Academic literature on the topic 'East Africa' Biology'
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Journal articles on the topic "East Africa' Biology"
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Hide, Geoff. "History of Sleeping Sickness in East Africa." Clinical Microbiology Reviews 12, no. 1 (1999): 112–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/cmr.12.1.112.
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SUMMARY The history of human sleeping sickness in East Africa is characterized by the appearance of disease epidemics interspersed by long periods of endemicity. Despite the presence of the tsetse fly in large areas of East Africa, these epidemics tend to occur multiply in specific regions or foci rather than spreading over vast areas. Many theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, but recent molecular approaches and detailed analyses of epidemics have highlighted the stability of human-infective trypanosome strains within these foci. The new molecular data, taken alongside the history and biology of human sleeping sickness, are beginning to highlight the important factors involved in the generation of epidemics. Specific, human-infective trypanosome strains may be associated with each focus, which, in the presence of the right conditions, can be responsible for the generation of an epidemic. Changes in agricultural practice, favoring the presence of tsetse flies, and the important contribution of domestic animals as a reservoir for the parasite are key factors in the maintenance of such epidemics. This review examines the contribution of molecular and genetic data to our understanding of the epidemiology and history of human sleeping sickness in East Africa.
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Moots, R. "SP0191 The ILAR-east africa initiative." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 71, Suppl 3 (2013): 47.1–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-eular.1666.
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., T. J. Msogoya, A. P. Maerere ., and B. W. Grout . "Field Performance of Micropropagated East African Banana (Musa AAA East Africa) in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania." Biotechnology(Faisalabad) 5, no. 4 (2006): 471–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/biotech.2006.471.474.
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Berg, S., M. C. Garcia-Pelayo, B. Muller, et al. "African 2, a Clonal Complex of Mycobacterium bovis Epidemiologically Important in East Africa." Journal of Bacteriology 194, no. 6 (2012): 1641. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jb.00048-12.
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Berg, S., M. C. Garcia-Pelayo, B. Muller, et al. "African 2, a Clonal Complex of Mycobacterium bovis Epidemiologically Important in East Africa." Journal of Bacteriology 193, no. 3 (2010): 670–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jb.00750-10.
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Rabiu, Safianu, and Martin Fisher. "The breeding season and diet of Arvicanthis in northern Nigeria." Journal of Tropical Ecology 5, no. 4 (1989): 375–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400003837.
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ABSTRACTThe breeding season and diet of the rat Arvicanthis was monitored from December 1983 to November 1985 in the semi-arid Sudan savanna at Kano, Nigeria, West Africa. Breeding began 1–2 months before the start of the rainy season and ceased at the beginning of the dry season. The diet of Arvicanthis was omnivorous, but with seasonal differences. Monocotyledons and dicotyledons predominated in the diet in the dry season, with seeds and insects increasing in the diet in the rainy season. The major differences between the ecology of Arvicanthis at Kano and on the East African savanna were that in East Africa the breeding season is longer and begins after the start of the rainy season. These and other dissimilarities between the biology of Arvicanthis in the two areas could be due to the effect of climatic differences on food supply and to the possible existence of different taxonomic groupings of Arvicanthis in the two regions.
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Maslin, Mark A., Susanne Shultz, and Martin H. Trauth. "A synthesis of the theories and concepts of early human evolution." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 370, no. 1663 (2015): 20140064. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2014.0064.
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Current evidence suggests that many of the major events in hominin evolution occurred in East Africa. Hence, over the past two decades, there has been intensive work undertaken to understand African palaeoclimate and tectonics in order to put together a coherent picture of how the environment of Africa has varied over the past 10 Myr. A new consensus is emerging that suggests the unusual geology and climate of East Africa created a complex, environmentally very variable setting. This new understanding of East African climate has led to the pulsed climate variability hypothesis that suggests the long-term drying trend in East Africa was punctuated by episodes of short alternating periods of extreme humidity and aridity which may have driven hominin speciation, encephalization and dispersals out of Africa. This hypothesis is unique as it provides a conceptual framework within which other evolutionary theories can be examined: first, at macro-scale comparing phylogenetic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium ; second, at a more focused level of human evolution comparing allopatric speciation , aridity hypothesis , turnover pulse hypothesis , variability selection hypothesis , Red Queen hypothesis and sympatric speciation based on sexual selection. It is proposed that each one of these mechanisms may have been acting on hominins during these short periods of climate variability, which then produce a range of different traits that led to the emergence of new species. In the case of Homo erectus ( sensu lato ), it is not just brain size that changes but life history (shortened inter-birth intervals, delayed development), body size and dimorphism, shoulder morphology to allow thrown projectiles, adaptation to long-distance running, ecological flexibility and social behaviour. The future of evolutionary research should be to create evidence-based meta-narratives, which encompass multiple mechanisms that select for different traits leading ultimately to speciation.
