Variation In Morphological Characters Research Articles

Comentarios y adiciones sobre especies recientemente descritas del grupo Liolaemus montanus procedentes de Perú

In this paper, information is added and comments are made about two recently describedPeruvian species of Liolaemus from the montanus group: L. balagueri and L. qalaywa. WhenL. balagueri was described, differences from L. nazca was based on a phylogenetic analysis of asingle mitochondrial locus, but without including phenotypic diagnostic traits that might differentiatedthem. On the other hand, L. qalaywa description was based upon specimens fromApurimac department and intraspecific variation in meristic traits were missing. In this study,we added a molecular and morphological analyses between L. balagueri and L. nazca, supportingmore rigorously the separation between these two taxa. In addition, the geographic rangeof L. qalaywa is extended to Cusco department (southwestern Peru), intraspecific variation ofmorphological characteristics and geographic information up to 79 specimens are included,and the conservation issues of this species is commented.

Morphological and genetic polymorphism of the introduced population of Prunus pumilaL. in Chelyabinsk Province

Background.Studying genetic polymorphism of the Prunus pumilaL. representatives with a wide range of variability in morphological characters will make it possible to identify promising genotypes with high combining ability for hybridization.Material and methods.The study covered 39 genotypes from the Chelyabinsk cultivated population and 6 genotypes from Khakassia, with extreme or intermediate expressions of such characters as fruit size, color and shape; stone shape and surface structure; leaf blade serration and shape; plant habitus, and some others. Genetic distances were calculated using the data matrix for binary states of presence (1) or absence (0) of amplified fragments with the Past Program (Gower). The UPGMA dendrograms were obtained in TREECON (version 1.3b).Results and discussion. The selected 5 ISSR and 2 RAPD primers demonstrated their effectiveness in detecting genetic polymorphism in the studied accessions. In individual cases, a weak connection of separate markers with leaf blade edge serration, stone surface structure, plant habitus, and geographic origin of the genotype was detected. Concurrent inclusion of all primers and genotypes in the cluster analysis failed to group the studied P. pumilasamples into clades according to the presence/absence of any traits, which may attest to their close genetic affinity. An independent clade with reliable bootstrap support (100%) was formed only for the genotypes of the taxonomically close sp. P. tomentosaThunb., analyzed as an external group. Moreover, this clade manifested (with the 86% reliability of bootstrap support) differences between the hybrid genotypes of P. pumila× P. tomentosa(F3) and the genotype of P. tomentosa. Parent pairs promising for fruit quality and shrub shape improvement through breeding were identified using the produced indices of genetic distinction.

Breeding Cultivars from Blueberry × Deerberry Hybrids: Progress and Prospects

Vaccinium stamineum (deerberry) is a highly variable diploid species in section Polycodium. Deerberry is native on excessively drained sandy soils from southeastern Ontario, south through the Florida peninsula to Lake Okeechobee, west to eastern Texas and southeastern Kansas. The V. stamineum used in this study were tall plants (2–4 m) native in north Florida, with a plant architecture similar to rabbiteye blueberry (V. virgatum). Starting in 2013 with crosses between tetraploid highbush cultivars (section Cyanococcus) and colchicine-doubled V. stamineum, hundreds of F1 and thousands of later-generation seedlings were grown and evaluated in high-density field nurseries at Citra in North Florida. The populations studied included F1, F2, backcrosses to each parent species, and BC1 × BC1 seedlings. The goal of the study was to assess the feasibility of introgressing into highbush blueberry cultivars desirable traits from V. stamineum (drought tolerance, red-flesh berries, new flavor components, open flowers with short corolla cups and exserted anthers and stigmas) without introducing horticulturally problematic characteristics (bitter skin, berries that shatter when ripe, difficult vegetative propagation). Vigor averaged very low in F1 seedlings, higher in F2 seedlings and in seedlings from backcrosses to V. stamineum, and highest in seedlings from backcrosses to highbush. Most crosses yielded numerous plump seeds, but crosses to produce F1 hybrids yielded fewer than 10% as many seeds as highbush × highbush crosses. Most vegetative, flower, and fruit traits that differentiate highbush from V. stamineum were intermediate in F1 seedlings. Backcross seedlings more closely resembled the recurrent parent. Variability in morphological characters was high in every generation, giving much opportunity for selection. Some seedlings from backcrosses to highbush (≈5%) appeared to have the vigor, berry quality, and yield potential required in commercial cultivars. Producing highbush cultivars that strongly express a particular V. stamineum trait might best be accomplished by growing large, segregating F2 populations from which parents for backcrosses can be selected.

