科尔沁沙地流动沙丘掘穴蚁蚁丘分布及影响因素

以科尔沁沙地典型流动沙丘作为研究对象,通过样方法调查分析了不同地形上掘穴蚁的蚁丘密度、直径、盖度及其与土壤环境的关系,讨论了不同地形和土壤环境对掘穴蚁筑丘活动的影响,并探讨了蚁丘的空间分布格局.结果表明：受到地形变化影响的土壤环境和地形共同影响掘蚁穴的筑巢活动,蚁丘密度表现为丘顶>背风坡>迎风坡;蚁丘直径和盖度均表现为丘顶>迎风坡>背风坡,并且亦均受到蚁丘密度的制约.蚁丘的空间格局表现为随机分布型.地形及土壤环境的共同作用决定了掘穴蚁的筑巢行为.     

腾格里沙漠东南缘苔藓结皮对荒漠土壤种子库的影响

对腾格里沙漠东南缘沙坡头人工植被区和天然植被区苔藓结皮种子库进行了研究.结果表明,土壤种子库密度随着苔藓结皮的发育呈现增加的趋势,天然植被区是24年生人工植被区的3.4倍.种子库中共发现12种植物种子,分属于6科,其中1年生草本植物占70%以上.人工植被区未发现有多年生草本的植物种子,天然植被区多年生草本占20%,半灌木植物在人工植被区和天然植被区分别占20%和10%.人工植被区土壤种子库物种丰富度指数相对较低,而天然植被区物种丰富度指数是人工植被区的2倍;人工植被区土壤种子库物种多样性指数随着结皮的发育略有下降,天然植被区的多样性指数最高,为0.693;人工植被区土壤种子库物种相似性指数为1,相对较高,而人工植物区与天然植被区的物种相似性指数为0.4.苔藓结皮的出现增加了地表粗糙度,有利于对种子的捕获,同时显著地改善了土壤环境,有利于更多植物的定居.     

生物土壤结皮对荒漠土壤种子库和种子萌发的影响

研究了腾格里沙漠东南缘在不同自然条件（风、温度、水分）下,人工固沙植被区（24龄、41龄、50龄）和相邻天然植被区的两种生物土壤结皮对荒漠土壤种子库和种子萌发的影响。结果表明,荒漠土壤种子库在苔藓结皮上的储量显著高于藻类结皮。随着生物土壤结皮的发育,种子萌发量在苔藓结皮上增加,在藻类结皮上减少。生物土壤结皮层的含水量对种子萌发有显著的影响（p〈0.05）,植物种子在湿润处理的生物土壤结皮上的萌发量高于干燥处理的生物土壤结皮上的种子萌发量。生物土壤结皮表层温度和亚表层温度对荒漠植物种子萌发无显著影响（p〉0.05）,但总体而言,对于苔藓结皮,植物种子在较高温度下的萌发量略高于在较低温度下的萌发量,而对于藻类结皮,植物种子在较低温度下的萌发量略高。     

荒漠地衣对沙坡头人工植被固沙区的生态影响

腾格里沙漠东南缘沙坡头地区所形成的微型生物结皮(microbiotic crust)占优势的生态格局是荒漠地区天然植被中特有的生态景观之一。荒漠地衣作为微型生物结皮中重要的组成部分,在影响生态变化方面扮演着不可或缺的角色。本研究调查了不同建立年代的人工植被固沙区中的维管植物和微型生物结皮中地衣的物种组成和盖度,测定了结皮土壤的主要养分含量。结果显示:微型生物结皮中地衣以胶衣Collema和石果衣Endocarpon两属为优势类群;随人工植被建立时间的延长,维管植物和微型生物结皮盖度、结皮厚度与土壤养分含量呈增高趋势,并基本呈显著的正相关关系。维管植物、微型生物结皮、地衣和土壤养分基本一致的变化规律表明,微型生物结皮对固沙区中浅根系植被发育和土壤恢复具有正效应,为人工高效治沙及全面实施"沙漠生物地毯工程"提供了必要的理论基础。     

