Benthic bacterial diversity from freshwater tufas of the Iberian Range (Spain)

Aiming to characterize the bacterial diversity of modern tufa systems of the Iberian Range (Spain), we surveyed the 16S rRNA gene sequence diversity from 24 sites within three rivers (A?amaza, Mesa and Piedra). These tufas record substantial calcareous growth under different physicochemical conditions and are part of an important, regional landscape-building system. The bacterial community structure and composition, richness and diversity were quantified from denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprints. Retrieved DNA sequences could be assigned to 10 bacterial phyla and included a variety of phototrophic and heterotrophic groups. Cyanobacteria, mainly filamentous taxa, constituted 43% of all the retrieved sequences, followed by Firmicutes (11%), Gammaproteobacteria (10%), Alphaproteobacteria (7%), Acidobacteria (6%), Bacteroidetes (5%), Betaproteobacteria (4%), Planctomycetes (4%), Actinobacteria (3%) and Deltaproteobacteria (2%). Diatom and Xanthophyceae chloroplast sequences were also detected. Physicochemical variables measured at each site were modelled with multivariate statistics. Principal component analyses yielded the highest variance for salinity-related variables (conductivity; Na(+) , Cl(-) and SO4(2-) concentrations), which correlated negatively and significantly with diversity indices. However, the highest variance explained by individual principal components was relatively low (< 34%). Overall, we show that these young fluvial tufas are inhabited by a large variety of bacteria in diverse and widespread communities.     

Sedimentology of the Late Quaternary Wadi Hasa Marl Formation of Central Jordan: a record of climate variability

The sedimentary features and fossils within the Wadi Hasa Marl Formation coupled with optical luminescence chronology indicate alternating wet and dry periods have occurred on the Jordanian plateau since the last interglacial. The Jurf Ed Darawish Member rests unconformably on the Maastrichtian Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation and is composed predominantly of poorly sorted, clast-supported conglomerate. Palaeocurrents and clast composition indicate provenance from Cretaceous sedimentary rocks and Tertiary basalts to the west and southwest of the study site and the facies suggest a flashy alluvial depositional environment probably similar to the modern wadis. The overlying Burma Member consists of bedded grey-green clayey silts and marls with calcrete profiles, up to 1.2 m thick, and isolated gravel lenses. The fine-grained sediments contain charophytes, ostracods, bivalves and various species of gastropod indicating normal freshwater lacustrine conditions. The calcretes contain a poorly preserved fauna suggesting lacustrine deposition followed by subaerial exposure and pedogenesis. Three optical luminescence ages have been obtained from the Burma Member which suggest that the member ranges in age from >111 ka through to <40 ka. The facies variations are indicative of climatic fluctuations in Jordan during this period and human artefacts are found embedded in the sediments. This preliminary study suggests that the Late Quaternary central Jordan sedimentary record may preserve valuable evidence of complex climatic variation which will supplement the data from the Jordan Valley where tectonic activity complicates the sedimentary record.     

Trends in grass pollen season in southern Spain

The main characteristics of Poaceae pollen season at 8 sites in Andalusia were studied. Special attention was paid in the trends of grass pollen-season start and peak dates. Moreover, we analyse the intensity of the grass pollen season over the study period as well as potential temporal and spatial patterns in these data. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the possible influence of weather-related parameters on variations in the grass pollen season. Main results show an advance in the start and peak of grass pollen season and an increase in the annual Pollen Index and in the severity of the season (days > 25 pollen grains/m³). The future consequences of these changes in grass phenology could be related with changes in land use and also in pollinosis symptoms due to the higher concentrations recorded but also to the variations on pollen season dates.     

Spatial variability of agricultural soil parameters in southern Spain

Spatial patterns for seven soil chemical properties and textures were examined in two fields in southern Spain (Monclova and Caracol, province of Seville, Andalusia) in order to identify their spatial distribution for the implementation of a site-specific fertilization practice. Two sampling grids of 35×20 and 35×35 m were established in Caracol and Monclova, respectively. Fourteen and eight georeferenced soil samples per hectare were collected at two depths (0–0.1 and 0.25–0.35 m) in early November 1998 before fertilizing and planting the winter crop. Data were analyzed both statistically and geostatistically on the basis of the semivariogram. The spatial distribution model and spatial dependence level varied both between and within locations. Some of the soil properties showed lack of spatial dependence at both depths and at the chosen interval (lag h). Such was the case for clay, organic matter and NH₄ at Monclova; and clay and NH₄ at Caracol. Bray P and exchangeable K showed a strong patchy distribution at any field and depth. It is important to know the spatial dependence of soil parameters, as management parameters with strong spatial dependence (patchy distribution) will be more readily managed and an accurate site-specific fertilization scheme for precision farming more easily developed.     

