and introduced species have been rarely discussed worldwide. We assessed the nocturnal activity
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Wild common crossbills produce redder body feathers when their wings are clipped BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-08-23 Fernández-Eslava, Blanca, Cantarero, Alejandro, Alonso, Daniel, Alonso-Alvarez, Carlos
The animal signaling theory posits that conspicuous colorations exhibited by many animals have evolved as reliable signals of individual quality. Red carotenoid-based ornaments may depend on enzymatic transformations (oxidation) of dietary yellow carotenoids, which could occur in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Thus, carotenoid ketolation and cell respiration could share the same biochemical
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The morphogenesis of the rabbit meibomian gland in relation to sex hormones: Immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopy studies BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-08-11 El-Desoky, Sara M. M., Abdellah, Nada
Rabbits have been proposed as a model for the human meibomian gland (MG), a large specific sebaceous gland in the eyelid that consists of secretory acini arranged laterally and related to the central duct via short ductules, with the central duct continuing as an excretory duct to open at the free margin of the lid. First detected at embryonic day 18 as an aggregation of mesenchymal cells in the tarsal
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Male reproductive cycle in a population of the endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Thailand BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-08-05 Pewhom, Akkanee, Supapakorn, Thidaporn, Srakaew, Nopparat
Fundamental knowledge on the seasonal reproductive microanatomy and endocrinology of reptiles has been collected from several studies of various species. The present study was to determine annual changes in hormonal profiles, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire male reproductive system of the tropical agamid lizard, Leiolepis ocellata. Male L. ocellata individuals
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Morphological and ultrastructural features of the laryngeal mound of Egyptian Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis, Linnaeus, 1758) BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-29 Madkour, Fatma A., Abdelsabour-Khalaf, Mohammed
According to our acknowledgment this is the first full anatomical description of the studied laryngeal mound of the Egyptian Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis, Linnaeus, 1758). This study was obtained with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological techniques. Heads of ten healthy adult male Egyptian cattle egrets were used in this study. The laryngeal mound (Mons laryngealis) was a pear-shaped
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Scope for growth and dietary needs of Mediteranean Pinnids maintained in captivity BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-27 Hernandis, S., Ibarrola, I., Tena-Medialdea, J., Vázquez-Luis, M., García-March, J. R., Prado, P., Albentosa, M.
The measurement of the energy available for growth (scope of growth, SFG) can be used in bivalves to make a long-term prediction in a short-term experiment of the condition of the individual. In order to tackle the best conditions for captive maintenance of Mediterranean Pinnids, a SFG study was conducted using Pinna rudis as a model species. Three diets were examined to test the viability of live
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Identification and a culture method for a Helicotylenchus microlobus from tomato in China BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-25 Xia, Yan-Hui, Li, Jin, Xu, Fei-Fei, Lei, Bin, Li, Hong-Lian, Wang, Ke, Li, Yu
The nematodes of the genus Helicotylenchus are root parasites of a wide variety of plants, and certain species can cause serious damage to their hosts. During a survey of the plant-parasitic nematode associated with tomato, a population of Helicotylenchus was collected from tomato roots and soil samples. Thus, one of the objectives of the study was to confirm the specie of Helicotylenchus obtained
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Sexual and asexual reproduction in a Mediterranean Tethya (Porifera, Demospongiae) species BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-22 Mastrodonato, Maria, Scillitani, Giovanni, Trani, Roberta, Cardone, Frine, Corriero, Giuseppe, Nonnis Marzano, Carlotta
The reproductive cycle of the recently described sponge Tethya meloni was investigated for a period of 15 months (September 2018 – November 2019) in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Southern Italy) and was compared with data previously collected for the other two sympatric species of the same genus known for Mediterranean Sea, T. citrina and T. aurantium. T. meloni is a gonochoric species with a sex ratio
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Correction: The mismatch between morphological and molecular attribution of three Glossogobius species in the Mekong Delta BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-22 Truong, Ngon T., Phan, Gieo H., Lam, Tran T. H., Nguyen, Ton H. D., Khang, Do T., Tran, Men T., Tran, Nam S., Dinh, Quang M.
Correction: BMC Zool 7, 34 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1186/s40850-022-00137-6 Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that Table 1 looks fine on the website, but the text in columns 1-3 are covered by fish photos on the PDF version. Table 1 External morphological characteristics of three species in GlossogobiusFull size table The correct Table 1 has been provided in this
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Light/dark phase influences intra-individual plasticity in maintenance metabolic rate and exploratory behavior independently in the Asiatic toad BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-11 Tan, Song, Li, Juan, Yang, Qiao, Fu, Jinzhong, Chen, Jingfeng
It is well-known that light/dark phase can affect energy expenditure and behaviors of most organisms; however, its influences on individuality (inter-individual variance) and plasticity (intra-individual variance), as well as their associations remain unclear. To approach this question, we repeatedly measured maintenance metabolic rate (MR), exploratory and risk-taking behaviors across light/dark phase
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Opposing directions of stage-specific body shape change in a close relative of C. elegans BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-06 Hammerschmith, Eric W., Woodruff, Gavin C., Moser, Kimberly A., Johnson, Erik, Phillips, Patrick C.
Body size is a fundamental organismal trait. However, as body size and ecological contexts change across developmental time, evolutionary divergence may cause unexpected patterns of body size diversity among developmental stages. This may be particularly evident in polyphenic developmental stages specialized for dispersal. The dauer larva is such a stage in nematodes, and Caenorhabditis species disperse
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A world review of the bristle fly parasitoids of webspinners BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-07-04 Badano, Davide, Lenzi, Alice, O’Hara, James E., Miller, Kelly B., Di Giulio, Andrea, Di Giovanni, Filippo, Cerretti, Pierfilippo
Dipteran parasitoids of Embioptera (webspinners) are few and extremely rare but known from all biogeographical regions except Australasia/Oceania. All belong to the fly family Tachinidae, a hyperdiverse and widespread clade of parasitoids attacking a variety of arthropod orders. The webspinner-parasitizing Diptera are reviewed based mostly on records from the collecting and rearing by Edward S. Ross
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Avian diversity and bird-aircraft strike problems in Bahir Dar International Airport, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia BMC Zool. (IF 1.6) Pub Date : 2022-06-28 Tefera, Tsegaye, Ejigu, Dessalegn, Tassie, Nega
Bahir Dar International Airport and its surrounding habitats are known for their rich avifaunal diversity, which results in bird-aircraft collisions as a fundamental problem in the area. A study on bird diversity and bird-aircraft strikes at Bahir Dar International Airport was conducted between February 2020 and August 2020. Based on its vegetation structures, the study area was classified into four