Swampy Environment Research Articles

In the case of transmission of <i>Mycobacterium ulcerans</i> in Buruli ulcer disease <i>Acanthamoeba </i>species stand accused

Buruli ulcer disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans results in extensive destruction of skin and soft tissue and long-term functional disabilities that ultimately require surgery and rehabilitation. The disease is associated with aquatic and swampy environments with the mycobacterium occurring in biofilms, soil, aquatic insects, fish and wildlife however, the mode of transmission to humans remains an enigma. Current transmission ideas including bites from predatory water bugs and mosquitoes, do not explain satisfactorily the spasmodic disease distribution in human populations. Here we argue that Acanthamoeba species are the natural hosts of M. ulcerans and are mainly responsible for disease transmission because; (i) Acanthamoebae are known natural hosts of several microbial pathogens including M. marinum, M. avium and Legionella pneumophila, (ii) culture of slow-to-grow microbial pathogens hosted in nature by Acanthamoeba spp is enhanced when the media is seeded with the protozoa, (iii) acanthamoebae and M. ulcerans share similar bio-ecological and epidemiological settings, (iv) documented evidence that prior growth of L. pneumophila and M. avium in acanthamoebae influences entry mechanisms, intracellular growth and virulence in human monocytes, (v) Acanthamoeba spp also infect humans and cause diseases via routes of openings including broken skin and sites of trauma similar to M. ulcerans and (vi) M. ulcerans is rather a fastidious intracellular organism as recent analysis of the genome indicate. We argue further that temperature plays a significant role in transmission determining the fate of either the intracellular microbe or the host cells. Also, Acanthamoeba-pathogen association has a long evolutionary history because the same set of bacterial genes and gene products e.g. in L. pneumophila are required for survival in both mammalian and protozoan host cells. We suggest that the involvement of Acanthamoeba in the transmission of M. ulcerans to humans better explains the disease's epidemiology.

Floristic relationships among inland swamp forests of Southeastern and Central-Western Brazil

We evaluated the floristic relationships among 20 swamp forests of Southeastern and Central-Western Brazil using multivariate analyses. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and TWINSPAN (Two way indicator species analysis) indicated two distinct floristic groups among forests, according to the Phytogeographic Province (Paranaense or Cerrado) and their climate conditions, phytophysiognomies, and species composition. Within the same province, edaphic conditions and geographical distance, among other factors, may be responsible for similarities or dissimilarities among the forests floras. Our results indicated that, despite the low a diversity, γ diversity is high among the forests, as a result of the low floristic similarities among the remnants and the high number of unique species (55% of all species). Although floristically distinct, we concluded that the inland swamp forests of Southeastern Brazil and the gallery swamp forests of Central Brazil are part of the same forest formation. These forests have in common, in addition to the swampy environment, low plant species diversity and species that have high local densities, such as Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess., Cecropia pachystachya Trécul, Dendropanax cuneatus Decne. & Planch., Guarea macrophylla Vahl, Magnolia ovata (A. St.-Hil.) Spreng., Protium spruceanum (Benth.) Engl. and Tapirira guianensis Aubl.

Taxonomic notes on Trechini and description of a new hypogean species from the Iberian Peninsula (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

In this contribution, a new pubescent Trechus species for the Iberian Peninsula is described, and the use of some morphological traits in the systematic of Trechini are discussed. Micropubescence is common in endogean and troglobite species which are closely related with the “terrestrial-phreatic habitat”. It probably enhances survival in swampy environments through the retention of air bubbles in immersion conditions and promoting flotation. Neither this trait, anophthalmy nor inner sac of aedeagus without sclerotized pieces can be used to support supraspecific taxa. Thus, we propose the formal synonymy of Hydrotrechus with Trechus [Hydrotrechus syn. nov. of Trechus]. To avoid secondary homonymy, we propose the name Trechus triamicorum nom. nov. for Hydrotrechus cantabricus Carabajal, García & Rodríguez 1999 [already occupied by Trechus cantabricus Jeannel 1927, synonym of Trechus distigma Kiesenwetter 1851]. We also propose the synonymization of the subgenus Trichapoduvalius with Apoduvalius [Trichapoduvalius syn. nov. of Apoduvalius]. The new hypogean species with pubescent elytra, Trechus cifrianae sp. nov., is described. The morphology of the species suggests that it probably inhabits the Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS) or the fissure network (mesocaverns and microcaverns) of the cave where the only individual was found. The structure of internal female genitalia suggests a close relationship between T. cifrianae sp. nov. and T. carrilloi Toribio & Rodríguez 1997.

