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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Pulmonary pneumaticity in the postcranial skeleton of extant aves: a case study examining Anseriformes.

Anseriform birds were surveyed to examine how the degree of postcranial pneumaticity varies in a behaviorally and size-diverse clade of living birds. This study attempts to extricate the relative effects of phylogeny, body size, and behavioral specializations (e.g., diving, soaring) that have been postulated to influence the extent of postcranial skeletal pneumaticity. One hundred anseriform species were examined as the focal study group. Methods included latex injection of the pulmonary apparatus followed by gross dissection or direct examination of osteological specimens. The Pneumaticity Index (PI) is introduced as a means of quantifying and comparing postcranial pneumaticity in a number of species simultaneously. Phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs) were used to examine the relationship between body size and the degree of postcranial pneumaticity throughout the clade. There is a high degree of similarity (i.e., clade-specificity) within most anseriform subgroups. As a whole, Anseriformes demonstrate no significant relationship between relative pneumaticity and body size, as indicated by regression analysis of body mass on PI. It is apparent, however, that many clades of diving ducks do exhibit lower PIs than their nondiving relatives. By exclusion of diving taxa from analyses, a significant positive slope is observed and the hypothesis of relatively higher pneumaticity in larger-bodied birds is only weakly supported. However, low correlations indicate that factors other than body size account for much of the variation observed in relative pneumaticity. Pneumaticity profiles were mapped onto existing phylogenetic hypotheses. A reduction in the degree of postcranial pneumaticity occurred independently in at least three anseriform subclades specialized for diving. Finally, enigmatic pneumatic features located in distal forelimb elements of screamers (Anhimidae) result from invasion of bone by a network of subcutaneous air sac diverticula spreading distally along the wings.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Osteological evidence for sister group relationship between pseudo-toothed birds (Aves: Odontopterygiformes) and waterfowls (Anseriformes).

The phylogenetic affinities of the extinct pseudo-toothed birds have remained controversial. Some authors noted that they resemble both pelicans and allies (Pelecaniformes) and tube-nosed birds (Procellariiformes), but assigned them to a distinct taxon, the Odontopterygiformes. In most recent studies, the pseudo-toothed birds are referred to the family Pelagornithidae inside the Pelecaniformes. Here, I perform a cladistic analysis with five taxa of the pseudo-toothed birds including two undescribed new species from the Early Tertiary of Morocco. The present hypothesis strongly supports a sister group relationship of pseudo-toothed birds (Odontopterygiformes) and waterfowls (Anseriformes). The Odontoanserae (Odontopterygiformes plus Anseriformes) are the sister group of Neoaves. The placement of the landfowls (Galliformes) as the sister taxon of all other neognathous birds does not support the consensus view that the Galloanserae (Galliformes plus Anseriformes) are monophyletic.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

A molecular phylogeny of anseriformes based on mitochondrial DNA analysis.

To study the phylogenetic relationships among Anseriformes, sequences for the complete mitochondrial control region (CR) were determined from 45 waterfowl representing 24 genera, i.e., half of the existing genera. To confirm the results based on CR analysis we also analyzed representative species based on two mitochondrial protein-coding genes, cytochrome b (cytb) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2). These data allowed us to construct a robust phylogeny of the Anseriformes and to compare it with existing phylogenies based on morphological or molecular data. Chauna and Dendrocygna were identified as early offshoots of the Anseriformes. All the remaining taxa fell into two clades that correspond to the two subfamilies Anatinae and Anserinae. Within Anserinae Branta and Anser cluster together, whereas Coscoroba, Cygnus, and Cereopsis form a relatively weak clade with Cygnus diverging first. Five clades are clearly recognizable among Anatinae: (i) the Anatini with Anas and Lophonetta; (ii) the Aythyini with Aythya and Netta; (iii) the Cairinini with Cairina and Aix; (iv) the Mergini with Mergus, Bucephala, Melanitta, Callonetta, Somateria, and Clangula, and (v) the Tadornini with Tadorna, Chloephaga, and Alopochen. The Tadornini diverged early on from the Anatinae; then the Mergini and a large group that comprises the Anatini, Aythyini, Cairinini, and two isolated genera, Chenonetta and Marmaronetta, diverged. The phylogeny obtained with the control region appears more robust than the one obtained with mitochondrial protein-coding genes such as ND2 and cytb. This suggests that the CR is a powerful tool for bird phylogeny, not only at a small scale (i.e., relationships between species) but also at the family level. Whereas morphological analysis effectively resolved the split between Anatinae and Anserinae and the existence of some of the clades, the precise composition of the clades are different when morphological and molecular data are compared.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Relationships between kidney mass and body size in some Anseriformes.

