Ecological Species Groups Research Articles

Evolutionary history shapes variation of wood density of tree species across the world

The effect of evolutionary history on wood density variation may play an important role in shaping variation in wood density, but this has largely not been tested. Using a comprehensive global dataset including 27,297 measurements of wood density from 2621 tree species worldwide, we test the hypothesis that the legacy of evolutionary history plays an important role in driving the variation of wood density among tree species. We assessed phylogenetic signal in different taxonomic (e.g., angiosperms and gymnosperms) and ecological (e.g., tropical, temperate, and boreal) groups of tree species, explored the biogeographical and phylogenetic patterns of wood density, and quantified the relative importance of current environmental factors (e.g., climatic and soil variables) and evolutionary history (i.e., phylogenetic relatedness among species and lineages) in driving global wood density variation. We found that wood density displayed a significant phylogenetic signal. Wood density differed among different biomes and climatic zones, with higher mean values of wood density in relatively drier regions (highest in subtropical desert). Our study revealed that at a global scale, for angiosperms and gymnosperms combined, phylogeny and species (representing the variance explained by taxonomy and not direct explained by long-term evolution process) explained 84.3% and 7.7% of total wood density variation, respectively, whereas current environment explained 2.7% of total wood density variation when phylogeny and species were taken into account. When angiosperms and gymnosperms were considered separately, the three proportions of explained variation are, respectively, 84.2%, 7.5% and 6.7% for angiosperms, and 45.7%, 21.3% and 18.6% for gymnosperms. Our study shows that evolutionary history outpaced current environmental factors in shaping global variation in wood density.

How Are Urban Birds Affected by Surrounding Forests and Agricultural Landscapes?

The main objective of this study was to assess the influence of surrounding forest and agricultural landscapes on the bird communities within cities. Using the point count method, we collected data and analyzed the species richness and relative abundance of breeding birds. We found differences in the species richness and relative abundance of breeding birds between urbanized areas surrounded by forests and agricultural landscapes. However, both types of landscapes significantly differed in terms of bird community structure. The highest relative abundances of bird species were observed in city forest parks and cities surrounded by forest landscapes, while the lowest abundances were detected in highly urbanized areas. Cities surrounded by forests exhibited an additional nine species compared to other areas. The ecological grouping of species revealed that cities surrounded by forests had higher relative abundances of typical forest species, such as the Great Tit (Parus major), Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), and European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), whereas cities surrounded by agricultural landscapes were characterized by bird communities adapted to open or semi-open landscapes with specific feeding and nesting behaviors. The presence of specialist forest species in the composition of urban bird communities enhances biological diversity, which is crucial for the stability of both urban ecosystems and bird communities.

ANALYSES OF THE AVIFAUNA AND BIRD POPULATIONS OF THE ISLAND OF ITURUP, GREAT KURIL ISLANDS

Ecological patterns in the formation of the avifauna and bird populations of the Iturup Island were analyzed. Route counts were used along transects of unlimited width. As many as 116 bird species were registered, including 36% revealed to be ubiquitous, another 34% local and further 26% highly local. 71 species were shown to nest. The taxonomic structure of the avifauna, represented by species from 15 orders, corresponded to the zonal and landscape features of the island’s territories located at the eastern margins of northern Eurasia. Passeriformes (37%), Charadriiformes (22%), Anseriformes (9%), Procellariiformes (8%) prevailed. The zoogeographic peculiarity of the local avifauna was a combination of elements of the Far Eastern island, Pacific, Siberian and Chinese faunistic complexes, some Siberian-American and widespread species, as well as Japanese island endemics. The avifauna around the Iturup Island, formed by a system of general zonal-landscape and altitudinal-belt patterns, united ecological groups of marine and land species, including montane ones (n = 9). Local avifauna in coastal marine habitats included 41 species, vs 55 in forests, 37 in light forests, and 46 in tall grasses, the population density being 607, 785, 968, 518 individuals/km2, respectively. The similarity coefficients for the populations of forest habitats were 19–48%, vs 22% for light forests, 20–37% for tall grasses, while in the sea coast and adjacent water areas they amounted to 21–52%. The populations of terrestrial habitats were dominated by the Oriental Turtle-dove, the Pacific Swift, the Siberian Rubythroat, the Japanese Bush-warbler, the Marsh Tit, the Coal Tit, the Eurasian Nutcracker, the Oriental Greenfinch, the Eurasian Siskin, the Long-tailed Rosefinch, the Masked Bunting, and the Grey Bunting. The populations of the coast and adjacent sea area were dominated by the Japanese Cormorant, the Rufous-necked Stint, the Slaty-backed Gull, the Black-tailed Gull, and the Black-backed Wagtail. In open sea areas, the most common were the White-winged Scoter, the Black-footed and Laysan albatrosses, the Northern Fulmar, and the Short-tailed Shearwater.

