Ecological Characters Research Articles

Character of Ecological People in the Quran

The harmonious relationship between humans and their environment can be likened to a mutually beneficial relationship. This perspective views humans as an inseparable element of their environment, with an emphasis on the human obligation to care for and ensure the survival of nature. In return, nature will provide benefits to fulfil human needs. This research aims to actualise ecological verses in human life and produce the proposition of theological insanity from the perspective of the Quran. The following research method is a qualitative approach focusing on library research. As a guide and reference, it uses library data sources. When viewed from the method of analysis, it can be classified as descriptive research that describes information based on events and facts and relates it to explanations from related sources according to the topic of this research. In analysing Quranic interpretation, the following includes thematic or maudhûi interpretation research, with steps, namely collecting Quranic verses related to humans, the environment and nature. Furthermore, it provides interpretation and understanding of the verses in question through the application of various contemporary interpretation sources combined with other sources. This research produces a proposition of ecological human character in the Quran, which includes Khalifah, Hikmah, and Mizan. Thus, three things are interrelated to create the character of the rahmatan li al 'alamin people.

A new Paleogene fossil and a new dataset for waterfowl (Aves: Anseriformes) clarify phylogeny, ecological evolution, and avian evolution at the K-Pg Boundary.

Despite making up one of the most ecologically diverse groups of living birds, comprising soaring, diving and giant flightless taxa, the evolutionary relationships and ecological evolution of Anseriformes (waterfowl) remain unresolved. Although Anseriformes have a comparatively rich, global Cretaceous and Paleogene fossil record, morphological datasets for this group that include extinct taxa report conflicting relationships for all known extinct taxa. Correct placement of extinct taxa is necessary to understand whether ancestral anseriform feeding ecology was more terrestrial or one of a set of diverse aquatic ecologies and to better understand avian evolution around the K-T boundary. Here, we present a new morphological dataset for Anseriformes that includes more extant and extinct taxa than any previous anseriform-focused dataset and describe a new anseriform species from the early Eocene Green River Formation of North America. The new taxon has a mediolaterally narrow bill which is rarely found in previously described anseriform fossils. The matrix created to assess the placement of this taxon comprises 41 taxa and 719 discrete morphological characters describing skeletal morphology, musculature, syringeal morphology, ecology, and behavior. We additionally combine the morphological dataset with published sequences using Bayesian methods and perform ancestral state reconstruction for select morphological, ecological and behavioral characters. We recover the new Eocene taxon as the sister taxon to (Anseranatidae+Anatidae) across all analyses, and find that the new taxon represents a novel ecology within known Anseriformes and the Green River taxa. Results provide insight into avian evolution during and following the K-Pg mass extinction and indicate that Anseriformes were likely ancestrally aquatic herbivores with rhamphothecal lamellae..

Mechanisms of coexistence: Exploring species sorting and character displacement in woody plants to alleviate belowground competition.

Rarely do we observe competitive exclusion within plant communities, even though plants compete for a limited pool of resources. Thus, our understanding of the mechanisms sustaining plant biodiversity might be limited. In this study, we explore two common ecological strategies, species sorting and character displacement, that promote coexistence by reducing competition. We assess the degree to which woody plants may implement these two strategies to lower belowground competition for nutrients which occurs via nutritional (mostly mycorrhizal) mutualisms. First, we compile data on plant traits and the mycorrhizal association state of woody angiosperms using a global inventory of indigenous flora. Our analysis reveals that species in locations with high mycorrhizal diversity exhibit distinct mean values in leaf area and wood density based on their mycorrhizal type, indicating species sorting. Second, we reanalyse a large dataset on leaf area to demonstrate that in areas with high mycorrhizal diversity, trees maintain divergent leaf area values, showcasing character displacement. Character displacement among plants is considered rare, making our observation significant. In summary, our study uncovers a rare occurrence of character displacement and identifies a common mechanism employed by plants to alleviate competition, shedding light on the complexities of plant coexistence in diverse ecosystems.

Exploring the Macroevolutionary Signature of Asymmetric Inheritance at Speciation.