Investigating water distribution in the Luitel Lake peat bog using MRS, ERT and GPR

ABSTRACTIn this paper we present the results of a geophysical study of water distribution in the peat bog at Luitel Lake. The goal of the study was to determine water distribution within the bog, which is part of a protected nature preserve. The small peat bog (17 ha) provides a good test site for developing and testing surface geophysical methods. For this study we used magnetic resonance sounding (MRS), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR). Because the water distribution in the bog is a 2D target for MRS, we had to develop a measuring procedure and 2D inversion routine for MRS. The fieldwork consisted in establishing seventeen MRS stations and conducting three ERT profiles and one GPR line. The MRS, ERT and GPR results on the reservoir geometry correlated well with each other. Pine and birch trees cover most of the bog surface but they have not yet populated the centre of the bog, the location where the maximum water content was observed. This result agrees well with vegetation distribution in the study area: at the centre of the bog, vegetation is typical of a swampy environment but outside the centre the vegetation is typical of a forest. According to MRS, the water content of the peat formation at the centre of the bog is 60–70%, whereas GPR estimated the water content to be between 64–70%. Outside the centre, MRS showed the water content of the peat to be about 30%.

Upstream Petroleum Degradation of Mangroves and Intertidal Shores: The Niger Delta Experience

This article was inspired by a field reconnaissance survey of outcrops along the Nembe-Brass axis of the petroliferous Niger Delta. It reviews various tradeoffs of the impact of upstream petroleum (seismic and production) operations on the mangrove ecosystems in that region, the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mangroves and intertidal shores are considered critical to the economic well-being of this region owing to the people's dual occupation in fishing and farming. The mangrove ecosystem provides a nutrient medium, which serves as a nursery and spawning ground for many fish species and other biota. Oil and gas activities might destroy these spawn areas, causing reduction in resource output and community pressure. Devegetation of the mangrove forest as a result of seismic delineation leaves the fragile soil exposed, unprotected, and susceptible to erosion. Again, loss of vegetation might discourage the natural role of plants in air purification (CO(2) utilization and O(2) production). The release of nutrients (organic N(2), NH(3), and NO$\rm{{_{3};{-}}}$) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the environment, with the attendant increase in microbial load, increases biochemical O(2) demand (BOD) and depletes dissolved O(2) (DO) in H(2)O to a level that is beyond the tolerance limit of organisms. This anoxic situation leads to asphyxiation and subsequent fish kill in affected areas. In order of increasing vulnerability, the mangroves and intertidal shores of the Niger Delta fall under categories 8 to 10 on the environmental sensitivity index (ESI) scale, which predisposes the areas to serious long-term effects and clean-up complexity. Thus, there is need to monitor mangrove systems and shoreline changes in the areas of considerable seismic and production activities, especially in the coastal Niger Delta, where pipeline corrosion due to salt intrusion into the swampy environment and 'unsighted fingers' of sabotage have increased the prevalence of oil spills.

