Arctic Populations Research Articles

The lost generation of Pemphigus populiglobuli (Hemiptera, Aphididae): exploring the taxonomy of the Svalbard aphids of genus Pemphigus

Species identification within the aphid genus Pemphigus Hartig, 1839 poses challenges due to morphological similarities and host-plant associations. Aphids of this genus generally exhibit complex life cycles involving primary hosts (poplars) and secondary (mostly unrelated herbaceous) host-plants, with some species relying solely on root-feeding generation. An example is a representative of the genus Pemphigus, trophically associated with grass roots, found in the High Arctic Svalbard archipelago. Historical records tentatively identify it as Pemphigus groenlandicus (Rübsaamen, 1898), although its formal classification remains elusive, due to limited material of freshly collected samples. Recent collections from 2007 to 2024 across various Svalbard sites, revealed its presence under stones in sheltered microhabitats, providing valuable specimens for comparative studies. Our molecular analyses indicate that the Svalbard specimens are not a separate species commonly identified as P. groenlandicus, nor an anholocyclic generation of Pemphigus bursarius (Linnaeus, 1758) or P. borealis Tullgren, 1909, but represent a secondary generation of Pemphigus populiglobuli Fitch, 1859, the Nearctic poplar bullet gall aphid. This suggests that they may have lost their primary host associations and adapted to living on grass roots year-round. Our specimens did not host any known facultative symbionts; however, we detected a strain of Pseudomonas Migula, 1894, closely related to a cold-tolerant bacterium abundant in polar regions. The present study also investigates the taxonomic relationships and morphometric characteristics of grass-feeding Pemphigus populations across the Arctic and an isolated locations on the European continent. Specimens from Svalbard were compared with samples from Greenland and Iceland, but identified no substantial morphometric differences among these geographically separated populations. Similarly, analyses of samples of Pemphigus groenlandicus crassicornis Hille Ris Lambers, 1952 from Sweden and Spain reveals a high morphometric similarity to the Arctic population, indicating a strong link between these traits and geographical variability. Despite the limitations in fresh material availability across locations, minor morphometric variations and shared ecological niches (all populations studied inhabiting grass roots, a unique trait within the Pemphigus genus) suggest treating both P. groenlandicus and its subspecies crassicornis as a junior synonym to P. populiglobuli. The study also demonstrates that the secondary generation of P. populiglobuli is a terrestrial microarthropod that overwinters in a postembryonic life-stage in situ in soil and vegetation under harsh Arctic conditions, and its cryptic life complicates its distribution mapping.

Genetic variation within the arctic-alpine Calamagrostis stricta (Poaceae) species complex in Europe

The Calamagrostis stricta (Poaceae) species complex is a circumpolar, boreo-arctic and montane taxon that includes numerous subspecies and varieties. The recent discovery of Calamagrostis lonana in the Alps calls for a thorough assessment of relationships within C. stricta. The main aim of our study was to elucidate the phylogenetic position, genetic structure and ploidy level of C. lonana, as compared to the other members of the C. stricta species complex from Central Europe to the Arctic. Fifteen populations of the C. stricta species complex were sampled across Central and Northern Europe, and their ploidy level was estimated using flow cytometry. Genetic variation was characterized using double digest RAD sequencing reads (ddRAD-seq) on a total of 115 individuals genotyped at 1157 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Based on flow cytometric measurements, tetraploidy was observed in Arctic populations from Northern Europe and C. lonana in the Alps, in contrast to other populations exhibiting higher ploidy levels. Calamagrostis lonana was genetically closely related to the arctic C. stricta subsp. groenlandica, while C. stricta subsp. stricta formed a second genetic cluster across Central Europe. A third, very distinct genetic cluster was observed in the northern Svalbard archipelago. Despite lacking evidence of sexual reproduction, substantially more genetic diversity than expected under asexual reproduction was detected within populations in C. lonana and other taxa. The distribution and genetic structure of the C. stricta species complex has been shaped by major post-glacial environmental changes having affected cold regions and specifically highlights C. lonana as a valuable relict taxon for the Alps.

