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443 results for “kangaroo”
Livestock and kangaroo grazing have little effect on biomass and fuel hazard in semi-arid woodlands
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Cryptic behaviour and activity cycles of a small mammal keystone species revealed through accelerometry: a case study of Merriam’s kangaroo rats
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Kangaroos display gazing and gaze alternations during an unsolvable problem task
<p>Domestication is generally assumed to have resulted in enhanced communication abilities between non-primate mammals and humans, although the number of species studied is very limited (e.g. cats, <i>Felis catus</i>; dogs, <i>Canis familiaris</i>; wolves, <i>Canis lupus</i>; goats, <i>Capra hircus</i>; horses, <i>Equus caballus</i>). In species without hands for pointing, gazing at humans when dealing with inaccessible food during an unsolvable task, and in particular gaze alternations between a human and the unsolvable task (considered forms of showing), are often interpreted as attempts at referential intentional communication. We report that kangaroos, marsupial mammals that have never been domesticated, actively gazed at an experimenter during an unsolvable problem task (10/11 kangaroos tested), thus challenging the notion that this behavior results from domestication. Nine of the ten kangaroos additionally showed gaze alternations between the unsolvable task and experimenter. We propose that the potential occurrence of these behaviors displayed towards humans has been underestimated, owing to a narrow focus on domestic animals, as well as a more general eutherian research bias. </p>
FIGURE 4 in A morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of relationships between genera of the nematode sub-family Cloacininae (Stossich) (Strongyloidea Chabertiidae) parasitic in kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Marsupialia Macropodoidea)
FIGURE 4. Morphological phylogenetic analysis of the genera of the Cloacininae. Numerals represent bootstrap values.
FIGURE 5 in A morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of relationships between genera of the nematode sub-family Cloacininae (Stossich) (Strongyloidea Chabertiidae) parasitic in kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Marsupialia Macropodoidea)
FIGURE 5. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of available representatives of the Cloacininae based on ITS+ sequence data. GenBank registration numbers for sequence data follow each taxon. Numerals represent posterior probabilities.
FIGURE 1 in A morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of relationships between genera of the nematode sub-family Cloacininae (Stossich) (Strongyloidea Chabertiidae) parasitic in kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Marsupialia Macropodoidea)
FIGURE 1. Buccal capsules of representative genera of the Cloacininae (lateral views). A. Rugopharynx rosemariae Beveridge & Presidente (Pharyngostrongylinea); B. Cyclostrongylus kartana (Mawson) (Pharyngostrongylinea); C. Thallostonema lichtenfelsi Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); D. Tethystrongylus coronatus Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); E. Parazoniolaimus collaris Johnston & Mawson (Labiostrongylinea); F. Labiostrongylus labiostrongylus Yorke & Maplestone (Labiostrongylinea); G. Rugostrongylus labiatus (Davey & Wood) (Pharyngostrongylinea); H. Pharyngostrongylus kappa Mawson (Pharyngostrongylinea); I. Macroponema comani Mawson (Macropostrongylinea); J. Popovastrongylus pearsoni (Johnston & Mawson) (Coronostrongylinea); K. Popovastrongylus macropodis Beveridge (Coronostrongylinea); L. Alocostoma clelandi (Johnston & Mawson) (Macropostrongylinea); M. Cloacina hydriformis Johnston & Mawson (Cloacininea); N. Monilonema ochetocephalum Beveridge (Macropostrongylinea); O. Wallabinema thylogale Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); P. Woodwardostrongylus petrogale Beveridge (Pharyngostrongylinea); Q. Dorcopsinema simile Smales (Labiostrongylinea); R. Zoniolaimus mawsonae Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); S. Coronostrongylus coronatus Johnston & Mawson (Coronostrongylinea); T. Papillostrongylus labiatus Johnston & Mawson (Coronostrongylinea). Figures redrawn from: Beveridge, 1982 (A, B, G, H); Beveridge, 1983 (C, D, O, R), Beveridge, 1986a (tribe Macropostrongylinea) (I); Beveridge, 1986b (Popovastrongylus) (J, K); Beveridge, 1986c (Alocostoma) (L); Beveridge, 1986d (Molinonema) (N); Beveridge, 1998a (P); Beveridge, 1998b (M); Beveridge, 2002 (S); Chilton et al., 2002 (T); Huby-Chilton et al., 2002 (R); Smales, 2002 (E), 1994 (F), 1999 (Q).