First New Zealand record of probable dinosaur footprints from the Late Cretaceous North Cape Formation, northwest Nelson

Structures that are interpreted as dinosaur footprints are recorded from six localities within the Late Cretaceous (Maastrictian) aged North Cape Formation of northwest Nelson. These are the first dinosaur footprints to be recognised from New Zealand and the first occurrence of dinosaurs from the South Island, and add considerably to our knowledge of New Zealand dinosaurs, which currently is based on only three dinosaur bone fossil localities. The trace fossils occur within sandstone beds that form part of a succession of intertidal sandstones and mudstones. In cross‐section, the footprints form structures with sharp vertical margins, infilled with both massive or laminated sandstone and discrete blocks of sandstone and mudstone. Sediments underlying are either planar with the base of the structures or deformed downward, and overlying sediments drape into the tops of the structures. In plan view, structures are usually roughly circular, with clear margins, and are filled with both blocky and massive sandstone, as well as sandstone with arcuate laminae or low‐angle shear planes. One structure is more elongate and appears to represent the left foot impression of a dinosaur. The possibility that these structures were formed by physical or sedimentological processes is ruled out. Based on morphology, it is most likely these structures represent sauropod footprints. Sauropods were large dinosaurs with pentadactyl (5‐toed) feet that, based on studies outside New Zealand, produced no clear toe impressions, but rather had a broad club‐like footprint. Such a foot would have provided support for these large animals in coastal plain to intertidal settings, dominated by soft sand and mud or waterlogged swampy environments. Based on the age of the formation and knowledge of the evolution of the sauropods, it is further concluded that these structures may represent footprints of the sauropod superfamily Titanosaurida, though it is not possible to characterise them taxonomically any further.

TAPHONOMY OF VERTEBRATE FOSSIL ASSEMBLAGES FROM SWAMPY CIRCUM-LAKE ENVIRONMENTS: AN EXAMPLE FROM THE LATE EOCENE OF ZAMBRANA (IBERIAN PENINSULA)

Biostratinomic and bone-diagenesis parameters are used to evaluate the effects of abiotic and biotic processes on the final composition of two late Eocene vertebrate assemblages preserved in a swampy circum-lake environment from the Zambrana site (Basque-Cantabrian Region, northern Iberian Peninsula). No significant transport or bone sorting by fluvial action is observed, and complete and fragmentary bones in the assemblages (Z4 and Z6 beds) show the same biostratinomic features. The attritional bone accumulation in both excavated beds was caused mostly by biotic factors related to routine ecological deaths of population members, probably with some input from predators on the most vulnerable ungulate individuals (autochthonous), although a weak input of small remains by superficial water currents from nearby areas (parautochthonous) cannot be rejected. The vegetation and wet conditions of the swampy environment, together with possible predator and scavenger activity, could have caused the disarticulation and dispersion of some vertebrate remains, mainly those of ungulates. The bones were buried relatively quickly in the phreatic zone under reducing conditions and suffered considerable crushing and fragmentation because of lithostratigraphic compaction. Mineralogic similarities between sedimentary fillings in the fossils and the host sediment, as well as the homogeneous rare earth element (REE) trends of the fossils, are indicative of a uniform and unique diagenetic history and the absence of reworked elements. The fossil bone mineral is well-crystallized francolite (carbonate fluorapatite). The REE enrichment of bones and their calcite and pyrite crusts and fillings were formed during early diagenetic phases. The black coloration of the bones may be explained by their high hydrocarbon (n-alkane components) contents.

Anatomically Preserved Seeds ofCorylopsis(Hamamelidaceae) from the Miocene of Yunnan, China, and Their Phytogeographic Implications

Lignitized seeds from the Early to Middle Miocene of Yunnan Province, southwestern China, are assigned to the genus Corylopsis (Hamamelidaceae) on the basis of morphological and anatomical details. The seeds are ovoid, with a conspicuous sunken, asymmetrical hilar scar on the ventral side and a large hilar facet on the dorsal side. The seed coat is composed of a massive testa, consisting of exotesta, mesotesta, and endotesta, and a tegmen consists of one layer of columnar cells. A new species, Corylopsis tengchongensis Zhao et Li sp. nov., has been erected to accommodate them. The abundance of these seeds suggests that they represent plants that probably grew in a nearby swampy environment. While Corylopsis is an eastern Asian genus today, the fossil record documents that the genus had a wide geographical distribution during the Tertiary in Europe, North America, and Asia. The absence of Corylopsis in post‐Eocene floras of North America and in post‐Pleistocene floras of Europe suggests that the range of i...

