Main Biotopes Research Articles

The influence of the coronavirus disease transmitted during pregnancy on the course of gestation and changes in the main biotopes of a woman’s organism

The article presents literature data on the peculiarities of the pregnancy course and changes in the main biotopes in women who suffered from COVID-19 in different periods of gestation. Certain regularities regarding the association of perinatal complications with the severity of the disease, the presence of somatic and gynecological pathology in these pregnant women, in particular, obesity and chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, were observed.According to research conducted on the basis of the department of pathology of pregnancy and childbirth of the State Institution «Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology named after academician O. M. Lukyanova of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine», the risk group of a severe course of the coronavirus disease includes all the same factors as for any other diseases, not related to pregnancy: age over 35 years; the presence of concomitant pathology (diabetes, obesity, hypertension), work, lifestyle or housing conditions that increase the risk of infection. More frequent manifestations of obstetric pathology were found in older women and primipara women.Complicated obstetric anamnesis, namely, medical abortions and miscarriages, cervical pathology, previous inflammatory diseases, especially of the genital organs, are considered to be risk factors. The course of pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by such complications as the threat of early miscarriage; anemia; combination of placental dysfunction, polyhydramnios and fetal distress; anomalies uterine activity, which increases the frequency of pathological childbirth in this contingent of women and requires repeated hospitalization during pregnancy.A review of scientific publications in recent years demonstrates the significant impact of COVID-19 on the composition of biotopes of the human organism. There are convincing data on the close relationship between the infection of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and the infection of the lungs with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Lung hypoxia, typical for this infection, causes the growth of anaerobes and facultative anaerobes, which are part of the mentioned microbiomes during a person’s life. A significant number of observations have found the correlation of changes in the microbiocenosis of the respiratory tract and intestines in patients with SARS-CoV-2 and convalescents. At the same time, there is also a disorder in the vaginal microbiocenosis after the coronavirus disease, especially during pregnancy. A conclusion was made regarding the correlation between the severity of COVID-19 course and the number of lactobacilli in the vaginal biotope: the more severe course, the worse of the microflora composition. The gestation period is more often complicated by the threat of early pregnancy loss, placental dysfunction, polyhydramnios, fetal distress, and the threat of premature birth in those women who suffered a coronavirus infection in the I trimester. A large rate of polyhydramnios in most cases indicates the risk of intrauterine infection, so such women should be carefully monitored both for the impact of COVID-19 and for the activation of latent infections in the background of reduced immunity and, first of all, violations of the vaginal biotope. At the same time, a high frequency of obesity was found among these women, which worsens the course of infectious processes and the condition of the main biotopes.Therefore, for this contingent of women, the issue of timely detection and correction of violations of the genital tract microbiocenosis as a prevention of perinatal and obstetric complications becomes relevant. In order to avoid the negative impact of changes in the vaginal microbiocenosis on the condition of a woman and her child in the future, modern universal and safe preparations during pregnancy and lactation should be used for local treatment and strengthening of regenerative processes, which do not contain an antibacterial component, do not cause antibiotic resistance and are effective, available and convenient to use. The clinical experience of recent years allows to recommend for wide use in obstetrics and gynecology the complex safe and effective local preparations, which include chlorhexidine, chlorophyllipt and preparations with hyaluronic acid and plant extracts.

Gustera Blicca bjoerkna (Linnaeus, 1758) of small reservoirs of Central Russia

The question of the fishery significance of the gustera inhabiting the reservoirs of the Smolensk, Moscow, Ryazan and Kursk regions is considered. The occurrence of gustera in the catches of fixed nets with a mesh pitch of 30–50 mm is shown on the example of small reservoirs in Central Russia. Its share in net catches directly depends on the thermal regime of reservoirs and increases in the direction from north to south, from the Moskvoretsko-Vazuzskaya group of reservoirs to the reservoirs of the Kursk region. The greatest importance of the cluster is in the structure of ichthyocenoses of cooling reservoirs of nuclear power plants and GRES. Depending on the morphological features of reservoirs, the main biotopes of the gustera are the sublittoral zone and the flooded floodplain in the depth range from 2 to 8 m. Using the example of the Mozhaisk reservoir, it is shown that the share of gust in the structure of the fish part of the community has not changed significantly over the fifty-year period of its existence due to the relative stability of the ecosystem of this reservoir and operation in the mode of a drinking reservoir. The highest indicators of the weight growth of gust are characteristic of cooling reservoirs of nuclear power plants and GRES, as well as Kursk reservoirs. Significantly inferior to them is the gaster from the colder-water Vazuz and Moskvoretsky reservoirs. The onset of puberty in the gustera inhabiting the reservoirs of Central Russia, as well as growth, is closely interrelated with the thermal regime of these reservoirs and the duration of the feeding period. In the absence of industrial fishing and a low degree of development of the reserves of gustera by amateur fishermen, in most reservoirs of the group under consideration, a high biomass of this species is observed in the range from 25 to 116 kg/ha. When highly productive benthic fish are introduced, gustera will be their competitor in nutrition and significantly reduce the efficiency of reservoir stocking. It is recommended to suppress the number of gustera by intensifying amateur fishing and mass stocking of reservoirs with predatory fish species.

