Morisita Index Research Articles

Feeding ecology of the Green-cheeked Parakeet, Pyrrhura molinae (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae), in a subtropical forest of Argentina

Although there are studies on certain aspects of the feeding ecology of several species of Neotropical parrots, there is scarce ecological information about Pyrrhura molinae – a Psittacidae species which is widely distributed in South America and abundant in the Yungas of Argentina. For two years (May 2014 to June 2016), the composition and seasonal variation in the Green-cheeked Parakeet diet in the Yungas Piedmont forest in Jujuy, Argentina were examined. Furthermore, fruiting phenology transects were established to evaluate food resource availability and the patterns of food resource used by the Green-cheeked Parakeet. In 214 food plant trees, it was found that flower and dry fruit availability was highest in the dry season, and fleshy fruit production peaked in the wet season, but these phenology patterns for aged plant species suggest that there were no significant differences in food availability. The consumption of 18 plant species was recorded, being Celtis iguanaea (30.73%) and Trema micrantha (22.01%) the most consumed species. In terms of food items, fruits were the most consumed items, followed by seeds and flowers and, to a lesser extent, nectar and leaves. Levins’ niche breadth showed varying levels of diet specialisation amongst seasons, which was narrower (B = 0.28) in the wet season, indicating specialisation in diet during this season. There was a medium overlap in parakeet diet between seasons (Morisita Index = 0.59). We did not find a statistically significant relationship between resource availability and food use, but expansion and contraction in Levins Index and variation in food items consumed throughout the year and season demonstrate high flexibility in the diet. Like other congeners, the Green-cheeked Parakeet has a flexible diet that could be adjusted to the seasonal availability of food resources. These data may contribute to the design of conservation plans for the species and its habitat.

Characteristics of T-Cell Receptor Repertoire and Correlation With EGFR Mutations in All Stages of Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its occurrence is related to the accumulation of gene mutations and immune escape of the tumor. Sequencing of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire can reveal the immunosurveillance status of the tumor microenvironment, which is related to tumor escape and immunotherapy. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and clinical significance of the TCR repertoire in lung cancer. To comprehensively profile the TCR repertoire, results from high-throughput sequencing of samples from 93 Chinese patients with lung cancer were analyzed. We found that the TCR clonality of tissues was related to smoking, with higher clonality in patients who had quit smoking for less than 1 year. As expected, TCR clonality was correlated with stages: patients with stage IV disease showed higher clonality than others. The correlation between TCR repertoire and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status was also investigated. Patients with EGFR non-L858R mutations showed higher clonality and a lower Shannon index than other groups, including patients with EGFR L858R mutation and wild-type EGFR. Furthermore, we analyzed the TCR similarity metrics—that is, the TCR shared between postoperative peripheral blood and tissue of patients with non-distant metastasis of lung cancer. A similar trend was found, in which patients with EGFR L858R mutations had lower overlap index (OLI) and Morisita index (MOI) scores. Moreover, the OLI showed a positive correlation with several clinical characteristics, including the tumor mutational burden of tissues and the maximum somatic allele frequency of blood; OLI showed a negative correlation with the ratio of CD4+CD28+ in CD4+ cells and the ratio of CD8+CD28+ in CD8+ cells. In conclusion, TCR clonality and TCR similarity metrics correlated with clinical characteristics of patients with lung cancer. Differences in TCR clonality, Shannon index, and OLI across EGFR subtypes provide information to improve understanding about varied responses to immunotherapy in patients with different EGFR mutations.

3D characterization of the SiC nanoparticle distribution in ZrB2–SiC ceramics with synchrotron X-ray nanoscale computed tomography

Evaluating the dispersion of SiC nanoparticles is significant for the development of ZrB2–SiC nanocomposite ceramics. This paper reports the 3D distribution characterization of the nanosized SiC additives in ZrB2–SiC ceramics with synchrotron X-ray nanoscale computed tomography (nano-CT) and Morisita indexes. Different from the investigation with electron microscopy, the presented work implements nondestructively 3D visualization and quantitative characterization of the SiC nanoparticles distribution in ZrB2–SiC ceramics. Firstly, a ZrB2–SiC ceramic sample with a size less than 60 μm was prepared. Then, a nano-CT experiment was designed and implemented for this sample at the 4W1A beamline of Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility (BSRF). Next, SiC nanoparticles were extracted by applying image segmentation to the generated 3D nano-CT images of this sample and visualized by volume rendering. Finally, Morisita index was extended from 2D to 3D and applied to the corresponding nano-CT images for the quantitative characterization of SiC nanoparticle 3D distribution. The results from the Morisita index are in good agreement with the visual observation. They reveal that SiC agglomerates exist in the ZrB2 matrix and vary over the regions of interest in the investigated sample.