Alien plants of coastal dune habitats in southern Spain

Alien plants from psammophilous ecosystems have been studied in southern Spain. Sixteen sites, which are included in the Andalusian Network of Protected Spaces, have been chosen along 1100 km of Andalusian coasts in order to verify the degree of abundance and influence of these species on different communities. Out of the 26 localized species, the increase of some invasive plants, such as Arctotheca calendula, Agave americana, A. sisalana, Cortaderia selloana, Lantana camara and Opuntia dillenii, affects the conservation of some natural coastal ecosystems.     

Biogeographical synthesis of Andalusia (southern Spain)

Andalusia is a large territory of almost 90,000 km² in the south of Spain. The marked heterogeneity of its orographic, lithological and climatic features affords its plants and vegetation a high degree of biodiversity. A biogeographical classification for Andalusia is proposed, based on studies of the physical environment, bioclimatic and analysis of the endemic taxa, series and plant communities found in the territory.     

Genetic diversity in Orobanche crenata populations from southern Spain

The pattern of genetic variation within and among natural populations of broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) from southern Spain was analysed by RAPD markers. Hierarchical analysis of phenotypic diversity using AMOVA was performed to analyse the partitioning of the variation among populations and among individuals. Although most of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among individuals within a population (94.29%), significant φ_st values among populations suggested the existence of phenotypic differentiation. Moreover, corresponding HOMOVA analysis revealed that molecular variances were significantly heterogeneous among populations although no clear grouping pattern could be established. These results are to be expected considering the predominant outcrossing behaviour of O. crenata. Received: 10 January 2001 / Accepted: 12 February 2001     

First Quaternary fossil record of Polyplacophorans from southern South America

A diverse assemblages of well-preserved polyplacophoran shell plates is present in Holocene marine deposits along the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego (54°S). They represent the first fossil Quaternary report of polyplacophorans from southern South America. The taxa include Callochiton puniceus (Couthouy MS, Gould), Plaxiphora aurata (Spalowsky), Plaxiphora sp., Tonicia atrata (Sowerby), Tonicia calbucensis Plate, Tonicia chilensis (Frembly), and Tonicia lebruni de Rochebrune. The presence of these taxa in a transitory area between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans suggests that, in the recent past, the Beagle Channel acted as a path that facilitated faunal dispersion between the two oceans. These records also show an apparent stability of these faunas over a period of several thousand years (from ca. 7500 years BP to present).     

Risk of pollen allergy in Nerja (southern Spain): a pollen calendar

An aeropalynological study was carried out in the atmosphere of the city of Nerja (southern Spain) during a period of 4 years (2000–2003), using a Hirst type volumetric pollen trap. An annual pollen index of 59,750 grains, on average, was obtained with 80–85% of the total pollen recorded from February to May, with Pinus, Olea, Urticaceae, Cupressaceae, Quercus and Poaceae being the principal pollen producers in abundance order. A total of 29 pollen types that reached a 10-day mean equal to or greater than 1 grain of pollen per m³ of air is reflected in a pollen calendar. The results were compared with those obtained for nearby localities and a correlation analysis was made between the daily fluctuations of the main pollen types and total pollen, and meteorological parameters (temperature, rainfall and hours of sun). The daily, monthly and annual values reached by the most important pollen types from an allergenic point of view (Olea, Urticaceae and Poaceae) confirms Nerja as a high-risk locality for the residents and the numerous tourists who visit the area.     

Status and conservation of Asclepiadaceae and Danaus in southern Spain

A 900 km² coastal area in southern Spain was searched for both Danaus plexippus and D. chrysippus and their foodplants. A set of 63 single or mixed patches of Asclepias curassavica and Gomphocarpus fruticosus was detected and visited regularly from June 2008 to December 2009. Danaus plexippus was on the wing throughout our study period, but it was never detected in 21 patches while in 4 patches it was observed on more than 80% of our visits. Danaus chrysippus was on the wing only during summer and autumn of 2009 and it was never detected in 49 patches. The proportion of plant patches occupied by butterflies varies seasonally, increasing during summer and autumn. These results are discussed in relation to the origin, persistence and conservation of both species in Europe.     

