Coping with darkness and low temperatures: foraging strategies in Steller's eiders, Polysticta stelleri, wintering at high latitudes

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geir Helge Systad ◽  
Jan Ove Bustnes
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Other ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
High Latitudes ◽  
Late Autumn ◽  
Polysticta Stelleri

To examine how Steller's eiders, Polysticta stelleri, wintering at 70°N cope with adverse winter conditions in terms of darkness and low temperatures, we studied their feeding behaviour during four periods between late autumn and early spring. Steller's eiders were most likely to feed during daylight and twilight, but they also fed during darkness. The incidence of feeding was highest at low tide, and there was a significant interaction between tidal cycle and winter period. Hence, the birds fed more intensively at low tide in midwinter (January) than during the other periods. Air temperatures were between 8 and 10°C lower in midwinter than during the other periods, and during this period the eiders also fed more by means of nondiving techniques (up-ending, surface feeding). The total estimated feeding time was highest in late autumn and midwinter (5.9 and 6.3 h were spent actively feeding, respectively) and lower in late winter and spring (5.1 and 4.6 h, respectively). Thus, as energy requirements increased as a result of low temperatures, Steller's eiders increased their feeding effort, but also reduced feeding costs by reducing diving depth. The results of this study suggest that the Steller's eider is behaviourally well adapted to survive winter at high latitudes at relatively low stress.

Reproduction in the Macropod Marsupial Potorous tridactylus (Kerr).

1962 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
RL Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Other ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes ◽  
Marsupial Species ◽  
Heat Period ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Made In

Thirty-five female Tasmanian rat-kangaroos, Potorous tridmtylus (Kerr), were studied. This marsupial is both polyoestrous and monovular. The length of the oestrous cycle is approximately 42 days (range 39-44 days). Study of vaginal smears over intervals that included 14 oestrous periods revealed that the proportions of cornified cells reached a maximum of over 80% at oestrus, and conversely the other cell types (i.e. nucleated epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear leucocytes) were at minimal concentrations. In four females copulation was apparently permitted at any time during the period of rapid increase in the proportion of cornified cells. One female repeatedly received a male over a 12-day heat period. Copulations were brief and were observed only between 4.00 p.m. and 1.45 a.m. In two females coitus was found to precede ovulation. The gestation period (defined as the interval between copulation and parturition) varied between 30 and 43 days in four animals. In one instance parturition was witnessed 37.5 days after copulations that were restricted to a 12-hr period. A marked increase in pouch vascularity occurred a few hours prior to parturition. Parturition was witnessed on one occasion and is described. The time taken to reach the pouch was 10 min; attachment was made in a further 12 min. On another occasion a neonatus removed from a teat shortly after parturition took 5 min to locate the teat and a further 15 min to complete reattachment. Permanent attachment of the offspring to a teat occupied 64 days in one instanc; in another it lasted 46 days but as the offspring died 6 days later it may be that the teat was vacated prematurely. The manner in which permanent nipple attachment is achieved is discussed and a description of the development of external features of pouch young is given. Nipples increased in both length and diameter during the first 115 days of suckling, after which regresslon began. The regresslon was correlated wlth the process of weanlng. An indication of three successive lactations was obtained from nipple dimensions. Pregnancy (occupying about 38 days) did not prevent oestrus from appearing at the normal time (i.e. approximately 42 days after the preceding oestrus). Mating occurred at the post-partum oestrus but lactation inhibited further oestrous cycles as well as delaying the development of the resultant uterine embryo. The period of delayed pregnancy can be as long as 4+ months. During most of this period the embryo remained free in the uterus as a dormant blastocyst, diameter 0.25-0.28 mm. Embryonic development was resumed during the weaning period when suckling was intermittent and diminishing or when the offspring was prematurely lost. Observations on both captive and wild populations suggested the existence of two breeding seasons, one in late winter and early spring, the other in summer. However, the evidence on which these breeding seasons are based is extremely limited. Reproduction in Potorous is compared with that in other marsupial species.

scholarly journals Seasonal variation in the vertical distribution of zone over Oakshin Gangotri, Antarctica

MAUSAM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-278
Author(s):  
A.L. KOPPAR ◽  
S.C. NAGRATH
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Other ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Double Peak ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Ozone soundings made from Dakshin Gangotri, Antarctica during 1987 are presented. The vertical distribution of ozone over Antarctica is characterised by a double peak profile, one around 200-150 hPa and the other around 50 hPa. During late winter-early spring the upper peak is considerably depleted. Tropospheric ozoe remains low and nearly constant throughout the year.  

