Ontogenetic State Research Articles

Study of Ontogenetic Structure and Density of the Coenopopulation of Hedysarum atropatanum Bunge ex Boiss. Flora of Daridag

The article presents findings from a study of the demographic structure and density of the population of the species Hedysarum atropatanum Bunge ex Boiss., which is widely distributed in the Daridag area. A total of ten ontogenetic states (seed, seedling, juvenile, immature, virginile, young generative, middle aged generative, aged generative, subsenile and senile) of the H. atropatanum species were observed. The processes of ontogenesis, which can be classified as normal, fast, or slow, were identified as the primary mechanisms driving species evolution. Additionally, instances of developmental disruptions, rejuvenation, and the manifestations of aging were observed. The majority of individuals belonging to the species H. atropatanum exhibit a normal to rapid growth rate. It has been observed that the process of ontogenesis is slower in areas with high plant density. It was determined that the secondary quiescence period does not manifest during the initial stages of development; rather, it becomes feasible only after the individuals have reached the virginal state. It has not been observed that immature individuals bypass the virginal state and immediately transition to mature generative plants. The vitality status of the individuals was determined based on a comprehensive analysis of multiple morphological traits, including the height of the specimens, the number of shoots, the number of flower carriers, the length of the leaves, the size of the leaves, and the number of flowers in the flower group. Following the statistical processing of the data, three classes of vitality were identified. A study revealed that individuals of the second vitality level of the H. atropatanumspecies are more prevalent in the coenopopulation. The optimal habitats of the H. atropatanum s

Some results of the introduction study of <i>Leonurus cardiaca</i> plants in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic

The article summarizes the results of many years of studying Leonurus cardiaca L. under cultural conditions in the North. It was revealed that in the first year of life, with the seedling method of cultivation, motherwort plants are in the pregenerative period. The transition of individuals into the generative period is noted in the second year of life. The winter hardiness and stability of plants in agrocoenosis is quite high. Under cultural conditions, specimens of L. cardiaca plants of different geographical origins retained the rhythms of seasonal development characteristic of this species. It was revealed that plants of L. cardiaca are characterized by extended periods of flowering (38–44 days) and fruiting (35–40 days). The growing season from the beginning of regrowth to seed collection was 127–132 days. In the years studied, different samples of L. cardiaca formed mature seeds weighing 1000 pcs. seeds 0,86–1,03 g and laboratory germination of 55–91%, which meets the requirements for the quality of seed material of this type. L. cardiaca plants reached their maximum development in the third to fifth years of life, being in a middle-aged generative ontogenetic state: plant height 98–166 cm, shoot-forming capacity – 18–22 pcs. per individual, inflorescence length 26–36 cm, raw material of the main shoot 7,2–8,6 g of wet and 2,1–2,9 g of air-dried phytomass. For the first time the mass fraction of nitrogen (2,4–2,9%) and the amino acid composition of proteins were determined in the above-ground raw phytomass of L. cardiaca. 17 amino acids were quantified, including seven essential ones (39,4% of the total). The highest content in plants was observed for amino acids: glutamic (12,5%), aspartic (11,6%), leucine (9,9%), lysine (8,3%), alanine (6,6%), valine (6,6%) and arginine (5,8%).

Features of the formation of the ontogenetic structure of the cenopopulation and seed productivity of <i>Sanguisorba officinalis</i> in the conditions of forest and forest‐steppe vegetation of the Middle Volga region, Russia

The purpose of this work is to study the features of the life cycle of Sanguisorba officinalis in various types of vegetation in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. We used traditional methods for studying the cenopopulation, analysis of the calendar age of plants of various ontogenetic states, and potential and actual seed productivity. Under broad‐leaved forest conditions, a young normal population was formed on the basis of slowly developing plants. In conditions of open communities, young cenopopulations were formed on the basis of intensive seed reproduction processes. The young cenopopulation can be recommended for further study in biomass exploitation. The predominance of long‐lived vegetative and immature plants in the conditions of a broad‐leaved forest is associated with difficulties in the transition of individuals to sexual reproduction. The maintenance of numbers is carried out through vegetative growth and reproduction. With deterioration of ecological and coenotic conditions, above‐ground shoots were not formed but regressive‐quasisenile coenopopulations were formed. Seed productivity was determined by ecological and cenotic conditions. On the steppe meadow of the Bugulma district, the lowest seed productivity index was 9 %. The lowest indicator of the trait “Number of full‐fledged seeds” (the average indicator was 7), low seed germination and germination energy were also noted there. The highest values of these indicators were noted n glades of the broad‐leaved areas of the same region. The realization of the reproductive system of Sanguisorba officinalis even under extreme conditions and the survival of the species in various types of vegetation suggest that the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan is included in the ceno‐area of the species. This will permit the creation of plantations in the republic.

