Bioindicators Of Environmental Health Research Articles

High toxicity of agro-industrial wastewater on aquatic fauna of a South American stream: Mortality of aquatic turtles and amphibian tadpoles as bioindicators of environmental health.

The aim of this study was to characterize an aquatic system of Santa Fe province (Argentina) receiving wastewater from agro-industrial activities (mainly dairy) by in situ assessment (fauna mortality, physicochemical, microbiological, and pesticide residues measurement), and ecotoxicity bioassays on amphibian tadpoles. Water and sediment samples were obtained from the Los Troncos Stream (LTS), previous to the confluence with the "San Carlos" drainage channel (SCC), and from the SCC. Biological parameters (mortality and sublethal biomarkers) were used to evaluate ecotoxicity during 10-day exposure of Rhinella arenarum tadpoles to LTS and SCC samples. Nine pesticides were detected in both LTS and SCC. Chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and coliform count recorded in SCC greatly exceeded limits for aquatic life protection. At SCC and LTS after the confluence with SCC, numerous dying and dead aquatic turtles (Phrynops hilarii) were recorded. In the ecotoxicity assessment, no mortality of tadpoles was observed in LTS treatment, whereas total mortality (100%) was observed in SCC treatments in dilution higher than 50% of water and sediment. For SCC, median lethal concentration and the 95% confidence limits was 18.30% (14.71-22.77) at 24 h; lowest-observed and no-observed effect concentrations were 12.5% and 6.25%, respectively. Oxidative stress and neurotoxicity were observed in tadpoles exposed to 25% SCC dilution treatment. In addition, there was a large genotoxic effect (micronuclei test) in all sublethal SCC dilution treatments (6.25%, 12.5%, and 25%). These results alert about the high environmental quality deterioration and high ecotoxicity for aquatic fauna of aquatic ecosystems affected by agro-industrial wastewater. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Great mortality of turtles was observed in a basin with a high load of agro-industrial wastewater. San Carlos Channel (SCC), where effluents are spilled, is environmentally deteriorated. The water-sediment matrix of SCC caused 100% lethality in tadpoles. SCC dilutions caused neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity on tadpoles.

Seasonal Dynamics of Butterfly Communities in Different Habitats of Ranchi, Jharkhand

This research investigates the seasonal dynamics of butterfly communities across various habitats in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand. Butterflies, being sensitive indicators of environmental changes, offer valuable insights into the health and biodiversity of ecosystems. The study aimed to understand the habitat preferences, seasonal distribution patterns, and factors influencing butterfly diversity in different landscapes within the Ranchi region. Butterflies play a crucial role in ecosystems as pollinators and are considered bioindicators of environmental health. The diversity and distribution of butterflies are influenced by various factors, including habitat type, climate, and vegetation. Ranchi, located in the state of Jharkhand, offers a diverse range of habitats, from urban green spaces to forested areas and wetlands. This research seeks to contribute to the understanding of how these diverse habitats influence the seasonal dynamics of butterfly communities. The primary objective of this study was to assess the seasonal variations in butterfly communities across different habitats in Ranchi. Specific goals included identifying key habitat preferences of butterflies, documenting seasonal changes in species composition, and exploring potential factors influencing butterfly diversity. By achieving these objectives, the research aimed to provide valuable information for conservation and management efforts in the region. Field surveys were conducted over a period of 12 months, covering distinct seasons in Ranchi. Sampling sites were selected to represent various habitats, including urban parks, forested areas, wetlands, and rural landscapes. Standard butterfly survey techniques, such as transect walks and netting, were employed to collect data on species composition and abundance. Additionally, environmental variables, including temperature, humidity, and vegetation cover, were recorded to analyze their potential impact on butterfly communities. The study revealed significant seasonal variations in butterfly diversity across different habitats. Urban green spaces exhibited higher butterfly abundance during the warmer months, with a dominance of common urban-adapted species. In contrast, forested areas showcased a diverse community throughout the year, with distinct species assemblages in each season. Wetland habitats exhibited specific butterfly preferences during the monsoon season, highlighting the importance of these ecosystems for certain species. Environmental variables played a crucial role in shaping butterfly communities. Temperature and vegetation cover were identified as key factors influencing species richness, while humidity levels correlated with the presence of specific moisture-dependent species. The observed results suggest that habitat heterogeneity and microclimatic conditions contribute to the varied patterns of butterfly diversity in Ranchi. This research provides valuable insights into the seasonal dynamics of butterfly communities in Ranchi's diverse habitats. The findings contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies by identifying key areas for preservation and restoration. Moreover, understanding the factors influencing butterfly diversity enhances our ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of environmental changes on these important pollinators. The outcomes of this study emphasize the importance of maintaining diverse habitats for sustaining butterfly populations and, by extension, the overall health of ecosystems in the Ranchi region.

