A comparative study of scent-gland location and related behaviour in some northwestern nearctic ground squirrel species (Sciuridae): an evolutionary approach

1976 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1294-1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Keith Kivett ◽  
Jan O. Murie ◽  
André L. Steiner
Keyword(s):  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Scent Gland ◽  
Anal Glands ◽  
Greeting Behavior ◽  
Mouth Corner ◽  
Northwestern North America ◽  
Gland Development ◽  
Dorsal Gland

Location and hisiology of integumentary glands were investigated in six species of ground squirrels of the genus Spermophilus found in northwestern North America; S. columbianus, S. undulatus, S. richardsonii, S. tridecemlineatus, S. lateralis, and S. franklinii. Among these species, glands in oral, dorsal, and anal regions were structurally similar. Locations of oral and anal glands were identical but location of individual glands in dorsal-gland fields varied considerably. Gland development was greater in S. columbianus and S. undulatus and least in S. franklinii. Active scent marking was most frequent and extensive in S. columbianus and S. undulatus, less frequent in S. lateralis and S. tridecemlineatus, and absent in S. franklinii. In most instances, greeting behavior (which is focused on the mouth-corner oral-gland area) and the degree of sociality paralleled levels of scent marking. A hypothetical scheme of development or scent marking in relation to habitat and social organization is presented. This scheme fits, in general, classical interpretations of phylogeny.

Body-rubbing, marking, and other scent-related behavior in some ground squirrels (Sciuridae), a descriptive study

1974 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 889-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
André L. Steiner
Keyword(s):  
Scent Marking ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
Individual Group ◽  
Anal Glands ◽  
Apocrine Glands ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Anogenital Area ◽  
Mouth Corner ◽  
Group Members

In some ground squirrels, mainly Arctic and Columbian, body-rubbing can be comfort or marking behavior, depending on the context. The mouth-corner apocrine glands are probably involved in individual/group/mother–offspring recognition. These glands are also rubbed against the substrate, particularly by dominant males. This is apparently scent-marking and seems to express territorialism, dominance, and readiness to fight, particularly when accompanied by clawing of the ground, for the latter case. Marking is also performed in neighboring residences, where it frequently involves fighting and chasing away the intruder. The squirrel also rubs its anogenital area against the substrate. A liquid trail (urine? secretion of the anal glands? both?) is left behind, possibly an indicator of sex and (or) reproductive condition. The anal gland papillae pulsate during some agonistic encounters.Extensive scent dissemination and scent-sharing take place between group members and also their habitat. A dorsal-glandular area is also rubbed against the substrate. Both hostile (biting) and friendly (licking, grooming) responses are apparently focused on scent-producing or s cent-bearing body areas.

Integumentary glands of Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus): Sciuridae

1978 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Keith Kivett
Keyword(s):  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Secretory Process ◽  
Sweat Glands ◽  
Sebaceous Glands ◽  
Anal Glands ◽  
Spermophilus Columbianus ◽  
Columbian Ground Squirrels ◽  
Dorsal Gland ◽  
Volar Surface

The integumentary glands of Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) were examined histologically. In addition to sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles, gland complexes were found in the oral angle, dorsal, and anal regions. The oral angle gland, located immediately posterior to the oral angle, was an apocrine-type gland consisting of three lobes each drained by a separate duct. Approximately 60 individual, oval-shaped glands, extending posterior from the scapular region, made up the dorsal gland field. These glands exhibited an apocrine secretory process and were drained by single ducts. The anal glands were located in retractable papillae near the anal aperture, one median ventral and two lateral. Equal portions of sebaceous and apocrine elements made up the anal glands. Sweat glands were found on the volar surface of the foot pads. Gland structure and location are discussed in relation to behavior patterns that appear to involve secretions from these glands. Possible functions of scent from these integumentary glands are considered briefly.

Temperature and the Regulation of Enzyme Activity in the Hibernator. Isoenzymes of Liver Pyruvate Kinase from the Hibernating and Non-hibernating Arctic Ground Squirrel

1974 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 894-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans W. Behrisch
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Pyruvate Kinase ◽  
Wide Temperature Range ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Energy Charge ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Ground Squirrel ◽  
Temperature Range

