Length–weight relationships of three fish species from the Bay of Bengal,Bangladesh

The present study describes the length–weight (LWR) of three fish species, Chela cachius (Hamilton, 1822), Coilia ramcarati (Hamilton, 1822) and Sardinella gibbosa (Bleeker, 1849) captured in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, from December 2014 to November 2015. Fishes were captured with either gill nets (mesh size 2.0–5.0 cm) or set bag nets (mesh size 2.0–4.0 cm). The b values in the study varied from 2.88 (C. ramcarati) to 3.00 (S. gibbosa), with a mean a value of 2.94 at p < .001 for all three species. In addition, the study provides initial information on LWRs for C. cachius and C. ramcarati and maximum length records for C. cachius and S. gibbosa.     

Length–weight relationship of three fish species from the Qiantang River,China

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) of the three fish species, Pseudobagrus albomarginatus(Rendahl, 1928), Pseudobagrus crassilabris (Günther, 1864), and Rhinogobius davidi(Sauvage & Dabry de Thiersant, 1874), were determined respectively. Samples were collected from Qiantang River, China during March 2016–December 2017. The bvalues ranged from 2.525 to 2.917, the coefficient of determination (r²) ranged from 0.96 to 0.97. Prior to this study, the length–weight relationship for P. albomarginatus and R. davidi were unknown to FishBase and the new maximum total lengths for three species were not recorded in FishBase. These results are useful for the fishery research and management in Qiantang River.     

Some studies on field distribution and seed germination ofSuaeda fruticosa andSporobolus arabicus with reference to salinity and sodicity of the medium

Summary Vegetation of two wasteland sites near Dera Chahl, 30 km from Lahore, was studied quantitatively. Soil samples obtained from the two sites were analysed.Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forssk. was a dominant species on saline and sodic soil whereas soil underSporobolus arabicus Boiss. was saline and non-sodic. Seed germination studies show thatSporobolus arabicus is relatively more affected by Nasalinity than by Ca-salinity. This species tolerates salinity to some extent but is sensitive to sodicity.Suaeda fruticosa is relatively more tolerant to salinity and sodicity thanSporobolus arabicus and is capable of growing on saline and sodic soils.     

Laciniporus arabicus gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae,Peridiniales), a new thecate,marine, sand‐dwelling dinoflagellate from the northern Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea)1

A new thecate, photosynthetic, sand‐dwelling marine dinoflagellate, Laciniporus arabicus gen. et sp. nov., is described from the subtidal sediments of the Omani coast in the Arabian Sea, northern Indian Ocean, based on detailed morphological and molecular data. Cells of L. arabicus are small (16.2–30.1 μm long and 13.1–23.2 μm wide), dorsoventrally compressed, with a small apical flap‐shaped projection pointing to the left. The thecal plate pattern is distinguished by minute first precingular plate and sulcus, which extends into the epitheca, with large anterior and right sulcal plates. The Kofoidian thecal tabulation is Po, X, 4′, 2a, 7′′, 6c, 6s, 5′′′, 2′′′′. Morphologically, the revealed plate pattern has an affinity to the Peridiniales, and LSU rDNA based phylogenetic analyses placed L. arabicus within the Thoracosphaeraceae, close to calcareous‐cyst producing scrippsielloids, predatory pfiesteriaceans, and photosynthetic freshwater peridinioids Chimonodinium lomnickii and Apocalathium spp. However, the thecal plate arrangement of L. arabicus differs noticeably from any currently described dinoflagellates, and the species stands out from closely related taxa by extensive differences in physiology and ecology.     

Length–weight relationships of nine fish species from the streams of Hunan Zhangjiajie Chinese Giant Salamander National Natural Reserve,China

Length–weight relationships (LWR), W = aL^b, were estimated for nine fish species belonging to three orders, four families and nine genera from the Hunan Zhangjiajie Chinese Giant Salamander National Natural Reserve, in the northwestern part of Hunan Province of central China. Six of the species are endemic to China, of which three are also endemic to the Yangtze River. The r² value ranged from 0.9546 to 0.9924. Values of b varied from 2.9177 to 3.6752. This study represents the first reference on LWR for nine species, and are new maximum length records for six species.     

