Evolution of group size in the dolphins and porpoises: interspecific consistency of intraspecific patterns

I investigated group size variability in dolphins and porpoisesusing intraspecific comparisons. Explanatory factors consideredin the analysis were variables of the physical environment,the diet, and the life history of the species. Open habitatand small body size were viewed as increasing predation risk.This pattern was apparent in Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) and weakly apparent in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.).Group size was negatively correlated with body size in pilotwhales (Globicephala spp.) and positively correlated with theopenness of habitat in killer whales (Orcinus orca), stripeddolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), and common dolphins (Delphinus spp.). No such relationship was found for harbor and Dall'sporpoises (Phocoena phocoena, P. dalli). Group size also seemedto vary depending on other physical measures of the habitat,which may indirectly reflect diet; group size showed U-shapedpatterns if related to temperature. The predictive power ofvariables comprising detailed prey information on group sizewas variable. For example, pilot whales had smaller group sizes when they fed more on mesopelagic fish and less on mesopelagiccephalopods, and common dolphins had larger groups if theyfed on varying types of fish. In most Delphinoidea species,group size could be described by the variables considered inthis study. But each species showed its own pattern of correlationsbetween group size and a specific set of explanatory variables. Thus, no general and consistent relation between group sizeand the other variables was found. It remains unknown whetherthese species-specific patterns result from a historical processor whether they are specialized adaptations.     

Aggregation of avian predators and zooplankton prey in Otago shelf waters, New Zealand

In Otago shelf waters surface swarms of krill (Nyctiphanes australis),hyperiid amphipods (Parathemisto spp.) and galatheid crab larvae(Munida gregaria) provide an abundant summer food source forplanktivores. We tested the hypothesis that aggregation of avianplanktivores depends upon the spatial distribution of theirprey. Gulls (Larus scopulinus, L.bulleri, L.dominicanus), sootyshearwaters (Puffinus griseus) and white-fronted terns (Sternastriata) showed significantly aggregated distributions. Thedistribution of birds sitting on the sea surface was correlatedwith the abundance pattern of krill but was not correlated withthe distribution of smaller hyperiid amphipods. The distributionof flying red-billed gulls (L.scopulinus), black-billed gulls(L.bulleri) and sooty shearwaters was correlated with the krilldistribution but black-backed gulls (L.dominicanus) were not.Stomach contents of black-billed gulls were dominated by krill,in contrast to sooty shearwaters, which ate a higher proportionof Minida, and black-backed gulls, which contained Munida andfish. No amphipods were found in bird stomachs. There was nosignificant correlation between bird distributions and the hydrographicregime, water depth or distance offshore. The distribution ofprey rather than hydrographic regime was a more important determinantof bird distributions at this spatial scale (2.6–12 km)and location.     

RECRUITMENT AND GROWTH OF THE BLUE-RAYED LIMPET, HELCION PELLUCIDUM (L.), IN SOUTH EAST IRELAND

This account reports on recruitment, growth and population structureof the macroherbivorous gastropod Helcion pellucidum (L.) onan exposed rocky shore in S.E. Ireland, with particular referenceto the pellucidum form. Recently settled Helcion spat were foundinitially on living crustose lithothamnia in pools and on openrock, on the lower shore, during February-April and subsequentlyrecruited to macro-algal fronds. By May they were found in abundanceon Mastocarpus stellatus and Laminaria spp. Helcion was markedlyseasonal in its occurrence on Mastocarpus, being most abundantduring May-August. A complementary pattern was evident on growingHimanthalia receptacles, with limpets abundant from July onwards.It is suggested that Helcion may migrate from Mastocarpus toHimanthalia as they grow. Data on growth rates are presentedfor Helcion in the various habitats studied. Growth rates werehighest on the Laminaria spp. (Received 21 February 1992; accepted 8 June 1992)     

Cloning and Sequencing of a 36-kb Region of the Bacillus subtilis Genome between the gnt and iol Operons