Evaluation of morphological characteristics of diabetic macular edema in patients with non-proliferative versus proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography study

To evaluate the morphological characteristics in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME), either with co-existent non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or with PDR. Retrospective study includes 138 treatment naïve patients with DME, either with NPDR (n = 96) or in combination with PDR (n = 42). All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fluorescein angiography, while demographic characteristics were also recorded. Specific clinical and morphological characteristics were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Patients with DME and PDR presented higher central retinal thickness and mixed type of edema, with predominantly cystoid component and large cysts, extending in the foveal, peri- and para-foveal area, compared to patients with DME and NPDR. The presence of non-perfusion areas in patients with DME and PDR led to additional ellipsoid zone and external limiting membrane disruption in a higher percentage, accompanied with worse visual acuity compared to patients with DME and NPDR. Patients with DME and PDR had also higher vitreomacular traction percentage and higher HbA1c levels than those with DME and NPDR. Variations in morphological characteristics of DME on SD-OCT existed between patients with NPDR and those with PDR. These differences may explain the alterations in visual acuity and prognosis.

An analysis of variations in morphological characteristics, essential oil content, and genetic sequencing among and within major Iranian Juniper (Juniperus spp.) populations

Junipers (Juniperus spp.) are important pharmaceutical plants, and they are commonly grown in the northern hemisphere because of the various medicinal properties attributed to the Juniperus genus. However, despite their pharmaceutical and also industrial importance, and despite plant diversity being a common topic of research among professional breeding programs, there is a relatively small body of work which focuses on diversity in juniper, and this is especially true of juniper species that are native to Iran. Thus, the present study set out to investigate juniper diversity via identifying any morphological, phytochemical, and genetic differences among and within three important species of Iranian junipers. The data revealed the terpenoid profiles of the investigated species to be distinct from one another, with α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, and limonene being the predominant terpenoids detected. Intriguingly, high levels of myrtenyl acetate were detected in the J. sabina tissue collected from the Ramsar site, and this terpenoid was not found in either of the other studied species, nor has it been noted in any other studies that focus on juniper. The genetic variation of Juniperus was analyzed using five ISSR markers and the molecular variance was computed using the GenAlEx software. The results revealed there to be a high degree of genetic diversity both among and within the studied populations. A dendrogram of the genetic data using the UPGMA method with the Dice coefficient divided the genotypes into two main groups. J. communis and J. excelsa were grouped together, while J. sabina was separated into its own group. In general, morphologically speaking, the leaf and cone types were found to be chiefly influential vis-à-vis separating the populations into their respective groups. Ultimately, it is our hope that the biochemical, genetic, and morphological diversity data collected from these species will contribute to the success of future juniper breeding and restoration programs.

Identification of <i>Dendrobium</i> (Orchidaceae) in Liwa Botanical Garden Based on Leaf Morphological Characters