Наблюдения за животными с помощью фотоловушек (на примере заповедника «Вишерский»)

In 2016-2020 in the FSBI «State Reserve «Vishersky» (Perm Territory, Russia), observations of game animals were carried out, including the brown bear – Ursus arctos, the elk - Alces alces, the wild reindeer – Rangifer tarandus using camera traps. Camera traps of following models were user Keep Guard CK 076 HD Boskon Guard BG 520 Suntek (Owl 120), Scoutguard SG 562-BW (Boly Guard), Scoutguard SG - 2060-k, Bushnell Natureview Cam HD Essential mainly on animal paths. The total number of camera s was 4097 traps/day. On the basis of the results of remote sensing, the indices of the abundance of species were calculated, the seasonal and daily activity of animals was assessed, and the features of their behavior were revealed. According to the camera traps, the population density of brown bear does not correspond to the indicator for the optimal habitats of this species [8]. The western slope of the North Ural taiga in general and for the Upper Visher population of brown bears in particular such low this density is probably optimal. In total, 227 photolocations were obtained, of which 11 species of mammals and 2 spesies of grouse birds were recorded. The most frequently recorded species is the elk. It has been confirmed that with the formation of a deep snow cover, it leaves the protected area, whist was noted in the second half of the 19 th century [5]. Information on the age and sex composition of the moose group was obtained. The sex ratio was 1.8 in favor of males. Brown bear and elk are most active during daylight hours. To determine the indicator of the abundance of animal throughout the reserve additional data from camera traps installed in the main biotopes of the protected area required. At the same time, a network of camera traps is desirable following the example of the Central Forest Reserve [6] of the Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve and the Land of the Leopard National Park [11] with a network size of 5x5 km, where at least one observation point should be located.

The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the kidneys and heart of mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp.

BackgroundAcanthamoeba spp. are cosmopolitan protozoans that cause infections in the brain, as well as extracerebral infections in the cornea, lungs and skin. Little is known about the mechanisms of the immunological response to these parasites in organs which are not their main biotope. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the kidneys and heart of Acanthamoeba spp.-infected mice, with respect to the host’s immunological status.MethodsThe mice were grouped into four groups: immunocompetent control mice; immunosuppressed control mice; immunocompetent Acanthamoeba spp.-infected mice; and immunosuppressed Acanthamoeba spp. infected mice. In the study, we used the amoebae T16 genotype which was isolated from a patient. The TLRs expressions in the kidneys and heart of mice were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, we visualized TLR2 and TLR4 proteins in the organs by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsIn the kidneys, we observed a higher TLR2 expression in immunosuppressed mice at 24 days post-Acanthamoeba spp. infection (dpi) compared to the uninfected mice. There were no statistically significant differences in TLR4 expression in the kidneys between the immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice, both of infected and uninfected mice. In the heart, we observed a difference in TLR2 expression in immunocompetent mice at 24 dpi compared to immunocompetent mice at 8 dpi. The immunocompetent Acanthamoeba spp.-infected mice had higher TLR4 expression at 8 dpi compared to the immunocompetent uninfected mice.ConclusionsOur results indicate that TLR2 is involved in response to Acanthamoeba spp. infection in the kidneys, whereas in the heart, both studied TLRs are involved.

