Mixed Tree Research Articles

Evaluasi Fungsional Dan Estetika Pohon Pada Lanskap Jalan Uluwatu I, Jimbaran

Functional and Aesthetic Evaluation of Trees in the Road Landscape of Uluwatu I, Jimbaran Street. Uluwatu I, Jimbaran street must have a road landscape that can provide comfort and create high beauty forroad users to support tourism infrastructure on Uluwatu I, Jimbaran street. Therefore, this study aims toevaluate the functional and aesthetic value of road landscape trees. The method used is the observationmethod. There are two aspects of tree function that are assessed, namely the shade function and the pollutioncontrol function. In the assessment of all aspects of tree function, segment 2 received the highest percentageof assessment (64.6%). Each function has an average fulfillment of 54.1% for the shading function and 51.5%for the pollution control function, which is included in the medium category. For aesthetic value, in landscapephotos of similar tree groups there are only two landscape photos that fall into the category of high aestheticvalue, namely landscape photos 3 (segment 1) and landscape photos 7 (segment 4). In the mixed tree grouplandscape photo, there is only one landscape photo that is included in the high aesthetic value category, namely landscape photo 8 (segment 4). Therefore, intensive care is needed for young trees, so that tree height, branch height above the ground and maximum canopy shape can reach the ideal value. Adding a layer of plants, also adding tree planting to create a road landscape with high functional and aesthetic value.

Both biotic and abiotic predictors explain significant variation in cyanobacteria biomass across lakes from temperate to subarctic zones

AbstractThe development of cyanobacteria blooms is of increasing concern in many lakes worldwide, and as a result, modeling their predictors is vital for understanding where and why they occur. In this study, we developed and analyzed a 640‐lake data set that spans Canada and 12 ecozones to identify the drivers of cyanobacteria biomass and of several key toxin‐ and bloom‐forming genera (Microcystis, Aphanizomenon, and Dolichospermum). The database consisted of an exhaustive list of potential predictors (n = 55), including water chemistry, land‐use, and zooplankton variables. We applied a series of empirical modeling approaches to identify significant predictors and thresholds (generalized linear and additive models, mixed effect regression trees), all while accounting for ecozone variability. Across all modeling approaches, and ecozones total phosphorus was identified as the most important predictor of total cyanobacterial and focal genera biomass. In addition, cyanobacteria across Canada showed significant associations with increasing dissolved organic and inorganic carbon, and several ions. Despite the widely held notion that cyanobacteria are often toxic and/or a poor food source for zooplankton, we found a positive relationship between cyanobacteria and zooplankton, particularly with daphnid and copepod biomass. Localized top‐down forces and evolutionary adaptations resulting from long‐term exposure in eutrophic lakes are among the possible explanations for this observed positive association. By considering a suite of complementary modeling approaches, we found that nonlinear models provided greater predictive power and the random ecozone effect was minor due to the overarching importance of local abiotic and biotic factors.

Mapping Tree Species Using CNN from Bi-Seasonal High-Resolution Drone Optic and LiDAR Data

As the importance of forests has increased, continuously monitoring and managing information on forest ecology has become essential. The composition and distribution of tree species in forests are essential indicators of forest ecosystems. Several studies have been conducted to classify tree species using remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms because of the constraints of the traditional approach for classifying tree species in forests. In the machine learning approach, classification accuracy varies based on the characteristics and quantity of the study area data used. Thus, applying various classification models to achieve the most accurate classification results is necessary. In the literature, patch-based deep learning (DL) algorithms that use feature maps have shown superior classification results than point-based techniques. DL techniques substantially affect the performance of input data but gathering highly explanatory data is difficult in the study area. In this study, we analyzed (1) the accuracy of tree classification by convolutional neural networks (CNNs)-based DL models with various structures of CNN feature extraction areas using a high-resolution LiDAR-derived digital surface model (DSM) acquired from a drone platform and (2) the impact of tree classification by creating input data via various geometric augmentation methods. For performance comparison, the drone optic and LiDAR data were separated into two groups according to the application of data augmentation, and the classification performance was compared using three CNN-based models for each group. The results demonstrated that Groups 1 and CNN-1, CNN-2, and CNN-3 were 0.74, 0.79, and 0.82 and 0.79, 0.80, and 0.84, respectively, and the best mode was CNN-3 in Group 2. The results imply that (1) when classifying tree species in the forest using high-resolution bi-seasonal drone optical images and LiDAR data, a model in which the number of filters of various sizes and filters gradually decreased demonstrated a superior classification performance of 0.95 for a single tree and 0.75 for two or more mixed species; (2) classification performance is enhanced during model learning by augmenting training data, especially for two or more mixed tree species.