Within the framework of an international project for the sequencingof the entire Bacillus subtilis genome, a 36-kb chromosome segment,which covers the region between the gnt and iol operons, hasbeen cloned and sequenced. This region (36447 bp) contains 33complete open reading frames (ORFs; genes) including the fourgnt genes and one partial gene. A homology search for the productsof the 33 complete ORFs revealed significant homology to knownproteins in 16 of them such as tetracycline resistance protein(Clostridium perfringens), asparagine synthetase (Arabidopsisthaliana), aldehyde dehydrogenase (Pseudomonas oleovorans),2,5-dichloro-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-diol dehydrogenase (P. paucimobilis),heat shock protein HtpG (Escherichia coli), galactose-protonsymporter (E. coli), auxin-induced protein (common tobacco),glucitol operon repressor (E. coli) and methylmalonate-semialdehydedehydrogenase (P. aeruginosa). Unlike the regions we sequencedso far, this region contained two short sequence multiplications:one was a tandem sequence duplication (409 and 410 bp), andthe other a triplication consisting of two highly conserved118-bp tandem sequences preceded by a less conserved similarsequence (129 bp). The reasons for the presence of these sequencemultiplications in the gnt to iol region were deduced.     

Sur quelques zooplanctontes abondants dans l'upwelling de Cabo Frio (Bresil)

On some zooplankters common in the Cabo Frio (Brazil) upwelling.In the waters off Cabo Frio zooplankton maxima are observedbetween February and April, which is the period of upwellingoccurrence. Copepods are highly diversified; we identified 96species at a single collecting station during one year. In summerCalanoides carinatus, Paracalanus parvus and Oncea media areabundant, whereas we observed dominance of Temora stylifera,Clausocalanus furcatus, C. arcuicomis, Oithona plumifera andgreat quantity of Creseis acicula during winter. Chaetognatha(Sagitta enflata), Appendicularia (Oikopleura longicauda), Ostracoda(Conchoecia spp.) and Pteropoda (Limacina sp.) are permanentthroughout the year, and maximum in summer. The vertical distributionof zooplankton depends on the hydrological structure, i.e. natureof the water mass and degree of mixing between different waters.Brazil current water, with low quantity of organisms and dominanceof copepods (Clausocalanus furcatus, Mecynocera clausi, Corycaeidae,Oithonidae, Oncaeidae) accompanied by Evadne spinifera and Lucifertypicus. South Atlantic Central Water (upwelling water) characterizedby rare deep copepods and abundance of Calanoides carinatusand Ctenocalanus vanus which are excellent indicator speciesfor upwelling occurrence. Coastal water, with low salinity,where some species with brackish affinity are observed, likeOithona ovalis and Podon polyphemoides.     

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the vertical distribution and mortality of estuarine zooplankton

The effect of UV-B radiation on the vertical distribution ofthree calanoid copepod species (Tortanus dextrilobatus, Acartiuraspp. and Acanthacartia spp.) and three larval stages of Pacificherring, Clupea pallasi (1-, 7-, and 14-day-old larvae) wasinvestigated. A series of 2 m high columnar tanks equipped withinfra-red light and video-microscopy was used to investigatethe vertical distribution of zooplankton in the presence andabsence of UV-B radiation. In the presence of UV-B radiation,T.dextrilobatus and 1-day-old C.pallasi resided about 50 cmdeeper than in the absence of UV-B, while Acartiura spp. andAcanthacartia spp. showed no (or only minimal) change in verticaldistribution. Mortality experiments were also conducted outdoorsin which each copepod species was exposed to full or reducednatural radiation levels. Only T.dextrilobatus showed an increasein mortality when exposed to full radiation. Our results showedthat T.dextrilobatus and 1-day-old C.pallasi larvae were sensitiveto UV radiation (UVR), and to reduce or eliminate UV-inducedstress, they avoided the surface of the water column when UV-Bradiation was present. Copepod species were chosen to span arange of pigmentation: T.dextrilobatus (heavily pigmented),Acartiura spp. (moderately pigmented) and Acanthacartia spp.(not pigmented). The pigmentation did not appear to play a rolein UVR tolerance of the copepods, but may be a factor determiningUV tolerance of C.pallasi.     

