Abstract:Chiromantes dehaani is one of the dominant burrowing macro-benthos in salt marsh of Yangtze Estuary. With the burrowing behaviors,they play important roles in many ecosystem processes. Though their distribution is associated with salt marsh vegetation,the effects of different kind of salt marsh vegetations on the distributions of C.dehaani and their burrows are poorly exploited. In the present study,the distributions of C.dehaani and their burrows and the occupancy status of their burrows were investigated in four habitat types,reed bed (dominated by Phragmites australis),patches of P.australis,large area of Zizania aquatica and non-vegetated area with the same altitude at the Yangtze Estuary. There were significant differences among habitats in shoot density,height and dry-biomass (P<0.001). There were significant differences among habitats in abundance (P<0.001) and sex ratio (P=0.001) for C.dehaani estimated by traps. No burrows were available for C.dehaani in non-vegetated area. Among reed bed,patches of reeds and wild rice vegetation,there were significant differences between them in density of burrows (P<0.019) and number of individuals of C.dehaani sharing one burrow (P<0.001). Marginal significant difference in density of C.dehaani estimated by excavating method (P=0.067) was found,while the percent of occupied burrows (P=0.667) and the frequency distribution of different occupancy types (P>0.05) were not significant different. There were significant negative correlations between burrow density and shoot density and dry biomass (P<0.05). A significant correlation (P<0.001) between crab density and burrow density,and a marginal significant correlation (P=0.077) between crab density and shoot height was confirmed. These results indicate that the salt marsh vegetations have influences on distribution of C.dehanni and on their behaviors. Further studies focused on the relationships between salt marsh vegetations and distributions of C.dehaani should be conducted on the temporal variation of distribution pattern of C.dehaani in different salt marsh vegetations with consideration of migration behaviors and breeding cycles of C.dehaani.

Abstract:Effect of meal sizes (0%,1%,2%,4% and 8% body mass) on postprandial metabolic response was investigated in juvenile Darkbarbel Catfish (Pelteobagrus vachelli) (7.03±0.15 g,n=42) at 25±0.5℃.Fish were lightly anaesthetized and force-fed with freshly killed loach.The postprandial metabolic rate firstly increased and then slowly decreased to pre-fed level.The SDA duration were 8,24,26 and 36 h and time to peak metabolic rate (PMR) were 4,4,6 and 6 h in 1%,2%,4% and 8 % meal size groups.The peak metabolic rates of 8% meal size (97.25 mg O₂/kg·h) and 4% meal size (87.46 mg O₂/kg·h) groups were significantly higher than that of 2% meal size group (70.37 mg O₂/kg·h),while the latter is significantly higher than that of 1% meal size group (56.08 mg O₂/kg·h) (P<0.05).The energy expended on SDA increased with meal size while the SDA coefficient of 1% meal size group was significantly lower than those of other meal size groups (P<0.05).The maximum exercise metabolic rate (MMR,166.5 mg O₂/kg·h) was significantly higher than PMR (P<0.05).Both PMR and duration increased to fulfill the increased energy expenditure during SDA with the increasion of meal size.The similar trapeziform postprandial metabolic profiles of 4% and 8% meal size groups suggested that the increasion of PMR is restrained at high meal size range.The lower value of PMR/RMR implied that Darkbarbel Catfish has low feeding metabolic capacity.The withholding of large metabolic scope for locomotion and other physiological activities might be related to its active foraging mode.

Abstract:Observations on Daurian Jackdaws (Corvus dauurica)were carried during four consecutive migratory and wintering seasons of 2005 to 2009 at Milu park,Beijing.We recorded population size variation,flock size,and percentage of juveniles.Daurian Jackdaws were observed 166±11 days from mid October to the end of the following May.The population size reached peaks in late October or early November.No significant yearly difference in population size among four seasons (χ²₍₃₎ =6.14 P=0.11>0.05)was identified by Krushkal-wallis H test,but the peak number of birds (6 500±300) recorded in 2008 was significantly different from the other three seasons (χ²₍₃₎=8 484.47,P<0.01).Juveniles arrived at the study area earlier and left later than adults,as result,the proportion of juveniles in the population was higher in October and May each year,and even reached to 100% in the beginning and ending of migratory and wintering seasons.Seeking water resource after forage in refuse dump around Milu Park would be the main reason for them forming flocks.