Kajian Bioekologi Ikan Dominan Sebagai Bioindikator Kesehatan Lingkungan Di Muara Sungai Kumbe Kabupaten Merauke

River estuaries are a habitat for various aquatic-associated organisms both in the water, on the soil surface and that immerse themselves in the soil. The purpose of this study was to study the bioecology of fish as a bioindicator of environmental health in the Kumbe River Muara, Merauke Regency. This research took place from September to November 2022, carried out along the Kumbe River estuary, Merauke Regency. The data collection method was carried out by purposive sampling and interviews. The results showed that the most abundant species found was snapper (Lates Calcarifer) while the least found was parang fish (Chirocentrus dorab). The diversity index shows the medium category, the uniformity value shows the community is stable and the dominance index shows the dominance value in the area is high. The environmental parameters measured were pH, temperature and salinity. The results showed that it was still in accordance with the quality standards for aquatic biota. The long-weight relationship based on representative fish was found to be dominant, namely snapper (Lates Calcarifer), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and spiny fish (Arius sp.) showing a negative allometric growth pattern. Allometric growth shows that the length growth is not balanced with the weight growthKeywords : Bioecology, Fish, Kumbe River

Smaller Australian raptors have greater urban tolerance

Urbanisation is occurring around the world at a rapid rate and is generally associated with negative impacts on biodiversity at local, regional, and global scales. Examining the behavioural response profiles of wildlife to urbanisation helps differentiate between species that do or do not show adaptive responses to changing landscapes and hence are more or less likely to persist in such environments. Species-specific responses to urbanisation are poorly understood in the Southern Hemisphere compared to the Northern Hemisphere, where most of the published literature is focussed. This is also true for raptors, despite their high diversity and comparably high conservation concern in the Southern Hemisphere, and their critical role within ecosystems as bioindicators of environmental health. Here, we explore this knowledge gap using community science data sourced from eBird to investigate the urban tolerance of 24 Australian raptor species at a continental scale. We integrated eBird data with a global continuous measure of urbanisation, artificial light at night (ALAN), to derive an urban tolerance index, ranking species from positive to negative responses according to their tolerance of urban environments. We then gathered trait data from the published literature to assess whether certain traits (body mass, nest substrate, habitat type, feeding guild, and migratory status) were associated with urban tolerance. Body size was negatively associated with urban tolerance, as smaller raptors had greater urban tolerance than larger raptors. Out of the 24 species analysed, 13 species showed tolerance profiles for urban environments (positive response), and 11 species showed avoidance profiles for urban environments (negative response). The results of this study provide impetus to conserve native habitat and improve urban conditions for larger-bodied raptor species to conserve Australian raptor diversity in an increasingly urbanised world.

Pollen and Flora as Bioindicators in Assessing the Status of Polluted Sites: The Case Study of the Mantua Lakes (SIN “Laghi di Mantova e Polo Chimico”; N Italy)

An integrated floristic and palynological approach was carried out at the site of national interest “Laghi di Mantova e Polo Chimico” to obtain an environmental assessment useful for monitoring polluted sites. The flora of highly contaminated sectors (area A and area B) was surveyed, and the floristic composition and ecological strategies of the species were compared with a control sector (area C). A total of 195 species were observed in the three sectors. Pollen preservation of six selected species was checked as a bioindicator of environmental health in the same sectors. Area A and area B likely share similar environmental pressures, including anthropogenic stressors such as pollution, geographical proximity and a similar set of habitats, leading to similarities in flora composition. Similarly, the incidence of pollen without cytoplasm is higher in area A (9.3%) and area B (7.6%) than in area C (2.5%). The floristic differences among the sectors and the quantity of empty or abnormal pollen, together with the CSR strategies adopted by the species, suggest that the effects of anthropogenic impact on local vegetation can be detected at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. The discovery of the protected species Narcissus pseudonarcissus in area C is noteworthy, which may be important in directing efforts towards the protection of plant communities in this sector.