Relationships between kidney mass (KM) and body mass (BM), body length (BL), and sternum length (SL) were studied in adults of both sexes of 4 Mergini anseriforms: Clangula hyemalis (n = 74), Melanitta fusca (n = 29), M. nigra (n = 15), and Somateria mollissima (n = 8). The following indices were established for the four species and for the Mergini tribe: KM/BM (as per cent body mass), KM/BL, and KM/SL. Additionally, allometric equations describing the relationships studied were developed for the tribe using mean kidney weights and body parameters of males and females of the species examined. The KM/BM indices for several anseriform tribes (i.e. Anserini, Anatini, Aythyini and Mergini), differing in food and feeding modes, were determined, based on the literature data and those obtained in this study. In addition, an allometric equation describing the kidney weight-body weight relationship in the Anseriformes order was developed as log KM = 0.797 log BM-1.346 (n = 22). The relative kidney size in the sea duck species studied showed significant intra- and interspecific differences. In addition, clear between-tribes differences in KM/BM were revealed. The highest value (1.57%) of the index is typical of the Mergini, grouping diving carnivorous sea ducks, while the lowest index (0.65%) is typical of the Anserini, a tribe which groups non-diving herbivorous birds.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Viremia in three orders of birds (Anseriformes, Galliformes and Passeriformes) inoculated with Ockelbo virus.

One-hundred six birds of 14 species were inoculated with approximately 10(2.7) plaque-forming units of Ockelbo virus and bled daily for 5 days to determine viremia levels. Virus was detected in birds of all 14 species tested (four Anseriformes, one Galliformes and nine Passeriformes). The onset of viremia occurred earlier and viral titers were higher in very young anseriforms and galliforms than in older birds. Adult passeriforms had Ockelbo viremias of higher titer and longer duration than did adult anseriforms. Viremia titers in adult birds of all three orders tested were sufficient to induce high transmission rates in enzootic mosquito vectors, and viremias in passeriforms could induce high transmission rates in bridging vectors as well. Passeriforms of the genera Turdus and Fringilla could serve as amplification hosts for Ockelbo virus based on the presently demonstrated viremia of high titer and long duration in these birds, and the previously demonstrated high prevalence of Ockelbo virus neutralizing antibodies in free-ranging individuals and great population size compared to birds of other taxa. Bird species of all three orders tested, however, could function as incidental hosts of the virus.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Molecular mechanism of high altitude respiration: primary structure of a minor hemoglobin component from Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula, Anseriformes).

Avian hemoglobins have attracted much attention in view of the unique oxygen transport characteristics. The present study describes the primary structure of minor hemoglobin component HbD from Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), a migratory bird seen in Pakistan during the winter season. Separation of the polypeptide subunits was achieved by ion exchange chromatography in the presence of 8M urea. Molecular masses of the intact protein as well as peptides obtained from chemical and enzymatic cleavages were determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The sequence was studied by automatic Edman degradation of the native chains and their tryptic/hydrolytic fragments in a gas-phase sequencer. Comparison of the hemoglobin sequence with the corresponding sequences of Anseriform representatives and other avian species shows residues like alpha(D)23 Asp, alpha(D)120 Asp as being specific to Tufted duck. The three-dimensional structure analyzed with the protein structure modeling package, WHAT IF, using the crystal structure coordinates of chicken hemoglobin (PDB code=1hbr) shows alpha(D)34 Val, alpha(D)38 Gln, and alpha(D)94 Asp as possible mediators offering alternate pathway for oxygen uptake and release thereby leading to distinct hypoxia tolerance in the Tufted ducks. Results are discussed with reference to function and evolution in the Anseriform representatives.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2005

Anseriform brain and its parts versus taxonomic and ecological categories.

The size of the brain and its macro-anatomical parts in 206 birds representing 19 anseriform species and 4 tribes (Anserini, Anatini, Aythyini and Mergini) was the subject of a comparative analysis. The comparisons involved two aspects: taxonomic (differences among species within tribes and differences among tribes) and ecological (diet composition: vegetation, invertebrates, or fish and the foraging mode: browsing, dabbling, shallow diving, and deep diving). The relative size of the encephalon (E) and its parts (optic tectum, OT; cerebellum, C; brain stem, BS; hemispheres, H) were described using appropriate indices. Five of them, called the cerebral-body indices (E/BW, OT/BW, C/BW, BS/BW, H/BW), involved a ratio between the weight of E or its parts and that of the body (BW). Four intracerebral indices (OT/E, C/E, BS/E, H/E) and allometric equations were used as well. Almost all the indices showed a high intraspecific variability within the Anserini and Mergini; on the other hand, the intracerebral indices did not differ between the species of the Anatini and Aythyini (except for OT/E in the Aythyini). Between-tribe differences were reflected in all 9 indices. The birds feeding on different diets were found to differ in their OT/E and H/E. The herbivorous anserifom OT/E was clearly lower than that of those birds feeding on invertebrates and fish. The highest OT/E was that of the piscivorous birds. In terms of foraging mode, significant differences were revealed in 7 out of the 9 indices used (differences in OT/BW and C/BW proved non-significant). OT/E of the browsing birds was clearly lower than that of the deep diving ducks; BS/E of the browsers was much lower than that of the dabbling and shallow diving ducks. Geese and swans (browsers) showed much higher H/E compared to the deep diving sea ducks. The latter revealed the highest C/E, but significant differences were detected only in comparison with C/E of the shallow diving ducks. The taxonomic (among tribes) and ecological comparisons showed more differences in the intracerebral indices than in the cerebral-body indices.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