Orchid is one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world. One of the orchid genera that is collected in a large number and known to have high morphological variations in the Liwa Botanical Garden is Dendrobium. However, to date, many Dendrobium collections have not been identified. Given the urgency of identification and the limitations of specimens in the field, especially flower organs, this study is important. This study aims to determine variations in morphological characters, phenetic relationships, and to identify Dendrobium collections based on leaf morphological characters in the Liwa Botanical Garden. Five accessions of Dendrobium were collected, namely CAT140, CAT 144, CAT 271, CAT 274, and IR015. Observation of 11 morphological characters leaves showed that leaf had high variations. The phenetic relationship based on the Gower similarity value and the UPGMA method shows that the Dendrobium in the Liwa Botanical Garden can be classified into 2 main groups formed with a similarity index value of 0.813. Based on Principle Component analysis values, it is known that the characters that have a large influence on grouping are the ratio of leaf length and width, leaf cross section, and leaf arrangement. The phenetic dendrogram topology is supported by the morphological character classification. The results of this study are expected to be basic information in the identification of natural orchids and conservation efforts in the Liwa Botanical Garden.

Phenology of Zostera caespitosa in Tongyeong on the coast of Korea

The variations of morphological features, density and biomass of vegetative shoots and characteristics of reproductive shoots of Zostera caespitosa were examined in Tongyeong, Korea. Morphological features such as leaf length, width and sheath length of Z. caespitosa showed significant seasonal variation (p < 0.001). The highest aboveground value was recorded in late spring to summer and the lowest value in winter. Density and biomass also showed seasonal variations. Annual average shoot density and biomass of Z. caespitosa were recorded as 1,223.4 leaf m−2 and 5,956.9 g w.w.m−2, respectively, and had the highest value in June and lowest values in November and January. Reproductive shoots were observed from April (13°C) to June (21°C). Pistils erected outside sheath, anther dehiscing and small embryos were found in April. Mature fruit and released seeds were found in May and June. These results suggest that this species had a high growth rate in late spring and early summer (15°C–20°C). Reproductive shoots of Z. caespitosa may initially appear at about 10°C in spring and seed have been released at about 20°C in fall.

Morphological variability in coenopopulations of the rare species <i>Adonis villosa</i> Ledeb. (Ranunculaceae) in the North Altai

This paper examines the morphological variability in coenopopulations of the rare species Adonis villosa Ledeb., which grows in the North Altai. We have described the features of the places where this rare species grows in the Maiminsky (on the right bank of the Maima river, in the vicinity of the villages of Maima, Kyzyl-Ozek, Kutash) and Choysky Districts (in the vicinity of the villages of Choya, Karasuk, Paspaul, Levinka). The studies of intra- and inter-population variability in dynamics over the years were conducted. It is established that the degree of variability of morphological features in similar ecological and geographical conditions is influenced by weather conditions. Based on the analysis of the state of the studied coenopopulations, the limiting factors for the growth and development of plants and the most favorable conditions for the introduction of this rare species into the culture were identified. The limiting factors should be considered insufficient moisture in the winter-spring period, a higher altitude location, the presence of low grassy cover and the absence of woody and shrubby vegetation. All the A. villosa specimens we studied were confined to well-warmed, open slopes, mainly in the southern exposure. In the most favorable conditions, up to 7 lateral shoots can form on the axial shoot. In most cases, individuals of A. villosa form 23 lateral shoots. It was found that the parameters of the length of generative shoots were characterized by higher variability than the number of enrichment shoots. During the three-year observation period, individuals growing on the edge of the forest canopy were significantly higher. The shortest individuals were recorded (the height did not exceed 20 cm) in the coenopopulation located on an open, uncultivated area with low grass cover.

Report of an allodesmine humerus from Shimane, Japan: summary of Japanese allodesmines

ABSTRACT A new specimen of a pinniped humerus was found from the middle Miocene Fujina Formation, Shimane, Japan. It was identified as Allodesminae gen. et sp. indet. based on morphological description and comparisons with allodesmine humeri. The results of the comparisons suggest that there is variation in morphological features within this group. This discovery that revealed allodesmines had already expanded along the north-to-south coastal regions from the early stage of the back-arc spreading of the Sea of Japan. According to the summary of Japanese allodesmines, these pinnipeds thrived in the Japanese coastal regions during the middle to late Miocene as well as in North America.