Popular comparative phylogenetic models such as Brownian Motion, Ornstein-Ulhenbeck, and their extensions, assume that, at speciation, a trait value is inherited identically by two descendant species. This assumption contrasts with models of speciation at a micro-evolutionary scale where descendants' phenotypic distributions are sub-samples of the ancestral distribution. Different speciation mechanisms can lead to a displacement of the ancestral phenotypic mean among descendants and an asymmetric inheritance of the ancestral phenotypic variance. In contrast, even macro-evolutionary models that account for intraspecific variance assume symmetrically conserved inheritance of ancestral phenotypic distribution at speciation. Here we develop an Asymmetric Brownian Motion model (ABM) that relaxes the assumption of symmetric and conserved inheritance of the ancestral distribution at the time of speciation. The ABM jointly models the evolution of both intra- and inter-specific phenotypic variation. It also infers the mode of phenotypic inheritance at speciation, which can range from a symmetric and conserved inheritance, where descendants inherit the ancestral distribution, to an asymmetric and displaced inheritance, where descendants inherit divergent phenotypic means and variances. To demonstrate this model, we analyze the evolution of beak morphology in Darwin finches, finding evidence of displacement at speciation. The ABM model helps to bridge micro- and macro-evolutionary models of trait evolution by providing a more robust framework for testing the effects of ecological speciation, character displacement, and niche partitioning on trait evolution at the macro-evolutionary scale.

Eco-recycled cement's effect on the microstructure and hygroscopic behaviour of compressed stabilised earth blocks

Recycled cement (RCP) retrieved from old cement waste aims to replace carbon-intensive ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in earth stabilisation, improving the mechanical performance and durability of earth construction, without significantly compromising its ecological character and thermophysical properties. This study analyses the microstructure and hygroscopic behaviour of compressed earth blocks (CEB) stabilised with RC. In addition, soil was partially replaced with construction and demolition waste (CDW) to further improve the CEB sustainability. To this end, the sorption-desorption isothermal behaviour of CEB with different soils, types and contents of stabiliser (0–10 % RCP or OPC), and varying percentage replacements of OPC with RCP (20, 50, 100 %) or soil with CDW (0, 15, 25 %) was analysed and related to their microstructure, which was characterised in terms of scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry and nitrogen adsorption analysis. Unstabilised and OPC CEB were considered for comparison purposes. The microstructure of CEB was refined after RCP stabilisation, which influenced their hygroscopicity and adsorption-desorption hysteresis. Depending on the clay content of the soil, stabilisation reduced or increased the hygroscopic capacity of CEB. After stabilisation, the water adsorption decreased up to 25 % in CEB with clayey soil and increased up to 22 % in CEB with sandy soil. However, the hygroscopic behaviour was not significantly affected by the type of stabiliser. The substitution of OPC with RCP increased the volume of water adsorption up to 3 %, due to its slightly finer porosity. RCP has proven to be effective as an earth stabiliser, leading to CEB with adsorption-desorption properties similar to those of OPC CEB.

Distribution of species in deep-sea biogeographic provinces and molecular phylogeny for the superfamily Neotanaoidea (Peracarida; Tanaidacea) indicate high levels of connectivity

Here we analyze available recorded occurrences for species of Neotanaoidea, a deep-sea peracarid superfamily, in the frame of biogeographic bathyal, abyssal, and hadal provinces. In addition, we provide the first phylogeny based on molecular data for this group. Despite the existence of large knowledge gaps, the observed patterns reveal levels of connectivity across biogeographic provinces, oceans, and depths higher than initially expected for a superfamily consisting of relatively small deep-sea benthic invertebrates without a pelagic larval stage, and therefore hypothetically low mobility capabilities. We have detected neotanaid species with closely related populations across the Pacific Ocean or able to overpass a geographical barrier as significant as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Additionally, the molecular analyses expose the need for a taxonomic review of the four genera within Neotanaoidea. A search for better suited morphological and possibly ecological characters as diagnostic traits for genera and species should be undertaken, aiming at a better definition of the existing taxa and the description of new ones.

Predicting trajectories of dryland wetland vegetation transformation under climate change: a case study of the northern Murray–Darling Basin, Australia

Dryland wetland vegetation is, paradoxically, both highly sensitive and extremely resilient to environmental change. In the short-term, rapid responses of wetland biota and ecological processes to wetting and drying, which influence ecosystem structure and function, enable rapid reproduction which enhances long-term resilience. However, over longer periods, mechanisms such as seed dormancy and persistent seed and egg banks enable dryland wetland ecosystems to recover after major environmental perturbations such as mega-droughts or wildfire. Climate change is likely to have a significant effect on key drivers of ecological response in dryland wetlands, including hydrology and its interface with other climatic stimuli, e.g. temperature, as well as the frequency and intensity of extreme events. Like species, wetland ecosystems may respond to climate change in three main ways, namely, disappear, persist without significant adjustment, or transform. Here, we consider the conditions under which each of these responses may eventuate for dryland wetlands, by using wetland vegetation of the northern Murray–Darling Basin Australia, as a case study. We also explore what wetland transformation might entail in this region in terms of wetland ecological character and the key values this supports. Finally, we consider the implications for wetland policy and management at present and as trajectories of wetland change unfold.

