Terms Of Life Forms Research Articles

Research on species diversity and assessment of biodiversity indices of vascular plants in different wetland habitats in Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province

The study was carried out on Cu Lao Dung (CLD), a small island located in the lower Mekong River, in SocTrang province. The objective of the study was to survey the diversity of species composition and biodiversityindexes of vascular plants here. Since then, the environmental quality has been initially assessed throughthe research plant group. The study was carried out in 2 years (2018-2020) with qualitative research (followingthe sampling route) and quantitative research (collecting samples in standard plots. The results of speciescomposition diversity obtained 106 species belonging to 88 genera, 49 families of 2 phyla. The ten mostdiverse plant families here account for 53.77%. The canal habitat was the habitat with the most species.Woody plants were the dominant group in terms of life forms. The plants in the study area were usedmedicinally with the rate of 91.51%. Biodiversity index results showed that Sonneratiacaseolaris was auniformly distributed species and was also the dominant species in CLD mangroves. Mangrove forests inCLD were tropical plantations and were stable. Nypafruticans was the predominant species in lagoon habitatsand inundated areas inside and outside the dyke. The groups of plants in this habitat have been greatlyaffected by relatively stable environmental conditions. The habitats of rivers, canals and lowland gardenswere the habitats with the most species. The biodiversity index H reached 5.48, which was an adaptiveenvironment for aquatic plants in the study area.

THE COLLECTION FUND OF TREE AND SHRUB PLANTS OF THE KRYVYI RIH BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF UKRAINE AS A SOURCE OF ENRICHMENT OF THE ASSORTMENT FOR GREENING URBAN AREAS

THE COLLECTION FUND OF TREE AND SHRUB PLANTS OF THE KRYVYI RIH BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF UKRAINE AS A SOURCE OF ENRICHMENT OF THE ASSORTMENT FOR GREENING URBAN AREAS

Floristic Study of Anagyris foetida L. Stand in Kermanshah Province (Iran)

Western forests of Iran are considered the richest biological resources of Iran. The rangelands of forest provide the bulk of the forage needed for livestock of nomads and villagers in the region. Therefore, research on this forest vegetation is very necessary. In this research, the studied area is part of the middle-sized Zagros forest ecosystem located in the Kaseh-Garan of Gilan-e-Gharb area (Kermanshah province, Iran). This research aims to achieve the effect of the canopy cover of bean trefoil (Anagyris foetida) as a nursing plant in identifying accompanying species and also identifying the dominant flora of the region. For this purpose, 55 samples were taken based on a randomized pattern with 100 * 100 m network dimensions. By inserting 1 × 1 m microplates into each plot, the total number of plants per unit area was investigated. The results of land surveying in the forests of the region showed that A. foetida with 61.5% had the highest coverage. Also, all of the plant specimens of this area were collected and identified using botanical resources in the Razi University herbarium (RUHK). In the floristic study, a total number of 333 plant species were belonging to 225 genera and 58 families. Among the plant families, Asteraceae had the highest number of plant species with about 19%. In terms of life forms, the highest percentage for both therophytes and hemicritophytes (41%) were found. In the chorological study, the highest frequency related to the Irano-Turanian elements (66%), Irano-Turanian, and Mediterranean areas (9%), Irano-Turanian, the Mediterranean, and Euro-Siberian (8%), Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian (7%), and remaining 10 percent related to species with other geographical distribution in the area. Although the Kaseh-Garan area is phytogeographically related to Irano-Turanian, elements from the Mediterranean and Sahara-Sindian have infiltrated this region. Therefore, the presence of bean trefoil stands (with 61.5% coverage), high floristic diversity, and special vegetation of Kaseh-Garan shows the importance of this region and the protection of vegetation in this area is necessary.

Introducerea plantelor din genul Sansevieria Thunb. în Grădina Botanică Naţională (Institut) „Al. Ciubotaru”

The genus Sansevieria is very diverse and interesting in terms of life forms and shapes and enjoys great popularity among both botanists and plant lovers, who in recent years have become increasingly interested in these plants due to their decorativeness. In the Botanical Garden, this genus is represented by 27 taxa.