scholarly journals The Exceptionally Warm Winter of 2015/16 in Alaska

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 2069-2088 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Walsh ◽  
Peter A. Bieniek ◽  
Brian Brettschneider ◽  
Eugénie S. Euskirchen ◽  
Rick Lader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Albedo Effect ◽  
Climate Model Simulations ◽  
Height Fields

Abstract Alaska experienced record-setting warmth during the 2015/16 cold season (October–April). Statewide average temperatures exceeded the period-of-record mean by more than 4°C over the 7-month cold season and by more than 6°C over the 4-month late-winter period, January–April. The record warmth raises two questions: 1) Why was Alaska so warm during the 2015/16 cold season? 2) At what point in the future might this warmth become typical if greenhouse warming continues? On the basis of circulation analogs computed from sea level pressure and 850-hPa geopotential height fields, the atmospheric circulation explains less than half of the anomalous warmth. The warming signal forced by greenhouse gases in climate models accounts for about 1°C of the anomalous warmth. A factor that is consistent with the seasonal and spatial patterns of the warmth is the anomalous surface state. The surface anomalies include 1) above-normal ocean surface temperatures and below-normal sea ice coverage in the surrounding seas from which air advects into Alaska and 2) the deficient snowpack over Alaska itself. The location of the maximum of anomalous warmth over Alaska and the late-winter–early-spring increase of the anomalous warmth unexplained by the atmospheric circulation implicates snow cover and its albedo effect, which is supported by observational measurements in the boreal forest and tundra biomes. Climate model simulations indicate that warmth of this magnitude will become the norm by the 2050s if greenhouse gas emissions follow their present scenario.

Seasonal changes in the germination responses of seeds of Veronica peregrina during burial, and ecological implications

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 3332-3336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry M. Baskin ◽  
Carol C. Baskin
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Light In August ◽  
Late Autumn ◽  
Response To Temperature

Seeds of Veronica peregrina collected from a field population in central Kentucky were buried in soil and exposed to seasonal temperature changes. Fresh seeds and those exhumed after 1–26 months were tested in light and darkness at five thermoperiods simulating those in the natural habitat from early spring through late autumn. Freshly matured seeds were dormant, but they came out of dormancy in June and July and germinated to 98–100% in light in August at thermoperiods of 20:10, 25:15, 30:15, and 35:20 °C. Seeds retained the ability to germinate to high percentages at these temperatures until late winter and spring, but they never germinated to high percentages in darkness. Thus, in the natural habitat in July and August germination is prevented only by darkness and (or) insufficient soil moisture. At simulated habitat temperatures, seeds germinated to 88–100% in March and April but to only 21–69% in May and June. Seeds incubated at 15:6 °C showed a decline in germination percentages in late summer and autumn and an increase during late autumn and winter. The same general pattern of seasonal changes in germination response to temperature occurred during the 2nd year of burial.

Cycles of reproduction and condition in Tasmanian blue mussels, Mytilus edulis planulatus

1984 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
TG Dix ◽  
A Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Mytilus Edulis ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
Late Autumn ◽  
Blue Mussels ◽  
Early Autumn ◽  
Condition Indices ◽  
One Year ◽  
Autumn And Winter

Major spawning by M. e. planulatus occurred in the late winter or early spring at Hinders Reef, Margate and Birchs Bay in 1980 and 1981. Spawning occurred also over the summer and early autumn although a major spawning was indicated during this period at only one site in one year. At the two sites where temperatures were recorded, the major spring spawning occurred at about or just above 10�C. Gonads built up reproductive condition during late autumn and winter at all sites in 1980 and 1981. Condition indices were highest at these times and fell when spring spawning occurred.

scholarly journals Seasonal Dynamics of Taphrina deformans Inoculum in Peach Orchards

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Rossi ◽  
M. Bolognesi ◽  
S. Giosuè
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Other ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Parasitic Stage ◽  
Tree Canopies ◽  
Trap Plants ◽  
Second Period ◽  
Curled Leaves