Retrospective assessment of mine impacts: a case study using palaeoecology, aerial photography and maps from North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Australia

ABSTRACT Mining is an environmentally destructive human activity. Consequently, community expectations and legislation require minimisation of impacts and rehabilitation once mining ceases. Rehabilitation standards now include restoration of structural and functional attributes of pre-disturbed landscapes. However, insufficient baseline data before, and during, mining often makes it difficult to assess impacts and develop rehabilitation objectives. Techniques that retrospectively document the pre-impact condition and environmental history of wetlands affected by mines can provide this information. We demonstrate how this can be achieved using data from palaeoecology and remote sensing, to understand mine impact on Fishermans Wetland, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), by inferring its environmental history from formation to present. Fishermans Wetland is a small, clear, open water, wetland with extensive macrophyte growth. A lack of information about the wetland’s pre-mine condition created uncertainty about the effects of upstream sand mining. Contrary to local community concerns that Fishermans Wetland was ancient and hydrologically modified by mining, it only formed in the 1950s. Moreover, changes to site hydrology predated mining. Consequently, ongoing supplementation of water is unnecessary for maintaining the wetland’s ecological character. Similar techniques could be used elsewhere where mine impacts are poorly understood or contested.

The Influence of Functional Composite Coatings on the Properties of Polyester Films before and after Accelerated UV Aging.

The aim of this study was to cover biopolymeric packaging films based on PLA/PHBV blend with a functional composite coating (to retain their ecological character) and to investigate their antimicrobial properties before and after UV irradiation. As an active coating, the carrier hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), as well as its modified form with Achillea millefolium L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Hypericum L. extract (E) and a combined system based on the extracts and nano-ZnO (EZ), was used to obtain active formulations. Additionally, film surface morphology (SEM, FTIR-ATR) and color (CIELab scale) analysis of the pre- and post-UV-treatment samples were performed. The results confirmed that the E and EZ-modified films exhibited antibacterial properties, but they were not effective against phage phi6. Q-SUN irradiation led to a decrease in the activity of E coating against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas syringae, and Candida albicans. In this case, the effectiveness of EZ against C. albicans at 24 h and 72 h UV irradiation decreased. However, the irradiation boosted the antiviral effectiveness of the EZ layer. SEM micrographs of the film surface showed that UV treatment did not significantly influence the native film morphology, but it had an impact on the coated film. FTIR analysis results showed that the coatings based on HPMC altered the IR absorption of the nonpolar groups of the biopolyester material. The applied coatings only marginally affected film color changes and increased their yellowness after UV irradiation, whereas a composite layer of nano-ZnO limited these changes.

Mixed signals of environmental change and a trend towards ecological homogenization in ground vegetation across different forest types

Forest ground vegetation may serve as an early warning system for monitoring anthropogenic global-change impacts on temperate forests. Climate warming may induce a decline of cool-adapted species to the benefit of more thermophilous plants. Nitrogen deposition has been documented to potentially result in soil eutrophication or acidification, which can increase the proportion of species with higher nutrient requirements and species impoverishment caused by competitive exclusion. Abiotic forest disturbances are changing the light conditions in the forest understorey environment. In this resurvey study, we tested the magnitude and direction of change in alpha (species richness) and beta (within-site dissimilarity) diversity and composition of forest ground vegetation in forests of different types in Slovenia over fifteen years. Using plant-derived characteristics (Ellenberg-type indicator values) and by testing a priori predictions concerning expected effects of environmental drivers, we show that the magnitude and direction of forest ground vegetation diversity and floristic changes varies greatly between forest sites. Divergent responses at different sites resulted in low net change of alpha and beta diversity and a weak overall environmental signal. The largest decrease in species number was observed in lowland oak-hornbeam forests, which were also among the sites with the greatest compositional shifts. Changes in beta diversity did not show any consistent trend, and anticipated floristic convergence was not confirmed when all sites were considered. Thermophilization was mainly detected in montane beech sites and alpine spruce forests whereas eutrophication signal was most significant on nutrient-poor sites. Vegetation responses were strongly dependent on initial site conditions. Shrinkage of ecological gradients (process of ecological homogenization) suggests that sites positioned at the ends of the gradients are losing their original ecological character and are becoming more similar to mid-gradient sites that generally exhibit smaller changes. Our results point to the importance of local stand dynamics and overstorey disturbances in explaining the temporal trends in forest ground vegetation. Ground vegetation in Slovenian forests is changing in directions also dictated by multiple regional and global change drivers.