Ecological and biological aspects of assessing woody plants in the landscaping of Novosibirsk

The ecological and biological characteristics of woody plants growing in the most popular squares of the Novosibirsk city (Teatralny, Pervomaisky, and Slavy square) have been investigated. 73 species of woody plants have been recorded. 13 of them are common to three landscape objects. Ornamental garden forms of woody plants are found separately (13 intraspecific forms, hybrids and varieties of woody plants). Some species of molded plants that are not suitable for landscaping public urban space due to their low winter hardiness were recorded. The greatest species diversity is distinguished by the green spaces of the Slavy square. The correlation between the place of growth and the vital state of plants has not been found. Plants on the objects are in satisfactory vital condition. Species in an unsatisfactory condition are found singly. Shrubs (49% of the total) and trees of the first and second sizes (32%) predominate in terms of life forms. The plantations contain species of natural flora of the Novosibirsk region and introduced plants from other geographic regions (27 and 73%, respectively). Among the introduced plants, species with a wide Eurasian type of area prevail. Analysis of the history of the creation and reconstruction of landscape objects showed that the assortment of plants on the territory of Pervomaisky Square has changed to a greater extent, the species composition of plants in the Teatralny Square has changed insignificantly. To form a better spatial structure of landscape objects, we recommend to increase the species and form diversity of plantings by introduction of plants of various life forms and species that have passed introductory tests in local climatic conditions. This will provide the creation of landscapes and landscape compositions of various expressiveness and to form a comfortable environment for the rest of the citizens.

Patterns in the alien flora of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a comparison of Asteraceae and Fabaceae

Background and aims – This work provides the first pattern analysis of the alien flora of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R. Congo), using Asteraceae and Fabaceae as a case study. Methods – Based on herbarium collections, existing databases, and literature data, a database of 38 alien species of Asteraceae and 79 alien species of Fabaceae has been assembled. Patterns in the introduction pathway, phylogeny, life form, morpho-functional traits, geographic origin, and occurrence in D.R. Congo are explored. Key results – America is the main source continent in both families, but Asia is also an important donor of Fabaceae. Taxonomic spectrum discrepancies between the alien and the native flora reflect the continent of origin. Sixty-six percent of alien Asteraceae have been accidentally introduced, most of which being annual weeds of disturbed soil. In contrast, 90% of alien Fabaceae have been deliberately introduced for forestry, agriculture, or environmental purposes, most of which being phanerophytes. Traits were compared between pairs of congeneric alien and native species. For Asteraceae, a sharp discrepancy was found in the life form spectrum (aliens: mostly therophytes; natives: phanerophytes). For Fabaceae, alien species had larger leaves and larger pods compared to their native congeners. The number of specimens in collections was positively correlated with the time since the date of first collection for both families. The Guineo-Congolian region has the highest number of alien Fabaceae, while alien Asteraceae are overrepresented in the Zambezian region.Conclusions – Contrasting patterns between alien Asteraceae and Fabaceae in the flora of D.R. Congo in terms of life forms, trait divergence compared to the native flora, and occurrence, reflect the divergent biological attributes and relations to humans of the two families. The striking discrepancies between the two families call for analyses of patterns of alien flora at family level and warn against global generalisations.

Floristic composition, chorotypes and life form of the Musallata, natural reserve, Libya

The flora of Masalata Natural Reserve (MNR) in the north-Western section of Libya, 90 km east of the city of Tripoli was surveyed in terms of life forms and phytogeography. Distribution and abundance values of the recorded species were determined. A total 445 of flowering plants are identified, they are distributed in 249 genera and belonging 64 Families. Annuals are predominated life form (60.9%), while parasites are the lowest (0.22%). The mono-regional Mediterranean species constitute 62.02% of the other flora. Species which are primarily Mediterranean but in some cases bi-regional with 30.78% and pluri-regional account for 14.38%.

Флора и ее анализ. Гидрофильные растения разнотипных водоемов Самаркандской области (Узбекистан)

Aquatic and coastal aquatic plants are one of the most important components of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, at present, much attention is paid to the issues of rational use and development of the country's inland water bodies. Together with phytoplankton, this group of plants participates in the trophic cycle of biocenosis, providing various stages of the links of the food chain with appropriate products. For example, the plants of reservoirs serve as food for representatives of different taxonomic groups of animals, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, fish, birds and mammals. With moderate overgrowing of water bodies, favorable conditions are formed for the development of the phytophilous fauna of invertebrates. The flora of higher aquatic and coastal plants of the Samarkand region has not yet been fully studied. The species composition was not studied, taxonomic and floristic analysis was not carried out. In addition, it is very rare to find detailed information about the use of aquatic plants in the national economy, information about useful species and rare species common in this territory. The article presents the results of research on the study of aquatic and coastal plants of reservoirs of the Samarkand region. It was revealed that 72 species of aquatic and coastal plants, which belong to 51 genera, 34 families and 5 classes, grow in reservoirs of various types on the territory of the Samarkand region. Representatives of the families Potamogetonaceae, Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Polygonaceae make up 43% of the total number of plants of this group growing in the studied region. In terms of life forms, about 12.5% (9 species) are annuals, and 77.8% (56 species) are perennials. It was found that 7 species of aquatic mosses grow in the studied water bodies.

