Life Form Types Research Articles

Assessing a Prototype Database for Comprehensive Global Aquatic Land Cover Mapping

The monitoring of Global Aquatic Land Cover (GALC) plays an essential role in protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems. Although many GALC datasets have been created before, a uniform and comprehensive GALC dataset is lacking to meet multiple user needs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using existing global datasets to develop a comprehensive and user-oriented GALC database and identify the gaps of current datasets in GALC mapping. Eight global datasets were reframed to construct a three-level (i.e., from general to detailed) prototype database for 2015, conforming with the United Nations Land Cover Classification System (LCCS)-based GALC characterization framework. An independent validation was done, and the overall results show some limitations of current datasets in comprehensive GALC mapping. The Level-1 map had considerable commission errors in delineating the general GALC distribution. The Level-2 maps were good at characterizing permanently flooded areas and natural aquatic types, while accuracies were poor in the mapping of temporarily flooded and waterlogged areas as well as artificial aquatic types; vegetated aquatic areas were also underestimated. The Level-3 maps were not sufficient in characterizing the detailed life form types (e.g., trees, shrubs) for aquatic land cover. However, the prototype GALC database is flexible to derive user-specific maps and has important values to aquatic ecosystem management. With the evolving earth observation opportunities, limitations in the current GALC characterization can be addressed in the future.

Fajösszetétel és diverzitás változás kiskunsági száraz és nedves fekvésű legelőkön

Investigations were carried out in wet – next to Tatárszentgyörgy, and dry grass pasture – next to Bugac, both located in Kiskunság, in the central region of Carpathian Basin. Recordings were taken every June of 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 from Tatárszentgyörgy – where cattle were grazed, and 1997, 2005 and 2010 from Bugac, where cattle and sheep were grazed. Coenological recordings were taken in three zones. The first zone ("A" zone) located 0-50 m near the stable, second zone ("B" zone) located 50-150 m from the stable, while the third zone ("C" zone) located farther then 150m from the stable. Analyses of ecological and environmental factors were based on Borhidi’s relative ecological indicators. Life form analyses were performed by Pignatti life form types. For statistical evaluation, R software was applied. Shannon diversity. Based on our results for both dry and wet grasslands, quadrates of "A" zone were well isolated from the rest of the zones. Overgrazing, which involves considerable trampling, vanishes differences among vegetations, thereby promotes weed and disturbance tolerant rich vegetation. The lowest species number and diversity could be found here. Recordings for "B" and "C" zones separated from recordings of "A" zone, furthermore, quadrates of wet and dry grasslands formed separate groups. From recordings of "B" and "C", zone perennial grass species (H caesp) and the emerging perennial (H wrap) species multiplied and these species were the indicators of grazing. The greatest lifeform richment were presented among "B" zone recordings. The amount of intensive grazing indicator species, such as creeping perennials (Hrep) was significant in "B" zone recordings of Tatárszentgyörgy. Grazing stabilised the local vegetation, but increased the ratio of disturbance tolerant species, which was confirmed by conservation evaluation. This is due to the conversion of grassland types, the transition from free grazing to switch grazing, which resulted in an intensive involvement of the more distant "C" zone as well. "A" zones fully converted; they changed into fully reliefs. Further located sample area vegetations were not homogenised by grazing and even helped the preservation of characteristic species. In the aspect of environmental protection, vigorous grazing led to a more valuable vegetation in "B" zone in an arid grassland (Bugac). According to the sample area, wet grasslands from the sandy areas of Kiskunság, preserve nature protection values and grass composition better moving away from stables, due to less grazing pressure. Drier backgrounds tolerate stronger grazing pressure (Bugac), while in case of wetter areas (Tatárszentgyörgy) – considering sustainability – grazing should be carried out with caution.

The species range-size patterns for vascular plants of Seorak Mountain (Korea): Relationship between group of life forms and phytogeography affinity along the elevational gradient.