The palynology of the Cerrejón formation (Upper Paleocene) of northern Colombia

A palynological study of the Cerrejon Formation was conducted in order to date the formation and understand the floristic composition and diversity of a Paleocene tropical site. The Cerrejon Formation outcrops in the Cerrejon Coal Mine, the largest open cast coal mine in the world. Two cores (725 m) were provided by Carbones del Cerrejon LLC for study. Two hundred samples were prepared for palynology, and at least 150 palynomorphs were counted per sample where possible. Several statistical techniques including rarefaction, species accumulation curves, detrended correspondence analysis, and Anosim were used to analyze the floristic composition and diversity of the palynofloras. Palynomorph assemblages indicate that the age of the Cerrejon Formation and the overlying Tabaco Formation is Middle to Late Paleocene (ca. 60–58 Ma). Major structural repetitions were not found in the Cerrejon Formation in the Cerrejon coal mine, and there is little floral variation throughout. The floral composition, diversity, and lithofacies do not change significantly. Lithofacies associations and floral composition indicate deposition fluctuating from an estuarine‐influenced coastal plain at the base to a fluvial‐influenced coastal plain at the top. There are, however, significant differences in the composition and diversity of coal and siliciclastic samples. Coal palynofloras have fewer morphospecies, and a distinct and more homogeneous floral assemblage compared to assemblages from the intervening sisliciclastic strata, suggesting that tropical swampy environments supported fewer plant species and had a distinct vegetation adapted to permanently wet environments.

Species diversity, abundance, and vertical size structure of rattans in Borneo and Java

We studied rattan communities in four forest types in Borneo and Java to clarify the pattern of species diversity and vegetation structure. Within six plots of 4.82 ha in total, we found 42 rattan species in six genera with 4,736 stems (≥20 cm long). There was a significant positive correlation between rattans and trees in species diversity, decreasing in the order mixed dipterocarp (for rattans: Shannon–Wiener diversity index, H′ = 2.87–3.34) > alluvial (1.96) > lower montane (1.43) > peat swamp forests (1.34). This pattern coincided with the diversity of the regional flora. The density of rattan stems (ha–1) decreased in the order lower montane (5,997) > mixed dipterocarp (598–992) > alluvial (592) > peat swamp forests (162). The maximum height of rattans would be determined by the canopy height, rather than by the maximum tree height. The rattan stem volume ranged from 0.25 to 1.88 m3 ha−1 and was not correlated with the stem density. The cool montane climate seemed to decrease the maximum height of rattans, and a few small rattans made denser colonies. Swampy environments apparently suppressed the survival of non-climbing rattans strongly, but that of tall climbing rattans less so.

Geology and geochronology of type Chasicoan (late Miocene) mammal-bearing deposits of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

The late Miocene Chasicoan mammal-bearing deposits exposed along the lower reach of Arroyo Chasicó are composed of cross-bedded, very fine sandstones interpreted as a channel-bar deposit (lithofacies association 1) grading upward into sandy siltstones (lithofacies association 2), probably accumulated through relatively high-density flows in a marginal channel and/or floodplain environment. The uppermost levels are dominantly composed of mudstones and sandy siltstones (lithofacies association 3) deposited in generally low-energy conditions of sedimentation in a swampy environment. Several paleosols (lithofacies P) are present, indicating that the succession was the result of episodic fluvial sedimentation. The volcaniclastic composition (primary and reworked pyroclastics) suggests that the fluvial system drained the westward region by the Andean foothills. An impact event dated at 9.23 ± 0.09 Ma and recorded by impact glasses (escorias) during deposition of lithofacies Sp enables the fine tuning of the chronology of the deposits through high-resolution magnetostratigraphic profiles, which indicate that the approximately 9.4 m thick succession recorded by lithofacies association 1 and 2 accumulated between 9.43 and 9.07 Ma. The lithofacial arrangement of the succession does not support the current differentiation of the Arroyo Chasicó Formation into the Vivero and Las Barrancas members. Previous biostratigraphic interpretations contain significant inconsistencies in light of the revised stratigraphy proposed here.