Comparison of trophic spectrum in the blackspot seabream, Pagellus bogaraveo (Brünnich, 1768), between cold-water coral habitats and muddy bottoms in the central Mediterranean

The present study represents the first documentation of the trophic spectrum of the deep-water bony fish Pagellus bogaraveo in two different habitats in the central Mediterranean Sea: muddy bottoms (MB) and cold-water coral (CWC) habitats. A total of 133 stomachs were collected on MB and 39 in CWC habitats. The feeding habit of P. bogaraveo was different in the two investigated habitats. A lower number of prey categories were found in CWC habitats (15) than on MB (36). Teleostei (%PSIRI = 38.29) and Crustacea (%PSIRI = 36.49) were the most important prey in MB. The taxon of Anellida was the most abundant in number and the third in importance. In CWC habitats Teleostei were the most abundant prey (%PSIRI = 62.03) and Ophiuroidea were the second important ones. Ontogenetic dietary variation was evident in both habitats. The comparison of the diet between the habitats was carried out considering two samples of specimens with overlapping sizes, 21 on MB and 18 in CWC habitats, ranging between 192 and 280 mm total length (TL) from the former habitat and 184 and 271 mm TL from the latter. Dietary differences were significant as shown both by Morisita's index and PERMANOVA. The habitat in which the species lives would seem to affect the trophic strategies of P. bogaraveo. The trophic niche breadth examined for comparable sized samples showed how P. bogaraveo was more generalist on MB (Bi = 0.406) and a little bit more specialist in CWC habitats (Bi = 0.301). P. bogaraveo resulted to occupy a higher position in the trophic web of the CWC habitats compared to that on MB.

Spatial Distribution Patterns of Lantana camara L. Population as Invasive Alien Species In Pringtali Savana Bandealit Resort Meru Betiri National Park

Bandealit is one of the resorts in Meru Betiri National Park (MBNP). This area has many endemic floras and faunas affected by the presence of invasive alien spesies plants. These plants tend to give negative impacts on savana ecosystem among them is, Lantana camara L. The distribution of this invasive alien spesies in the savana can be used to provide information about the characteristic of the environment. This study was conducted to investigate the patterns of spatial distribution of invasive alien L. camara population in the Pringtali Resort Bandealit savana region. The characters of plant species morphology was recorded for species name identification and validation. Percent cover of the individual L. camara species was collected within 50 plots (5x5 m2), while each of coordinate species found in the plots was recorded by using GPS (Global Positioning System). Abiotic factors such as temperature, pH, light intensity, and soil moisture were measured within the plots. The location of the data collection is 5,000 m2. The distribution pattern of invasive alien L. camara population was analyzed using ArcGIS and Dispersion Morisita’s Index (Ip). The result showed that 51.7% of L. camara population grew spasially close together (clumped) or overlapped one another based on the ArcGIS. This means that L. camara individuals distributein clumped pattern. While the other individuals (48.3%) grew apart randomly from each other. This distribution pattern showed by Ip value, 0.51 was also clumped or clustered. It can be concluded that the distribution pattern ofinvasive alien species L. camara is clumped because the reproduction of plant was by seeds dispersal or vegetative buds that lived around parental individuals.Keywords: ArcGIS, Lantana camara L., Invasive Foreign Plants, Morisita index, Distribution Pattern.

