Browsing by Author "Weir, J.S."
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Item Ecology and Zoogeography of Aquatic Hemiptera from l'emporary Pools in Central Africa(1965) Weir, J.S.; University College of Rhodesia NyasalandLittle information is available on the biology or ecology of African aquatic Hemiptera though these are abundant in many habitats. Some ecological information is given by HYNES (1955) (in East Africa) and HUTCHINSON (1929) (mainly in South Africa).Item The Lung-Fish Protopterus In Central Africa, South of The Zambezi(1962) Weir, J.S.; Zoology Department University College of RhodesiaSeven specimens of Protopterus from the Sabi Valley, Southern Rhodesia are described. Comparison with previous descriptions shows that these belong to the species P. annectens (Owen), of which a few specimens have been found previously in the Zambezi River Basin. It is likely that these specimens are from a population of P. annectens (Owen) which can be separated statistically by rib number from populations of P. annectens (Owen) in West Africa. The present specimens have rib numbers intermediate between those of P. annectens (Owen) from West Africa and P. amphibius (Peters) from Kenya and Tanganyika. The description of P. amphibius (Peters) from specimens collected at Quelimane on the Zambezi estuary has rested largely on differences in the number of ribs in comparison with specimens of P. annectens (Owen) from the same locality. Specimens of P. annectens (Owen) described here show that this distinction can no longer be maintained, and the possible occurrence of P. amphibius (Peters) as revised by Trewavas (1954) in the lower Zambezi and district must be regarded as uncertain. These fish present difficulties in subspecific taxonomy. Two groups of fish showing consistent differences in respect of a meristic character might be given subspecific rank.Item A Possible Course of Evolution of Animal Drinking Holes (Pans) And Reflected Changes In Their Biology(1960) Weir, J.S.; Department of zoology University college of Rhodesia and Nyasaland salisbury Southern RhodesiaGeneral conditions in a number of water holes (pans) in Wankie National Park, Southern Rhodesia, are described, It is postulated that these pans present an evolutionary sequence which can be traced by changes in physical structure, in pH and alkalinity of the water, and in faunal composition. Their origin is attributable largely to zoogenous erosion by large mammals, and their further evolution may be critically affected by these animals.