Abstract:To study the effects of heroin on changes of weight,behavior and expression of KGF,c-Fos and Bax in the lungs of developing filial mice,48 mice at the eighth day of pregnancy were divided into 4 groups and injected with different concentrations (0,1.0,1.5 and 2.0 g/L) of heroin in 0.2 ml saline in the morning and afternoon until the birth of filial mice.Changes of weight and behaviour were observed and expression of KGF,c-Fos and Bax was detected by immunohistochemistry combined with stereological semi-quantitative methods in the lungs of 15-day embryos,and filial mice 1 d,7 d and 15 d after birth.Results showed that heroin influenced behaviour of the developing mice.The weight of filial mice of the experimental groups was lower than that of the control group at different developmental stages,and the expression intensity of KGF,c-Fos and Bax in the lungs of filial mice significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05).However,the expression of KGF,c-Fos and Bax decreased gradually in the lungs of filial mice with the development.Thus,heroin significantly affects the weight and behavior,and damages the lungs in filial mice,the latter might be correlated with the increased expression of KGF,c-Fos and Bax.

Abstract:The chromosome karyotype of the Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spp.) was studied by using bone marrow cell to lining-up chromosome directly.The five samples were collected in the typical desert of southern Alashan,Inner Mongolia.The results showed that the chromosome number of diploid somatic cells was 2n=38,different from that of Daurian Ground Squirrel ( S.dauricus Brandt,1843) whose chromosome number was 2n=36. Chromosome morphological characteristics were also different between the two species.Base on the chromosome number and morphology as well as distribution region,the samples were identified as Alashan Ground Squirrel (S.alaschanicus Buchner,1888).

Abstract:We studied structure characteristics and habitat selection of the Bamboo Rats (Rhizomys sinensis) caves in Piankou Natural Reserve.Four fixed line transects with 148 samples were investigated and 61 of them were with fresh dens.Data were analyzed with Vanderloeg and Scavia selection index.The tunnel system of Bamboo Rats consists of rideau outside the entrance,entrance,feeding tunnel,shelter,nest and toilet,which match with their life requirement;Bamboo rats preferred to select the evergreen-deciduous and deciduous broadleaf forest,showed strong habitat preference for the moderate slope position and slope degree (25-45°) facing east and south with dense forest canopy (>50%),preferred to select bamboo forest with the moderate density (20-40 plants/m²) and thick basal diameter (>10 mm) nearby water source.

Abstract:Choosing right statistical method is a key point to improve quality and credibility of scientific research.However,some methods used by biologists are often unreasonable or even incorrect.For instance,the normality and homogeneity of variance are often neglected in the t-test or Single-Factor Analysis of Variance.Two sample t tests are often employed to address the difference between multiple levels in one factor.The Pearson’s χ² has been frequently adopted in the contingency table,but inappropriate analyses and inferences are very common.Five examples from the wildlife literatures are used to illustrate the above questions.

Abstract:The amphibians and reptiles resources in Houhe National Nature Reserve were surveyed in July 2004,July to August 2006,and September 2007. Total of 73 species were recorded by either direct observation and collection or by interviewing local people.Among these them,29 are amphibians belonging to 9 families and 2 orders;and 44 are reptiles belonging to 9 families and 2 orders.The Oriental species dominate apparently the fauna.The species in abundance are Bufo g.gargarizans,Odorrana margaretae,Fejervarya multistriata,Paa boulengeri,Amolops chunganensis,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe taeniura,Zaocys dhumnades and Trimeresurus stejnegeri.Suggestions on the conservation of amphibians and reptiles are proposed based on the result of field survey.

Abstract:Bird surveys were conducted separately in Weizhou Island Bird Nature Reserve,Guangxi in October and December 1989,March-April and July-August 1990,April-May 1991,April-May 1994,January 2003 and May 2008.A total of 186 bird species was recorded,belonging to 52 families and 16 orders.Of them,117 species were passage visitors,48 species winter migrants,14 species residents and 7 species summer migrants.Thirteen birds were listed as globally threatened species,for example Platalea minor;29 species were national protected in China;93 species were in the list of the Sino-Japanese Conservation Migrant Agreement and 30 species were in Sino-Australian Conservation Migrants Agreement.Weizhou Island Bird Nature Reserve is an important stopover for those birds which migrate along the west coast of the Pacific.