Nest‐site fidelity of Arctic terns Sterna paradisaea in a managed environment exposed to benign human activity

Human activity near seabird colonies is often equated with disturbance. Coping with human disturbance is a critical task in the management of seabird colonies where human access is an issue. Nest‐site fidelity and breeding dispersal were characterised in an Arctic tern population exposed to a high level of benign human activity from resident conservation staff and public visitors. The annual return rate of nesting birds was 90% over the 10‐year study period. Nest‐site fidelity was high with most birds returning to the same 2 × 2 m square in subsequent years, in particular to nest sites that were against walls and exposed to a high level of human activity at close range. This indicates that human activity was not a deterrent to nesting by Arctic terns. Breeding dispersal to other nearby colonies was low, except when related to colony abandonment. The data suggest that benign human activity from resident staff and public visitors can be a positive benefit, both within and across years, to Arctic tern colonies. Managed public access could be considered an effective management tool for Arctic tern conservation, as well as seabird colonies more widely.

Impact of climate change on the kelp Laminaria digitata – simulated Arctic winter warming

The Arctic is seasonally exposed to long periods of low temperatures and complete darkness. Consequently, perennial primary producers have to apply strategies to maximize energy efficiency. Global warming is occurring in the Arctic faster than the rest of the globe. The highest amplitude of temperature rise occurs during Polar Night. To determine the stress resistance of the ecosystem-engineering kelp Laminaria digitata against Arctic winter warming, non-meristematic discs of adult sporophytes from Porsangerfjorden (Finnmark, Norway) were kept in total darkness at 0°C and 5°C over a period of three months. Physiological variables, namely maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) and dry weight, as well as underlying biochemical variables including pigments, storage carbohydrates, total carbon and total nitrogen were monitored throughout the experiment. Although all samples remained in generally good condition with Fv/Fm values above 0.6, L. digitata performed better at 0°C than at 5°C. Depletion of metabolic products resulted in a constant decrease of dry weight over time. A strong decrease in mannitol and laminarin was observed, with greater reductions at 5°C than at 0°C. However, the total carbon content did not change, indicating that the sporophytes were not suffering from “starvation stress” during the long period of darkness. A decline was also observed in the accessory pigments and the pool of xanthophyll cycle pigments, particularly at 5°C. Our results indicate that L. digitata has a more active metabolism, but a lower physiological and biochemical performance at higher temperatures in the Arctic winter. Obviously, L. digitata is well adapted to Arctic Polar Night conditions, regardless of having its distributional center at lower latitudes. Despite a reduced vitality at higher temperatures, a serious decline in Arctic populations of L. digitata due to winter warming is not expected for the near future.

Persistent organic pollutants among seafood processing workers in West Greenland

The Greenlandic population is highly exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through the consumption of traditional marine food, including marine mammals. Central to Greenland's economy and cultural identity, the fishing industry employes about 15% of the working population.This study investigated POP exposure, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), among seafood processing workers at the Greenlandic west coast. We examined determinants for the POPs including age, smoking habits, ethnicity, and working place. Additionally, we explored the association between POPs and the prevalence of asthma, allergy, and lung function.With samples taken during 2016–2018, the study encompassed 382 workers, primarily of Inuit descent (93%), employed across three large factories located in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat, four smaller factories in settlements (Kangaatsiaq, Ikerasaarsuk, Sarfannguaq, Qeqertarsuaq), and four factory trawlers. Data collected include clinical examinations, questionnaires on ethnicity, occupational exposure status, health indicators, and smoking habits, and serum selenium and POP analyses. We used ANCOVA with adjustment for relevant confounders to assess differences in POPs between groups (e.g. ethnic groups and working place), and multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to assess associations between POPs and lung function, allergy and asthma.Significant differences in POPs were observed among ethnic groups; Faroese workers had the highest concentrations of lipophilic POPs (lipPOPs; PCBs and OCPs), while Inuit workers exhibited highest PFASs. All subsequent analyses were focused on the Inuit workers (n = 337). The PFASs were significantly higher in workers at small factories, followed by large factories and trawlers, whereas no differences were seen for lipPOPs. The differences between the working places were most likely due to differences in lifestyle and diet, but occupational exposures cannot be excluded.LipPOP and PFAS concentrations associated positively with selenium, and PFASs positively associated with lung function. However, upon adjustment of selenium, the associations between PFASs and lung function became non-significant and attenuated towards null. No significant associations were found between POPs and the prevalence of asthma or allergy.Compared to the general population in the same area and period, the seafood processing workers exhibited 2–6 times higher POP levels. The higher exposure level among seafood processing workers, as well as the difference across workplaces, underscore the need for further investigation of environmental and occupational sources of POPs in this population. These findings may contribute to future public health strategies and regulatory measures to reduce POP exposure in Arctic populations.