沙坡头地区生物结皮覆盖区土壤种子库组成及垂直分布特征

采用野外随机取样和室内萌发试验相结合的方法,对沙坡头人工植被区的藓类结皮、地衣结皮和裸沙覆盖区土壤种子库的组成及垂直分布特征进行了研究。结果表明:1)人工植被区土壤种子库的物种组成简单,以1年生草本为主,相较于裸沙,两种生物结皮的存在显著增加了土壤种子库的密度(P0.01),但降低了土壤种子库的物种多样性及其与地上植被的相似性;2)两种生物结皮覆盖区土壤种子库的总密度虽无显著差异,但在0—2 cm土层中,地衣结皮土壤种子库的密度显著高于藓类结皮(P0.05),而在2—5 cm和5—10 cm土层中,藓类结皮土壤种子库的密度高于地衣结皮,但差异不显著;3)不同生物结皮覆盖区土壤种子库的垂直分布特征存在差异,藓类结皮覆盖土壤中有活力的种子主要分布在0—5 cm土层中,而地衣结皮和裸沙覆盖土壤中有活力的种子主要分布在0—2 cm土层中,且随着深度的增加,土壤中有活力的种子急剧减少。该研究表明,相较于裸沙,生物结皮的存在不仅增加了土壤种子库的大小,还改变了土壤种子库的垂直分布格局。生物结皮层下仍有相当比例有活力的小种子,这些种子欠缺萌发条件,对地上植被的贡献作用较小,但它们的存在对荒漠生态系统健康及可持续发展具有重要意义。     

古尔班通古特沙漠生物土壤结皮对土壤种子库多样性与分布特征的影响

古尔班通古特沙漠地表广泛分布着生物土壤结皮,研究其覆盖下的土壤种子库,有利于了解生物土壤结皮的生态功能及当地植被更新与恢复的潜力。本文研究了该地区3种生物土壤结皮(藻结皮、地衣结皮、苔藓结皮)对土壤种子库分布特征和多样性的影响。结果表明:在种子库水平分布上,相比于裸沙,生物土壤结皮增加了种子库密度,且不同结皮类型对种子库的影响程度不同。地衣结皮土壤种子库的密度最大(5905±778粒·m~(-3)),其对种子的捕获作用最为明显,其次是苔藓结皮(1138±380粒·m~(-3)),藻结皮与裸沙无显著差异;水平分布上的差异与结皮的发育程度、种子的形态、不同生物土壤结皮空间分布的异质性有关。在垂直分布方面,结皮发育土壤,种子库集中分布在土壤浅层(0~2 cm),这与裸沙种子库的垂直分布特征基本一致,说明结皮的存在并没有显著改变种子库的垂直分布格局。此外,从裸沙到苔藓结皮,土壤种子库和地上植被的相似性不高(0.14~0.29),土壤种子库中的物种多样性和丰富度指数不及地上植被高。该研究区土壤种子库在植被恢复中的潜力可能较小,但相对于裸沙,生物土壤结皮的存在有益于土壤种子库的保持,对荒漠生态系统物种多样性的维持和稳定具有重要意义。     

腾格里沙漠沙坡头地区荒漠地衣与生物地毯工程

文章论述了荒漠地衣与“沙漠生物地毯工程”。在沙坡头结皮微型生物中发现了23种地衣,其中两个新种已发表,一属6种为中国新记录。对于在腾格里沙漠东南角沙坡头地区人工植被固沙防护体系建成后的生态演替进行了分析。由于人工植被为形成结皮的微型生物提供了适宜的生长环境而导致微型生物结皮的形成和发育。在水分平衡规律的作用下漫长生态演替过程中,具有抽水机效应的人工植被使沙土深层水分消耗殆尽,从而导致人工植被自身逐年衰退。然而,与此相反的是无抽水机效应而具有固沙、固碳和抗旱功能的结皮微型生物却逐年形成并发育。这一结果为借助于结皮微型生物的接种技术在干旱沙漠构建“沙漠生物地毯工程”的可行性提供了科学依据。为了优化“沙漠生物地毯工程”利用荒漠地衣耐旱基因以构建转基因草地植物的研究也正在进行中。该研究是“沙漠生物地毯工程”基础研究的组成部分。     