Abstract:The community characteristics of soil ciliates in the Mayan Forest Region of Xiaolong Mountains was studied by live observation and silver staining from July 2006 to November 2007. Ninety one species,including 8 unnamed species,were identified.The structure of the community was complex and composed of 42 genera,28 families,11 orders and 3 classes. Hypotrichida was the dominant group,Colpodida and Prostomatida were the subdominant groups,Pleurostomatida,Peritrichida and Oligotrichida were the incidental group,and Colpoda inflata,Cyrtolophosis elongata,Leptopharynx eurystoma and Cyclidium oblongum were the dominant species.The result showed the rich species in the community of soil ciliates,the community of soil ciliates was dissimilar between samples in the Mayan Forest Region of Xiaolong Mountains,which indicated the difference of ecological environment in the Mayan Forest Region of Xiaolong Mountains.The community characteristics of soil ciliates were discussed based on analysis on the complexity and uniqueness of ecological environment in the Mayan Forest Region of Xiaolong Mountains.

Abstract:The ciliature microtubular organelles in the ventral cortex of Pseudourostyla nova were visualized using direct FLUTAX. The organelle consists of adoral zone of membranelles (AZM),undulating membranes (UM),frontal-midventral-transverse cirri (FVTC),left and right marginal cirri (L-and RMC) and the base-associated microtubules,etc. In the basal part of the AZM,there are membranelle brackets and associated oral rib-wall microtubules. The membranelle brackets located in the collar portion are connected with "∧" shaped microtubules. There are four types of microtubules at the base of FVTC: anterior longitudinal (ALM),posterior longitudinal (PLM),transverse (TM) and radiate microtubules (RM). These different types of microtubules differ from each other in developmental degree. The base-associated microtubules of L-and RMC contain ALM and PLM. The old cirri (e.g. frontal,transverse and marginal cirri) can persist and remain unchanged for a long time and they may disappear when they lose function. The base-associated microtubules in the ventral cortex of P.nova possess some species-independent structural characters. During the process of morphogenesis of the ciliatures,the old cirri play a role in positioning and material contribution.

Abstract:Experiments were conducted to study the morphological changes and functions of organelle during oogenesis in Brachymystax lenok by histological method and transmission electron microscopy.The mitochondria were found from oogonium stage to mature oocyte stage.They were round in the first phase,and became rod-shaped,curved or elongated with their proliferation at phase Ⅱ.The cristae and matrix were well formed and their number increased progressively,leading to the formation of mitochondria clusters.At the end of phase Ⅲ,mitochondria turned into round shape and divided by bipartition or gemmation,and some mitochondria lost their cristae and became vesicles,and their electrondensity also decreased.During this stage,mitochondria might play a relevant role in the formation of vesicles,preparing for accumulation of pre-vitelline elements.A small number of Golgi body and endoplasmic reticulum appeared near the nucleus in the early stage of phaseⅡ,and their structure was simple.In the latter phases,with their development,Golgi body and endoplasmic reticulum played a great role in synthesis and processing of vitelline materials.Most endoplasmic reticulum were arched in shape,and some were round or calathiform in shape.With their proliferation,endoplasmic reticulum performed their synthesis function.At the early stage,Golgi bodies were also arched in shape,and with the development of oocytes,a few scattered Golgi bodies gathered to form developed Golgi complex accompanied by numerous vesicles and annulate lamellae (AL).AL were curve in shape and their structure was similar to nuclear envelope.It is presumed that the annulate lamellae are derived from nuclear envelope,and its main function may be the storage for the membrane.

