African Journal of Dentistry

African Journal of Dentistry ISSN 2756-3421 Vol. 10 (5), pp. 001-007, September, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Preliminary gut content and dentition analysis reveal subtle resource partitioning and feeding adaptations within a haplochromine cichlid community of Lake Victoria satellite lake

Romulus Abila

Department of Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Technology, South Eastern University College, P. O. Box 170 – 90200, Kitui, Kenya. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected].

Accepted 30 August, 2022

Abstract

The trophic relationships between six haplochromine cichlids of Lake Kanyaboli, a satellite lake of Lake Victoria that has not been infested by the Nile perch (Lates niloticus), were studied as a first step towards understanding the cichlid community structure in this threatened wetland ecosystem. Co-efficient of similarity analysis of diet revealed subtle trophic resource partitioning within this haplochromine community. Trophic specializations are further revealed by differences in dentition structures. Of the six haplochromine species examined, Astatotilapia nubila and Astatoreochromis alluadi had the highest coefficient of similarity (0.5256±0.300), indicating highest diet overlap, while Astatotilapia ‘big eye’ and Xistichromis phytophagus were the most ecologically separated (0.0210±0.019). Resource partitioning is further enhanced by a diurnal spatial distribution of the six species within the lake. Overall, the haplochromine cichlid community of Lake Kanyaboli is characterized by a relatively high trophic diversity compared to Lake Victoria. Small water bodies (SWBs) thus present opportunities for conservation of trophic diversity threatened by introduction of exotics in the Lake Victoria basin.

Key words: Community structure, haplochromines, resource partitioning, satellite lakes, trophic ecology.

African Journal of Dentistry ISSN 2756-3421 Vol. 10 (11), pp. 001-004, September, 2022. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Abnormal oral habits: A review

N. Shahraki, S. Yassaei* and M. Goldani Moghadam

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

Accepted 12 August, 2022

Abstract

Oral habits are learned patterns of muscle contraction and have a very complex nature. They are associated with anger, hunger, sleep, tooth eruption and fear. Some children even display oral habits for release of mental tension. These habits might be non-nutritive sucking (thumb, finger, pacifier and/or tongue), lip biting and bruxism events. These habits can result in damage to dentoalveolar structure; hence, dentists play a crucial role in giving necessary information to parents. This information includes relevant changes in the dentoalveolar structure and the method to stop oral habits. Also, a dentist is required to treat the ensuring malocclusion.

Key words: Oral habit, pacifier, bruxism, hand sucking, nail biting, lip chewing.