Abstract:In the present study, microsatellite DNA was isolated and enriched from the genomes of Channa argus and C.maculate by magnetic beads. Sixty-two pairs of microsatellite primers of C.argus and C.maculate were designed based on the flanking sequence of the microsatellite loci with software Primer 3.0 or Primer 5.0.Ten primer pairs failed to amplify. Among the 52 primer pairs which could effectively amplify products, 49 universal primer pairs could effectively amplify in F1 generation. Loci CHA16 showed monomorphic in C.maculate and polymorphic in C.argus and loci CHM23 was opposite. In addition, CHM24 showed monomorphic in C.argus and failed to show in C.maculae. Moreover, 22 specific loci between C.argus and C.maculate were screened out, and 18 specific loci could identify C.argus , C.maculate and the reciprocal hybrids alone effectively. Combination of the other 4 specific loci also effectively identified C.argus , C.maculate and the reciprocal hybrids. However, the reciprocal hybrids [C.argus (♀)× C.maculata (♂), C.maculata (♀)× C.argus (♂)]could not be identified in this research.

Abstract:We studied the properties of silvering salmon in Oncorhynchus masou masou population under aquaculture condition and found 1 the proportion of fish with silvering body color among six progeny groups varied between 0 and 0.21.The ratio of fish with normal color and silvering color was significantly different between progeny groups (Pearson χ _{df =5}²=93.362, P <0.01); 2 by using L ^* a ^* b ^* color space to check the color difference, there was a significant different in body color between salmon with silvering body color and normal body color. The value of L ^*、 a^* and C^*_abbetween fish silvering colored and normal colored was significant difference (P < 0.01). The L ^* value for the former is 30.78-48.50 and 51.24 to 71.43 for the latter; 3After 12-month experimental period under the same condition, silvering salmon grew significant slower than normal ones (P <0.01), the average body weight of the former was 113.72 g and the latter was 132.25 g. For the indices of condition factor (CF) and special growth rate (SGR), there also had significant difference between the silvering and normal body color salmon (P < 0.01) during the experiment. Salmons with different body color presented different SGR at different growing period, but CF for the normal body color salmon is always higher than the silvering body color ones. This paper provides data for the further utilization on silvering salmon and for body color traits genetic improvement in O.masou .

Abstract:The complete sequences of genes encoding cytochrome C oxidase subunitsⅠ , Ⅱ and Ⅲ were cloned in Schizopygopsis pylzovi by RT-PCR method. The sequence analysis showed that the complete sequence of CO Ⅰ was 1 551 bp, which consisted of the open reading frame (ORF) encoding 516 amino acid residues; the CO Ⅱ gene was 691 bp and contained a 690-nucleotide ORF encoding 230 amino acid residues; and the CO Ⅲ gene was 786 bp, which was composed of the ORF encoding 261 amino acid residues. The homologous analysis of sequences showed high similarity both in DNA and corresponding amino acid sequences of CO Ⅰ , CO Ⅱ and CO Ⅲ between S.pylzovi and other 9 species from family Cyprinidae. Although there were sequence differences in subunit genes among different species, the corresponding amino acids tended to be consistent, suggesting functional stability of cytochrome C oxidase in electron transfer of mitochondrial respiration chain. S.pylzovi and Sinocyclocheilus grahami clustered together in the phylogenetic trees based on gene and amino acid sequences of CO Ⅰ, and gene sequences of CO Ⅱ and CO Ⅲ, coupled with the same types, positions and numbers of functional sites in CO Ⅰ and CO Ⅱ, suggesting that there is a relatively close relationship between them, which is consistent with the conclusion that the subfamily Schizothoracinae is originated from one of the primitive Barbinae fishes widely distributed in warm drainages in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau during the Tertiary Period.

