GENERAL ZOOLOGY

Author: SÁNCHEZ MARTÍNEZ SARA CONCEPCIÓN.
Year: 2005.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS DE LA UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSEº.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE.

Summary: There is a close relationship between the communities of birds and vegetation habitat where they live. Understanding how it works habitat selection in birds, ie what factors or attributes of the medium determine its place in a territory, is of great importance since it can help maintain those characteristics and vegetation that are associated with the presence of species that we protect or preserve. The thesis aims to know the characteristics dela vegetation that are a result of logging and see how these characteristics affect the communities of birds which inhabit them at some point in their life cycle. The field work has been developed in Navarra, during the years 2001, 2002 and 2003. The working theory has been developed around the following points: First has been carried out in the forest hayedo-abetal Irati, has sought to identify the attributes that distinguish the woods under forest management (Irati) without one manage (Lizardoia)) to compare whether differences resulting involve differences in the communities of birds. In addition plots were selected following a gradient ranging from the beech monoespecífico until parecelas with predominantly spruce to study the importance of this variation on the bird communities. Secondly, it has been determined the characteristics of the beech tree groves and pine forests of Scots pine to study its influence on the communities of birds. To achieve this goal have been chosen plots of forest structurally different to see if the variation in the characteristics of forest corresponds to the variation in wealth, abundance and diversity of bird communities in the various seasons. Thirdly, it has tried to investigate the availability of cavities acts as a limiting factor to bird populations in beech tree groves and pine forests. To achieve this goal have been placed nidales artificial and has been compared variation in the parameters avian between fields to which they are placed nidales and which did not. It has also taken into account the structural characteristics of the forest. Finally, the use of nidales has enabled us to get information to assess the quality of each plot for the reproduction of birds. The size of entry, number of chickens volantones and weight of these variables that help characterize the reproductive success of birds that use the nidales. The health and physical condition of the chickens have helped in understanding the effect of the structure and composition of the vegetation on the reproduction of birds.

Author: HERRERAS BELLED MARÍA VICTORIA.
Year: 2006.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: BIBLIOTECA DEL CAMPUS DE BURJASSOT.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Summary: The species of nematode parasite Anisakis simplex (Anisakidae) is common in groups of marine invertebrates and vertebrates to those used as a host to 10 throughout its life cycle. La importancia económica y sanitaria de la fase de larva 3 (L3) de esta especie ha determinado la aparición de múltiples trabajos que analizan aspectos de su ecología en especies de teleósteos de interés comercial, y accidentalmente en el hombre. However, it has created a parallel interest in knowing their ecology in its definitive hosts. This Doctoral Thesis brings a compendium of research that contribute to learn aspects of the ecology of Anisakis simplex (family Anisakidae) for much of its life cycle, but focus mainly on providing new information about its ecology in some of its definitive hosts. The interest in issues related to public health, is treated in a publication where it is shown that the presence of larvae (stage larva 3) of Anisakis gender and other species anisakidos is common in the musculature hipoaxial a teleósteo commercial interest, Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbs /). regard to the study of the ecology of A. Simplex species of cetaceans acting as definitive hosts, the first publication is shown as the community helminth digestive tract of the common porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), small cetacean common in the North Atlantic, has a structure based on a strong influence " local abound and where helminths general, the most representative of the stomach, the nematode A. Simplex, in most areas of distribution of the porpoise compared. The subsequent publications focus on the study of aspects of the population ecology of A. Simplex in the digestive tract of the common porpoise, in the North Atlantic and four species of cetaceans: Franciscan (Pontoporia blainville /), thorny porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis), dark dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) Atlantico South. Two publications analyze the population structure and habitat selection of A. Simplex, studied the sex ratio at work that otreció sufficient size. The intormación saber population structure indicates a low rate of recruitment into the coastal species of cetaceans in northern Argentina. In the common porpoise, its structure is mainly due to a pattern