Research on species richness patterns and the advanced elevational Rapoport rule (ERR) has been widespread in recent years; however, there is a lack of such research for the temperate mountainous regions in northeast Asia. Here, we collected plant species from the Seorak Mountain in northeast Asia through field surveys. The species were divided into 11 groups according to the life‐form types and phytogeography affinities of each species. The ERR was evaluated using Steven's method and by examining the species richness patterns of each group. The species richness patterns revealed a positive multimodal pattern along the elevation gradient, but phytogeography affinities (increasing trend) and life‐form analysis (unimodal) exhibited different patterns. The elevation gradients (1,350 m for the mean elevation–range relationships), which are affected by the boundary effect and different life forms, did not consistently support the ERR. However, herbs as well as rare, endemic, and red list species showed consistent support for the ERR, which could be attributed to the influence by phytogeography affinities. Therefore, the results from Seorak Mountain showed that the ERR was not consistent for different plant life forms in the same area; however, phytogeography affinities could support and explain ERR.

ANALISIS TINGKAT KESESUAIAN WISATA BAHARI PADA EKOSISTEM TERUMBU KARANG DI PULAU LAREA- REA KABUPATEN SINJAI

Coral reefs are one of the marine tourism potentials that need to be managed in a sustainable manner by looking at the suitability of tourism and the carrying capacity of the environment. Data on the potential for coral reefs will support government programs related to conservation and rehabilitation of coastal and marine ecosystems as a focus area for maritime research. This study aims to determine the potential and percentage of coral reef cover, know the tourism suitability index and environmental carrying capacity, know the direction of coral reef ecosystem management. The research method is using UPT (Underwater Photo Transect), as well as measurement of environmental parameters on Larea-rea Island. Data analysis using CPCe 4.1 software, and Arcgis 10.8 (Kismanto et.al, 2018). Than, an analysis of the suitability of diving tourism and an analysis of the carrying capacity of the area is carried out (Yulianda, 2018).Coral reefs are one of the marine tourism potentials that need to be managed in a sustainable manner by looking at the suitability of tourism and the carrying capacity of the environment. Data on the potential for coral reefs will support government programs related to conservation and rehabilitation of coastal and marine ecosystems as a focus area for maritime research. This study aims to determine the potential and percentage of coral reef cover, know the tourism suitability index and environmental carrying capacity, know the direction of coral reef ecosystem management. The research method is using UPT (Underwater Photo Transect), as well as measurement of environmental parameters on Larea-rea Island. Data analysis using CPCe 4.1 software, and Arcgis 10.8 (Kismanto et.al, 2018). Than, an analysis of the suitability of diving tourism and an analysis of the carrying capacity of the area is carried out (Yulianda, 2018). The results of this study indicate that the percentage of potential coral reef cover at all stations is 10-36%, indicating that the coral condition is not good (according to the conditions). Damage to coral reef ecosystems due to environmentally unfriendly fishing activities (Wardani, 2018). The number of lifeform types ranged from 8-12, while the number of fish species obtained was 37-44 species. The suitability class category based on the results of the analysis at the three stations obtained the appropriate category (S2), with a percentage of the IKW value of 50-67% (Yulianda, 2018). Then, area carrying capacity (DDK) in the diving tourism category is an average of 528 people / day from the three stations. Management and development of marine tourism can be done by determining the zone of utilization and rehabilitation of coral reef ecosystems, as well as limiting visitors for certain periods to reduce the potential impact of environmental degradation.

Architecture of dwarf shrubs and dwarf subshrubs of the genus of Thymus L. and Scutellaria L. (Lamiaceae)

The structure of 24 species of Thymus and 12 species of Scutellaria was studied using the architectural approach. For the first time, an architectural unit was described, it is a branched sympodial axis. The architectural unit consists of sympodial axes n+1 order, formation shoots, branching shoots, ephemerous shoots. The wide distribution of species and development of species in contrasting habitat conditions is due to the diversity of sympodial axes and shoots that are part of the architectural unit. Depending on the type of branching and the spatial position of sympodial axes, six modifications of architectural unit were identified. It is established that the structure of mature individuals are formed due to the repetition one of the same modification of architectural unit or a combination different modifications of architectural unit. Each of the variants of the combination determines the type of life form (dwarf shrub or dwarf subshrub) and biomorph (monocentric, dense polycentric, sparse polycentric) and depends on the conditions of the ecotope. The identified modifications of the architectural unit and the variants of their combination determine the strategy for the development of dwarf shrubs and dwarf subshrubs in the development of Northern and Central Asia.