FIGURE 3 in A morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of relationships between genera of the nematode sub-family Cloacininae (Stossich) (Strongyloidea Chabertiidae) parasitic in kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Marsupialia Macropodoidea)
FIGURE 3. Oesophagi of representative genera of the Cloacininae. A. Cloacina metis Beveridge; B. Coronostrongylus coronatus Johnston & Mawson; C. Wallabinema thylogale Beveridge; D. Spirostrongylus spirostrongylus Yorke & Maplestone; E. Pharyngostrongylus kappa Mawson; F. Zoniolaimus mawsonae Beveridge; G. Thallostonema lichtenfelsi Beveridge; H. Labiomultiplex eugenii (Johnston & Mawson) (Labiostrongylinea). Figures redrawn from Beveridge, 1982 (D, E); Beveridge, 1983 (C, G); Beveridge, 1998a (A); Beveridge, 2002 (B); Huby-Chilton et al., 2002 (F); Smales, 1994 (H).
FIGURE 2 in A morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of relationships between genera of the nematode sub-family Cloacininae (Stossich) (Strongyloidea Chabertiidae) parasitic in kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Marsupialia Macropodoidea)
FIGURE 2. Features of the oral region of representative genera of the Cloacininae. A. Anterior extremity of buccal capsules of Thallostonema lichtenfelsi Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); B. Monilonema ochetocephalum Beveridge (Macropostrongylinea); C. Alocostoma propinquum Beveridge (Macropostrongylinea); D. Macroponema comani Mawson (Macropostrongylinea); E. Rugopharynx rosemariae Beveridge & Presidente (Pharyngostrongylinea); Apical views of the mouth opening: F. Cyclostrongylus kartana (Mawson) (Pharyngostrongylinea); G. Woodwardostrongylus petrogale Beveridge (Pharyngostrongylinea); H. Papillostrongylus labiatus Johnston & Mawson, 1939 (Coronostrongylinea); I. Zoniolaimus mawsonae Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); J. Wallabinema thylogale Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); K. Pharyngostrongylus kappa Mawson (Pharyngostrongylinea); L. Popovastrongylus pearsoni (Johnston & Mawson) (Coronostrongylinea); M. Dorcopsistrongylus ewini Purwaningsih & Smales (Pharyngostrongylinea); N. Tethystrongylus coronatus Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); O. Thallostonema lichtenfelsi Beveridge (Zoniolaiminea); P. Labiostrongylus labiostrongylus Yorke & Maplestone (Labiostrongylinea); Q. Dorcopsinema simile Smales (Labiostrongylinea). Figures redrawn from Beveridge, 1982 (E, F, K); Beveridge, 1983 (A, J, N, O); Beveridge, 1986a (D, H); Beveridge, 1986b (L); Beveridge, 1986c (C); Beveridge, 1986d (B); Beveridge, 1998a (G); Huby-Chilton et al., 2002 (I); Purwaningsih & Smales, 2010 (M); Smales, 1994 (P); Smales, 1999 (Q).
Data from: Historical population size change and differentiation of relict populations of the endangered giant kangaroo rat
From a conservation management perspective it is important to understand how genetic diversity is partitioned across a species' range, including (1) identification of evolutionarily distinct units versus those recently isolated through anthropogenic activities and (2) the relative genetic contributions among components of fragmented (meta)populations. To address these questions, we investigated the phylogeography and metapopulation structure among relict populations of the endangered giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) in the highly altered San Joaquin Desert Ecosystem. This keystone species underwent a ~97% range reduction over the past century, resulting in a current range that is highly fragmented, with two dominant northern and southern populations occurring 150 km apart. We sequenced >800 bp of mitochondrial DNA and genotyped 17 nuclear microsatellites in >275 D. ingens to assess the evolutionary relationship of these populations as well as the genetic structure within the northern metapopulation. A Bayesian Skyline Plot indicated that the species experienced a demographic expansion toward the end of the Pleistocene, with a recent population decline. Northern and southern D. ingens split 1,857–13,443 years ago, prior to the massive conversion of the San Joaquin Valley to irrigated agriculture. We recommend that the northern and southern populations of D. ingens be re-classified as distinct population segments under the United States Endangered Species Act. We also observed population structure and asymmetrical migration within northern D. ingens where the Tumey Hills acted as a source contributing gene flow to all peripheral populations. This emphasized the importance of this location in the conservation of the metapopulation as a whole.