Сайрам-Өгем Мемлекеттік ұлттық табиғи парк Жартылай қаттықанаттылары (Hemiptera, Heteroptera)

The article presents the results of the authors' research conducted in May 2023 in the Sairam-Ugam State National Natural Park, Kokbulak Gorge. They live in various biotopes and play an important role in biological processes in the biogeocenosis. As a result of the study, 33 species belonging to 9 families from the suborder of hemiptera were identified. According to their proximity to habitats, the hemiptera of the studied zone are divided into hortobionts (27 species), hortobionts (1 species), herpetobionts (3 species), herpetobionts (1 species), tamno-dendrobionts (1 species). Hemiptera in the study area are divided into the following ecological groups of species according to ecological features: mesophiles (29 species) and mesoxerophiles (4 species). According to trophic connections, these species are phytophages (30 species), zoophytophages (1 species) and zoophages (2 species). Phytophages are divided into polyphytophages (16 species), wide oligophytophages (12 species), narrow oligophytophages (1 species), monophytophages (1 species). According to the number of generations per year, the species of hemiptera Sairam of the Ugamsky GNPP, Kokbulak Gorge can be divided into several groups: monovoltine (19 species), bivoltine (12 species), polyvoltine (2 species). They are characterized by wintering at different stages of development: 28 species overwinter in the imago stage, 4 species overwinter in the egg stage, 1 species overwinters in the imago and larval stages.

Resurvey studies of terricolous bryophytes and lichens indicate a widespread nutrient enrichment in German forests

AbstractQuestionsVegetation resurveys, both single studies and meta‐analyses, have predominantly been based on vascular plant data while bryophytes and lichens have largely been neglected. Our study aims to fill this gap and addresses the following research questions: has the overall species richness of terricolous bryophytes and lichens in forests changed over time? Which are the winners and losers among single species and ecological species groups? Do the results give a signal of the impact of nutrient enrichment, of changes in the light regime and of climate change?LocationDeciduous and coniferous forests in Germany.MethodsWe compiled 35 single resurvey data sets, including 1096 plots in total (each sampled twice). The time interval between initial surveys and resurveys ranged from 10 to 65 years. The differences between old and new plots were analysed with respect to the frequency of single species, total species richness, and the absolute and relative numbers of taxa in the species groups. Trend scores of species were related to ecological indicator values to identify the main environmental drivers behind the observed changes.ResultsTotal species richness did not systematically change, while pleurocarpous mosses had increased at the expense of acrocarpous mosses and, in coniferous forests, of lichens. Weak changes were generally observed in deciduous forests on base‐rich soils. In coniferous forests and in deciduous forests on acid soils, species with high nitrogen demand and high shade tolerance had increased, whereas those being typical for more infertile and open forest sites had decreased. There were trends towards a larger share of taxa with a more oceanic distribution.ConclusionsThe changes in the vegetation of terricolous bryophytes and lichens in the studied forests indicate nutrient enrichment and increasingly shady conditions in forests on acid soils, likely caused by nitrogen deposition and shrub layer closure.

Dormancy in seeds of brazilian cerrado and dense Ombrophilous forest

The Cerrado and the Dense Ombrophilous Forest are important brazilian biomes that together cover more than half of the country's territory. They have a vast and rich plant diversity which often has a block in the germination process called dormancy. Dormancy can be defined as an obstruction in the germination of viable and intact seeds, even when all the favorable conditions are present. This work aimed to verify, through a literature survey, the occurrence of dormancy in seeds of plant species of the Brazilian Cerrado and Dense Ombrophilous Forest, comparing its occurrence between ecological groups of species, biomes and types of dormancy. The results showed that in Cerrado dormancy was observed in 56% of the species, whereas in Dense Ombrophilous Forest this number reduces to 42%. These data revealed an association between the presence of dormancy and the Cerrado. Also, in this biome, it was possible to verify a higher occurrence of physical dormancy in the seeds, with up to 63% of its dormant species presenting this type of dormancy. Pioneer species of Cerrado exhibited a greater dormancy percentage when comparing to climax, while this fact was not noticed in the forest, which resulted in an association between the ecological group of pioneer species from Cerrado and the dormancy process. These results show that dormancy may be related to more arid biomes and physical dormancy appears to be the most common type in these environments. Moreover, dormancy seems to be correlated with pioneer species of Cerrado, but not Forest

