Similarity In Species Composition Research Articles

Seasonal and Interannual Dynamics of Pelagic Rotifers in a Tropical, Saline, Deep Lake

This is the first long-term study (monthly samples at two 4-year intervals: 1998 to 2001 and 2013 to 2016) on rotifers in a saline, deep lake. The pelagic rotifer assemblage of Lake Alchichica is simple and comprised by two species, both new and most likely endemic: Brachionus sp. Mexico (related to B. plicatilis) and Hexarthra sp. (related to H. jenkinae). Similar low species richness and composition are found in other saline lakes associated with salinity. Rotifers in Lake Alchichica were an irregular component of the zooplankton community. Rotifers’ overall abundance (471 ± 1211 ind m−2) and biomass (24 ± 63 mg DW m−2) were low; Brachionus sp. Mexico and Hexarthra sp. contributed similarly to the annual mean abundance (54% and 46%, respectively) and biomass (53% and 47%, respectively). Abundance and biomass were tightly coupled, but there was no regular pattern in their seasonal dynamics. When co-existing, Brachionus sp. Mexico showed a higher abundance than Hexarthra sp. The dominant (≈80%) phytoplankton biomass in Lake Alchichica, the large (35–63 µm) diatom Cyclotella alchichicana, is inedible for rotifers, thus rotifers most probably relied only on nanophytoplankton (≤20 µm). Seasonal and interannual differences in rotifers seem related to food availability (oligotrophy) and probably to biotic interactions (e.g., competition). Rotifer abundance and biomass values in 1998–2001 went down to 12.5% in 2013–2016. Climate change and stochastics events leading to pulses of the rotifers’ food, and biotic interactions seem to be the most plausible explanation.

Variation in the microbial community in bioelectrochemical systems treating sulfamethoxazole wastewater — Identifying key operating parameters and revealing sul gene-harboring host bacteria

A biofilm electrode system (BES), which is the combination of a constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell (MFC-CW) with a biofilm electrode reactor (BER), was used to treat wastewater that contained sulfamethoxazole for three months. The variation in the microbial community, including the microbial diversity, was explored. Furthermore, the key operating factors were identified, and the sul genes-harboring host bacteria were revealed. The results demonstrated that the species richness in the BER was greater than in the MFC-CW, but the Shannon index was susceptible to the run time. The Beta diversity showed that the species composition similarity was primarily clustered according to the position of the BES and then according to the run time. In addition, the principal axis analysis showed that the species composition similarity of the MFC-CW was closer to that of the control sample. Both the BER and MFC-CW were significantly correlated with the voltage and SMX concentration (p < 0.01) at the same correlation level (0.25–0.5). There were 39 phyla during the entire operational period, and the top 9 were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Chlorobi, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae and Planctomysete. The potential host bacteria of the sul genes, such as Lentisphaerae, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria in the BER and Chlorobi, Caldiserica, Nitrospirae, Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetes in the MFC-CW, were obtained using a Procrustes analysis.

Relationships between soils and plant community composition and structure in a Neotropical savanna mosaic

Context How woody flora richness and composition in different vegetation communities in a Neotropical savanna are explained by chemical and physical soil properties? Objective Determinate the relationships between the topsoil properties, richness, and composition of woody flora in the following six vegetation communities of the Brazilian Cerrado: four non-waterlogged, one seasonally waterlogged and one permanently waterlogged. Methods We used rarefaction analysis to compare richness among vegetation communities and Canonical Redundancy Analysis to evaluate the relationships between soil and floristic composition. Key results We showed clear edaphic differences between Palm Swamps (higher organic matter), Gallery Forest (less fertile), Woodland Cerrado (finer soils texture) and Dense Cerrado, Typical Cerrado and Murundu Field (more fertile and coarser soils texture). The species richness was highest in the Gallery Forest and Typical Cerrado and lowest in Palm Swamps. The low species richness in Palm Swamps was caused by waterlogging, inferred by the high organic-matter content of the soil. The differences and similarities in species composition among vegetation communities were explained by waterlogging, fertility and texture of soils. Conclusions Changes in soil properties and woody species composition among vegetation communities can be abrupt, such as those among Palm Swamps, Gallery Forest and other vegetation communities, or gradual as those among Woodland Cerrado, Dense Cerrado, Typical Cerrado and Murundu Field. Implications The high local richness (alfa diversity) and clear species turnover between some vegetation communities (beta diversity) with difference in soil properties justify the necessity of conserving the complex vegetation mosaic in the studied region, once it is located on the Brazil’s agricultural frontier.