Bangkok’s existing mixed fruit orchards are tree diversity hotspots for city greening

Bangkok’s Inner Orchard (BIO), located in the west peri-urban area of the city, provides both fresh products and ecological benefits to its inhabitants. Although this unique forest-like cultivation of mixed fruit trees growing on dikes has the potential to become an urban forest, it has never been thoroughly investigated. Urban expansion is a threat to this orchard. Sustainable cities must maintain a balance between development and the environment. In this study, six orchards were surveyed by collecting data on tree species, plant height, crown width, and location and analyzed to identify the orchard areas covered by forest canopy and clarify the forest structure and tree species diversity in the orchards. Overall, 98.64% of the forest canopy within the orchard area was evaluated using cover analysis. Analysis of the forest structure of the BIO revealed that the average tree height was greater than that of common orchard trees. Tree diversity analysis showed an average Shannon index value of 2.53, indicating mid-range diversity. Older orchards showed a greater diversity of fruit tree species, whereas newer orchards, replanted after major flood and drought events, showed a lesser diversity of fruit tree species. In order to protect BIO on the long-term, it is essential to identify and apply appropriate conservation strategies. Including BIO areas in the Bangkok greening scheme would cause rapid increases in the green area per capita ratio. Both urban food forest and urban agriculture concepts could be applied to existing BIO orchards, which represent new urban green area types. BIO thus has the potential to act as an urban forest and tree diversity hotspot for Bangkok.

Aggregate Functions in Categorical Data Skyline Search (CDSS) for Multi-keyword Document Search

Literature review is the first step in starting research for a deep understanding of the research interest. However, finding literature relevant to research interests is difficult and takes time. Skyline query is a method that can be used for filtering. An object p is said to dominate object q if p equals q on all of its attributes, and p is at least better than q on one attribute. Categorical Data Skyline Search (CDSS) is an algorithm that can filter skyline objects in categorical data types such as documents. CDSS uses Extended Distance Wu and Palmer (DEWP) to calculate the distance between the user query and document keywords. The document keywords and user queries are represented as nodes in the ACM CCS ontology, and documents are assumed to be represented by a single keyword. This study aims to use the CDSS algorithm to search for skyline documents represented by more than one keyword by adding an aggregate function (average, minimum, maximum) to the CDSS algorithm, especially in calculating DEWP. This study used the thesis documents from the IPB University computer science department. Document keywords will be extracted using the Term Frequency-Inverse Term Frequency (TF-IDF) method. The collected keywords will be mapped in a mixed ontology tree that refers to the Association of Computing Machinery Computing Classification System 2012 (ACM CCS 2012) and Computer Science Ontology (CSO) as ontology standards in computer science. The skyline query algorithm for determining skyline documents is Block Nested Loop (BNL). The evaluation method uses the skyline ratio of each aggregate function in the CDSS. Based on the ratio value, CDSS using the maximum DEWP has the most relevant skyline results compared to the average DEWP and minimum DEWP.

Perennial transitions from market gardening towards mixed fruit tree - vegetable systems

Perennial transitions from market gardening towards mixed fruit tree - vegetable systems

Comparative assessment of selected micronutrients under three different land use systems in Odighi, Edo State, Nigeria

This study carried out a comparative assessment of selected micronutrients under mixed tree plantation, cassava and secondary forest land use systems in Odighi, Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine the concentrations of selected micronutrients under each of the three land use systems; evaluate the distribution of these micronutrients among the three land use systems; and examine the impact of the three land use systems on the selected micronutrients. Using transect sampling design, 18 soil samples were collected from each of the three land use systems giving a total of 54 soil samples for the study. The cassava land use was 7-10-year-old, mixed tree plantation was 10-15-year-old, while secondary forest was 25-year-old and above. Results showed that the concentrations of the selected soil micronutrients (iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) increased with increasing soil depth in all the examined sites except for manganese under cassava land use. The status of iron and zinc were rated excess while copper and manganese were rated optimum for crop production. The study observed significant (p < 0.05) variations for iron and manganese contents across the examined land uses and concluded that the direction and magnitude of changes in the status of micronutrients were a reflection of long-term impact of the different land uses and soil management measures. Liming of the soil and limited use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers are recommended to ameliorate zinc toxicity in the study area. Also, farmers in collaboration with agriculture extension workers should regulate the usage of organic and inorganic fertilizers as soil treatments to avoid excessive concentrations of iron and zinc in the study area.