Anatomical and physiological characteristics relating to ionic relations in some salt tolerant grasses from the Salt Range,Pakistan

Populations of three salt tolerant forage grasses (Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica, and Sporobolus arabicus) were collected from the salt-affected soils of the Salt Range and normal non-saline soils of the Faisalabad region to assess their mechanism of adaptation to saline stress by determining ion relations and some specific anatomical modifications. The population of S. arabicus from the Salt Range showed increased growth (root and shoot length, and root and shoot dry weights) under saline conditions. Salt tolerance in this species was related to structural modifications such as increased area of root, stem, leaf blade, and leaf sheath for toxic ion accumulation, increased vesicular hair density in leaves and aerenchyma formation in leaf sheath for ion exclusion. Uptake of toxic ions was high in the Salt Range population of C. dactylon and salt tolerance was related to ion exclusion through specific leaf structural modifications such as vesicular hairs. Salt tolerance in the Salt Range population of I. cylindrica was mainly associated with restricted uptake of toxic Na⁺ and Cl⁻ at root level, and accumulation of toxic ions via increased succulence in leaf blades and leaf sheaths in addition to some excretion of toxic ions through leaf sheath aerenchyma.     

Scattering spectrum properties and their relationship to biogeochemical parameters: a case study in Taihu Lake

The scattering spectrum properties of highly turbid and eutrophic inland case 2 water from Taihu Lake were studied during three cruises from 2006 to 2007. The scattering [b _p(λ)] and backscattering [b _bp(λ)] coefficients and the backscattering probability (B) for Taihu Lake were found to show a clear spectral dependence, and this dependence was well simulated by a power-law function. This dependence, however, became weak when algae dominated the sample points. The mean values of the power-law index for b _p(λ), v, in Oct 2006, Mar 2007 and Nov 2007 were −0.6712, −0.8129 and −0.7600, respectively. To interpret the spectral characteristics and mechanisms of b _p(λ) and b _bp(λ), water samples were collected simultaneously for the biogeochemical characterization of suspended particles. The average values of the specific scattering coefficients for total suspended matter, inorganic suspended matter (ISPM) and organic suspended matter (OSPM) were 0.634 (550 nm), 1.057 (532 nm), and 0.396 g m⁻² (532 nm), respectively. The power-law index of b _bp(λ) (Y) was significantly related to ISPM/OSPM and b _bp(532 nm), but only weakly related to the particle size distribution index. The mean (spatial and wavelength) values of B in Oct 2006, Mar 2007, and Nov 2007 were 0.0108, 0.0138, and 0.0125, respectively. B decreases with increasing ISPM concentration because of the large contribution of ISPM to b _b(λ) and the strong restraint on b _bp(λ) caused by the multi-scattering effect under high-turbidity conditions.     

Two remarkable newCruciferae from Saudi Arabia

A new genus ofCruciferae, Dolichorhynchus Hedge & Kit Tan (D. arabicus Hedge & Kit Tan) and a new speciesArabidopsis erysimoides Hedge & Kit Tan, both from northern Saudi Arabia, are described and illustrated. An addendum lists new Crucifer generic or species records for the Arabian peninsula.     

Length–weight relationships for five fish species from the middle reaches of the Yangtze River,China

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) for five fish species which were captured by trap‐nets and gillnets (major mesh size: 1–10 cm) from the middle Yangtze River, China (29°47′ – 29°26′N; 112°51′ – 113°08′E) were determined in September 2017. These were Acheilognathus hypselonotus (Bleeker, 1871), Culter oxycephaloides Kreyenberg & Pappenheim, 1908, Distoechodon tumirostris Peters, 1881, Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis (Günther, 1873) and Micropercops swinhonis (Günther, 1873). The LWRs were estimated using the logarithmic form of the formula W  =  a  ×  L^b. The b value ranged from 2.879 for A. hypselonotus to 3.285 for M. swinhonis. LWRs for four fish species and new maximum lengths for three species are presented to FishBase for the first time.     