Biogeographic study of the planktonic communities of the Prince Edward Islands (Southern Ocean)

Microphytoplankton and zooplankton composition and distributionin the vicinity of the Prince Edward Islands and at the Sub-antarcticFront (SAF) were investigated in late austral summer (April/May)1996. Samples were collected for analysis of chlorophyll a concentration(Chi a), microphytoplankton and zooplankton abundance. Generally,the highest Chl a concentrations (up to 2.0 µg l^–1)and zooplankton densities (up to 192 ind. m^–3) were recordedat stations within the inter-island area while the lowest values(<0.4 µg l^–1) were observed at stations upstreamof the islands. High Chl a and zooplankton biomass values werealso associated with the SAF. Microphytoplankton were dominatedby chain-forming species of the genera Chaetoceros (mainly C.neglectus),Fragilariopsis spp. and the large diatom Dactyliosolen antarcticus.The zooplankton assemblages were always dominated by mesozooplanktonwhich at times contributed up to 98% of total zooplankton abundanceand up to 95% of total biomass. Among mesozooplankton, copepods,mainly Clausocalanus brevipes and Metridia lucens numericallydominated. Among the macrozooplankton euphausiids, mainly Euphausiavallentini, E.longirostis and Stylocheiron maximum, and chaetognaths(Sagitta gazellae) accounted for the bulk of abundance and biomass.Cluster and ordination analysis did not identify any distinctbiogeographic regions among either the microphytoplankton orzooplankton.     

Addenda Clavariacea: I. Two new PteruloId Genera and Deflexula

The genera Allantula (one sp.) and Parapterulicium (two spp.)are described from Brazil. The first has decumbent, cystidiateand unbranched fruit-bodies. The second has gloeocystidia anddichophyses, neither of which have yet been recorded in Pteruloidgenera. In the revision of Deflexula, ten species are recognized, fourbeing transferred from Mucronella and Pterula, and three beingdescribed as new, namely, D. major, D. mangiformu, and D. sulcispora.     

The Identification of the Seeds of the British Papaveraceae

The morphology of seeds of British wild, introduced, and commonlycultivated members of the Papaveraceae has been examined, anda key to the identification of the seeds is presented. Quantitative data on size and weight as well as informationabout shape, colour and surface features of the seeds are givenfor Papaver rhoeas L., P. dubium L., P. lecoqii lamotte, P.hybridum L., P. argemone L., P. somniferum L., P. lateritiumC. Koch, P. atlanticum (Ball) Coss., P. orientale L., P. nudicauleL., Meconopsis cambrica (L.) Vig., M. betonicifolia French,Roemeria hybrida (L.) DC., Glaucium flavum Crantz., G. corniculatum(L.) Rudolph, Chelidonium majus L., Eschscholzia californicaCham., E. erecta cv. compacta and E. erecta cv. miniature. Arepresentative sample of each seed is illustrated.     

Carbon content of some common tropical Andaman Sea copepods

Individual carbon contents of eight common copepod speciesfrom the Andaman Sea were determined. Length–carbon regressionsare presented for four calanoids (Acrocalanus gibber, Centropagesfurcatus, Temora discaudata and Euchaeta spp.), two cyclopoids(Oncaea spp. and Corycaeus spp.) and two harpacticoids (Macrosetellagracilis and Microsetella spp.). The copepod specimens wereobtained from different localities and times of the year during1996–1997. The regression coefficients are good in calanoidand cyclopoid copepods, but poor in the harpacticoids. The slopevalues range from 2.3 to 3.8 in the calanoids to 1.2 and 1.6in the harpacticoids, while the cyclopoids have slope valuesof 2.0 and 2.9. The equations derived from this study are expectedto be general characteristics, which are applicable for thecalculation of copepod biomass and production in tropical areas.     

A study of feeding in predacious ciliates using prey ciliates labeled with fluorescent microspheres

Feeding in predacious estuarine ciliates was investigated ina series of laboratory experiments using a new method of preylabeling which facilitates microscopic indentification of ingestedprey items. Ingestion rates of Mesodinium pulex, Euplotes vannusand E.woodruffi were estimated using the appearance, insidethe predator, of bacteriovorous ciliates (Metanophrys sp., Cyclidiumsp.and Pleuronema sp ) labeled with fluorescent microspheres. Preyremain motile and have presumably unaltered surface characteristics.Ingestion rates of log-growth phase predators increased withprey density. Mesodinium pulex ingested 0 15–0.32 cellsh^–1 over a prey concentration of 60–2300 ml^–1.Maximum ingestion rates of E. woodruffi and E. vannus were 4.5and 3.4 cells h^–1 respectively, estimated at prey abundancesof 75 and 172 cells ml^–1 respectively. Comparisons offeeding rates on prey of different sizes, and the effects ofstarvation, indicated that ingestion is likely limited by differentfactors in ‘raptorial’ (M pulex) and ‘filterfeeding’ (Euplotes spp.) predators.     