Diversity, distribution and decreasing factor of intertidal invertebrate communities in the Pangandaran Turism, Indonesia

The intertidal of ​​Pangandaran is one of the tourist destinations on the southern coast of Java Island. The purpose of this study was to describe the diversity, distribution of invertebrate in Pangandaran Tourism, West Java Province, Indonesia. The sample were taken from eight site sampling locations from July 2017 to November 2018. Sample taken with line transect method and their diversity and distribution was analyzed by Morisita Index and Similarity Index. The research found 139 species spread to 12 classes and 7 phyla of invertebrate. A phylum of mollusca dominated with 71.2%, followed by Cnidaria with 7.9%. Faunus ater, Terebia sp, Clithon oualaniensis found dominant in muddy shore substrate, Cerithium breviculum, Thais jubilaea, Anthopleura elegentissima found dominant in rocky shore substrate and Hastula bacillus just found in sand shore substrate. Clibanarius vittatus is a cosmopolitan crustacea species found in every substrate characteristic with abundance (69 ± 15) ind.m-2. High diversity shows in rocky shore substrate with a range H’ (3.99–5.08) and low diversity shows on steep crag substrate with range H’ (0.50–0.65). The distribution of group categories by Morisita is dominant, while the cluster analysis of Bray-Curtis showed four clusters based on the difference of substrate. Diversity and abundance decrease of invertebrate communities influenced by pressure from anthropogenic activities, tourism activities, illegal trade fossil and invertebrate as live, capture and water pollution.

Evaluación de parámetros poblacionales y regeneración natural de Podocarpus oleifolius D. Don (Podocarpaceae) en dos relictos boscosos del sur del Ecuador

Populations have structure and dynamics, which are basic features used to understand the ecological processes of species. The native species Podocarpus oleifolius D. Don has ecological and economic importance at a local and national level, therefore, its populations have undergone drastic changes that have generated the formation of small forest relics. Therefore, the present investigation was in charge of studying the spatial distribution, age structure, sex ratio, population density (population parameters) and natural regeneration of Podocarpus oleifolius D. Don in two wooded relics of southern Ecuador, for which 12 plots of 50 m x 50 m were established, six located in the Angashcola communal forest reserve and six in the properties of the Arcoiris Ecological Foundation (San Francisco); in these plots, data were collected on the tree stratum of: DAP, height, sex, crown diameter, phytosanitary status, geographical coordinates; and 60 sub-plots (5 in each plot) of 10 m x 10 m to collect information on natural regeneration. To determine the spatial distribution, the standardized Morisita index (Ip) was used and contrasted with the tool: QGis close neighbor analysis; and to determine the sex ratio, the relationship between males and females was established. The information and results allowed to determine that in the communal forest Angashcola, Amaluza, the population of Podocarpus oleifolius D. Don manifested a pattern of spatial distribution grouped that resulted in a Morisita index of 0.50. The absolute density is 136 ind/ha, where the youngest individuals make up 23.70 % (sapling). 29 female and 12 male individuals were identified in proportion 2.42: 1; three categories of natural regeneration were determined: sapling, low latizal and high latizal; where the sapling category predominates with 91 individuals. The population of Podocarpus oleifolius D. Don manifested a uniform spatial distribution pattern, which resulted in a Morisita index of 1.00 in this site. The absolute density is 22.66 ind/ha, where the youngest individuals and adults represent 28.95 %; the proportion of female and male individuals is 1:1. Three categories of natural regeneration were determined: sapling, low latizal and high latizal; where high latizal predominates with 16 individuals. Therefore, it is essential to continue with related studies in this field of research applied to forest species that play an important ecological role (dominant, key or threatened) within the forest. Keywords: ecology, population parameters, Podocarpus oleifolius, natural regeneration.

Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution Patterns of Natural Enemy Insects on Chili (Capsicum annum L.) in Bincau Village, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan

Chili is a widely cultivated plant by the community because of its profit. Currently, in maintaining the quality of chili, people commonly use a lot of pesticides. In contrast, naturally, there are biological agents in the shape of natural enemy insects, more effective, and environmentally friendly. This study aims to determine the diversity, abundance, and distribution patterns of natural enemy insects in chili plantation (Capsicum annum L.) at Bincau Village, Martapura District, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan. The sample is collected by pitfall trap, yellow pan trap, and sweep net method. Obtained data are analyzed by Shannon Wienner index (H'), Meyer abundance index, Morisita index (Id), and PCA method for environmental parameter analysis. The results showed the diversity of natural enemy insects on chili plants was moderate (H' = 2.396). Furthermore, the highest abundance in research is demonstrated on Hymenoptera order, which consisted of 9 families, 16 species, and 1,009 individuals. The distribution pattern of natural enemy insects in chili plantations is clustered (Id > 1). Based on the PCA analysis method, the temperature has the most impact on natural enemy insects' presence in this study.