The genome sequence of the Taiga Bean Goose, Anser fabalis (Latham, 1787) (Anseriformes: Anatidae).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Anser fabalis (Taiga Bean-Goose; Chordata; Aves; Anseriformes; Anatidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1 316.27 megabases. Most of the assembly (87.89%) is scaffolded into 38 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 16.74 kilobases. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

Anser fabalis↗

PubMed2026

The genome sequence of the lesser white-fronted goose, Anser erythropus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anseriformes: Anatidae).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Anser erythropus (lesser white-fronted goose; Chordata; Aves; Anseriformes; Anatidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 1 339.88 megabases and 1 168.02 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (88.67%) is scaffolded into 41 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. Haplotype 2 was assembled to scaffold level. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 16.74 kilobases. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland.

Anser erythropus↗

PubMed1990

Analysis of the sternotrachealis muscle fibers in some Anseriformes: histochemistry and sex differences.

Histochemical characteristics and sizes of the fibers of the sternotrachealis (ST) muscle have been investigated in some Anseriformes (mallard, Pekin duck, Muscovy duck, and goose) of both sexes. A sexual dimorphism has been shown in the muscle of the species examined. In the mallard and Pekin duck, the male ST muscle shows type IIIA fibers in addition to the type I, IIA, and IIB fibers observed also in the female. In the Muscovy duck, the male muscle has only type I and IIA fibers, whereas the female muscle presents type I fibers and both types IIA and IIB fibers. Moreover, the mean frequencies for each fiber type were significantly different between males and females. In the goose, both male and female muscles present only type I and IIA fibers. In all the species examined, the mean areas of each fiber type are significantly different between male and female, being always larger in the male muscles. The anatomical sexual dimorphism observed in the ST muscle is discussed in relation to function.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1992

Forebrain specialization and the olfactory system in anseriform birds. An architectonic and tracing study.

In anseriform birds the mediodorsal part of the rostral forebrain is covered by a corticoid (= layered) structure, establishing a unique feature of this avian group since in other birds the non-cortical accessory or dorsal hyperstriatum occupies the corresponding surface area of the hemisphere. The efferents of the olfactory bulb are shown to reach this region, which thus can be identified as a heavily enlarged retrobulbar area. The large expansion of this olfactory representation may indicate an important biological function. In comparison to the mammalian olfactory system the three stratified olfactory projection centers of birds should be regarded as retrobulbar, prepiriform and periamygdalar regions.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Sarcocystis spp. in birds of the order Anseriformes.

Having studied 342 birds of 20 species of the order Anseriformes, we found Sarcocystis cysts in 100 individuals (29.2+/-2.5%) belonging to 15 species. One macrocyst and four microcysts types have been determined. By means of light microscopy, the morphology of cyst walls and merozoites have been examined and morphometric data are presented. According to morphological features, macrocysts correspond to the S. rileyi species.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Anseriform and galliform therapeutics.

This article provides the reader with an overview of the therapeutic options for members of the orders Anseriformes and Galliformes. These orders make up a large variety of nonpsittacine birds that are seen in veterinary practice or in zoos and private collections. Standard therapeutics are discussed as well as recently developed protocols. Order-specific idiosyncrasies are addressed. A formulary for each order is provided by drug category.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed2000

Aspects of the functional morphology of the ductus epididymidis in domestic anseriform and galliform birds.