The dynamics of the inoculum of Taphrina deformans were studied during a 4-year period by (i) inspecting curled leaves for the presence of asci, (ii) placing deposition spore samplers within the tree canopies, and (iii) exposing potted peach plants (trap plants). These three approaches produced consistent results. Four main periods characterized the dynamics of the inoculum: the first period coincides with the parasitic stage of the pathogen's life cycle and the other periods with the saprophytic stage. Mid- to late spring (first period) was characterized by the presence of asci on infected leaves which produced and ejected large quantities of ascospores in 96% of the samplings. Rainfall was not necessary for ascospore dispersal, which was favored by air temperature <20°C and relative humidity ≥80% or wetness duration >8 h. In summer and autumn (second period), blastospores were trapped in 54 and 24% of samplings, respectively, with low spore numbers. In the winter (third period), blasto-spores were trapped in the lowest numbers and in only 6% of samplings. In late winter to early spring (fourth period), blastospores were found in 56% of samples, with increasing numbers. Rainfall significantly influenced blastospore dispersal and temperature was correlated with the seasonality found during the saprophytic stage.

scholarly journals A polyphagous, tropical insect herbivore shows strong seasonality in age-structure and longevity independent of temperature and host availability

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mst Shahrima Tasnin ◽  
Michael Bode ◽  
Katharina Merkel ◽  
Anthony R. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Predictive Capacity ◽  
Late Autumn ◽  
Strong Seasonality ◽  
Subtropical Australia

AbstractBactrocera tryoni is a polyphagous fruit fly that is predicated to have continuous breeding in tropical and subtropical Australia as temperature and hosts are not limiting. Nevertheless, in both rainforest and tropical agricultural systems, the fly shows a distinct seasonal phenology pattern with an autumn decline and a spring emergence. Temperature based population models have limited predictive capacity for this species and so the driver(s) for the observed phenology patterns are unknown. Using a demographic approach, we studied the age-structure of B. tryoni populations in subtropical Australia in an agricultural system, with a focus on times of the year when marked changes in population abundance occur. We found that the age-structure of the population varied with season: summer and autumn populations were composed of mixed-age flies, while late-winter and early-spring populations were composed of old to very old individuals. When held at a constant temperature, the longevity of adult reference cohorts (obtained from field infested fruits) also showed strong seasonality; the adults of spring and early autumn populations were short-lived, while late autumn and late winter adults were long-lived. While still expressing in modified landscapes, the data strongly suggests that B. tryoni has an endogenous mechanism which would have allowed it to cope with changes in the breeding resources available in its endemic monsoonal rainforest habitat, when fruits would have been abundant in the late spring and summer (wet season), and rare or absent during late autumn and winter (dry season).

Studies on the biology of limpets IV. The breeding of patella depress a pennant on the north Cornish coast

1961 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 653-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Orton ◽  
A. J. Southward
Keyword(s):  
Small Proportion ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
The Other ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
The North ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
The Common ◽  
Post Spawning ◽  
Autumn And Winter

SUMMARYThe breeding of Patella depressa was studied at Trevone, North Cornwall, for 4 years. Gonads were examined and assessed by methods described in a previous report on P. vulgata.In contrast to the common Limpet, P. depressa is a summer breeder in Cornwall. Gonad development begins in the spring and is complete by June or July. Spawning coincides with maximum air temperatures in July, August or early September. The autumn and winter period is passed with gonads in recognizable post-spawning and spent stages, and only a small proportion of completely resting neuter gonads is found in the early spring.Mass spawning takes place, and gametes are voided rapidly. No definite spawning stimulus can be shown, but, as with P. vulgata, there may be some relation between onset of spawning and the occurrence of wave action on the shore.The differences in breeding behaviour of P. depressa and P. vulgata reinforce the other differences between them and throw some doubt on the concept of super-species in Patella.

The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the seasonal production of irriagted perennial grasses in coastal New South Wales

1969 ◽  
Vol 9 (41) ◽  
pp. 610 ◽  
Author(s):  
EC Wolfe ◽  
FC Crofts
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Late Autumn ◽  
Nitrogen Levels ◽  
South Wales

The seasonal productivity of eight perennial grasses at three nitrogen levels was measured in small pure-grass swards at Badgery's Creek, New South Wales. Highly significant differences in seasonal productivity were found between nitrogen levels in all four seasons, and between cultivars in summer, autumn, and winter. The response of the grasses to nitrogen was slightly greater at the high than at the medium level of nitrogen application in all seasons, and was highest in spring (about 40 lb of dry matter per lb of applied nitrogen) and lowest in mid-winter (about 8 lb/lb). Tall fescue was the most efficient responder to nitrogen in late summer and early autumn, Kangaroo Valley ryegrass in late autumn and late winter, and Currie cocksfoot in mid-winter. At a high level of nitrogen, the dry matter produced by Kangaroo Valley ryegrass and Currie cocksfoot in the late autumn to early spring period, the period of greatest feed shortage, was nearly as great as that produced over a similar period by sod-sown oats in earlier experiments at Badgery's Creek.

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