The evolutionary ecology of ethanol.

The consumption of ethanol has frequently been seen as largely restricted to humans. Here, we take a broad eco-evolutionary approach to understanding ethanol's potential impact on the natural world. There is growing evidence that ethanol is present in many wild fruits, saps, and nectars and that ethanol ingestion offers benefits that favour adaptations for its use in multiple taxa.

Estimation and management of genetic diversity in small populations of plains zebra (Equus quagga) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Plains zebras (Equus quagga antiquorum) occur in few large, but many small, isolated populations in KwaZulu-Natal. Problems identified in small populations include reduced striping patterns on hind quarters, smaller size, elevated mortality rates and high number of still-births. Inbreeding may be implicated.