In mice and man, females prefer males with a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotype different to their own. We tested whether this phenomenon also occurs in the Swedish sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). Females in a laboratory experiment preferred to associate with odour samples obtained from more distantly related males at the MHC class 1 loci. Data on free-ranging lizards suggest that as...

Since January 1975, 104 of 361 (29%) kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) examined for Coccidia had oocysts in their feces. These included 32 of 71 (45%) D. agilis from California (3 of 8, 38%) and Baja California Norte (29 of 63, 46%); none of 18 D. deserti from Sonora, Mexico; one of one D. gravipes from Baja Norte; 43 of 124 (35%) D. merriami from California (1 of 4, 25%), New Mexico (16 of 49, 33...

The gross morphology, fine structure, and per cent guanine plus cytosine (GC) composition of deoxyribonucleic acid of 27 strains of nitrifying bacteria were compared. Based on morphological differences, the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were separated into four genera. Nitrosomonas species and Nitrosocystis species formed one homogenous group, and Nitrosolobus species and Nitrosospira species form...

we report observations on the natural history of lizards in the gando protected area, within the sistan and baluchestan province, iran. the identity of the lizards is recorded, along with remarks on some meristic characteristics. brief descriptions of their habitats are also given with a distribution map. lizards (n = 132) were collected and photographed in 2008-09. twelve species belonging to ...

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are unique engineered ecosystems that minimize environmental perturbation by reducing nutrient pollution discharge. RAS typically employ a biofilter to control ammonia levels produced as a byproduct of fish protein catabolism. Nitrosomonas (ammonia-oxidizing), Nitrospira, and Nitrobacter (nitrite-oxidizing) species are thought to be the primary nitrifiers...