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Includes a directory of 100 birds, describing their migration, habitat, scientific name, and physical characteristics.

Compilation of reports written by participants of a 14-day experimental pilot project in environmental education and biological field studies, designed and conducted under the guidance of Professor James A. Cunningham.

Vineyards in the Southeastern New England American Viticultural Area were surveyed for the incidence of seven major viruses: grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaV-1, GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3, and GLRaV-4), grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV), and tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV). Viruses were detected by DAS-ELISA and confirmed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Multiple viruses were present in 19 out of the 25 vineyards surveyed between 2018 and 2020. GLRaV-3 (27.59%) was the most prevalent virus followed by GLRaV-4 (14.90%), GLRaV-1 (13.52%), GLRaV-2 (11.03%), ToRSV (6.34%), GFLV (5.24%), and TRSV (2.62%). Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses of the viral partial genome sequences acquired in this study revealed that the grapevine viruses present in this area are diverse, indicating that they may have been introduced from different sources. Our findings stress the need for improving the sanitary status of planting materials to avoid the introduction and dissemination of viruses to vineyards in this important wine-producing region of New England.

Significant evolutionary shifts in locomotor behaviour often involve comparatively subtle anatomical transitions. For dinosaurian and avian evolution, medial overhang of the proximal femur has been central to discussions. However, there is an apparent conflict with regard to the evolutionary origin of the dinosaurian femoral head, with neontological and palaeontological data suggesting seemingly incongruent hypotheses. To reconcile this, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of morphogenesis of the proximal end of the femur from early archosaurs to crown birds. Embryological comparison of living archosaurs (crocodylians and birds) suggests the acquisition of the greater overhang of the femoral head in dinosaurs results from additional growth of the proximal end in the medial-ward direction. On the other hand, the fossil record suggests that this overhang was acquired by torsion of the proximal end, which projected in a more rostral direction ancestrally. We reconcile this apparent conflict by inferring that the medial overhang of the dinosaur femoral head was initially acquired by torsion, which was then superseded by mediad growth. Details of anatomical shifts in fossil forms support this hypothesis, and their biomechanical implications are congruent with the general consensus regarding broader morpho-functional evolution on the avian stem.

Cycling of organic carbon in the ocean has the potential to mitigate or exacerbate global climate change, but major questions remain about the environmental controls on organic carbon flux in the coastal zone. Here, we used a field experiment distributed across 28° of latitude, and the entire range of 2 dominant kelp species in the northern hemisphere, to measure decomposition rates of kelp detritus on the seafloor in relation to local environmental factors. Detritus decomposition in both species were strongly related to ocean temperature and initial carbon content, with higher rates of biomass loss at lower latitudes with warmer temperatures. Our experiment showed slow overall decomposition and turnover of kelp detritus and modeling of coastal residence times at our study sites revealed that a significant portion of this production can remain intact long enough to reach deep marine sinks. The results suggest that decomposition of these kelp species could accelerate with ocean warming and that low-latitude kelp forests could experience the greatest increase in remineralization with a 9% to 42% reduced potential for transport to long-term ocean sinks under short-term (RCP4.5) and long-term (RCP8.5) warming scenarios. However, slow decomposition at high latitudes, where kelp abundance is predicted to expand, indicates potential for increasing kelp-carbon sinks in cooler (northern) regions. Our findings reveal an important latitudinal gradient in coastal ecosystem function that provides an improved capacity to predict the implications of ocean warming on carbon cycling. Broad-scale patterns in organic carbon decomposition revealed here can be used to identify hotspots of carbon sequestration potential and resolve relationships between carbon cycling processes and ocean climate at a global scale.

This work summarizes the roles of various plant promoting (PGP) microorganism on several types of plant hosts. In particular, rhizosphere dwelling bacteria and fungi that increase plant growth, protect plants from pathogens, and increase tolerance to abiotic stresses are presented. These traits are due, in part, to the production of enzymes, hormones, and a plethora a various metabolites produced by rhizosphere microorganisms that directly or indirectly benefit the plants. The impact of selective grazing by bacterivorous protozoa on plant growth promotion is also examined. In addition to reviewing research from other investigators, this paper introduces a recently isolated Pseudomonad bacterium that has demonstrated growth promotion and protection of heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the face of both abiotic and biotic stresses. Our findings indicate that the novel Pseudomonas koreensis strain could serve as an agricultural inoculant to induce plant growth and protection. The potential to create effective bioinoculum using rhizosphere microorganisms is discussed.

Human activities have caused massive losses of natural populations across the globe. Like many groups, amphibians have experienced substantial declines worldwide, driven by environmental changes such as habitat conversion, pollution, and disease emergence. Each of these drivers is often found in close association with the presence of roads. Here we report a novel consequence of roads affecting an amphibian native to much of North America, the wood frog (Rana sylvatica). Across 38 populations distributed from southern to central New England, we found that adult wood frogs living adjacent to roads had higher incidence and severity of oedema (indicated by obvious bloating caused by subcutaneous fluid accumulation) during the breeding season than frogs living away from the influence of roads. This effect was best explained by increased conductivity of breeding ponds, probably caused by runoff pollution from road salt used for de-icing. Oedema severity was negatively correlated with locomotor performance in more northerly populations. Interestingly, northern populations experience more intense winters, which tends to result in more de-icing salt runoff and increased energetic demands associated with overwintering cryoprotection needs. Thus, this emerging consequence of roads appears to impose potential fitness costs associated with locomotion, and these effects might be most impactful on populations living in regions where de-icing is most intense. Together, our findings reveal a novel set of impacts of roads and runoff pollution on wood frog physiology and performance, which seem likely to contribute to population decline. Given the global prevalence of roads and increasing salinisation of freshwater habitats, oedema and related impacts could be widespread consequences faced by amphibian populations across much of the planet's temperate zones. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

