Genetic variation of the mtDNA <Emphasis Type="Italic">cyt b</Emphasis> locus in topmouth gudgeon introduced into water bodies in the northern part of the Black Sea region

The up-to-date phylogeographical distribution of the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva Temminck et Schlegel 1846 in water bodies of the Northern Black Sea region is considered. Genetic variation of mtDNA cyt b gene is analyzed. It is established that topmouth gudgeon penetrated and spread in the basins of the Dnieper and Don rivers and in water bodies of Crimea from the secondary center of its dispersion— water bodies of Central Europe. It is demonstrated that haplotypes of topmouth gudgeon in the Danube delta are the most homologous to the haplotypes in the native range of the species in China. A considerable decrease in the level of genetic variation in the populations in the Black Sea region is reported.     

Analysis of the phenetic structure of the firebug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrrhocoris apterus</Emphasis> (L.) (Heteroptera,Pyrrhocoridae) in populations from the forest and forest-steppe zones of Russia

The phenetic structure of population groups of the firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.) from European Russia and the southern coast of the Crimea was studied. Thirteen discrete variations of the pronotal pattern, seven shape variants of the anterior spot on the elytra, and seven shape variants of the posterior spot on the elytra were distinguished. Comparative analysis of all the variations revealed three groups of populations. The northernmost populations are those from the mixed and broadleaved forest zone. More southern populations are restricted to northern and western parts of the forest-steppe zone within the Russian Plain. The southernmost populations mostly occur in the steppe zone and steppe areas within the forest-steppe zone. In the south of Eastern Europe, this group includes also populations from the Crimea.     

Variation inTaraxacum bessarabicum and allied taxa of the sectionPiesis (Compositae): allozyme diversity,karyotypes and breeding behaviour

Allozyme techniques, karyotype analyses and cultivation experiments were carried out on 20 population samples ofTaraxacum sect.Piesis (Compositae), viz.T. bessarabicum (17 samples from W. and C. Europe, Ukraine and Crimea, Central Asia and the Altai),T. salsum from Crimea,T. x mesohalobium from Crimea, andT. stenolepium from the Causasus. The taxa studied share a primitive, symmetrical karyotype. All taxa studied are sexual,T. bessarabicum mostly autogamous. Sexuality at the tetraploid level (T. stenolepium) and occasional male sterility in a sexual (T. bessarabicum in Moravia) were recorded for the first time in the genus. Selfing, diploidy and the highly predictable habitat may account for the mostly low level within population allozyme variation inT. bessarabicum. W. and C. European samples ofT. bessarabicum are almost invariable allozymically and, as a group, have no unique alleles. The Crimean and Asian group of populations shows higher levels of allozyme variation and has 15 alleles not found in the former group at 13 loci studied. Recent migration from one source region is suggested to account for the homogeneity of the western group, refugial persistence of alleles and possible introgression from sympatric species may have resulted in allele richness in the eastern group. Hybridization betweenT. bessarabicum andT. salsum was documented by allozyme patterns in a few plants in Crimea. Some aberrant allozyme or karyotypic features of two populations are discussed as well.     

Role of spatial and environmental factors in shaping the rotifer metacommunity in anthropogenic water bodies

In spatially heterogeneous habitats, local communities may be shaped by both local biotic and abiotic factors and by regional factors (dispersal of individuals among habitats). In recent years, ecologists have been increasingly interested in measuring how much the structure of local communities is explained by spatial variables and by non-spatial environmental variables. We analysed the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on rotifer communities in 12 anthropogenic water bodies in the Silesian Upland. The studies were conducted in two groups of water bodies which were of differing dimensions: group A — seven water bodies situated very close to each other (between 50 and 500 m), group B — the water bodies from group A as well as 5 other water bodies situated 2 km away, which were at greater distances from each other (about 1–3 km). Apart from this, genetic variation was assessed in 3 populations of Brachionus plicatilis Müller to estimate the level of gene flow between them. A characteristic feature of anthropogenic water bodies is a high variation in environmental conditions, so they are specific and difficult habitats for many organisms. Our study shows that environmental factors played a major role in shaping the local rotifer communities in heterogeneous anthropogenic water bodies with respect to salinity. Results of this study suggest, however, that in neighbouring water bodies, dispersal is very important for maintenance of local species diversity. A medium level of genetic variation between populations of B. plicatilis indicates that gene flow occurs irrespective of the distance between local populations.     