Data from: Climbing adaptations, locomotory disparity and ecological convergence in ancient stem 'kangaroos'
Living kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Macropodoidea) constitute the most ecologically diverse radiation of Australasian marsupials. Indeed, even their hallmark bipedal hopping gait has been variously modified for bounding, walking, and climbing. However, the origins of this locomotory adaptability are uncertain because skeletons of the most ancient macropodoids are exceptionally rare. Some of the stratigraphically oldest fossils have been attributed to Balbaridae — a clade of potentially quadrupedal stem macropodoids that became extinct during the late Miocene. Here we undertake the first assessment of balbarid locomotion using 2D geometric morphometrics and a correlative multivariate analysis of linear measurements. We selected the astragalus and pedal digit IV ungual as proxies for primary gait because these elements are preserved in the only articulated balbarid skeleton, as well as some unusual early Miocene balbarid-like remains that resemble the bones of modern tree-kangaroos. Our results show that these fossils manifest character states indicative of contrasting locomotory capabilities. Furthermore, predictive modelling reveals similarities with extant macropodoids that employ either bipedal saltation and/or climbing. We interpret this as evidence for archetypal gait versatility, which probably integrated higher-speed hopping with slower-speed quadrupedal progression, and varying degrees of scansoriality as independent specialisations for life in forest and woodland settings.
Data from: A priori and a posteriori approaches for finding genes of evolutionary interest in non-model species: osmoregulatory genes in the kidney transcriptome of the desert rodent Dipodomys spectabilis (banner-tailed kangaroo rat)
One common goal in evolutionary biology is the identification of genes underlying adaptive traits of evolutionary interest. Recently next-generation sequencing techniques have greatly facilitated such evolutionary studies in species otherwise depauperate of genomic resources. Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys sp.) serve as exemplars of adaptation in that they inhabit extremely arid environments, yet require no drinking water because of ultra-efficient kidney function and osmoregulation. As a basis for identifying water conservation genes in kangaroo rats, we conducted a priori bioinformatics searches in model rodents (Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus) to identify candidate genes with known or suspected osmoregulatory function. We then obtained 446,758 reads via 454 pyrosequencing to characterize genes expressed in the kidney of banner-tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis). We also determined candidates a posteriori by identifying genes that were overexpressed in the kidney. The kangaroo rat sequences revealed nine different a priori candidate genes predicted from our Mus and Rattus searches, as well as 32 a posteriori candidate genes that were overexpressed in kidney. Mutations in two of these genes, Slc12a1 and Slc12a3, cause human renal diseases that result in the inability to concentrate urine. These genes are likely key determinants of physiological water conservation in desert rodents.
Data from: Populations at risk: conservation genetics of kangaroo mice (Microdipodops) of the Great Basin Desert
The Great Basin Desert of western North America has experienced frequent habitat alterations due to a complex biogeographic history and recent anthropogenic impacts, with the more recent alterations likely resulting in the decline of native fauna and flora. Dark (Microdipodops megacephalus) and pallid (M. pallidus) kangaroo mice are ecological specialists found within the Great Basin Desert and are potentially ideal organisms for assessing ecosystem health and inferring the biogeographic history of this vulnerable region. Herein, newly acquired nuclear-encoded microsatellite loci were utilized to assess patterns of variation within and among spatially discrete groups of kangaroo mice and to evaluate gene flow, demographic trends, and genetic integrity. Results confirm that there are at least three genetically distinct units within M. megacephalus and two such units within M. pallidus. The three units of M. megacephalus appear to have different demographic histories, with effectively no gene flow among them since their divergence. Similarly, the two units of M. pallidus also appear to have experienced different demographic histories, with effectively no gene exchange. Contemporary effective population sizes of all groups within Microdipodops appear to be low (<500), suggesting that each genetic lineage may have difficulty coping with changing environmental pressures and hence may be at risk of extirpation. Results of this study indicate that each Microdipodops group should be recognized, and therefore managed, as a separate unit in an effort to conserve these highly specialized taxa that contribute to the diversity of the Great Basin Desert ecosystem.