Mixing of tree species with the same water use strategy might lead to deep soil water deficit

Water is a crucial factor limiting artificial vegetation growth in arid and semi-arid regions. The water availability and plant utilization patterns reflect the ecosystem's response to environmental water conditions. In arid and semi-arid areas, it was considered that mixed-species plantations, particularly arbors mixed with shrubs, were conducive to enhancing drought resistance. However, inappropriate artificial vegetation and exorbitant productivity could have accelerated soil desiccation in range and intensity, demonstrating adverse effects on soil water cycle and further influencing vegetation's growth and natural succession. In this study, we investigated the water use strategies of mixed tree planting (Elaeagnus angustifolia) with shrubs (Caragana korshinskii) in the sandy land of the east Yellow River, China. Our findings demonstrated that Elaeagnus angustifolia consumed more than 1.2 times more water than Caragana korshinskii. Elaeagnus angustifolia and Caragana korshinskii primarily used the middle and deep layer soil water during high water consumption. During the lower water consumption season, Elaeagnus angustifolia and Caragana korshinskii utilized the shallow layer soil water. In most cases, the two species have overlapping niches in space and time and compete while sharing water resources. In very few cases, the two species responded to seasonal droughts primarily through spatial differences in water use. The soil water deficit and water consumption rate in deep layers of the mixed plantation of Elaeagnus angustifolia and Caragana korshinskii were 260 mm and 19 mm/year, which were significantly higher than those in the pure plantation of Elaeagnus angustifolia and Caragana korshinskii. The mixed forest of Elaeagnus angustifolia and Caragana korshinskii might lead to the soil moisture environment in the study area to show a drought trend, resulting in soil desiccation. These findings could provide the scientific basis for restoring regional vegetation and stand structure optimization allocation of shelter forests.

Mycobiome structure does not affect field litter decomposition in Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations.

Mixed tree plantations have been studied because of their potential to improve biomass production, ecosystem diversity, and soil quality. One example is a mixture of Eucalyptus and Acacia trees, which is a promising strategy to improve microbial diversity and nutrient cycling in soil. We examined how a mixture of these species may influence the biochemical attributes and fungal community associated with leaf litter, and the effects on litter decomposition. We studied the litter from pure and mixed plantations, evaluating the effects of plant material and incubation site on the mycobiome and decomposition rate using litterbags incubated in situ. Our central hypothesis was litter fungal community would change according to incubation site, and it would interfere in litter decomposition rate. Both the plant material and the incubation locale significantly affected the litter decomposition. The origin of the litter was the main modulator of the mycobiome, with distinct communities from one plant species to another. The community changed with the incubation time but the incubation site did not influence the mycobiome community. Our data showed that litter and soil did not share the main elements of the community. Contrary to our hypothesis, the microbial community structure and diversity lacked any association with the decomposition rate. The differences in the decomposition pattern are explained basically as a function of the exchange of nitrogen compounds between the litter.

Forest Disturbances Threatening Cypripedium calceolus Populations Can Improve Its Habitat Conditions

Inappropriate forest management activities, above all clear-cutting, are recognized as the major threats to an iconic orchid species—the lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), the flagship species of nature protection in Europe. Although clear-cutting in protected species’ localities is strongly regulated in many European countries, salvage logging is allowed in some circumstances (e.g., following windstorms, and insect outbreaks) and can threaten C. calceolus populations. In this paper, we review a database of recently registered populations of this species in the Czech Republic and study historical maps, to better understand the history of local habitat conditions and assess threats to C. calceolus populations by bark beetle outbreaks. We found that about one-third of the C. calceolus populations have suffered in coniferous or mixed tree plantations with a high proportion of spruce trees, which are forests with a high risk of bark beetle infestation. We review bark beetle management measures and distinguish management efforts in areas with known C. calceolus populations that result in no damage to the population and, at times, improve habitat conditions for the species. Thus, the bark beetle—usually understood as the enemy—can be transformed into a savior if smart management measures will replace the panic salvage logging.

