The Meiobenthos in the Area of Japanese Scallop Cultivation in Minonosok Bay (Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan)

In Minonosok Bay, in a region of long-term industrial mariculture of mollusks, a steady biohydrochemical complex with increased organic matter content has been formed, in which the meiobenthos community was represented by a rather complete set of taxonomic groups of low population density. There were 16 groups (order, class) of the meiobenthos revealed, and the greatest population density was recorded in the central part of the bay under installations with suspended mollusks, (333000 ind./m²). Nematodes dominated in the eumeiobenthos; however, crustaceans prevailed in the bottom water layer and sediments at stations with increased oxygen content. Bivalves and gastropods dominated in the pseudomeiobenthos. Correlation analysis has revealed the dependence of the population density of the total meiobenthos and eumeiobenthos on the type of ground. There were 42 nematode species revealed; Axonolaimus seticaudatus, Enoplolaimus medius, Daptonema sp., Paracomesoma sp., and Oncholaimium paraolium dominated. Three nematode taxocens were discriminated by dominating species in the population density and results of cluster analysis of the data. Detritivorous nematodes prevailed in all types of ground. A correlation was found between the index of species diversity of nematodes and the content of organic carbon in the ground.     

Seasonal dynamics of the population density of meiobenthos in Amurskii Bay, Sea of Japan

Seasonal dynamics of population densities and the qualitative composition of meiobenthos were studied in a strait between Popova and Reineke islands in Amurskii Bay (Sea of Japan). Two peaks of population density were revealed: a spring-summer peak and an autumn peak. No correlation was found between the depth, qualitative characteristics of the ground, and population density of meiobenthos.     

Metazoan meiobenthos and nematode assemblages in the Nyegga Region of methane seepage (Norwegian Sea)

Based on visual observations in the Nyegga (Norwegian Sea) methane seep area we defined arbitrary boundaries and defined the following types of microbiotopes: the siboglinid field, bacterial mat, and background sediment. The metazoan meiobenthos consisted of 14 major taxa; the Nematoda dominated at seven of the eight stations. The taxonomic diversity of metazoan meiobenthos in the siboglinid fields was higher than that in the background bottom area. The average population density in siboglinid microbiotope exceeded the abundance of organisms in the background sediments by 1.3 times. The nematode population and total meiobenthos varied in bacterial maths. The modal size fraction of meiobenthos and nematodes regardless of microbiotopes fell on samples that were obtained on sieves with 63–125 μm mesh sizes. In total, 88 nematod species belonging to 26 families and 63 genera were recorded. The species diversity decreased in the direction from the background biotope to siboglinid fields and further to bacterial mats.     

Diverse Effects of a Seven-Year Experimental Grassland Fragmentation on Major Invertebrate Groups

Habitat fragmentation is a major driver of biodiversity loss, but observed effects vary and may depend on the group examined. Time since fragmentation may explain some differences between taxonomical groups, as some species and thus species composition respond with a delay to changes in their environment. Impacts of drivers of global change may thus be underestimated in short-term studies. In our study we experimentally fragmented nutrient-poor dry calcareous grasslands and studied the response of species richness, individual density and species composition of various groups of invertebrates (gastropods, ants, ground beetles, rove beetles, orthoptera, spiders, woodlice) in 12 small (1.5 m * 1.5 m) and 12 large (4.5 m * 4.5 m) fragments and their corresponding control plots after 7 years. We further examined responses to fragmentation in relation to body size and habitat preferences. Responses to fragmentation varied between taxonomical groups. While spider species richness and individual density were lower in fragments, the opposite was true for an orthopteran species and woodlice. Species composition and β-diversity differed between fragments and control plots for some groups. However, the interaction treatment*plot size was rarely significant. Species with high occupancy rates in undisturbed control plots responded more negatively to the fragmentation, while species with large body size were relatively more abundant in fragments in some groups. No effect of the fragmentation was found for ants, which may have the longest lag times because of long-lived colonies. However, relationships between abundance and the species’ preferences for environmental factors affected by edge effects indicate that ant diversity too may be affected in the longer-term. Our results show the importance of considering different groups in conservation management in times of widespread fragmentation of landscapes. While species richness may respond slowly, changes in abundance related to habitat preferences or morphology may allow insights into likely long-term changes.     