Karyotypes of some Cypriniform fishes from the water bodies of Armenia

Karyotypes of six species of Cypriniformes from the water bodies of Armenia—blackbrow Acanthalburnus microlepis, white bream Blicca bjoerkna transcaucasica, chub Leuciscus cephalus orientalis, stone moroco Pseudorasbora parva, mursa Barbus mursa, and Angora stone loach Barbatula angorae were studied. The karyotype of A. microlepis is represented by 50 chromosomes (2n = 50), 10M + 28SM + 12STA, NF = 88; of B. bjoerkna transcaucasica, by 2n = 50, 12M + 24SM + 14STA, NF = 86; of L. cephalus orientalis, by 2n = 50, 12M + 18SM + 20STA, NF = 80; of P. parva, by 2n = 50, 8M + 16SM + 26STA, NF = 74; of B. mursa, by 2n = 100, 6M + 36SM + 58STA, NF = 142; and of B. angorae, by 2n = 50, 8M + 24SM + 18STA, NF = 86. The intraspecific and interspecific chromosome polymorphism of species of the genera Blicca, Leuciscus and Pseudorasbora is described.     

Climatic responses of Pinus brutia along the Black Sea coast of Crimea and the Caucasus

Pinus brutia var. pityusa (Steven) Silba (Calabrian pine) is considered a vulnerable species because of reductions in its population sizes linked to habitat decline in recent decades. Global warming alongside the collateral modification of precipitation regimes may markedly affect the distribution ranges of this species.In this dendroecological study, we identified the most influential climatic factors affecting the radial growth of P. brutia on the northern and eastern coasts of the Black Sea among the northern refugia of this species. Chronologies from five sites located on the Crimea Peninsula and the Caucasian coast and exposed to varying climatic conditions were used in this analysis. The study of environmental factors controlling the growth of P. brutia trees in the coastal populations of Crimea and the Caucasus revealed that within the longitudinal transect, which encompasses a specific range of climatic conditions, correlations between climate and the growth of P. brutia under analogous orographic conditions are similar.Aridisation of the dry Crimean climate in 1981–2012 led to an increase in the tree growth response. In the same period, populations of P. brutia trees growing in the subtropical climate of the Black Sea coast exhibited a weakened growth response to the point of disappearance. The northern populations of P. brutia, which are at the climatic limit of the species’ distribution, are exposed to a high risk of increasing climate aridisation. Our findings could provide useful information for further research on the effects of climate change on Black Sea coastal forest ecosystems.     

Revision of trilobites of the genus Paraphillipsia Tumanskaya from the Permian Olistoliths of Crimea

The genus Paraphillipsia Tumanskaya, 1935 is revised and the species P. taurica Tumanskaya, 1935 from the Middle Permian of Crimea is redescribed. The age distribution of species of the genus Paraphillipsia from Crimea is emended based on new stratigraphic data on the locality (species previously considered Artinskian became Roadian). As a result of analysis of a rather large number of new records of trilobites, the species P. kussicum, P. tauricum var. anfensis, and P. netschaewi are synonymized under P. taurica.     

Aquaculture Enclosures Relate to the Establishment of Feral Populations of Introduced Species

Many species introduced by humans for social and economic benefits have invaded new ranges by escaping from captivity. Such invasive species can negatively affect biodiversity and economies. Understanding the factors that relate to the establishment of feral populations of introduced species is therefore of great importance for managing introduced species. The American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is one species that has escaped from farms, and it is now found in the wild in China. In this study, we examined influences of two types of bullfrog farm (termed simple and elaborate farm enclosures) on the establishment of feral populations of this species in 137 water bodies in 66 plots in four provinces of China. The likelihood of establishment of bullfrog populations in water bodies in plots with simple enclosures (49/89 = 55.1%) was higher than those with elaborate enclosures (3/48 = 6.3%). Based on the Akaike Information Criterion, the minimum adequate model of generalized linear mixed models with a binomial error structure and a logit link function showed that the establishment or failure of bullfrog populations in water bodies was positively correlated with the presence of a simple enclosure, the number of bullfrogs raised and the presence of permanent water in a plot, but negatively correlated with distance from a bullfrog farm and the occurrence of frequent hunting. Results therefore suggest that a simple farm enclosure can increase the establishment of feral bullfrog populations compared with an elaborate enclosure. Our findings are the first to quantify the importance of improving farming enclosures to control and minimize the risk from introduced species.     

Genetic diversity of invasive populations of the florida crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhithropanopeus harrisii</Emphasis> (Gould, 1841): (Decapoda,Panopidae))

The variability of the mtDNA locus COI in the Florida crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii) of coastal populations of the northern Black Sea is studied. The introduction of this crab species is demonstrated to originate from European populations, most likely the Netherlands. The studied populations experienced a strong decline in the level of genetic variability based on the haplotype diversity, but to a lesser extent based on the nucleotide diversity. Analysis of the structure of decapod community of Crimea makes it possible to discuss the reasons underlying invasive success of the Florida crab in the region.     