The effect of laminate configuration on the mechanical properties of model glued-laminated timber composed of single and mixed tropical fast-growing tree species

ABSTRACT The effects of laminate configuration on mechanical properties were investigated for model glued-laminated timber (GLT) composed of single and mixed fast-growing tree species (Acacia mangium Willd., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Melia azedarach L.), which were grown in community forests in Indonesia. The simulation of lamina yield was decreased in graded GLT compared with that in GLT with randomly designed, while the mean values of simulated dynamic Young’s modulus (DMOE) in graded GLT were higher than those of GLT with randomly designed in each species. Graded GLT with mixed species should be produced to effectively utilize wood resources from fast-growing tree species. All mechanical properties showed higher values in single-species GLT especially for graded GLT, compared with solid lumber, suggesting that laminate configuration was effective for increasing mechanical properties. However, the factors that increase mechanical properties in single-species GLT differed among species. These factors can be evaluated by load-deflection curves. In GLT composed of single and mixed species produced with the same DMOE, almost all other mechanical properties were similar among laminate configurations. It is concluded that laminate configurations with different species and grades are useful for efficiently producing GLT with higher mechanical properties from multiple fast-growing tree species.

Mixed Nuts as Healthy Snacks: Effect on Tryptophan Metabolism and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

We recently demonstrated that the consumption of mixed tree nuts (MTNs) during caloric restriction decreased cardiovascular risk factors and increased satiety. Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism has been indicated as a factor in cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the effect of MTNs on Trp metabolism and the link to cardiovascular risk markers. Plasma and stool were collected from 95 overweight individuals who consumed either MTNs (or pretzels) daily as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet for 12 weeks followed by an isocaloric weight maintenance program for an additional 12 weeks. Plasma and fecal samples were evaluated for Trp metabolites by LC-MS and for gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing. Trp-kynurenine metabolism was reduced only in the MTNs group during weight loss (baseline vs. week 12). Changes in Trp-serotonin (week 24) and Trp-indole (week 12) metabolism from baseline were increased in the MTNs group compared to the pretzel group. Intergroup analysis between MTN and pretzel groups does not identify significant microbial changes as indicated by alpha diversity and beta diversity. Changes in the relative abundance of genus Paludicola during intervention are statistically different between the MTNs and pretzel group with p < 0.001 (q = 0.07). Our findings suggest that consumption of MTNs affects Trp host and microbial metabolism in overweight and obese subjects.

Natural plant revegetation on three reclaimed gold mined sites in South Western Ghana

Mining companies in Ghana have been encouraged by law and policy to reclaim degraded mined sites using native tree species. The study assessed stand structure, compositional dynamics, conservation and economic value of restored species after 20 years of reclamation. Eighty seedlings each of Amphimas ptericarpoides and Macaranga barteri were planted on the first reclaimed site (stand I); 160 seedlings each of Macaranga barteri and Amphimas ptericarpoides on the second (stand II) and third (stand III) reclaimed sites respectively. Each reclaimed site (1000 m 2 ) was inventoried and sampled using 400 quadrats (25 m × 25 m). In all, 123 ‘restored‘ species in 55 families (stand I), 103 species in 52 families (stand II) and 96 species in 49 families (stand III) were identified. Species composition of the reclaimed sites were moderately similar to the old - growth forest remnant. Pioneer species, zoophilous and zoochorous species were dominant in all the reclaimed sites. One hundred and twenty- four adult (DBH > 5 cm) tree species (stand I), 105 (stand II) and 128 (stand III) were obtained. The tree stand structure of the Amphimas reclaimed site had the highest basal area of 13.75 m 2 /ha and most of the adult tree species in all the reclaimed sites were in the lower diameter class (5 cm ≥ DBH < 20 cm). The Genetic Heat Index and Economic Index of trees – only were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Amphimas - Macaranga site. The mixed tree species of the Amphimas - Macaranga reclaimed site seem to perform better as almost all measured parameters were dominant on this site. The two tree species used have high potential for restoration of native species. Later studies will further establish the suitability of the two native tree species for reclamation in the study area. • Mined sites were reclaimed with Amphimas pteridocarpus and Macaranga bateri species. • Restored species in the mixed- tree site had higher conservation and economic values. • The tree stand -structure of the A. pteridocarpus site had the highest basal area. • The two tree species used have the potential for restoration of native species.