Length‐weight relationships of three cyprinid fishes from Sirwan River,Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces in western Iran

The length–weight relationships (LWR) for three fish species collected in Sirwan River, located in Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces, western Iran, were estimated. The values of the slope parameter (b) in the length–weight relationship equations were determined as 3.086 for Alburnus mossulensis, 3.382 for Alburnus filippii and 3.425 for Capoeta damascina, all significantly different from the expected b = 3 value, indicating a positive allometric growth pattern for all the three species.     

Condition factor,length–weight and length–length relationships of an endangered fish Ompok pabda (Hamilton 1822) (Siluriformes: Siluridae) from the River Gomti,a tributary of the River Ganga,India

The present study describes the condition factor, length‐weight and length‐length relationships for an endangered freshwater fish species Ompok pabda (Hamilton) of the family Siluridae from the River Gomti in Northern India. The values of regression parameter b ranged from 2.81 to 3.32 (r² > 0.90). During the pre‐monsoon, the allometric coefficient b of the LWR was close to isometric value (b = 3.08) allometric (b = 2.87), although it suggested negative allometric growth in monsoon periods while positive growth in post‐monsoon. The condition factor values ranged from 0.672 to 0.744. Results of the present study could be useful to help in conservation and sustainable fisheries management of this endangered species.     

Morphological variation of the five vole species of the genus Microtus (Mammalia,Rodentia, Arvicolinae) occurring in Greece

Morphometric data for the five vole species of the genus Microtus living in Greece are old, sparse, poor and insufficiently analysed. This work aims to give the first comprehensive morphometric analysis of body and skull inter‐ and intraspecific variation for M. (M.) guentheri, M. (M.) rossiaemeridionalis, M. (Terricola) subterraneus, M. (T.) felteni and M. (T.) thomasi, applying multivariate statistics to 28 linear morphometric variables. It was based on ample material (202 adult individuals) using samples from localities that adequately cover the entire distributional range of each species in Greece. The five species and the two subgenera (Microtus and Terricola) were morphometrically clearly distinguished and discriminating variables were revealed. However, morphometrics did not provide robust criteria to infer phylogenetic relations among species. Furthermore, three species, M. (M.) guentheri, M. (M.) rossiaemeridionalis and M. (T.) thomasi, exhibited considerable intraspecific size or shape variation, which was mostly random and not associated with geographical proximity. Comparisons with data in the literature, mainly concerning populations of these species from adjacent areas, indicate that the Greek M. (M.) guentheri, M. (M.) rossiaemeridionalis and M. (T.) thomasi tend to be smaller than their conspecifics, while M. (T.) subterraneus and M. (T.) felteni are about equal in size to their Balkan relatives.     

A power function for forest structure and regeneration pattern of pioneer and climax species in patch mosaic forests

The DBH-class distribution in natural deciduous broad-leaved forests was elucidated with a power function. A power function (y=ax ^b, y: stem density, x: represents DBH class, a and b: constants) fits the distribution better than an exponential function (y = a exp bx). The parameter b in the power function is approximately –2. This means that the natural forests studied have a patch-mosaic structure and that tree cohorts regenerate from gaps. Parameter a implies the number of juveniles, and b means size-dependent mortality. The value of –2 for parameter b means that when trees in a given DBH class double their DBH, the density of the size class should decrease by one-fourth. This phenomenon results from self-thinning and is caused by horizontal space competition among trees, called the `tile model'. The parameter describing DBH-class distribution for a forest with self-thinning patches should be approximately –2. I call this the `–2 power law' for DBH-class distribution. In a typical natural forest dominated by deciduous broadleaf tree species, trees are recognized as pioneer or climax species by the parameters describing their regeneration patterns. When I applied the power functional model to the DBH-class distribution of each dominant species, in pioneer species parameter a was high and b was less than –2 (markedly less than zero), suggesting that there are many juveniles, but mortality is high. On the other hand, in climax species parameter a was low value and the value of b was larger (negative, but closer to zero), suggesting that there are not many juveniles, but mortality is low. A power-function analysis of DBH-class distribution can be used to clarify the patch mosaic structure of a forest, and to clarify the regeneration pattern of pioneer and climax species by applying the function for each species.     