Dormancy in seeds of brazilian cerrado and dense Ombrophilous forest

The Cerrado and the Dense Ombrophilous Forest are important brazilian biomes that together cover more than half of the country's territory. They have a vast and rich plant diversity which often has a block in the germination process called dormancy. Dormancy can be defined as an obstruction in the germination of viable and intact seeds, even when all the favorable conditions are present. This work aimed to verify, through a literature survey, the occurrence of dormancy in seeds of plant species of the Brazilian Cerrado and Dense Ombrophilous Forest, comparing its occurrence between ecological groups of species, biomes and types of dormancy. The results showed that in Cerrado dormancy was observed in 56% of the species, whereas in Dense Ombrophilous Forest this number reduces to 42%. These data revealed an association between the presence of dormancy and the Cerrado. Also, in this biome, it was possible to verify a higher occurrence of physical dormancy in the seeds, with up to 63% of its dormant species presenting this type of dormancy. Pioneer species of Cerrado exhibited a greater dormancy percentage when comparing to climax, while this fact was not noticed in the forest, which resulted in an association between the ecological group of pioneer species from Cerrado and the dormancy process. These results show that dormancy may be related to more arid biomes and physical dormancy appears to be the most common type in these environments. Moreover, dormancy seems to be correlated with pioneer species of Cerrado, but not Forest

Landscape-driven effects on taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of vegetation developing on sand-gravel pits of early successional stages

Among the key drivers of the progressive transformation of biomes are mining activities, usually leading to the establishment of novel ecosystems, characterized by new species assemblages, combinations of habitats, and unprecedented functioning. It remains unknown how the composition of surrounding land cover may influence species composition, community assembly processes, and the phylogenetic relatedness structure of vegetation developing spontaneously on these de novo established biological systems. In this study, I investigated the influence of different landscape types in the proximity of 31 sand-gravel pits of pioneer successional stages on vegetation's taxonomical, functional, and phylogenetic diversity. Further, I accounted for the effects of the surrounding landscape on ten ecological groups of plant species, and biotic novelty indices as a supporting explanation of mechanisms shaping the species' co-occurrence patterns. I explored that plants' functional and phylogenetic diversity was higher in pits surrounded by riverine landscape, and lower if the contribution of settlements in the surrounding landscape was higher. Both landscape features promoted the occurrence of exotic species on sand-gravel pits, but only the settlements' proportion exerted a positive effect on biotic novelty indices. On the other hand, pits with a prevalence of forests in the surroundings were dominated by phylogenetically diverse, but functionally more homogenous native taxa, reflected, inter alia, in negative effects of forests on biotic novelty indices. Comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the surrounding landscape on different components of plant diversity may be used as a useful predictor in the exploration of successional trajectories, as well as a helpful tool in the formulation of strategies for mining-transformed ecosystems management.

Climate change drives substantial decline of understorey species richness and abundance in Norway spruce forests during 32 years of vegetation monitoring