Spatial distribution of preferential flow paths in paddy field in the Karst Area of Guangxi.

The spatial distribution of the preferential flow path in soil affects the occurrence and movement of preferential flow. In afield soil staining and tracing experiment, with the help of morphological image analysis technology and community ecological analysis method, we examined the spatial distribution characteristics of preferential flow path in paddy fields under straw mulching (CM) and non-mulching (CK) in karst areas of Guangxi. The results showed that, under the same external water supply conditions, with the increases of soil depth, soil horizontal dyeing changed from overall distribution to clump aggregation distribution in paddy field under straw mulching. In the non-mulching paddy field, the main dyeing was branch, with an average shape coefficient of staining patch of 21.69. The dyeing morphology in the non-mulching paddy field was 1.04 times of straw mulching paddy field. The preferential flow paths of straw mulching and non-mulching paddy fields showed both clustered distribution. In straw mulching paddy field, the Morisita index was 1.28 as the preferential flow paths with radius of influence less than 1.0 mm were the main ones (importance value 0.31). The importance value of preferential flow paths with radius less than 1.0 mm was 0.28 in non-straw mulched rice field. Straw mulching affected the preferential flow paths in paddy fields, which could help to improve water and fertilizer utilization of crops in the field.

DIVERSITY OF FISH LARVAE AROUND THE ESTUARY OF THE BANYUASIN RIVER, SOUTH SUMATERA PROVINCE

The initial phase of the fish life cycle is a critical phase associated with high mortality due to sensitivity to predators, food availability, and also environmental changes that occur in nature. Disruption of the initial stages of fish life has a negative impact on fish populations. Until now there has been no information about fish larvae around the Banyuasin River Estuary. Therefore, research is needed on the diversity of fish larvae around the Banyuasin River Estuary, South Sumatra Province. This research were used purposive sampling method, sampling technique in the form of Cruise Track Design with continuous parallel survey trajectory. Based on the results of the study found as many as 10 families consisting of 1483 individuals of fish larvae in March and 1013 individuals of fish larvae in May consisting of Engraulidae 1,601 individuals of fish larvae, Mungiloidei as many as 109 individuals, Leiognathidae 50 individuals, Chanidae 453 individuals, Scatophagidae 20 individuals , Belonidae 39 individuals, Gobioididae 5 individuals, Chandidae 183 individuals, Syngnatihidae 6 individuals, and Gobiidae 30 individuals fish larvae. The index value of fish larvae diversity is classified as medium category (March 1.02 and May 1.12), Morisita index shows the distribution pattern of fish larvae classified as a group (March 0-14.17 and May 2.43-10.40 ), and the evenness index value is in the medium category (March 0.437 and May 0.521).

Changes in the spatial distributions of platelet Al3Ti particles in an Al-Al3Ti alloy by equal-channel angular pressing

Changes in the spatial distributions of platelet Al3Ti particles in an Al-Al3Ti alloy during equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) were investigated. ECAP was performed under the processing routes of A and Bc up to 8 passes through a die. When applying route A, the Al3Ti particles were greatly fragmented during the ECAP process and also aligned along to the deformation axis, while route Bc resulted in the agglomeration of the Al3Ti particles. The Al3Ti particle size was also found to gradually decrease as the number of ECAP passes was increased. The spatial distributions of these Al3Ti particles in specimens deformed by ECAP were evaluated using the Morisita index, and the results showed that both processing routes generated aggregate distributions, although route Bc produced a homogeneous distribution of Al3Ti particles after 8 passes. These variations in the spatial distributions of the Al3Ti particles can be explained by the occurrence of material flow of the α-Al matrix during ECAP using routes A and Bc.

