Environmentally induced changes in carotenoid-based coloration of female lizards: a comment on Vercken et al.

Colouration may either reflect a discrete polymorphism potentially related to life-history strategies, a continuous signal related to individual quality or a combination of both. Recently, Vercken et al. [J. Evol. Biol. (2007) 221] proposed three discrete ventral colour morphs in female common lizards, Lacerta vivipara, and suggested that they reflect alternative reproductive strategies. Here, we provide a quantitative assessment of the phenotypic distribution and determinants of the proposed colour polymorphism. Based on reflectance spectra, we found no evidence for three distinct visual colour classes, but observed continuous variation in colour from pale yellow to orange. Based on a 2-year experiment, we also provide evidence for reversible colour plasticity in response to a manipulation of the adult population sex ratio; yet, a significant portion of the colour variation was invariant throughout an adult female's life. Our results are thus in agreement with continuous colour variation in adults determined by environmental factors and potentially also by genetic factors.

González et al. Reply

A Reply to the Comment by K. E. Nagaev

Comparative anatomy of the thigh nerves of Cebus libidinosus (Rylands et al., 2000)

Non-human primates have constituted an important group among animals subjected to various studies. Ethological, evolutionary and paleontological studies have revealed changes in anatomical structures linked to the evolution of primates, considered in studies on the comparative anatomy between Cebus libidinosus and other neotropical monkeys or those from the Old World, and the detailed knowledge on their anatomy may represent an important factor for their preservation and protection when the animals are brought to veterinary clinics after accidents or illnesses. In terms of veterinary importance, sometimes these animals arrive in the veterinary medical clinics after accidents, needing surgery or clinical treatment, but the little data available on anatomy has impaired the correct proceedings. The main justification for studies on C. libidinosus, is due to little information about the anatomy related to C. libidinosus in Brazilian and worldwide scientific literature. In this study, the distribution, enervation and path of the femoral and sciatic nerves of the pelvic limb (thigh) of C. libidinosus were studied and these results were compared with literature on the anatomy of humans, chimpanzees and baboons. In general, the enervation model of the four primates is identical, but in specific terms, the differences in enervations indicate evolution convergence closer to the branch of baboons in the evolutionary tree, and these data corroborate other comparative studies in relation to the same primates to vessels, muscles and nerves. In conclusion, the nerve organization in the thigh of C. libidinosus is identical to baboon, chimpanzee and homo, but more similar to baboon. The specific differences found indicate an ancient phylogenic origin to C. libidinosus and baboons (data corroborated by other studies).

Magnus Erikssons stadslag et al. (MS F.ö.V.25)

A collection of laws prepared copied ca. 1591 by a Mathias Erici from Rauma, perhaps a judge or a teacher.

Chansons françaises du 16e siècle / Garnier, Gentian, Sermisy... [et al.], comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit.

Comprend : Resveillez-moi / Garnier, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; La loy d'honneur / Gentian, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; En entrant en ung jardin / Sermisy, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; Jehan de Lagny / Berchem, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; Que feu craintif / Berchem, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit. ; Gros Jehan menoit hors de Paris / N. René, comp. ; Marcelle Gerar, S ; acc. de violes, flûte et guit.