Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Mate choice in divergent morphs of the gastropod mollusc Littorina saxatilis (Olivi): speciation in action?

Article Abstract:

There is strong evidence of assortative mating in the gastropod Littorina saxatilis (Olivi). Males in the high shore zone choose females from the same zone, while males from the mid-shore zone choose females from that zone. Observations of interactions indicate that there is some female involvement too, with some cases of females rejecting attempted heterotypic matings being seen. This pattern of assortative mating is found between animals from shores 20km apart.

Animal reproduction, Snails

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Genetically based differences in foraging behaviour among sympatric morphs of arctic charr (Pisces: salmonidae)

Article Abstract:

A study of the differences in the foraging behaviors of four morphs reveals that morphological differences are genetically related. Adaptive trophic specializations in morphs lead to segregation. When foraging on planktonic organisms such as Daphnia magna, planktivorous charr showed superiority over other morphs. Among small benthivorous charr, feeding rate was high and high prey density similar to that of planktivorous charr.

Behavior, Salmonidae, Salmoniformes

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Sexual compatibility between two heterochronic morphs in the Alpine newt, Triturus alpestris

Article Abstract:

Research into the frequencies of inbreeding and outbreeding in two synoptic heterochronic morphs of the Alpine newt is presented. It was found that the morphs studied were sexually compatible. It seems that, regardless of their ontogenetic pathway, newts of one morph can breed with individuals of the other.

Sexual behavior, Newts

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