Abstract:This study was conducted to analyze the flesh composition and flesh texture of Oncorhynchus mykiss,O. masou masou and their hybrid F1 (O.mykiss♀×O.masou masou ♂ ). The results showed that,(1) content of crude lipid of flesh was significant lower in crossbreed F1 than in its parents (P<0.05),moisture of flesh was lower in crossbreed F1 than in O.masou masou,but higher than in O.mykiss (P<0.05),while crude protein was lower than in O.mykiss,but higher than in O.masou masou (P<0.05);(2) the total amino acid,essential amino acid,non-essential amino acid and total delicious AA of flesh were higher in crossbreed F1 than in their parents,while semi-essential amino acid was higher in crossbreed F1 than in O.mykiss and lower than in O.masou masou;(3) the muscle nutritional quality evaluation results of crossbreed F1 and the parents show that the EAA index of crossbreed F1 was 77.77,which was approaching that of O.masou masou (79.19) and significant higher than that of O.mykiss (63.67);(4) there are significant difference between crossbreed F1 and the parents (P<0.05) in flesh color and tenderness,the measured value of crossbreed F1 was higher than that of O.mykiss and lower than that of O.masou masou. All of results showed that the flesh quality of O.masou masou is better than that of O.mykiss,the flesh quality of crossbreed F1,inheriting the characteristics of O.masou masou,was much better than that of O.mykiss.

Abstract:The anatomical and histological characters of the digestive track of Ichthyophis bannanicus,an endangered Amphibia species in mainland China,have been observed in detail. The digestive tract of I.bannanicus is a straight tubular but not a coiling structure. The differentiation is clear between the stomach and the intestine,and the latter is divided into duodenum,jejunum,large intestine and rectum. The epithelium is stratified columnar rather than stratified columnar ciliated in oesophagus,simple columnar in stomach,and stratified squamous in rectum. Numerous large goblet cells and some simple acinar intermaxillary glands lay in the mouth epithelium. The oesophagus in the lower segment contains agglomerate and acinous oesophageal glands. The stomach corpora contains masses of simple tubular gland. The duodenum and jejunum have simple acinous intestinal glands,and the villi are developed. The submucosa of the oesophagus and rectum is loose connective tissue,the oral-pharyngeal cavity is not obvious,and the rests are close connective tissue. Besides the muscular layer of oral-pharyngeal cavity is skeletal muscle,while the rests are inner circular muscle layer and the outer longitudinal muscle layer. The two muscular layers of duodenum and jejunum are connected by close connective tissue.

Abstract:The conventional histological method and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the development of skin,external gills,and pharynx in larval,sub-adult and adult individuals of Onychodactylus fischeri. The results showed that skin was thickened with the increase of age. The dorsal skin and ventral skin were not different in thickness at larval stage,while the skin on the back was thicker at sub-adult and adult stages. The external gills was an important respiratory organ at larval and sub-adult stages,while it was gradually degraded after sub-adult stage. Pharynx and oral cavity were not developed well at larval stage,while pharynx was gradually developed at sub-adult stage,and developed well to become an important respiratory organ at adult stage.

Abstract:Microstructure and ultrastructure of the tongue in Takydromus sylvaticus was observed. The ventral mucosa is smooth,while the dorsal mucosa is rough,with filiform papilla and circumvallate papilla. The filiform papilla is large and cone-shaped. It is distributed in line,and located in dorsal part and both sides of ventral part of the tongue. In the cross-section,its surface is smooth with a circular ditch,and the tongue gland opens in the ring ditch on the outline of three to seven circumvallate papillae. The muscle of tongue is developed. There exist tight junctions between epithelial cells and rich microvilla on the nipple surface. Tongue gland is simple tubuloacinar. Secretory duct is consisted of simple columnar epithelium. There are two kinds of columnar epithelial cells,secretory cells and dark cells. Secretory cells have typical secretory particles,and the mucilage can be propitious to swallow food. The secretory particles are not found in the dark cells. These dark cells maybe associated with the ion exudation and osmotic pressure regulation,but this needs further experimental verification.

Abstract:In this study,the blood cells of Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) were observed. A total of 7 types of blood cells were identified: erythrocytes,lymphocytes,monocytes,heterophils,eosinophils,basophils and thrombocytes. Morphological characteristics of blood cells were similar to those of cells from other reptiles except that C.mydas had both large and small eosinophils. The leukocyte differential count indicated that the predominant leukocytes were heterophils,followed by lymphocytes and monocytes. A few eosinophils and a very few basophils could be observed,especially the basophils could not be observed in E.imbricata. The red blood cell count was (346.7±68.4)×10³ cell/μl in E.imbricata,fewer than that in C.mydas[(403.3±170.6)×10³ cell/μl],while the white blood cell count [(7.7±1.9)×10³ cell/μl] and thrombocyte count[(9.6±2.2)×10³ cell/μl] in E.imbricata were higher than those in C.mydas (7.3±2.8)×10³ cell/μl,(7.5±3.7)×10³ cell/μl,respectively .