Epizootics caused by a nuclear polyhedrosis virus in populations of spodoptera exigua in southern Spain

A nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) has been identified as the etiological agent causing epizootics in natural populations of Spodoptera exigua in the south of Spain. The incidence of this NPV has been determined from samples of larvae collected from sunflower fields and vegetable greenhouses at two sites located 500 km apart. The NPV was the only disease agent identified at both sites. Through the period surveyed the percentage of NPV‐infected larvae increased from 4.3% to 23% and from 22.5% to 100% in S. exigua larvae collected from sunflower fields and vegetable greenhouses respectively. No mortality attributed to the NPV was found in Spodoptera littoralis, Heliothis armigera, Peridroma saucia and Plusia gamma larvae collected in the same survey from the same sites. This is the first report of epizootics caused by NPV in S. exigua populations in field and greenhouse crops in Europe.     

Sedimentology, palynology and new geochronological constraints on Quaternary deposits of the Corvaro intermontane basin (central Italy)

Two main depositional phases are recognized in the Middle-Late Pleistocene sedimentary sequences of the Corvaro tectonic depression (Latium, central Italy). To improve the chronological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic frame of the area two boreholes were drilled. They allowed to estimate the thickness of deposits, to define the stratigraphy and to establish the presence, during the second phase, of a palustrine/lacustrine environment limited to the marginal sector of the Amara valley alluvial fan.The Corvaro 2 core was palynologically investigated. Pollen of nonarboreal plants dominates the assemblages, suggesting that a steppe characterized the environment during a glacial phase. Pollen of arboreal plants is scarce, and represented mainly by gymnosperm trees and shrubs. A slight expansion of deciduous oaks together with sparse occurrences of some other mesophilous trees is radiocarbon dated at around 30,000 years BP. These arboreal oscillations of the last glacial period are found for the first time in a mountain area of the Apennine region. Our results suggest that intermontane valleys, such as Valle del Salto, have probably played an important role in preserving biodiversity.     

Coccolith evidence for Quaternary nutricline variations in the southern South China Sea

Nutricline variations during the last 1560 ka in the southern South China Sea are reconstructed using the relative abundance of the coccolithophore Florisphaera profunda in ODP Site 1143. Nutricline depth shows both long-term large magnitude variation and high frequency glacial–interglacial variation. On the long-term scale, the nutricline experienced four significant changes, which occurred at 900, 480, 250, and 50 ka respectively. According to these changes, five stages could be recognized during the last 1560 ka. From 1560 to 900 ka, the nutricline depth increased gradually. Around 900 ka, the nutricline abruptly shallowed and then remained stable until 480 ka. The nutricline was shallow during the time interval between 480 and 250 ka. At 250 ka, it deepened again and increased gradually until 50 ka. After 50 ka, the nutricline depth decreased gradually to modern values. On the glacial–interglacial scale, the variations in nutricline depth show different patterns before and after 900 ka. Before 900 ka, the nutricline was deep during glacial periods and shallow during interglacials. However, after 900 ka, the nutricline was deep during interglacials and shallow during glacials. Spectral analysis of the relative abundance of F. profunda shows a similar trend. In addition to the eccentricity (113, 76 ka), obliquity (55, 39 ka), and precession (24, 19 ka), we also find a 431 ka cycle. The former three periods reflect glacial–interglacial variations in nutricline, and the period of 431 ka reflects long-term variations in nutricline. We suggested that the variations in nutricline in the southern South China Sea were caused by global and regional climate changes. Glacial–interglacial variations in nutricline are mainly controlled by the East Asian monsoon, and the long-term variations might be related to the global climatic events, such as the mid-Pleistocene Revolution and the mid-Brunhes event.     

Ecological dynamics of Quercus dominated woodlands in California and southern Spain: a state-transition model

There are many similarities between Spanish and Californian Quercus woodlands and savanna. Both are located in Mediterranean climate zones, and are used predominantly for livestock grazing. The Californian overstory is dominated by one or a combination of five Quercus species and their hybrids: Quercus douglasii H.&A., Q. agrifolia Nee., Q. wislizenii A.DC., Q. lobata Nee., and Q. englemennii Greene (blue, coast live, interior live, valley, and Englemann oaks). In southern Spain and Portugal, Quercus woodland overstory is predominantly one or a combination of two Quercus species, Quercus ilex L. (holm oak) and Quercus suber L. (cork oak). The underlying natural and semi-natural ecological dynamics of the Quercus woodlands of Spain and California are different, and it follows that the management practices employed also differ. The greatest point of contrast between California and Spain is in the intensity and diversity of management goals and practices. A state-transition model for comparing the ecological dynamics of Quercus woodlands and savanna in California and southern Spain is developed and examined. The highly simplified model is an analytic tool of use in organizing research and developing management practices. States are reached and maintained in different ways in Spain and California, but their appearance and their function in each landscape are quite similar.     