Condutores da dinâmica espacial do zooplâncton em um pequeno rio neotropical

Abstract Aim Our objective was to describe the structure and spatial patterns of the zooplankton community in a small Brazilian river system (Paranaíba River sub-basin) and evaluate the role of an oxbow lake in the dynamics of this community. Methods Zooplankton samples were collected from sites located in an oxbow lake and the Aporé River bed during the rainy and dry seasons. We collected these samples from the surface and bottom levels of two different zones (littoral and channel). For each hydrological season, analysis of variance was conducted to determine the differences in species richness and abundance of zooplankton among different sites (longitudinal), zones (lateral), and depths (vertical). Cluster analysis was performed to assess the similarity in species composition. In addition, a canonical correspondence analysis was used to select the environmental variables that best explained the variation in zooplankton abundance data. Results We recorded 152 species: 70 rotifers, 53 testate amoebae, 20 cladocerans, and 9 copepods. We observed changes in the species richness and abundance of zooplankton along the longitudinal axis of the river in both the rainy and dry seasons. However, we did not detect any lateral or vertical changes in these attributes. Cluster analysis also indicated that the greatest differences in species composition were in the longitudinal axis of the river. The longitudinal variability of zooplankton was mainly associated with the influence of an upstream oxbow lake, as well as the changes in water flow velocity, turbidity, and concentrations of suspended solids downstream. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the importance of a heterogeneity of hydrological characteristics as a structuring factor of the zooplankton community in the Aporé River. Thus, we highlight the relevance of actions to protect and maintain the natural characteristics of these environments.

Effects of time since invasion and control actions on a coastal ecosystem invaded by non‐native pine trees

Abstract Invasive non‐native trees cause structural and functional changes in plant communities, which tend to increase over time since invasion. Native vegetation responses after control operations provide important information for restoration. We evaluated the effects of time since invasion and of pine control on plant community structure and on functional traits in a coastal open ecosystem in southern Brazil. We compared richness, diversity, abundance and cover of woody and non‐woody native plant species, as well as species composition and community‐weighted means (CWM) based on functional traits (dispersal syndrome, fruit type, maximum height and shade tolerance) of plant communities, in four conditions: a non‐invaded area, an area where pines were controlled (managed area), an area of recent invasion and an area invaded longer ago. Woody species abundance, richness and diversity declined over time since invasion. However, while abundance recovered to the point of not differing from the non‐invaded condition in areas where pines were controlled, species diversity and richness were lower in the managed area than in the area that was never invaded. The effects of pine invasion on richness and diversity of non‐woody plants did not increase over time, but plant cover progressively diminished. Woody and non‐woody species composition varied between the four conditions. Species composition similarity was lower between conditions for non‐woody than for woody species. CWM differed between the older invasion and the other conditions, determined especially by native plant height and shade tolerance. Taller plants and more shade tolerant native species were exclusively sampled in the older invasion. Synthesis and application: Pine invasion reduced species abundance, plant cover, richness and diversity, altering the composition of plant community. The escalation of negative temporal effects of pine invasion was observed on the composition of woody and non‐woody species and on functional traits. Although pine control favoured the natural regeneration of non‐woody species, diversity of woody species in the area submitted to pine control was lower than in the non‐invaded condition. Restoration activities are therefore required to increase woody species diversity. These results provide relevant guidance for the restoration of coastal ecosystems following invasive pine control.

Effect of woody plant removal in herb-subshrub communities in preserved and disturbed Brazilian Chaco areas

The impacts caused on Chaco plant communities by the removal of woody species, together with the effects on the composition and functional structure of herbaceous plants, are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of anthropization on herb-subshrub communities in preserved and disturbed Chaco areas. Specifically, we examined differences and similarities in species diversity, composition and proportion of life forms in eight areas of Brazilian Chaco. Samples were taken from herb-subshrub communities using 800 1x1m² plots located in disturbed and preserved areas. Among 130 recorded species, 46 were exclusive to disturbed areas. The composition of species differed between preserved and disturbed areas (PERMANOVA; p = 0.001). PCoA ordination analysis showed greater aggregation of the plots in disturbed areas than in preserved areas. In preserved areas, an analysis of indicator species showed Hemicryptophytes species as the most representative life form. In disturbed areas, the proportion of life forms among indicator species was Hemicryptophytes, followed by Therophytes and Chamaephytes. Our study shows evidence that alterations in species composition, structure, and diversity, as well as sets of indicator species, occur in herb-subshrub communities. The removal of trees and bushes leads to a new configuration of this component in Chaco environments.