Ecological aspects of the interactions between Centruroides limbatus and Tityus ocelote (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in a Caribbean forest of Costa Rica

Scorpion species often occur in sympatry, especially in tropical forests. Here, we analyse aspects of the intraguild interactions occurring between Centruroides limbatus (Pocock, 1898) and Tityus ocelote Francke & Stockwell, 1987 (Buthidae) in a tropical forest of Costa Rica. We divided the study in 2 areas: north and south. Results show differences in abundance and distribution of C. limbatus (north = 16, south = 8) and T. ocelote (north = 2, south = 37); a major frequency of females for both species (74% ♀ and 26% ♂ in C. limbatus , 78% ♀ and 22% ♂ in T. ocelote ; 55 sexed scorpions); similar microhabitat preferences (trees with vines, palms) and significant differences ( p = 0.037) in the height at which both species were located above ground in each zone. Significant differences in height between zones showed disparity in habitat selection (north and south), whereas non-significant differences in height between species indicated niche overlap in those areas where they coexist, confirmed by the Morisita index for niche overlap in the southern zone (M-NO = 0.686). Cannibalism was reported in C. limbatus . These intraguild interactions indicate the existence of some level of competition between these scorpions.

RNA and TCR Sequencing Shed Light on Mechanisms of Treg Suppression in a Murine Model of Acute GvHD

Introduction Regulatory T cell (Treg) based therapies are a promising approach for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prevention and treatment. However, mechanisms of Treg suppression of alloreactive conventional T cells (Tcon) in GvHD are incompletely understood. In this study, we performed paired RNA and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing analysis on Tcon and Treg before and after transplantation to further elucidate Treg suppressive function during in vivo suppression of acute GvHD in an MHC major-mismatch mouse model. Methods CD45.2 Thy1.2 BALB/c mice were lethally irradiated (8.8 Gy) and transplanted with 5x106 T cell- depleted bone marrow cells (TCD-BM) from CD45.1 Thy1.2 C57Bl/6 mice alone or together with CD45.2 Thy1.2 C57Bl/6 FoxP3/GFP+ Treg (1x106) on day 0. On day 2, CD45.1 Thy1.1 C57Bl/6 Tcon (1x106; CD4:CD8 ratio = 2:1) were injected to induce GvHD. Irradiated (11 Gy) syngeneic C57Bl/6 recipients receiving C57Bl/6 TCD-BM and CD45.1 Thy1.1 Tcon alone were used as controls. On day 8, donor Thy1.1+ CD45.1+ CD4 and CD8 Tcon and Thy1.2+CD45.2+ FoxP3/GFP+ Treg were isolated by FACS from spleens and lymph nodes. T cell subsets before injection and recovered at day 8 were analyzed by paired RNA and TCR sequencing. Results The transcriptomic analysis revealed a dominant effect of the allogeneic transplant procedure on the clustering of the different T cell populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the top 1000 most differentially expressed genes revealed that 68% of the variance was explained by PC1, which clearly segregated CD4and CD8Tcon recovered at day 8 from allogeneic recipients from cells before injection or recovered from syngeneic recipients (Fig. 1). PC1 was mainly driven by naïve T cell genes (Ccr7, Sell, Il6ra, Il6st, Foxo1) that were progressively downregulated along PC1. Analysis of the TCR repertoire based on sequencing of the TCR alpha chain revealed a progressive clonal restriction along PC1 in CD4 and CD8 T cells (Fig. 1). Accordingly, clonal overlap between cells collected at day 8 and cells analyzed before injection were reduced in allogeneic recipients (Morisita Index [MI], CD4: 0.06±0.01; CD8: 0.02±0.01) compared to syngeneic controls (MI, CD4: 0.23±0.26; CD8: 0.57±0.05). Treg administration did not affect CD4 or CD8 T cell segregation along PC1, suggesting that they minimally interfered with cell activation and differentiation during GvHD. Accordingly, Treg did not inhibit clonal restriction (Fig.1) nor the reduction in clonal overlap (MI, CD4: 0.04±0.01; CD8: 0.01±0.01), indicating that Treg did not inhibit the initial activation of alloreactive T cells clones. Treg impact on CD4 but not CD8 Tcon transcriptome was revealed by PC2 (Fig.1). Treg induced the downregulation of TH1-signature genes (Tbx21, Il12rb1, Il12rb2, Stat4) and proinflammatory genes (Il18rap) while promoting up-regulation of anti-inflammatory genes (Il18bp), TH2 signature genes (Ccr4, Il4) and Il2 in CD4Tcon. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that Treg treatment significantly impacted gene sets involved in metabolic processes in CD4and CD8Tcon, leading to a global up-regulation of genes encoding for enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and downregulation of genes encoding for enzymes contributing to glycolysis (Slc2a1, Hk1, Pfkl, Pfkp, Pkm). Treg recovered at day 8 preserved a distinct transcriptomic signature observed before injection and further enhanced by the up-regulation of genes involved in Treg activation and suppressive function (Gata3, Tnfrsf18, Tnfrsf4, Icos, Ccr1, Ccr4, Il9r). GSEA in Treg revealed significant up-regulation of genes in the OXPHOS signature. TCR repertoire analysis showed clonal restriction of Treg during GvHD. Direct comparison of clone frequencies in Treg and CD4Tcon showed smaller clonal overlap on day 8 (MI=0.005±0.006) compared to day 0 (MI= 0.11±0.004) suggesting that Treg and CD4Tcon responses during GvHD are engaging different cell clonotypes triggered by different epitopes or antigens. Conclusion Our results indicate that Treg treatment did not interfere with Tcon activation and differentiation of alloreactive Tcon clones in a model of acute GvHD. Treg predominantly affected CD4Tcon and to a lesser extent CD8Tcon transcriptome, modulating the transcription of genes encoding pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules as well as enzymes involved in metabolic processes. Disclosures Turkoz: Adicet Bio: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company. Negrin:Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; BioEclipse Therapeutics: Current equity holder in private company; Amgen: Consultancy; KUUR Therapeutics: Consultancy; Biosource: Current equity holder in private company; UpToDate: Honoraria.