AbstractQuestionsObservations in permanent forest vegetation plots in Norway and elsewhere indicate that complex changes have taken place over the period 1988–2020. These observations are summarised in the “climate‐induced understorey change (CIUC)” hypothesis, i.e. that the understorey vegetation of old‐growth boreal forests in Norway undergoes significant long‐term changes and that these changes are consistent with the ongoing climate change as an important driver. Seven testable predictions were derived from the CIUC hypothesis.LocationNorway.MethodsVegetation has been monitored in a total of 458 permanently marked plots, each 1 m2, in nine old‐growth forest sites dominated by Picea abies at intervals of 5–8 years over the 32‐year study period. For each of the 52 combinations of site and year, we obtained response variables for the abundance of single species, abundance and species density of taxonomic–ecological species groups and two size classes of cryptogams, and site species richness. All of these variables were subjected to linear regression modelling with site and year as predictors.ResultsMean annual temperature, growing‐season length and the number of days with precipitation were higher in the study period than in the preceding ca. 30‐year period, resulting in increasingly favourable conditions for bryophyte growth. Site species richness decreased by 13% over the 32‐year study period. On average, group abundance of vascular plants decreased by 24% (decrease in forbs: 38%). Patterns of group abundance change differed among cryptogam groups: although peat‐moss abundance increased by 39%, the abundance of mosses, hepatics and lichens decreased by 13%, 49% and 67%, respectively. Group abundance of small cryptogams decreased by 61%, whereas a 13% increase was found for large cryptogams. Of 61 single species tested for abundance change, a significant decrease was found for 43 species, whereas a significant increase was found only for 6 species.ConclusionsThe major patterns of change in species richness, group species density and group abundance observed over the 32‐year study period accord with most predictions from the CIUC hypothesis and are interpreted as direct and indirect responses to climate change, partly mediated through changes in the population dynamics of microtine rodents. The more favourable climate for bryophyte growth explains the observed increase for a few large bryophyte species, whereas the decrease observed for small mosses and hepatics is interpreted as an indirect amensalistic effect, brought about by shading and burial in mats of larger species and accelerated by reduced fine‐scale disturbance by microtine rodents. Indirect effects of a thicker moss mat most likely drive the vascular plant decline although long‐term effects of tree‐stand dynamics and former logging cannot be completely ruled out. Our results suggest that the ongoing climate change has extensive, cascading effects on boreal forest ecosystems. The importance of long time‐series of permanent vegetation plots for detecting and understanding the effects of climate change on boreal forests is emphasised.

Habitat heterogeneity determines species richness on small habitat islands in a fragmented landscape

AbstractAimThe small‐island effect (SIE), as an exception to the species–area relationship, has received much attention in true island systems. However, the prevalence and related patterns of the SIE have not been well evaluated in habitat island systems. Here, we aimed to identify the existence of SIE for habitat islands in fragmented landscapes and determine the key factors influencing species richness on small habitat islands.LocationInner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.TaxonVascular plants.MethodsBased on 78 grassland fragments in fragmented landscapes of the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China, we used piecewise regression, path analysis and null models to investigate the SIE of the species–area relationship. We then used a multi‐model selection to evaluate the impacts of four influencing factors (instability, isolation, habitat heterogeneity and surrounding productivity) on species richness (including habitat specialists and generalists) on small habitat islands within the range of SIE.ResultsWe found an obvious threshold of 5.1 ha in the species–area relationship, below which habitat island area had no direct and indirect effects on species richness. Small habitat islands (<5.1 ha) host a lower percentage of habitat specialists and a higher percentage of generalists. On small habitat islands, species richness was positively affected by habitat heterogeneity while negatively affected by instability and isolation. Habitat heterogeneity had the strongest effect on species richness, positively affecting specialist richness while negatively affecting generalist richness.Main ConclusionsThere is an SIE in fragmented landscapes of the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China, which should be considered in biodiversity conservation. Habitat heterogeneity had a key role in determining the pattern of species richness, especially for small islands. Habitat specialists and generalists had different SIE‐related patterns. Our study highlights the importance of considering different ecological groups of species to improve our understanding of the SIE in fragmented habitats.

Dynamics of the aboveground phytomass of the Ob floodplain meadows in the area of the Tomsk carbon polygon (Kaibasovo)