Short Communication: The effects of SO2 and NO2 fumigation on the chlorophyll of Parmotrema perlatum from Mt. Lawu, Cemoro Sewu, Indonesia

Abstract. Roziaty E, Sutarno, Suntoro, Sugiyarto. 2023. Short Communication: The effects of SO2 and NO2 fumigation on the chlorophyll of Parmotrema perlatum from Mt. Lawu, Cemoro Sewu, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2630-2637. Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of algae and fungi. Lichens have long been recognized as bioindicators of environmental health. One of the lichen parts that will be affected by pollution is chlorophyll. The lichen thallus was fumigated with the gases from motor vehicle emissions. The lichens under study were Parmotrema perlatum (Huds.) M. Choisy, found in Cemoro Sewu Forest, Magetan, East Java. The categorization of vehicle emission exposure levels includes Level 0 (no fumigation, control group), Level 1 (1.5 hours), Level 2 (3 hours), Level 3 (4.5 hours), Level 4 (6 hours), Level 5 (7.5 hours) and Level 6 (9 hours). The fumigated thallus had already been examined with spectrophotometry. Sulfuric dioxide (SO2) was measured at 324 nm and 328 nm, whereas nitrogen dioxide and chlorophyll were measured at 645 nm and 663 nm. Each test was replicated three times (R1, R2, and R3). Level 6 had the highest NO2 and SO2 content. The highest NO2 content on thallus lichens was 4.00 at Level 6, while the lowest was 2.14 at Level 0 (Control). The highest SO2 content was 1.856 at Level 6, whereas the lowest was 0.231 at Level 0 (Control). The highest chlorophyll content of Parmotrema was found at Level 0, while the lowest was identified at Level 6 (0.245 µg ml-1). The highest content of chlorophyll b was 0.659 (Level 4), while the lowest was Level 6 (0.413 µg ml-1). The thallus Parmotrema responded positively to NO2 and SO2 exposure. Correlation tests between the four components, specifically fumigation, NO2, SO2, and chlorophyll, show a positive correlation between pollutants and chlorophyll.

Bivalve Diversity Associated with Seagrasses in The Southern Coastal Waters of Central Lombok

Bivalves have an important role for the aquatic environment, namely as bioindicators of environmental health and water quality associated with seagrass. Bivalves are a class of molluscs associated with seagrass. This study aims to analyze the diversity of bivalves, and the relationship of environmental factors to the habitat of bivalves. The method used in this research is the line transect and quadratic method. The research approach was through observation, data collection for seagrass and bivalves using quadrant and transect methods. Data analysis used descriptive statistical analysis, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. The results of the study found 16 species belonging to 7 families (Veneroidae, Arcidae, Cardidae, Tellinidae, Pinnadae and Pteriidae). The highest bivalves diversity index (H') was found at Kuta Mandalika Beach at 2.40 and the lowest at Gerupuk Beach at 2.02. The ANOVA results showed that the richness and abundance of seagrass-associated bivalves in the study area was determined by the environmental characteristics of the seagrass, especially the substrate. Second, seagrass can be a suitable substrate for bivalves to survive. The results of this study can be a reference for future researchers and a source of information for study purposes and for the development of science, especially in the field of invertebrate zoology.

Struktur Komunitas Moluska pada Musim Barat dan Musim Peralihan I di Perairan Tanjung Benoa Badung, Bali

Tanjung Benoa is a waters in Bali that is influenced by the monsoon pattern system which has a different circulation pattern of water masses and varies between seasons. The difference in mass of water resulted in changes in the condition of the waters that affect the high and low productivity of the waters and abundance of mollusks in the waters of Tanjung Benoa. Mollusks have an important role for the aquatic environment, namely as a bio-indicator of environmental health and water quality. This study aims to determine the structure of the molluscs community and determine the environmental factors that influence the western season and the transition season I. Sampling is done in January 2019 (west season) and in March 2019 (Transition I). The results of the analysis showed a decrease in diversity and uniformity occurred in the fourth week (west season) and the seventh week (transition season I) with the category of moderate species diversity and medium type uniformity. The low value of uniformity and diversity in the western season is influenced by increasing pH values and decreasing waters nitrate values. When compared with the western season, in the transition season I the increase in temperature and a decrease in phosphate value occur in the seventh week. this result was obtained using principal component analysis (PCA) that used the environmental parameter index and the value of diversity and uniformity of mollusks. However, this value is still in the medium category. So it can be seen in the western season and the transition season. The state of mollusks in Tanjung Benoa waters is stable and can adapt to seasonal changes and environmental conditions.