Analysis Condition of Coral Reef Covering in Pramuka Island Waters, Seribu Islands using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) Method

The coral reef ecosystem is one of the typical tropical ecosystems with high biodiversity which has an important role both biologically, ecologically, physically as well as socially and economically. Several coral reef areas in Indonesia were reported to have suffered damage, not only due to climate change which has an impact on rising sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification but also due to anthropogenic factors and irresponsible management of marine tourism. This study aimed to analyze the condition of coral reefs based on covering in Pramuka Island, which is one of the famous tourist destinations in the Seribu Islands. The study was conducted using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method at predetermined coordinate points. The results showed that the dominant coral reef life form was Acropora Submassive (ACS), namely 18.9%, and Acropora Branching (ACB) as much as 12.48%. Besides, the types of life forms found were coral foliase (9.42%), Miliepora Coral (9.2%), Coral Massive (4.8%), Acropora Encrustring (4.24%), and so on. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the condition of coral reefs in Pramuka Island is still relatively good with a total coral cover percentage of 72.38%. Efforts to protect the coral reef ecosystem in this area need to be considered so that its condition can be maintained.

First report on chlorophyllin to protect mammalian and fish muscle cells from pesticide toxicity via activation of p53 and PARP

ObjectivesPesticide toxicity has become one of the major environmental menaces affecting all types of life forms of the ecosystem. Pesticides get washed off from agricultural fields into nearby water bodies and enter the aquatic organisms. Their bio-accumulated form finally reaches the human race, through consumption of pesticide infested aquatic animals, causing several physiological dysfunctions. Hence it becomes necessary to find a therapeutic cure/a preventive measure to stop the health hazard issues of pesticide. With this projection a search for a phyto-based-product was made whose primary objective would be to lower the pesticidal toxicity in fish and simultaneously in the human race. MethodsIn this study we tried to check whether the phyto-chemical, Chlorophyllin (CHL), known for its anti-genotoxic, anti-oxidant activities, could render any kind of protection against Cypermethrin (CM) induced-toxicity in fish model and mammalian cell line L6. Both the model L6 and fish were pre-treated with CHL prior to exposure of CM. Different scientific parameters like % cellular cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nuclear condensation, etc were checked to validate the possibility of CHL in protecting CM-induced toxicity. ResultsThe overall results revealed that pre-treatment with CHL could restrict the ROS generation leading to modulation in associated cytokine proteins expression NFkβ and IFNγ. Further, CHL lowered nuclear condensation and elevated expression of DNA repair proteins p53 and PARP, showing a kind of pre-activation of signalling cascades for overall protection against the severity of pesticidal toxicity. ConclusionThus, this phyto-based preventive approach would possibly solve many areas of human health issues related to pesticide toxicity in future.

CORONAVIRUS-A VIRUS IN LEARNING

Viruses can infect almost all the types of life forms, from animals, plants to microorganisms. They are found in almost every ecosystem on Earth and are the most numerous types of biological entity. The present pandemic on Earth due to SARS COV 2, coronavirus has given a big jolt to the scientific community and created a deep curiosity in us to understand the virus and its interaction biochemically in humans. We did a small project by researching and compiling the information about its outbreak and host-pathogen interactions. To understand this pandemic COVID 19 and the virus, we as students learnt the structural morphology of virus and its role in the host-pathogen interaction. We used several online platforms for our study like PubMed, Scopus, WHO, ICMR and CDC Websites.

The Historical/Evolutionary Cause And Possible Treat- Ment Of Pandemic COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2, 2019-CORONA VIRUS): World-War III: The Blackout Of The Modern World By Neglected Small Infectious Agent

A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and Archaea. In evolution, viruses are an important means of horizontal gene transfer, which increases genetic diversity in a way analogous to sexual reproduction. Influenza (Including (COVID-19), is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus.