Phylogenetic inferences reveal deep polyphyly of Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae within the haplolepideous mosses (Dicranidae, Bryophyta)

AbstractHaplolepideous moss systematics has been through major changes based on morpho‐molecular studies. However, many taxa remain little studied with still unclear circumscriptions and relationships among the traditionally recognized families. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of the haplolepideous mosses based on a sample of 37 out of the 38 haplolepideous moss families and using mitochondrial (nad5 G1 intron) and chloroplast (trnS‐rps4 spacer/rps4 gene and trnL gene/trnL‐trnF spacer) markers. The resolved relationships indicate the need for rearrangements in the circumscription of the Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae and their genera, which correspond to the variation of morphological characters of leaf shape, rhizoid tuber morphology, and capsule and peristome traits. The two families, although historically considered morphologically close, were resolved as separate lineages in the core haplolepideous clade. The genera Aongstroemia and Dicranella were resolved as polyphyletic across the clades corresponding to the families Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae and other clades. The characterization of Aongstroemia by julaceous plants is not supported; the three species sampled here belong in three separate families and differ from one another in other (more stable) characters, such as the presence and shape of peristome teeth. Regarding Dicranella, the sampling of 13 of its 167 species suggests the broad morphological variation comprised by the genus under its current circumscription might be narrowed down to smaller ranges corresponding to the phylogenetically separate clades. The present molecular data furthermore suggest changes in the composition of the protohaplolepideous Dicranidae grade, including one Dicranella clade, a new lineage with a ditrichoid morphology, but excluding the Chrysoblastellaceae, which were resolved in the core haplolepideous clade. The latter finding implies the independent evolution of the rare double‐opposite peristome type in both the protohaplolepideous grade and the core haplolepideous clade.

Morphological and genetic variation in populations of Desmos chinensis Lour. (Annonaceae)

Abstract. Nikmah IA, Rugayah R, Chikmawati T. 2021. Morphological and genetic variation in populations of Desmos chinensis Lour. (Annonaceae). Biodiversitas 22: 811-822. Desmos chinensis is a woody climber or scandent shrub genus in Annonaceae that has moniliform fruits. Desmos chinensis Lour. can be found throughout Southeast Asia. This species is widely used as a traditional medicine in several countries in Asia, however, the information on its morphological and genetic variation has never been reported. The objective of this study was to reveal the genetic variation of Desmos chinensis on Java island (Indonesia) based on the morphological characters and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. Leaf samples were collected by exploring seven regions in Java island. Variation in morphological characteristics were described and discussed in detail. Genetic variation was assessed using the ISSR marker. The morphological characteristics of D. chinensis in Java varies in habit; leaf shape, leaf size, leaf color; flower position, flower reflexity, pedicel bract position, number of petals, petal color, petal shape, petal apex, undulation of petal; and number of monocarp per fruit. A total of 53 samples collected from seven populations were screened by 25 ISSR primers, wherein 11 primers produced 47 clear and reproducible bands covering 85.1% of polymorphic bands. Desmos chinensis in Java were divided into five natural populations. Furthermore, the mean value of the Shannon index and genetic diversity index were 0.223 and 0.151, respectively. Moreover, the variations within and among populations examined using AMOVA showed the occurrence of 38% of total genetic variations among the different populations, therefore, the remaining 62% was due to variations within the population. Morphological and genetic variations are important preliminary information for determining the conservation strategy of Desmos chinensis.

Variability of Population and Individual Characters of Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br. (Orchidaceae, Liliopsida) under Anthropogenic Load Conditions in Meadow Ecosystems of Central Caucasus