Genetic diversity insights from population genomics and machine learning tools for Nordic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) populations

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is a salmonid species of high ecological and commercial value in the Holarctic region. Nevertheless, more information is needed about its underlying genetic diversity and population structure in the Nordics, especially regarding farmed populations. High-throughput sequencing was applied in three Arctic charr populations of anadromous or landlocked origin from Finland, Norway and Sweden. More specifically, the animals from the Swedish and Norwegian populations originated from a major egg supplier and producer, respectively. Furthermore, in the case of the Finnish population, the sampled animals originated from the only active conservation program for Arctic charr in the country with a potential interest in farming. Using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) on more than 500 fish, over 2000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), both in the form of individual SNPs and as read haplotypes, were used to study the genetic diversity and structure of those populations. Genetic diversity metrics were similar between the Norwegian and the Swedish populations. However, substantially lower (40–50 %) genetic diversity was found in the Finnish population. Moreover, considerable genetic differentiation was implied between the studied populations as the mean fixation index (FST) was above 0.1 in all pairwise comparisons. All populations were easily discernible through either principal component analysis (PCA) or discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). In addition, unsupervised machine learning models such as K-means, Gaussian and Bayesian Gaussian mixtures were assessed for their ability to detect genetic clusters. A preceding dimensionality reduction step by PCA resulted in all three models, suggesting that the most probable number of clusters was three. Overall, our study affirmed the utility of the developed ddRAD-seq genotyping method and unveiled the genetic structure of the studied populations, both of which could contribute to their more efficient management by captive breeding.

Производительность труда в российской Арктике: структурная динамика и регионально-отраслевые тенденции

Labor productivity is a key indicator of economic development and public well-being. This study assesses the structural shifts, regional dynamics, and sectoral trends in the domain of labor productivity in the Russian Arctic from 2011 to 2021, identifying aggregated economic sectors. The findings reveal that labor productivity levels in the Russian Arctic exceed the national average, primarily due to the resource-based nature of regional economies. However, a major issue is the persistently high level of interregional differentiation in labor productivity within the Arctic. The study demonstrates that an initially high level of labor productivity does not necessarily ensure long-term growth. An analysis of structural shifts in labor productivity over the past decade indicates a shift towards the market sector of the Arctic economy, evidenced by an increased share in gross regional product (GRP) and a decrease in time worked. Within the market sector, several trends are observed: the leading role of the extractive industry is maintained due to its expanding share in GRP; the role of agriculture is growing, reflected in a decreased share of hours worked; and the importance of other market sector branches, particularly transport, communication, and electric power, is diminishing as their share of total hours worked increases. The observed decline in labor productivity within the non-market sector suggests the potential for negative social consequences for the Arctic population. An analysis of labor productivity growth rates indicates that the leading sectors in terms of growth are mining, finance and business services, construction, and trade. These sectors can be considered sources of economic growth in the Arctic. Interregional differences in labor productivity growth rates within the same sector of the Arctic economy suggest the influence of regional factors, highlighting the potential for discovering unique reserves of productivity growth in each region.

Полиморфные варианты генов цитокинов в популяциях Арктической зоны России: предрасположенность к заболеваниям