Variation of stone sculpin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracottus knerii</Emphasis> (Cottidae,Scorpaeniformes) of Baikal and waters of Baikal region

Sixteen samples of the stone sculpin Paracottus knerii from Baikal Lake, Angara River, and seven water bodies of the Baikal and Angara basins are studied. Variation of the morphometric and meristic characters is considered. It is found that the variation of a number of characters is biotopically conditioned and directed at fish adaptation to deepwater and dwelling in the conditions of rapid current. There are also the characters whose variation does not show any regularity, and it is a consequence of the discontinuity of range of the species. It is shown that the individual pairs of populations have differences in a number of characters, and these differences conform to the subspecies (CD > 1.28) and species levels (presence of hiatus). However all such pairs are connected by “ring overlaps,” thus, it is not possible to consider them as independent taxa.     

Persistence and extirpation in invaded landscapes: patch characteristics and connectivity determine effects of non-native predatory fish on native salamanders

Studies have demonstrated negative effects of non-native, predatory fishes on native amphibians, yet it is still unclear why some amphibian populations persist, while others are extirpated, following fish invasion. We examined this question by developing habitat-based occupancy models for the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) and non-native fish using survey data from 1,749 water bodies across 470 catchments in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA. We first modeled the habitat associations of salamanders at 468 fishless water bodies in 154 catchments where non-native fish were historically, and are currently, absent from the entire catchment. We then applied this habitat model to the complete data set to predict the probability of salamander occupancy in each water body, removing any effect of fish presence. Finally, we compared field-observed occurrences of salamanders and fish to modeled probability of salamander occupancy. Suitability models indicated that fish and salamanders had similar habitat preferences, possibly resulting in extirpations of salamander populations from entire catchments where suitable habitats were limiting. Salamanders coexisted with non-native fish in some catchments by using marginal quality, isolated (no inlet or outlet) habitats that remained fishless. They rarely coexisted with fish within individual water bodies and only where habitat quality was highest. Connectivity of water bodies via streams resulted in increased probability of fish invasion and consequently reduced probability of salamander occupancy. These results could be used to identify and prioritize catchments and water bodies where control measures would be most effective at restoring amphibian populations. Our approach could be useful as a framework for improved investigations into questions of persistence and extirpation of native species when non-native species have already become established.     

The diversity of parasites in the Chinese sleeper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perccottus glenii</Emphasis> Dybowski, 1877 (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) under the conditions of large-scale range expansion

It has been found that the species composition of parasites infesting the Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii in water bodies from the nonnative part of its range is more depleted. Here, the phylogenetic distances between parasites exceed those in the native part of the range. It has been revealed that parasitological differences between P. glenii populations from the nonnative and native parts of the range, as well as between populations inside the nonnative part, have similar composition and abundance of the host-specific and euryxenous components in the parasitic fauna. It has been shown that these differences are determined by the genesis of sites from which P. glenii is introduced, as well as the local conditions of the recipient water bodies.     

Use of RAPD and ITE molecular markers in studying the genetic structure of the Crimean population of T. boeoticum Boiss

The influence of ecological factors on variation of random PCR markers (RAPD and inter-MITE polymorphism (IMP) primers) was evaluated in two wild Triticum boeoticum populations with contrasting climatic conditions in Crimea. The proportion of variation that undergoes natural selection was compared for these two types of molecular markers. The Sapun Mountain and Baidar Valley populations differed significantly in 24.7% of the analyzed loci, with a low Nei distance between these populations (0.0324). The number of significantly different RAPD and IMP markers in the two populations was nearly equal. Testing for evolutionary neutrality showed that 13 loci (17.8%) were influenced by natural selection. The Sapun Mountain population was more dependent on natural selection (ten loci, 13.7%) than the Baidar Valley population (four loci, 5.5%). Eleven out of the 13 loci undergoing selection were amplified with IMP primers.     

Gobies of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinogobius</Emphasis> (Gobiidae) from Primor’e and water bodies of Central Asia and Kazakhstan: I. Morphological characteristic and taxonomic status

The taxonomic status of the investigated populations is estimated on the basis of morphological analysis of gobies of the genus Rhinogobius from waters of Primor’e, of gobies introduced with herbivorous fish to water bodies of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, and of morphological traits of the known nominal species of this genus. The gobies from water bodies of Primor’e are attributed to the species R. sowerbyi Ginsburg, 1917 which was supposed to be a junior synonym of R. brunneus. The acclimatized gobies are attributed to R. cheni (Nichols, 1931) described from the Yangtze and not mentioned in literature for a long time. Detailed morphological characteristics of the studied populations, diagnoses, and present-day notions on distribution of both restored species are presented.     