At the Kaibasovo site (Tomsk carbon polygon), during 2017-2021, studies of multi-year changes in the vegetation of the floodplain meadows of the Ob river were carried out on 4 permanent sample plots to determine the effect of weather conditions and floods on the formation of aboveground phytomass.
 The research area is located within the southern taiga subzone of the forest zone and belongs to the northern part of the Shegarsky section of the floodplain. Permanent sample plots were laid out on relief elements of different flooding conditions - high ridges, their slopes, and depressions. Grass, forb and sedge phytocenoses were studied. In the phase of maximum development of the herbage, geobotanical descriptions and sampling of aboveground phytomass (including litter and rags) were carried out. Descriptions were made on an area of 100 m2, the herbage was mowed from squares of 0.25 m2 four times. Under field conditions, the mowing was sorted by types, dried and weighed. The productivity of the herbage was determined by summing up the masses of particular types. Further, the average indicators of phytocenosis such as the composition of dominant species, the total number of species, the composition and ratio of various fractions (agrobiological and ecological groups) were determined in terms of 1 m2 of aboveground mass.
 Weather conditions and meadow flooding regime for the growing seasons of 2017-2021 were characterized on the basis of data from the Molchanovo meteorological station and the Nikolskoe gauging station. We took into account the average ten-day and monthly values of temperature and precipitation as well as HTC for the entire growing season. This provided the possibility to select wet and dry, warm and relatively cold seasons as a basis for analyzing the phytomass dynamics. Based on the results of a general evaluation of hydroclimatic conditions, 2017-2018 have been assessed as warm, humid, mid-water, 2019 - extremely dry and hot, when the floodplain was not flooded, 2020 - slightly dry mid-water, 2021 - cold and dry with a relatively high flood.
 It was found that the dynamics of the meadow vegetation of the Kaibasovskiy section of the Ob floodplain is determined by the influence of the weather conditions of the current and previous years, the nature of the flood, and characterized by changes in the above-ground mass, the ratio of dominant species, the composition of ecological and biological groups of species in the herbage.
 The change in the state of the cereal community, developed on a high ridge, was due to the dynamics of weather conditions. The range of productivity changes over the years was the smallest. This was due to the good adaptability of the phytocenosis provided by a variety of vegetatively mobile long-rhizome grasses from the ecological groups of xeromesophytes, mesophytes and eumesophytes. The state of the other three communities studied was determined not only by weather conditions, but also by a more important factor such as flooding of meadows during seasonal floods. Their productivity turned out to be generally higher and the range of fluctuations in the amount of aboveground phytomass over the years was wider (on average, twice).
 The study of the relationship between the productivity of the herbage and the destruction of the aboveground part of the mortmass and hydroclimatic conditions showed that at all altitudinal levels of the floodplain in arid conditions, there is a decrease in the mass of the herbage of meadows and the accumulation of dead plant residues. The aboveground phytomass of the communities of the upper and middle altitude levels increases with the increase in environmental humidity, while the total aboveground mass increases, but the proportion of dead plant matter decreases.
 The increase of aboveground phytomass of sedge phytocenoses of medium-low and low levels occurs in humid, warm, mid-water years, while an increase in the abundance of moisture-loving grasses and sedges in the herbage is observed. The accumulation of the amount of dead plant matter is also observed in years with prolonged stagnation of water. The decomposition of litter and rags is most active in humid and warm spring.

The arctic-alpine elements in the alpine flora of Altai

In continuation of A. I. Tolmachev’s ideas on the need for the special study of Arctic-alpine component in high-altitude floras, the group of Arctic-alpine species has been identified in the Altai high-altitude flora. By utilizing the methods of floristic analysis, the features of the taxonomic composition of the Arctic-alpine species group, the proportion of the ecological groups of species in relation to humidity and the nature of substrate, the role of climatic and choro-logical groups of species in the formation of the complex of the Arctic-alpine species have been shown. For the first time, the comparative analysis of the Arctic-alpine species groups in high-altitude and arctic floras was performed with the use of the Jaccard similarity coefficient and measures of inclusion. The main stages of the Arctic-alpine groups’ formation in various Siberian floras have been revealed. It is expected that the formation of the core of the complex of arctic high-alti-tude species, in Siberia, took place at the end of the Pleistocene - beginning of the Holocene. Subsequent recruitment of the Arctic-alpine species group was occurring in the hypoarctic floras in northeastern Siberia due to climate change in the Holocene. The distribution features of the Arctic-alpine species from Southern Siberia to the mountain systems of Mongolia have been shown. 3 groups of botanical and geographical regions of Mongolia have been designated according to the representativity of Arctic-alpine species, the sources and ways of Arctic-alpine species’ distribution in Mongolia have been shown.

Beyond topo-climatic predictors: Does habitats distribution and remote sensing information improve predictions of species distribution models?