The strategy for the development of the Arctic zone of Russia is primarily aimed at improving the quality of life of the Arctic population, health saving and reducing morbidity. The climatic and geographical conditions of the Arctic zone are extremely uncomfortable for living and cause the development of a number of diseases, as well as the polysyndrome of “northern stress”. Moreover, the Arctic population is affected by persistent organic pollutants that enter the body through a traditional diet and contribute to the development of oncological diseases by suppressing the functions of the immune system. Cytokines — proteins encoded by genes with a high degree of polymorphism, responsible for the nature of inflammatory processes, for the effectiveness of defense functions of the body in response to infections and the oncological process development — are one of the main mediators of the immune system. The distribution of polymorphisms in the cytokine genes produced by different types of cells of immune system (rs2069762 IL2, rs2243250 IL4, rs2069812 IL5, rs1800872 IL10, rs1800925 IL13, rs2275913 IL17A, rs7044343 IL33) in the populations of Nenets, Dolgan-Nganasans and Slavs was studied. Analysis of the results showed that the frequency of TG and GG genotypes rs2069762 IL2, CT genotype rs2243250 IL4, CT genotype rs2069812 IL5, TG genotype rs1800872 IL10, CC genotype rs1800925 IL13, GA genotype rs2275913 IL17A, CC rs7044343 IL33 genotype is significantly higher in Arctic populations compared to Slavs, and may be a potential genetic marker of disease development. The studied mutations are associated with the expression level of the corresponding cytokines and their production, which entails changes in the functioning of the cytokine network. It can be concluded that the indigenous inhabitants of the Russian Arctic have genetically determined rapid development of immune reactions, protection to the development of allergic diseases and resistance to the formation of malignant tumours in comparison with Slavs, i.e. the immigrant population.

Panmixia and local endemism: a revision of the Eubranchus rupium species complex with a description of new species.

Species of the genus Eubranchus Forbes, 1838 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) are common faunistic elements of boreal benthic ecosystems, associated with hydroid communities. Recent studies have suggested that the widely distributed trans-Arctic E. rupium (Møller, 1842) constitutes a complex of at least three candidate species, but the detailed taxonomy of the complex remains unresolved. The purpose of the present paper is to conduct an integrative taxonomic study including molecular genetic methods (a phylogenetic analysis using COI , 16S rRNA and histone H3 with application of species delimitation methods) and morphological study (light and scanning electron microscopy) of E. rupium and closely related species. The specific aims of this study were to establish the species boundaries, morphological variability, and the phylogeographic structure within this group. The phylogeographic analysis included a TCS -based network analysis, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), divergence time estimations, and ancestral area reconstructions. We demonstrate that specimens initially identified as E. rupium included three distinctive species: the nominal E. rupium with an amphiboreal range, the new species Eubranchus novik sp. nov. from the Sea of Japan, for which a taxonomic description is provided in this paper, and Eubranchus sp. from the northern Kuril Islands, which requires the collection and study of additional material for formal description. Our results confirm the amphiboreal distribution of E. rupium , as no geographic structure was found across Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic populations, and the results of the AMOVA analysis showed no differences between groups of samples from different geographic regions. The divergence of the 'Eubrancus rupium species complex' is estimated from the late Miocene or the Miocene-Pliocene boundary to the late Pliocene. It is hypothesised that the most probable ancestral region for the Eubranchus rupium species complex is the north-western Pacific, and the subsequent speciation likely occurred due to dispersal followed by allopatric speciation. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:228E0C46-0BF7-4DDD-9C00-67B50E298D65.

Food chain without giants: modelling the trophic impact of bowhead whaling on little auk populations in the Atlantic Arctic.

In the Atlantic Arctic, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) were nearly exterminated by European whalers between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. The collapse of the East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea population, from an estimated 50 000 to a few hundred individuals, drastically reduced predation on mesozooplankton. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this event strongly favoured the demography of the little auk (Alle alle), a zooplanktivorous feeder competitor of bowhead whales and the most abundant seabird in the Arctic. To estimate the effect of bowhead whaling on little auk abundance, we modelled the trophic niche overlap between the two species using deterministic simulations of mesozooplankton spatial distribution. We estimated that bowhead whaling could have led to a 70% increase in northeast Atlantic Arctic little auk populations, from 2.8 to 4.8 million breeding pairs. While corresponding to a major population increase, this is far less than predicted by previous studies. Our study illustrates how a trophic shift can result from the near extirpation of a marine megafauna species, and the methodological framework we developed opens up new opportunities for marine trophic modelling.