Liver of the hibernating (H) Arctic ground squirrel (Citellus undulatus) contains a single species of pyruvate kinase (PyK) that is distinct from the single isoenzyme of pyK observed in the non-hibernating (NH) ground squirrel, which has been previously described (Behrisch &Johnson (1974) Can. J. Biochem. 52, 547–559). The H-PyK has a pI value of 5.7 and a molecular weight of 241 000 – 243 000. Affinity of the H-PyK for the substrates phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and ADP is not affected by changing temperature. It is argued that this stability of the apparent Km's for substrate over a wide temperature range permits the hibernator to take advantage of the Q10 effect in maintaining a low rate of the PyK reaction. Similarly, affinity of H-PyK for the allosteric activator fructose-1,6-phosphate (FDP) and the inhibitor ATP is also conspicuously independent of temperature, suggesting a fine stoichiometry in the relative concentrations of the regulatory ligands in control of H-PyK over a wide temperature range. Further, affinity of H-PyK for the inhibitor ATP is about three- to fourfold lower than that of the NH-PyK, a condition that would favor the maintenance of a high energy charge in the hibernating liver cell. ATP apparently inhibits PyK by causing a dissociation of the enzyme molecule into two "halves" of about 110 000 molecular weight each. This dissociation is offset and reversed by FDP. Removal of the ATP by dialysis does not of itself result in a reassociation of the PyK "halves"; FDP and/or the substrates are required for the two subunits of PyK to reassociate. As the apparent Ki of H-PyK for ATP is higher than that of NH-PyK, substantially higher concentrations of ATP are required to effect the dissociation of H-PyK. Similarly, elevated concentrations of FDP are required to offset the ATP-caused dissociation of the H-PyK.Hibernating Arctic ground squirrels that are preparing to emerge finally from the hibernating state already possess substantial activities of the NH-PyK isoenzyme. This suggests that the animal "anticipates" its transition from one metabolic state from another. On the basis of these data a formal mechanism is proposed for the regulation of liver PyK in the Arctic ground squirrel in both the non-hibernating and hibernating states.

scholarly journals A case of rapid recurrence of apocrine ductal carcinoma originating from the oral scent gland of a Richardson’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii)

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayumi Eguchi ◽  
Mari Inohana ◽  
Misato Nakamura ◽  
Rei Nagahara ◽  
Megu Itahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Ductal Carcinoma ◽  
Scent Gland ◽  
Urocitellus Richardsonii

Ancient DNA reveals northwest range extension of Richardson’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii) into northeastern British Columbia, Canada, during the Late Pleistocene

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 855-866
Author(s):  
Thomas C.A. Royle ◽  
Dongya Y. Yang ◽  
Jonathan C. Driver
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Ancient Dna ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Vegetation Communities ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Urocitellus Richardsonii

Ancient DNA was extracted from 12 500 to 10 500 year old ground squirrel bones from Tse’K’wa, an archaeological site in the Peace River region of northeastern British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from seven individuals demonstrates that all are Urocitellus richardsonii (Richardson’s ground squirrel), a species not found in the region today. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses indicate these individuals share a previously undocumented mitochondrial control region haplotype that is most closely related to haplotypes observed in modern specimens from Saskatchewan and Montana. At the end of the Pleistocene these ground squirrels extended their range north and west into open vegetation communities that developed when ice sheets melted and glacial lakes drained. They were subsequently extirpated from the Peace River region when forests replaced earlier pioneering vegetation communities.

scholarly journals Resistance of Erythrocytes of Hibernating Mammals to Loss of Potassium during Hibernation and during Cold Storage

1971 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 620-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. L. Kimzey ◽  
J. S. Willis
Keyword(s):  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Storage Medium ◽  
Cold Adapted ◽  
Maximum Period ◽  
K Concentration

In two species of hibernators, hamsters and ground squirrels, erythrocytes were collected by heart puncture and the K content of the cells of hibernating individuals was compared with that of awake individuals. The K concentration of hamsters did not decline significantly during each bout of hibernation (maximum period of 5 days) but in long-term bouts in ground squirrels (i.e. more than 5 days) the K concentration of cells dropped significantly. When ground squirrels were allowed to rewarm the K content of cells rose toward normal values within a few hours. Erythrocytes of both hamsters and ground squirrels lose K more slowly than those of guinea pigs (nonhibernators) when stored in vitro for up to 10 days at 5°C. In ground squirrels the rate of loss of K during storage is the same as in vivo during hibernation, and stored cells taken from hibernating ground squirrels also lose K at the same rate. The rate of loss of K from guinea pig cells corresponded with that predicted from passive diffusion unopposed by transport. The actual rate of loss of K from ground squirrel cells was slower than such a predicted rate but corresponded with it when glucose was omitted from the storage medium or ouabain was added to it. Despite the slight loss of K that may occur in hibernation, therefore, the cells of hibernators are more cold adapted than those of a nonhibernating mammal, and this adaptation depends in part upon active transport.

The Scent Glands and Their Chemicals in the Aposematic Cotton Harlequin Bug, Tectocoris-Diophthalmus (Heteroptera, Scutelleridae)

1987 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 227 ◽  
Author(s):  
BW Staddon ◽  
MJ Thorne ◽  
DW Knight
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Chemical Investigation ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Scent Glands ◽  
Scent Gland ◽  
Metathoracic Scent Gland ◽  
Developmental Fate ◽  
Dorsal Gland ◽  
Gland System