Urban cooling island vs urban heat island, who is the winner? Study of the green spaces effect in coolingdown of urban heat in Kapanewon Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Urban heat zone are the major problem affecting human health through the microclimatological effect. Green Spaces are like a natural air conditioners that can cool dense urban environments from hot air. The cooling effect of urban heat from the presence of Green Space is called the Urban Cooling Effect (UCE) while the cool air produced is called Urban Cooling Island (UCI). This research aims to analyze the extent to which UCI is able to neutralize UHI by urban cooling. This study of this research was conducted in Kapanewon Depok around the North Ringroad zone. In the research, the Remote Sensing method was used utilizing Landsat-8 and processed with ArcGIS to determine the patterns and dynamics of UCI and UHI and was equipped with field data measurement and interviews data using questionnaires. The results obtained were that the coldest and largest UCI Spot was at Babarsari Camping Ground, 27,777°C in 159,218 m2, with green space types consisting of shrubs, grass, plants, mixed trees and flowing river. Questionnaire results show that the majority of residents still feel hot. It was concluded that although Green Space is useful in cooling cities, but UCI VS UHI is still dominated by UHI’s influence.

Using machine learning to predict nosocomial infections and medical accidents in a NICU

Adult studies have shown that nursing overtime and unit overcrowding are associated with increased adverse patient events but there exists little evidence for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We investigate the main determinants of nosocomial infections and medical accidents in a NICU using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. Our analysis focuses on a retrospective study on the 7,438 neonates admitted in the CHU de Québec NICU (capacity of 51 beds) from 10 April 2008 to 28 March 2013. Daily administrative data on nursing overtime hours, total regular hours, number of admissions, patient characteristics, as well as information on nosocomial infections and on the timing and type of medical errors were retrieved from various hospital-level datasets. We use a generalized mixed effects regression tree model with random effects (GMERT-RI) to elaborate predictions trees for the two outcomes. Neonates' characteristics and daily exposure to numerous covariates are used in the model. GMERT-RI is suitable for binary outcomes and is a recent extension of the standard tree-based method. The model allows to determine the most important predictors. Diagnosis-related group level, regular hours of work, overtime, admission rates, birth weight and occupation rates are the main predictors for both outcomes. On the other hand, gestational age, C-Section, multiple births, medical/surgical and number of admissions are poor predictors. The GMERT-RI algorithm is a powerful tool. It is well suited to unearth potential correlations in the context of unbalanced panel data and discrete health outcomes, two common features of clinical data. In the particular setting of a NICU, we find that institutional features (overtime hours, occupancy rates, etc.) are just as important drivers as neonate-specific medical conditions in predicting medical accidents and health care associated infections. From an operational point of view, prediction trees can complement traditional management tools in preventing undesirable health outcomes in the NICU.

Water availability is a stronger driver of soil microbial processing of organic nitrogen than tree species composition

AbstractSoil organic nitrogen (N) cycling processes constitute a bottleneck of soil N cycling, yet little is known about how tree species composition may influence these rates, and even less under changes in soil water availability such as those that are being induced by climate change. In this study, we used a 12‐year‐old tree biodiversity experiment in southwestern France to assess the interactive effects of soil water availability (half of the blocks seasonally irrigated to double precipitation) and tree species composition (monocultural vs. mixed plots of coniferous Pinus pinaster, and of broadleaf Betula pendula). We measured gross protein depolymerisation rates using a novel high‐throughput isotope pool dilution method, along with soil microbial biomass carbon and N to calculate microbial biomass‐specific activities of soil organic N processes. Overall, high soil water availability led to a 42% increase in soil protein depolymerisation rates compared to the unirrigated plots, but we found no effect of species composition on these soil organic N cycling processes. When investigating the interactive effect of tree species mixing and soil water availability, the results suggest that mixing tree species had a negative effect on soil organic N cycling processes in the non‐irrigated blocks subject to dry summers, but that this effect tended to become positive at higher soil water availability in irrigated plots. These results put forth that soil water availability could influence potential tree species mixing effects on soil organic N cycling processes in dry conditions.Highlights Tree species (with different litter C:N ratios) had little effect on protein depolymerisation Increasing water availability via irrigation accelerated depolymerisation rates No interactive effect between tree species mixing and water availability, although trends emerged Positive trend of mixing under high water availability and negative trend under low water

A Comprehensive Assessment of Land use Land Cover of Thiruvananthapuram Urban Agglomeration using Gis and Remote Sensing