云南北部泥石流多发干旱河谷区不同干扰对土壤种子库的影响

 对云南北部的泥石流多发干旱河谷区不同干扰状况下的土壤种子库特征进行子研究。结果表明不同形式的干扰对土壤种子库特征产生不同形式的影响。人工种植合欢(Leucaena glauca)并屏除人和家养动物的影响使土壤种子库的种子密度增大,同时种子组成也由原来的耐旱型为主变为耐荫型为主,马桑(Coriaria sinica)种植并实行年度砍伐降低了种子密度并减少了种子种类,但主成分的性质未发生改变;滑坡与水土流失将很多种子带入其坡积物中,从而降低土壤种子库密度与组成种类;泥石流是破坏地表土壤层和土壤种子库的最主要因素。     

The Structure of a Free-living Nematode Community in Wrangel Bay of the Sea of Japan

The qualitative composition and distribution of the meiobenthos in Wrangel Bay (Nakhodka Bay of the Sea of Japan) depend on the bottom sediment grain composition and on the concentration of heavy metals in the ground. It was established that the meiobenthos in the bay was represented by 13 groups of animals (class, order) and was relatively evenly distributed. The nematodes dominated (50–80%), and their settlement density was slightly higher in silty ground than in silty–sandy ground. Forty-eight species of nematodes were found; Dorylaimopsis peculiaris, Viscosia stenostoma, Axonolaimus seticaudatus, Metasphaerolaimus japonicus, and Pseudosteineria inaequispiclata dominated in the silty–sandy sediments; Sabatieria pulchra, S. palmaris, Metalaimus pumilus, Sphaerolaimus limosus, and Oncholaimium ramosum dominated in the silty ground. A slightly expressed correlation of the settlement density with the ground type and lead concentration in the bottom sediments emerged for two species (S. pulchra and S. palmaris).     

Meiobenthos of the Former Nuclear Test Area and Nuclear Waste Disposal Grounds around the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago (Barents and Kara Seas)

The taxonomic composition and quantitative distribution of the meiobenthos were studied in materials collected from one of the former nuclear test sites by the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago in Chernaya Guba (Barents Sea) and from the grounds of nuclear waste disposal along the east coast of the Archipelago from Abrosimov Bay to Stepovoi Bay and the region of Novozemel'skaya Hollow (Kara Sea). Foraminifera and free living nematodes were the most numerous groups, and foraminifera prevailed in terms of biomass in the entire area studied. No correlation of the parameters of the meiobenthic communities with varying depth and type of ground was revealed. It was established that the taxonomic diversity increased and population density decreased with an increase in the concentration of ¹³⁷Cs. It was suggested that meiobenthic communities are able to respond quickly to the deterioration of environmental radioactivity, varying their taxonomic composition and parametrical indexes.     

Benthic meiofaunal density and community composition in the deep White Sea and their temporal variations

In spite of the fact that shallow-water meiobenthos of the White Sea is a relatively well studied, the information on meiobenthic fauna from the deepest part of this sea is still very scanty. This study represents the first major study of the meiobenthos from the deep White Sea. The composition of the meiobenthic community, density and vertical distribution was studied during four sampling occasions in the deepest part of the Kandalaksha Depression (White Sea) in July 1998, October 1998, May 1999 and November 1999. Samples were collected from a depth of 270?m with the aid of a multicorer. The total density of meiobenthos in 1998 was twice than in 1999 (on average, 2,356 and 1,464 ind./10?cm², respectively). The most abundant meiobenthic group was Foraminifera (59?%), followed by Nematoda (26?%) and Harpacticoida (7?%). These relative and absolute abundance values are comparable with the same depth interval in Arctic and temperate regions. The density of foraminiferans and nematodes was higher in the autumn and lower in the summer. This may be explained by the mass propagation of these animals in the autumn season: the density of juvenile nematodes and small-sized foraminiferans increased significantly in the 1- to 4-cm-deep sediment layers in autumn. The size range of the meiobenthos in the deepest part of the White Sea was also comparable to deep-sea meiobenthos (the 63–125 and 125–250?μm size classes were most dominant).     