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Khan, R. S., and J. C. Krug. "New Records of the Sordariaceae from East Africa." Mycologia 81, no. 6 (1989): 862. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3760104.
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Krug, J. C., and R. S. Khan. "A New Species of Thecotheus from East Africa." Mycologia 79, no. 2 (1987): 200–203. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00275514.1987.12025699.
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Khan, R. S., and J. C. Krug. "New Records of the Sordariaceae from East Africa." Mycologia 81, no. 6 (1989): 862–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00275514.1989.12025675.
Full textDissertations / Theses on the topic "East Africa' Biology"
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Silsbe, Gregory. "Phytoplankton Production In Lake Victoria, East Africa." Thesis, University of Waterloo, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10012/1231.
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This thesis develops, validates and applies an empirical model that provides the first spatially explicit estimates of gross and net phytoplankton production in Lake Victoria. Gross and net phytoplankton production are in turn used to estimate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of Lake Victoria's fishery following an empirical formula and the carbon efficiency transfer method. Chapter 2 presents results from three inshore areas where diurnal and sub-seasonal gross and net phytoplankton production was derived using an adapted version of the phytoplankton production model developed by Fee (1990). Spatial and temporal trends of chlorophyll (chl), PI parameters, the vertical attenuation of PAR (kPAR), Secchi depths (SD) and respiration rates are identified. kPAR and SD are highly correlated to chl within the euphotic zone, as well as to each other. Furthermore, the two PI parameters, PBM and aB, exhibit a strong linear relationship and both decline along an increasing chl gradient, presumably due to increased light-limitation, a taxonomic shift from diatoms to cyanobacteria with increasing chl as well as an increased need for biologically fixed nitrogen. These hypotheses are supported by observed synchronous changes in the PSII:PSI ratio of phytoplankton and changes in the chl-specific attenuation of PAR (kchl). Relationships are also derived between biomass-specific respiration rates (RB) with chl and PBM; similar to PI parameters RB decreases with increasing chl. Owing to these correlative trends, only one parameter is required to estimate gross phytoplankton production through the empirical model developed in this thesis. The empirical model predicts that gross phytoplankton production increases in a near linear fashion between chl of 0 to 10 mg. m-3, begins to flatten out as chl approaches 20 mg. m-3 and then slightly decreases when chl exceeds 40 mg. m-3 where the maximum PPG of 13. 1 g O₂. m-2. day-1 is reached and is in close agreement with a theoretical argument proposed by Talling (1965). Areal respiration and consequently net phytoplankton production are sensitive to chl within the mixed layer as well as mixed layer depths. Overall, the lakewide averages of gross and net phytoplankton production are 9. 68 and 2. 2 g O₂. m-2. day-1 respectively. Significant temporal variability was observed on sub-seasonal scales within the inshore of Lake Victoria, and changes in limnological parameters coincided with changes in water column temperatures in each of the three bays. In Fielding Bay, the availability of meteorological data revealed that strong nocturnal wind events decreased both the water column temperature and chl, while both parameters generally increased in the absence of any such wind event. Lateral exchange of water with deeper areas through strong wind events essentially flushes Fielding Bay causing the observed decreases in both the water column temperature and chl; this hydrodynamic event also influences other limnological parameters according to their respective correlative regression equations with chl. Spatial trends were also observed between inshore areas. The deepest area, Napoleon Gulf, has the lowest values of chl while the shallowest area, Inner Murchison Bay, has the highest chl as the mean depth of a bay sets an approximate upper limit on chl. With respect to diurnal variability, PI parameters decline through the day, kPAR increases over the day and no statistically valid trends were ascertained for chl and RB. Chapter three examined spatial and seasonal patterns of chlorophyll fluorescence, temperature, dissolved oxygen and water transparency from four lakewide cruises. Significant spatial variability of each parameter confirmed that lakewide data is required to generate spatially explicit estimates of phytoplankton production. Complex patterns in the thermal structure during each cruise illustrated that physical processes in Lake Victoria are at times more complex that a previously stated unidirectional hypothesis of warm water in the north and cool water in the south (Spigel and Coulter 1996), and these patterns influence spatial patterns in dissolved oxygen and Secchi depths. Similar to Chapter 2, estimates of chl within the mixed layer were highly correlated to mixed depths, while lakewide averages of chl are lower than previously reported offshore values (Mugidde 1993, 2001).