Species Distribution Models (SDM) represent a powerful tool to predict species’ habitat suitability on a landscape and fill the gap between truncated observation data and all possible locations. SDMs have been widely used in theoretical studies of species niches as well as in conservation applications. Here, we evaluated the impacts of predictors’ type on models’ performances and spatial predictions using 72 plant species belonging to six ecological groups at a regional scale in the area of Geneva (Switzerland). Twelve models were created using various combinations of high-resolution (25 m) explanatory variables including topography, pedology, climate, habitats and remote sensing data. Models integrating a combination of habitats and topopedo-climatic predictors had significantly higher performances, while remote sensing predictors showed low performances. Our results suggest that the number and the level of details of habitat predictors (broad or very precise) do not fundamentally affect prediction maps. However, selecting too few, overly simplified or exceedingly complex habitat predictors tend to lower models’ performances. The use of eight habitat categories complemented with eight topopedo-climatic predictors produced models with the highest performances. Ecological groups of species responded differently to models and while alpine and ruderal species have greater average performances due to a high affinity with topopedo-climatic predictors, wetlands’ species were less performant on average. These results underline the necessity of developing or having access to habitats distribution data especially in a conservation context. • Models with biotic and topo-climatic predictors show the highest performances. • Habitat predictors characteristics have little impact on prediction maps. • When used raw, NDVI and NDWI do not replace biotic information. • Ecological groups of species responded differently to models. • The creation of LULC maps ensure better conservation practices.

Landscape Changes and Optimization in an Ecological Red Line Area: A Case Study in the Upper Reaches of the Ganjiang River.

The key to optimizing ecological management is to study the spatial configuration of the landscape and the dynamic changes and their driving mechanisms at the landscape scale. The ecological red line area in the hilly area of the upper reaches of the Ganjiang River was chosen as the research area in this study. Based on the theory of landscape ecology and the evolution of biological communities, a multiscale coupling model was adopted and combined with remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) technologies to systematically study the evolution of key landscape ecosystems such as forests, patch characteristics, and changes in diversity. The study revealed that: (1) forests represented the largest proportion in the study area, followed by croplands and grasslands; (2) the biological community tended to progress toward climax between 1986 and 1995, but then it moved toward regressive successions between 1995 and 2005 before recovering; (3) the study area was characterized by a high proportion of dominant ecosystems, most of which were at their climax with stable ecological species groups, and which were connected by ecological corridors; and (4) during the period from 1995 to 2010, most landscapes showed a trend of fragmentation. However, during the period from 2010 to 2018, the forest patches were gradually connected. The proportion of dominant landscapes increased, and the landscape uniformity was reduced. Based on the findings, we proposed an ecosystem management strategy that includes strengthening crop management, focusing on the natural restoration of the ecosystems and the cultivation of large patches, exploring disturbances due to mining activities, and applying methods to mitigate damage to and optimize the ecosystem.

Сайрам-Өгем МҰТП-нің көктемгі Жартылай қаттықанаттылары (Heteroptera)

The article presents the results of the author’s research conducted in April 2022 in the Sairam- Ugam State National Natural Park, the Sairamsu tract. They live in various biotopes and play an important role in biological processes in the biogeocenosis. As a result of the research, 11 species belonging to 7 families from the order of hemiptera were identified. According to their proximity to habitats, hemiptera of the studied zone are divided into coastal (2 species), hortobionts (2 species), herpeto-hortobionts (3 species), herpetobionts (2 species), dendro-hortobiont (1 species), dendro-thamnobiont (1 species). Hemiptera in the study area are divided into the following ecological groups of species according to ecological features: hygrophiles (2 species), mesophiles (8 species) and meso-xerophiles (1 species). According to trophic connections, these species are herbivores and predators. Herbivorous species are divided into broad oligophytophages (2 species), polyphytophages (5 species). The remaining 3 species are zoophages, 1 species is a zoophytophagus. According to the number of generations per year, spring species of hemiptera of the Sairam-Ugam GNPP can be divided into several groups: 1) monovoltine (7 species), 2) bivoltine (3 species), 3) having 2-3 generations per year (1 species). Hemiptera belong to insects with incomplete transformation and undergo the following stages of development – egg, larva and imago (Figure 2). They are characterized by wintering at different stages of development. The hemiptera of the studied region, wintering in the imago stage, consists of 10 species from 10 families, 1 species overwinters in the imago stage and larvae.