STUDI EKOLOGI OSEANOGRAFI TELUK MANADO UNTUK PENENTUAN STRUKTUR ARTIFICIAL CORAL GARDEN DAN AREA MANGROVE SEBAGAI DESTINASI WISATA BARU

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ecological conditions of mangrove ecosystems in the Manado Bay and analyze the suitability of the mangrove ecosystems as a new tourist destination, examine the oceanographic conditions in the Manado Bay area, study the data on the development of coral reef ecosystems to be able to produce artificial coral reefs and produce mangrove areas and coral reefs artificial as a new tourist destination. This research was conducted in April - September 2019 with the location of Manado Bay and the location of the Manado Bay coral reef ecosystem survey set at 3 sample points, equipped with 3 points in front of the BOBOCA Malalayang monument, in front of the Malalayang gas station and ANTRA Sario. Retrieval of coral reef data is by using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method. LIT observations were carried out with SCUBA diving at a depth of 6m. Observations were made by recording coral lifeforms found along the transect line, and calculating the percentage of the selection. The data taken is the percentage of dead coral cover, live coral, and type of life form, diversity index taken at 3 sample points. From field observations found on Site 2 (Front of Malalayang gas station) the condition of coral reefs is included in the good category, with the percentage of live coral cover (Hard Coral) of 55%. At this station found various types of coral growth, but the highest at this station is a form of growth of Coral Masive (CM) of 19.2%, while the least found were corals in the form of Coral Mushrooms (Mushroom Coral) with a percentage of 0.4 %. Then Site 3, namely in ANTRA Sario obtained from coral reefs is included in the bad category, with the percentage of live coral cover (Hard Coral) only 7.1%. Coral Diversity in the three survey stations is different. Of the three stations determined above the Tugu Boboca Malalayang site with an index value of 2.54, followed at site 2 namely the Malalayang gas station with an index value of 2.36 and the lowest at site 3 at ANTRA Sario with an index value of 1.33. Furthermore, oceanographic conditions in the Gulf of Manado region are seen in the receding period, most of the air moves westward at the beginning of the period, then moves northeastward in the next period. While in the tide period the water moves northward, starting the period and then it is seen moving northeast and at the end of the period, the east direction.Key words : Coral reef, Oceanographic condition

An optimized method for counting viral particles using electron microscopy

Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. When studying samples containing viruses, one confronts an unavoidable question of the quantitative determination of viral particles in the sample. One of the simplest and efficient approaches to quantitative determination of viral particles in preparation includes the use of electron microscopy; however, a high detection threshold is a significant limitation of this method (107 particles per ml). Usually, such sensitivity is insufficient and can result in error diagnosis. This study aims to develop a method making it possible to detect the number of viral particles more precisely and work with samples in which the concentration of particles is lower than 107/ml. The method includes a concentration of viral particles on the polyethersulfone membrane applied in centrifugal concentrators and subsequent calculation using an electron microscope. We selected env-pseudoviruses using a lentiviral system making it possible to obtain standardized samples of virus-like particles that are safer than a live virus. Suspension of viral particles (a volume of 20 ml) was placed into the centrifugal concentrator and centrifuged. After that, we took a membrane out of the centrifugal concentrator and evaluated the number of particles on the ultrathin section using an electron microscope. The number of viral particles on the whole surface of the filter (a square of 4 сm2) was 4×107 virions, the initial concentration of pseudoviruses in the sample was 2×106 per 1 ml (4×107 particles per 20 ml). As a result, the developed method enables one to evade the major disadvantage of quantitative determination of viruses using electron microscopy regarding a high detection threshold (concentration of particles 107/ml). Furthermore, the centrifugal concentrator makes it possible to sequentially drift a considerable volume of the suspension through the filter resulting in enhancement of test sensitivity. The developed approach results in increased sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility of quantitative analysis of various samples containing animal, plant or human viruses using electron microscopy.