Urban forest analysis: species classification using machine learning and remote sensing data

Effective management of urban forests requires an integrated approach, starting with a complete inventory of their biodiversity. At the moment, data on the floristic composition of urban forests in Siberian cities is either limited or fragmentary. The purpose of this study is to classify urban forests by species and determine their ontogenetic state using remote sensing materials. This study aims to deeply analyze the structure of urban forests using remote sensing data, in particular the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ontogenesis of a rare Russian plant <i>Chephalaria litvinovii</i> Bobrov (Caprifoliaceae Juss.) in the Penza Region

This article examines the features of ontogenesis, the formation of biomorphs (in the ontogenetic aspect) and the phytocoenotic confinement in the Penza Region of a rare plant of Russia endemic Chephalaria litvinovii Bobrov. Field research methods are complemented by a laboratory experiment on the effect of low positive temperatures on the germination of achenes. The conducted studies showed that the individual development of individuals of this species includes 4 periods and 9 ontogenetic states, the morphometric indicators of which are presented in the work. It is shown how the monocentric biomorph of this caudex polycarpic in the old generative age state is replaced by an implicitly polycentric one due to the formation of hypogeogenic rhizomes. The stimulating effect of a temperature of +2°C for 2 weeks on the germination of achenes is shown. There is a phytocoenotic association of C. litvinovii with swampy, and, less often, true and steppe meadows in river floodplains, as well as in forest clearings and edges. The obtained materials can serve as a basis for the development of more effective measures for the protection of the species, including in cultural conditions during introduction in botanical gardens.

PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RAW MATERIALS OF BUPLEURUM LONGIFOLIUM SSP. AUREUM L. (FISCH. EX HOFFM.) SOO) ON THE BORDER OF THE RANGE OF THE TATARSTAN REPUBLIC

B. longifolium ssp. aureum cenopopulations were detected in forest phytocenoses of the coniferous-broad-leaved forests and the forest-steppe zones of the Republic of Tatarstan. In each habitat, the concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and photosynthetic pigments was determined in 20 collected plants of the middle age ontogenetic state. Chromatographic analysis of phenolic compounds of the raw materials of each cenopopulation was carried out.
 It was found that the content of rutin and ferulic acid of plants in the zone of coniferous-broadleaf forests was higher than in the forest-steppe zone. However, there was a more diverse spectrum of phenolic compounds. The chlorogenic and benzoic acids, quercetin and kaempferol were detected. In all communities, high intra-population variation in the concentration of biologically active substances was revealed. This fact should be taken into account during plantation creations and raw materials collection.

The confinedness of undergrowth Picea obovata and Abies sibirica (Pinaceae) to tree-related microhabitats and their development features at various phases of post-fire succession in green-moss dark coniferous forests in the Northern Pre-Urals