A new giant Purussaurus (Crocodyliformes, Alligatoridae) from the Upper Miocene Urumaco Formation, Venezuela

Synopsis Fossil Crocodylia are taxonomically diverse in South America, particularly in the upper Miocene Urumaco Formation (Venezuela). Among them is the giant alligatoroid Purussaurus, previously known from the upper Miocene Solimões Formation in Brasil (P. brasiliensis) and the middle Miocene of La Venta in Colombia (P. neivensis). New specimens of Crocodylia from the Urumaco Formation are described and a new species, Purussaurus mirandai, erected. This is characterised by a large, elongate and extremely flat skull, a very large narial opening comprising almost 60% of rostral length and a large incisive foramen that extends anteriorly between the fossae for the first mandibulary teeth. Purussaurus mirandai sp. nov. was the largest predator in the swampy environments and represented the top trophic level in the Urumaco assemblage. A phylogenetic analysis of 164 characters in 68 ingroup crocodile taxa supported the association of P. neivensis and P. mirandai with five synapomorphies and confirmed the sister‐group relationship of the genus with the Nettosuchidae.

A 23,000 yr pollen record from Lake Rukwa (8°S, SW Tanzania): New data on vegetation dynamics and climate in Central Eastern Africa

Pollen analysis of a 12.8-m-long core (R96-I) from the southern basin of Lake Rukwa (Tanzania, 8°S, 33°E, 793 m a.s.l.) provides new information on the vegetation history of central eastern Africa and on lake level fluctuations in response to climate changes during the last 23,000 cal yr BP. Between 23,000 and 20,000 cal yr BP (the Last Glacial Maximum), the occurrence of open and poorly diversified local woodland and bushland around the lake, and the significant presence of modern regional afromontane forest components close to Lake Rukwa, indicate cooler and probably drier climatic conditions than today. The deglacial period, between 16,500 and 12,300 cal yr BP, characterised by a retreat of montane elements at higher altitudes on the plateau, under warmer conditions, synchronous with a progressive expansion of local more wooded formations, appears to be climatically transitional, but the permanence of swampy environments near the core site indicates that the lake remained low. From 12,100 cal yr BP, the maximum development and diversity of local woodland and bushland implies an increase in rainfall that persisted until 5500 cal yr BP. More humid conditions are confirmed by the lowest representation of aquatics registered in our pollen sequence, indicating that, during this period, Lake Rukwa was high. After 5500 cal yr BP, a deterioration of the regional and local arboreal cover, the large extension of grasses and of swampy environments near the core site, indicate the progressive establishment of drier conditions in the basin. The aridification trend intensified ca. 3500 cal yr BP toward modern conditions. These palaeobotanical reconstructions in the Lake Rukwa basin for the last 23,000 cal yr BP supplement those previously proposed in central eastern Africa between 4° and 13°S from more incomplete or less well age-constrained pollen sequences.

Coricladus quiteriensis gen. et sp. nov., a new conifer in Southern-Brazil Gondwana (Lower Permian, Paraná Basin)

A new taxon of conifers (Coricladus quiteriensis) is described based on megafloristic remains from the roofshale level at the Quiteria Outcrop (Rio Bonito Formation-Lower Permian-Southern Parana Basin-Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil). This megafloristic community is included in the Botrychiopsis Zone--Botrychiopsis valida Sub-Zone (Kungurian/Roadian). The assemblage, preserved as impressions, do not present remains of epidermic characters, and is composed mainly of isolated vegetative branches with spirally disposed acicular leaves, presenting a conspicuous central vein and also isolated fertile branches with sparse and irregular leaves and terminal cones. Leafless principal branches, organically connected with sterile and fertile branches, are rare. Reproductive feminine scales, disposed in a plane, are organized in lax terminal cones on branches, composed by 4 (four) distal ovuliferous scales, and 8 (eight) elliptical-elongated anatropous seeds. Paleoecological data pointed out to a mesophylous to higrophylous habitat in swampy environments.