Tree Use, Niche Breadth and Overlap for Excavation by Woodpeckers in Subtropical Piedmont Forests of Northwestern Argentina

Studies dealing with the selection of tree species and characteristics for cavity-nesting birds are important to evaluate the abundance and quality of available resources in the environment. The aim of this study is to characterize the use of trees by woodpecker species in the subtropical piedmont forests of northwestern Argentina by using the analysis of niche selection, breadth and overlap in a total of five woodpecker species of different body size found in these subtropical forests: White-barred Piculet Picumnus cirratus (small woodpeckers), Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus, Golden-green Woodpecker Piculus chrysochloros, Dot-fronted Woodpecker Veniliornis frontalis (medium-sized woodpeckers), and Cream-backed Woodpecker Campephilus leucopogon (largest woodpeckers). From a total of 54 tree species, only 15 were used by these woodpecker species. Primary excavator species were moderate specialists in tree use (Levin's index), and they showed selection according to their availability (Ivlev's index) of four of the fifteen tree species (Calycophyllum multiflorum, Amburana cearensis, Cedrela balansae, Astronium urundeuva) and snags. There was a high overlap (Morisita's overlap index) in the use of tree species between Picumnus cirratus and medium-sized woodpeckers, while less overlap was found between Campephilus leucopogon and other woodpecker species. Both living trees and snags were used by the woodpeckers, although snags were more important for small and medium-sized woodpeckers, whereas living trees were more important for Campephilus leucopogon. Both snags and living trees had a large diameter at breast height (DBH) in > 50 cm. Results show the existence of different cavity-excavation niches for woodpecker species in subtropical forests of Argentina, and they allow us to identify the important relationships between these birds and the available tree species. Thus, the results of this work may be useful to develop sustainable forest management guidelines for this group of birds.