Почвенное и биологическое разнообразие природной среды в районе горы Шудья-Пендыш: свежие и влажные лесорастительные условия

To preserve the biological diversity of the natural environment in the vicinity of Mount Shudya-Pendysh, the territory deserves the status of specially protected in the region. Studies of forest ecosystems in the border zone of Intact Forest Landscapes (FSC certification) of Perm Krai (Mount Shudya-Pendysh, Krasnovishersky city district) were carried out. The data of 2021 on plantings formed in fresh and moist forest–growing conditions are given - mossy spruce, fern spruce, upland spruce and sour birch (forest type: mossy spruce). 39 species of vascular plants belonging to 37 genera, 25 families and 3 divisions were identified in the studied communities. The number of species is dominated by the families Rosaceae, Poaceae and Ranunculaceae. 58 species of agaricomycetes belonging to 27 genera, 17 families and 4 orders have been recorded. The Russulaceae and Cortinariaceae families predominate in the number of species. Mycorrhizal fungi predominate in trophic association (55.2%). Two species of fungi new to the Perm Region were found in the studied communities: Suillusacidus and Cortinariusbetulinus. A protected lichen – Lobariapulmo-naria, listed in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and Perm Krai, has been noted. The greatest similarity of spe-cies composition was revealed between mossy spruce and fern spruce, both for plants (Jacquard coefficient (J × 100): J = 74.1) and for agaricomycetes (J = 36.4). The most typical soils for the surveyed sites are coarse-humus medium- and heavy-loamy brown soils on the eluvium of bedrock.

Build it and some may come: early stage habitat restoration may initially favour herbivore return

Context Rates of habitat destruction are increasing globally, and recent years have seen a growing focus on returning lands degraded through anthropogenic activities to functional and sustainable ecosystems. Animals provide a range of services critical to healthy ecosystems, yet in assessments of restoration progress they are often assumed to return passively following the reinstatement of native flora and vegetation. Aims and methods We used remote sensing camera traps to assess the impact of early stage habitat restoration on the structure and diversity of fauna communities on a mine site in the Mid West region of Western Australia. We aimed to assess whether early stage habitat restoration supports animal communities with similar diversity and community structure (foraging guilds) to those found in reference, unmined vegetation. Key results Although early stage habitat restoration facilitated the establishment of animal communities with similar diversity to that of the reference vegetation; the foraging guilds using restoration vegetation differed significantly from those in the reference vegetation. Early stage restoration was particularly attractive to herbivores but may lack some key resources, for example leaf litter, course woody debris, and appropriate refuge sites, necessary for the return of granivores, insectivores, and omnivores. Conclusions and implications It is unlikely that early stage habitat restoration will support a similar species composition to established restoration, but it is crucial to monitor restoration along a trajectory to ensure efforts do not ultimately fail. Assessing the responses of fauna from a range of guilds and trophic levels is critical to determining whether habitat restoration is effectively returning functional and self-sustaining animal communities.

Diversity, phenology and voltinism of Chironomidae (Diptera). Neotropical streams as a study model.

Studies of the relationships between the temporal variation of biological phenomena and environmental factors are essential to understanding the dynamics of communities. Phenology is a structuring element and, together with voltinism, is related to timing of reproductive activities. The aim of this study is to ascertain the structure and composition of the Chironomid assemblage and its emergence patterns in relation to the environmental variables through the use of the Chironomid pupal exuviae technique using the Neotropical streams as a model. The streams presented similar species compositions. The highest density of pupal exuviae was recorded during spring and the greatest richness in late summer and early autumn. Chironominae presented greater prevalence throughout the year with oscillations for Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae. Chironominae and Tanypodinae presented emergence peaks in spring-summer and Orthocladiinae in autumn-winter. Rainfall, photoperiod and water and air temperatures structured the Chironomid assemblage, influencing emergence. Univoltine, bivoltine and multivoltine species were recorded. The species presented interspecific synchronization in emergence peaks at different times of the year.

Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) from Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime (Piedmont, Italy).

Oribatid mites were investigated in six sites in the Alpi Marittime Natural Park (Prov. Cuneo, Piedmont, northern Italy) which is part of the NATURA 2000 network. The selected locations cover 4 forested (fir, ash, 2 beech forests) and 2 grassland sites (mountain meadow, xeric grassland). Altogether 173 described oribatid species belonging to 51 families were encountered, complemented by one undetermined species (Scheloribates (Topobates) cf. carpathicus), added together 174 species. Among them 11 species are new records for Italy. A comparison with other Italian alpine provinces shows high similarity of the oribatid species composition from the investigated sites with the provinces of Bolzano, Trento, Sondrio. A total of 37 species from the Marittime Alps has also been recorded in the southern part of the nearby Swiss canton Ticino. The majority of the species in the investigated sites are known as silvicolous; xerophilous species were mainly found in the xeric grassland site at lower altitude. High species similarities are observed between the forested sites, which also show high species numbers (up to 96 spp. found in the fir forest), lowest similarities are found between the open grassland sites and the forested sites, as well as between the grassland sites themselves.

Bryophyte species and communities on various roofing materials, Estonia

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Considering the recent growth of interest in using mosses in creating vegetated green roofs, we set the aim of our study to get an overview of the variety of moss and liverwort species and communities growing spontaneously on roofs. Data were collected from 67 roofs of five different types of materials: fibre cement, bitumen, stone, thatched and steel from Tallinn and rural areas on Hiiumaa Island and in South Estonia. Indicator species analysis, MRPP, cluster analysis and ordination methods (DCA, CCA) were used for data analysis. As a result of this research, generalist bryophytes occurring on all types of roofing materials were studied and bryophyte species characteristics for certain material types were identified. The thatched roofs differed most clearly from the other roof types in their species composition and had the highest species diversity. Stone and fibre cement roofs had similar species composition. The results revealed significant dependence of the composition of the bryophyte flora on roofs on the density of the bryophyte carpet formed over time on the roof and the presence of a tree canopy above the roof. Other important factors were roof relief, the height of the roof from the ground and the indicator of environmental pollution NOx. However, the studied roofs in Tallinn and rural areas did not show significant differences in the species composition of bryophytes. Five communities were delimited: (1) Syntrichia ruralis – Schistidium apocarpum; (2) Orthotrichum speciosum – Bryum argenteum; (3) Brachythecium rutabulum – Hypnum cupressiforme; (4) Ceratodon purpureus – Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus; and (5) Pleurozium schreberi – Dicranum scoparium. The mentioned communities inhabited locations that differed in environmental conditions. The findings of this research can help choose the roofing material and species suitable for a certain location in creating moss greenery on roofs.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

HELMINTH DIVERSITY OF GREEN TREEFROGS (HYLA CINEREA) IN THEIR EXPANDED GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE.

There has been a growing interest in characterizing the parasite faunas of species populations as they expand their geographical ranges as a result of climate change. Expanded-range populations often exhibit lower parasite diversity than historical-range populations, and reduced parasitism may, in part, be attributable to expanded-range populations escaping their native range parasites. The present study compares the helminth faunas of green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) from 4 historical and 4 expanded-range populations to determine whether these latter populations have undergone parasite escape. Results of this study found relatively high degrees of similarity in species composition among helminth assemblages within historical or within range-expansion locations, with marked differences in the composition of helminth faunas between historical and expanded-range populations of these frogs. Because green treefrogs from expanded-range locations exhibited significant decreases in helminth species diversity compared with those from historical sites, they appear to be escaping levels of parasitism typically experienced by these frogs in their native range. Most notably, there was a decrease in the abundance of helminths with direct life cycles and the absence of trematode assemblages with indirect life cycles among expanded-range populations of H. cinerea. The low prevalence of trematode assemblages among historical populations of green treefrogs could limit these parasites' ability to be introduced and propagated in expanded-range locations. However, the lack of trematode assemblages among populations of H. cinerea in its expanded range may also be due to the absence or limited availability of other aquatic hosts that are required to complete the life cycles of these parasites. The reduction in helminth diversity among expanded-range populations of green treefrogs lends some credence to the notion that individuals at the front of a range expansion often invest less energy in reproduction and in doing so allocate more energy to dispersal and other life-history traits, including resistance to parasites. There may, however, be other explanations for differences in parasite species diversity between historical and expanded-range populations of H. cinerea. Because many of the helminths reported from this study are host generalists of amphibians whose recruitment and transmission among intermediate and paratenic hosts are known to be constrained by water and/or soil moisture conditions, we cannot ignore the role of both local amphibian diversity and local abiotic factors in influencing helminth diversity between the 2 population types of green treefrogs. These latter factors would decrease the role of parasite escape or energy trade-offs in driving helminth diversity among populations of H. cinerea and instead would suggest that local conditions play a more prominent role in structuring their helminth communities.