Length‐weight relationships of 6 fish species from the lower reaches of the YarlungZangbo River,Southwest China

The relations between total length and weight were evaluated for six fish species from the lower reaches of the YarlungZangbo River, southwest China, including Schizothorax molesworthi (Chaudhuri, 1913); Psilorhynchus homaloptera Hora & Mukerji, 1935; Creteuchiloglanis kamengensis (Jayaram, 1966); Parachiloglanis hodgarti (Hora, 1923); Glaridoglanis andersonii (Day, 1870); Pseudecheneis sulcate (McClelland, 1842). All fish were collected from March to May, October and November 2017 using electro fishing and gill net. The relationships between total length and weight were significant (all r² > .955, p < .01). And the values of exponent b, estimated using simple linear least squares of log‐transformed weight and length data, ranged from 2.687 to 3.147.     

Survival of Schismus arabicus seedlings exposed to desiccation depends on annual periodicity

Schismus arabicus, a desert annual grass, is one of the most common pasture annuals in the deserts of Israel and Asia. S. arabicus exhibits a unique set of adaptations and survival strategies, which enable it to germinate, develop and produce seeds even in years with annual rainfall of less than 100 mm. The current study examined whether an annual rhythm exists in the survival ability of S. arabicus seedlings exposed to desiccation. Our results indicate that survival of S. arabicus seedlings after six different periods of 7 to 42 days of desiccation depended on the month of germination of the caryopses (seeds). Seed germination was 80–100% in all experiments, regardless the month of germination; however, seedlings that germinated in different months varied in their root and shoot elongation rates. None of about 2,500 seedlings that germinated in July (in each of the 4 years) survived the desiccation treatment. The percentages of surviving seedlings in each month of June from 2002 to 2005 were less than 40%. In contrast, over 80% of the seedlings that germinated in each of the months of December and January survived after the desiccation periods of 7–42 days. Seedlings that survived were transferred to 5 L soil pots in which the seedlings developed into mature plants, completed their life cycle and produced seeds that germinated well. The current study demonstrated a novel phenomenon indicating that seedling survival in plants may depend on an annual periodicity according to the date of germination.     

Structural aspects of the cytochromeb 6 f complex; structure of the lumen-side domain of cytochromef

The following findings concerning the structure of the cytochromeb ₆ f complex and its component polypeptides, cytb ₆, subunit IV and cytochromef subunit are discussed:

A preliminary report on the distribution of lizards in Qatar

We have updated the list of the lizard species present in Qatar and produced the first distribution maps based on two field surveys in 2012 and 2013. We used the QND95/Qatar National Grid with a grid of 10 × 10 km squares for mapping. Our results show the occurrence of 21 lizard species in Qatar, from the 15 species indicated in the last biodiversity report conducted in 2004. The most abundant family found in Qatar is Gekkonidae with nine species (Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus robustus, H. flaviviridis, H. persicus, Stenodactylus arabicus, S. slevini, S. doriae, Pseudoceramodactylus khobarensis), followed by Lacertidae with four species (Acanthodactylus schmidti, A. opheodurus, Mesalina brevirostris, M. adramitana), Agamidae with three species (Trapelus flavimaculatus, Uromastyx aegyptia, Phrynocephalus arabicus), Scincidae with two species (Scincus mitranus, Trachylepis septemtaeniata), and Varanidae (Varanus griseus), Sphaerodactylidae (Pristurus rupestris) and Trogonophiidae (Diplometopon zarudnyi) with one species each. The species richness fluctuated largely across Qatar between one and eleven species per grid square. We believe that the lizard fauna records in Qatar are still incomplete and that additional studies are required. However, our study here fills a gap concerning lizard biodiversity knowledge in the Gulf Region.     