Diversity and distribution of mollusks at three zones of mangrove in Pejarakan, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract. Ginantra IK, Muksin IK, Suaskara IBM, Joni M. 2020. Diversity and distribution of mollusks at three zones of mangrove in Pejarakan, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4636-4643. The diversity of mangrove species in mangrove zonations on the coast of Pejarakan plays an important role in the existence of faunal diversity, including those from mollusks. Mollusks are the dominant phylum associated with mangrove habitats, in addition to the species of the Crustacean subphylum. This research aimed to determine the diversity of mollusks and their distribution patterns in three mangrove zones in Pejarakan, Buleleng District, Bali Province, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted by establishing sampling plots across three mangrove zones, i.e. seaward zone, middle zone, and landward zone. There were 23 sampling plots in total with size of each plot was 1x1m. The species and number of individuals of each species of mollusks were recorded in each quadrat plot. The diversity of mollusks was calculated using the Shannon-Wiener index, evenness index, and dominance index, while the pattern of distribution of mollusks was measured using the Morisita index. The results of the study found 27 species of mollusks, consisting of 19 species from Gastropods group, 7 species from Bivalvia group and 1 species from Polyplacophora (chiton). The seaward zone showed the highest species diversity, while the landward zone had the lowest. Terebralia palustris had the highest abundance with 217 individuals/m2 and was distributed in the three mangrove zones. Planaxis sulcatus showed the highest abundance (87 ind./m2) in the seaward zone, and Telescopium telescopium showed a fairly high abundance and were distributed in the mid zone and the landward zone. In general, mollusks in the mangrove area of Pejarakan was distributed in a group/clustered pattern. The data from this research can serve as a reference in mangrove forest conservation efforts and mangrove forest used for ecotourism.

Spatial Distribution of Macrozoobenthos as Bioindicators of Organic Material Pollution in the Citanduy River, Cisayong, Tasikmalaya Region, West Java, Indonesia

The Cisayong area of ​​Tasikmalaya Regency is an area that is passed by the Citanduy River. Citanduy River has received a variety of inputs, that affect the river water quality and cause pollution. Macrozoobenthos can be used as an indicator of water pollution. This research aims to determine the spatial distribution of the macrozoobenthic community as a bioindicator of organic matter pollution in the Citanduy River, Cisayong Tasikmalaya Region, West Java. This research was conducted on January 2 - March 3, 2020. The research method used a field survey method. The data collection technique used purposive sampling by determining 4 stations based on environmental factors and land use around the river flow. The results of the macrozoobenthic spatial distribution along the Citanduy River were different at each observation location. At station 1 several intolerant species Heptagenia sp., Leptophelbia sp., and Hydropsyche sp. Were found, station 2 found several facultative species Melanoides tuberculata, Lymnea sp., Tarebia granifera, Sulcosfira testudinaria, Filopaludina javanica, and Pomacea canalicuta, station 3 found several tolerant species Chironomus sp., and Tubifex sp., station 4 were found several species of facultative and tolerant macrozoobenthos Melanoides tuberculata, Lymnea sp., Tarebia granifera, Sulcosfira testudinaria, Filopaludina javanica, Pomacea canalicuta, and Tubifex sp. The abundance of macrozoobenthos in the Citanduy River ranges from 1460-2540 ind/m2. Diversity index ranges from 1.53 to 1.79. The uniformity index ranges from 0.45 to 0.53. Species deficits at each station are different. The Morisita index ranges from 0.48 to 1.12 representing uniform categories and groups.

Kerapatan dan Persebaran Tumbuhan Air di Danau Buyan Kabupaten Buleleng, Provinsi Bali

The Bali province has four lakes, one of them is Buyan lake. One of communities that has important roles in lake waters ecosystem as an primary production is a community of aquatic plants. The existence of aquatic plants as weed will suffer losses more than the beneficial. So that research on density and distribution of aquatic plants in Buyan lake is very important to do. The research aims to find out the density, distribution, domination, percent of closure and other types of aquatic plants in Buyan lake. This research was conducted for 1 month during the month of March until April 2017. The value of the density of the population (KP) aquatic plants has ranged from 2-357 individuals/m2. The value of the frequency of attendance (FK) aquatic plants ranging between 0,1-1. Morisita Index (Id) has ranged from 4,9-1,39 which shows a pattern of clumped. The value of Dominance (D) aquatic plants has ranged between 0,0001-0,9823 that showed with its low variation and high abundance. The value of aquantic plant cover has percent range from 1-72% that showed of the vegetation very rare, rare and dense. The aquatic plants found during research had 4 types of living that were type of free float (Free Floating) Salvinia molesta, Eichhornia crassipes (Submerged) Myriophyllum aquaticum, (Floating) Alternanthera philoxeroides, sticking (Emergent) Schoenoplectus paludicola, Phragmites australis, Typha capensis.