Fungal Diversity in Multiple Post-harvest Aged Red Pine Stumps and Their Potential Influence on Heterobasidion Root Rot in Managed Stands Across Minnesota.

Thinning operations that occur in managed red pine (Pinus resinosa) stands, create tree stumps that can serve as a habitat for fungi, especially Heterobasidion irregulare, the cause of a serious root disease. Different fungi can colonize stumps early and the community of fungi can change over time as initial fungal species become replaced. Samples were collected from both the native and non-native range of red pine from stumps that were cut at different time periods. Stumps that were harvested at 0-1, 2-3, 5-6, and 10-12 years before sampling were used to provide data on the diversity of fungi that colonize tree stumps and how these communities can change over time as well as how they influence colonization of H. irregulare. Traditional culturing methods and Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to identify the fungi in the samples. Of particular interest was Phlebiopsis gigantea, which can colonize cut stumps and prevent H. irregulare from becoming established. Overall, P. gigantea was the most abundant fungus isolated and sequenced via Illumina MiSeq. Results show that Phlebiopsis gigantea was isolated from 90% of all stumps sampled for sites harvested within 3 years of sampling in the native range of red pine compared to 33% in the non-native range. For Illumina MiSeq, 5,940 total amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were detected. P. gigantea represented 14% of the total reads and composed 19% of the reads in the native range and 8% in non-native range of red pine. Furthermore, P. gigantea represented 38% of the reads for stumps that were harvested within 3 years of sampling in the native range of red pine compared to 14% in the non-native range. These results help demonstrate that a higher amount of P. gigantea is present in the native range of red pine and could be acting as a native biological control agent. Additional fungi, including Resinicium bicolor, Hypochnicium cremicolor, Leptographium spp., and others identified at different cutting times are also discussed. Finally, different diversity indices revealed similar, but slightly higher diversity for southern sites via Shannon and Simpson Diversity indices. Beta diversity demonstrated a similar species composition in stumps harvested at different times with these stumps being grouped together based on harvesting years.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE HERBACEOUS LAYER OVER 20 YEARS OF RESTORATION SUCCESSION IN BROAD-LEAVED FORESTS WITH LIANAS IN THE SOUTH OF PRIMORYE TERRITORY

The structure of herbaceous layer in the conditionally-indigenous mixed broad-leaved type of forest with lianas and its change for 1998-2018 are analyzed. Research was carried out at the ecological profile "Gornotayozhniy" (Ussuriysky district, Primorye Territory). A general description of phytocoenoesis is given. Complexes of microgroups of the herbaceous layer, united by the similarity of species composition, life forms and seasonal development, have been identified and characterized. Cartographic schemes of the herbaceous layer with the placement of microgroups at the beginning of research and after 20 years were compiled. It has been established that in the structure of herbaceous layer of forest ecosystems the directions of regular changes caused by the course of the forest-forming process are clearly traced.

Species ethnobotanical values rather than regional species pool determine plant diversity in agroforestry systems

The conversion of natural systems into farms and agroecosystems is the main cause of biodiversity loss. In human-dominated landscapes, understanding the interactions between agroforestry systems and adjacent natural vegetation is fundamental to developing sustainable agricultural systems. Species can move between these two systems with natural systems providing the regional pool of species that shape the agricultural values and conservation value of the agroforestry systems. We investigated the influence of neighboring natural habitats on traditional agroforestry systems in the buffer zone of Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin to understand the contribution of regional processes on the quality of agroforestry systems. We expected that agroforestry parklands adjacent to natural vegetation with high species diversity will also have higher plant species diversity. We found no similarity in plant species composition between agroforestry systems and adjacent natural habitats. A small proportion of species in adjacent natural habitats were found in agroforestry systems. The proportion of shared species was not significantly influenced by plant diversity in adjacent natural habitats or the distance from the agroforestry systems to the natural adjacent habitat. However, plant diversity in agroforestry systems was strongly associated with site ethnobotanical values indicating that farmers act as a supplemental but severe environmental filter of the regional species pool. Our study suggests that promoting the plantation of plants with high ethnobotanical use-value is a potentially viable strategy for sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration in Biosphere reserves.