SEASONAL VARIATION OF SPIDER SPECIES COMPOSITION IN VOLGOGRAD AGGLOMERATION

The article addresses changes in the species composition of spiders during the warm season. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the spider community were analyzed during the most important periods of their activity in the main biotopes of the Volgograd agglomeration. The Cluster Analysis application, based on the Jaccard index, was used. The material was collected using 10 mm Barber soil traps with a fixing liquid (6% acetic acid solution). In total, 235 species of spiders belonging to 26 families were identified, including 195 species belonging to 23 families on the territory of Volgograd. Notably, 155 species were new to the fauna of the Volgograd region. Species Trichoncus villius Tanasevitch et Piterkina was found in the Russian Federation for the first time. The species composition was analyzed during critical periods of spider life: the end of winter diapause, the time before the summer diapause, the termination of summer diapause, and the period of before winter the diapause. In each case a set of traps were exposed for seven days. The spring period was characterized by the maximum number of species, and the maximum similarity in species composition was observed between the moment when spiders leave the winter diapause and the period before the summer diapause. During the warm season, the species composition changed almost completely twice: before the end of the summer diapause and at the end of the warm season, approaching the spring values. These changes were significantly less relevant to near-water biotopes, where environmental conditions were more stable compared to the other studied biotopes.

Biotopic Associations of the Larvae of the Hoverfly Tribe Xylotini (Diptera, Syrphidae: Eristalinae) with Xylobiont Insects

The ecology of the larvae of flower flies of the tribe Xylotini inhabiting wood substrates is considered. Data on the larval ecology of Chalcosyrphus carbonus Viol. and Ch. femoratus (L.) are given for the first time, and new data are added for 14 more species. Associations with co-occurring xylobiont insects are discovered for the first time. The main and additional biotopes inhabited by Syrphidae larvae are described.

Role of ports and shipping in the transformation of marine ecosystems

All marine ports (MP) are specific ecosystems, comprising diverse combinations of natural and artificial components. Three more or less autonomous subsystems are distinguished in MPs: pelagial, periphytal and benthal, with the pelagial uniting them into a single port ecosystem. In spite of the individual differences among MPs, all of them are constructed and function in conditions of reduced hydrodynamics and water exchange. Furthermore, owing to the artificial increase in depths, the possibility for vertical stratification of water masses and stable picnocline formation appear in MPs. In MPs ecosystems, the presence of numerous permanent (hydrotechnical structures) and temporary, mobile (ships’ hulls, various garbage) hard substrata increases biological production. Various types of suspend material, organic matter and biogenic elements accumulate in MPs aquatories because of the reduced general hydrodynamics. In MPs the lateral surfaces of hydrotechnical structures function as artificial reefs and resemble, in many respects, a vertically placed bottom. In MPs ecosystems is observed the connection between the main biotopes and different types of water masses movement. From time to time, the rise up of hydrogen sulphide in enclosed MPs aquatories significantly reduces the water volume suitable for the survival of plankton, nekton and periphyton. Marine ports ecosystems, construction and exploitation of shipping ways connecting various basins and transfer of hydrobionts on ships’ external parts and in ballast tanks have the most influence on the variability of the local marine biota. Owing to the presence of numerous artificial hard substrata, marine ports provide shelter for numerous native species and are a source of larvae for adjacent aquatories. The exchange of species between fouling of ships’ hulls and hydrotechnical structures takes place in marine ports. Many alien species initially settle in aquatories of marine ports and in neighbouring ecosystems.

Methodology of Species Diversity Indicators and Terrestrial Vertebrate Numbers Assessment from the Example of the Zone Affected by the Planned Nizhnezeisk Water Reservoir

Comparative assessment of the importance of nature conservation in different shoreline areas has become a relevant task as the strategy of sparing management of natural resources is developed for areas impacted by existing and planned water reservoirs. Integral biodiversity indices that characterize species diversity along with abundance parameters for every animal species sighted were developed for the area that would be influenced by the Lower Zeya Hydropower System (currently at the planning stage). The present article includes lists of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians seen in the area, grading scales for the abundance of species and ecological groups of terrestrial vertebrates, a list of the main biotopes, zoning principles for the areas influenced by the reservoir, formulas for calculating the integral parameters of species diversity and ani-mal abundance, and schematic maps of the spatial distribution of the values of integral indices of richness and nature protection significance of the animal populations. Specific recommendations for strengthening the network of Special Protected Natural Areas are given. This study allows for the conclusion that construction of the Lower Zeya hydropower plant will be associated with a high risk of negative consequences for biodiversity and ecological stability on both the local and regional levels.