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Amir, Omar A. "Biology, ecology and anthropogenic threats of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in east Africa." Doctoral thesis, Stockholm : Department of zoology, Stockholm university, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-34472.
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Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Stockholms universitet, 2010.<br>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 2: Submitted. Paper 4: In progress. Paper 5: Submitted.
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Bates, Paul Jeremy James. "Systematics and zoogeography of Tatera (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) of north-east Africa and Asia." Thesis, Royal Holloway, University of London, 1987. http://repository.royalholloway.ac.uk/items/e8f41efc-48e9-45b6-adf9-07b927b09b0e/1/.
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A taxonomic revision of Tatera (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) from tha study area of north-east Africa and Asia is undertaken. The results are discussed in terms of the zoogeography and evolutionary history of the genus Tatera. Five species of Tatera are recognized in north-east Africa; Tatera robusta. T. nlgricauda. T. valida, T.boehmi and T. phillipsi. T. philllpsi isreinstated from the synonymy of T. robusta. T. minuscula from Ethiopia is considered a taxon incertae sedis. A single species, T. indica. is present in Asia. The taxonomic study Is based on the statistical analysis of morphometrlc data, the evaluation of morphological characters and karyological data where available. Intraspecific variation, both non-geographlc and geographic is analysed. Species and their geographical races are defined and their distributions mapped. A matrix of diagnostic characters is included. The palaeontological literature of Tatera is reviewed. The faunal similarities, both present and past, of Africa and Asia are discussed, as are the major climatic and geophysical changes which are known to have occurred in the study area during the late Tertiary and Quaternary. The present day ecological requirements of the relevant Tatera taxa are also assessed. It is concluded that the genus Tatera probably evolved in Africa in the Pliocene and subsequently dispersed into Asia in the Pleistocene, possibly by way of a southern Red Sea landbridge. Evidence cited, includes the presence of fossil Tatera in the Middle Pliocene deposits of East Africa; the occurrence of Asiatic faunal elements in the fossil record of eastern Ethiopia; the presence of subsaharan African mammals in isolated localities in the south-west of peninsular Arabia; sea-bed cores supporting the view that the south of the Red Sea was periodically dry and the absence, to date, of fossil Tatera from palaeontological sites in North Africa and the Near East.
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O'Reilly, Catherine Marie. "The effects of land use change on littoral zone dynamics of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/289754.
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Lake Tanganyika, East Africa, is one of the world's unique freshwater ecosystems. This lake is approximately 10 million years old and contains an extremely diverse fauna with high levels of endemicity. Most of the biodiversity in the lake is concentrated along the rocky shoreline, and this dissertation focused on the land-water interactions that may affect the littoral ecosystem as human population densities increase. First, the potential of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes as indicators of human impact was examined. Sedimentary organic matter from four river deltas with contrasting patterns of land use was used to develop a predictive relationship between terrestrial patterns and geochemical signals. Stable isotope analyses of cores taken at two disturbed and two undisturbed watersheds were consistent with patterns seen in surface sediments. These results suggest that nitrogen isotopes are a better indicator of land use while carbon isotopes are useful in determining changes in vegetation patterns. To evaluate the effect of deforestation on ecosystem dynamics, epilithic metabolism was measured at several sites over a period of one year. Epilithic net productivity did not differ significantly between the disturbed and undisturbed watersheds, but epilithic respiration and algal biomass were significantly higher at the disturbed site. Further evidence of disturbance was given by greater amounts of inorganic material on the rocks and lower ambient oxygen concentrations at the impacted site. Finally, in order to identify species more susceptible to changes in benthic productivity, the food web structure of the pelagic and littoral food webs was elucidated using stable isotopic analyses. Diet specificity is not apparent in the littoral food web, suggesting that broad dietary preferences may help stabilize this persistent food web during environmental perturbations. The isotopic structure of the pelagic food web suggests that upwelling of deeper waters is an important nutrient source for the food web, which is consistent with current nutrient and hydrodynamic models.