Contribution to the knowledge of the vascular flora of Miniera di Murlo area (southern Tuscany, Italy)

This work aims to increase the floristic knowledge of southern Tuscany by means of a floristic investigation which took place in the Miniera di Murlo (southern Tuscany, Italy). The study area, located in the province of Siena, has an extension of 2.26 km2 and hosts a heterogeneity of habitats like rocky outcrops, woodlands, meadows and riparian formations. The prevalent geological type is an acidic sedimentary rock known as diaspri formation (jasper). The checklist of vascular flora consists of 501 taxa and includes six endemics and 13 alien species, among which Vitislabrusca is a newly-found species for the Province of Siena along with the native Rosabalsamica and Rosasquarrosa. The most interesting species, such as Anthoxanthumaristatum, Gageabohemica, Paragymnopterismarantae, Saxifragagranulata, and Teesdaliacoronopifolia, are found on acidic rocks. Species of the Italian Red List, such as Ruscusaculeatus, and species of Regional conservation interest, such as Centaureaaplolepasubsp.carueliana, Ervilialoiseleurii, and Vicianigricans, were recorded. The chorological spectrum reveals a dominance of Mediterranean species indicating warm climate conditions and mild winters whereas the life-form spectrum shows a slight dominance of hemicryptophytes followed by therophytes. However, a clear dominance of one life-form type over the other is lacking, since the acidic and dry rocky substrate partially compensates for the humidity provided by the stream. This study highlights the relevant floristic value of the Miniera di Murlo area and supports the possible creation of a protected area or its inclusion in the adjacent one.

Spatial and temporal variation in plant community phenology in the Jebel Marra region of Darfur

This study was designed to examine the subtle effects of habitat, aspect and altitude on plant diversity and the timing of phenological stages. In this increasingly arid region, within-species differences would cause more reproductive isolation of local populations, making species more vulnerable to regional extinction. Fifty-two sites in the Jebel Marra region of the Central Darfur state of Sudan were compared in terms of species diversity and local variation in the phenology of plant communities. Five habitat types were compared: sandy plains, clay plains, wadis, north-facing slopes and south-facing slopes. Sites were classified into five altitudinal zones ranging from 750 m to > 1,150 m above sea level, and the phenology of three categories of plant life form (phanerophytes, chamaephytes and therophytes) was tracked in terms of the duration of each phenophase (vegetative, reproductive and dormant). Overall, most plants were dormant from December to April. Peak vegetative growth was in July, coinciding with peak rainfall in all study sites in the region (July-August). This was followed by peak reproduction in October. Life form and habitat type significantly affected the length of all phenological phases; altitude significantly affected all stages except the duration of dormancy. Some of the interactions between these factors were also statistically significant, indicating subtle regulation of the duration of phenophases. The possible impacts of overgrazing and ongoing climate change are discussed, with the concern that initiation of vegetative growth in most habitats (except the clay plains) appears to be triggered by day length, ‘anticipating’ the beginning of the rainy season. Further climate change may uncouple this signal and the beginning of the rainy season, impacting plant survival.

Faunistic inventory and zoogeographical analysis of the ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) of Garf Raydah Nature Reserve, Southwestern of Saudi Arabia, and description of a new species of Paussinae.

Study of ground beetles of the Garf Raydah Nature Reserve, located in the Asir Mountains of southwestern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) resulted in one species, Paussus abditus Nagel, sp. n. described as new to science. Thirteen species (21.3%) are reported as new country records and fifteen species (24.6%) are new records for Asir Province. Adult beetles were collected from 2013 to 2017. The determination of this material yielded a total of 61 species in 40 genera and 17 tribes belonging to nine subfamilies of Carabidae. The species richness represented approximately 36.1% of carabid species previously reported from KSA. The most species rich tribes were the Lebiini (20 species), the Harpalini (10 species), and the Bembidiini (6 species). The life form analysis of adults indicated 18 life form types that are grouped into three categories, Zoophagous (77.1%), Mixophytophagous (18.0%), and Myrmecophilous (4.9%). Zoogeographical analyses indicated that the Afrotropical (19.3%) and the Saharo-Arabian (19.3%) species dominate the carabid fauna of this region of KSA. Coryza cf. maculata (Nietner, 1856) is considered the only Oriental representative. Only one cosmopolitan species, Perigona nigriceps (Dejean, 1831), was collected. Eleven endemics were identified; six species are considered KSA endemics and five are Arabian Peninsula endemics.

Are dominant plant species more susceptible to leaf-mining insects? A case study at Saihanwula Nature Reserve, China.