Performance of different fish species for controlling weeds in rainfed lowland rice field

A field experiment was conducted during wet season to evaluate the performance of different fish species for biocontrol of weeds in rainfed waterlogged rice fields with fingerlings of three exotic carps – grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes), silver barb, Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes) and common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes) – and three Indian major carps – rohu, Labeo rohita (Ham.) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes), catla, Catla catla (Ham.) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes), mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes). A total of 13 major weeds under the categories of grassy, sedges, broadleaf and aquatic weeds were observed in the rice fields. Grass carp reduced maximum weed biomass (weed control efficiency [WCE] 63% at 60 days after transplanting [DAT] and 62% at 100 DAT) followed by silver barb and common carp. Among the Indian carps, only rohu was effective in control of weeds (WCE, 23% at 60 DAT). The grain yield of rice (variety Varshadhan) slightly increased (4.2–4.5 t/ha), but straw yield was significantly higher (10.2–10.7 t/ha) under rice-fish farming. Fish yield was significantly higher in exotic carps (270–288 kg/ha/90days) due to higher specific growth rates (1.8–2% body weight/day). The study indicated that exotic carps (grass carp, silver barb and common carp in order) were more effective than Indian carps for control of weed in rainfed lowland rice fields and among the Indian carps, rohu showed potential for weed control.     

Taxonomic composition and growth rates of phytoplankton assemblages at the Subtropical Convergence east of New Zealand

Off the eastern coast of New Zealand, warm, saline, nutrient-poorSubtropical Waters (STW) are separated from cool, fresher, relativelynutrient-rich Sub-Antarctic Waters (SAW) by the SubtropicalConvergence (STC). The Chatham Rise, a submarine rise, restrictsthe latitudinal movement of the STC as well as mixing of STWand SAW. Due to this restriction, this sector of the STC ischaracterized by sharp gradients in temperature, macro- (nitrate,silicate and phosphate) and micro- (iron) nutrient concentrations.Shipboard incubations were conducted during austral spring 2000and 2001 to test the hypothesis that these gradients affectthe taxonomic composition and/or growth rates of phytoplanktonon either side of and at the STC. Maximum chlorophyll a concentrationsduring 2000 were 0.39 µg L^–1, but were an orderof magnitude higher in 2001. During both years, STC phytoplanktonwere dominated by diatoms (77% of the total chlorophyll a duringaustral spring 2000 and 70% during spring 2001), whereas cryptophytesand prasinophytes dominated STW assemblages (27 and 36% during2000, and 63 and 17% during 2001). Chlorophyll in the SAW wasdominated by procaryotes and photosynthetic nanoflagellatesduring 2000 (17% procaryotes, 68% nanoflagellates), and by diatomsduring the austral spring 2001 cruise (53%). Growth rates ofthe phytoplankton assemblage were determined by ¹⁴C-labelingof chlorophyll a and photosynthetic pigments. During 2000, temperature-normalizedgrowth rates were near maximal at the STC, and decreased onaverage to less than half of the maximum north and south ofthat front, whereas in 2001 both absolute and relative growthrates were low at all stations. Growth rates did not closelyparallel biomass of the various taxa, suggesting that nutrientlimitation and/or grazing were significantly impacting standingstocks. It appeared that growth was strongly influenced by nutrientsand light, but that biomass was more strongly influenced bygrazing. The STC is a globally important region of enhancedbiomass and productivity; however, the phytoplankton assemblagereflects control by both top–down and bottom–upprocesses that makes a predictive understanding of the area'sbiogeochemical cycles extremely difficult.     

