Effect of Temperature on Germination in Northernmost Populations of Culcita macrocarpa and Woodwardia radicans

Abstract: Spore germination of Culcita macrocarpa C. Presl and Woodwardia radicans (L.) Sm. from nine populations at the northern limit of their distribution, in the northwest Iberian Peninsula, was investigated. In a first experiment, population type and temperature (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C) were both found to affect germination percentage and germination time significantly in both species. There were also significant interactions between the two factors with respect to the percentage germination of C. macrocarpa and the germination time of W. radicans. In C. macrocarpa there was an outstanding increase in germination time at 15 °C and, above all, at 10 °C, whereas in W. radicans the most remarkable result was the existence of two populations with especially low germination percentages. In a second experiment, germination of 20 individuals from each population of W. radicans was compared with similar inter-population differentiation. Although its variability possibly has a genetic basis, these species are able to germinate successfully, and it seems probable that the season in which it occurs depends more on spore release than on thermal conditions in the populations. The effect of temperature on germination in both species does not explain their coastal distribution. Temperature is probably more important in limiting other stages of the life cycle.     

Genetic structure of Galitzkya macrocarpa and G. potaninii, two closely related endemics of central Asian mountain ranges

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Habitats in mountains are often isolated. Plants growing in these sites face severe dispersal limitations, but also difficulties for recruitment. The focus was laid on the magnitude of genetic differences among populations but also on the size of potentially occurring clones. METHODS: RAPD fingerprints were obtained from 23 populations in southern Mongolia. Sampling covered the entire distribution range of Galitzkya macrocarpa; samples of G. potaninii represented only the Mongolian part of its mainly northern Chinese range. KEY RESULTS: The Mongolian endemic G. macrocarpa showed moderately strong population differentiation (Phi ST = 0.251), and limited evidence for isolation by distance. Local genetic diversity was not positively correlated to habitat size, and not reduced in peripheral populations. Clonal growth is possible, but most plants originate from sexual reproduction. In contrast, populations of G. potaninii were highly differentiated (Phi ST = 0.550); and the most remote outposts had reduced genetic diversity. In these areas, isolation is expected to date back to glacial times. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of natural fragmentation differ among species. Both are rare, but G. macrocarpa appears to be able to maintain genetic diversity over its range. Clonal growth is an option in its mixed reproduction strategy and allows survival under harsh conditions. In contrast, genetic structure in G. potaninii gives reason for concern, and further studies on population dynamics are needed.     

缙云山细枝柃种群性比及空间分布

缙云山细枝柃（Eurya loquaiana）种群包含一些性别变异个体，表现出"亚雌雄异株"的特点。为分析该种群的性别格局，了解柃木属植物性别系统的进化及其适应机制，在缙云山细枝柃分布的不同生境中设置8个20 m×20 m长期观测样地，分析性比变化及其与环境、年龄结构的关系，同时设置1个20 m×60 m样地，分析植株的空间分布格局及性别间在空间上的关联。结果显示：（1）缙云山细枝柃种群总体上性别偏雌，雌雄比为1.43，性别变异株比例达14.42%。（2）各样地中雌雄比和性别变异株比例差异较大，性别变异株比例与干扰强度呈较强正相关而与海拔高度和郁闭度呈较强负相关，显示变异株的出现可能与人为干扰有一定联系；雌雄比与样地中细枝柃平均基径显著正相关，可能随着林龄的增加，雌雄比有增加的趋势。（3）细枝柃个体在空间上整体呈聚集分布，雌株、雄株及性别变异株主要呈随机分布，在部分尺度偏向于聚集分布。（4）雌株和雄株对环境异质性的响应相似，在空间分布上有一定的正相关。上述结果反应了缙云山细枝柃种群的性别格局及其生态适应机制。     

Status,number, and monitoring of the common eider (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Somateria mollissima</Emphasis>) population in the barents sea and the White Sea

The breeding, molting, and wintering ranges of the common eider (Somateria mollissima) were mapped and described in the southern part of the Barents Sea region, including the White Sea population in the western White Sea and the Murmansk population in the northwestern White Sea and the southeastern Barents Sea. The present-day abundance was determined for both populations: since the 1950s, it was the highest in the 2000s for the entire period of ornithological monitoring in the region. Aerial survey from a helicopter is considered to be the only reliable method for estimation of the total population number. The best season for surveying the White Sea population is March–early April (wintering); the most favorable period for surveying the Murmansk population is August (postbreeding/molting). The population status of the common eider in the northern and eastern parts of the Barents Sea has not yet been evaluated. On Franz-Josef Land, the common eider is distributed sporadically, and its number was assessed using expert estimates. The current abundance of the common eider on Novaya Zemlya is unknown. Helicopter-based aerial survey performed in late summer during the postbreeding season is the only relevant method to obtain reliable estimates for the population of the common eider inhabiting Franz-Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya.     