Dominant species significantly affect interspecific relationships, community structure, and ecosystem function. In the field, dominant species are often identified by their high importance values. Selective foraging on dominant species is a common phenomenon in ecology. Our hypothesis is that dominant plant groups with high importance values are more susceptible to leaf‐mining insects at the regional level. Here, we used the Saihanwula National Nature Reserve as a case study to examine the presence–absence patterns of leaf‐mining insects on different plants in a forest‐grassland ecotone in Northeast China. We identified the following patterns: (1) After phylogenetic correction, plants with high importance values are more likely to host leafminers at the species, genus, or family level. (2) Other factors including phylogenetic isolation, life form, water ecotype, and phytogeographical type of plants have different influences on the relationship between plant dominance and leafminer presence. In summary, the importance value is a valid predictor of the presence of consumers, even when we consider the effects of plant phylogeny and other plant attributes. Dominant plant groups are large and susceptible targets of leaf‐mining insects. The consistent leaf‐mining distribution pattern across different countries, vegetation types, and plant taxa can be explained by the “species‐area relationship” or the “plant apparency hypothesis.”

BIODIVERSITY OF SCLERACTINIAN CORAL AND REEF FISH AT PAPUMA BEACH, JEMBER, EAST JAVA

ABSTRACT
 
 Coral reef in Papuma was distributed in 3 to 20 m depth, with sand as main substrate. The coral reef was built from hard coral (scleractinian) and reef fishes. Papuma’s coral reef was interesting to be studied due to they can deal with the extreme environment such as high sand sedimentation, high wave, strong current, and anthropogenic risk. The purpose of this study was to descript distribution of hard coral and their fishes based on quantitative data in Papuma. We used Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method with 100 m long perpendicular with coast line to quantify of coral cover based on their life form. While reef fishes data was obtained using underwater visual census with 100 m long. All data was taken from 3 stasiun they were: station 1 (8°25'59.26"S 113°33'15.07"E), station 2 (8°26'0.93"S 113°33'17.53"E) and station 3 (8°26'2.02"S 113°33'20.06"E), in 3-12 m depth. The result showed that coral reef in Papuma was dominated by branching coral (CB) from genus Montipora with coral cover 30%, while sand (SD) to be main substrate with 26.9% of coverage. Montipora is one of genus famili Acroporidae that has faster growth than massive coral and strong branch as an adaptation strategy with strong current. In this research, we also found 137 of reef fishes that was 19% composed by indicator fish (Chaetodontidae). High number of indicator fish can represent of healthy coral reef. High coral cover coverage usually will be followed by increasing number of indicator fish. These fish were obligate corallivorous that consume coral polyp during their life. Coral reef in Papuma contained 10 types of life form and had coral cover about 39.9% in average.

The Adaptive Capacity of Corals Based on the Health Level to Estimate the Carrying Capacity of the Marine Ecotourism in Enggano Island

Enggano Island is one of the outermost islands of Indonesia. Among the recoverable resources that exist in Enggano Island are coral reef ecosystems. A coral reef ecosystem is also one of the ecosystems with a high level of biodiversity productivity having a major role as habitats, feeding places, and the coastal protection from the crashing of waves and strong currents. Currently, coral reefs are being destroyed either by nature or humans. The ability of an ecosystem to adapt to a disturbance or potential damage is called adaptive capacity. The aim of the study was to assess the adaptive capacity of corals in terms of their health levels to estimate the carrying capacity of marine ecotourism. The observation method used was survey method. Adaptive capacity measurements were carried out by analyzing six parameters: hard coral cover (%), distances from human settlements (km), dominance of lifeform, types of lifeform, reef fish species, and coral reef depth (m). The results of this study showed that Enggano Island corals had the adaptive capacity that fell into two categories: medium and adaptiveEnggano Island is one of the outermost islands of Indonesia. Among the recoverable resources that exist in Enggano Island are coral reef ecosystems. A coral reef ecosystem is also one of the ecosystems with a high level of biodiversity productivity having a major role as habitats, feeding places, and the coastal protection from the crashing of waves and strong currents. Currently, coral reefs are being destroyed either by nature or humans. The ability of an ecosystem to adapt to a disturbance or potential damage is called adaptive capacity. The aim of the study was to assess the adaptive capacity of corals in terms of their health levels to estimate the carrying capacity of marine ecotourism. The observation method used was survey method. Adaptive capacity measurements were carried out by analyzing six parameters: hard coral cover (%), distances from human settlements (km), dominance of lifeform, types of lifeform, reef fish species, and coral reef depth (m). The results of this study showed that Enggano Island corals had the adaptive capacity that fell into two categories: medium and adaptive