Beta Diversity along an Elevational Gradient at the Pico da Neblina (Brazil): Is Spider (Arachnida-Araneae) Community Composition Congruent with the Guayana Region Elevational Zonation?

Beta diversity is usually high along elevational gradients. We studied a spider community at the Pico da Neblina (Brazil), an Amazonian mountain which is one of the southern components of the Guayana region. We sampled six elevations and investigated if beta diversity patterns correspond to the elevational division proposed for the region, between lowlands (up to 500 m), uplands (500 m to 1500 m), and highlands (&gt;1500 m). Patterns of dominance increased with elevation along the gradient, especially at the two highest elevations, indicating that changes in composition may be accompanied by changes in species abundance distribution. Beta diversity recorded was very high, but the pattern observed was not in accordance with the elevationaldivision proposed for the region. While the highlands indeed harbored different fauna, the three lowest elevationshad similar species compositions, indicating that the lowlands spider community extends into the uplands zone. Other measures of compositional change, such as similarity indices and species indicator analysis, also support this pattern. Our results, in addition to a revision of the literature, confirm the high diversity and endemism rates of montane spider communities, and we stress the importance of protecting those environments, especially considering the climate crisis.

Diatom (Bacillariophyceae) assemblages in tidal environments of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

SUMMARYTo understand distributions of coastal diatoms along Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, this paper describes diatom assemblages observed in 47 surface sediment samples from intertidal environments. One hundred and eighty‐four diatom taxa were identified from five transects crossing tidal flats, salt marshes, and freshwater forests in Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni. Distributions of the diatom assemblages were consistent with those reported elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, but a few diatom taxa show different trends in their distributions. For example, one benthic speciesDenticula subtilisshows widespread distributions along the transect in Tofino. An ordination shown by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) using a combined dataset indicated overlapped scatter plots of diatom assemblages, suggesting that assemblages with similar species compositions are observed in more than one location. Hierarchical and k‐means clustering analyses using Euclidean distance recognized unique small groups along each transect. Rank abundance curves show different trends for richness and evenness of diatom assemblages among the five transects.

Species richness, diversity, density and spatial distribution of soil seed banks in the riparian woodland along the Thamalakane River of the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana

Soil seed banks serve as reservoirs of seeds for subsequent regeneration of plants. Soil seed banks were investigated along the Thamalakane Riparian Woodlands (hereafter referred to as TRWs) of the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana, from January-July 2015 and January-July 2016. The study aimed at examining species richness and diversity, determining densities, assessing the spatial distribution of seeds in the soil and comparing the similarity in species composition between the standing vegetation and soil seed bank flora. The vegetation was sampled in 71 plots (20 × 50 m) and soil samples were collected from 568 subplots. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was used to determine soil seed bank communities. Indicator species analysis was used to calculate indicator values for species in each community of germinated seeds and across different soil layers. Multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP) were used to compare similarity in soil seed bank composition. Bray-Curtis ordination was used to infer spatial relationships of soil layers in terms of soil seed bank composition. A total of 109 plant species were identified in the litter and top 9 cm soil layers with a mean density of 2101 seeds m−2. Herbs, grasses, sedges and woody plants were represented by 68, 19, 9 and 13 species, respectively, in 30 families and 87 genera. The overall total diversity and evenness of the soil seed bank in the TRWs was 3.25 and 0.69, respectively. Four plant communities were identified from the soil seed bank, namely Setaria verticilata-Amaranthus hybridus, Acanthospermum hispidum-Setaria sagittifolia, Digitaria eriantha-Eclipta prostrata and Cyperus longus-Fimbristylis dichotoma. Bray-Curtis ordination showed that there was overlap between these communities in terms of seed bank composition. However, MRPP analysis showed that there was significant (P < 0.05) separation between germinated soil seed bank communities. The overall horizontal distribution of seeds varied among sampling quadrats while the vertical distribution of seeds exhibited the highest densities occurring in the upper 3 cm of the soil and gradually decreasing densities with increasing depth. Relatively high densities also occurred in the litter layer. There were large differences in depth distribution between species, suggesting differences in seed longevity. The similarity in species composition between the soil seed flora and standing vegetation was low (27%). The results demonstrated that many species in TRWs store quantities of seeds in the soil. The fact that most of the woody species do not accumulate more seeds in the soil suggests that their regeneration from seeds would be unlikely if mature individuals disappeared (die or are harvested). Because of its diverse seed banks, the herbaceous flora would have a better chance of re-establishing in the event of anthropogenic or natural disturbances. Therefore, the future of the TRW woody flora seems to depend on the successful conservation of the standing vegetation.