Nuclear phylogenomics of angiosperms and insights into their relationships and evolution.

Angiosperms (flowering plants) are by far the most diverse land plant group with over 300,000 species. The sudden appearance of diverse angiosperms in the fossil record was referred to by Darwin as the "abominable mystery," hence contributing to the heightened interest in angiosperm evolution. Angiosperms display wide ranges of morphological, physiological, and ecological characters, some of which have probably influenced their species richness. The evolutionary analyses of these characteristics help to address questions of angiosperm diversification and require well resolved phylogeny. Following the great successes of phylogenetic analyses using plastid sequences, dozens to thousands of nuclear genes from next-generation sequencing have been used in angiosperm phylogenomic analyses, providing well resolved phylogenies and new insights into the evolution of angiosperms. In this review we focus on recent nuclear phylogenomic analyses of large angiosperm clades, orders, families, and subdivisions of some families and provide a summarized Nuclear Phylogenetic Tree of Angiosperm Families. The newly established nuclear phylogenetic relationships are highlighted and compared with previous phylogenetic results. The sequenced genomes of Amborella, Nymphaea, Chloranthus, Ceratophyllum, and species of monocots, Magnoliids, and basal eudicots, have facilitated the phylogenomics of relationships among five major angiosperms clades. All but one of the 64 angiosperm orders were included in nuclear phylogenomics with well resolved relationships except the placements of several orders. Most families have been included with robust and highly supported placements, especially for relationships within several large and important orders and families. Additionally, we examine the divergence time estimation and biogeographic analyses of angiosperm on the basis of the nuclear phylogenomic frameworks and discuss the differences compared with previous analyses. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of nuclear phylogenomic analyses on ancestral reconstruction of morphological, physiological, and ecological characters of angiosperm groups, limitations of current nuclear phylogenomic studies, and the taxa that require future attention.

"PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHING THE FRITILLARIA ORIENTALIS BOTANICAL RESERVE IN BERCHIEȘU, FRATA COMMUNE, CLUJ COUNTY "

Fritillaria orientalis Adams is an endangered central Balkan and Illyrian species with sporadic presence in Romania, declared "Natural Monument". A new protected area of 22.18 ha located southwards to the village Berchieșu (Frata commune) is proposed for conserving the most important and abundant population of F. orientalis in the Cluj county, assessment based on available literature and personal observations in the field. For this reason, the area has special botanical value and needs to be legally protected in order to preserve this isolated population. This paper presents floristic data and vegetation characteristics along with relevant illustration of the proposed protected area. In order to easily distinguish F. orientalis from F. meleagris L., reported as well in the Cluj county, morphological, biometric and ecological differentiation characters are presented. Plant individuals of F. orientalis from Berchieșu are characterized by a pronounced diversity regarding the height of flower stems and colour of perianth. Collection of flowers or whole plants, extension of cultivated lands, improvised fire places near the forest edge, logging, fertilization of agricultural fields and motorized access threatens this population. Therefore, we propose a set of measures to assure its sustainable conservation and monitoring of the phytocoenoses to assess the effectiveness of protective actions.

Ecological character displacement among Nothobranchius annual killifishes in Tanzania.

Divergent ecological character displacement (ECD) is the competition-driven divergence in resource use-related phenotypic traits between coexisting species. It is considered one of the primary drivers of ecological diversification and adaptive radiation. We analyzed phenotypic and ecological variation in 2 African annual killifish species of the genus Nothobranchius: N. eggersi and N. melanospilus in sympatry and N. melanospilus in allopatry. Our aim was to test whether allopatric and sympatric populations of N. melanospilus differ morphologically from each other and from N. eggersi and examine whether these differences are consistent with the predictions of ECD. We find that sympatric N. melanospilus differ from allopatric N. melanospilus and differ from N. eggersi more strongly than the latter. Our data satisfy four criteria for demonstrating ECD: Differences in phenotypes between allopatric and sympatric N. melanospilus are greater than expected by chance; the divergence pattern between allopatric and sympatric N. melanospilus results from an evolutionary shift rather than from ecological sorting; morphological differences observed reflect differences in resource use; and, lastly, sites of allopatry and sympatry do not differ in food resource availability or other ecological conditions. Our results suggest that competition is the main driver of the observed divergence between two N. melanospilus populations.