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Jambo, Collins Mayeso. "Aspects of the ecology and reproductive biology of three cichlid fish species of Southern Lake Malombe (Malawi)." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005067.
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The three major species Lethrinops ''pinkhead'', Otopharynx argyrosoma "red" and Copadichromis. cf virginalis which used to dominate the catches (by weight) of Lake Malombe in the past decade were investigated. In order to make rational recommendations regarding size and boundary of the existing sanctuary area (lightly fished), distribution and abundance, population structure and reproductive biology of the three species were related to habitat types of the southern part of the lake (south western side and south eastern side). Analysis of catch composition showed that species richness was higher in the south eastern side than in the south western side of the lake. Rare species such as Labeo mesops and Opsaridium microiepis were observed in the south eastern side and there was visual absence of such species in the south western side of the lake. The overall fish abundance was significantly greater in the south eastern side than in the south western side of the lake. In the south eastern side, the catch per unit effort (CPUE) was twice that of the south western side (P< 0.05). Seasonal fluctuations in CPUE were also prominent, with the highest peak occurring during September-October period. However, there was an indication of weak relationship among CPUE, phytoplankton biomass, temperature and water depth. The length-weight relationships revealed that growth of the three species closely followed the cubic law for isometric growth in both sides of the lake. Differences in regression coefficients between sides were not significant (ttest, P>0.05). The length-frequency distribution analysis revealed that the three species had the same growth rate regardless of habitat type. However, females grew faster than males. An investigation of reproductive biology showed that the three species have low fecundity and they are asynchronous spawners, with a breeding peak during August and September period. Furthermore, the length-fecundity relationships for L. ''pinkhead'', and 0. argyrosoma "red" indicated that fecundity was more closely related to length in the south eastern side than in the south western side. Based on the above characteristics of L. ''pinkhead'', 0. argyrosoma "red" and C. cf virginalis, and the substrate types, it was strongly suggested that the existing sanctuary (lightly fished) in the south eastern side of the lake could immediately be enlarged to conserve the fish stocks, favourable substratum and aquatic animals that may be of tourists concern.
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Mwanja, Wilson Waiswa. "Genetic biodiversity and evolution of two principal fisheries species groups, the Labeine and Tilapiine, of Lake Victoria region, East Africa /." The Ohio State University, 2000. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1488194825666344.
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Muli, Benjamin Kimwele. "The biology and ecology of Mussidia spp. (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) and associated natural enemies in Kenya / Benjamin Kimwele Muli." Thesis, North-West University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4114.
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Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), an important pest of maize, cotton and Phaseolus bean in West Africa, has never been described as a crop pest from East and southern Africa (ESA). It was hypothesized that in ESA it was either kept under control by natural enemies or that there exist several populations of M. nigrivenella with different host plant ranges. Another possibility is the mis-identification of the Mussidia species in ESA. Studies were conducted in Kenya between 2005 and 2007 to assess the species diversity and host plant range of Mussidia spp. and spatial distribution studies were done on selected host plants. Later, based on the results of host plant range, surveys were conducted between 2006 and 2007 in mid-altitude coastal Kenya to establish a catalogue of parasitoids associated with Mussidia spp. The suitability of stem borers found in Kenya for development of Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatoidea) and the factors affecting the bionomics of Mussidia sp. in the laboratory were examined. Eight plant species were found to host two Mussidia spp. and six putative morphospecies, which occur sympatrically in the coastal region. The two Mussidia spp. were Mussidia fiorii Ceconni and de Joannis and M. nr nigrivenella. Only one Mussidia sp., M.Jiorii, was found attacking one host plant species in the mid-altitude regions. In general, the host plant range was much narrower than in West Africa. Mussidia nr nigrivenella and Mussidia "madagascariensis" larval distribution was aggregated on Canavalia cathartica Thouars. (Fabaceae) and Strychnos madagascariensis Poir. (Loganiaceae), respectively, while the distribution of M. fiorii adults on Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. (Bignoniaceae) was regular. Eight parasitoid species were recovered from Mussidia spp. eggs and larvae and include the trichogrammatid egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea Girault, a braconid egg-larval parasitoid, Phanerotoma sp., the bethylid Goniozus sp. and the braconid Apanteles sp. Moreover, the ichneumonid larval parasitoid Syzeuctus sp. was obtained from M. fiorii, while the tachinid Leskia sp. was obtained from M, "madagascariensis". Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea, the only parasitoid species which was successfully reared in the laboratory, successfully attacked and developed on eggs of six lepidopteran hosts indicating its potential to exploit other alternate lepidopteran pests of maize in West Africa. Like the parasitoid species, only one Mussidia sp., M.fiorii, was successfully reared in the laboratory and it developed on maize seed-, Canavalia enseiformes L. DC (Fabaceae) seed- and maize leaf-based diets while it could not develop on Mucuna pruriens L. DC (Fabaceae) seed- and C. cathartica seed-based diets. The lower developmental thresholds for M. fiorii eggs, larvae, pupae and egg to adult were found to be 12.8±0.25°C, 14.4±0.27°C, 11.0±0.03°C and 13.5i0.2rc, respectively, while the thermal constants were 82.0±1.61, 384.6±9.43, 144.9±6.84 and 588.2±10.81 degree days, respectively. Adults started emerging during the last hour of photophase and peak emergence was observed in the 2nd hour of scotophase. Mating activity largely took place between the 4th and 5th hour of scotophase. It can be concluded that there exist several Mussidia spp. in Africa that vary in their host plant range. Overall, mortality caused by parasitoids was negligible hence they were unlikely to explain the population dynamics of the Mussidia spp. in Kenya. The fact that Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea successfully attacks and develops in six lepidopteran hosts, including two Mussidia spp. indicates its potential for use as a biological agent against M. nigrivenella in West Africa. Mussidia fiorii was able to develop on diets based on maize and C. enseiformes. The knowledge on dietary and thermal requirements would optimize mass production of the host and natural enemies. The present study revealed again a serious bottleneck for biocontrol worldwide, namely the
proper identification of the pest and natural enemy species as a result of an ever dwindling number of taxonomists. We therefore suggest that molecular (DNA) techniques should be used in addition to detailed morphological examination. In view of the fact that natural control will not be effective in case of accidental introduction of the West African M. nigrivenella into Kenya, we suggest stringent precautions during movement of grains especially maize between the West Africa region and Kenya.<br>Thesis (Ph.D. (Environmental Sciences and Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.
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Jackson, Victoria S. "The production and fate of picoplankton and protozoa in the pelagic food web of Napoleon Gulf, Lake Victoria, East Africa." Thesis, Waterloo, Ont. : University of Waterloo, 2004. http://etd.uwaterloo.ca/etd/vsjackso2004.pdf.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Waterloo, 2004.<br>"A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Biology." Includes bibliographical references.
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Tilney, Robin Lewis. "Aspects of the biology, ecology and population dynamics of Galeichthys feliceps (Valenciennes) and G. ater (Castelnau) (Pisces: Ariidae) off the south-east coast of South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005064.
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This thesis represents a detailed investigation into aspects of the biology, ecology and population dynamics of two endemic ariid species, Galeichthys feliceps and G. ater, off the southeast coast of South Africa. The two species are exploited as a by-catch in the commercial ski-boat fishery off Port Alfred, a fishery dominated by highly fecund sparid and sciaenid species. They collectively constitute approximately 10% of the total annual catch in terms of landed mass G. feliceps outnumber G. ater in the catches by a ratio of 3:1. The investigation was designed to provide the biological data required for stock assessment and to determine optimum management strategies for the two populations. The implications of their K-selected life-history styles for exploitation received particular attention. While the two species were sympatric and had similar depth distributions they were found to be allopatric with respect to their foraging habitats. G. feliceps foraged over sandy and muddy substrata in marine and estuarine environments. G. ater fed only on reef-associated species and did not utilise estuaries. Their feeding-associated morphologies were identical and both species preyed primarily on crustaceans (brachyuran crabs and isopods), echiurids, molluscs and polychaetes. The diet of G. ater was broader in terms of the number of species consumed. The two species are mouth-brooders with low fecundity. G. feliceps and G. ater produced a mean of 49 and 32 eggs each, per annum. The buccal incubation period was determined to be in the region of 140 days for G. feliceps. Embryos hatched after approximately 75-80 days and the young began exogenous feeding thereafter. The young fed intra-buccally on detritus provided by the parent. Adult buccal mucus may also have been used as a food source. Young were released at a total length of ± 55mm. Adult males ceased feeding whilst mouth-brooding. Body musculature, abdominal fat and liver reserves provided energy for basal metabolism and males lost approximately 28% of their body mass during buccal incubation. Females expended less reproductive energy than males. Catches were dominated by mature fish (76% in G. feliceps and 97% in G. ater). Females were significantly more abundant in catches during the spawning and mouth-brooding period. The female to male sex ratios were 1.65:1 and 2.23:1 for G. feliceps and G. ater respectively. Age and growth studies revealed that the two species mature at advanced ages (10 and 9 years for G. feliceps and 9 and 7 years for G. ater males and females respectively). They are long-lived, reaching ages in excess of 18 years in G. feliceps and in excess of 15 years in G. ater. Females live longer than males and grow larger. Yield-per-recruit and spawner biomass-per-recruit analyses demonstrated that G. ater were exploited below FO.1 at a level where spawner biomass-per-recruit was reduced to between 45% and 65% of the unexploited level. The G. ater stock was not adversely affected by current levels of fishing effort. For G. feliceps, both sexes were exploited beyond F₀.₁ where spawner biomass-per-recruit was reduced to between 30% and 22% of the unexploited level. G. feliceps were shown to be sensitive to relatively low levels of exploitation, a phenomenon attributed to their highly Kselected life-history style. Should the species become targeted for in the future, effort restrictions in the form of a closed season during the spawning and mouth-brooding period would prove effective in reducing effort and conserving the population sex ratio.