沙坡头植被固沙区生物结皮的发育特征

对沙坡头人工植被区内生物结皮的生物特征和非生物特征进行了调查,利用时空代换法研究了该地区生物结皮的发育和演替特征。结果表明：生物结皮层有着较快的成土过程,随固沙年限的增加,生物结皮的厚度以及结皮中粘土所占的比例增加,容重呈下降趋势;在各固沙年限的生物结皮覆盖区,构成生物结皮的主要优势生物成分为地衣、藻类和苔藓。不同发育年限和不同沙丘部位各类生物结皮的盖度的调查揭示,生物结皮的形成和发育有着重要的生物过程。对沙坡头植被固沙区生物结皮的演化过程进行了系统分析,发现生物结皮是在流沙固定过程中生物成分和非生物成分相互作用的产物,是降尘累积过程、生物过程和成土过程3个阶段的统一,并依据其发生学特点给出了3个发育阶段的定性划分。     

植被覆盖对科尔沁沙地土壤生物结皮及其下层土壤理化特性的影响

为了解不同植被覆盖对沙地土壤生物结皮及其下层土壤的影响,于2006年调查了科尔沁沙地冷蒿、小红柳、杨树和樟子松等植被封育区土壤生物结皮及结皮下0～5 cm土壤的理化特性.结果表明：经过15年的封育保护和植被建设,科尔沁沙地天然植被和人工植被下流动沙地大部分被生物结皮所覆盖,其结皮覆盖度可达60%～80%,厚度1～2 cm;在调查的几种植被中,小红柳植被区的土壤结皮厚度、硬度、粘粉粒、有机质和养分含量最高,其次是樟子松林地,杨树林地和冷蒿植被区相对较差;几种植被区的苔藓结皮的结皮厚度、硬度、粘粉粒、有机质和养分含量均优于地衣结皮;与流动沙地相比,结皮下0～5 cm土壤的理化特性有明显改善,改善程度苔藓结皮强于地衣结皮,小红柳和樟子松植被区强于杨树林地和冷蒿群丛;土壤结皮及结皮下表土理化特性的变化既受植被覆盖类型的影响,也受制于土壤结皮的发育.由于枝叶繁茂的中、高植被有利于降风滞尘和产生较多的凋落物,因而更能促进沙地结皮发育和土壤改良,而苔藓结皮较地衣结皮更有利于其下层土壤理化特性的改善.     

The Effect of Hill-Building Activities of Ants on the Species Diversity of Plant Communitiesin Songnen Grassland 蚂蚁筑丘活动对松嫩草地植物群落多样性的影响

 吉林省长岭县羊草(Aneurolepidium chinense)草地自然保护区内分布的蚂蚁主要为玉米毛蚁(Lasius alienus)和黄墩蚁(Lasius flavus)。蚂蚁是草地生态系统的一个生物干扰因子。通过分析比较该保护区内4个植物群落中玉米毛蚁和黄墩蚁蚁丘上植物的种类组成、优势种的数量特征及群落多样性变化,探讨了蚂蚁筑丘活动对草地生态系统的影响。主要结论如下：1)蚁丘上的植物种类组成与对照显著不同。在蚁丘上分布的植物主要是羊草种组(Aneurolepidium chinense group     

戈壁生态系统蚁穴微生境对大型土壤动物多样性的影响

收获蚁蚁穴是戈壁生态系统中重要的微生境, 它通过汇集凋落物和改善土壤环境强烈影响动植物的分布及多样性。鉴于此, 本文选择戈壁荒漠收获蚁(Messor desertus)蚁穴为研究对象, 于2020年5月、6月和10月利用陷阱法调查了蚁穴及毗邻裸地大型土壤动物的种类组成及数量变化, 并分析其影响要素。结果表明: (1) 10月, 蚁穴和裸地间大型土壤动物群落组成存在显著差异, 而5月和6月二者间相差较小, 10月(62.9%)蚁穴和裸地大型土壤动物的平均相异性高于5月(34.8%)和6月(39.3%); (2) 5月, 蚁穴大型土壤动物均匀度指数显著低于裸地, 6月, 蚁穴大型土壤动物活动密度和类群丰富度均显著高于裸地, 10月, 蚁穴大型土壤动物类群丰富度和多样性指数均显著高于裸地; (3)荒漠收获蚁蚁穴显著提高了其他食性土壤动物的活动密度及类群丰富度, 还增强了捕食性和非捕食性土壤动物的相互作用关系并改变了荒漠收获蚁与蚁穴大型土壤动物类群的种间相互作用关系; (4) pRDA排序结果表明, 土壤电导率、全氮和粉粒含量是影响蚁穴和裸地大型土壤动物分布的主要土壤因子。总之, 戈壁生态系统荒漠收获蚁蚁穴微生境提高了大型土壤动物多样性, 改变了大型土壤动物类群间的营养和非营养关系, 这会影响大型土壤动物的营养结构及其功能。     