Systematics and character evolution of capitate hydrozoans.

Capitate hydrozoans are a morphologically and ecologically diverse hydrozoan suborder, currently including about 200 species. Being grouped in two clades, Corynida and Zancleida, these hydrozoans still show a number of taxonomic uncertainties at the species, genus and family levels. Many Capitata species established symbiotic relationships with other benthic organisms, including bryozoans, other cnidarians, molluscs and poriferans, as well as with planktonic dinoflagellates for mixotrophic relationships and with bacteria for thiotrophic ectosymbioses. Our study aimed at providing an updated and comprehensive phylogeny reconstruction of the suborder, at modelling the evolution of selected morphological and ecological characters, and at testing evolutionary relationships between the symbiotic lifestyle and the other characters, by integrating taxonomic, ecological and evolutionary data. The phylogenetic hypotheses here presented shed light on the evolutionary relationships within Capitata, with most families and genera being recovered as monophyletic. The genus Zanclea and family Zancleidae, however, were divided into four divergent clades, requiring the establishment of the new genus Apatizanclea and the new combinations for species in Zanclea and Halocoryne genera. The ancestral state reconstructions revealed that symbiosis arose multiple times in the evolutionary history of the Capitata, and that homoplasy is a common phenomenon in the group. Correlations were found between the evolution of symbiosis and morphological characters, such as the perisarc. Overall, our results highlighted that the use of genetic data and a complete knowledge of the life cycles are strongly needed to disentangle taxonomic and systematic issues in capitate hydrozoans. Finally, the colonization of tropical habitat appears to have influenced the evolution of a symbiotic lifestyle, playing important roles in the evolution of the group.

EPIPHYTIC DIATOMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOINDICATION: A CASE STUDY OF A SIGNIFICANT NATURAL LAKE IN THE NORTHWEST OF TURKEY

Aim of the study: The Gala Lake, which has a status of National Park and is an under-protection area, is the one of the most important natural stagnant water bodies in the Marmara Region of Türkiye. However, it is under effect of a significant agricultural stress sourced by mainly paddy cultivation. In this research, the epiphytic diatoms of Gala Lake were investigated, and the trophic status of the lake was assessed by applying the Biological Diatom Index (BDI). Material and methods: Epiphytic diatom samples were collected from the submerged macrophytes from 5 selected locations on the lake (G1–G5) with different ecological characters observed to be exposed to different pollution pressures. Results and conclusions: As a result of taxonomic data, 37 diatom species were recorded by identifying a total of 2095 valves, and Cyclotella meneghiniana, Bacillaria paxillifera, and Navicula recens were found as the most dominant species for the Gala Lake. According to the results of bioindication data, Gala Lake was found to be in a "eutrophic state"—"having poor water quality" in terms of applied BDI.

Impact of climate change factor on the resource (providing) ecosystem services of the Lower Danube wetlands

Problem Statement. Wetlands perform many vital functions, in particular: accumulation and storage of surface waters; protection from storms and floods; strengthening the coastline and curbing water erosion; hydraulic connection with groundwater; surface water purification; nutrient content; deposit formation; pollutants retention; stabilization of local climatic conditions, especially the amount of precipitation and temperature of the near-surface layer of the atmosphere. They are the world's most productive ecosystems, focus of biodiversity, sources of water and primary productivity on which the existence of innumerable species of plants and animals depends. Wetlands support numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. The ecological character of wetlands is the totality of their ecosystem components, processes and services at one time or another. Wetland ecosystem services are understood as the benefits that people receive from these. These are providing services (water and food); regulatory services (regulation of floods, droughts, land degradation, etc.); supporting services (soil formation, nutrient cycling, photosynthesis, biodiversity); cultural services (cultural and entertainment, spiritual, religious and other intangible benefits). In Ukraine, there are 2417 wetlands with a total area of about 255 million hectares. Among them are 50 wetlands of international importance with a total area of about 734 thousand hectares, a significant proportion of which falls on the territory of the North-Western Black Sea region coastal zone. The aim of this study is to determine the state, vulnerabilities and climate change impact on the ecosystem services of the «Chilia Branch» wetlands. Research Methodology. To determine the periods of drought, the study used the Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) from April to October 1980-2023. The SPEI index was calculated at a point located in the southern part of the Danube Biosphere Reserve. The assessment of the state of the vegetation cover was carried out on the basis of the analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) the period 2017-2023 at two sites (Ermakov Island and Limba Island). To analyze dynamics land cover in the wetland area, were used Sentinel-2 land use satellite imagery for the period 2017-2021. Results. Analysis of the SPEI index showed that during the study period there was a positive statistically significant linear trend towards an increase in dry conditions (0.26 / 10 years). In the period 1980-2023 during the growing season on the territory of the "Chilia Branch" wetland, there is a change in weather conditions towards arid, which poses a certain threat. At the same time, it should be noted that the unique hydrological complex of the Danube Delta has a mitigating effect of the atmospheric drought impact on the vegetation. Also, it should be noted that the threat to coastal wetlands is the anthropogenic transformation of coastal natural systems (urbanization processes, expansion of land for agricultural needs, pollution of soil and surface waters), which can lead to loss of habitats of living organisms and deterioration of ecosystem services.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AS ONE OF THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF FORMATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL CULTURE

