Optimizing reproduction in the Tasmanian echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus: the influence of an obligatory hibernation period and intense sexual conflict
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چکیده
................................................................................................................................................................................... IX CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2: COOL SEX? HIBERNATION AND REPRODUCTION OVERLAP IN THE TASMANIAN ECHIDNA TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS SETOSUS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Material and methods ............................................................................................................................................................... 28 Results/Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 30 CHAPTER 3: REPRODUCTIVE TACTICS IN THE TASMANIAN ECHIDNA: BALANCING THE COMPETING DEMANDS OF HIBERNATION AND SUCCESSFUL REPRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 41 Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Methods .................................................................................................................................................................................... 46 Results ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 53 Discussion .................................................................................................................................................................................. 58 CHAPTER 4: SEASONAL CHANGES IN PLASMA TESTOSTERONE CONCENTRATIONS, TESTICULAR AND CRURAL GLAND SIZE IN WILD TASMANIAN ECHIDNAS............................................................................................................................................................... 75 Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 76 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................... 77 Methods .................................................................................................................................................................................... 80 Results ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 84 Discussion .................................................................................................................................................................................. 88 CHAPTER 5: MATERNAL CARE IN THE TASMANIAN ECHIDNA .................................................................................................... 103 Abstract ................................................................................................................................................................................... 104 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 105 Methods .................................................................................................................................................................................. 108 Results ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 110 Discussion ................................................................................................................................................................................ 118 CHAPTER 6: GENERAL DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................................ 137 APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................................................. 152
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تاریخ انتشار 2014