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Smith-Goodwin, Jacqueline Anne. "A molecular genetic assessment of the population structure and variation in two inshore dolphin genera on the east coast of South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004067.
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Coastal dolphins on the South African east coast are threatened by degradation and loss of habitat as a result of increasing coastal development, industrial effluent and agricultural runoff. In addition, dolphins off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal have, for more than four decades, been heavily exploited through unchecked incidental capture in shark nets set at 45 beaches. In light of the high rate of mortality and apparent depletion of both species, the persistence of bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and humpback (Sousa chinensis) dolphins in that region has been questioned. Genetic variation in south east African dolphin populations was determined as a means of assessing the fitness of the populations and their resilience to demographic disturbances. Furthermore, in order to determine the effects of continued mortality on the KwaZulu-Natal subpopulations, it was necessary to determine whether they are open or closed to immigration from the adjacent East Cape region, which represents a relatively unstressed region, characterised by a lack of shark nets and less intensive coastal activities. Genetic variation and differentiation in the maternal genome was assessed by determining the sequence of the first 400 bases of the mtDNA control region in bottlenose and humpback dolphins from KwaZulu-Natal and the East Cape. Nuclear variation and differentiation was estimated at six microsatellite loci and compared with earlier estimates determined from allozyme electrophoresis. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was assessed as a means of identifying population subdivisions and diagnostic population markers. Both bottlenose and humpback dolphins on the South African east coast are characterised by low nuclear and organellar genetic variation, consistent with a possible genetic bottleneck, the inferred date of which coincides with the onset of the last glacial period. Genetic variation in South African bottlenose dolphins was lower than that reported elsewhere for the species, while an intraspecific comparison supported lower genetic variation in South African humpback dolphins than in humpback dolphins sampled off Hong Kong. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), performed on mtDNA haplotype frequency data indicated, for both species, significant genetic subdivision, concordant with geographic location. The data suggested female bottlenose dolphins demonstrate regional philopatry, displaying limited movement between KwaZulu-Natal and the East Cape. Female humpback dolphins tend towards strict local philopatry, with significant maternal differentiation evident both within and between regional subdivisions. Differentiation in microsatellite allele frequencies was also demonstrated between KwaZulu-Natal and the East Cape for both species, suggesting that the movement of male bottlenose and humpback dolphins may also be restricted. Nonetheless, considerably higher nuclear gene flow estimates suggested that males of both species represent the principal vectors of gene dispersal. The implications of historically low genetic variability and population subdivision in South African dolphins are important in view of the current rate of mortality in KwaZulu-Natal. The persistence of coastal dolphin populations relies on their ability to recover following a bottleneck event. Continued removal of demographically important age-sex classes such as occurs in shark nets, may not only further reduce the genetic variation, but would ultimately deplete dolphin populations in KwaZulu-Natal beyond a sustainable number, resulting in eventual local extinction. The differentiation of the two regions implies that, in the event of local extinction occurring, dolphins, particularly females, from adjacent regions will not readily re-colonise the area. This would result in fragmentation of the south east African populations and ensure reproductive isolation from neighbouring populations on the east African coast.
Books on the topic "East Africa' Biology"
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Downs, Colleen T., and Lorinda A. Hart, eds. Invasive birds: global trends and impacts. CABI, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/9781789242065.0000.