Amphibian Diversity (Order Anura) in Bogor, Indonesia Amphibian Diversity in Cimisblung Bogor West Java

Amphibians play a vital role as bio indicators of environmental health. This study aims to calculate the diversity of species, the abundance and the evenness of amphibians in the area of Cimisblung Resort Cisarua, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP). Visual Encounter Surveys method was used to determine the species richness of the area, to compile a species list and to estimate the relative abundance of species, by observing the trunks of bush trees in the Cimisblung River flow. Data analysis used Species Diversity Index, Species Evenness Index, Species Abundance Index and Dominance Index. The results showed that the frogs obtained in the Cimisblung area were 151 individuals, 13 species from 5 families, the diversity index (Shannon-Wiener) showed that in the Cimisblung River H’ = 1.780 the evenness index for species E = 0.694 and the dominance index D = 0.286. Amphibian diversity (Order Anura) in the Cimisblung region is moderate.

Abnormalities in European Fire Salamanders (<i>Salamandra salamandra</i>, Salamandridae, Amphibia) observed in Their Wintering Roosts

Extreme sensitivity and relatively rapid reaction to environmental changes makes amphibians suitable bioindicators of environmental health. Chemical contaminants, developmental disruptors, ultraviolet radiation, parasitic and viral infections, intrinsic developmental constraints are common factors causing malformations of individuals. In the period October 2017 – February 2018 we investigated fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) wintering in underground roosts in Slovakia, Europe. Individuals were measured (SVL, snout-vent length; TBL, total body length), weighed and underwent ophthalmic examination, including tonometry. From 80 individuals, three salamanders with malformations were observed. The deformities recorded were a skin deformity in the lumbar region of one individual, unilateral microphthalmia and syndactyly of the right forelimb. Two of these deformities were detected during one inspection of the artificial gallery. In this paper we also mention incidence of deformities during our several years of research on fire salamanders in Slovakia.

MicroRNA Applications in Marine Biology

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, short (~ 22 nt) non-coding RNAs that control gene expression in most metazoan taxa. These vital post-transcriptional regulators are emerging as a novel class of relatively well-conserved biomarkers useful to molecular ecologists working on non-model marine organisms. The purpose of this review is to provide researchers with a brief background on miRNAs and to explore recent applications in marine biology. MiRNA datasets have been broadly employed in studies concerning commercially important species (oysters and crustaceans), phylogenetics (particularly deep evolutionary splits), and environmental stressor responses (temperature and salinity). Most progress has been made in the characterization of cnidarian miRNAs and bivalve and crustacean immune-related miRNAs. The use of miRNAs in phylogenetics is still under debate due to the secondary loss of miRNAs in some lineages, but they have been successfully applied in the resolution of deep evolutionary splits. Finally, miRNAs have been investigated in abiotic stress responses, but data interpretation is limited by the high number of species-specific miRNAs detected in these studies. Improvements in miRNA database curation and functional annotation should provide more confidence in their use. Due to their evolutionary conservation, resilience to degradation, and amenable bioinformatics workflows, miRNAs are a powerful molecular tool in marine genomics. MiRNA investigations regarding environmental stress response will be particularly useful due to their potential to reveal physiological alterations and disease. Thus, they may be ultimately utilized as bio-indicators of environmental health.

Using Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) as a bioindicator of environmental health, across some Egyptian Governorates

Bats are a good animal model of monitoring habitat pollution by heavy metal concentration assessment. A total of 50 Egyptian fruit bat were sampled from five governorates: Beni Suef, Damietta, Fayoum, Giza and Menofia. Fur samples were collected from these bats to be tested for the presence of heavy metals by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Seven heavy metals (manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), Ferrum (Fe), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)) have been estimated. Statistical analysis with One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference of heavy metals concentration in the fur of bats at different studied governorates. No statistically differences in fur metals were observed between males and females fruit bat, except for Pb. No, correlation was observed between bat heaviness and fur heavy metals content. This study confirms bat fur as a biomarker for heavy metal contamination. The results showed that Beni Suef samples were the most contaminated with different heavy metals among the other governorates, followed by Damietta samples. Bats from Menofia and Fayoum governorates were the cleanest.