Conditions for open-air outdoor culture of Dunaliella salina in southern Spain

The optimization of the operation, under the climatic conditions of southern Spain, of an experimental plant for -carotene production by Dunaliella has been pursued. The effects of mixing, culture depth, cell density and dilution cycles on -carotene and biomass productivity were studied under a semicontinuous culture regime in open tanks outdoors. Using 3 m²-surface containers, the highest productivity values, for both -carotene and biomass, were recorded with a flow rate of 0.55 m s^–1; 10 cm depth; 0.7 – 0.9 × 10⁶cell ml^–1, population density; and dilution cycles of two days. An average annual productivity of 1.65 g (dry wt) m^–2 d^–1 was estimated for Dunaliella biomass, being that for -carotene of about 0.1 g m^–2 d^–1. Under these optimized conditions, experiments have been carried out at the Cadiz Bay with 20 m²-surface tanks during a whole-year cycle. The results obtained have validated this location and the operating conditions established as being most appropriate for efficient mass production of -carotene rich D. salina.     

Disseminated bovine tuberculosis in a wild red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in southern Spain

A wild-caught, adult red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Do?ana National Park (southern Spain), in very poor condition, died during anesthesia. At necropsy, the submandibular, retropharyngeal, mediastinal, axillary, mesenteric, and popliteal lymph nodes were enlarged, and the right submandibular and mesenteric lymph nodes had hard, white-colored concretions (calcifications). Multiple white pinpoint foci were observed in the lungs, and abscesses were present in the left dorsal lung lobes. No lesions were seen in tonsils, liver, or spleen. On histopathology multiple tuberculous granulomas, with Ziehl-Neelsen-positive bacilli, were observed in the lung, and multifocal necrotic areas with calcification were present in the submandibular and mesenteric lymph nodes. Nucleic acid amplification from lymph node samples demonstrated the presence of mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. One strain was isolated by culture and identified as Mycobacterium bovis. The suspected route of infection was oral, probably after repeated scavenging of infected wild ungulate carcasses. This is the first report of generalized bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in a wild canid. This finding raises concerns about bTB as a disease risk for protected species, livestock, and humans in Mediterranean Spain.     

Aquifer and surface-water ostracodes in Quaternary paleowetland deposits of southern Nevada,USA

Despite the importance of small tropical streams for maintaining freshwater biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services to humans, relatively few studies have investigated multiple-stressor effects of climate and land-use change on these ecosystems, and how these effects may interact. To illustrate these knowledge gaps, we reviewed the current state of knowledge regarding the ecological impacts of climate change and catchment land use on small tropical streams. We consider the effects of predicted changes in streamflow dynamics and water temperatures on water chemistry, habitat structure, aquatic biota, and ecosystem processes. We highlight the pervasive individual effects of climate and land-use change on algal, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities, and in stream metabolism and decomposition processes. We also discuss potential responses of tropical streams in a multiple-stressor scenario, considering higher temperatures and shifts in hydrological dynamics. Finally, we identify six key knowledge gaps in the ecology of low-order tropical streams and indicate future research directions that may improve catchment management in the tropics to help alleviate climate-change impacts and biodiversity losses.     

Benthic macrofauna communities of the submersed Pleistocene Elbe valley in the southern North Sea

Macrozoobenthic community structure was studied in two surveys along a transect of 13 stations following the submersed Pleistocene Elbe valley in the south-eastern North Sea during May to June 2000 and March 2001. Two replicates of bottom samples were taken with a van Veen grab of 0.1 m² sampling size. In order to analyse the benthic macrofauna communities, the animals obtained were identified and counted, and MDS and cluster analysis were performed. Out of 200 taxa identified, 84 were polychaetes, 46 molluscs, 40 crustaceans, 15 echinoderms, and 15 belonged to other groups. Mean abundance was 4,860 individuals per m², mean biomass 32.9 g ash free dry mass per m². Mean diversity was 1.76 and mean evenness 0.54. The macrofauna of the Pleistocene Elbe valley is composed of three associations according to the cluster analysis. Each association is described by a combination of characterizing and discriminating species. An Amphiura-brachiata―Tellimya-ferruginosa-association was found in the south-eastern part of the depression, whereas a transitional association with elements of both assemblages lead to an Amphiura-filiformis―Galathowenia-oculata―Nuculoma-tenuis-association in the north-western part of the valley. In the context of the entire southern North Sea, both associations are small-scale substructures, and as such are contained in the Nucula-nitidosa-community and the Amphiura-filiformis-community, respectively. A north-westward shift of the community of the southern Elbe valley was found and discussed as a possible consequence of warm winters of the last decades.