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Abstract This 381-paged book covers the biology, ecology, impact and management of 34 common alien invasive species, with reviews on the history and context of avian introductions and invasions in five major regions (Oceania, Africa, Europe (including the Middle East, Asia and South America)), as well as management challenges and the potential of citizen science for monitoring alien birds. The book pitches at the introductory level and is ideal for readers to gain a quick and comprehensive view of the current status of global avian invasions. It has brought the records and research of avian invasion one step ahead of other alien invasive animal taxa. Many chapters contain distribution maps and data tables on the diet and morphology of the species, providing a good reference for the species and its management issues. Each chapter also contains a rich list of references that could help readers dive further into the topic.
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Jones, Mary, John Kaddu, and Geoff Jones. Biology for East Africa. Cambridge University Press, 2000.
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Bridson, D., and B. Verdcourt. Flora of Tropical East Africa - Rubiaceae Volume 2 (1988) (Flora of Tropical East Africa). CRC, 1988.
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Zinsstag, J., E. Schelling, J. Solera, J. M. Blasco, and I. Moriyón. Brucellosis. Oxford University Press, 2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780198570028.003.0007.
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Brucellosis has been successfully controlled and eliminated in a number of countries by effective, well managed vaccination and test-slaughter strategies. Their cost was essentially borne by national governments including the cost of acceptable compensation for culled animals. Brucellosis is, however, endemically persisting in livestock and causing human disease in the Mediterranean region, Africa, the Near East and Central America and is re-emerging as a major preventable disease in countries of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. There has been significant progress in knowledge of the molecular biology of Brucellosis and with new antibiotics for the treatment of human cases. Significantly more efficacious and safe animal vaccines in terms of reduction of transmission are still lacking. Control strategies that have been successful in Western countries are not directly applicable to low income and transition countries because their national governments do not have the finance to compensate farmers and lack the technical capacity for effective control campaigns. However, new staged control approaches in developing economies are proving effective.
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Jackson, Stephen, and Peter Schouten. Gliding Mammals of the World. CSIRO Publishing, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/9780643104051.
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The world's gliding mammals are an extraordinary group of animals that have the ability to glide from tree to tree with seemingly effortless grace. There are more than 60 species of gliding mammals including the flying squirrels from Asia, Europe and North America, the scaly-tailed flying squirrels from central Africa and the gliding possums of Australia and New Guinea. But the most spectacular of all are the colugos – or so called flying lemurs – that occur throughout South-East Asia and the Philippines.
 Animals that glide from tree to tree descend at an angle of less than 45 degrees to the horizontal, while those that parachute descend at an angle greater than 45 degrees. Gliding is achieved by deflecting air flowing past well-developed gliding membranes, or patagia, which form an effective airfoil that allows the animal to travel the greatest possible horizontal distance with the least loss in height. The flying squirrels and scaly-tailed flying squirrels even have special cartilaginous spurs that extend either from the wrist or elbow, respectively, to help support the gliding membrane.
 Gliding Mammals of the World provides, for the first time, a synthesis of all that is known about the biology of these intriguing mammals. It includes a brief description of each species, together with a distribution map and a beautiful full-colour painting. An introduction outlines the origins and biogeography of each group of gliding mammals and examines the incredible adaptations that allow them to launch themselves and glide from tree to tree.
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Hadidi, Ahmed, Ricardo Flores, John Randles, and Joseph Semancik. Viroids. CSIRO Publishing, 2003. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/9780643069855.
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This comprehensive volume presents indispensable and up-to-date information on viroids and viroid diseases. It provides a single source of information on the properties of viroids, the economic impact of viroid diseases, and methods for their detection and control. It examines the diseases associated with different plant species, the geographic distribution and epidemiology of viroids, diseases of possible viroid etiology, and the future applications of viroids.
 Viroids examines the biology of viroids, molecular characteristics, localization and movement, replication, pathogenesis, viroids and gene silencing, classification, viroid-like satellite RNAs, detection of viroids using bioamplification hosts, biological indexing, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, molecular hybridisation and polymerase chain reaction. The book looks at the geographical distribution and epidemiology of viroids in North America, Australasia, China, Japan, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and at the global level. It covers the control of viroids including quarantine of imported germplasm, availability of viroid-tested propagation materials, thermotherapy, tissue culture, and other conventional strategies as well as biotechnological control approaches. Special topics such as ribozyme reaction of viroids and economic advantages of viroid infection are also included. Other chapters summarise the current state of knowledge concerning viroid diseases of the crop in question and aspects of the natural history of viroids in horticulture. Among the crops covered are potato, tomato, tobacco, cucumber, pome fruits, stone fruits, avocado, citrus, grapevines, hop, chrysanthemum, coleus, columnea, and coconut palm.