Forest ecology frequently explores the role of microsite mosaics in forest communities for the regeneration of forest-forming tree species. The present study aims to find out whether the ontogenetic structure and differentiation of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) and Siberian fir (Abies sibirica) undergrowth plants by the plant vitality are associated with their occurrence on various microsites. The study has been carried out in the Pechora-Ilych State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Russia. In green-moss fir-spruce forests, 23 temporary sample plots were established, including 1) forest communities of the intermediate phase of post-fire succession (in areas where fires happened in 1850–1900) and 2) forest communities of the late phase (in areas where there were no fires, at least since the mid-XIX century). On the study plots, P. obovata and A. sibirica undergrowth individuals were recorded indicating ontogenetic state, vitality and microsite substrate for each plant. Using the Z-criterion, a comparison of the occurrence frequencies (%) of various undergrowth groups of P. obovata and A. sibirica on various microsites has been carried out, i.e. within each species and between the studied species, as well as at each phase of post-fire succession and between the phases. The analysis showed that, in communities of both succession phases in both species, undergrowth plants of ontogenetic state im2 occurred on deadwood logs less frequently than the undergrowth plants of the earlier ontogenetic state im1. At the same time, in both species on the flat ground surface an opposite occurrence trend for these ontogenetic states was revealed. In communities of the late succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth plants of the ontogenetic state im2 and normal vitality occurred on a flat ground surface within inter-crown sites more frequently than plants of reduced and low vitality. A comparison between the species showed that in forest communities of both succession phases, A. sibirica undergrowth plants of im1 and im2 ontogenetic states more frequently occupy flat ground surface than deadwood logs, whereas P. obovata undergrowth plants more frequently grow on deadwood logs than on the flat ground surface. In addition, in communities of the intermediate succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth is more likely than P. obovata to be found in the under-crown sites (especially on a flat ground surface). In communities of the late succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth more often grows in under-crown sites on the near-trunk elevations of living trees. In both species, 40–50% of im2 plants of low vitality grow in inter-crown sites. To clarify the influence of the microsite mosaics on the regeneration processes in the studied forests, more detailed and large-scale studies are further needed, which will allow us obtaining more representative samples of undergrowth plants at various ontogenetic states.

Analysis of patterns of light interception by the crowns of Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht bushes in various ontogenetic states in the Kalinovsky Forest Park of Yekaterinburg

In the forest park area of Yekaterinburg Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht. found as a naturalized introduced species in various forms of plantings. With increasing anthropogenic pressure on suburban forests, it is important to study the biological characteristics of invasive species and their intraspecific differentiation to preserve the gene pool, therefore, studying the patterns of manifestation of the size, ontogenetic and structural parameters of cotoneaster in coenopopulations makes it possible to identify the peculiarities of the dynamics of their development and give a complete picture of the processes of adaptation of this species to the conditions growth. The article studied the lighting parameters in different parts of the crowns of C. Lucidus bushes of various ontogenetic states, and analyzed their ability to intercept light. The parameters of lighting and its interception largely depend on the structural features and size of the crowns of bushes, their age and ontogenetic state. With age (transition to later ontogenetic states), the parameter of illumination received above the crown increases, the interception of illumination by entire crowns of bushes increases from 33.2% for j to 68.4% in the late generative state (at the same time, the interception of illumination by the lower parts of the crowns is relatively stable, varying from 10.7% to 16.7%), the correlation between the parameters of illumination and its interception in different parts of the crown becomes less pronounced. The latter is associated with the development of an increasingly complex and dense structure in the volume of the crowns of C. lucidus bushes.

Comprehensive analysis of the state of habitats of Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht. in the Malo-Istoksky forest park in Yekaterinburg

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht. in the forest park area of the city of Yekaterinburg (Russia) based on population (age and vitality structure) and organismal parameters (morphometric indicators). The purpose of the study is to analyze the features of the ontogenetic and vitality structure of seven habitats of the brilliant cotoneaster Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht in the Malo-Istoksky forest park of the city of Yekaterinburg. Plants in the habitat are presented in the form of geoxyl bush. In the Age structure, two periods have been identified - pregenerative and generative, and three ontogenetic states. All habitats are young and are in the stage of settlement, exclusively in forb pine forests with a canopy density of 0.3-0.6. The main route of penetration of the brilliant cotoneaster into the Malo-Istoksky Forest Park is artificial plantings along the paths, near equipped recreation areas. Its spread was facilitated by the presence of edible, long-lasting fruits on the shoots, which provided food for many species of birds. The established features indicate the high potential of the species and successful naturalization.