Metal exposure in the Greenlandic ACCEPT cohort: follow-up and comparison with other Arctic populations

ABSTRACT Humans are exposed to metals through diet and lifestyle e.g. smoking. Some metals are essential for physiologically body functions, while others are non-essential and can be toxic to humans. This study follows up on metal concentrations in the Greenlandic ACCEPT birth-cohort (mothers and fathers) and compares with other Arctic populations. The data from 2019 to 2020 include blood metal concentrations, lifestyle and food frequency questionnaires from 101 mothers and 76 fathers, 24–55 years, living in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat. A high percentage (25–45%) exceeded international guidance values for Hg. For the mothers, the metal concentrations changed significantly from inclusion at pregnancy to this follow-up 3–5 years after birth; some increased and others decreased. Most metals differed significantly between mothers and fathers, while few also differed between residential towns. Several metals correlated significantly with marine food intake and socio-economic factors, but the direction of the correlations varied. Traditional marine food intake was associated positively with Se, As and Hg. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the most recent data on metal exposure of both men and women in Greenland, elucidating metal exposure sources among Arctic populations, and documents the need for continuing biomonitoring to follow the exceeding of guidance values for Hg.

Evolution of leapfrog migration: A test of competition-based hypotheses.

Leapfrog migration is a common migration pattern in birds where the breeding and wintering latitudes between populations are in reversed latitudinal sequence. Competition for wintering and breeding sites has been suggested to be an ultimate factor, and several competitor-based hypotheses have been proposed to explain this pattern. If wintering sites close to the breeding sites are favored, competitive exclusion could force subdominant individuals to winter further away. Competitive exclusion could be mediated either through body size or by prior occupancy. The alternative "spring predictability" hypothesis assumes competition for sufficiently close wintering areas, allowing the birds to use autocorrelated weather cues to optimally time spring migration departure. To test predictions and assumptions of these hypotheses, we combined morphometrics, migration, and weather data from four populations of common ringed plover breeding along a latitudinal (56-68° N) and climatic gradient (temperate to Arctic). Critical for our evaluation was that two populations were breeding on the same latitude in subarctic Sweden with the same distance to the closest potential wintering site, but differed in breeding phenology, and wintered in West Africa and Europe, respectively. Thus, while breeding on the same latitude, their winter distribution overlapped with that of an Arctic and temperate population. Body size was largest within the temperate population, but there was no size difference between the two subarctic populations. Populations wintering in Europe arrived there before populations wintering in Africa. The largest variation in the arrival of meteorological spring occurred at the temperate breeding site, while there was almost no difference among the other sites. In general, temperatures at the northernmost wintering area correlated well with each breeding site prior to breeding site-specific spring arrival. Based on these observations, we conclude that competitive exclusion through body-size-related dominance cannot explain leapfrog migration. Furthermore, the assumptions on which the "spring predictability" hypothesis is based did not match the observed wintering ranges either. However, we could not reject the hypothesis that competitive exclusion mediated by prior occupancy in the wintering area could lead to leapfrog migration, and therefore, this hypothesis should be retained as working hypothesis for further work.

Climate change and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in North America: modelling possible changes in range with different climate scenarios and interspecific interactions

One of the greatest challenges for researchers today is understanding climate-change impacts on fish populations, particularly in vulnerable and understudied ecosystems such as the Canadian Arctic. Among other impacts, northern fishes will undergo thermal stress as atmospheric and sea surface temperatures are projected to rise globally. Models that consider how both environmental factors such as temperature and potential species interactions will impact population extirpation and species’ range contraction can help project the future distribution of a species in the face of a warming climate. Here, we investigate the climate-change impacts of rising temperatures and the potential northward distributional shift of brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) on Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), Canada’s northernmost freshwater fish species. Specifically, we used a logistic regression model to establish baseline relationships between the current distribution of Arctic charr and the variables, degree-days (a key climate variable), geographical location, and brook charr occurrence. We developed the model applying the expected changes in degree-days to 2050 (25–50% increase from the average of 1976–2005) and 2080 (50–100% increase) while incorporating the historical distribution of Arctic charr to estimate the change in Arctic charr distribution over that time. We found that growing degree-days, longitude, latitude, and brook charr occurrences correctly classified 93% of Arctic charr historical occurrences in Canada. We estimate that in a high-carbon scenario, where degree-days are expected to increase by 50 to 100%, Arctic charr range is projected to decrease by 18% in Canada by 2051–2080 and decrease even further by 3% with the presence of brook charr. The Canadian high Arctic may provide refuge for Arctic charr, likely maintaining temperatures optimal for species persistence. Regardless, management that considers the climate stresses on Arctic charr populations will be important to preserve this highly valued resource that is pivotal for food security and traditional ways of life for northerners.

Rabies and the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus): A Review.