Abstract:We studied the influence of providing nest boxes on the nature holes selection by secondary cavity-nest birds from March to July, 2005 to 2007 by comparing bird occupation rate between 3 experiment plots and 3 control plots. We marked all the nature holes in the 6 plots and provided 135 nest boxes the 3 experiment plots. By checking bird occupation rate in both nature holes and nest boxes, we found that 69.33%, 58.59% and 54.00% nest boxes were occupied; 5.06%, 16.52%, and 14.62% of nature holes were occupied respectively in 2005, 2006 and 2007. No any difference were detected between the three years in bird occupancy rate in both next boxes and nature holes at the experiment plot, but the bird occupation rate between nest boxes was significantly different (t =0.539, P >0.05). In addition, the occupation rate in nature holes during the year of 2005, 2006 and 2007 in 3 control plots was 8.17%, 9.60% and 12.49%, no difference with experiment plots. Our results indicated that adding nest boxes can provide more nest sites for secondary cavity-nest birds (t =0.539, P >0.05). Therefore, nest boxes provided in forest can increase of the breeding population size of the secondary cavity-nest birds.

Abstract:Photoperiods plays an important role in circadian rhythm formation and maintenance.However, random and rhythmic active circadian rhythms occurs in subterranean rodents. By using video recording and focal animal sampling methods, we tested the effect of dark-light cycles on activity rhythm in Mandarin Voles (Lasiopodomys mandarinus) and Kunming (KM) Mice (Mus musculus). The results showed that: 1) light duration of 28 d did not significantly influence body mass of L.mandarinus and M.musculus , respectively; 2) there were significant differences in daily activity rhythm between the two rodent species under situation of light to dark 12 h ∶12 h; Mandarin Voles were active in both dark and light duration and Kunming Mice were mainly active in dark period; 3) L.mandarinus were little more active during time period with light, while Kunming Mice reduced their activity frequency when light was on although both species did not change their active rhythms under full dark treatment; 4) M.musculus behaved a strict circadian rhythm while L.mandarinus showed a random active rhythm. The results from our research indicated that L.mandarinus has evolutionarily adapted to subterranean environment than M.musculus which derived from ground-lived ancestor.

Abstract:The breeding biology of the Grey-faced Buzzard (Butastur indicus)was studied from 2007 to 2010 at Dongzhai National Nature Reserve of Henan Province. The results indicated that the Grey-faced Buzzard arrived in the study site at the end of February or the beginning of March. They built the nests on big trees and most nests were built on the branch extremely near the trunk. The clutch size was 2.75±0.46 (Mean±SD)(n =8). Eleven of 14 breeding attempts were succeed, the ratio of succeed was 78.57%. This study made the breeding distribution extend to the south of Henan Province from the area in the north of Yellow River.

Abstract:Histiostoma laboratorium Hughes individuals were cultured in corn powder culture medium, BY(beef extract＋yeast extract)soft agar culture medium, and BY (beef extract＋yeast extract) culture liquid. The most suitable culture medium for the mites was corn powder culture medium; they grew more slowly when culturing in BY soft agar culture medium than in corn powder culture medium but numerous clean individuals could be collected for DNA extraction and molecular biology research. Although H.laboratorium Hughes could not grow generation by generation in BY culture liquid, they could produce numerous ova which could be collected for research. Hypopi were specialized forms of the mites to disperse by means of other animals. Hypopi of H.laboratorium Hughes could propagate in thin glass pipe where fruit flies had been existed as well as on the body of fruit flies. Several methods including progressively drying of culture medium at high temperature (30-35℃),culture at lower temperature(10-15℃),and liquid culture could induce H.laboratorium to form hypopi mass that could be collected for its physiological, biochemical, gene expression, disease spreading mechanism and other researches.

Abstract:A field survey on amphibians and reptiles was carried out in Nonggang National Nature Reserve of Guangxi, from May to August 2006, March to May and July to September 2010.Total of 88 species, 27 amphibians and 61 reptiles belonging to 57 genera, 19 families and 3 orders were recorded. Among them, 86 species zoogeographically distribute only in Oriental realm and 2 species are widespread respectively. No Palaearctic realm species were found in this survey. Water shortage is the reason that no any frogs in genera Paa and Amolops are found in the reserves although they are very common in other region of Guangxi.