TAXONOMIC CONTENT AND MICROECOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF MICROIBOTA FROM THE DENTAL ROOT CANAL CONTENT IN CASE OF CHRONIC GRANULATING PERIODONTITIS

The study deals with the detection of taxonomic and microecological parameters of the “macroorganism-microbiom” ecosystem of microbiota from the dental root canal content of 21 patients suffering from chronic granulating periodontitis. Objective – to determine taxonomic content and microecological parameters of microbiota from the dental root canal content in case of chronic granulating periodontitis of the upper and lower jaws. Materials and methods. The content of dental canals of 21 patients suffering from chronic granulating periodontitis was examined microbiologically. Taxon domination was determined on the basis of values of constancy index, frequency index, Margalef species richness index and Whittacker diversity index, and the rate of taxon domination – by the indices of Simpson diversity and Berger-Parker dominance. Results. Under conditions of chronic granulating periodontitis S. salivarius and yeast cells, autochtonous for the oral cavity, are found in the content of the dental root canals in 23,81 % and 19,05 % of the examined patients respectively. At the same time, bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Prevotella are found only in 9,52 % of patients suffering from chronic granulating periodontitis. According to constancy index, frequency index, Margalef species richness index, Whittacker diversity index, the indices of Simpson diversity and Berger-Parker dominance the main biotope microbiota from the content of the dental root canals in patients with chronic granulating periodontitis is presented by opportunistic S. anginosus, and additional microflora – by opportunistic S. haemolyticus, Р. aeruginosa. At the same time S. sanguis, S. pyogenes, S. mitis, S. faecalis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Е. сoli, N. lactamica and С. albicans are iften found in the biotope.Conclusions. Under conditions of chronic granulating periodontitis contamination of the content of the dental root canals by opportunistic bacteria was found to be the following: S. anginosus (in 52,38 % of patients), S. haemolyticus (23,81 %), S. mitis (19,05 %), Е. сoli (19,05 %), and S. pyogenes, S. faecalis, S. aureus, K. pneumonia, Р. aeruginosa, С. albicans (from 23,81 % to 9,52 % of patients).

Methodology of Generalized Assessment of Species Diversity Indicators and Terrestrial Vertebrate Numbers from the Example of the Zone Affected by the Planned Nizhnezeisk Water Reservoir

Comparative assessment of the importance of nature conservation in different shoreline areas has become a relevant task as the strategy of sparing management of natural resources is developed for areas impacted by existing and planned water reservoirs. Integral biodiversity indices that characterize species diversity along with abundance parameters for every animal species sighted were developed for the area that would be influenced by the Lower Zeya Hydropower System (currently at the planning stage). The present article includes lists of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians seen in the area, grading scales for the abundance of species and ecological groups of terrestrial vertebrates, a list of the main biotopes, zoning principles for the areas influenced by the reservoir, formulas for calculating the integral parameters of species diversity and animal abundance, and schematic maps of the spatial distribution of the values of integral indices of richness and nature protection significance of the animal populations. Specific recommendations for strengthening the network of Special Protected Natural Areas are given. This study allows for the conclusion that construction of the Lower Zeya hydropower plant will be associated with a high risk of negative consequences for biodiversity and ecological stability on both the local and regional levels.

THE ROLE OF DISORDERS OF THE OROPHARYNX AND INTESTINE MICROBIOCENOSIS IN THE FORMATION OF SOMATIC PATHOLOGY IN CHILDREN WITH MIXED MYCOPLASMAL AND HERPESVIRUS INFECTION

The results are presented of a comprehensive study in 108 children aged 6 months up to 12 years, suffering various variants of mycoplasmal and herpesvirus infections (HVI): in mono and mixed combinations. The aim of the study was a comparative assessment of the state of the microbiota of the two main biotopes, the oropharynx and the intestine, depending on the variant of mycoplasmosis and HVI flow.A correlation was established between the depth of dysbiosis of these biotopes, the variant of the course of mycoplasmosis and HVI, and cardiovascular disorders. Immunological criteria for the formation of post-inflammatory fibrosis of blood vessels and heart valves against the background of vasculitis in mycoplasmal-herpesvirus infection have been determined.