of intestación characterized by the recruitment of larvae and the rate duration of each stage of development. This supports the fact that the predictability of the relative share of each state, will increase as the size increases intrapoblacional, suggesting a pattern that is consistent with the relative length of time in each stage of development. Par other hand, appeared a clear preterencia, at intrapoblacional and population component of nematoda pair the first camera stomach (stomach mechanic in most species, chemical and stomach in tranciscana (Pontoporia blainville /), lacking stomach mechanic), primarily of adults, since the remaining stages of development presents a broader provision along the digestive tract. The analysis of the sex ratio showed a sex ratio that did not differ signiticativamente of 1: 1, which contrasts with that seen in other nematode species anisáquidos seal. This could be attributable, in principle, the existence of alternative approaches esteem of sex ratios (in some cases, the sex ratio is calculated only in mature individuals in all other IDs yen adults), but the different survival rates of two Ios sex, so eat rates maturation could determine the heterogeneity of 8 sex rat b83 ios intrapoblacionales in anisáquidos. The latest study of the ecology of A. Simplex, in the common porpoise, examines two aspects of its reproductive strategy compared with two other nematode species anisakid (Pseudoterranova decipiens and Contracaecum osculatum) obtained copies of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). The first aspect was manitiesto a pattern positive in the relationship between body size and the number of eggs in the three species of nematode. The results obtained in A. Simplex, suggested a great plasticity tenotipica both somatic growth at its estuerzo reproductive coma. Q. Decipiens showed a rate of egg production higher than the rate of elimination of these abroad, and a high investment of this kind in egg production. The relatively small size body of C. Osculatum and its relatively large size of eggs (double that of the other two species of nematodes) might suggest that this species consumes more resources on reproductive investment in somatic growth. The second issue being analyzed, revealing that only in A. Simplex noted the existence of a negative correlation (trade-) between the number and size of Ios eggs, not appearing a correlation signiticativa nor P. Decipiens or in C. Osculatum. The latest study saber reproductive strategies, offered the possibility of carrying out a comparison on the two types of methods (a counter-mail: Coulter Counter, and a methodology manual pair average alícuotas counted the binocular microscope), commonly applicable in the counting of eggs nematodes. The results, although not tueron strictly equivalent, showed a high degree of similarity in both methods, and even drew manitiesto that although the electronic method is more precise and less dependent on the density of eggs in the sample to be analyzed, the manual method is less tedious than presuponia. In addition, its accuracy can be improved by adjusting the dilution of the sample or / and increasing the number of aliquots at high densities of eggs. In addition, the lower economic investment that involves the manual method, it does so suitable for laboratories with limited economic resources.

Author: AGUSTÍ RIDAURA CELIA.
Year: 2006.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: BIBLIOTECA DEL CAMPUS DE BURJASSOT.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Summary: The life cycle of tapeworms order Tetraphyllidea is largely unknown and, in fact, has not described any full course so far for any species of this order. It is known that the state parasitizes the adult valve spiral of sharks, rays and chimeras and that many marine animals (Copepodos, gastropods, pelecipodos, teleósteos and cephalopods) can act as hosts intermediaries and / or paraténicos. Adults have a morphological uniformity in the reproductive organs but show a variety of forms in your body fixation (escóIex). In fact, the characters are escólex those used for the diagnosis of families, genera and even within this order. In contrast, larvae tetrafilídeos have low morphological differentiation and do not have the wealth of characters escólex adult, so that very few exceptions, taxonomic assignment is very difficult. Marine mammals are also hosts regular larvae tapeworms tetrafilideos worldwide. Two types of larvae, Phyllobothrium delphini and Monorygma grimaldii show a characteristic morphology cystic (merocercoide) that only occurs in marine mammals. Q. Delphini and M. Grimaldii appear in the peritoneum and subcutaneous fat of the abdominal cavity, respectively, the majority of cetacean species and some of pinnipedos. Despite the fact that both larvae are known for a long time, there are still very few detailed descriptions of escólex. As is the case with most larvae tetrafilídeos, is not known specifies the identity of these larvae. Some authors have recognized different morphotypes of P. Delphini, suggesting that these may represent different species. On the other hand, there has been much speculation about the role of marine mammals in the life cycle of these species. Some authors have suggested