Biogeographical structure of the microphytoplankton assemblages in the region of the Subtropical Convergence and across a warm-core eddy during austral winter

The distribution of rnicrophytoplankton in the region of theSubtropical Convergence (STC) and across a warm-core eddy shedfrom the Aguihas Return Current was investigated along two transectsin late austra] winter (June-July) 1993, during the South AfricanAntarctic Marine Eco system Study (SAAMES) III cruise. Samplingwas undertaken for the analysis of nutrients, and for the enumerationand identification of microphytoplankton species. Along bothtransects, chlorophyll con centrations were highest at stationsat the southern boundary of the STC and at the periphery ofthe warm-core eddy. Of the variance associated with chlorophyllconcentration, temperature accounted for 65% of the total. Alongboth transects, a decrease in species richness from north tosouth was observed. The spatial distribution of the numericallydominant diatom species was similar in both tran sects. Themicrophytoplankton assemblage was dominated by the subtropicaldiatom species Chaetoceros constnctus north of the STC, andby Pseudoeunotia doliolus within the eddy and south of the STC.Using cluster and ordination analyses, three significantly differentgroupings of stations were identified along the combined transects.These coincided with stations located north and south of theSTC and with the warm-core eddy proper, confirming that theSTC represents a strong biogeograph ical boundary. The predominanceof the warm-water species P.doliolus and Planktoniella sol inand around the warm-core eddy south of the STC suggests thateddies are important in the transfer of microphytoplankton acrossthis strong biogeographical boundary.     

中国优食蚜蝇属的研究及二新种记述(双翅目：食蚜蝇科)

１研究历史与现状优食蚜蝇属Ｅｕｐｅｏｄｅｓ是１８７７年由ＯｓｔｅｎＳａｃｋｅｎ建立,但自从Ｍａｔｓｕｍｕｒａ于１９１７年建立后食蚜蝇属Ｍｅｔａｓｙｒｐｈｕｓ以来的近７０年中,许多作者均采用后一属名。Ｆｌｕｋｅ［１］将该属分成２亚属,即后食蚜蝇亚属Ｍｅ...     

Short-term changes in the mesozooplanktonic community in theSeine ROFI (Region of Freshwater Influence)(eastern English Channel)

Discrete-depth, hourly mesozooplankton samples were collectedover a 92 h period in May 1992 at an anchor station within theSeine Region of Freshwater Influence (ROFI) (English Channel).The mesozooplankton community defined as a euryhaline marineassemblage was dominated by the calanoid copepods Acartia spp.,Temora longicornis and Centropages hamatus, the cladoceran Evadnenordmanni and the appendicularian Oikopleura dioica. The semi-diurnaltidal current was the dominant factor in determining the short-termtemporal changes in the community in terms of density and speciescomposition so that zooplankton patches displayed oscillatingmotion in relation to tidal advection. Although a few species(e.g. Pleurobrachia pileus) exhibited higher densities aroundlow tide, maximum densities were observed for most species (e.g.T.longicornis and E.nordmanni) around high tide, according tosalinity variations. Diurnal changes were only reported forcyclopoid copepods (i.e. Halicyclops sp. and Cyclopina sp.)which wer$$$ mainly endobenthic during the day and moved intothe water column at night. Besides temporal changes in depth-averageddensities, most species exhibited vertical migrations at dieland/or tidal periods. Tidal vertical migrations were reportedonly for a few taxa and could be the result of passive mechanisms(e.g. vertical mixing) rather than of active behaviour. Dielvertical migrations were observed in most of the abundant taxa.While this migration pattern did not appear to be an adaptationto predator avoidance within the Seine ROFI, it could regulatehorizontal transport of organisms and promote their retention.The consequences of the short-term mesozooplankton fluctuationsfor sampling designs are discussed.     

Small-scale distribution of macroplankton and micronekton in the Ligurian Sea (Mediterranean Sea) as observed from the manned submersible Cyana