Ecological aspects of natural populations of Hyalella pampeana (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Hyalellidae) from the Natural Reserve Island of Martín García (Río de La Plata, Argentina).

Freshwater amphipods of the genus Hyalella have a great importance in aquatic ecosystems due to their role in matter and energy cycling and its utilization as bioindicators of environmental health. The aim of this work was to analyze relevant population parameters of Hyalellapampeana, such as population density and structure, individual body size, sex ratio, fecundity and recruitment, and to study the possible relation of these parameters to variations in environmental variables. Samples were taken monthly during a one-year period (2006) at three small ponds in the Natural Reserve Island of Martín García, Argentina. The inland aquatic environments showed distinctive physicochemical characteristics, mainly related to pH and conductivity values. Amphipod population density varied among sites and throughout the year, with population peaks during spring, positively correlating with pH values. The operational sex ratio of the total population was almost equal to 1 male: 1 female, displaying seasonal variation. Mean fecundity and mean size of ovigerous females were higher during winter and early spring months than in summer months. The presence of ovigerous females and juveniles in all months indicated that reproduction is continuous during the year for Hyalella, in its natural environment.

TheSticta filixmorphodeme (Ascomycota:Lobariaceae) in New Zealand with the newly recognized speciesS. dendroidesandS. menziesii: indicators of forest health in a threatened island biota?

AbstractWe present a phylogenetic revision of theSticta filixmorphodeme in New Zealand. This non-monophyletic group of early diverging clades in the genusStictais characterized by a stalked thallus with a green primary photobiont and the frequent formation of a dendriscocauloid cyanomorph. Traditionally, three species have been distinguished in New Zealand:S. filix(Sw.) Nyl.,S. lacera(Hook. f. & Taylor) Müll. Arg. andS. latifronsA. Rich., with two cyanomorphs separated under the namesDendriscocaulon dendriothamnodesDughi ex D. J. Galloway (traditionally associated withS. latifrons) andD. dendroides(Nyl.) R. Sant. ex H. Magn. (traditionally associated withS. filix).Sticta lacerawas not included in the present study due to the lack of authentic material (all specimens originally identified under that name and sequenced clustered withS. filix);S. filixwas confirmed as a distinct species whereasS. latifronss. lat. was shown to represent two unrelated species,S. latifronss. str. and the reinstatedS. menziesiiHook. f. & Taylor. The cyanomorphs ofS. filixandS. latifronsare not conspecific with the types of the namesD. dendriothamnodesandD. dendroides, respectively; theD. dendriothamnodescyanomorph belongs to the Australian taxonSticta stipitataC. Knight ex F. Wilson, which is not present in New Zealand, whereas theD. dendroidescyanomorph corresponds to a previously unrecognized species with unknown chloromorph, recombined here asSticta dendroides(Nyl.) Moncada, Lücking & de Lange. Thus, instead of three species (S. filix,S. lacera,S. latifrons) with their corresponding cyanomorphs, five species are now distinguished in this guild in New Zealand:S. dendroides(cyanomorph only),S. filix(chloro- and cyanomorph),S. lacera(chloromorph only),S. latifrons(chloro- and cyanomorph) andS. menziesii(chloro- and cyanomorph). A key is presented for identification of the chloromorphs and the dendriscocauloid cyanomorphs of all species. Semi-quantitative analysis suggests that species in this guild are good indicators of intact forest ecosystems in New Zealand and that the two newly recognized species,S. dendroidesandS. menziesii, appear to perform particularly well in this respect. The use of lichens as bioindicators of environmental health is not yet established in New Zealand and so, based on our results, we make the case to develop this approach more thoroughly.