Rapid and unscientific land use is a major environmental concern globally because their possible adverse consequences generate undesirable effect on man and the environment. In this study, we evaluate the Land use/ Land cover changes in the city of Kerala (India) and that have experienced a fast-growing urbanisation over the last decades. To evaluate this, we use satellite images of Landsat from different years since 1988. The method of Maximum Likelihood Supervised Classification is employed for classifying the region, into five major land cover classes which are water body, settlements with mixed trees, built-up area, agricultural area and barren land. We apply the Land Use Dynamic Degree Index for quantify the Land use/ Land cover changes over time. We have observed an uptrend in built up land use (115.84%) and a downtrend in all other classes, though the most significant reduction was observed for barren land (86.94%) followed by agricultural area (48.98%), water body (39.33%) and settlements with mixed trees (14.69%). The decreasing trend in agricultural area is directly linked to population growth, and related developmental activities. The findings of this study emphasize the necessity to control population growth and to make a right balance between population needs and environmental issues.

Skenario Konservasi Tanah pada Perkebunan Sawit sebagai Upaya Mitigasi Limpasan Permukaan pada DAS Arui, Kabupaten Manokwari, Papua Barat

Indonesia, a country with high forest and land potential for economic growth, still relies on utilizing these two potentials. This study aims to create a conservation scenario in palm oil plantations that are expected to be able to mitigate surface runoff. The data collected include hydrology, land, area of oil palm plantations, and topography, which were analyzed based on threats and potential conservation that can be applied. Conservation scenarios that need to be carried out are: deadlock alley ditch (dad), mixed tree and palm oil plantations, planting oil palm without land cultivation, and immersing mulch. The simulation results of the dad design, if it rains heavily, all of the rainwater in the palm oil fields can be accommodated without a runoff. Mixed tree and oil palm plants are expected to maintain the availability of nutrients, increase the income of oil palm smallholders, and have a good impact on soil fertility. Planting oil palm without land cultivation is expected to reduce surface runoff, increase water infiltration into the soil, and expand water catchment areas. The immersion of palm mulch is expected to help retain soil moisture, add nutrients, enhance the soil's ability to absorb water, and prevent erosion. Conservation scenarios in the long term, such as dad, mixed tree and oil palm plantations, oil plantations without land cultivation, and mulch immersion, are expected to be able to mitigate flooding.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Arui watershed, conservation scenario, mitigation, oil palm, surface runoff

Impact of Habitat on the Development of Coprophagous and Xylophagous Coleopteran Insects in the Park of Bamimgui-Bangoran (Central African Republic)

Coprophagous and Xylophagous Coleopterans are equally impacted by the fragmentation of ecosystems and are recognized for their character as indicators of certain ecosystem functions, such as the recycling of organic matter and pollination. Thus, as part of the program to restore degraded ecosystems in protected areas and others sectors of the Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture in the Central African Republic (CAR), an inventory of insect species according to their ecological profile is needed. Insects were collected over 8 hectares corresponding to 6 different habitats in the Bamingui-Bangoran park. Sixty different traps were installed in each habitat with 100 meters of distance between the traps. The measured parameters are the number of individuals collected per week. As results, 8 coleopteran families (4 Coprophagous families and 4 Xylophagous families) were identified. The Coprophagous and Xylophagous Coleopterans were much abounded in grassy savannahs with much mixing trees with Imperata cylindrica and in grassy and shrubby savannas with many flowering plants (Melliferous) and less abounded in grassy and shrubby savannahs domined by Imperata cylindrica. However, repartitions of individuals fit uniform distribution in all coleopteran families belonging to Xylophagous group whereas in Coprophagous, uniform distribution fit was established only for one family.

The Białowieża Forest as a Key Area for Understanding the History of European Forest Bird Communities

The last remnants of pristine forests in Europe, especially in the nemoral belt of deciduous and mixed deciduous coniferous trees, are unique for understanding the history, composition and structure of plant and animal communities. This is especially true for the Białowieża forest, NE Poland. The biogeographical history of emblematic forest clades of birds, e.g. woodpeckers, tits and nuthatches, is analyzed from molecular phylogenies which allow to determine their pace and mode of origination and differentiation. The flyways which connect temperate and tropical realms played a major role in the origination and differentiation of many extant lineages. Then, large differences in the structure of bird communities between North American and European forests are discussed and explained in the light of the geographic configuration of major land masses and past climatic changes and upheavals throughout the Neogene. From long term in depth studies in this forest, the composition and structure of bird communities may be used as references for understanding and measuring the processes and mechanisms of change in communities of the western managed forests.