科尔沁沙地黄榆种子散布的空间差异及规律

黄榆(Ulmus macrocarpa)是典型的风播植物, 在科尔沁沙地可以形成单一优势种林地。通过对其林下随机取样和林缘与孤立树不同方向从树基部向外的有序取样调查, 分析了黄榆林下和林缘外不同距离的种子沉降特征、林缘和孤立树种子散布方向的差异性与规律性。结果表明, 黄榆平均种子密度以林下最大, 林缘3 m处已显著减小, 林缘外随着距离增加黄榆平均种子密度呈指数减少态势, 且越远越不均匀。林缘和孤立树不同方向在26 m内, 单位面积连续分布的种子累积数量均以顺风向频率大的东北方向最多, 以逆风向频率大的西南或西方向最少。林缘和孤立树共10个方向的垂直断面从树基部向外的单位面积种子数量频度均符合Weibull分布和对数-正态分布密度函数(χ²_(α) < 0.900), 具有相同的种子散布格局。在科尔沁沙地自然条件下, 黄榆在各方向具有相同的“远距离”种子散布机制。     

Giant pandas are losing their edge: Population trend and distribution dynamic drivers of the giant panda

Comprehending the population trend and understanding the distribution range dynamics of species are necessary for global species protection. Recognizing what causes dynamic distribution change is crucial for identifying species' environmental preferences and formulating protection policies. Here, we studied the rear-edge population of the flagship species, giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), to (1) assess their population trend using their distribution patterns, (2) evaluate their distribution dynamics change from the second (1988) to the third (2001) survey (2–3 Interval) and third to the fourth (2013) survey (3–4 Interval) using a machine learning algorithm (eXtremely Gradient Boosting), and (3) decode model results to identify driver factors in the first known use of SHapley Additive exPlanations. Our results showed that the population trends in Liangshan Mountains were worst in the second survey (k = 1.050), improved by the third survey (k = 0.97), but deteriorated by the fourth survey (k = 0.996), which indicates a worrying population future. We found that precipitation had the most significant influence on distribution dynamics among several potential environmental factors, showing a negative correlation between precipitation and giant panda expansion. We recommend that further research is needed to understand the microenvironment and animal distribution dynamics. We provide a fresh perspective on the dynamics of giant panda distribution, highlighting novel focal points for ecological research on this species. Our study offers theoretical underpinnings that could inform the formulation of more effective conservation policies. Also, we emphasize the uniqueness and importance of the Liangshan Mountains giant pandas as the rear-edge population, which is at a high risk of population extinction.     

Variation in wild populations of annual beet (Beta,Chenopodiaceae)

Among the morphological variation in wild annual populations of sect.Beta only tepal characters show a geographic pattern, and hence can be used to distinguish different taxa. Two morphological types correspond with taxa already described:B. macrocarpa (incl.B. bourgaei) has a Macaronesian and W. to E. Mediterranean andB. adanensis an E. Mediterranean distribution area. A third type in the Aegean region is not well known yet and possibly has to be included inB. macrocarpa. Both diploid and tetraploid (x = 9) cytotypes are found withinB. macrocarpa, the latter exclusively on the Canary Islands.     

大青沟森林植物群落主要木本植物种群分布格局及动态的研究

本文运用方差／均值比率法及聚集强度的某些指数研究了大青沟森林植物群落主要木本植物种群的分布格局及其动态。主要木本植物种群的分布格局大多为集群型,只有部分群落中大果榆、色木槭及家榆种群为随机分布。格局动态的分析表明,水曲柳、黄菠萝、春榆、大果榆种群幼苗—幼树—小树—中树—大树分布格局由集群分布逐渐变为随机分布,而蒙古栎由于较强的萌生性,大树阶段仍为集群分布。分析表明影响种群分布格局的因子大致可归纳为两类：一是物种本身的生物学特性,二是由环境条件引起的种内种间竞争;方差／均值比率法是一种较好的分析种群分布格局的方法。     