Abstract:Bird diversity was surveyed by fixed transect lines in Inner Mongolia Saihanwula Nature Reserve in three winters from 2006 to 2009.Total of 51 species belong to 18 families, 6 orders have been recorded, of them 37 are resident birds, 9 winter migrant, and 5 wandering birds. In the survey, we recoded 6 summer migrant birds that wintered in the study area. Of the birds, Aquila chrysaetos is national protected as the first category species, 13 more species are protected as secondary category species, 29 are listed as the species benefic, important, and valuable to people. The habitat of mountain forest had the highest species richness with 37 bird species. The zoogeographical distribution patterns of the wintering birds were divided into 9 types, the high species composition of avifauna resulted from the complex vegetation at the reserve which locates in the zoogeographical transitional regions of the Mongolia-Xinjiang and the Northeast. The winter bird species diversity is relative rich in the study area compared to the surrounding areas.

Abstract:The morphology and morphogenesis of ciliature microtubular organelles in the ventral cortex of Onychodromopsis sp. were visualized using FLUTAX direct fluorescent labeling. Based on the features of its ciliature and base-associated microtubules, this species was classified to be the genus Onychodromopsis . However, the morphogenetic study showed that the originating position of oral primordium of the opisthe and differentiation of the marginal rows were different from other related species O.flexilis . Therefore, this species is probably another species in the genus Onychodromopsis .

Abstract:In order to study the early development of Planocera reticulata ,embryos without egg-shell and larva were obtained using in vitro fertilization, and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Typical spiral cleavage was observed since the third cleavage. Several micromeres at proximal end of animal pole tended to form an invagination during blastula and gastrula stages. Planktonic larva swam freely with the cilia, which were emanated from the epidermal plates. At the ventral surface of larva, a rank of long cells was situated on the ventral part of embryo along median line. Demersal larva sank to the bottom and opened the external mouth, while at that time the number of cilia decreased obviously. Our results allow a comparison between P.reticulate and other polyclad flatworms in cleavage pattern and larval development. The unexpected finding of a special apical invagination of the blastula and gastrula stage embryos in polyclad P.reticulata was discussed.

Abstract:In this paper, hydrophilic domain of DjHSP70 was predicted by using internet biosoftware. The DjHSP70 C-terminal contains numerous hydrophilic amino acids. Based on this hydrophilic domain of DjHSP70, the prokaryotic expression vector was constructed. PCR method was used to amplify 450 bp cDNA fragment encoding DjHSP70 C-terminal 150 amino acid polypeptides. After digested by Hind Ⅲ/XhoⅠ, this cDNA fragment was ligated to pET-28a expression vector. Recombinant plasmid was transformed into E.coli BL21 and a 21 ku fusion protein was expressed after the induction with IPTG, which was in agreement with the expected molecular weight. This fusion protein was purified using Ni²⁺-NTA agarose and detected by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. Grayscale scanning showed that the purity of the purified protein was over 95%. The fusion protein was used as an antigen to immunize New Zealand rabbits to prepare the polyclonal antibody. The results showed that this anti-serum was not only very specific to DjHSP70, but also recognized mouse HSP70.This work has laid the foundation for further investigating stress responses in freshwater planarians.

Abstract:The mating behavior and mating rate of Hirudinaria manillensis were observed under temperature of 24℃, 26℃, 28℃, 30℃, 32℃ and 34℃, both in soil and in water. The hatching number, hatching rate and incubation period were compared among groups with different cocoon weight of <0.6 g, 0.6-1.0 g, 1.0-1.5 g, 1.5-2.0 g and >2.0 g, and under temperatures of 22℃, 24℃, 26℃, 28℃, 30℃ and 32℃, respectively. The results showed that the average mating rate of leeches in soil was significantly higher than that in water, and the highest mating rate occurred in the cases of 28℃ and 30℃ in soil. The cocoon with weights of 1.0-1.5 g and 1.5-2.0 g had the highest hatching number and hatching rate under artificial condition. In addition, temperature influenced hatching significantly, and among 6 temperature groups, the treatments of 26℃ and 28℃ yielded the highest hatching number and hatching rate. With increased temperature, the incubating period of cocoon decreased gradually. The 22℃ group had the longest incubation period of 58 d, while less than 20 d in groups of 30℃ and 32℃.