that P. Delphini and M. Grimaldii may use marine mammals as hosts intermediaries to infect the final, probably large pelagic sharks Other types of larvae tetrafilideos have been cited in a more casual in the digestive tract and ducts hepatopancreáticos some marine mammals. These larvae have been described in detail, but very rarely, according to the information available, seem to be the type plerocercoide. AI As with merocercoides, its specific identity is unknown, although it has been suggested that the states could be pre P. Delphini and M. Grimaldii. These gaps in knowledge of the biology of the species tetrafilideoSsque found in marine mammals raises many questions to which attempts to answer this work. In Concrete, the objectives of this thesis are: 1. Characterize morphologically larvae tapeworms tetrafilideos that parasites usually cetaceans and pinnipedos. This objective is developed through the detailed study of the structures using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histologic techniques, as well. Morphometric analysis. 2. Ascertain whether each morfotipo corresponds to a different kind, know their specific identity, and to elucidate whether there is any ontogenética between different types of larvae. These three issues are investigated using molecular markers. 3. Finally, whether or not marine mammals play a significant role in the life cycle of these species of tapeworms. It combines data on the phylogenetic relationships among tetrafilideos (including larvae appearing on marine mammals) with ecological data (the selection of habitat within the host, and patterns in 8 workmanship 1ff8 in marine mammals from different backgrounds). For desarrallo of this study were analyzed 4 species of whales in the western Mediterranean (50 dolphins listings, Stenella coeruleoalba, 8 pilot whales gray, Grampus griseus, 4 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and 1 zifio Cuvier, Ziphius cavirostris). It identified 3 types of larvae tapeworms tetrafilideos in these hosts: merocercoides P. Delphini and M. Grimaldii in the list dolphin, dolphin and hinnies calderón gray, and various plerocercoides in the digestive system of the 3 species of dolphins yen above the zifio Cuvier. It described in detail the morfológia of plerocercoides found in these dolphins, and asked various museums those who were not described in the literature for consideration. The analysis showed that, regardless of the host species and the geographic location, there are two basic types of plerocercoides tetrafilideos in marine mammals analyzed so far. Both have a similar morphology (body shape lanceolate and escólex with a suction cup apical and 4 botridios monoloculares vacuum accessory), but are easily distinguished by the size, so we call them as' small 'and' big '. The morphometric variables that best separates the two types are the total length of the larvae and the width of botridio. The morfologfa of individuals P. Delphini and M. Grimaldii found in our sample is consistent with previous descriptions of these merocercoides other hosts and other geographic locations, except in the apical structure of the body. The variability observed in this body, both copies of our shows and in the descriptions of the literature suggests that the body goes apical degenerating in merocercoide and expiring disappearing in the adult. Moreover, we found for the first time 9 copies of P. Delphini showing beginning proglotización; in proglótides more developed were observed even outlines of genitals. The escóex these merocercoides was very similar to that of individuals without progl6tides the same individual host, but the structures of escólex were slightly higher in the specimens proglotizados. Moreover, we analyze for the first time the tegument of P. Delphini, M. Grimaldii and plerocercoides' small 'and' big '. The seed coat is completely coated by microtricos of 4 basic types. Filitricos, espinitricos lanceolados, and two new types, espinitricos conical projections with two parallel and small at the tip, and espinitricos cylindrical crowned with 6-7 small papillae. The morphology and pattern of distribution of microtricos in plerocercoides' small 'and' big 'is relatively similar to those of other plerocercoides of tetrafilídeos described in the literature. Body and escólex is coated on espinitricos lanceolados of different sizes, except in the windy apical, where only are filitricos. However, merocercoides exhibit a greater variety of microtricos because they filitricos and espinitricos lanceolados in different regions of escólex and the filament of invagination and espinitricos conical (M. grimaldil) or espinitricos cylindrical crowned (P. delphim) in the botridio distal. In addition to the microtricos observed structures ciliary across the surface adherent or distal botridio, including accessory windy, 105 4 types larval, and the windy apical of plerocercoides. The cilia are surrounded by a multitude of filitricos in the case of merocercoides. Generally, the structures are ciliary attaches sensory function. The molecular analysis of P. Delphini, M. Grimaldii and 105 plerocercoides' small 'and' big 'secuenció the variable region D2 (-650 bp) gene nuclear 1srDNA (LSU). We found 4 unique diagnostic sequences ( 'signatures') LSU