Taxonomic Tapestries: The Threads of Evolutionary, Behavioural and Conservation Research

This volume explores the complexity, diversity and interwoven nature of taxonomic pursuits within the context of explorations of humans and related species. It also pays tribute to Professor Colin Groves, whose work has had an enormous impact on this field. Recent research into that somewhat unique species we call humankind, through the theoretical and conceptual approaches afforded by the discipline of biological anthropology, is showcased. The focus is on the evolution of the human species, the behaviour of primates and other species, and how humans affect the distribution and abundance of other species through anthropogenic impact. Weaving together these three key themes, through the considerable influence of Colin Groves, provides glimpses of how changes in taxonomic theory and methodology, including our fluctuating understanding of speciation, have recrafted the way in which we view animal behaviour, human evolution and conservation studies

Taxonomic Tapestries: The Threads of Evolutionary, Behavioural and Conservation Research

This volume explores the complexity, diversity and interwoven nature of taxonomic pursuits within the context of explorations of humans and related species. It also pays tribute to Professor Colin Groves, whose work has had an enormous impact on this field. Recent research into that somewhat unique species we call humankind, through the theoretical and conceptual approaches afforded by the discipline of biological anthropology, is showcased. The focus is on the evolution of the human species, the behaviour of primates and other species, and how humans affect the distribution and abundance of other species through anthropogenic impact. Weaving together these three key themes, through the considerable influence of Colin Groves, provides glimpses of how changes in taxonomic theory and methodology, including our fluctuating understanding of speciation, have recrafted the way in which we view animal behaviour, human evolution and conservation studies

Home range size and sleeping site use by the Critically Endangered Cat Ba langurs (Trachypithecus poliocephalus)

Home range size and habitat utilisation are affected by access to key resources including food, water and sleeping sites, all of which change seasonally. Limestone langurs (a group within the Trachypithecus genus) live on limestone karst hills with shrubby, stunted, and discontinuous vegetation. This study assesses home range size and sleeping site use in two groups of Critically Endangered Cat Ba langurs (Trachypithecus poliocephalus). Over 180 days of observations, we found that the larger group (n=10-13) had a home range size of 50ha, while the smaller group (n=7) ranged within a 22ha area. There was also a small 5 ha area of home range overlap, which represents 10% of the larger group and 24% of the smaller group’s home range; although this area was not used at the same time. Home range sizes increased in the wet season, which may for fruit, which is eaten more at this time of year. Most sleeping sites were ledges (61%) followed by caves (17%), however the caves that were used seemed to be preferentially chosen. Sleeping sites did not vary seasonally. The lack of reuse on consecutive nights indicates they may be chosen to provide safety from predators (primarily study of this highly threatened species to assess patterns of home range use and sleeping sites. This is key to conservation management plan-ning as it can provide a measure of habitat use, which has implications long term viability.Funding for the project was received by Primate Action Fund, Primate Conservation Inc, Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Grant and The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Plant microbiome analysis after Metarhizium amendment reveals increases in abundance of plant growth-promoting organisms and maintenance of disease-suppressive soil

The microbial community in the plant rhizosphere is vital to plant productivity and disease resistance. Alterations in the composition and diversity of species within this community could be detrimental if microbes suppressing the activity of pathogens are removed. Species of the insect-pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium, commonly employed as biological control agents against crop pests, have recently been identified as plant root colonizers and provide a variety of benefits (e.g. growth promotion, drought resistance, nitrogen acquisition). However, the impact of Metarhizium amendment on the rhizosphere microbiome has yet to be elucidated. Using Illumina sequencing, we examined the community profiles (bacteria and fungi) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) rhizosphere (loose soil and plant root) after amendment with M. robertsii conidia, in the presence and absence of an insect host. Although alpha diversity was not significantly affected overall, there were numerous examples of plant growth-promoting organisms that significantly increased with Metarhizium amendment (Bradyrhizobium, Flavobacterium, Chaetomium, Trichoderma). Specifically, the abundance of Bradyrhizobium, a group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, was confirmed to be increased using a qPCR assay with genus-specific primers. In addition, the ability of the microbiome to suppress the activity of a known bean root pathogen was assessed. The development of disease symptoms after application with Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli was visible in the hypocotyl and upper root of plants grown in sterilized soil but was suppressed during growth in microbiome soil and soil treated with M. robertsii. Successful amendment of agricultural soils with biocontrol agents such as Metarhizium necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the effects on the diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Such research is fundamentally important towards sustainable agricultural practices to improve overall plant health and productivity.Brock University Library Open Access Publishing Fun

Growth of Neanderthal infants from Krapina (120-130 ka), Croatia

Modern humans have a slow and extended period of childhood growth but to what extent this ontogenetic pathway was present in Neanderthals is debated. Dental development, linked to the duration of somatic growth across modern primates, is the main source for information about growth and development in a variety of fossil primates, including humans. Studies of Neanderthal permanent teeth report a pace of development either similar to recent humans or relatively accelerated. Neanderthal milk teeth, which form and emerge before permanent teeth, provide an opportunity to determine which pattern was present at birth. Here we present a comparative study of the prenatal and early postnatal growth of five milk teeth from three Neanderthals (120,000-130,000 years ago) using virtual histology. Results reveal regions of their milk teeth formed quickly before birth, and over a relatively short period of time after birth. Tooth emergence commenced towards the earliest end of the eruption schedules displayed by extant human children. Advanced dental development is consistent with expectations for Neanderthal infant feeding

The roles of nutrition, stress and parasites in determining black howler monkey (alouatta pigra) population density following a major hurricane

Bibliography: p. 125-14

The effect of a major hurricane on the diet, activity and food supply of alouatta pigra in Southern Belize

Bibliography: p. 84-9