蚂蚁筑巢对西双版纳热带森林土壤碳矿化动态的影响

蚂蚁作为生态系统工程师,能够通过筑巢定居活动增加有机物的输入、改变理化环境及刺激微生物活动,进而影响土壤有机碳矿化动态.本研究以西双版纳高檐蒲桃热带森林群落为研究对象,比较了蚁巢地与非巢地土壤有机碳矿化速率的动态特征,分析蚂蚁筑巢引起的土壤理化性质改变对土壤碳矿化速率的影响.结果表明: 蚂蚁筑巢显著影响土壤有机碳的矿化,相较于非巢地,蚁巢地平均土壤有机碳矿化速率提高19.2%;巢地与非巢地土壤有机碳矿化速率均表现为6月>9月>3月>12月;蚁巢地土壤有机碳矿化速率最大值出现在10～15 cm土层,而非巢地土壤有机碳矿化速率0～5 cm土层最高;蚂蚁筑巢对土壤理化性质产生了显著影响,相较于非蚁巢地,蚁巢地土壤温度、水分、有机碳、微生物生物量碳、全氮、水解氮、硝态氮和铵态氮平均增加幅度分别为7.6%、5.4%、9.9%、14.8%、13.4%、9.9%、24.1%、6.6%和19.4%,而土壤容重和pH平均降幅分别为1.4%和2.5%.相关性分析及主成分分析表明,土壤有机碳和土壤微生物量碳是影响土壤有机碳矿化速率的主控因子,土壤全氮、水解氮、铵态氮、硝态氮、温度和土壤含水率对土壤有机碳矿化的贡献次之.蚂蚁筑巢主要显著改变有机碳矿化的底物组分(土壤有机碳和土壤微生物生物量碳),进而调控西双版纳热带森林土壤有机碳矿化速率的时空动态.     

The Importance of Where to Dump the Refuse: Seed Banks and Fine Roots in Nests of the Leaf‐Cutting Ants Atta cephalotes and A. colombica1

The location of the nutrient‐rich organic refuse produced by a leaf‐cutting ant colony varies among ant species. Atta cephalotes locate their organic refuse in subterranean chambers, whereas A. colombica place their organic refuse on the soil surface near the nest. We studied the effect of the absence or presence of external organic refuse on the abundance of fine roots and seed bank composition in the superficial horizons of ant nests. We sampled soils from ant nests or dumps and adjacent areas of 15 adult nests of A. cephalotes at La Selva (LS), Costa Rica, and of 15 of A. colombica nests on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama. Soils from A. cephalotes nests did not differ from adjacent soils in abundance of fine‐root and seed diversity. In contrast, organic refuse from A. colombica nests was less diverse in seed composition (due to the great abundance of Miconia argentea) and had a greater abundance of fine roots than adjacent areas. Thus the external location of the ant‐nest organic refuse is potentially important in determining the different types of plant recolonization in abandoned or dead ant nests. The relative abundance of these Atta species may influence the structure and/or composition of tropical forests.     