A series of eight submersible dives (the MIGRAGEL I cruise)was made during late April 1986 using the French submersibleCyana to investigate macrozooptankton in the upper 400–700m of the water column. Paired day and night dives were madeat stations 3, 6, 13 and 23 nautical miles off Cape Ferrat,near Villefranche-sur-Mer, France; the distances represent differentareas in the frontal system of the Ligurian Sea. Detailed day/nightvertical distribution data are shown for the most abundant species;these include the narcomedusa Solmissus albescens, teleost fishCyclothone spp., small appendiculanans (primarily Oikopleuraalbicans), large appendicularians (an undescribed oikopleurid),diphyid siphonophores (mostly Chelophyes appendiculata) andan abundant lobate ctenophore. Salps, pyrosomes, amphipods (Phroniumasedentaria), pteropods (Cavolinia inflexa), macroscopic ‘star-like’protozoa and marine snow are also briefly discussed. The coastalzone was dominated by small appendicularians in the upper layers,with other filter feeders including large appendicularians indeeper water—these just above a non-migratory populationof carnivorous Cyclothone. The carnivorous medusa Solmissusalbescens moved throughout the upper 600 m in the course ofits diel vertical migration. Offshore, carnivores were dominantthroughout the water column, with numerous diphyid siphonophoresin the upper layers, and Cyclothone, lobate ctenophores andmacroprotozoa abundant in deeper water. Solmissus was also present,and was more numerous offshore than in the coastal zone.     

ON THE EXPERIMENTAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SOME HYGROMIINAE (MOLLUSCA, STYLOMMATOPHORA) SPECIES, AS INTERMEDIATE HOSTS OF NEOSTRONGYLUS LINEARIS(NEMATODA, PROTOSTRONGYLIDAE)

The experimental susceptibility of Portugala inchoata, Euomphalia(M.) brigantina, Ponentina ponentina, Hygromia (P.) cantabricacantabrica and Hygromia (P.) cantabrica covadongae to Neostrongyluslinearis larvae were studied for the first rime. The total numberof molluscs used in the infections was 207 and they were killedin series between day 6 and SO post-infection. In order to definethe suitability of the molluscs as intermediate hosts for thisparasite, the number of L-I that penetrated the foot and developedto L-I, L-Il and L-III has been taken into account, as wellas the first days on which the different stages were observed One way analysis of variance showed statistically significantdifferences for the penetration and development of the larvaeamong the species of molluscs examined Statistically significant differences concerning the susceptibilityof the adult and young examples of P. inchoata and E. (M.) brigantinato N. linearis were confirmed by using the chi-square test The most susceptible species of molluscs to N. linearis usingexperimental infections were in decreasing order: P. inchoata,E.(M.) brigantina, H. (P.). caniabrica covadongae, P. ponentinaand H. (P.) caniabrica cantabric ^*This work was supported, in partt, by both the C.A.I.C.Y.T.(Project number 142/83) and C.S.I.C. (211) (Received 12 March 1987;     

Purification, Properties and Phosphorylation of Anaerobically Induced Enolase in Echinochloa phyllopogon and E. crus-pavonis

Enolase (2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolyase, EC 4.2.1.11 [EC] ) activityis differentially induced by anoxia in the flood-tolerant speciesE. phyllopogon (Stev.) Koss and the flood-intolerant speciesE. crus-pavonis (H.B.K.) Schult. To examine the regulation ofenolase at the protein level, we purified the enzyme from bothspecies to near homogeneity and compared their physico-chemicaland catalytic properties. Enolase purified from E. phyllopogonexhibits optimal activity at pH 7.0, a K_m of 80 µM for2-PGA, a Q₁₀ of 1.97 and an E_a of 12.3 kcal mol^-1. Similarly,enolase from E. crus-pavonis exhibits optimal activity at pH7.0, a K_m of 50 µM for 2-PGA, a Q₁₀ of 2.04 and an E_aof 12.9 kcal mol^-1. The enzyme from both species is thermostable(100% active after 15 min, 50°C) and is a homodimer of 52.5kDa subunits as resolved by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. E.phyllopogon enolase was phosphorylated in vitro using either[     

Regulation of the Arabidopsis Adh Gene by Anaerobic and Other Environmental Stresses

The promoter of the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh, E.C.1.1.1.1.)gene from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. is inducible by theenvironmental stresses anaerobiosis, dehydration and low temperature.Analysis of the Adh promoter using 5'-deletion and substitutionmutants has allowed the identification of promoter elementswhich interact differentially under the different stress conditions.One element, located between positions -160 and -140, consistsof a GT/GC-rich motif and functions as a general stress responsiveelement (GSRE). The G-box-1 sequence (-216 to -209) is necessaryonly for cold and dehydration induction. We have started todissect the signal transduction pathways involved in the differentenvironmental stress responses.Copyright 1994, 1999 AcademicPress Arabidopsis, Adh promoter, environmental stresses, signal transduction