Plant and soil seed bank diversity across a range of ages of Eucalyptus grandis plantations afforested on arable lands

Aims

Plantation forests are often assumed to have reduced biodiversity relative to unmanaged forests. However, existing knowledge is based on studies of rotation-aged tree crops. We investigated how Eucalyptus afforestation of agricultural land affected plant species composition and biodiversity across a range of plantation ages (1–10 years). We also studied whether the soil seed bank could contribute to regeneration of existing vegetation in such plantations.

Methods

We used a chronosequence approach to evaluate plant and seed species composition and diversity in forests and soil seed banks. We also quantified the similarity of seed banks and aboveground vegetation within plantation sites of a given age. Plantation sites were also compared to a nearby, mature pine forest.

Results

Total plant species number, density and diversity in Eucalyptus grandis plantations increased for the first 3 years plantation establishment, then stabilized or decreased for the next 1–2 years and then increase significantly over the following years. Species number and density in soil seed bank increased significantly with plantation age only after an initial 6-year decrease. Shannon–Wiener index of total species diversity did not significantly differ with plantation age. The understory vegetation and soil seed bank were dominated by pioneer species in the first 3 years, but intermediate-successional and shade-tolerant species gradually invaded as plantations developed further. After 7 years, E. grandis plantation understories were composed of mainly shade-tolerant species. Nevertheless, the diversity of the diversity of intermediate-successional in soil seed banks were higher than that of shade-tolerant species in soil seed banks at this age range (7–10 year). Among species successfully germinated from soil seed banks, 48 % were not found in the aboveground plant community. Similarities between the species in the soil seed bank and the aboveground vegetation were low for both plantation and control forests and did not significantly change with plantation ages.

Conclusions

E. grandis likely produces a changing microclimate during plantation development, which in turn drives composition and diversity dynamics in understory vegetation and soil seed banks after the afforestation of agricultural land. The first 4 years after plantation establishment is associated with lower plant and soil seed bank diversity, meriting a greater focus on biodiversity stabilization and possibly longer rotation periods.     

Small seed bank in grasslands and tree plantations in former grassland sites in the South Brazilian highlands

The soil seed bank can be an important source for vegetation regeneration, and data on the similarity between aboveground vegetation and the seed bank can provide information about successional pathways after disturbances or land-use change. We conducted this study in natural grasslands in the subtropical highland region in southern Brazil. We evaluated the effect of silviculture on richness, density, and composition of the seed bank at former grassland sites converted to pine plantations 25 years ago. We worked at six grassland sites and three pine plantation sites and used the seedling emergence method. Seed bank density and richness in grasslands were lower than those reported in similar environments in other regions. Species richness and density varied considerably within each vegetation type; therefore, richness and density were not statistically significant, while composition varied among vegetation types. In terms of species, the pine plantation seed bank was a small subset of the grassland seed bank. Seeds of typical grassland species were missing in the pine plantation, but also had only low abundances in the grassland, and similarity of seed bank and vegetation were low (less than 20%). The low seed density found in this study, including in grasslands areas, indicates that regeneration of species from the soil seed bank likely is of a limited role for the maintenance of plant populations after disturbances in this system. Our data further suggest that natural regeneration after tree planting in grasslands is reduced due to seed limitation.     

Foraminifera and Nematoda community within the area of Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis field in Stark Strait (Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan)

In August of 2006 in Stark Strait (in the Peter the Great Bay) Foraminifera and Nematoda communities were investigated at two stations: in bottom under a red alga Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis bed and on a site located outside of the bed. Bottom sediments at the stations are represented by sands of various silting extent. Foraminifera dominated at both stations, the second place by abundance was occupied by Nematoda. Extremely high population density of meiobenthos, 14278.9 ± 4623.1 thousand sp./m², was observed under the Ahnfeltia bed. The foraminifera percentage was 98.1%, which was probably connected with the mass development of diatom algae on Ahnfeltia. A high degree of domination of one Foraminifera species was recorded—Cribroelphidium frigidum. Nematoda constituted 1.5% with the prevalence of Comesomatidae family representatives. At the station situated outside of Ahnfeltia field mean population density of meiobenthos was an order lower—1731.8 ± 621.3 thousand sp./m². Foraminifera constituted 63.8% of the total meiobenthos density with Eggerella advena as the dominating species. Among Nematoda (12.5%) Paracanthonchus macrodon, Axonolaimus seticaudatus and Monoposthia latiannulata were dominant. Foraminifera and Nematoda community under Ahnfeltia bed, where bottom sediments are more silted, had low indices of species diversity and a high degree of domination.     