Abstract:The expression of ghrelin,KGF,TGF-β₂ and TGF-β₃ in gastrointestinal tract of Buteo hemilasius was investigated by immunohistochemistry combined with stereological methods,and the expression intensity of these growth factors was analyzed by IPP professional image analysis software. Results showed that ghrelin immunopositive cells mainly distributed in the mucosal layer of all intestine segments:duodenum,jejunum,ileum,caecum and rectum. The ghrelin immunopositive cell density gradually decreased from the duodenum to the caecum,and its distribution density in the rectum was higher than that in the caecum. Gastrointestinal tract showed positive KGF immunoreactivity. KGF immunopositive cells mainly distributed in the epithelial cells of the superficial glands and deep glands of glandular stomach mucosa,as well as mucosa,simple tubular glands of muscular stomach. KGF immunoreactive cells were also found in the blood vessel,lymph and smooth muscle fiber of the intestine lamina propia. TGF-β₂ and TGF-β₃ immunopositive cells were found in the mucosa,and deep glands of glandular stomach,simple tubular glands of muscular stomach,intestine,and intestinal glands. They mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. Analysis of images showed that the KGF displayed a wave-like distribution pattern in the gastrointestinal tract,with the maximal distribution in the jejunum and rectum. The TGF-β₂ also displayed a wave-like distribution pattern in the gastrointestinal tract,with the maximal expression in the muscular stomach and jejunum. The expression of TGF-β₃ increased from glandular stomach to jejunum,decreased progressively after jejunum,and increased again in caecum. The expression of ghrelin,KGF,TGF-β₂ and TGF-β₃ may be closely related with the digestive function of gastrointestinal tract. Their coordinated expression may control the growth and development of gastrointestinal tract in birds.

Abstract:The morphological structure of avian digestive system is closely related to the energy intake.This essay takes the tree sparrows with full food-intake in the same environment to be the control group and compares it with four groups of Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) that are in same conditions and at different time of starvation(1,3,5,7 day)in terms of the length and weight of digestive organs.The results showed that the body weight and body fat were decreased in four groups acclimation birds,the length and weight of digestive organs were increased obviously in P.monanus of one day starvated,the tracts showed increase-decrease-increase pattern in four team birds of hunger days add,food-intake and stomach dry weight was significantly correlated.The conclusion is that different requirements for food-intake result in the great changes in the length and weight of avian digestive organs and the changes involve such aspects as the length,the capacity and the biological structure.These changes may have direct effects on the food-intake and the digestibility.Meanwhile,this kind of adaptive change should be fast,reversible and repeatable.It is the result of energy budget between the morphological structure and function and the energy expenditure of the organs themselves and also between the individual and environmental and fitness.

Abstract:A survey on the urban birds was conducted in Mudanjiang city,Heilongjiang province from May 2004 to April 2009. The survey duration covered an entire 12 months. Totally,91 species of birds,belonging to 14 orders,31 families were recorded,which account for 7.69% of total species in China.The species richness index is 1.967,evenness index is 0.653 8,and Shannon-Wiener index is 2.949. Among the 91 species of birds,26 species are residents,53 species are summer residents,3 species are winter residents,9 species are migrants passing by,occupying 28.6%,58.2%,3.3% and 9.9% respectively. Summer resident is dominant component of avifauna in the study area;five species are oriental species (5.5%),54 are Palaearctic species (59.3%) and 32 cosmopolitan species (35.2%). Eight birds have been listed as national second class protected species including Accipiter virgatus and A.gentilis. Bird Passeriformes is the largest group including 52 species belonging to 15 families.