1. The effects of temperature acclimation on electrical properties of earthworm axons (Lumbricus terrestris) were studied using intracellular stimulating and recording techniques. 2. Cold acclimation, compared to warm acclimation, was associated with decreased action potential duration and cable input resistance and increased maximum rate of rise and decline of the action potential and increased excitation threshold. In each case the direction of change occurring during acclimation to 5° C was opposite to that occurring immediately after cooling to 5° C, i.e., the acclimation changes were compensatory. 3. The significance of these changes is discussed with regard to their influence on over-all nerve function after thermal acclimation. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.

A total of 243 bats belonging to six species were collected in the tropical zone of west central Colombia. Three individuals of Artibeus lituratus (2 males and 1 female) from Melgar, Colombia, harboured Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; cultures being taken directly from the intestinal tract. To our knowledge this is the first report of recovery of P. brasiliensis from animals. © 1965 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

A total of 28 Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and 30 Red-tailed Hawk (B. jamaicensis) nests were found in Cache Valley. Utah, during the summers of 1992 and 1993. All nests were in trees, but only Red-tailed Hawks nested in dead trees (30%). In the intensive study area, nesting densities were 0.10 nests/km2 for Swainson's Hawk and 0.08 nests/km2 for Red-tailed Hawk. Nearest-neighbor nest distances were significantly shorter among Swainson's Hawks (1.74 km) than among Red-tailed Hawks (2.83 km). Congeneric nearest- neighbor distances were significantly shorter than conspecific distances for Red-tailed Hawks (1.59 vs. 2.83 km) but not for Swainson's Hawks (1.52 vs. 1.74 km). GIS analysis of habitat types was made for 2-km radii around nest sites. Cropland was the dominant land cover type of nest sites of both species and no significant difference was found between species. Swainson's Hawk nest sites contained significantly more pasture, whereas Red-tailed nest sites contained significantly more juniper, maple, and sagebrush. Only Red- tailed Hawk nests (n=8; 27%) were found on the periphery of the valley at the base of foothills of the Cache Mountains. This preference resulted in a significantly higher elevation for Red-tailed Hawk nest sites. Swainson's Hawk nests occurred only on the valley floor on level terrain. Distance to the nearest paved road and building was very similar for both species, implying that little difference exists in tolerance levels for human activities. Overall, multivariate niche overlap for habitat was high (0.89), indicating a lack of habitat partitioning between these 2 Buteos in Cache Valley.

The social interactions of a wintering population of Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) were studied in the Hackensack Meadowlands tidal marshes in New Jersey. Juvenile harriers were numerically dominant in the population and participated in hunting groups significantly more often than adult males or females. Group sizes varied from 2-4 birds (total groups observed = 66 duets, five trios and two quartets). The occasional inclusion of adults in a foraging group was usually the result of juveniles following the adult, presumably for the parasitic benefits of grabbing flushed prey or exploiting high yield foraging patches. Our observations suggested a non-territorial wintering harrier population documented by observations of 3-6 different individuals frequently hunting the same 12-ha area each day as well as random use of our study quadrats (3-ha) by individuals of all sexes and ages. Territorial defense was observed in only one adult female, which infrequently attempted to defend a territory. Overall, the prevalence of group-foraging behavior is consistent with the general lack of winter territory in this population.

We studied nest site and habitat characteristics associated with 75 Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) nests in Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and southeastern New York. Nest sites were categorized as either urban (30) or rural (45) and were compared to data from available habitat (24 random sites for microhabitat; 70 random sites for macro-habitat). Urban nest trees were significantly larger in diameter and taller than rural nest trees, and accordingly, nests were higher in urban nest trees as well. Urban nest sites were significantly different than random sites for all eight habitat variables, but rural nests were significantly different for only five variables. Urban nests were significantly different than rural nests for five of eight habitat variables. Only urban owl nests had significantly lower site basal area, higher conifer composition, and lower shrub cover. Both urban and rural owl nests showed lower canopy cover and closer proximity to forest edge, paved roads, human habitation, and water than random sites. Although both urban and rural Great Horned Owls demonstrated habitat selection (use different from availability), urban owls showed a stronger degree of selection, probably because of the greater complexity of habitats available in the urban landscape.

Because clients are demanding better health care for their pets, more advanced and quicker techniques for obtaining a diagnosis are essential. Veterinary endoscopy gives veterinarians and clients a noninvasive option for evaluating diseased tissue without surgical intervention. Although patients must be anesthetized, they often are released from the veterinary facility on the same day the procedure is performed. Technicians play a vital role in communication between veterinarians and clients and provide valuable procedural skills during the endoscopy.

Centroptilum ozarkensum, new species is described from distinctive adult males collected from springs within the Ozark National Scenic Rivers area of southeastern Missouri. The adult male of this species is similar to the widespread species C. album, hut is easily distinguished from it by color and morphological characters.