Data from: Functional capacity of kangaroo rat hindlimbs: adaptations for locomotor performance
Many cursorial and large hopping species are extremely efficient locomotors with various morphological adaptations believed to reduce mechanical demand and improve movement efficiency, including elongated distal limb segments. However, despite having elongated limbs, small hoppers such as desert kangaroo rats (Dipodomys deserti) are less efficient locomotors than their larger counterparts, which may be in part due to avoiding predators through explosive jumping movements. Despite potentially conflicting mechanical demands between the two movements, kangaroo rats are both excellent jumpers and attain high hopping speeds, likely due to a specialized hindlimb musculoskeletal morphology. This study combined experimental dissection data with a static analysis of muscle moment generating capacities using a newly developed musculoskeletal model to characterize kangaroo rat hindlimb musculoskeletal architecture and investigate how morphology has evolved to meet hopping and jumping mechanical demands. Hindlimb morphology appears biased towards generating constant moment arms over large joint ranges of motion in this species, which may balance competing requirements by reducing the need for posture and movement specific excitation patterns. The ankle extensors are a major exception to the strong positive relationship exhibited by most muscles between muscle architecture parameters (e.g. Lfibre) and joint moment arms. These muscles appear suited to meeting the high moments required for jumping: the biarticular nature of the ankle extensors is leveraged to reduce MTU strain and create a four-bar linkage that facilitates proximal force transfer. The kangaroo rat hindlimb provides an interesting case study for understanding how morphology balances the sometimes competing demands of hopping and jumping.
Data from: Rapid Pliocene adaptive radiation of modern kangaroos
Differentiating between ancient and younger, more rapidly evolved clades is important for determining paleoenvironmental drivers of diversification. Australia possesses many aridity-adapted lineages, the origins of which have been closely linked to late Miocene continental aridification. Using dental macrowear and molar crown height measurements, spanning the past 25 million years, we show that the most iconic Australian terrestrial mammals, "true" kangaroos (Macropodini), adaptively radiated in response to mid-Pliocene grassland expansion rather than Miocene aridity. In contrast, low-crowned, short-faced kangaroos radiated into predominantly browsing niches as the late Cenozoic became more arid, contradicting the view that this was an interval of global browser decline. Our results implicate warm-to-cool climatic oscillations as a trigger for adaptive radiation and refute arguments attributing Pleistocene megafaunal extinction to aridity-forced dietary change.
FIGURE 8 in A new species of Near-shore Marine Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae: Nesogobius) from Kangaroo Island, Australia
FIGURE 8. Near shore marine habitat of Nesogobius tigrinus sp. nov. (low tide; the species occupies an area just beyond the intertidal zone) at (A) Western Cove and (B) Shoal Bay.
FIGURE 7 in A new species of Near-shore Marine Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae: Nesogobius) from Kangaroo Island, Australia
FIGURE 7. Composite head papillae patterns of Nesogobius tigrinus sp. nov. (A) Top view; N = nostrils, AN = anterior nasal pore, PN = posterior nasal pore, PIO = posterior interorbital pore, IFO = infraorbital pore, TLC = terminal lateral canal pore, (B) side view, and (C) ventral view showing rounded mental frenum.
FIGURE 6 in A new species of Near-shore Marine Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae: Nesogobius) from Kangaroo Island, Australia
FIGURE 6. Morphological features of Nesogobius tigrinus sp. nov. (A) Preserved head colouration (SAM F11947), (B) scaleless predorsal (SAMA F12153), and (C) chin papillae (SAM F12265).
FIGURE 5 in A new species of Near-shore Marine Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae: Nesogobius) from Kangaroo Island, Australia
FIGURE 5. Field aquarium photos of Nesogobius tigrinus sp. nov. (A) Male, (B) female, and (C) individual buried in sand (SAMA F14138).
FIGURE 4 in A new species of Near-shore Marine Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae: Nesogobius) from Kangaroo Island, Australia
FIGURE 4. Radiograph of Nesogobius tigrinus sp. nov. (holotype). Food items visible in the gut are micro-molluscs.
FIGURE 3 in A new species of Near-shore Marine Goby (Pisces: Gobiidae: Nesogobius) from Kangaroo Island, Australia
FIGURE 3. Holotype (SAMA F11946) of Nesogobius tigrinus sp. nov. showing life colouration (adult male).
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