The biodiversity of birch stands in agricultural landscapes of Estonia is associated with past land use, restoration approach, site and landscape variables

AbstractQuestionsAbandonment of agricultural land followed by tree planting or natural regeneration has increased forest area in Europe. We asked how restoration approach, past land use, site and landscape variables affected the richness and composition of vascular plants (field and shrub layers), bryophytes and lichens in middle‐aged forests.LocationThirty‐three birch stands in Estonia.MethodsData were collected from stands on former agricultural land that originated from plantations (PL‐A) or natural regeneration (NR‐A), and for reference, from native forest land (NR‐F). In every stand a 10 m × 10 m survey plot was established. Generalised Linear Mixed Models were used to test the effect of restoration approach, past land use, soil, light, stand and landscape variables on species richness estimates. Compositional patterns were analysed using Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling, permutational multivariate analysis of variance and indicator species analysis.ResultsAltogether 215 vascular plant, 70 bryophyte and 63 lichen species were found. The effects of restoration approach, past land use, and site and landscape variables on the species richness varied depending on the taxonomic and ecological groups of species. The richness of shrubs and bryophytes was higher in NR‐A than in PL‐A, and both variables were also related to soil properties. The richness of the field layer was related to past land use because previous croplands hosted fewer forest species than previous grasslands and stands on forest land. Higher current forest cover around the studied stands increased the richness of lichens, which were also affected by light and soil conditions. Species composition differed among the three stand types; however, the previous land use (agriculture vs forest) had a stronger effect than the restoration approach.ConclusionsAlthough natural forest regeneration promoted biodiversity the most, plantations also supported the recovery of biodiversity at abandoned agricultural sites. Therefore, on a regional scale both restoration approaches are recommended.

The red blood cells cytometric characteristics of young fresh-water fish of various families

The morphometric indices of red blood cells of young fish of various species inhabiting coastal zones of the water bodies were studied. The subjects of the research were the fish of four families: Carp (Alburnus alburnus, Carassius gibelio, Rhodeus amarus, Abramis brama, Rutilus rutilus), Needles (Syngnathus abaster nigro lineatus), Centrarchidae (Lepomis gibbosus), Loaches (Cobitis taenia taenia), Gobies (Neogobius fluviatilis). The hydroecological conditions were characterized by an intense oxygen regime, high content of phosphates, and heavy metals (zinc). The fish peripheral blood was taken from the tail vein; smears were made according to the classical Romanowsky-Giemsa method. Our research showed that the red blood cells of young fish belonging to the ecological group of inactive and unpretentious species (Neogobius fluviatilis, Carassius gibelio) had the largest cross-sectional area and a high index of nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. The indicators of erythrocyte eccentricity were the highest in the active fish with high energy costs (Alburnus alburnus, Lepomis gibbosus). The largest number of erythrocytes with pathological events (cytolysis, karyolysis, pyknosis, poikilocytosis) was observed in the young Alburnus alburnus (14%), and the smallest one in Rhodeus amarus and Lepomis gibbosus (2–4%). In the individuals of Syngnathus abaster nigro lineatus affected by parasitic nematodes of the genus Ascaris, the number of erythrocytes with pathologies increased to 81%. Under the toxic load, destabilization of the fish circulatory system begins with the appearance of the young forms of erythrocytes as compensation for depleted mature erythrocytes and ends with the mass destruction of mature erythrocytes. Given these patterns, as well as the relatively low number of young ballast forms of erythrocytes and mature erythrocytes with pathological features, we can assume that the state of the red blood cells in the studied young fishes meets the conditional norm, with the exception of the blood of Syngnathus abaster nigro lineatus infected with parasites. In our opinion, the main characteristics of the fish red blood that reflect the fishes’ adaptive capacities are as follows: eccentricity ratio of erythrocytes, the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, ratio of the young ballast forms of erythrocytes, and the relative number of erythrocytes with pathology.

Ecological indicators of passive restoration in South Brazil's Atlantic Forest areas with former Pinus taeda L. plantations