Utilization of harvester ant nest sites by Persian goitered gazelle in steppes of central Iran

Ants are among the most important elements in many ecosystems and known as famous ecosystem engineers. By changing physical and chemical properties of soil, ants may provide suitable habitats for other species. Based on previous observations, we hypothesized that Persian goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa) exhibit a preference for utilizing sites close to seed harvester ant (Messor spp.) nests. We tested our hypothesis by (1) mapping the occurrence of harvester ant nests and aggregated gazelle pellet groups along 31 strip transects, (2) monitoring pellet group accumulation bimonthly at 56 pairs of permanent plots established on ant nests and at adjacent control sites for a complete year, and (3) comparing vegetation and soil parameters between ant nest sites used by gazelles and paired control plots without ant nests. Although the area of Messor spp. nest sites covered only about 0.29% of the sampled transects, 84% of the gazelle pellet group aggregation sites were positioned upon ant nests, suggesting that gazelles actively selected Messor spp. nest sites. Pair-wise comparisons between ant nest plots and paired control plots also confirmed higher use of ant nest sites by gazelles compared to sites without ant nests in all time periods. Percent soil organic matter, percent cover of gravel, and annual herb vegetation significantly differed between ant nest and paired control plots in all the vegetation communities. We suggest that the alterations brought about by harvester ants on soil and vegetation make these sites attractive to gazelles. Gazelle territoriality behaviour and use of ant nests as bedding sites may be the reasons for selection of ant nest sites by gazelles.     

伊大头蚁蚁巢的结构与分布

伊大头蚁Pheidole yeensis是舞草Codariocalyx motorius种子的主要搬运者, 在舞草的扩散中起着重要作用。2000年在西双版纳和思茅地区景谷县对伊大头蚁种群数量、蚁巢结构与分布进行了调查。结果表明:伊大头蚁主要在土壤中筑巢,深度可达地下50 cm;每巢蚁量一般在2 000～3 000头,最多的可达万头;伊大头蚁大多在海拔1 000～1 200 m的山腰筑巢, 以西坡的蚁巢密度最大,南坡次之,北坡最少;在丢荒2～3年的地里筑巢最多,其次为玉米和花生地,在森林里筑巢的相对较少;伊大头蚁的蚁巢呈均匀分布,但巢群间相互排斥。伊大头蚁筑巢生境与舞草生长的环境基本一致,蚁巢结构与蚁量有利于舞草的扩散与建群。     

Moisture enhances the positive effect of leaf‐cutting ant refuse dumps on soil biota activity

Soil biota activity in arid lands is often limited by the availability of water and organic matter. We experimentally explored whether small changes in soil moisture affect the activity of soil biota in external refuse dumps of the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex lobicornis, one of the most important sources of organic matter in a semi‐arid land of north‐western Patagonia. We estimated CO₂ consumption in refuse dumps and in adjacent, non‐nest soil samples at two moisture levels, after 48 and 72 h. Soil biota activity, estimated by respiration rates, was up to 160 times greater in refuse dumps than in adjacent, non‐nest soils. Activity of soil biota in non‐nest soil did not change through time and was not affected by moisture. Conversely, soil biota increased their activity in refuse dump samples only at high moisture condition after 72 h. As the activity of microorganisms is key for soil nutrient generation and availability, refuse dumps may be considered as ‘islands of fertility’ for plants. This effect may be especially important after sporadic spring rainfalls, when the beneficial effect of refuse dumps on soil biota is enhanced. In addition, as refuse dumps generate several times more CO₂ than non‐nest soils, nest areas may be considered also as hot spots of CO₂ emissions. These results illustrate the potential importance of ant nests for nutrient cycling, maintenance of plant cover and carbon balance in arid ecosystems.     

Seedling recruitment in a semi‐arid Patagonian steppe: Facilitative effects of refuse dumps of leaf‐cutting ants

Question: What is the influence of refuse dumps of leaf‐cutting ants on seedling recruitment under contrasting moisture conditions in a semi‐arid steppe? Location: Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina. Methods: In a greenhouse experiment, we monitored seedling recruitment in soil samples from refuse dumps of nests of the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex lobicornis and non‐nest sites, under contrasting moisture conditions simulating wet and dry growing seasons. Results: The mean number of seedling species and individuals were higher in wet than in dry plots, and higher in refuse dump plots than in non‐nest soil plots. The positive effect of refuse dumps on seedling recruitment was greater under low moisture conditions. Both the accumulation of discarded seeds by leaf‐cutting ants and the passive trapping of blowing‐seeds seems not explain the increased number of seeds in refuse dumps. Conversely, refuse dumps have higher water retention capacity and nutrient content than adjacent non‐nest soils, allowing the recruitment of a greater number of species and individual seedlings. Conclusions: Nests of A. lobicornis may play an important role in plant recruitment in the study area, allowing a greater number of seedlings and species to be present, hence resulting in a more diverse community. Moreover, leaf‐cutting ant nests may function as nurse elements, generating safe sites that enhance the performance of neighbouring seedlings mainly during the driest, stressful periods.     

