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Large species that are isolated for thousands of years on islands often evolve extreme degrees of dwarfism. Very little is known about physiological processes that accompany such extreme transitions in extinct dwarf species. We tested whether physiological cycles of bone maintenance (remodelling) in dwarf adult hippopotamuses correlate with insularity-driven body mass shifts that may occur due to variables such as ecological release from predation pressure and change in access to resources. We hypothesised that hippopotamuses with the smallest body size should show higher values of osteocyte lacunae, proxies for osteoblast proliferation during cycles of remodelling, when compared to relatively larger dwarf forms, as well as much larger mainland common hippopotamuses. We examined 20 ribs from three extinct Pleistocene Hippopotamus species spanning a gradient in body size: H. minor (~132 kg, Cyprus), H. creutzburgi (~398 kg, Crete), and H. antiquus (~3200 kg, mainland Greece). Ribs were selected because they reflect bone metabolic rates that are not completely clouded by factors such as biomechanics. Densities of osteocyte lacunae (Ot.Dn) were examined in 864 individual secondary osteons observed in histology sections. We found the highest average Ot.Dn in the H. minor ribs, intermediate Ot.Dn in the H. creutzburgi ribs, and the lowest Ot.Dn in the H. antiquus ribs. It appears that Ot.Dn distinctly separated these three species, possibly signifying a gradient in bone remodelling such that bone tissue optimises maintenance in the face of insularity-driven reduction of body size. We discuss hippopotamus rib bone microstructure and the utility of Ot.Dn in palaeontological analyses for elucidating intricate biological processes occurring in bone of insular fossil mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Τhe functional morphology of the skull of the fossil badger Meles dimitrius from the Early Pleistocene of Greece is studied by means of comparative myological and osteological analyses with the extant representatives of the genus Meles from Europe and Asia. The myological analysis of the masticatory system allowed the reconstruction of a 'muscle map' of the significant muscles for feeding and prey capture for the extant Meles meles and, by analogy, for the extinct Meles dimitrius. The quantitative osteological analysis computed several functional cranial, mandibular, and dental measurements and indices, as well as endocranial volume, bite force, and body mass, in order to identify characters that could be attributed to different ecomorphs. Two main ecomorphological groups were recognized within extant Meles. One includes the mainland forms (M. meles, M. leucurus) and the other the insular populations (M. canescens from Crete and M. anakuma from Japan). Apart from its size, Meles dimitrius appears closer to the insular group, which is characterized by a relatively more developed masticatory system, a well-developed temporalis muscle, increased bite forces, increased endocranial volume and possibly a better adaptation to processing meat. The similarity of M. dimitrius with the insular group could be related to the retention of a primitive active predatory and meat-consuming behavior. Alternatively, M. dimitrius could have represented a relatively isolated population having evolved features convergently found in the insular extant badgers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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I ask whether it is possible, within the historical context of archaic and early classical Greece, to look at identity from the perspective of the sea. Starting from the observation that seas are usually named from the coastline they border, and that they are thus perceived as linked to that coastline, I look at the naming of the Aegean Sea. After discussing the ancient explanations, I conclude that the numerous islands and fragmented coastline of the Aegean made any strong claim impossible; attempts at making the Aegean an ‘Athenian’ (or Euboean) sea failed, because of the multiplicity of available contrasting traditions that could be put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Islands, as unique ecosystems, are characterized by a particular sensitivity that affects all the fundamental dimensions of the sustainable development. Thus, highlighting the particularities of the operation of these ecosystems is of considerable importance. This helps to determine the factors and limitations of stability regarding insular ecosystems. All these issues are analysed in this paper. Since they are related to a case study of the Greek insular space, the formulation of a strategic framework for the sustainable and balanced development of the islands is discussed. This strategy is structured by specific priority axes that aim at tackling limitations and expanding the production base, as well as social development. The policies and mechanisms put in place in order to facilitate these priorities are presented too, as well as the necessary supportive and institutional actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Departing from Rhigas's conception of the world and the Greek insular imagery within the political, historical and geographic design included in his Helienic Republic, the author analyzes the insular references in his work. Special emphasis is placed on his depiction and commentary on the "Greek" insular space as represented in his cartographic and iconographic work, a crossroads and reflection of the internal and external cultural currents of his time as focused on the incipient programmatic definition of the Hellenic territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]