We studied the variability and phytocenotic plasticity of the morphological characters of individuals, and the numbers, density, ontogenetic structure and vitality of 11 coenopopulations of Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br. within the Kabardino-Balkar Republic in 2015–2019. The variability and plasticity of plants features provide their adaptation to various growing conditions and improve the morphological heterogeneity of coenopopulations. The dynamics of abundance, density, age structure and vitality of coenopopulations in the changing conditions of the environment provides information about life strategies of the species. Age conditions, the variability and plasticity of plants were studied on the basis of morphological parameters of the aboveground organs without digging the plants. The studies were conducted in meadow plant communities under various conditions of anthropogenic load (recreation and grazing). The species is characterized by medium-high phytocenotic plasticity of morphological characters (Ip = 38–68%) and high variability of morphological characters (CVх¯ср = 17.10– 33.63%) under changeable growth conditions. Intensification of growth processes in the individuals with the maximum increase of the coenopopulation vitality (IVC = 0.98– 1.16) was observed in the composition of undisturbed highly wet meadows; the portion of generative individuals increased in their ontogenetic spectra (48.6–56.5%). Under the anthropogenic load intensification, the vitality of coenopopulations (IVC = 0.82– 0.95) and the density of individuals decreased; the portion of virginal individuals increased in their ontogenetic spectra (rubbly meadows) or coenopopulations were clearly aging. The rate of the seed reproduction of coenopopulations, where the density of individuals accounted for 16 ind./m2 , was high on rubbly substrata with low total projective cover (60%). Our studies have identified the mixed type of life strategy for Gymnadenia conopsea with stress-tolerant and ruderal components. The ruderal-stress-tolerant life strategy allows the species to grow for a long time in conditions of high interspecific competition and anthropogenic load, spreading quickly to unoccupied territories.

Analysis of variations in morphological characteristics of orbito-meningeal foramen: An anatomical study with clinical implications

IntroductionThe aim of present study was to undertake detailed analysis of variations in morphology of orbito-meningeal foramen (OMF), a clinically relevant entity due to possible association with major arterial branches. Materials & methodsThe study was conducted on 70 bony orbits of 35 dry adult human skulls. Precise identification of OMF's were ensured and other known bony canals in the orbit were excluded. All observations and measurements were undertaken by two observers independently to reduce chances of error. ResultsOverall incidence of OMF was 71.24% (left side 76% and right side 68%) and were present as single entity in orbit in most cases (80.56%) with multiplicity noted. The OMF's in present study were classified according to three parameters: size of lumen (large/medium/small), termination of canal in cranial fossa (M-Type/A -Type/ND Type) and bony component of orbit where it was located (frontal/sphenoid/fronto-sphenoid suture). Variations were noted regarding the morphology of OMF across all the three parameters in comparison to published literature. Most of the large OMF (80%) were of M-Type (opened in the middle cranial fossa). M-Type of OMF were single entities in 78.26% cases and were distributed proportionately across all three bony components of orbit. ConclusionBased on analysis of findings it is suggested that presence of solitary OMF with large (>0.3 mm) lumen in any of the three bony components of orbit is mostly M-Type and has a high possibility of a major arterial branch passing through it. Findings could be useful towards pre-operative workup before orbital surgeries. Knowledge regarding the variations in morphological details of OMF may reduce the risk of inadvertent vascular injury in orbital region.

Morphological and wood anatomical traits of Rhododendron lepidotum Wall ex G. Don along the elevation gradients in Nepal Himalayas

ABSTRACT Though variability in morphological features along the environmental gradients has been extensively studied, less information is available on possible adaptations and trends of anatomical features. We examined the variation in morphological and stem anatomical features of a widely distributed (2,200–5,300 m a.s.l.) Rhododendron lepidotum across elevation gradients in Langtang and Sagarmatha National Parks of Nepal Himalayas. Plant samples in each site were collected from three elevation bands (ca. 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 m a.s.l.). In both study sites, all morphological features measured had their highest value at the lowest elevation and vice versa. Vessel density of basal stem increased but diameter and area of xylem vessels, and length of vessel element and fiber tracheids decreased as elevation increased. Similarly, height and the number of cells in uniseriate rays and height, width, area, and density of multiseriate rays also decreased toward the highest elevation. However, anatomical features of the ultimate branch did not show any distinct pattern with elevation. Morphological features showed more plasticity than anatomical features along the elevation gradients. Decreased plant height, individual leaf area, specific leaf area, and the existing trade-off relationship between vessel diameter and density could have supported a wide distribution of R. lepidotum in Nepal Himalayas.