Abstract:The filtration rate of gravid females is signifiantly less than that of non-gravid females or males, whereas filtration rates of non-gravid females and males are similar in the wrinkle comb pearl mussel Cristaria plicata . Microstructure and ultrastructure of the inner and outer demibranchs of C.plicata , observed by histology, SEM, and TEM, show that a number of longitudinally arranged branchial filaments on each demibranch are connected by interfilamentary junctions in the intermediary zone, and by interlamellar septa in the lateral zone. The interlamellar septum of the inner demibranch of the female was about 2 to 3 times larger than those of the outer demibranch. The outer demibranches of gravid mussels are observably broader than those in non-gravid female and male mussels. There are no significant differences between sexes or gravidity in the distribution of the frontal, laterofrontal, and lateral cilia on the surface of the branchial filaments. Rows of interfilament canals, 58-85 μm in major axis, are located between adjacent filaments. The ultrastructure of the protuberances and microvilli of the gill epidermal cells, observed through TEM, is consistent with previous observations on other Unionidae species. Ultimately, differences in the structure of the outer demibranch of gravid mussels, especially modification of primary water tube and appearance of secondary water tube, increasing folds on the surface of filament epithelium appear to affect their filtration rate.

Abstract:The structures and fibrous composition of egg case of the spider (Argiope bruennichi) were examined using SEM as well as amino acid analysis. The egg case is composed of multiple layers of silk, including the frame, outer cover, cover cap, inner cover, egg cover cap and egg wrapping cover, and formed by different colored silk with diameters between hundreds of nanometers and several micrometers. The amino acid composition was similar in the frame silk and typical dragline silk, glycine (about 37%) and alanine (about 25%) are the most abundant amino acids present, and glutamic acid (about 10%), prone (about 7%) and serine (about 5%) as the next most abundant. The amino acid composition of cover silk was similar with typical cylindrical gland silk. In contrast to the frame silk, all cover silk of egg case contained a significant proportion of the serine (about 22%) and less glycine (about 7%) and prone (about 2%), and contained more polar amino and large side acids. The original gland that produce silk fibers with different diameters was analyzed based on the results of SEM and amino acid composition studies.

Abstract:We carried out ammonia nitrogen acute toxicity test by exposing Exopalaemon carinicauda larvae to chlorine ammonium in water. The half lethal concentration (LC₅₀) were 27.51, 23.15, 19.46 and 10.28 mg/L for larvae exposing 24, 48, 72 and 96 h to ammonia nitrogen, respectively. Accumulative toxicity in the body of E.carinicauda larvae was gradually increased with the exposing time. High concentrations of ammonia had an inhibitory effect on the molt of E.carinicauda larvae indicating a relationship dose-effect. In addition, the ammonia had a significant effect on nucleic acid metabolism and DNA synthesis in the spinal muscle cells. The value of RNA/DNA ratio in the spinal muscle cells was significant decline in the larvae exposed to high concentration of ammonia than those in control larvae. The metamorphosis rate of larvae exposing to ammonia showed a significant negative relation with the value of RNA/DNA ratio that indicated that the growth and metabolism of larvae was inhibited by ammonia nitrogen.

Abstract:The community component and diversity of birds in eight habitats in Kuitun, an oasis city, war investigated from March to August in 2007 and 2009. Sixty-one species of birds were recorded under 30 genera, 23 families, 9 orders. Of them, 29 species are summer resident, 7 winter resident, 24 resident and 1 passing by; 27 species distributing wide, 17 occurring in Palaearctic realm, 5 in Holarctic realm, 12 in Central-Asia respectively. The value of bird diversity indices is descending in eight habitats in the order of park, nursery orchard, suburb farmland, schoolyard, factory district, traffic area, residential area and commercial district. The diversity index of park is highest (1.421 2) and the index of commercial district is lowest (0.413 7). The evenness index of Park and commercial district were the highest (0.859 7) and the lowest (0.319 0) respectively. The distribution of birds in city was extremely uneven and is closely related to the forest cover rate.