Distribution ofAcer negundoL. in the Karasye-Ozersky forest park of Yekaterinburg

The article is devoted to invasions ofAcer negundoL. 1753 in the forest park area of Yekaterinburg (Russia) based on population (age and vitality structure) and organismal parameters (morphometric indicators). The purpose of the work was to study the invasion of ashleaved maple in the forest park area of Yekaterinburg; the objectives of the study included the following tasks: establishing the ecological-cenotic location of the maple and studying the biological characteristics of the species during its distribution. The objects of the study were eight maple habitats in the Karasye-Ozersky forest park. In ontogenetic development, one life form is identified - a single-stem tree, two periods are defined - pregenerative and generative, and five ontogenetic states. All habitats are young, i.e. are at the initial stage of introduction, however, there are common features of invasion. Distribution begins from open edges, gradually penetrating under the forest canopy, while having high shade tolerance, seed productivity and growth rate,Acernegundoforms multitiered thickets, displacing and complicating the self-restoration of native flora in the Karasye-Ozersky Forest Park. Despite the wide range of distribution of maple in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems, there is an ecological and phytocenotic confinement to it in the forest park, and it is manifested in its distribution mainly in pine forests of mixed herbs with a tree canopy density of 0.5. The established patterns indicate a pronounced expansion of the species and its significant invasive potential.

Analysis of the invasive activity of Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht. in the Kalinovsky forest park in Yekaterinburg

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht. in the forest park area of Yekaterinburg (Russia) based on population (age and vitality structure) and organismal parameters (morphometric indicators). The purpose of the study is to analyze the invasive activity of Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht. in the Kalinovsky Forest Park in Yekaterinburg. Plants in the habitat are presented in the form of geoxyl bush. In the Age structure, two periods have been identified - pregenerative and generative, and six ontogenetic states. All habitats are at the stage of colonization, exclusively in forb pine forests with a canopy density of 0.6-0.7. The main route of penetration of the brilliant cotoneaster into the Kalinovsky Forest Park is artificial plantings along the paths, near equipped recreation areas. Its spread was facilitated by the presence of edible, long-lasting fruits on the shoots, which provided food for many species of birds. The established features indicate the high potential of the species and successful naturalization.

DISTRIBUTION AND BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PAEONIA ANOMALA (PAEONIACEAE) ONTOGENESIS IN KAZAKHSTAN

The article presents data on the distribution and biological features of the ontogenetic states of Paeonia anomala L. on the territory of Kazakhstan. The distribution of the species was established according to field research, observations, literature and materials of herbarium collections: MW, NUR and AA. The age of the plants was determined by the annual layers on the rhizomes of P. anomala. According to the data obtained, the main distribution area of P. anomala in Kazakhstan is located within the East Kazakhstan region, in the Katon-Karagai, Kurchum, Shemonaikha, Ulan and Zyryanovsky administrative districts. It is much less common in the Zhambyl and Almaty regions, the south-western border of the general distribution area of the species passes in these regions. Our studies have not confirmed the growth of P. anomala on the territory of the Kokchetav upland of the Kazakh small-grassland. The results of the research made it possible to establish in the ontogenesis of P. anomala L. 9 age-related conditions: latent state, seedlings, juvenile, immature, virginal, young generative, mature generative, old generative and senile. Life span of P. anomala in East Kazakhstan is 55-70 years old, sometimes more. In populations confined to the Subalpine belt and sparse forest cenoses, age spectra with an absolute maximum of the age cycle are characteristic.

Cranial osteology and a new diagnosis of the late Permian pareiasaur Nanoparia luckhoffi (Broom, 1936) from the Karoo Basin of South Africa, and a consolidated pareiasaurian phylogeny

Pareiasaurs were an enigmatic and diverse group of parareptilian herbivores of the middle and late Permian. Nanoparialuckhoffi was erected in 1936 but remains the least well-known member of four “dwarf” pareiasaurs that comprise Pumiliopareiasauria. After new preparation of the holotype, we present the first detailed cranial description of Nanoparialuckhoffi and a new diagnosis for the taxon based on seven autapomorphies: (1) an additional bone on the posterior margin of the cheek flange between the squamosal and quadratojugal; (2) a pyramidal-shaped parietal; (3) a very short, square lacrimal; (4) paired prepalatal foramina positioned anterolaterally on the internal premaxillary palatal flange; (5) notch on anteromedial border of the choana; (6) a ventral flange formed by the lateral margin of the internal tabulars; and (7) tabulars that extend posteriorly further than the supratemporals. We find evidence supporting a juvenile ontogenetic state for the holotype, including small skull; unossified open cranial sutures; an unossified dorsal braincase; and fewer marginal teeth than most pareiasaurs. An updated phylogeny recovers Nanoparia as a sister taxon to Provelosaurusamericanus from Brazil and remains a constituent member of Pumiliopareiasauria. Keywords: Nanoparia, Pumiliopareiasauria, Pareiasauria, Parareptilia, late Permian, Gondwana.