Morphological characterization and diversity of tadpoles (Amphibia: Anura) at Emas National Park and its surrounding, Goiás State, Brazil

Abstract: Tadpoles are abundant in the environments in which they occur and remain in aquatic habitats for longer periods than adults, being relatively easier to collect. Despite the increase in tadpole research in the past decade, our understanding of its morphological diversity remains limited. Here, we provide morphological characterizations for larvae of 15 anuran species that occur at Emas National Park (ENP) and its surroundings, in Goiás, and compare them with descriptions available in the literature for other locations. We also present an update of the list of anuran species known to the ENP, based on tadpole sampling. We found tadpoles from 15 anuran species, of which five represent new records for the park. Many species showed variations in morphological characters when compared with descriptions available in the literature for other locations, reinforcing the importance of describing larvae from different populations. Through the exploration of morphological characters, it is possible to make inferences about the functional diversity of the larvae and questions related to the homology of characters, in addition to assisting in the identification and taxonomic distinction of species. Studies with tadpole communities can generate key information about the factors that drive the anurans' richness and distribution and can provide support for establishing more consistent conservation strategies and management plans.

Morphological characteristics pf Heifei saffron (Crocus heuffelianus Herb.) in the Podilsky Tovtry national nature park

The article performs the results of the study of morphological parameters of individuals of the population of Crocus heuffelianus Herb on the territory of the nature reserve fund in the conditions of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park. The aim of our research was to study the morphometric parameters of Crocus heuffelianus to establish the adaptive capacity of the species in the study area. The morphometry of 50 generative individuals of Crocus heuffelianus growing in the 10th quarter of the Chemerivtsi environmental scientific-research department was performed.The general characteristic of the dynamics of vegetative cover on the investigated territory is representes basing on the conducted geobotanical descriptions of phytocenoses with the participation of Crocus heuffelianus Herb. Crocus heufellianus grows within 10 quarters in the forest crops Quercus robur L. (twenty-five years old), plantations of Pinus sylvestris L. (forty years old) and in the area with the group of QUERCO-FAGETEA BR.-BL. ET VLIEGER 1937, Fagetalia sylvaticae Pawі. 1928, Carpinion betuli Issler 1931 em. Mayer 1937 where eighty-year-old Carpinus betulus L., Quercus robur L. predominate. The analysis of measurements was carried out in the studied population of the species: plant height together with inflorescence; length and width of leaves. According to the results of our study, it has been found out that the height of plants in the population ranged from 7.6 cm to 14 cm. On average, this figure was 10.3 ± 2.0 cm. The size of the leaves of the predominant number of individuals in the population was characterized by the following anatomical and morphological parameters: width – 0.2-0.7 cm, length – 4.9-10.7 cm. It is shown that the vast majority of individuals of the species have one flower. Crocus heuffelianus has some variability of morphological features in the studied population. This indicates a significant potential for the species to grow in different environmental conditions, which can not be realized under conditions of increased anthropogenic pressure. The unique plain localities of this Montana-Alpine species on the territory of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park have a high sozological and scientific significance and require systematic, long-term monitoring.

Якісні характеристики гриба CYCLOCYBE AEGERITA штамів 2229, 2230, 2231 ІВК за умов промислового культивування