Abstract:Taking consideration of the fact that microsatellite primers can be amplified among different species in the same genus,family and order,we used 70 Rat(Rattus norvegicus) and Mouse(Mus musculus) microsatellite primers to amplify their counterparts in a close species-the Chinese White-Bellied Rat(Niviventer confucianus) through PCR amplification,polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining technique.A total of 40 loci could be amplified in agarose gel electrophoresis,but after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis,only 21 loci could be stably amplified,among which 15 loci showed hybridism and 13 loci showed polymorphism.Mg~ 2+ concentration in PCR amplification was at 1.5 and 2.0 mmol/L,and the annealing temperature ranged from 50℃ to 60℃. The existence of stutter bands in partial amplified products did not affect the selection of purpose bands. Overall,it is feasible to amplify the Chinese white-bellied microsatellite primers by using their rat and mouse counterparts.

Abstract:β-defensin is widely detected in female reproductive tracts and is regarded to play an important role in the immune defence.This study aimed to investigate the regulation of β-defensin mRNA expression by progesterone in female reproductive tract. The epithelial cells of the Fallopian tube of Mongolian sheep was cultured in vitro. Cells were treated with different concentrations of progesterone (10^-6 ,10^-7 ,10^-8 ,10^-9 and 10^-10 mol/L) with or without mifepristone (the antagonist of progesterone),total RNA was extracted from cells,and the relative expression of β-defensin mRNA was detected using real time RT-PCR.The results showed that different concentrations of progesterone variously enhanced the expression of β-defensin mRNA in the epithelial cells of the Fallopian tube,while mifepristone significantly inhibited the expression of β-defensin mRNA induced by progesterone.These results illuminate that progesterone promotes the expression of β-defensin and that progesterone may affect the autoimmunity of the female animals via β-defensin pathway.

Abstract:Three specimens of Sphenomorphus maculatus (Blyth,1853) were collected in Mountains Yunkaidashan,Guangdong and Mountains Liuwanshan,Guangxi,China,during August 2007 to July 2009. These three specimens represent the new reptile record from Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. As the Indo-china Peninsula is the main distribution region of S.maculatus ,the new distribution record from Mountains Yunkaidashan and Mountains Liuwanshan could be the result of spreading from its main distribution region alongs the Mountains Shiwanshan and Mountains Liuwanshan. By checking the pholidosis of the specimens,we found that the scales of the S.maculatus exists variations: 4-5 temporals on each side,least 36 scales across mid-body;the parietals and the former loreal could split into two or combine.

Abstract:2009年8月31日,江西省科学院林剑声与厦门观鸟会林植、陈志鸿等一行6人在福建漳浦菜屿列岛(23°47′04″N,117°40′27″E)开展燕鸥类调查时,在这一海域记录到10多只白腰燕鸥(Sternaaleutica)从近海海面飞过,并拍摄到清晰的照片。此次所见白腰燕鸥,均是在海面上活动,未发现停栖于周边岛屿;另外,我们2009年5～7月在菜屿列岛做燕鸥类的繁殖调查时,并未发现有白腰燕鸥出现。白腰燕鸥,又称阿留申燕鸥,中等体型,体长约38cm;繁殖于西伯利亚、阿留申群岛及阿拉斯加等地,越冬于南方水域。

Abstract:The domestic dog(Canis familiaris) is one of the most valuable model animals for biomedical research. However,the canine reproductive physiology differs from that of other mammalian species studied to date. The efficiency of in vitro oocyte maturation is very low in this species,which limits the use of canine in the biological research. In vivo,the canine oocytes are exposed to a high concentration of progesterone in the follicular environment before ovulation,and they are released at the germinal vesicle stage. Oocytes then resume and complete meiosis within the oviduct. The conditions for in vitro maturation of dog oocyte may differ from those of other mammalian species. Currently,M199 medium containing several maturation factors is generally used for in vitro maturation culture of canine oocytes,but only 15%-20% of ovarian oocytes reach the metaphase Ⅱ stage. Therefore,an efficient in vitro culture system should be based on in vivo conditions in order to create a microenvironment similar to that in which oocyte development occurs physiologically. But,little is known about mechanisms regulating oocyte maturation in the dog. This review analyzes the known factors involved in canine oocyte maturation in vivo and in vitro in order to provide useful data for future development of modified canine oocyte maturation system.