Length‐weight relationships of three fish species from the coastal waters of Yellow Sea,China

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were determined for three fish species: Zebrias zebrinus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Setipinna termuifilis (Valenciennes, 1848) and Pampus echinogaster (Basilewsky, 1855). Samples were collected from the coastal waters of Yellow Sea, China, from early April to mid–April 2017 using bottom trawl nets (20 mm stretched mesh size of cod‐end) and set nets (15.6 mesh size). The values of exponent b in the fitted LWRs ranged from 3.101 to 3.427 for three fish species.     

Germination sensitivities to water potential among co‐existing C3 and C4 grasses of cool semi‐arid prairie grasslands

An untested theory states that C₄ grass seeds could germinate under lower water potentials (Ψ) than C₃ grass seeds. We used hydrotime modelling to study seed water relations of C₄ and C₃ Canadian prairie grasses to address Ψ divergent sensitivities and germination strategies along a risk‐spreading continuum of responses to limited water. C₄ grasses were Bouteloua gracilis, Calamovilfa longifolia and Schizachyrium scoparium; C₃ grasses were Bromus carinatus, Elymus trachycaulus, Festuca hallii and Koeleria macrantha. Hydrotime parameters were obtained after incubation of non‐dormant seeds under different Ψ PEG 6000 solutions. A t‐test between C₃ and C₄ grasses did not find statistical differences in population mean base Ψ (Ψ_b(50)). We found idiosyncratic responses of C₄ grasses along the risk‐spreading continuum. B. gracilis showed a risk‐taker strategy of a species able to quickly germinate in a dry soil due to its low Ψ_b(50) and hydrotime (θ_H). The high Ψ_b(50) of S. scoparium indicates it follows the risk‐averse strategy so it can only germinate in wet soils. C. longifolia showed an intermediate strategy: the lowest Ψ_b(50) yet the highest θ_H. K. macrantha, a C₃ grass which thrives in dry habitats, had the highest Ψ_b(50), suggesting a risk‐averse strategy for a C₃ species. Other C₃ species showed intermediate germination patterns in response to Ψ relative to C₄ species. Our results indicate that grasses display germination sensitivities to Ψ across the risk‐spreading continuum of responses. Thus seed water relations may be poor predictors to explain differential recruitment and distribution of C₃ and C₄ grasses in the Canadian prairies.     

Indirect effects of granivory by harvester ants: plant species composition and reproductive increase near ant nests

Summary Of 36 plant species surveyed, 6 were significantly associated with nests of the desert seed-harvester ant Veromessor pergandei or Pogonomyrmex rugosus; two other plant species were significantly absent from ant nests. Seeds of two common desert annuals, Schismus arabicus and Plantago insularis, realize a 15.6 and 6.5 fold increase (respectively) in number of fruits or seeds produced per plant growing in ant nest refuse piles compared to nearby controls. Mass of individual S. arabicus seed produced by plants growing in refuse piles also increased significantly. Schismus arabicus, P. insularis and other plants associated with ant nests do not have seeds with obvious appendages attractive to ants. Dispersal and reproductive increase of such seeds may represent a relatively primitive form of ant-plant dispersal devoid of seed morphological specializations. Alternatively, evolution of specialized seed structures for dispersal may be precluded by the assemblage of North American seed-harvester ants whose workers are significantly larger than those ants normally associated with elaiosome-attached seed dispersal. Large worker size may permit consumption of elaiosome and seed.