Diet of tadpoles of Physalaemus biligonigerus (Leiuperidae) from agricultural ponds in the central region of Argentina

th June. Abstract. The intensification of agriculture has led an important loss of natural habitats, with significant consequences for biodiversity. In this sense, the studies on anuran amphibian tadpoles inhabiting these environments are relevant, because the larval stage is a phase of population regulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the diet in Physalae - mus biligonigerus tadpoles, an anuran species widely distributed in South America and that inhabit agroecosystems. Three sites were sampled; two agroecosystems with different alteration degrees (AG1 and AG2) and an uncultured (SM) third place. The captured tadpoles were anesthetized, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde (10%). Subsequently, the complete intestine was removed and analyzed for food items under a binocular microscope. The diet in P. biligoni- gerus tadpoles has a dominance of algae Bacillariophyceae, mainly in agroecosystems, due to the presence of the gen- era Navicula, Nitzschia and Gomphonema. There was a considerable abundance of the Gomphonema genus in the AG2 site. In addition, in the AG1 site several non-diatom algae were particularly abundant in the diet, such as the genera Euglena, Oedogonium and Chaetophora. In the SM site, the non-diatom genus Oscillatoria was well represented in the diet. Tadpoles inhabiting the site with abundant crop and livestock (AG1) ingested a significantly smaller amount of food. The presence of certain algae associated with eutrophic environments could indicate some pollution in agroeco- systems (AG1 and AG2). Larval diet is suggested as a potential bioindicator of environmental health for these areas.

Studies on the benthic macroinvertebrates diversity species as bio-indicators of environmental health in Bahrekan Bay (Northwest of Persian Gulf)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the seasonal diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Bahrekan bay (situated in the northwest of the Persian Gulf) using diversity and evenness indices. Physiochemical parameters of water, grain size analysis and percentage total organic matter (TOM) of sediment were assessed during four seasons. Hence, the samples of benthic macroinvertebrate and sediment were obtained from fifteen sites along the Bahrekan Bay, from November 2008 to August 2009. The diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in fifteen sites was calculated. Also, the differences between physico-chemical parameters of sea water, percentage TOM and grain size of sediment and diversity indices were determined (P = 0.05). The diversity of all stations was compared with each other in each season. The correlation coefficients of all above parameters were determined. The highest diversity was obtained in winter (Simpsson index: 0.13 ± 0.01, H´: 3.47 ± 0.06) and the lowest diversity was obtained in autumn (Simpson index: 0.16 ± 0.01, H´:3.17 ± 0.06). The annual mean of Simpson diversity index was 0.15 ± 0.04 which indicated that macrobenthose in Bahrekan bay have a good variation. The results of Shanon–Wiener, Brilluin and N1 (number of equally common species) indices confirmed the results of Simpson index. In stations where diversity had little fluctuations based on N1 index, the degree of the fluctuations were more recognizable. At stations near the shoreline, the diversity indices was categorized as moderate pollution (H´: 1 - 3) due to the fishing activities. Key words: Benthic macroinvertebrate, biological indicators, species diversity, ecological status, Persian Gulf.

Environmental and genetic variation in body condition and blood profile of great tit Parus major nestlings

Health state parameters in natural populations can be used as bioindicators of environmental health if they respond to environmental cues. We studied to which extent health state parameters (morphological, biochemical, and haematological) were determined by the environment in which nestling birds were reared or by their genotype, using a cross‐fostering experiment in great tits Parus major. Morphological parameters and plasma protein, had a higher environmental than genetic component of variance which could be related with food availability differing between rearing nests. Glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme involved in antioxidant protection, also had a relatively high environmental component of variance, suggesting that nestlings in different rearing nests were exposed to different degrees of oxidative stress. Plasma cholinesterases were more influenced by the birds’ genotype than by the rearing environment. The parameters with the lowest residual variance and the highest environmental component of variance such as glutathione peroxidase, plasma protein and morphological parameters (tarsus length and weight) would be more adequate as bioindicators.

Australian ant research: fabulous fauna, functional groups, pharmaceuticals, and the Fatherhood

Abstract Apart from flies, ants are Australia's most noticeable and studied insects. In addition to their sheer abundance and ubiquity in most terrestrial ecosystems, they are also exceptionally diverse. Here, we outline the history of describing the Australian ant fauna and document the resources that are available for identifying and researching them. Unusual patterns in chromosome numbers in individual species are discussed, and the rediscovery of an ancient ant is described. A framework for understanding the dynamics of Australian ant communities is outlined, and the functional groups that fall within this framework are documented. The predictability of responses of ant communities to stress and disturbance has enabled a protocol for using ants as bioindicators of environmental health and integrity to be developed. This has been exported and adapted to other regions of the world. Australian ant research has also lead to promising sources of biopharmaceuticals. As well as describing these two practical applications of Australian ant research, this review looks at some of the future directions that studies on Australian ants might take.