Tectonic–palaeoenvironmental forcing of clay-mineral assemblages in nonmarine settings: the Oligocene–Miocene As Pontes Basin (Spain)

Two small, alluvial-lacustrine subbasins developed during the early restraining overstep stages of the Oligocene–Miocene As Pontes strike-slip Basin (NW Spain). Later, the basin evolved into a restraining bend stage and an alluvial-swamp-dominated depositional framework developed. The palaeobiological record demonstrates that the Oligocene–Miocene palaeoclimate in NW Spain was subtropical, warm and humid to subhumid. The metamorphic and igneous basin catchment yielded clay assemblages made up by kaolinite, illite and Al-smectite. Illite occurred as an original mineral in the source rock area, whereas kaolinite and Al-smectite resulted mainly from weathering of feldspar and clinochlore, respectively. This detrital primary clay assemblage remained preserved in the colluvial, alluvial fan and shallow lacustrine facies, whose early diagenesis was influenced by diluted, poorly evolved pore waters with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The original clay assemblage was mildly to strongly transformed under early diagenetic conditions in the lacustrine and swampy environments where significant hydrochemical and Eh–pH changes took place. A fibrous magnesium-rich clay mineral-dominated assemblage (palygorskite and sepiolite) formed in shallow, saline lakes and palustrine zones under the influence of magnesium-rich, alkaline waters. Moreover, kaolinite-enriched assemblages formed in deep lacustrine, swamp and swamp-related alluvial zones under the influence of slightly to highly acidic pore waters. Pore water acidic conditions, characterising environments with organic matter accumulation, led to early diagenetic transformation of Al-smectite into kaolinite. This process was relatively limited in some environments such as organic matter-rich bottoms in meromictic lacustrine zones, whereas it was pervasive in peat-forming swamp zones. The stratigraphic relationships between the diverse clay mineral assemblages in the As Pontes Basin fill demonstrate the coeval development of rather diverse clay compositions. This clearly reflects the influence on clay assemblages of palaeoenvironmental changes forced by the morphological and tectonic evolution of the catchment–basin system. The interplay between climate and tectonic processes in the source areas did not result in major variations of the clay minerals fed into the basin. Conversely, this tectonic-sedimentation interplay influenced the evolution of the drainage and the water balance in the depositional zones, causing a complex environmental–hydrochemical evolution to occur. As a consequence, drastic early diagenetic changes affected the original clay mineral assemblages and resulted in a variety of early diagenetic assemblages. The As Pontes case study emphasises the major influence of palaeogeographical and tectonosedimentary evolution on the clay mineral record in nonmarine depositional systems. The depositional record in As Pontes Basin demonstrates that morphological and tectonically forced environmental and hydrochemical changes can result in variations similar to those forced by low-order climatic changes and that, in some cases, the role of climate can be negligible.

Hidrófitas fanerogâmicas de ecossistemas aquáticos temporários da planície costeira do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Foi realizado o levantamento florístico das hidrófitas fanerogâmicas de ambientes aquáticos temporários da planície costeira do norte fluminense. O material botânico foi coletado em 27 expedições entre setembro/1998 a julho/2001, herborizado e identificado segundo a metodologia tradicional. As exsicatas foram depositadas no Herbário da Universidade do Rio de Janeiro (HUNI). Foram encontrados 113 táxons, distribuídos em 40 famílias. Os ambientes estudados podem ser caracterizados floristicamente pela família Cyperaceae, representada por 23 táxons (cerca de 20%); seguida pelas famílias Fabaceae e Onagraceae (sete táxons), Poaceae (seis táxons), Asteraceae e Scrophulariaceae (cinco táxons) e Apiaceae, Lentibulariaceae e Polygonaceae (quatro táxons). Estes ambientes sofrem alterações fitofisionômicas marcantes relacionadas com a hidrogeologia. Algumas espécies são anuais, desaparecendo completamente na estiagem; outras suportam a seca, mas têm a população profundamente reduzida, alterando substancialmente a paisagem. Algumas espécies consideradas exclusivamente aquáticas foram encontradas em solo úmido, inclusive em floração. Isto demonstra a necessidade da inclusão de espécies anfíbias nos estudos da flora aquática pois, algumas vezes, a delimitação dos tipos biológicos não é muito definida, além de caracterizar de forma mais adequada estes ambientes.