that corresponded with the 4 types morphological, regardless of the host species and the microhabitat within the host. The inclusion of such sequences in a phylogenetic tree partial order Tetraphyllidea showed that the 4 types of larvae form a group derived monophyletic along with Clistobothrium montaukensis. Small genetic distances between these taxa observed suggest that this is especfes different but congenéricas, although in the case of plerocercoide 'pequelio' and M. Grimaldii these distances are even lower (5610 1 pb), 10 suggesting differences intraespecificas. Based on these results: (1) Each type of merocercoide represents a unique species, even though they were observed certain morphological variation; this result into question previous suggestions that the morphological variability in these larvae could reflect interspecific differences. (2) The plerocercoide 'pequelio' is not the state of development prior to the 'big', contrary to what some writers had suggested. (3) The plerocercoide 'big' is not the state of development prior or P. Delphini or M. Grimaldii, contrary to what was habfa suggested. (4) The plerocercoide 'small could be the earlier stage of development of M. Grimaldii, but it is not known whether it could also be of P. Delphini. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis indicates that P. Delphini is well separated from Phyllobothrium lactuca, the type species of the genus Phyllobothrium. Several authors have shown that the morphology and distribution of microtricos of escólex of adult tapeworms serves to differentiate species. Our study shows that the morphological and molecular divergence between P. Delphini and M. Grimaldii is associated with differences in morfologfa of microtricos already in the larval state. However, microtricos of plerocercoides analyzed so far (including the present work) have a fairly homogeneous morphology regardless of the species, so carecerian of diagnostic value at this stage of development. In listings dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales gray analyzed in the present work larvarios the 4 types were found with a prevalence and intensity of parasitación moderate to high. In addition, each type larval tended to occur in a predictable way in on specific microhabitats within each delfin, regardless of the host species: P. Delphini in the subcutaneous fat; M. Grimaldii in the peritoneum and mesenterios of the abdominal cavity (both larvae, the largest concentraci6n individuals appeared in the ano - genital region); the plerocercoides' big 'and' small 'in the lumen of the stomach and intestine cameras, although the 'great' tended to accumulate in the annals crypts and liver and pancreatic ducts (except in the latter location on the bottlenose dolphins), and 'small', within the mucosa of the stomach pilórico and colon temlinal and rectum. In recent microhabitats there lymph nodes sufficiently developed, so the plerocercoides' small 'podríaan use the lymphatic system to achieve the peritoneum and mesenterios (and perhaps fat) to become the state merocercoide. Moreover, a comprehensive literature review revealed the existence of two major patterns of infection larvae tetrafilideos in cetaceans and pinnipedos worldwide. The larvae normally infect marine mammals that are pelagic and habits which feed primarily on fish and / or cephalopods. Overall, the data morphological, molecular and ecological suggest that marine mammals act as intermediaries hosts for P. Delphini and M. Grimaldii, and at least as a host paraténicos for plerocercoide 'big'. This hypothesis is based on the following evidence. (1) the merocercoides have a specialized cystic structure, so that a change must take place within the host ontogenético mammal; (2) the molecular analysis shows that all types larvarios are closely related to C. Montaukensis, parásit 8 or gra 94b ndes sharks pelagic Lamnidae the family, which tend to feed on marine mammals; (3) those infected larvae usually cetaceans and pinnipeds pelagic; (4) both merocercoides as plerocercoides were found in species cetaceans analyzed with prevalence and intensities of parasitación Moderate to high, appearing in microhabitats predictable within the body of the host. From an evolutionary standpoint, we postulate that marine mammals began to be part of the life cycle of some tetrafilfdeosa through a process of 'incorporation lower' just before the definitive host. Based on a cycle that probably included original invertebrates, sharks and teleósteos, some tetrafilideos gain advantages to infect mammals, to colonize the ocean environment, began to feed on invertebrates and marine teleósteos and, in turn, became prey to some sharks . The main advantages would be the following. (1) marine mammals act as a great accumulators of 3 types larvarios, so the probability detransmisión the definitive host will increase substantially; (2) the recruitment of many larvae in a single host individual would they all reach the same host Definitive increasing the possibility of finding breeding pair and favoreciendola mixed genotypes larvarios; (3) the large size and longevity of the new host intermediary mamfíero allow the larvae reach a higher level of development, can begin to reproduce rapidly to reach the host final.