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is the primary infection reservoir of Arctic rabies, the dynamics of which are poorly understood and subject to significant spatiotemporal variation. Although rabies presence has been documented in the region since the mid-19th century, there is currently no evidence of rabies impacting Arctic fox population size. Under the influence of climate change in a rapidly evolving Arctic ecosystem, alterations in transmission dynamics are predicted, with implications for this species. Concurrently, the World Health Organization leads the United Against Rabies collective in the aim of elimination of dog-mediated rabies by 2030, and although efforts have justifiably been directed to tropical regions, elimination will require a good understanding of rabies in the Arctic. Therefore, this review aimed to provide an overview of current Arctic rabies understanding, while identifying the key knowledge gaps. The review covered spatiotemporal trends in rabies populations, population dynamics of the host species, and current theories about Arctic rabies persistence. It is still unclear how Arctic rabies can persist under low host densities, which has led to several hypotheses in recent years. Creation of high animal density "hotspots" caused by heterogenic fox distribution and multispecies congregations in response to food availability, extensive Arctic fox migration patterns, and the potential evolution to a less lethal variant of rabies may all be part of the explanation. Evidence for these theories by using recent genetic and modeling studies was evaluated within the review. There is currently insufficient evidence about the efficacy and feasibility of vaccines against Arctic rabies. Key knowledge gaps need addressing to enable future control campaigns.

Consequences of repeated sarcoptic mange outbreaks in an endangered mammal population

Diseases and parasites are important drivers of population dynamics in wild mammal populations. Small and endangered populations that overlap with larger, reservoir populations are particularly vulnerable to diseases and parasites, especially in ecosystems highly influenced by climate change. Sarcoptic mange, caused by a parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, constitutes a severe threat to many wildlife populations and is today considered a panzootic. The Scandinavian arctic fox Vulpes lagopus is endangered with a fragmented distribution and is threatened by e.g. red fox Vulpes vulpes expansion, prey scarcity and inbreeding depression. Moreover, one of the subpopulations in Scandinavia has suffered from repeated outbreaks of sarcoptic mange during the past decade, most likely spread by red foxes. This was first documented in 2013 and then again 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. We used field inventories and wildlife cameras to follow the development of sarcoptic mange outbreaks in this arctic fox subpopulation with specific focus on disease transmission and consequences for reproductive output. In 2013–2014, we documented visual symptoms of sarcoptic mange in about 30% of the total population. Despite medical treatment, we demonstrate demographic consequences where the number of arctic fox litters plateaued and litter size was reduced after the introduction of S. scabiei. Furthermore, we found indications that mange likely was transmitted by a few arctic foxes travelling between several dens, i.e. ‘super‐spreaders'. This study highlights sarcoptic mange as a severe threat to small populations and can put the persistence of the entire Scandinavian arctic fox population at risk.

Phenotypic plasticity and thermal efficiency of temperature responses in two conspecific springtail populations from contrasting climates

Temperature drives adaptation in life-history traits through direct effects on physiological processes. However, multiple life-history traits co-evolve as a life-history strategy. Therefore, physiological limitations constraining the evolution of trait means and phenotypic plasticity can be larger for some traits than the others. Comparisons of thermal responses across life-history traits can improve our understanding of the mechanisms determining the life-history strategies. In the present study, we focused on a soil microarthropod species abundant across the Northern Hemisphere, Folsomia quadrioculata (Collembola), with previously known effects of macroclimate. We selected an arctic and a temperate population from areas with highly contrasting climates — the arctic tundra and a coniferous forest floor, respectively — and compared them for thermal plasticity and thermal efficiency in growth, development, fecundity, and survival across four temperatures for a major part of their life cycle. We intended to understand the mechanisms by which temperature drives the evolution of life-history strategies. We found that the temperate population maximized performance at 10–15 °C, whereas the arctic population maintained its thermal efficiency across a wider temperature range (10–20 °C). Thermal plasticity varied in a trait-specific manner, and when considered together with differences in thermal efficiency, indicated that stochasticity in temperature conditions may be important in shaping the life-history strategies. Our study suggests that adopting a whole-organism approach and including physiological time considerations while analysing thermal adaptation will markedly improve our understanding of plausible links between thermal adaptation and responses to global climate change.

Clinal variation in quantitative traits but not in evolutionary potential along elevational and latitudinal gradients in the widespread Anthyllis vulneraria.