The article considers the importance of integrating the foundations of environmental and legal culture in society, regardless of the legal status of the individual in it. Scientific and doctrinal approaches to the concept of ecological culture are analyzed, different points of view are highlighted. The author's approach concerning the content of the term ecological culture is offered. The analysis of legislation on the issue of fixing the terms "ecological culture" and "culture", due to the lack of their legal regulation in terms of legal and ecological character is also conducted. The value of ecological and legal culture in establishment of foundations of ecological knowledge is pointed out, it is designated that it is determinative for practical realization in the sphere of ecological education, the importance of its normative-legal fixation in modern conditions is grounded. The author of article makes a conclusion about necessity of fixing of concept of ecological culture at legislative level. And also about importance of ecological knowledge as means of its formation.

Development of Ecological Citizenship-Based Character Education Model to Improve Environmental Naturalistic Intelligence of Elementary School Students

The lack of naturalistic intelligence in students can have an impact on students' understanding of the environment and nature. Naturalistic intelligence can help students understand the importance of protecting the environment and being responsible for preserving the environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop an Ecological Citizenship-Based Character Education Model to Improve Environmental Naturalistic Intelligence of Elementary School Students. A research and development (RnD) research design was used in this study. The development model used in this study refers to the development model according to ADDIE. This research was conducted in Jetis Sub-district, Yogyakarta City, Yogyakarta Special Region from February to March 2023. The population of this study were fourth grade students at the elementary school level with a research sample of 20 students. The study used a quasy experiment design with a pre and post test one group design approach. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the scores of improving the post-test showing a significance value of 0.001. This shows that the use of ecological citizenship-based character education model is effective to improve the ability of environmental naturalistic intelligence of fourth grade students of SDN Vidya Qasana.

ECOLOGICAL BIOSEMIOSIS: A BIOSEMIOTIC READING OF CULTURE AND NATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE SELECTED POEMS FROM A NATIVE CLEARING AND MAN OF EARTH

This paper attempts to flesh out how the biophiliac, anthropocentric, and ethnological modes of biosemiotic representation aid in the imaging and discoursing of nature-culture relationships in the selected poems from the anthologies A Man of Earth and A Native Clearing. Capitalizing on ecocriticism, biosemiotics provide an ecological reading of the manifestations of human culture and their natural surroundings. This reading underscores how meaning-making and the intricacies of the sign system transpire in all living systems. This reading also paves the way for modeling the environment through literature highlighting the complex relations between the environment and human culture with an amplified and specialized view of the individual entities that shape and affect the environment. Using the descriptive-analytical research design and the theories of Zapf, Hoffmeyer, and Uexkull, we illustrate how the biosemiotic foregrounds of the poems speak of how sign relations project the dealings and ruptures between human-cultural activities and other natural semiotic subjects. We also underscore the perils stemming from anthropocentric players with emphasis on their cultural undertakings, the hallowed character of nature steering tragic ecology, the evolutionary fitness and adaptability of animals, ecosophy and speciesism and how these affect the biosphere and the formation of biosemiotic linkages and reciprocations.

From Garden to Metropolis: Study of Clustering the Name the Kampung as Remembering the Ecological Character of The City

From Garden to Metropolis: Study of Clustering the Name the Kampung as Remembering the Ecological Character of The City