The structure of the ductus epididymidis, and its capacity to take up luminal particulate material (India ink) were studied, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, in the domestic fowl, turkey and Japanese quail (Order Galliformes) and drake (Order Anseriformes). The epithelium appeared contractile and stable structurally, especially in the drake in which, among other cytoskeletal features, abundant perinuclear intermediate filaments radiated peripherally in the principal, nonciliated (Type III) cell. The Golgi complex was well developed, except in the turkey in which it was extremely inconspicuous. Sparsely granulated profiles were the main component of the elaborate endoplasmic reticulum, which was best developed in the drake and least in the turkey. The cell in the turkey was uniquely laden with large aggregates of lipid droplets. Generally, characteristics of a cell active in the synthesis and merocrine secretion of proteinaceous material were evident. There was no evidence of apocrine-like secretion in well-fixed tissues. The cell lacked the capacity to take up luminal India ink particles, and displayed very poorly developed endocytic structural features, which are also probably only selectively and minimally absorptive. Ultrastructural features varied between and within the orders studied, necessitating further studies.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Thalassornectes dendrocygnae new species (Acari:Hypoderatidae) from the black-bellied whistling-duck (Aves:Anseriformes; Dendrocygnidae).

A new species of hypoderatid deutonymph is described from the subcutaneous adipose tissues of the black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis (L.), from Texas. Thalassornectes dendrocygnae n. sp. is most similar to thalassornectes rwandae Fain from the white-backed duck, Thalassornis leuconotos Eyton, in Africa. The new species is distinguished by a complete genital apodeme, the interrupted pattern of midventral cuticular sclerotization between coxal fields II and III, the dense cuticular sclerotization of the posterior idiosoma, and the long filiform seta d5, which is longer than the other idiosomal setae. In T. rwandae, the anterior and posterior parts of the genital sclerite are separated in the middle, the pattern of midventral cuticular sclerotization is continuous in the midventer, there is no dense sclerotization in the posterior idiosoma, and seta d5 is not figured (broken or absent?). There also are minor differences in chaetotaxy and solenidiotaxy of legs I and III of these 2 species. T. dendrocygnae is only the 2nd species of hypoderatid described from the host order Anseriformes. The 2 Thalassornectes spp. are described exclusively from each of the 2 genera in the host family Dendrocygnidae, respectively. Reevaluation of the suite of characters used to differentiate subgenera in the genus Thalassornectes indicates that Thalassornectes Fain, Rallidectes Fain, and Alcidectes Pence & Hoberg should be considered invalid.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

A comparative analysis of relative brain size in waterfowl (Anseriformes).

Variation in relative brain size was examined in 55 species of waterfowl (Anseriformes). Using both conventional statistics and phylogenetically based comparative methods, the extent of variation in relative brain size and possible relationships with mode of foraging and diet were examined. The results indicate that although brain size does vary considerably between closely related species of waterfowl, it is not reliably related to either foraging mode or diet. There are a number of possible reasons for the lack of relationships between brain size and foraging mode and diet. Firstly, subtle changes in foraging mode and diet may favor relatively large changes in brain size. Secondly, foraging mode and diet could be correlated with the expansion of an individual brain region without affecting overall brain size. Thirdly, other behavioral/ecological traits may be more important with respect to brain size evolution in waterfowl. For example, the relatively large brain of the musk duck (Biziura lobata) and altriciality of their young in comparison to other stiff-tailed ducks (Oxyura spp.) indicates that developmental rate plays a significant role in the evolution of brain size. Given the difference between our results and that reported in inter-order comparisons of brain size in birds, further research is required into other avian orders to assess how brain size and behavior might be related within orders as well as between them.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Antibodies to Ockelbo virus in three orders of birds (Anseriformes, Galliformes and Passeriformes) in Sweden.

Sera from 324 birds collected in an Ockelbo virus disease endemic area in central Sweden were examined for the presence of specific antibodies to Ockelbo virus by a plaque reduction neutralization test. Birds examined belonged to the orders Anseriformes (n = 207), Galliformes (n = 66) and Passeriformes (n = 51). Ockelbo virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in 26 (8%) of the specimens, including species from each of the three orders tested. Specific antibodies found in caged birds and in 6- to 10-week-old birds suggested local transmission. The highest antibody prevalence (27%, 14/51) was observed in the Passeriformes in which 5 of 9 species tested contained antibodies. The high antibody prevalence in passeriforms and the very large population of this group in relation to other avian groups in Sweden gives them a high potential as amplification hosts for Ockelbo virus.

Alphavirus↗

PubMed1975

Virus neutralizing antibodies to arboviruses in birds of the order Anseriformes in Czechoslovakia.

Sera from birds of the order Anseriformes in Czechoslovakia were examined for virus neutralizing (VN) antibodies to arboviruses. VN antibodies to Sindbis, Calovo and Tahyna viruses were found in 15, 5 and 6 out of 106 greylag goose (Anser anser) sera. Out of 38 ducks, 6 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and 1 garganey (Anas querquedula) contained VN antibodies to Sindbis virus, 6 mallards to Calovo virus, 4 mallards and 1 garganey to Tahyna virus, 2 mallards and 1 garganey to tick-borne encephalitis (TE) virus and 1 mallard to West Nile (WN) virus.

Animals↗