Habitat size and the genetic structure of a cyclical parthenogen, Daphnia magna

In populations of a cyclical parthenogen, the diversity of clonal lineages, derived from sexually produced eggs, declines during the parthenogenetic phase. Even though Daphnia magna populations from small ponds may harbour millions of individuals, we show that observed clonal and allelic diversity in populations from such small water bodies are lower than in populations from larger water bodies. Populations from small water bodies also show significant fluctuations in allele frequencies among years and a stronger among-population genetic differentiation than populations inhabiting larger water bodies. Persistent founder effects can only explain part of these results. Our data link the population genetic structure of cyclical parthenogens to the size of the habitat and suggest that genetic drift is a more prominent feature of populations inhabiting small water bodies than previously thought.     

Hypersaline conditions induce changes in cell-wall melanization and colony structure in a halophilic and a xerophilic black yeast species of the genus Trimmatostroma

Melanized yeast-like meristematic fungi are characteristic inhabitants of highly stressed environments and are rare eukaryotic extremophiles. Therefore, they are attractive organisms for studies of adaptations. In this study we compared two meristematic species of the genus Trimmatostroma on media of differing water potentials isolated from distinct water-stressed environments: T. salinum from the hypersaline water of a solar saltern, and T. abietis from a marble monument in Crimea. The morphology and melanization of both isolates in response to sodium chloride-induced water stress were investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. We describe and compare the colony form and structure, ultrastructure, and degree of cell-wall melanization of both species in reaction to salinity and to inhibited melanin synthesis. The halophilic T. salinum responded to changed salinity conditions on the level of individual cell ultrastructure and degree of cell wall melanization, whereas the xerophilic rock-inhabiting T. abietis responded with modification of its colony structure. Surprisingly, both the halophilic and the xerophilic Trimmatostroma species were able to adapt to hypersaline growth conditions, although their growth patterns show distinct adaptation of each species to their natural ecological niches.     

On morphological diversity of southern Dolly Varden trout Salvelinus malma krascheninnikovi from water bodies of Sakhalin

Morphological and some biological specific features of nine samples of the southern form of Dolly Varden trout Salvelinus malma krascheninnikovi from water bodies of Sakhalin were studied. Comparative analysis was performed of our own estimates and estimates made by other authors of meristic characters of Sakhalin populations of Dolly Varden trout, as well as of samples from water bodies of the Kuril Islands and Western Kamchatka. Sakhalin populations of S. malma krascheninnikovi are characterized by a low level of morphological differentiation and the absence of geographic structure. No clinal latitudinal variation in sample averages was revealed in either of the nine studied meristic characters, including the number of vertebrae for populations of S. malma krascheninnikovi in the range from Bol’shoi Shantar Island to the south of Sakhalin. The cline in vertebral number from Kamchatka, along the Kuril Islands to Hokkaido, is most likely explained by specific features of distribution and introgressive hybridization at the secondary contact of populations of the northern and southern forms of Dolly Varden trout that originated from different glacial refugia and had a different vertebral number rather than by the temperature gradient.     

New data on the trout Salvelinus leucomaenis and its relationships with Dolly Varden trout S. malma curilis in fresh waters of the southern Kuril Islands

The biology, structure of populations, and morphology of diadromous East Siberian char Salvelinus leucomaenis from two rivers of the Kuril Islands—the Kunashir and the Iturup—are studied and the resident lacustrine form from Lake Peschanoe is described for the first time. It is shown that the specific features of the anadromous migration of diadromous individuals, the relative numbers of juveniles of the trout Salvelinus leucomaenis, and the rate of their growth are determined by the temperature dynamics and the sizes of the freshwater water bodies used for spawning.     

Vertebrae of sea snakes from the Eocene of the Crimea

A sea snake vertebra from the Middle Eocene (Kuma Horizon) of the vicinity of the town of Bakhchisarai (Crimea) is referred to Palaeophis nessovi Averianov, 1997, which was previously recorded in the Middle and Upper Eocene of northern and western Kazakhstan. P. udovichenkoi Averianov, 1997 described from the Crimea based on the material from the Prolom locality (Bartonian-Priabonian?) is a junior subjective synonym of P. nessovi. A vertebra from the Belaya Skala locality (Middle Eocene, outskirts of the town of Belogorsk) is determined as Palaeophis sp.     

Genetic structure of urban population of the common hamster (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cricetus cricetus</Emphasis>)

Over the past half-century, the common hamster (Cricetus cricetus), along with range-wide decline of natural populations, has actively populated the cities. The study of the genetic structure of urban populations of common hamster may shed light on features of the habitation of this species in urban landscapes. This article is focused on the genetic structure of common hamster populations in Simferopol (Crimea), one of the largest known urban populations of this species. On the basis of the analysis of nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome b gene and mtDNA control region, and the allelic composition of ten microsatellite loci of nDNA, we revealed that, despite the fact that some individuals can move throughout the city at considerable distances, the entire population of the city is represented by separate demes confined to different areas. These demes are characterized by a high degree of the genetic isolation and reduced genetic diversity compared to that found for the city as a whole.