Monkeys Swimming Across Rivers Refine Questions About the Riverine Barrier Hypothesis.

The Riverine Barrier Hypothesis posits that species distributions are limited by large rivers acting as geographical barriers. Accordingly, large rivers have long been thought to be a major driver of the extensive speciation and high levels of biodiversity among platyrrhine primates in South and Central America. Direct observations of river crossings provide evidence that complements studies of genetic diversity that can together shed new light on this hypothesis.

Sex differences in the acoustic structure of terrestrial alarm calls in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus).

The alarm calls of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) have been the subject of considerable focus by researchers, owing primarily to the purported referential qualities of different alarm call types. With this focus on reference, acoustic variation among calls elicited by the same range of predators has typically been overlooked. Specifically, at least one type of alarm call-the terrestrial alarm-was described over 50 years ago as being acoustically distinct between males and females-a description that has largely eluded more systematic scrutiny.

Exploring the Role of a Putative Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Pathway in Pathogenesis Using a Tadpole Model.

is an emerging human pathogen that has a high rate of incidence in immunocompromised individuals. We have found a putative secondary metabolite pathway within , which may be a key factor in its pathogenesis. This novel pathway is encoded in a gene cluster spanning MAB_0284c to 0305 and is related to pathways, producing the secondary metabolites streptonigrin and nybomycin.

Disaggregation of canopy photosynthesis among tree species in a mixed broadleaf forest.

Carbon dioxide sequestration from the atmosphere is commonly assessed using the eddy covariance method. Its net flux signal can be decomposed into gross primary production and ecosystem respiration components, but these have seldom been tested against independent methods. In addition, eddy covariance lacks the ability to partition carbon sequestration among individual trees or species within mixed forests.

Can cyclone exposure explain behavioural and demographic variation among lemur species?

Madagascar has a harsh and stochastic climate because of regular natural disturbances. This history of regular cyclones has been hypothesised to have directed evolutionary changes to lemur behaviour and morphology that make them more resilient to sudden environmental change. These adaptations may include: small group sizes, high degrees of energy-conserving behaviours, generalist habitat use, small home ranges, small body size, and a limited number of frugivorous species.