The use of suitable ecological indicators for assessing and monitoring passive restoration is essential to understand the dynamics of natural regeneration and the restoration course. However, most developed restoration protocols in Brazil are specifically intended for monitoring active restoration. Only a few studies are addressing ecological indicators for passive restoration. In this context, we tested indicators defined by a monitoring protocol (SMA Resolution 32/2014) formulated for active restoration, along with other indicators of richness, diversity, and functional aspects of natural regeneration. The evaluations took place in sites under passive restoration in different age classes (between three and twelve years old) and in a secondary riparian forest (reference ecosystem) inside the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (Araucaria Forest) in South Brazil. Those sites had previously been covered and degraded by Pinus taeda L. plantations. We compared the evaluated sites with the intermediate and final reference values proposed by the protocol to define the suitability of the tested indicators and the forest restoration process. Results showed that the canopy cover, density, and richness of regenerants are suitable to evaluate areas under passive restoration with a history of degradation by forestry. However, it is necessary to adapt the protocol's reference values. We further suggest the inclusion of other indicators related to the ecosystem's structure and functionality as the herbaceous cover, dispersion syndrome, life form, and the ecological group of species, as well the definition of indicator species for the different restoration levels. Despite the low similarity in composition, structure, and functional aspects with the reference ecosystem, the passive restoration showed potential to perpetuate the successional course in the studied areas.

Medieval fish remains on the Newport ship identified by ZooMS collagen peptide mass fingerprinting

Fish represent a key economic, social and ecological group of species that humans have exploited for tens of thousands of years. However, as many fish stocks are going into decline and with little known about the anthropogenic impacts on the health of the marine ecosystem pre-Industrial Revolution, understanding historical and archaeological exploitation of fish species is key to accurately modelling these changes. Here, we explore the potential of collagen peptide mass fingerprinting (also known as Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry, or ZooMS) for identifying fish remains from the Medieval (fifteenth century) Newport ship wreck (Wales, UK), and in doing so we establish a set of biomarkers we consider useful in discriminating between European fish taxa through the inclusion of over 50 reference taxa. The archaeological results identified nine distinct taxonomic groups, dominated by ling (> 40%), and a substantial amount of cod (> 20%) and hake (~ 20%). The vast majority of samples (> 70%) were identified to species level, and the inability to identify the remaining taxonomic groups with confidence using ZooMS was due to the fact that the reference collection, despite being relatively large in comparison to those presented in mammalian studies, reflects only a small proportion of fish biodiversity from this region. Although the results clearly demonstrate the potential for ZooMS as a means of fish bone identification, the sheer number of different fish species that potentially make up ichthyoarchaeological assemblages leads to obvious requirements for the analysis on much greater numbers of modern reference specimens, or the acquisition of collagen sequences.

МАТЕРИАЛЫ К ФАУНЕ НАЗЕМНЫХ ПОЛУЖЕСТКОКРЫЛЫХ (HETEROPTERA, LYGAEIDAE) ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНОГО КАЗАХСТАНА

The article presents the results o field research in 2019-2020 in South-Eastern Kazakhstan. Objective: To study the fauna, biology, ecology and distribution of terrestrial hemiptera in the territory of South-Eastern Kazakhstan. Therefore, on the basis of our own research, an inventory and a comprehensive analysis of the fauna of terrestrial hemiptera were carried out and an annotated list was compiled. As a result of the conducted research, 59 species of terrestrial hemiptera from 36 genera were identified. Among them, the following genera are distinguished by species diversity: Nysius (7 species), Cymus, Geocoris (4 species each), Spilostethus, Oxycarenus (3 species each), and in the remaining 31 genera, 1-2 species are known. Hemiptera are characterized by wintering at different stages of development. Hemiptera wintering in the imago stage is 49 species, in the egg stage 6 species overwinter, in the imago and larval stages 4 species overwinter. According to the number of generations per year, all species of terrestrial hemiptera of South-Eastern Kazakhstan can be divided into several groups: 1) monovoltine (49 species), 2) bivoltine (9 species), 3) polyvoltine (1 species). Different species of hemiptera have different requirements for the degree of moisture content of the habitat. On this basis, the following ecological groups of species are distinguished: xerophiles (2 species), meso-xerophiles (31 species), mesophiles (26 species). According to their location, the terrestrial hemiptera of South-Eastern Kazakhstan are divided into several groups: dendrobionts (7 species), dendromnobionts (1 species), hortobionts (26 species), herpetobionts (18 species), and herpetobionts (7 species). According to food connections, zoophages and phytophages are distinguished among ground bugs. Zoophages include 4 species, the rest are phytophages. Phytophages are divided into 4 groups according to the breadth of specialization: a) polyphages (35 species), b) broad oligophages (6 species), c) narrow oligophages (10 species), d) monophages (4 species). Nysius pilosulus Horvath, 1904 was recorded for the first time in Kazakhstan.