Habitat Associations of the Larvae of the Genus Sphegina Meigen, 1822 (Diptera, Syrphidae) with Xylobiont Insects

The paper presents the first data on the life histories of the larvae of five species of the genus Sphegina Meigen, 1822 (Diptera, Syrphidae) and their habitat associations with other xylobiont larvae of ambrosia insects: xylomycetophagous bark beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae), flies of the families Axymyiidae and Syrphidae (Diptera), and other insects. The biotopes of Sphegina larvae are divided into two types: the main biotope where larval development takes place and the additional biotope where pupation occurs.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЯ ОБОБЩЕННОЙ ОЦЕНКИ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ВИДОВОГО РАЗНООБРАЗИЯ И ЧИСЛЕННОСТИ НАЗЕМНЫХ ПОЗВОНОЧНЫХ НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЗОНЫ ВЛИЯНИЯ ПРОЕКТИРУЕМОГО НИЖНЕЗЕЙСКОГО ВОДОХРАНИЛИЩА

Problems of comparative estimation of the nature-conservation importance of various littoral zones arise when a strategy of gentle nature management in the areas of influence of both present and planned reservoirs is developed. Integral biodiversity indices to consider both the specific richness and the abundance indices of every recorded animal species were developed for the area of expected influence of the projected Lower Zeya Hydroscheme. The paper shows lists of the recorded mammals, reptiles and amphibians; score gradations of the abundance of separate species and ecological groups of terrestrial vertebrates; a list of main biotopes; zoning principles for the areas influenced by the reservoir; formulae to evaluate the integral indices of specific diversity and the abundance of animals; and schematic maps of the spatial distribution of the values of the integral indices of richness and conservative importance of the animal population. Specific recommendations for strengthening the Special Protected Natural Areas system are given. It is concluded that the building of the Lower Zeya hydropower plant will cause a high risk of losses in the biodiversity and ecological stability at the regional level as well as at the local one.

Population of birds of the main forest biotopes in the Southern Sikhote-Alin

The highest species diversity (61 nesting species) and bird population density (444 pair/km2) among 6 main forest biotopes of the Southern Sikhote-Alin are found in lowland deciduous forests; the lowest are found in oak forests (32 species and 137 pair/km2, respectively). The most similar forests in species composition of nesting birds are the Manchurian fir forest and the Korean pine forest (97% of species in common).

Overview of Biotope Types of Socotra Island

Abstract The study describes main biotopes of Socotra Island. The biotopes were distinguished and described during complex field observations on more than 250 localities of Socotra between years 1999-2004. Classification of biotopes is based on differences in physiognomy, structure and species composition of the vegetation component of present biocoenoses. Groups of biotope types differ, above all, in the physiognomy and structure of vegetation. Biotope types are divided according to composition of dominant species. In this manner, 13 groups of biotopes and 39 biotope types were distinguished and described

Marine benthic cartography of the Cap de Creus (NE Catalan Coast, Mediterranean Sea)

The marine benthic cartography of the Cap de Creus and surrounding areas (NW Mediterranean Sea) was obtained by combining classical grabbing methods with more recent imaging methods based on a remotely operated vehicle. The goals of this particular survey can be summarized as follows: 1) to chart the benthic communities (and the area of each one); 2) to evaluate the benthic diversity of the areas; 3) to produce visual documentation of the distributions of the benthic organisms; 4) to identify human-induced pressures on the benthic environment; 5) to make recommendations for future management based on the visual assessment; and 6) to set up a new methodology for making large biocenosis maps that would help to manage marine protected and non-protected areas. The marine environment off the Alt Emporda County was shown to have a very rich diversity of benthic habitats. Twenty community categories were identified from videos and grabs. Though benthic habitats mostly located inside a marine protected area were assessed, man-made objects were seen in 10% of the analyzed minutes filmed. The study led to a comprehensive review of the main biotope systems of this coastal area, as well as their environmental condition, and this will be an essential element for their future management.

Analysis of the local ant fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Southern Vietnam

The ant fauna of Nam Cat Tien in the southern part of the Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve (Dong Nai Prov., Southern Vietnam) was studied in 2007–2008. The zonal type of vegetation under study is closed deciduous tropical forests dominated by Lagerstroemia spp. in association with Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae. The local ant fauna comprises 272 species from 68 genera and 12 subfamilies. The maximum number of species was found in the genera Polyrhachis (31), Camponotus (21), Pheidole (21), Leptogenys (17), and Crematogaster (13). Seven ant genera (Echinopla F. Sm., Indomyrma Brown, Liomyrmex Mayr, Paratopula Wheeler, Proatta For., Protanilla Taylor, and Rotastruma Bolton) are reported from Vietnam for the first time. The ecological pattern of the ant fauna in the main forest biotopes of the study area is considered. In the dipterocarp forests in the central part of the reserve, the complex of stratobiont species was the most diverse. In the bamboo forests, the stratobiont complex is less diverse but the fraction of dendrobionts is greater. The forests with similar layer structure occurring on sand and loamy soils were shown to differ in the species composition of ant assemblages. Repeated population inventories of ants were carried out in 8 model plots of 100 m2 each during the dry and rainy season. The specificity of revealing species of different biomorphs is discussed in the seasonal aspect. The structure of the ant fauna of Nam Cat Tien is compared to that in other territories of the Oriental Region. The zoogeographic unity of the study area and some localities of the Indo-Malayan Subregion (Borneo, Java) is demonstrated.