In describing differences in morphology, developmental fate and secretion composition in the scent glands of the cotton harlequin bug Tectocoris diophthalmus we have sought to extend comparative knowledge of the scent gland system in the pentatomoid families within the Hemiptera-Heteroptera. Chemical investigation of the secretions was undertaken by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The following volatiles were detected: 2-hexenal, 2-hexenyl acetate and 2- octenyl acetate from the metathoracic scent gland (an adult gland); nonanal from the abdominal dorsal first gland (the divided dorsal gland) in the adults; 2-hexenal, 2-octenal, 4-oxohex-2-enal, dodecane and tridecane from the abdominal dorsal second and third glands (the undivided dorsal glands) in fifth-instar nymphs. Secretory units are sparse, opener muscles absent, and secretion scarcely, if at all, present in the second and third dorsal abdominal scent glands in the adults. T. diophthalmus is an addition to the small but growing list of pentatomoids in which biochemical divergence of the abdominal dorsal first gland from the abdominal dorsal second and third glands has been reported. The metathoracic scent gland in T. diophthalmus is comparatively small, as it is in many other aposematic species within the Hemiptera-Heteroptera.

Isovolumetric performance of isolated ground squirrel and rat hearts at low temperature

1984 ◽  
Vol 247 (4) ◽  
pp. R722-R727 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Caprette ◽  
J. B. Senturia
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Ventricular Myocardium ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Rat Hearts ◽  
Pulsus Alternans ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Developed Pressure

The effects of low temperature on mechanical performance of the isolated left ventricles of the 13-lined ground squirrel (a hibernator) and the rat (a nonhibernator) were studied. In addition, low-temperature performance of hearts from summer-active, winter-hibernating, and winter-active ground squirrels were compared. By measuring pressure (P) generated against a balloon inserted into the left ventricle, maximum developed pressure (DP) and maximum rate of increase of P (peak dP/dt) were determined over a temperature range of 5–20 degrees C. The DP and dP/dt of the rat ventricle exhibited significantly greater reduction in magnitude at reduced temperature, compared with those of ground squirrel ventricle. Rat, but not ground squirrel, hearts exhibited arrhythmias of various kinds, including extra-systoles, tachycardia, pulsus alternans, and periods of asystole. Hearts from winter-active ground squirrels developed greater pressures than those from winter-hibernating and summer-active animals. This evidence suggests that disruption of cell communication in the nonhibernator ventricular myocardium plays an important role in the failure of the nonhibernator heart at low body temperatures. Contractility of the seasonal hibernator's heart is influenced by both season and hibernation itself, possibly through shifts in myocardial metabolism. However, seasonal adaptations appear not to be required to confer the special resistance of the seasonal hibernator's heart to the deleterious effects of low temperature.

scholarly journals Geographic variability in the alarm calls of the European ground squirrel

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena Schneiderová ◽  
Lucie Štefanská ◽  
Lukáš Kratochvíl
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Alarm Calls ◽  
Geographic Variability ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Spermophilus Citellus ◽  
Different Origins

Abstract Geographic variability in vocalizations has been documented in many mammalian species. We examined to what extent it applies to the alarm calls of the European ground squirrel Spermophilus citellus. We recorded the calls of 82 adult individuals from 5 natural colonies in the Czech Republic and 24 adult individuals from an artificial seminatural colony located in a Czech zoo. The founders of this colony originated from 4 different natural colonies in the Czech Republic. Our results showed that there are hardly any differences in the acoustic structure of the alarm calls between male and female European ground squirrels. Discriminant function analysis showed the highest degree of discriminability for the most isolated sites (54–74% of individuals classified correctly), whereas the lowest degree of discriminability was found for 2 interconnected colonies (38–40% individuals classified correctly). Individuals from the artificial seminatural colony were often classified correctly to this colony (58% classified correctly); however, the precision of the classification was comparatively relatively low, that is, many individuals from other colonies were incorrectly classified into this seminatural colony. This likely corresponds to the different origins of its founders. These findings indicate that there is a rather substantial geographic variability in the alarm calls of the European ground squirrel, and our study highlights its possible impact on conservation measures such as establishing artificial colonies or reintroductions.

Ketone body metabolism in a ground squirrel during hibernation and fasting

1985 ◽  
Vol 249 (4) ◽  
pp. R462-R470 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Krilowicz
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Ketone Body ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
Spermophilus Beldingi

Hibernating Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) are ketotic relative to fed nonhibernators. Muscles from torpid individuals, when incubated in media containing physiological concentrations of glucose and ketone, show reduced uptake of glucose in the presence of ketone. The magnitude of the reduction is dependent on ketone concentration and reaches 60% in heart and 100% in pectoralis at 1.4 mM ketone. Fasted squirrels are also ketotic. However, ketone does not reduce glucose uptake in muscles from fed or fasted animals. Glucose utilization by muscles decreases during a long-term fast, but the reduction is independent of ketone. Thus both a long-term fast and hibernation lead to changes in muscle tissues that decrease their reliance on glucose as an energy source. Ketosis leads to glucose sparing during hibernation, whereas muscle glucose utilization is decreased independently of ketone during a fast. The glucose sparing achieved in both hibernation and fasting leads to conservation of body protein, the major source of gluconeogenic precursors in fasting mammals.

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