大青沟森林植物群落主要木本植物种群分布格局及动态的研究

本文运用方差／均值比率法及聚集强度的某些指数研究了大青沟森林植物群落主要木本植物种群的分布格局及其动态。主要木本植物种群的分布格局大多为集群型,只有部分群落中大果榆、色木槭及家榆种群为随机分布。格局动态的分析表明,水曲柳、黄菠萝、春榆、大果榆种群幼苗一幼树一小树一中树一大树分布格局由集群分布逐渐变为随机分布,而蒙古栎由于较强的萌生性,大树阶段仍为集群分布。分析表明影响种群分布格局的因子大致可归纳为两类：一是物种本身的生物学特性,二是由环境条件引起的种内种间竞争;方差／均值比率法是一种较好的分析种群分布格局的方法。     

Searching for a Needle in a Haystack: Evaluating Survey Methods for Non-indigenous Plant Species

The control and management of non-indigenous plant species (NIS) can be conceptually divided into three phases: inventory/survey, monitoring and management. Here we focus on phase one, determining which species are present and where they are located within the environment. Sampling for NIS is inherently time-consuming and thus costly. Many management areas are large and therefore can only be surveyed (partial observation of the total area by sampling) and not inventoried (total observation of area). Survey data should reflect the spatial distribution of the target species populations over the landscape. Such data can then be used in combination with environmental data, to create probability maps of target species occurrence for the entire area of interest. We used a GIS model to evaluate seven different survey methods for consistency and reliability of intersecting NIS species’ patches and producing samples which reflect the spatial distribution of the population, and which can be performed in a cost and time-efficient manner. The GIS model was developed to create NIS populations which were then sampled using the different survey methods, and the results recorded. To improve the applicability of the model, four patch sizes and levels of occurrence were used, along with random and weighted distribution patterns in relation to patch proximity to roads and trails. Grid and random points, and targeted (stratified continuous) transects (starting on a road or trail (rights of way (RoW)) and finishing 2 km from any RoW) methods provided the most consistent samples of the population. Logistically, point methods required an unrealistic distance and time commitment in comparison with transect methods. The importance of collecting information on the size of NIS patches was demonstrated as more small patches were intersected than larger ones when the area infested was held constant. Thus, if frequency of patches is used to explain the results of a survey then comparisons between species and methods are difficult to interpret thus leading to erroneous conclusions. However, use of percentage of area infested estimates provides for easier comparison between species and sample methods. The targeted transect method provided the most reliable, efficient and consistent sample with the expected spatial distribution.     

Relationships of wild Brassica species with chromosome number 2n = 18, based on RFLP studies.

An array of 10 wild Brassica species with chromosome number 2n = 18 represented by 34 populations was analyzed for genome similarity using genomic and cDNA clones. Species studied included B. bourgeaui (Webb) O. Kuntze, B. cretica Lam., B. hilarionis G.E. Post, B. incana Ten., B. insularis Moris, B. macrocarpa (Guss.) Caruel, B. montana Pourret, B. oleracea L., B. rupestris Rafin., and B. villosa Biv. The RFLP data were used to calculate similarities between populations that were subsequently treated in a cluster analysis. Most populations of a species were grouped together and were separate from populations of other species. The previously identified B. incana - B. rupestris - B. villosa complex was verified, and genetic similarity between the species B. montana and B. oleracea was evident. An interesting association between B. insularis and B. macrocarpa was observed. The UPGMA analysis showed that the species tended to cluster according to geographic region: B. cretica and B. hilarionis comprise a cluster that could be called Eastern Mediterranean; B. oleracea, B. bourgeaui, and B. montana define an Atlantic - Western Mediterranean cluster; B. incana, B. rupestris, and B. villosa form an Italian group; and a B. insularis - B. macrocarpa association may be called Central Mediterranean.     

Relationship between tree size and insect assemblages associated with Anadenanthera macrocarpa

This study analyzed the effects of tree size, and correlated architectural tree characteristics, on the assemblages of ants and insect herbivores associated with Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Mimosaceae). The latter is a myrmecophilous tree species from the Atlantic rainforest in south-eastern Brazil. Ants and insect herbivores were collected in 30 individuals of A. macrocarpa , ranging from young individuals (>3 m in height) to emergent trees (up to 40 m). Tree height was a strong indicator of other tree characteristics, including trunk diameter, crown height, crown volume, and number of bifurcations. Ants were collected using arboreal pitfall traps and beating, while insect herbivores with beating only. There was a significant increase in both abundance and species richness of ants and insect herbivores with an increase in tree height. In addition, tree height had a significant effect on the species composition of ants and insect herbivores. Assemblages of both taxa showed a nested organization pattern. The species found in small- and medium-sized trees, in general, consisted of a subset of the species found in the crowns and branches of larger, canopy or emergent trees. Thus, in A. macrocarpa , there was not a replacement of insect species with plant ontogeny. This finding is at variance with those conducted in tropical evergreen forests and which show a clear stratification between the understory and canopy insect faunas. Additional studies are needed to explain these contrasting patterns, but it is possible that differences in microclimate are involved. As the forest we studied is semi-deciduous, microclimatic gradients between the understory and the canopy habitat are probably less severe than in an evergreen forest, thus resulting in a lower turnover of species.     