Fouling communities of microscopic fungi on various substrates of the Black Sea

Fungi are the most active biodeteriorators of natural and man-made materials. The article presents generalizations of the studies (2001–2019) of communities of microscopic fungi within biofilms on various substrates: shells of live Mytilus (Mytilus galloprovincialis, 670 specimens) and Ostreidae (Crassostrea gigas, 90 specimens), fragments of driftwood (over 7,000), stones (40), concrete of hydrotechnical constructions along the shoreline (80) and wood between concrete blocks in constructions on the shores (80). The studies were carried out in Odessa Oblast, the coastal zone of Sevastopol and open area of the Black Sea. There were identified 123 species of micromycetes, belonging to 65 genera, 33 families, 21 orders, 10 classes, 4 divisions, 2 kingdoms: Fungi and Chromista (fungi-like organisms). The Chromista kingdom was represented by 1 species – Ostracoblabe implexa, on shells of C. gigas. The number of species of micromycetes on various substrates varied 23 (wood between concrete blocks of hydrotechnical constructions) to 74 (shells of M. galloprovincialis at the depths of 3 and 6 m). On all the substrates, the following species were found; Alternaria alternata, Botryotrichum murorum. The communities were found to contain pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (shells of mollusks, stones, concrete), A. terreus (concrete), Fusarium oxysporum, Pseudallescheria boydii (shells of mollusks). The best representation was seen for the Pleosporales order – from 12.9% (shells of M. galloprovincialis, 0.3 m depth) to 33.3% (shells of C. gigas) of the species composition. Toxin-producing species of Microascales in mycological communities accounted for 1.6% (driftwood) to 40.0% (concrete), and were also observed on shells of Bivalvia – 11.1–32.3%. Similarity of species composition of mycological communities according to Bray-Curtis coefficient varied 21.1% (driftwood and concrete, 10 shared species) to 72.7% (shells of M. galloprovincialis, the depths of 3 and 7 m and shells of C. gigas, 45 shared species). Using graphs of indices of mean taxonomic distinctness (AvTD, Δ+) and variation (Variation in Taxonomic Distinctness index, VarTD, Λ+), we determined deviations of taxonomic structure of the studied mycological communities from the level of mean expected values, calculated based on the list of species, taking into account their systematic positions. The lowest values of index Δ+ were determined for communities on shells of M. galloprovincialis, 0.3 m depth, driftwood, stones and concrete. These communities had uneven distribution of species according to higher taxonomic ranks and minimum number of the highest taxa: 4–6 classes, 1–2 divisions, Fungi kingdom. Disproportion in species composition with decrease in the number of the highest taxa occurred in extreme environmental conditions. Using index Λ+, we found that the most complex taxonomic structure of fungi communities has developed on concrete and shells of C. gigas. In mycological communities on those substrates, the number of species was low (25 and 46), but they belonged to 4–7 classes, 2–3 divisions, 1–2 kingdoms. To compare the structures of mycological communities that have developed in such substrates in biotopes sea, sea-land-air, land-air, we compiled a list of fungi based on the literature data, which, taking into account our data, comprised 445 species of 240 genera, 103 families, 51 orders, 15 classes, 5 divisions, 2 kingdoms. The analysis revealed that on substrates with similar chemical composition, in all the biotopes, the species of the same divisions dominated (genus and family may vary). Therefore, in the biotope land-air – Hypocreales, Pleosporales, Eurotiales (genera Acremonium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium); sea – Pleosporales, Eurotiales, Microascales (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Corollospora); sea-land-air – Pleosporales, Microascales (Alternaria, Leptosphaeria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Corollospora, Halosarpheia). Monitoring of species composition of myxomycetes is needed in farms that cultivate industrial objects, recreation sites, various buildings for prevention of mycotoxin intoxication and infestation by mycodermatoses and other diseases caused by opportunistic and pathogenic fungi.