Four’s a crowd: social preferences for larger groups in golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) tadpoles

Group living results in various benefits and costs, which often depend on group size and ontogenetic state of the individual. Therefore, certain group sizes are favourable over others, often depending on individual age or intrinsic state. Under natural conditions many amphibians can be found in aggregations, especially during the larval stage. Yet, whether these aggregations are the result of active social preferences or are driven by environmental factors has only been tested in a limited number of taxa. This study explores social preferences and group size discrimination in golden mantella (Mantella aurantiaca) tadpoles. We gave tadpoles the choice between different numbers of conspecifics using a two-choice design. To test for general social tendency, tadpoles could either join a group of three or remain solitary (3 vs. 0). To test for group size preferences, we tested tadpoles in two different ratios: 2 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 2 conspecifics. We repeated the trials weekly until metamorphosis to determine potential shifts in preference through ontogeny. Tadpoles preferred being with a group over being alone, and the strength of this preference declined with increasing age. Furthermore, tadpoles preferred to be close to the larger of two groups. This preference was stronger in the 2 vs. 1 treatment. Mantella aurantiaca tadpoles, therefore, show clear social tendencies and possess the ability to spontaneously discriminate between group sizes. The lower preference at higher group sizes might indicate cognitive limitations or lower benefits of choosing the larger of two groups when overall group size is high. These findings are one of the few showing social preferences depending on group size in tadpoles and contribute to our understanding of social behaviour in amphibians in general.

Features of biology and population dynamics of Cephalanthera rubra (Orchidaceae Juss.) in the Sochi Black Sea region

Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich. is sporadically distributed in the Sochi Black Sea region. It occurs in the forests of the low-mountain and mid-mountain belts of the southern macroslope of the Main Caucasian Range. The number of individual populations is from two-three to a dozen individuals, usually populations are distant from each other over long distances. C. rubra can be attributed to hemiephemeroids, having spring-early summer green shoots with a period of summer-autumn-winter dormancy. The growing season lasts 3 months. Morphometric indicators of individuals of different ontogenetic states are given. The dynamics of the ontogenetic structure of the population from the area of the hornbeam forest in the vicinity of the village Illarionovka for 8 years is shown. In the ontogenetic spectra of the studied large population, the predominance of generative individuals is constant. The population is full-membered, normal type, stable. The species is self-compatible, autogamy was not revealed. The model species for pollinators seems to be Lathyrus laxiflorus (Desf.) Kuntze, which is absent from the studied population. Fruit formation in different locations does not always occur; it is absent in the studied population. Seeds of Limodorum-type, linear or fusiform, about 1.3 mm long. The species is protected in the Sochi National Park and in the Khosta Department of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve.

Structural and functional characteristics of the assimilation apparatus of <i>Alisma plantago-aquatica</i> at different stages of development

This paper deals with the features of the structural and functional organization of the assimilation apparatus of individuals of the plantain fly, which are in five ontogenetic states (juvenile, immature, virginal, young and middle-aged generative). The changes in the morphometric parameters of the assimilation apparatus in j, im, v, g₁ and g₂ individuals of Alisma plantago-aquatica are analyzed. During the ontogenesis of Alisma plantago-aquatica, the length, width, area and mass of the sheet plastic, as well as the growth coefficient, changed along an S-shaped curve. In the middle-aged generative plants of Alisma plantago-aquatica, all morphometric parameters had maximum values. During the pregenerative (three ontogenetic states) and generative (two ontogenetic states) periods of ontogenesis, the number of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids in the leaves of the helophyte increased. Regardless of the ontogenetic state of plants, the concentration of yellow pigments was 3,06,0 times lower than of the green ones. The degree of functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus in individuals of different ontogenetic states can be judged both by the ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b, and the ratio of the sum of chlorophylls to carotenoids. With an increase in the total assimilating surface of the leaves, the intensity of photosynthesis and, as a consequence, the amount of organic carbon in the leaves of Alisma plantago-aquatica individuals increased. The structural and functional changes of the photosynthetic apparatus observed in the ontogenesis of Alisma plantago-aquatica can be explained by the peculiarities of adaptation mechanisms to long-acting external environmental factors. Medium-aged generative plants of Alisma plantago-aquatica are promising for assessing carbon accumulation and overall productivity of coastal-aquatic phytocoenoses.