东昆仑-阿尔金山地区黑颈鹤种群分布与秋季数量变化

黑颈鹤(Grus nigricollis)是青藏高原特有物种,在新疆主要分布在与青海、西藏相邻的阿尔金山、东昆仑山地区。2011年9～11月,对该地区黑颈鹤的分布、种群大小、数量变化、生存状况等进行了详细调查。在乌尊硝尔、铁木里克乡、玉素甫阿勒克、鸭子泉、阿达滩、祁曼塔格乡、吐拉牧场等25个样点,都观察到有黑颈鹤分布。利用样点调查法和直接计数法,重复调查164次,共记录到黑颈鹤158只。其中,在依协克帕提湿地(N37°15'～37°23',E90°11'～90°20',海拔3 903 m)最多一次记录到126只黑颈鹤集群。结合早期的科学考察记录,推测在整个东昆仑-阿尔金山地区共有黑颈鹤220～260只左右。黑颈鹤家庭成员数量为1～4只,4种类型的家庭所占比例分别为5.9%、60.3%、29.4%和4.4%。在10月份之前,主要以家庭为单位活动;10月中旬,开始大规模集群,10月29日集群数量达到最高峰,并开始迁徙;11月6日黑颈鹤全部迁徙离开。此外,还观察到有少量的灰鹤(G.grus)和蓑羽鹤(Anthropoides virgo)与黑颈鹤混居在一起。     

Horizontal and vertical distribution and demography of euphausiids in the Ross Sea and its adjacent waters in 2004/2005

The horizontal and vertical distribution and population structure of euphausiids in the Ross Sea and its adjacent waters were investigated during the summers of 2004/2005 using stratified towed samples. Nine species of euphausiids occurred in the survey area. Among them, Euphausia triacantha was dominant in biomass north of the southern boundary of the Antarctic circumpolar current (SB). Thysanoessa spp. was widely distributed north of the continental slope, while E. superba was distributed from the SB to the slope, where it showed the highest biomass. Juvenile E. superba was distributed offshore near the SB and remained at the surface, but gravid females were dominant in the slope and mainly occurred in the middle layers (400–600 m). Adult and juvenile E. crystallorophias were found at 200–300 m in the colder water of the continental shelf. In general, the peak biomass of euphausiids was found in the mid layers of the Ross Sea area. The life span and the number of spawns for major species are also discussed.     

Levels and patterns of genetic variation in the endangered species Abronia macrocarpa

Genetic variation was evaluated in the federally endangered species Abronia macrocarpa (large-fruited sand-verbena), an herbaceous perennial restricted to deep sandy soils and endemic to three counties of east-central Texas. Seven of the ten known populations were sampled and analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis of eight enzymes coded by 18 interpretable loci. Duplicate gene expression was observed for four loci, suggesting polyploid ancestry for the lineage that includes A. macrocarpa. Values for estimators of genetic polymorphism within populations (ranges: P = 38.9%-61.1%, A = 1.7-2.1, H = 0.122-0.279) exceeded average values for seed plants (P = 34.2%, A = 1.53, H = 0.113). Genotype proportions at most loci in most populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, consistent with obligate outcrossing previously documented for this species; exceptions could be attributed to population substructure. Values of F(ST) tended to be high, ranging from 0.021 to 0.481 for individual loci (mean F(ST) = 0.272), indicating substantial divergence and limited gene flow among populations, despite their close geographic proximity. Pairwise values of Nei's genetic identity between populations ranged from 0.799 to 0.975 and tended to be influenced by geographic proximity of population pairs. Collectively, these data suggest a long history of isolation among populations that have not been subjected to bottlenecks. Isolation of A. macrocarpa populations apparently results from the disjunct occurrence of suitable habitat and perhaps has been accentuated by human disturbance.     