Fouling communities of microscopic fungi on various substrates of the Black Sea

Fungi are the most active biodeteriorators of natural and man-made materials. The article presents generalizations of the studies (2001–2019) of communities of microscopic fungi within biofilms on various substrates: shells of live Mytilus (Mytilus galloprovincialis, 670 specimens) and Ostreidae (Crassostrea gigas, 90 specimens), fragments of driftwood (over 7,000), stones (40), concrete of hydrotechnical constructions along the shoreline (80) and wood between concrete blocks in constructions on the shores (80). The studies were carried out in Odessa Oblast, the coastal zone of Sevastopol and open area of the Black Sea. There were identified 123 species of micromycetes, belonging to 65 genera, 33 families, 21 orders, 10 classes, 4 divisions, 2 kingdoms: Fungi and Chromista (fungi-like organisms). The Chromista kingdom was represented by 1 species – Ostracoblabe implexa, on shells of C. gigas. The number of species of micromycetes on various substrates varied 23 (wood between concrete blocks of hydrotechnical constructions) to 74 (shells of M. galloprovincialis at the depths of 3 and 6 m). On all the substrates, the following species were found; Alternaria alternata, Botryotrichum murorum. The communities were found to contain pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (shells of mollusks, stones, concrete), A. terreus (concrete), Fusarium oxysporum, Pseudallescheria boydii (shells of mollusks). The best representation was seen for the Pleosporales order – from 12.9% (shells of M. galloprovincialis, 0.3 m depth) to 33.3% (shells of C. gigas) of the species composition. Toxin-producing species of Microascales in mycological communities accounted for 1.6% (driftwood) to 40.0% (concrete), and were also observed on shells of Bivalvia – 11.1–32.3%. Similarity of species composition of mycological communities according to Bray-Curtis coefficient varied 21.1% (driftwood and concrete, 10 shared species) to 72.7% (shells of M. galloprovincialis, the depths of 3 and 7 m and shells of C. gigas, 45 shared species). Using graphs of indices of mean taxonomic distinctness (AvTD, Δ+) and variation (Variation in Taxonomic Distinctness index, VarTD, Λ+), we determined deviations of taxonomic structure of the studied mycological communities from the level of mean expected values, calculated based on the list of species, taking into account their systematic positions. The lowest values of index Δ+ were determined for communities on shells of M. galloprovincialis, 0.3 m depth, driftwood, stones and concrete. These communities had uneven distribution of species according to higher taxonomic ranks and minimum number of the highest taxa: 4–6 classes, 1–2 divisions, Fungi kingdom. Disproportion in species composition with decrease in the number of the highest taxa occurred in extreme environmental conditions. Using index Λ+, we found that the most complex taxonomic structure of fungi communities has developed on concrete and shells of C. gigas. In mycological communities on those substrates, the number of species was low (25 and 46), but they belonged to 4–7 classes, 2–3 divisions, 1–2 kingdoms. To compare the structures of mycological communities that have developed in such substrates in biotopes sea, sea-land-air, land-air, we compiled a list of fungi based on the literature data, which, taking into account our data, comprised 445 species of 240 genera, 103 families, 51 orders, 15 classes, 5 divisions, 2 kingdoms. The analysis revealed that on substrates with similar chemical composition, in all the biotopes, the species of the same divisions dominated (genus and family may vary). Therefore, in the biotope land-air – Hypocreales, Pleosporales, Eurotiales (genera Acremonium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium); sea – Pleosporales, Eurotiales, Microascales (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Corollospora); sea-land-air – Pleosporales, Microascales (Alternaria, Leptosphaeria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Corollospora, Halosarpheia). Monitoring of species composition of myxomycetes is needed in farms that cultivate industrial objects, recreation sites, various buildings for prevention of mycotoxin intoxication and infestation by mycodermatoses and other diseases caused by opportunistic and pathogenic fungi.