Benthic habitat mapping: Concerns using a combined approach (acoustic, sediment and biological data)

Near-shore benthic biotopes, in the 2–30 m depth range, were analyzed and mapped using a combination of biological, sedimentary and acoustic data to interrogate the utility of these methods. The surveyed area covered approximately 270 km 2, along 80 km of the Southeast coast of Portugal. The acoustic data were acquired with a single beam ground discrimination system (QTC VIEW, Series V), connected to a dual frequency echo sounder (50 and 200 kHz). Sediment grain size and macrofaunal community data were obtained by grab sampling at 88 sites. The sedimentary and the biological data were subjected to classification and ordination analysis and the acoustic data obtained with the two frequencies were analyzed individually with the QTC IMPACT (v3.4) software and classified into acoustic classes. The affinity groups obtained with the three datasets were mapped using a Geographic Information System. The study area showed an inshore-offshore pattern with sands ranging from very fine to very coarse, revealing a sediment distribution in the near-shore shelf comprised by two main areas; a very fine/fine sand area up to 7–10 m depth and a very coarse/coarse sand area offshore. In turn, the biological data also showed an inshore-offshore pattern, identifying two main biological assemblages: fine/very fine sand and coarse/very coarse sand communities. Furthermore, the biological pattern clearly reflected the hydrodynamic conditions of the area, from highly hydrodynamic shallow depth to the calmer deeper areas. Accordingly, species richness and densities were lower at shallow areas than at deeper depth. The acoustic data identified the prevailing biosedimentary gradients along the inshore-offshore direction. Overall, the results obtained here showed that the acoustic system could identify two main areas based on sediment grain size, which closely related to the two main biological communities (groups A and B). This study indicates the importance of combining several layers of information in order to increase the spatial resolution of the main biotope distribution (validating the acoustic data) and detail their sub-divisions (ground-truth sampling). Furthermore, we show that designing ground-truth samples on the basis of the acoustic diversity data allows the biological data to “speak” for itself. In general, acoustic techniques are used as a means to optimize ground-truth sampling. This will only be valid if acoustics can capture all the essence of biotope heterogeneity. If this is not the case, special attention should be given when using broad scale methods (acoustic remote sensing) devoted to biotope mapping.

Quantitative Distribution and Taxonomic Structure of the Community of Heterotrophic Flagellates in the Main Biotopes of a Small Plain River

Quantitative Distribution and Taxonomic Structure of the Community of Heterotrophic Flagellates in the Main Biotopes of a Small Plain River

Life-history tactics of soil microarthropods

A sound basis for defining life-history tactics was obtained by reviewing life-history traits. This involved an explanation of the ecological implications of thelytoky (automictic or apomictic), arrhenotoky, amphitoky, sexual reproduction, semelparity, iteroparity, seasonal iteroparity, and the relationship between semelparity and juvenile development. Several forms of synchronization of life cycles with environmental conditions were classified, ranging from the ability to overcome harsh seasonal conditions to obligate diapause dormancy. Ecologically, this involves adaptations to environmental conditions ranging from irregularly occurring and unpredictable events to regularly occurring and predictable conditions. Dispersal traits were grouped as directional migration (phoresy) and undirectional migration (anemochory). Distinctions were made between facultative and obligate phoresy and between carrier-specific and carrier-unspecific phoresy. A multi-dimensional system of tactics was outlined, based on well-defined underived traits. This system was compared with one- and two-dimensional schemes described by MacArthur and Wilson (1967), Grime (1977), and Southwood (1977) and with the multi-dimensional system described by Stearns (1976). For each tactic, relationships with the main biotopes in which it occurs were defined. Examples of species showing certain tactics were selected from the taxonomic orders of microarthropods. The generality of the traits for various groups of organisms and of the classification of life-history tactics developed was explored.