 The four eminent editors of this watershed volume have assembled an international group of more than 70 scientists who have substantial experience with viroids and viroid diseases. They have produced a cohesive and comprehensive work that can be used by students, researchers, extension agents, and regulators. It may also be of a great value to science managers, policy makers, and industries in formulating policies and products to obtain viroid-free plants and control viroid diseases. The information on plant quarantine and certification programs will help anyone concerned with the safe movement of plant material across international boundaries or within a single country.
Book chapters on the topic "East Africa' Biology"
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Dumont, Henri J., and Sibylle Maas. "On nine Tropodiaptomus-species (Copepoda, Calanoida) from equatorial East Africa." In Biology of Copepods. Springer Netherlands, 1988. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3103-9_46.
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Martins, Dino J. "People, Plants and Pollinators: Uniting Conservation, Food Security, and Sustainable Agriculture in East Africa." In Conservation Biology. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118679838.ch27.
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De Lecea, Ander M., and Rachel Cooper. "The Importance of the Thukela River Estuary, East Coast of South Africa, for the Biology of the Near-Shore Environment and Associated Human Aspects: A Review." In Estuaries of the World. Springer International Publishing, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25370-1_4.
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Rees, Deborah, Adam Pollard, Dominic Matters, and Edward Carey. "Relating the Post-Harvest Physiology of Sweet Potato Storage Roots with Storability for a Range of East African Varieties." In Biology of Root Formation and Development. Springer US, 1997. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5403-5_67.
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"Understanding the dominance of African endurance runners: Exercise biology and an integrative model." In East African Running. Routledge, 2007. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780203099346-19.
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Drummond, A. E. "Aspects of the life history biology of three species of sea urchin on the South African east coast." In Echinoderms through Time. CRC Press, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003077831-146.
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Sundaresan, Sivapatham, and Palanirasu Rajapriya. "Translational Perspective in Hepatocellular Carcinoma." In Translational Research in Cancer [Working Title]. IntechOpen, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94769.
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The burden of liver cancer is higher in Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are the most common etiological/risk factors for liver cancer. Approximately 80–90% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in patients with underlying liver cirrhosis. Individuals with advanced cirrhosis represent a high-risk group for liver cancer. To fill the increasing gap between basic science and clinical research, translational research has been developed as an emerging technology. Basic science attempts to unravel the mechanisms of disease using tools (e.g., culture systems and animal models) that allow for easy manipulation of biological processes. Further, culture systems and animal models are useful to derive causal associations, but they generally do not include an endpoint directly applicable to clinical practice. Hence, development of new tools for early detection, including the evaluation of liquid biopsy, identification of tissue biomarkers of treatment response, execution of precision and enhancement of patient stratification in patients at risk for HCC development to enable chemoprevention clinical trials becomes important. It was identified as translational research has begun as an effective approach to facilitate the development of novel molecular-based biomarkers and to accelerate the implementation of laboratory discoveries into clinically applicable tools. Despite great advancement in diagnosis and management of HCC, the exact biology of the tumor remains poorly understood generally limiting the clinical outcome. Comprehensive analysis and characterization of the molecular mechanisms and subsequently individual prediction of corresponding prognostic traits would transform both diagnosis and treatment of HCC and is the key goal of modern medicine. To overcome the challenge and to accelerate the progress, a collaborative effort from various clinical research groups and translational approach is needed.
Conference papers on the topic "East Africa' Biology"
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Abu-Faraj, Z. O. "A Premier Comprehensive Curriculum in Biomedical Engineering within the Middle East and Northern African Region." In 2005 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology 27th Annual Conference. IEEE, 2005. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/iembs.2005.1616418.
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Conenna, Irene, Sospeter Kibiwot, Adrià López-Baucells, Paul Webala, and Mar Cabeza. "Filling in knowledge gaps: new reports on distribution and ecological requirements for two Data Deficient East African bat species." In 5th European Congress of Conservation Biology. Jyvaskyla University Open Science Centre, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.17011/conference/eccb2018/107654.
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