Chemical convergence between a guild of facultative myrmecophilous caterpillars and host plants

Ants exert strong selective pressure on herbivorous insects, although some caterpillars can live in symbiosis with them using chemical defensive strategies. We investigated the adaptive resemblance of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in multitrophic systems involving a guild of facultative myrmecophilous caterpillar species (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), tending ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and host plants from three families. We hypothesised that the CHCs of the caterpillars would resemble those of their host plants (chemical camouflage). We analysed CHCs using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Morisita's similarity index (SI) was used to compare CHC profiles of caterpillar species with different types of ant associations (commensal or mutualistic), ants, and host plants. We found strong convergence between caterpillars' CHCs and plants, especially for commensal species that do not provide secretion rewards for ants. Moreover, we found unexpected chemical convergence among mutualistic (trophobiotic) caterpillar species that offer caloric reward secretions to ants. These results show that the studied caterpillars acquire CHCs through their diet and that they vary according to host plant species and type of ant association (commensalism or mutualism). This ‘chemical camouflage’ of myrmecophilous caterpillars may have arisen as a defensive strategy allowing coexistence with ants on plants, whereas ‘chemical conspicuousness’ may have evolved in the context of honest signalling between mutualistic partners. We suggest the existence of chemical mimicry among myrmecophilous species, especially between mutualistic caterpillars. Cuticular chemical mixtures can play a key adaptive role in decreasing ant attacks and increasing caterpillar survival in multimodal sensory systems.

Ecological and environmental indicators of Brazil Nut Tree (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) in Flona do Jamari, Rondônia

Mapping Brazil nut trees in the Amazon is essential for indicating its distribution patterns within different ecosystems, while also being useful to estimate the species productive potential. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution of Brazil nut trees in Flona do Jamari – RO, considering its environmental and topographic conditions. A census was performed for all individual trees sized ≥ 35 cm in diameter at 1.30 m breast height (DBH) above the ground of six Annual Production Units (APU) in Forest Management Unit III (FMU-III), a 11,011.2 ha area of Flona do Jamari, RO. DBH and geographic location (GPS) were collected for each tree. Structure and diameter distribution were evaluated by abundance, density, dominance, and frequency. The Morisita index was used to identify the spatial distribution pattern. The environment was defined by the local relative height found along the drainage network, by the digital model Height Above the Nearest Drainage (HAND). Most trees were among DBH intermediate classes (60 to 140 cm), and only a few were young trees (DBH < 50 cm). Brazil nut trees present a random spatial distribution and a predominant distribution pattern of 'terra-firme (solid ground)'. Such information on the species structural, spatial, and ecological patterns serve as key elements for further studies on production potential.

Amostragem para avaliação de mancha amarela em trigo

O dimensionamento amostral adequado é um importante fator a ser levado em consideração para melhorar a precisão experimental. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o tamanho de amostra na parcela necessário para avaliar a severidade da mancha amarela do trigo e a área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD). Utilizou-se dados de severidade da mancha amarela e da AACPD de dois experimentos de controle realizados com trigo na safra 2010. A severidade foi obtida em dez folhas por parcela, ou seja, 40 folhas por tratamento, após a segunda aplicação do fungicida e a partir delas calculou-se a AACPD. Posteriormente, calcularam-se as estatísticas descritivas em cada tratamento: mínimo, máximo, média, desvio padrão, variância e coeficiente de variação da média. A avaliação do dimensionamento dos experimentos quanto ao número de repetições e de amostras foi realizado por meio da análise de variância dos experimentos. A dispersão da doença foi verificada pela razão variância/média e do índice de Morisita e teve como objetivo verificar se a metodologia utilizada para o cálculo do tamanho de amostra foi adequado. A dispersão da doença não foi a mesma ao longo dos experimentos, variando entre tratamentos e avaliações. Diante disso a metodologia utilizada neste estudo para o cálculo do tamanho da amostra foi adequada. Para um erro de 10%, o tamanho da amostra para estimar a média da severidade da mancha amarela e da área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença são 286 e 22 folhas bandeiras, respectivamente.