Effect of the Razdol’naya River on structure of the free-living nematode community of the Amursky Bay,Sea of Japan

The effect of the Razdol’naya River on the littoral and sublittoral nematode community was studied in the innermost part of the Amursky Bay. Thanks to the seasonal abundance of juveniles of macrobenthic animals, pseudomacrobenthic species prevailed in the meiobenthos littoral community. Juvenile amphipods dominated (39.5%), the percentage of nematodes was 18.4% (45 species). The nematodes dominated in the meiobenthos community (65.7%, 71 species) at the sublittoral zone. The similarity of the species structure of littoral and sublittoral nematodes reached 36.5%. Low population density (2.6±1.7 thousand ind/m²) and poor species diversity of nematodes (7 species), the dominating form being Oncholaimium paraolium, were recorded at the littoral zone, which was subjected to direct riverine influence (1‰salinity). The correlation analysis revealed no relationship between salinity and population density of nematodes at the littoral zone. At the sublittoral zone (at stations of salinity less than 2.85‰) the parameters of population density (73.9±32.3 thousand ind/m²) and species diversity (12 species) of nematodes were the lowest, Parodontophora timmica dominated. A poor expressed dependence between the density of nematode populations and salinity was revealed. The correlation between the average size of ground particles and population density of nematodes was recorded. The greatest similarity of the species structure of littoral and sublittoral nematodes (26.67%) was recorded on gravel-sand bottoms.     

云南北部泥石流多发干旱河谷区不同干扰对干扰对土壤种子库的影响

对云南北部的泥石流多发干旱河谷区不同干扰状况下的土壤种子库特征进行了研究,结果表明不同形式的干扰对土壤种子库特征产生不同形式的影响。人工种植合欢（Leucaena glauca)并屏除人和家养动物的影响使土壤种子库的种子密度增大,同时种子组成也由原来的耐旱型为主变为耐荫型为主;马桑（Coriaia sinica)种植并实行年度砍伐降低种子密度并减少了种子类,但主成分的的性质未发生改变;滑坡与水土流失将多种子带入其坡积物中,从而降低土壤种子库密度与组成种类;泥石流最破坏地表土壤层和土壤种子库的最主要因素。     

Some Data on the Composition and Distribution of the Meiofauna in Vostok Bay (Sea of Japan)

The effect of some environmental factors on the composition and spatial distribution of the meiobenthos were studied in Vostok Bay. The spatial density of the meiobenthos significantly positively correlated with ground type and was maximum in fine- grained sands. The eumeiobenthos was dominated by harpacticoids in coarse-grained ground and by nematodes in ground with a high silt content. The pseudomeiobenthos was dominated by polychaetes and bivalve mollusks in all ground types. The depth distribution of the meiobenthos was highly heterogenous, harpacticoids being the only group whose distribution correlated significantly with depth.     

喀斯特峰丛洼地不同类型森林群落的组成与生物多样性特征

不同退化程度石漠化生态重建的关键是恢复植被, 提高土地生产力。本文基于动态监测样地(200 m × 40 m)植被的全面调查, 研究了喀斯特峰丛洼地人工林、次生林和原生林3类典型森林群落木本植物的组成与生物多样性特征。结果表明, 3类森林的物种组成分别为26科52属65种、33科68属100种和43科91属123种, 常绿物种分别占41.54%、47.00%和52.85%; 科、属、种和生活型组成复杂, 优势科或种明显, TWINSPAN分类第3级水平上可分别划分为8、9和8个群落类型。原生林多样性和结构性指标均高于人工林和次生林, 人工林的Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数、均匀度、冠幅、胸径和树高均高于次生林, 而种类、密度和盖度则低于次生林。不同类型森林群落特征不同, 应采取相应的经营策略。     

Does landscape composition alter the spatiotemporal distribution of the pine processionary moth in a pine plantation forest?