Phytohormonal balance in leaves of the soft wheat lines isogenic for VRN genes

The paper presents results of the study of the phytohormonal balance in mature, formed leaves of the lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of the winter variety Olvia during the transition from vegetative to generative development. Near isogenic for the VRN genes lines (NILs) created in the gene pool of the Olvia variety and plants of the vernalized and non-vernalized winter variety were used. The experiments were carried out under the conditions of a vegetation experiment in the factorial chamber of the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants and Microorganisms of the V.N. Karazin KhNU. During the experiment, we conducted physiological observations and analyzed the development rate of experimental plants. Phytohormone analysis was carried out in fixed plant material by a chromatographic distribution of phytohormone mixture with thin-layer chromatography. The phytohormones were identified by the reference standards irradiating the chromatograms with ultraviolet UV (254 nm), and the content was determined by biotesting methods. The level of main classes of classical growth-stimulating phytohormones (auxins (IAA), cytokinins (CK), and gibberellins (GA), and growth-inhibiting hormones (abscisins (ABA)) was analyzed. The indicators of phytohormonal balance were calculated as the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting hormones. The results of the experiments showed that phytohormones in mature, formed leaves of the experimental plants are represented by auxins – 64.9-70.7 μg/g, cytokinins – 26.6-30.5 μg/g, gibberellins – 179.47-228.68 μg/g, and abscisins – 54.06-89.76 μg/g of dry weight. Among the phytohormone classes studied, the minimal was the cytokinins’ content, while the phytohormones of terpenoid nature (gibberellins and abscisins) were represented best. It has been established that the phytohormonal balance viz. the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting phytohormones reflects the development rate of experimental plants. Rapidly developing plants of isolines VRN 1 and VRN 3, and the plants of vernalized variety were characterized by the maximum phytohormone balance (especially GA/ABA), while the slowly developing plants of the isoline VRN 2 and the non-vernalized variety Olvia had the minimum balance. Since the plant organism is an integrated system of organs and functions, we assume that this indicator – phytohormonal balance in plant leaves, can be used as a marker of the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism. The identified changes in the phytohormonal status of mature, formed leaves and the development rates of experimental plants have the same regularities in all the models used in our research: the model of isogenic lines and the model of vernalized and non-vernalized plants of the winter variety. This fact makes it possible to assume that changes in the phytohormone balance of mature leaves, which reflect the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism, are determined by the genotypic and phenotypic (epigenetic) influence.

Intraspecific allometric shift in an endemic and endangered marine mollusc: A new minimally intrusive tool to capture shell shape in the field

AbstractPatella ferruginea (Gastropoda, Patellidae) is an endemic and endangered marine invertebrate species from the Western Mediterranean that presents two ecomorphotypes. Currently, there is no objective and nonmanipulative method to determine these ecomorphotypes in the field. The present study uses the geometric morphometrics approach to investigate variation in the shell‐shape allometric trajectories of both ecomorphotypes. In addition, we propose a new manipulation‐free tool to assign ecomorphotype in the field. A total of 190 shells, 123 from the lamarcki (20.0 to 86.7 mm) and 67 from the rouxi (25.3 to 95.9 mm) ecomorphotypes, were analyzed using three different 2D landmark and semilandmark configurations capturing the lateral, internal, and dorsal shell views. We provide compelling graphical and analytical evidence that these ecomorphotypes differ in allometric growth patterns. However, the findings of the current study do not support that lamarcki and rouxi correspond to different ontogenetic states of P. ferruginea. We hypothesize that the difference in the allometric trajectories between the rouxi and the lamarcki ecomorphotypes could be due to environmental constraints, but it might also be due to currently undetected genetic factors. Since the allometry‐free shape lateral view presented the most significant reliability in assigning ecomorphotypes, we evaluate an easy and inexpensive tool to assign individuals in the field to each ecomorphotype using a contour gauge and a simple landmark configuration (only three landmarks). Cross‐validated classification indicated that ecomorphotype assignations for lateral contour present total reliability calculated at 93.15%. Therefore, we encourage it to be implemented in future research to avoid sacrificing or manipulating specimens of this endangered species.