Geographical distribution and ecological-phitocenotic features of orchids of the Southern Altai in the Kazakh Altai

According to the results of the study, 14 species of orchids were found in the flora of the southern Altai in2019, which is 52 % of the species diversity of the Orchid flora of Kazakhstan. It is established that the coenopopulationsof orchids in the region develop and exist within the boundaries of specific phytocenoses and are characterized by a certainecological and phytocenotic amplitude of the development of natural environment conditions. They are distributed in thelower, middle and upper mountain zones. The widest altitude range is typical for species from the genus Dactylorchiza(absolute altitude 462–1365 m). In terms of life forms, species with a stem-like tuberoid (genera Dactylorhiza, Herminium,Orchis) predominate, while short-rooted and long-rooted species (genera Cypripedium, Epipactis) are less represented. InKaton-Karagai district, 10 species of orchids were recorded growing in 19 cenopopulations, in Kurchum – 5 species in 6cenopopulations. Vegetation cover in habitats is formed from 35 to 90 %. Due to the weak competition of orchids, theirshare in the addition of phytocenoses does not exceed 2 %.

Is the Vegetation Succession a Threat for Rare and Protected Species in a Sand Quarry? Case Study of the Kuźnica Warężyńska Sand Quarry (Southern Poland)

The work focuses on analyzing and reason of occurrences of rare and protected species by European and Polish low. These species are growing in the areas of former sand exploitations quarry and have different ecological requirements. The origin of such quarries is strictly connected strictly connection with development of coal mining in the Silesian Upland (Southern Poland). From the end of exploitation the processes of spontaneous vegetation ecosystems have been observed. The research was conducted in Southern Poland in the area of the Kuznica Warężyńska sand quarry with an area of approximately 8 km2, exploited in the years 1972 - 2003. In results of work has been confirmed by 2 types of habitats which are included in I Annex Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora forms in zone of groundwater outflow. They are 7140-transition mires and quaking bogs and 7230 - alkaline fens. In these communities, numerous population of 22 protects spiecies as Dactylorhiza maculata, D. majalis, Epipactis atrorubens, E. helleborine, E. palustris, Malaxis monophyllos, Lycopodiella inundata, Pinguicula vulgaris, including Liparis loeselii found in Annex II of the Habitats Directive occur. These are early-successional species, whose numbers in next successions phases decrease or after several years completely disappear. The analyzed flora differs in terms of life forms, ecological requirements related to the habitat mosaics. The fragments of sand quarry that were where are not reclaimed can play important role in nature conservation not only in local level but even on supra-regional scale. Hence, this object is a place for many rare, threatened with extinction species and plant communities as substitute habitats. The conservation of such species and plant communities in sand quarry needed active protection. It consists in maintaining the initial stages of succession and preventing the formation of the forest.

The non-native woody species of the flora of Ukraine: Introduction, naturalization and invasion

The process of invasion, naturalization, dispersion and invasive activity of non-native woody species in 5 regional floras, 5 urban floras and over 30 floras of the protected areas is discussed. It has been established that 182 non-native species out of 95 genera and 45 families are currently at different naturalization stages in the spontaneous flora of Ukraine. In terms of life-forms, they may be divided as follows: trees – 41%, shrubs – 35%, trees/shrubs – 15%, lianas – 9%. Most species spread both via seed dispersal and the vegetative way – 56%, using only seed dispersal – 42%, only the vegetative way – 2%. According to the preliminary rating of species-wise invasive activity, 71 species (40%) have naturalized completely, among them 20 invasive species, including 12 transformer species, 29 potentially invasive species, and 22 naturalized species which demonstrate no invasive tendencies. The initial stages of invasion of 111 species are as follows: introduction – 9%, survival – 36%, adaptation of the reproductive sphere – 28%, establishment, formative of local populations – 27%. In terms of dispersion, non-naturalized species are divided as follows: rare – 45%, local – 16%, sporadic – 6%, unique – 12%, spreading under control beyond collections and expositions in botanical gardens and arboretums – 21%. Twelve transformer species, the greatest threat to local diversity, are Acer negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Amorpha fruticosa, Bupleurum fruticosum, Elaeagnus angustifolia, E. rhamnoides, Fraxinus ornus, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, P. vitacea, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rhamnus alaternus, Salix × blanda and 8 invasive proper species: Berberis aquifolia, Colutea orientalis, Daphne laureola, Prunus cerasifera, P. serotina, Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Vitis vinifera. The list of alien species, most widespread in 50 regions of Europe, includes Robinia pseudoacacia (42 regions), Ailanthus altissima (40), Acer negundo (38), Prunus cerasus (34), Quercus rubra (34), Rosa rugosa (34), Prunus domestica (31). The mitigation of the impacts of these species on local biodiversity is possible via the restoration of local native plant communities, land use organization, strict selection of introduced species prior to the introduction, culture of planting management, preventive measures and extending awareness and sharing of information about plant invasions. Therefore, Ukraine’s spontaneous flora is notable for the active process of naturalization of non-native woody species with considerable involvement of invasive alien species. This is the first and preliminary evaluation of the invasive activity of woody species in Ukraine’s flora. The manifestations of the global tendency of increased involvement and invasive activity of alien woody species in domestic flora have been confirmed. These conclusions are also relevant for elaborating the system of preventive, containing and mitigating measures regarding plant invasions in Ukraine.