Use of plots to define pollen–vegetation relationships in densely forested ecosystems of Tropical Africa

Modern soil samples from South Congo were analyzed for pollen content and compared to forest inventories to define modern pollen–vegetation relationships. A correspondence analysis (CA) was applied independently to botanical and pollen data and a hierarchical cluster analysis to pollen data only. Subsequently, a CA using a presence–absence approach has been made to directly compare the two types of data. Results show that the pollen rain and floristic composition of the sampled sites are not directly linked to altitudinal or precipitation gradients, but clear evidence of variation in relation to hygromorphy and soil type is detected. The forests occurring in swampy environments are well differentiated from the forests developed on well-drained soils by pollen and floristic data. Among forests on well-drained soils, a good distinction can be made between those growing on sandy soils and those growing on ferralitic soils. The comparison between pollen spectra and vegetation shows site-to-site variations in pollen assemblages in relation to the floristic heterogeneity of forests, and it appears that few taxa show a good correlation between plant cover and pollen abundance.

Twig with attached leaves, fruits and seeds of Decodon (Lythraceae) from the Lower Miocene of northern Bohemia, and implications for the identification of detached leaves and seeds

A twig fragment with attached verticillate leaves and capsules with intact seeds was recovered from the Lower Miocene lignitic clay in the Bı́lina strip mine (northern Bohemia). The seeds correspond to those known in dispersed condition as Decodon gibbosus (E.M. Reid) E.M. Reid in Nikitin, while the foliage matches that which has been called Ficus multinervis Heer, and sometimes Apocynophyllum helveticum Heer. While the determination of the seeds is safe, the identity of the isolated foliage may be less secure. Therefore the name Decodon gibbosus is given preference to designate the whole plant. This fossil species differs from the only extant species D. verticillatus (L.) Ell. of eastern North America by narrower triangular shape of seeds in transverse section, the thicker spongy layer of the testa on the dorsal side, and by long petiolate leaves that are more variable in shape (from narrow linear-lanceolate to broadly lanceolate) with more densely spaced secondaries and intersecondaries. The leaf cuticular structure matches that of the glabrous form of D. verticillatus. The associated plant assemblage suggests aquatic to swampy environment typical of the extant relative.

A survey of ground-dwelling mammals inhabiting forests of the southwestern slopes, New South Wales

State Forests of me southwestern slopes of New South Wales were surveyed for ground dwelling mammals utilizing hair baps (42 sites), small mammal traps (11 sites), nocturnal searches (253 sites), scat and animal sign observations, opportunistic observations and records from unpublished studies in me region. A total of 13 indigenous and 10 exotic ground-dwelling mammal species were identified. No threatened species were encountered, although some evidence suggesting the presence of a Potaoo Potorous sp. and Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus was found in Bago and Maragle State Forests. Hair tube trapping (1 170 large baps for an average of 18 nights each and costing 226 person hours) revealed the presence of nine species/genera. Swamp Wallabies Wallabia bicolor, were the most commonly detected species. Small mammal trapping in swampy environments of Bago and Maragle State Forests (1 100 trap nights costing 52 person hours) detected the presence of Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes, Dusky Antechinus Antechinus swainsonii ...

Palynofossils from the Tertiary (Barail Group) of Nagaland Palaeoecological interpretation and age

The palynofloral assemblage from the sediments of Barail Group exposed on the Moriani-Mokokchung Road, Nagaland contains 43 genera and 52 species. Spores of Parkeriaceae and Polypodiaceae dominate the assemblage, whereas Tricolporopilites, Lanagiopollis, Lakiapollis and palm pollen are the major angiospermic elements. The assemblage compares well with that of the Kopili Formation of Assam and Bengal Basin and Harudi Formation of Kutch Basin. The palynoassemblage indicates an Upper Eocene age. The presence of Barringtonia and Parkeriaceae indicates swampy environment of deposition.