Breeding ecology and seasonal abundance of the giant water bug Appasus japonicus (Heteroptera, Belostomatidae)

Males of the giant water bug Appasus (= Diplonychus) japonicus Vuillefroy (Belostomatidae: Heteroptera) carry egg masses on their back, but little is known about the relationship between seasonal abundance and breeding ecology of the species. In the present study, therefore, a field survey based on a mark-and-recapture census was carried out at three survey points within a rice paddy area (0.3 km²) where A. japonicus forms a meta-population in northern Okayama, Japan. We investigated the body size, seasonal abundance, dispersion, egg mass size (number of eggs within one egg mass), number of egg masses and the total eggs carried on the back of each male as fundamental parameters of the population and breeding. Significant differences in egg mass size, number of egg masses, and total number of eggs that males carried was found among the survey points. The present results suggested the possibility that the differences in breeding parameters of A. japonicus were influenced by differences in environmental factors among the microhabitats. These results are discussed in conjunction with previous reports on seasonal abundance and breeding systems in Belostomatidae bugs.     

山西太岳山兴唐寺红柄白鹃梅群落优势种的空间格局分析

使用点格局分析和分形分析(计盒维数、信息维数、关联维数)方法, 对山西太岳山兴唐寺红柄白鹃梅(Exochorda giraldii)群落进行了空间格局分析。结果表明: 1)红柄白鹃梅群落优势种在较小的尺度上呈现聚集分布的特点, 其中, 杠柳(Periploca sepium)和绣线菊(Spiraea salicifolia)在所有尺度上呈现聚集分布, 红柄白鹃梅和连翘(Forsythia suspensa)随着尺度的增加, 呈现聚集分布—随机分布—均匀分布的规律; 2)红柄白鹃梅群落优势种在不同尺度上表现出聚集分布的特点; 3)红柄白鹃梅群落优势种占据空间能力的大小为: 红柄白鹃梅>连翘>绣线菊>杠柳; 4)红柄白鹃梅群落优势种格局强度的尺度变化程度为: 杠柳>绣线菊>红柄白鹃梅>连翘; 5)红柄白鹃梅群落优势种个体空间相关程度为: 杠柳>红柄白鹃梅>连翘>绣线菊。点格局分析与分形分析结果一致, 揭示了暖温带落叶阔叶林遭到破坏后形成的次生灌丛的空间分布格局。     

异叶泽兰的遗传多样性和居群历史动态研究

异叶泽兰属于菊科泽兰属,是该属分布海拔相对较高的植物,分布在青藏高原东部和横断山海拔1700～3000 m的地区.该文利用ycf6-psbM和rpl32-trnL两个叶绿体DNA(cpDNA)片段以及核DNA片段ITS(nITS)作为分子标记,研究了异叶泽兰的遗传多样性及其分布特征,探讨了其居群历史动态.结果表明:(1...     

A Taxonomic Revision on Genus Aristolochia Subgenus Pararistolochia

Aristolochia Subgen. Pararistolochia ( Hutch. & Dalz. ) O. C. Schmidt, a smallest one among so far known three subgenera in the genus, often treated as a separate genus, is composed of only nine species from Tropical Africa (8 species)and Tropical Asia ( l species). This work deals mainly with the system and taxonomic treatment as well as distribution based on the herbarium materials form British Museum (Natural History) (BM), National Botanical Garden of Belgium(BR), Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew(K) and Laboratoire de Phanerogamie of Paris(P). Three sections in the subgenus are described as new by the number of anthers and its arrangement. Also two names, Pararistolochia zenkeri (Engl.) Hutch. & Dalz. and P. macrocarpa (Duch.) Poncy var. soyauxiana(Oliv. )Poncy, are reduced to synonyms of A. macrocarpa Duch.; andone name, A. preussii Engl., is reduced to a synonym of A. promissa Mast.     

黄海近岸海域蓝点马鲛产卵场分布及其环境特征

蓝点马鲛是黄海最重要的经济鱼类之一,为及时掌握其产卵生境特征及早期资源动态,本文根据2015年和2017年5月下旬2个航次的黄海近岸海域产卵场调查数据,采用服从Tweedie分布的广义相加模型(GAM)对蓝点马鲛鱼卵数据进行了分析。结果表明: 蓝点马鲛产卵场分布与经纬度、海水深度和海水表层温度均呈显著相关,与盐度无显著相关性;最适深度、温度分别为15～30 m、16～20 ℃。其产卵场主要分布在石岛渔场(36°30′ N,121°48′ E)附近和海州湾(33°30′—36° N,119°30′—121°30′ E)。蓝点马鲛不同年份间的产卵场分布存在一定的差异,表温较高的年份其产卵场分布有向北偏移的趋势。有必要加强蓝点马鲛主要产卵区域的管理和保护力度,建立相应的生态养护和修复策略,实现黄海蓝点马鲛渔业资源的可持续开发利用。