Impact of Topsoil Stockpiling Methods on the Viability of Seed Banks

The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate stockpiling methods for revegetation by comparing the germination status of seed banks before and after preservation for 2 years. Soil temperature in stockpiled topsoil was higher in open treatment and at 1.5 m, whereas soil water content was maintained at lower levels (14.06-19.08%), than those in the control group. The seed banks in stockpiled topsoil had 48 species and 1,559 individuals, among which perennials showed the highest number in terms of life forms, whereas Compositae and Gramineae were dominant in terms of families. Based on seed bank type, persistent seed banks had the highest number of species, while transient seed banks had the highest number of individuals. By stockpiling period, the number of species in the seed bank started to increase after 24 months, while the number of individuals began increasing after 12 months and exceeded that of the control group after 24 months. Regarding the treatment of stockpiling methods, the number of species and individuals in open treatment were closer to those of the control group. When analyzed by height, the number of species and individuals were higher at 0 m, but still lower than those of the control group. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA ) showed that the optimal combination was obtained in open treatment and the number of individuals increased with the lengthening of the stockpiling period.

Associations between Macrophyte Life Forms and Environmental and Morphometric Factors in a Large Sub-tropical Floodplain.

Macrophyte assemblages are composed of species with different life forms and various ecological functions. Our aim was to investigate the potential environmental determinants of changes in the biomass of individual life forms and of the composition of the macrophyte assemblage in terms of life forms diversity. We sampled 23 waterbodies at low and high water levels in the Middle Paraná River floodplain. Macrophyte biomass samples were collected and classified in terms of life forms. We performed a redundancy analysis using the biomass of the various life forms to assess the importance of environmental variables to the composition of macrophyte life forms. Linear regressions were applied to investigate the environmental determinants of the biomasses of individual life forms. The degree of connectivity and the combination of depth, hydrology and nitrate were the main determinants of the composition in terms of life forms. The biomass of each individual life form was explained by different combinations of environmental variables, but the connectivity was the most important one. Our study shows that groups of species with similar life forms respond to environmental factors in particular ways, which might alter the biomass composition of life forms. Given that the ecosystem functioning depends on the functional characteristics of local communities, our findings about the relation between environmental changes and the community composition in terms of life forms (or functional composition) can be a helpful tool for predicting changes on ecosystem processes (such as nutrient cycling) against possible future scenarios.

Ecological, floristic and functional analysis of zonal forest vegetation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

AbstractZonal vegetation is a large-scale expression of macro-climate and, due to the climatic diversity of the country, there are seven traditionally recognized zonal forest plant communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using data from Bosnia and Herzegovina, this study aimed to reveal whether macro-climate is indeed the most important factor determining the existence of zonal forest plant communities (ZFPC). Detrended correspondence analysis of 398 relevés of seven ZFPCs revealed that the species turnover along the first axis is strongly related to the macro-climatic gradient (annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the coldest quarter and precipitation of the warmest quarter). No correlation was detected between this gradient and topographic factors (slope and aspect) and soil reaction. Floristic analysis revealed clear separation of ZFPCs in terms of diagnostic species. Functional analysis of all layers showed that competitive ecological strategy has the highest proportion, while analysis of the herb layer alone expressed a shift of CSR signatures towards the middle of the C-S axis. Ruderality was overall poorly expressed. Statistically significant differences among communities were discovered along the C-S axis. In terms of life forms, statistically significant differences in the proportions of Phanerophytes, Geophytes and Hemicryptophytes among communities were discovered. Our study confirms that macro-climatic gradient is the most important determinant of the species turnover along ZFPCs. CSR signatures show that zonal forest vegetation is represented by productive communities in a terminal stage of succession. This does not refer to degraded Quercus ilex stands (maquis), which are in the middle stage of secondary succession.