Strong elevational and latitudinal gradients allow the study of genetic differentiation in response to similar environmental changes. However, it is uncertain whether the environmental changes along the two types of gradients result in similar genetically based changes in quantitative traits. Peripheral arctic and alpine populations are thought to have less evolutionary potential than more central populations do. We studied quantitative traits of the widespread Anthyllis vulneraria in a common garden. Plants originated from 20 populations along a 2000-m elevational gradient from the lowlands to the elevational limit of the species in the Alps, and from 20 populations along a 2400-km latitudinal gradient from the center of the distribution of the species in Central Europe to its northern distributional margin. Most traits showed similar clinal variations with elevation and latitude of origin, and the magnitude of all measured traits in relation to mean annual temperature was similar. Higher QST values than FST values in several traits indicated diversifying selection, but for others QST was smaller than FST. Genetic diversity of quantitative traits and neutral molecular markers was not correlated. Plasticity in response to favorable conditions declined with elevation and less strongly with latitude of origin, but the evolvability of traits did not. The clinal variation suggests adaptive differentiation of quantitative traits along the two gradients. The evolutionary potential of peripheral populations is not necessarily reduced, but lower plasticity may threaten their survival under rapidly changing climatic conditions.

Assessing ecological effects of storm surges on Arctic bird populations in the outer Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories

Assessing ecological effects of storm surges on Arctic bird populations in the outer Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories

Здоровье населения российской Арктики: проблемы, вызовы и пути их решения

Significant lagging of the Arctic regions of Russia from the all-Russian values of life expectancy and mortality rates of people of working age is noted at the highest state level as one of the main threats to the socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic and ensuring its national security. This lag is largely due to the negative impact of extreme natural and climatic environmental conditions on the health of the population working and living in the Arctic. The presented article is aimed at systematizing the problems and challenges associated with the impact of the harsh natural and climatic conditions of the Arctic on the health of the population living there, as well as finding ways to adapt the public administration system to these challenges. Based on a critical analysis of scientific literature and official statistical information, the paper identifies the health features and the process of adaptation to the natural and climatic conditions of the Arctic for different groups of the Arctic population: indigenous, old-timers and newcomers. The authors have substantiated that the most vulnerable group of the population, whose health is most negatively affected by the extreme natural and climatic conditions of the Arctic, are migrants. On the basis of generalization of problems and peculiarities of public health of the Arctic population and systematization of the experience of previous scientific research, the directions of adaptation of the public administration system of the Arctic regions to the existing challenges have been developed. These directions are based on a differentiated approach to various groups of the Arctic population: indigenous, old-timers and newcomers. According to the authors, the implementation of the directions presented in the article, as well as the creation of the most favorable socio-economic living conditions, can compensate for physiological losses and improve the health indicators of Arctic residents.

Inuit Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Anadromous Arctic Char, iqalukpik (Salvelinus alpinus) Under Changing Climatic Conditions in the Amundsen Gulf, Western Canadian Arctic

Inuit in the western Canadian Arctic have observed climate change impacts in marine and freshwater environments that have resulted in changes in the abundance, movement ecology, and health of Arctic char, iqalukpik (Salvelinus alpinus), with implications for their fisheries. This research was co-designed with Inuit to investigate reported changes in anadromous Arctic char in waters near Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. An analysis of semi-structured interviews with 26 Inuit fishers not only documented changes in Arctic char population abundance, spatial movement, appearance, and taste but also changes in access to the fishery. Over the past several decades and becoming pronounced in recent years, fewer fish and specifically fewer medium-sized fish that are preferred by fishers, have been caught using nets near the settlement, with some showing poor body condition, and others appearing to originate from lakes outside of the expected spatial range, earlier in an extended summer coastal fishing season. Inuit have observed changes in individual fish with broader environmental changes that are also disrupting fishing activities: the increasing prevalence of Pacific salmon, warmer air and marine sea surface temperatures, inconsistent sea and lake ice conditions, stronger and more frequent wind and wave activity, fluctuating water levels in rivers, and a seasonal tunicate bloom. Inuit have responded to these changes by altering personal subsistence fishing practices and temporarily halting a small-scale community-based commercial fishery because of observations in stock declines and in order to prioritize the subsistence fishery.