Abstract:From June 2008 to May 2009, the waterbirds were surveyed by line transects and point counts methods in Dongxi Lake, Wabu Lake, Longzi Lake, Tuo Lake and Nüshan Lake in Huaihe River basin, Anhui. A total of 61 species of waterbirds belonging to 7 orders and 13 families were recorded.Of them,32 species (52.46%) are winter visitors,14 (22.95%) summer visitors,2 (3.28%) residents and 13 (21.31%) migrant birds. 28 of the bird (45.90%) recorded are natatorial birds and 33 (54.10%) are wading birds. Among these water birds,3 are nationally protected as first-grade species in China,and 6 are second-grade species. The species richness of Shannon-Wiener index is highest in Tuo Lake (3.652); G index (3.16), F index (8.59) and the G-F index are also highest compared with other 4 lakes since 39 species or 63.93% of bird recorded in the survey were found here. From the up-stream to the down-stream of Huaihe River, the similar coefficient of waterfowl community in all the wetlands is varied between value 0.224 5-0.595 7. The similar coefficient of waterbird species is highest between Nüshan Lake and Tuo Lake. Tuo Lake is not froze in winter, therefore it thus plays an important role in waterfowl conservation due to it can provide stopover site and wintering area for the migration of waterfowl.

Abstract:We analyzed the spatial niche breadth and spatial niche overlap of 18 species of small mammals in five habitats at Haidong region in Qinghai Province. Niche breadth indices of 18 species varied from 0 to 1. Microtus limnophilus had the highest index of the niche breadth (0.940) while Caryomys eva , Apodemus agrarius , Rattus norvegicus, R.tanezumi, Niviventer confucianus , Tamias sibiricus , Pteromys volans , Sicista concolor , Sorex caecutiens had the lowest index of the niche breadth, approximation to zero. Niche overlap indices also varied from 0 to 1. Those species that had completely spatial niche overlap indices would have very similarly biological characteristics and ecological adaptability. When the resources are abundant, small mammals use the resources altogether, otherwise it may lead to competition. Niche species that do not overlap showed obviously differences in using the natural resource and no competition due to significant niche differentiation.

Abstract:Seasonal variations in body weight and composition of body fat and water, as well as energy contents were measured in field Brandt's Voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) and Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Both species had the highest body weights in spring, highest fat and energy contents in autumn, and highest water contents in summer. However, patterns of seasonal variations in body weights are different between Voles and Gerbils. Body weight variations were affected by both water and fat contents, which might be influenced by ambient temperature and food quality.

Abstract:To investigate whether Ghrelin plays a role in mouse preimplantation(Mus musculus)development, in vivo embryos at different stages were obtained, and the relative expression level of Ghrelin mRNA was detected with real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that Ghrelin mRNA was expressed in early embryos in various developmental stages. The expression was the lowest at 2-cell stage, while reached the highest in 8-cell embryos, and thereafter decreased again. These results suggest that Ghrelin may play essential roles in mouse preimplantation embryo development.

Abstract:A poorly known lizard Tropidophorus hainanus was collected from Chebaling National Nature Reserve, Guangdong on June 2, 2010. It is a new record of Reptilia to Guangdong Province, China. The specimen is preserved in South China Institute of Endangered Animals.

Abstract:Two individuals of Ovophis tonkinensis were collected in Yunkaishan Reserve, Xinyi County Guangdong Province in June 2009, which is a new snake record for Guangdong Province. The specimens were preserved in South China Institute of Endangered Animals.

Abstract:One specimen of Prunella atrogularis was collected in Xiaolingzi, Muziping village, Jiuyan Town, Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province in Match 20^th, 2001, which is first record in Qinling Mountains. The discover site, morphological characteristic and environment of the specimen were described in this paper. The species may be migrant, summer breeder or straggler in Qinling Mountains.

Abstract:The biological activity of androgens is mediated by the nuclear androgen receptor (nAR) in vertebrates. nAR is a ligand-regulated transcriptional factor, which belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. nAR has been characterized from mammals to teleosts. The nAR subtype is found to exist in two different isoforms in several fish species due to a teleost specific gene duplication event. These subtypes of nAR form two distinct molecular clusters and display different tissue distributions and expression patterns during embryogenesis and gonad development. Recently, increasing evidence has shown the nongenomic or cell surface receptor (the membrane androgen receptor, mAR)-mediated actions of androgen. Here we review the gene structure; molecular and biological characteristics; tissue distribution; and ligand-binding features of nAR . Furthermore, we also review the characteristics, distribution and relationship of mAR with regards to the reproductive cycle in teleost fish.