Landscape composition and physiognomy affect community structure and species distribution across space and time. The pine processionary moth (PPM) (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Den. & Schiff., Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) is a common pine defoliator throughout southern Europe and Mediterranean countries. We surveyed the spatiotemporal distribution of the PPM in a pine plantation forest in southwestern France and used the density of the winter nests as a proxy for population density. The study spanned 4 years (2005–2008) and showed a high temporal variability in nest density. We found a strong edge effect with nest densities at stand edges more than twice as large as within-stand densities. At the landscape scale, the spatial distribution of the moth exhibited a significant spatial autocorrelation in 3 out of 4 years of our study. The spatial scales of the autocorrelation ranged from ca. 2 km to more than 22 km. We found a positive correlation between spatial distributions corresponding to certain sampling years, but the relationship was not systematic. Landscape configuration appeared to be an important driver of the PPM spatial pattern. Bivariate Moran’s I correlograms showed that patch richness density as well as the percentage of local landscape covered by various land uses were correlated with population density. The study showed that accounting for landscape characteristics may be important in order to understand forest insect pest distribution, even in cases where the host species is abundant and homogeneously distributed throughout the study area, e.g., pure plantation forests.     

Zooplankton and meiobenthos diversity at the intertidal sandy shores of Jizan and Farasan coastal areas of Red Sea

Distinctive studies were conducted for the identification of meiobenthos and zooplankton at Farasan Islands and Jizan sandy shores. The present work compares the meiobenthos and zooplankton communities at Alhsas sandy shore at Farasan Islands and As-Suways sandy shore at Jizan. Population density, species richness and Shannon-Weiner diversity index were determined for meiobenthos and zooplankton inhabiting both the studied sites. Water criteria; surface water temperature, pH and conductivity were determined for each investigated site. Eleven zooplankton species were defined at Alhsas sandy shore Farasan, nine species were identified at the littoral zone at As-Suways sandy shore, Jizan. Ten meiobenthos species were defined at Alhsas site, Farasan. Only eight meiobenthos species were defined at the intertidal zone of As-Suways site, Jizan. The results were discussed to highlight the effect of water criteria on the spatial distribution of zooplankton and meiobenthos at the investigated sites.     

南黄海冬季小型底栖生物丰度和生物量

分别于2003年1月和2004年1月在南黄海广大陆架浅海水域进行小型底栖生物调查.结果表明,两个航次的小型底栖生物平均丰度分别为 (954.20±269.47) ind·10 cm^-2和(1 186.12±486.07) ind·10 cm^-2;平均生物量分别为(954.38±403.93)μg·10 cm^-2和(1 120.72±487.21) μg·10 cm^-2.两个航次小型底栖生物丰度值、生物量和生产力均无显著变化(P>0.05).共鉴定出20个小型底栖生物类群,按丰度,自由生活海洋线虫为最优势类群,两个航次的优势度分别为87%和90%,其他优势类群依次为桡足类、多毛类和动吻类;按生物量依次为线虫34%～38%,多毛类25%～33%,介形类9%～22%,桡足类8%.96.64%的小型生物分布在0～5 cm的表层沉积物内,线虫和桡足类分布在0～2 cm的比例分别为72.48%和89.46%.小型底栖生物的生物量与沉积物砂含量(%)、粉砂含量(%)和叶绿素a含量呈显著相关.代表性站位的种类组成和多样性分析显示了沿岸、黄海冷水团和东、黄海交汇区3个不同的底栖生物群落.     

The species richness/abundance–area relationship of bees in an early successional tree plantation

Animal pollination is a vital ecosystem service, and wild bees are essential providers of this service for both crops and wild flowering plants. The early successional stage of a plantation, which can be dominated by grasses and herbaceous plant species, can provide a habitat for various species of wild bees. We sampled bees from 13 early successional plantation patches of different sizes, ranging from 1.3 to 10 ha. We then applied a hierarchical community model to infer species richness/abundance–area relationships. The results showed that estimates of population densities of individual species were unchanged with respect to area, suggesting that smaller patches can have the same value per area as larger patches. Estimated species richness increased rapidly for the small range of patch sizes examined. Total abundance was found to linearly increase with area. The inclusion of random site effects into the model resulted in significant density variations among patches; therefore, patch area was not the only determining factor of species abundance. These outcomes in relation to management operations for forests and plantations suggest that small patches of early successional forest contribute to conserve and restore wild bee diversity.