Composition, distribution and habitat effects of vascular plants on the vertical surfaces of an ancient city wall

The vertical surfaces of walls accommodate diverse plants in urban areas. Characterizing species composition and distribution of plants growing in these habitats is of great significance towards a better understanding and management of urban ecosystems. Here we focused on the City Wall of Nanjing (CWN), one of the biggest and best reserved ancient masonry city walls in the world. Through detailed field survey, we investigated species composition, richness and cover of the vascular plants on the CWN, and examined their relationships with a set of local habitat factors including aspect, position, height of the wall and ground vegetation status, using canonical correspondence analysis and multiple regression models. In total we found 67 plant species on the CWN. They are mostly widespread ruderal plants, with a conspicuously high proportion of vine species. Surprisingly, we found that the investigated habitat factors generally have weak correlations (R 2 < 10 %) with species composition, species richness and plant cover. The relationships remain weak when specified in different species groups in terms of life forms and seed dispersal traits. However, these species groups appear to have distinct responses to particular micro-habitat conditions such as light and intensity of human activities. Our results provide useful implications for protecting the walls and enhancing ecosystem services of their associated vegetation.

Exploring Utility of Formal Concept Analysis Approach to Coral Reef Assessment

This study explored the use of formal concept analysis (FCA), a data mining technique, to analyze coral reef transect data (in terms of life forms) and comparing its results to the standard assessment analysis. Utilizing the quadrat-life form as the object-attribute pair, the results derived from the context was analyzed to assess the coral reefs in the study site which consisted of three stations. Data from Station 1 and Station 2 showed the dominance of Acropora digitate and Acropora branching life forms, respectively. Some life forms were absent from both Stations 1 and 2 but all life forms were present in Station 3 with eight life forms having the highest occurrence. Station 3 had the highest diversity of life forms while Station 2 had the highest live coral cover. This study showed how FCA can be used to generate new knowledge from transect data that can be verified by traditional coral reef assessment results, a possible complement to standard coral reef assessment analytical tools. FCA approach shines when it deals with large data sets from many different sources, which may pave the way for data-driven ecological assessment analysis studies such as those already being done for agriculture.

Diet composition and foraging ecology of Asian elephants in Shangyong, Xishuangbanna, China

The composition of the diet and the foraging ecology of the Asian elephant in its natural habitat were studied from 1998 to 2000 in the Shangyong National Natural Reserve located at Xishuangbanna, China, using field observation and dung analysis. A total of 106 plant species were recorded as being eaten by Asian elephants, 83 of which were identified in the elephants' dung. The plant families that contributed to a major proportion of the elephants' diet in the study area were: Gramineae (8 spp., 10.0%), Moraceae (7 spp., 9.9%), Papilionaceae (4 spp., 8.4%), Araliaceae (3 spp., 6.6%), Vitaceae (3 spp., 5.7%), Apocynaceae (3 spp., 4.6%), Musaceae (1 spp., 4.2%), Zingiberaceae (3 spp., 3.7%), Myrsinaceae (3 spp., 3.6%), Rosaceae (3 spp., 3.6%), Euphorbiaceae (5 spp., 3.3%), Ulmaceae (2 spp., 3.0%) and Mimosaceae (4 spp., 2.9%). The most important plants in the elephants' diet were Ficus spp. (Moraceae, 9.0%), Dendrocalamus spp. (Gramineae, 4.5%), Musa acuminata (Musaceae, 4.2%), Microstegium ciliatum (Gramineae, 3.5%) and Amalocalyx yunnanensis (Apocynaceae, 3.1%). Asian elephants consumed a variety of plants in terms of life forms, including trees, vines, shrubs and herbs. Early successional plant species constitute a higher proportion of the diet than late successional plants (42 spp. taking 59% vs. 32 spp. taking 37%). Browsing species accounted for a larger proportion of the diet compared to grazing species (77 spp. taking 91% vs. 6 spp. taking 9%). The number of plant taxa (species, genus, family) in elephants' diet each month negatively correlated with monthly rainfall and mean temperature. The study may help to develop proper strategies for wildlife management especially with regard to the human-elephant conflict, which is now a serious issue in the conservation of Asian elephants in this area.