The “poplar” mushroom C. aegerita has fruiting bodies that are attractive for their appearance and tasty properties. It is also known that mushrooms contain unique substances, especially proteins, polysaccharides, and aromatic terpenes with enhanced nutritional and medicinal value. However, the lack of a well-founded technology of cultivation using available agriculture wastes interferes with the domestic market saturation with this mushroom. Three strains of C. aegerita from the IBK mushroom culture collection were investigated on the possibility of introducing them into the industrial culture. The vegetation cycle of strains 2230 and 2231 was found to have a duration of 42 days versus 46-64 days for the previously studied strains. The highest yield was obtained in the study for strain 2231, which yielded from 217 to 220 grams per kilogram of the substrate during three cycles of cultivation. The biological efficiency of the strains as a result of the first fructification flush was from 20,2 (2229) to 60.4 % (2231), which is in agreement with the published data of other investigators. The external appearance was described in detail and parameters of fruiting bodies of strains were analyzed, which differed from each other both by shape and size. Microclimatic conditions for the study, strains 2230 and 2231 had brown caps, whereas the formed fruiting bodies of strain 2229 were distinguished by a pleasing milky cream color. The heaviest fruiting bodies were formed in strain 2229 (7.5±0.4 g), which was an average of 2 g higher than the weight of fungi of other strains studied. The highest fruiting bodies were found in strain 2230 at a height of 91.0±1.8 mm, which also had the widest cap with a 29.5±0.9 mm diameter. The greatest diameter of the stipe, reaching an average of 10.8±0.3 mm, was observed in fruiting bodies of strain 2229. The variability of morphological characters and the tendencies in the number of fruiting bodies of a certain size in the total volume of harvested mushrooms were investigated, which can help in the design of packing and marketing measures.

Variability of morphophysiological parameters of Chenopodium album and Taraxacum officinale in the conditions of Kazan

One of the promising methods for the integral assessment of the quality of the environment and the vital activity of herbaceous plants is the assessment of the state of living organisms by the morphometric characters development stability. The study revealed an increase in the variability of morphological characters in the plants of lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album) and milk-witch gowan (Taraxacum officinalis) in areas with a high level of technogenic pollution. Phenotypes with smaller sizes of vegetative organs prevailed there, as compared with the area with a low level of pollution. At the same time, viable seeds and seedlings were formed in the plants of urban cenoses.

Микроморфологическая организация скелетных мышц у кур Б-56 «Корниш» и Юрловская голосистая

On the basis of histological and micromorphometric studies, the general patterns and breed features of the structural organization of the quadriceps femoral muscle and the superficial pectoral muscle in meat (B-56 «Cornish») and egg (Yurlovskaya golosistaya) productivity trends are presented. The bird was examined on the 20-th day of ontogenesis. The structural and morphometric parameters of muscle fibers and connective tissue component of the studied skeletal muscles were evaluated. It was found that the B-56 «Cornish» surpasses the Yurlovskaya golosistaya in terms of the thickness of muscle fibers and perimisium. At the same time, the opposite picture was revealed in terms of the thickness of the endomysium and bundles of muscle fibers. The data obtained indicate the variability of morphological features of muscle tissue, depending on the selection of a particular line and breed. The results of the research are important for the comparative and breed morphology of poultry, as well as for the veterinary and sanitary examination of chicken meat, in poultry farming to assess the purity of the breed.

Population-ontogenetic aspects of the life strategy of <i>Traunsteinera sphaerica </i>(M. Bieb.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae) under the conditions of anthropogenic pressure on meadow ecosystems of the Central Caucasus

We studied variation of morphological characters, ontogenetic structure and vitality of 10 cenopopulations of Traunsteinera sphaerica (M. Bieb.) Schltr. within the Kabardino-Balkar Republic. The studies were conducted in the meadow plant communities under different conditions of anthropogenic load (recreation and grazing). The species presents medium phytocoenotic plasticity of morphological characters (I p =0,51%) and high variation of morphological characters (CV х ¯ ср =20,08-42,66%). The maximum increase of the cenopopulation vitality with the stable seed reproduction is observed in the composition of undisturbed meadows; the portion of generative individuals is increased in ontogenetic spectra (55,9-65,3%). Under the intensification of the anthropogenic load, vitality of cenopopulations and the density of individuals (0,64 ind./m 2 ) are decreased; the portion of virginal individuals is increased in ontogenetic spectra. The rate of the seed reproduction of cenopopulations, in which the density of individuals accounts for 18,24-23,17 ind./m 2 , is high on the rubbly substrata with low total projective cover (75-80%).