Structure and floristic composition as indicators of restoration success in an urban riparian forest along the Das Velhas river in Southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated a 5-year-old riparian forest in an anthropogenically affected region along the Das Velhas River in southeastern Brazil, restored with the purposes of erosion control and other ecosystem functions and to monitor indicators of structure and composition. The forest was monitored via data collection of the diameter and height of trees for phytosociological analysis, including the identification of species and their classification with regard to life form, origin, weed-status, and successional stage. The forest was not very structurally developed and, overall, 111 species were recorded consisting of 65.8% herbs, 24.3% trees, and 9.9% other types of life forms. About 70.9% of species were natives, 29.1% exotics, and 65% weeds. The high abundance of exotic species and weed species (some aggressive such as Leucaena leucocephala) of various life forms may negatively affect the restoration success in terms of seedling recruitment and diversity of native species, but may constitute a neutral or even positive accomplishment for erosion control (with species composition as a secondary effect). Results also reinforce the knowledge that choice of species for restoration must be in accordance with major local filters (e.g., floods), and areas within urban matrices may deserve special attention, including periodic management actions to control undesirable species.

Acridid communities (Orthoptera: Acrididae, pyrgomorphidae, pamphagidae, tetrigidae) of dominant plant associations in the Kopet Dagh foothills and plain

Acridid communities of the dominant plant associations on the Kopet Dagh northern foothills and foothill plain are described for the first time. The structure of the communities is determined by the plant cover and soil conditions. Acridid communities of natural plant associations are characterized by high species and ecological diversity (at least 13 species and subspecies, 11 types of life forms), high abundance (about 1000 ind./h), and polydominant structure.

Soil and altitude drive diversity and functioning of BrazilianPáramos(campo de altitude)

The vegetation on Brazilian Páramos consists of assemblages that are driven mainly by the influence of strong environmental filtering. It is very important to understand the effect of environmental variation on taxonomic diversity and on functional diversity. Considering the lack of information about the functional diversity in Brazilian Páramos, we analyzed for the first time the effects of altitude and edaphic attributes on functional traits, as well as on taxonomic and functional diversity. We also wanted to answer the questions: Which ecological strategies are favorable in high-altitude grassland? Does soil attributes determine distributions of traits in high-altitude grassland? Considering the studied altitudinal gradient is altitude an important variable in the community assembly? The study was conducted on three mountains: Mammoth (1850 m), Elephant (1790 m) and Totem (1690 m) in Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Those mountains represent the ‘Serra das Cabeças’, a smaller ridge that is surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, one of the 25 hotspot of biodiversity. The samples were taken using 100 plots of 1 m2 per mountain that were randomly distributed. All plants except mosses were sampled. The taxonomic diversity was evaluated using richness, Shannon diversity, effective number of species and Pielou evenness. For the functional diversity, we considered the functional richness, functional evenness and functional divergence. Generalized linear models (GLM/Poisson and quasi-Poisson) were used to evaluate the effect of abiotic variables (altitude, soil depth and soil chemical attributes) on biotic variables (number of species and individuals, life form, dispersal and fruit type) and ordinary least squares regression to evaluate the effect of abiotic variables on the functional and taxonomic diversity. The soil variables presented a considerable edaphic gradient associated with altitude. The soil in Serra das Cabeças plays an important role for the plant diversity: richness and diversity index were positively related with fertility. With regard to the life form, nanophanerophytes tended to increase with altitude and soil depth, while therophytes tended to decrease with altitude. The dispersal type was also associated with the abiotic variables: autochory decreases with altitude, while zoochory increases. Functional richness increases with fertility and the functional evenness with altitude. The studied gradient showed that altitude is working as a filter for functional traits and indices and is, together with soil attributes, an important determinant for the distribution of plants on Brazilian Páramos.