Nest architecture of the ant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Formica pallidefulva</Emphasis>: structure,costs and rules of excavation

Summary The architecture of underground ant nests was studied in the ant Formica pallidefulva. These ants build shallow (30–45 cm deep) nests, which consist of more or less vertical shafts that bear chambers. Shafts are modular units of nest growth; nests are enlarged by adding more shafts or extending previously existing ones. The nests are top-heavy, their volume declining exponentially with depth. The total volume of the nest is strongly correlated with the number of worker occupying the nest (R² = 0.87). Some of the rules and templates used by workers for nest construction were determined: (a) chambers are formed in the direction of the tunnels leading up to them, (b) the amount of soil excavated per unit time increases with soil temperature and moisture content. The amount of time and energy required to construct a typical nest were approximated using digging ability parameters determined in the lab. We estimate that if a colony was to move twice a year, it would expend around 20% of its energy intake and at least 6% of its worker time on nest excavation.Received 16 December 2002; revised 10 July 2003; accepted 23 July 2003.     

The effects of two abundant ant species on soil nutrients and seedling recruitment in Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Ants can influence soil fertility and the spatial distribution of seeds, with possible effects on seedling recruitment. The ant species Pachycondyla striata Fr. Smith, 1858 and Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille, 1802) co-occur in many forest areas in the Neotropics. We assessed soil fertility and seed bank structure in soil samples close and distant (control) from ant nests in forest fragments. We also assessed the richness and abundance of seedlings on nests and control sites. In soil samples from ant nests, the concentration of phosphorus and potassium were respectively 55.6% and 36% higher than in control sites. Aluminium was 11–15% lower in soil samples from ant nests. In the greenhouse, soils from ant nests had higher plant abundance and species richness, but the same species composition in comparison with control sites. Although more plants emerged from soil samples of O. chelifer nests, in the field, the density and richness of seedlings were similar for the two ant species studied. Seedlings in the nest sites were, on average, 1.8 times more abundant and 1.6 times richer in species than in control sites. Our results showed that ant species can play a key role in seedling recruitment in forest fragments, where other animals with equivalent and positive effects, such as mammals, are missing.     

干旱半干旱地区人工固沙灌木林生态系统演变特征

应用实验生态学方法分析了沙坡头地区栽植于1956、1964、1981、1987年的无灌溉人工植被固沙群落浅层土壤分形特征、植被盖度、物种特征、生物量、土壤水分、土壤微生物,以及群落土壤物理和土壤养分特征,并与流动沙丘进行比较。结果表明,在干旱半干旱的草原化荒漠地区,首先利用半隐蔽式草方格沙障对流动沙丘进行固定,然后栽植灌木柠条、花棒等和半灌木油蒿,经过40多年的稳定演变,该区域逐渐形成由矮灌木与草本植物覆盖,以及隐花植物与微生物土壤结皮复合的固定沙丘景观。在人工植被固沙防护体系稳定演变过程中,浅表层土壤的细粒化和养分富集化特征,微生物土壤结皮与亚表层土壤厚度,以及浅表层土壤体积含水率均随固沙年限的延长趋于显著增加。而土壤微生物数量、植被盖度、植物种数等生物群落学属性在固沙年限达40a左右时,已趋于最大,尔后呈缓慢下降趋势。随着固沙年限的增加,灌木树种不断衰退减少,当固沙年限逾17a之后,群落生物量增至峰值后略有下降。土壤分形维数与土壤粘粒含量呈显著正相关关系,流动沙丘被人工植被固定年代越久远,浅表层(0~3cm)土壤粘粒含量(4.50%)越高,其分形维数越大(D=2.4083),表明人工植被固沙防护体系浅表层土壤结构变得越紧实,流动沙丘(D=2.0484)在人工植被的固定作用下,发生逆转的趋势越显著,沙丘日趋固定。