New Research In Zoology

Research 1

KARYOTYPE AND BANDING PATTERN STUDY IN AN INDIAN MICROCHIROPTERA, MEGADERMA LYRA LYRA GEOFFROY

Karyomorphology and the C-, G-banding pattern analyses of chromosomes of the microchiroptera Megaderma lyra lyra Geoflroy were done. The diploid number 54 with the chromosome formulae n = 14m +12sm+Ist/t and NF = 107 for male, n = 14m+12sm + 1st and NF = 108 for female with relative percentage length range from 5:23 ± 0.48 to 2.07 ± 0. 17 for autosomes, 5:08 ± 0.99 for the X and 0.05 ± 0.01 for the Y have been detected. Comparison of the karyotype and the banding patterns of chromosomes with that of the earlier reports on the same species collected from different geographical regions showed a considerable amount of differences in the fine structure of chromosomes, in the amount of heterochromatin and in the distribution pattern of G-bands; which might have occurred due to the variation among the different allopatric populations of the same species. Unlike that of other bats, the presence of very high amount of constitutive heterochromatin with a unique pattern of its distribution have been pointed out. The possible roles of pericentric inversion and addition of extraneous heterochromatin in the evolution of its karyotype and in speciation in the family Megadermatidae have been discussed.

Research 2

CONSERVATION STRATAGIES OF INDIAN FRESHWATER TURTLES

 In recent years there has been growing awareness of the need for positive conservation action for chelonians. Unfortunately, there are still major gaps in our knowledge of the ecology, distribution and status of many of the rarer and endangered species. This makes conservation planning more difficult. In India there is a great variety of Chelonian fauna - 22 species of freshwater turtles, 4 species of tortoises and 5 species of marine turtles. Among the freshwater turtles, the emydid turtles are dominating with 16 species than Trionychid turtles, which represent 6 species. Some Indian turtle species are endangered for clearly defined reasons, while others are feared to be in trouble because of their restricted ranges or habitat specialization. Efforts have to be made to formulate suitable action plan for conservation of turtles in India. All the recommendations made out of the recently concluded Indo-US project should be implemented immediately. The goal to get the right kind of support for turtle conservation is being achieved by creating awareness of the importance of turtle fishery among the public. If the people realize that turtle resources are managed primarily for a common benefit then only would they co-operate in conservation and rationally utilize the turtle resources.

Research 3

KARYOMORPHOMETRIC VARIATION IN AN INDIAN FLYING FOX, PTEROPUS GIGANTEUS GIGANTEUS (BRUNNICH)

Karyotype and G-banding pattern of the Indian flying fox, pteropus giganteus giganteus reveal the diploid number (2n) of 38 with XX female and XY male having the chromosome formula of n = 16m+3 sm for female and n=16m+2 sm+1 sm/m for male . Morphological details of chromosomes apparently differ from those reported earlier for the species.

Research 4

STRUCTURAL VARIATION IN GENITAL EPITHELIUM OF MALE HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS (NEMATODA)

 The male reproductive system of Haemonchus contortus consists of a single set of organs including along tubular testis, a dilated seminal vesicle and a glandular vas deferens are opening into the cloacal region, along with the rectum. The telegonic testis, consisting of a short apical germinal zone and a large growth zone, is bounded by a thin layer of epithelium. The seminal vesicle is set off from the testis by a marked change in its bounding epithelium which undergoes a pronounced increase in thickness and at its posterior end, it communicates with the vas deferens by a small obliquely placed tube. In its initial region, the vas deferens is bounded by a unique epithelium and subsequently, it becomes glandular in appearance. In the cloacal region, some accessory copulatory structures i.e. a pair of spicules and a single median gubernaculum are also associated with the male reproductive system.

Posted August 20, 2018 08:49