<i>MENEGAZZIA TEREBRATA</i> (PARMELIACEAE) AT THE NORTHERN BORDER OF ITS RANGE (KIVACH NATURE RESERVE, REPUBLIC OF KARELIA)

Menegazzia terebrata is a foliose macrolichen listed in the Red Data Books of most European countries and in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. The species is stenotopic, for which the variety of suitable biotopes is limited; therefore, habitat disturbance under natural and anthropogenic factors is the main reason for decreasing its population. Most records of the species in European Russia were made in the mid 19th – mid 20th centuries. The purpose of this study was to assess the state of coenopopulations and ecological features of M. terebrata in the communities of the Kivach Nature Reserve (Republic of Karelia). The studies were carried out in the territory of Kivach Nature Reserve on sample plots of 625 m2, where general characteristics of plant communities and habitat characteristics were recorded. The size of each coenopopulation was determined as well as the coverage area on the surface of the substrate (cm2), the number of thalli, their ontogenetic state, associated species in lichen synusia. For the first time in the last 80 years, 4 habitats of M. terebrata were found on the territory of the Republic of Karelia. Based on literature and own data, a map of the species distribution in Northern Europe was compiled. The discovered population is the northernmost of all currently existing in the territory of the European part of Russia. M. terebrata prefers more shaded and humid conditions, occupying vertical surfaces of mossy rocks in deciduous forests with the last fire 93–120 years ago. The lichen occurs in communities with bryophytes, in lichen synusia with common species of shady habitats: Lepraria sp., Cystocoleus ebeneus, Peltigera sp. Totally 144 thalli of M. terebrata with a total area of 1228 cm2 were identified at four ontogenetic states assigned to two age periods: pregenerative (two variants of virginal state – \({{v}_{1}}\), \({{v}_{2}}\)), and postgenerative (subsenile – ss, senile – s). These coenopopulations follow the strategy of vegetative reproduction, as evidenced from the presence of soralia and fragmentation of the thalli. The size of the thalli and the predominance of virginal and subsenile thalli with abundant soralia indicate a long-term good prospect for the development of the coenopopulations, and allow us to assess the state of the species as normal. The existence in a specially protected area, the presence of a suitable substrate (vertical rock outcrops of significant size), as well as forest communities with a certain microclimate (shading, high relative humidity) create the necessary conditions for the conservation of M. terebrata. The results obtained are the basis for changing the status of M. terebrata in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Karelia from “0” (probably extinct) to “1” (endangered).

Characterization of the size and spatiotemporal structure of the cenopopulation Caragana arborescens Lam. in the forest park of Yekaterinburg

The article is devoted to the study of the dimensional and space-time structure of Caragana arborescens Lam. in various ecological and cenotic conditions in the forest park named after. Foresters of Russia in Yekaterinburg on the basis of population and organismal parameters. For the first time, a quantitative characteristic of the manifestation of organismal indicators in each ontogenetic state of the caragana was obtained. Regularities in the manifestation of traits depending on the ontogenetic conditions of plants and forest type, as well as features of changes in traits that occur during the growth of individuals during the life period, are revealed. Features of the average values of the manifestation of traits in ontogenetic states can be associated with the number of individuals of a given state in the corresponding samples, while there is an influence of habitat conditions. A one-way analysis of variance, in which the habitat type of a coenopopulation fragment was a factor, showed a significant effect of the factor for traits of crown height and width. Significant differences in these traits of the habitat of the mixed herb meadow from other habitats and the reduced values of the traits in the forb pine forest are explained by the predominance of medium generative individuals in the first case, and juvenile individuals in the second. The ability of the species to successfully adapt in fragmented and urbanized areas affected by recreational impacts and other forms of pollution and survive in a wide range of environmental conditions has been established.