Holocene salt marsh plant communities in the North Adriatic coastal plain (Italy) as reflected by pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and plant macrofossil analyses

In this work we investigate the development of a salt marsh environment during the Holocene marine transgression in the North Adriatic coast (North Italy) near the pre-Roman and Roman towns of Cittanova and Concordia Sagittaria. Pollen, plant macrofossils, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) and foraminifers are analysed in cores and archaeological excavations to indicate the development of salt marsh plant communities. Other independent proxies (foraminifers, plant macrofossils, molluscs) confirm the ecological interpretation based on pollen records. The relevance of NPPs as indicators of salt marsh environment is evaluated. Linings of foraminifers are the most frequent NPP type, recorded in 85% of the brackish sediments. They may tentatively be referred to the genus Ammonia, a very common benthonic genus in the present lagoons of the North Adriatic Sea. Radiocarbon dates available from previous work allow the salt marsh development to be dated in the sector from the east of the Lagoon of Venice to the Lagoon of Caorle. Near Cittanova, salt marshes developed before 6700 yrs cal. b.p. At Concordia Sagittaria, the first evidence dates from ca. 6700 yrs cal. b.p. and a phase of freshwater conditions is recorded in the sediments of ca. 4500 yrs cal. b.p.     

Fibres of Linum (flax), Gossypium (cotton) and animal wool as non-pollen palynomorphs in the late Bronze Age burials of Saphar-Kharaba, southern Georgia

Pollen analyses were performed on sediment samples from ten different Saphar-Kharaba burials dating to the 15th–14th centuries b.c. Along with pollen and spores, a large amount of micro-remains of textile fibres was found near skeleton bones and especially under big bones. It was established that in all the studied samples 95% of the remains of the clothing and shroud of the deceased was made of Linum (flax) and Gossypium (cotton). Wool fibres were found in very small quantities. Based on pollen spectra and the number of the fibres found in the samples taken from under the skull it became possible to identify the sex of the deceased and especially that of children, which is rather difficult to do using palaeoanthropological methods alone. The discovery of cotton fibres in the burials of the early late Bronze Age is new not only for the Georgian region under consideration, but also for the whole Caucasus. This might indicate trade relations of the peoples of the southern Caucasus with India, where at that time cotton textiles were manufactured.     

The Cladocera of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), with remarks on some species

The freshwater Cladocera of Sri Lanka has been revised based on the study of over 700 zooplankton samples collected from all habitat types during 1965–1980. The cladoceran fauna is represented by six families; members of the families Polyphemidae, Leptodoridae and Holopedidae are absent. The common temperate genus Daphnia is rare.Sixty-two species have been recorded from Sri Lanka. Of these, five are new records. Remarks on a few species are given with illustrations. The distribution of Cladocera in different types of habitats is discussed. The greatest species diversity was found in ponds. The Sri Lankan fauna is numerically and in species diversity typical of tropical cladoceran fauna. It resembles the southern Indian fauna very closely except for the absence in Sri Lanka of the genera Acroperus and Camptocercus.     

Redescription of Pseudoaugeneriella nigra (Langerhans, 1880), new combination (Polychaeta, Sabellidae), with remarks on some characters of Fabriciinae

The fabriciin sabellid species, Fabricia nigra Langerhans, 1880 from the Macaronesian region, is assigned to the genus Pseudoaugeneriella Fitzhugh, 1998, based on information provided by newly collected specimens. The species is redescribed, including the variability of key characters. Moreover, structures of the anterior end — dorsal lips, ventral filamentous appendages, peristomial rings — of Pseudoaugeneriella nigra and other species of Fabriciinae are studied histologically and by means of SEM. The systematic significance of these characters in Fabriciinae is discussed.     

Pycnogonids of the Eastern Weddell Sea (Antarctica), with remarks on their bathymetric distribution

The current work presents new data on the pycnogonids collected during the ANTXXI/2 cruise on board of “Polarstern” R/V during December 2003 and January 2004 in the Eastern Weddell Sea (Antarctica). Twenty-eight samples were taken, with different trawls, from depths between 120 and 1,866 m. In total, 251 specimens of pycnogonids, belonging to 31 species, were collected. Five species were observed to increase their depth range while six were found for the first time in the Weddell Sea, exhibiting an expansion in their geographical distribution, and confirming the general trend toward the circumpolarity of this group (23 of 31 species were circumpolar). Pallenopsis kupei is new for Antarctic waters. The most abundant species were Colossendeis megalonyx and Nymphon australe. Current data were completed with the samples collected from the same region during Polarstern cruise ANTXIII/3 (EASIZ I) in February–March 1996. Bathymetric patterns of distribution were analyzed for the total of 1,564 specimens (82 species, 14 genera). The results showed a difference in the composition between the continental shelf (from 100 to 900 m depth) and the slope (below 900 m), where the genus Nymphon dominated. Depth seems to be an influential factor in the structure of pycnogonid assemblages.     

北极巴罗地区2种灌木植物及其花粉形态

观察了北极巴罗(Barrow)地区2种灌木植物,全缘叶仙女木(Dryas integrifolia M.Vahl)和圆叶柳(Salix rotundifolia Trautv.)的形态、生境以及它们的花粉形态.这2种植物形态矮小或匍匐蔓生;全缘叶仙女木叶短小似披针状或扁平,全缘;圆叶柳叶圆形,叶脉显著,根、茎、叶均含丰富Vc.它们的花粉形态为球形、近球形或长球形,其萌发孔均为三孔沟或拟三孔沟,花粉均为辐射对称.全缘叶仙女木花粉外壁纹饰在光学显微镜下(LM)为细网状纹饰,在扫描电子显微镜(SEM)下为条纹状纹饰;圆叶柳在LM和SEM下均为细网状纹饰.通过与中国产和日本产相似种的比较研究,显示它们应是温带亚洲高山起源及部分起源于北极本部.     

Morphological studies on the bathyal ascidian,Megalodicopia hians Oka 1918 (Octacnemidae,Phlebobranchia), with remarks on feeding and tunic morphology

Megalodicopia hians Oka is a solitary ascidian belonging to the family Octacnemidae inhabiting the bathyal /abyssal zone as well as other octacnemid ascidians. The phylogenetic relationship of octacnemids is open to argument because of its extraordinary morphological features due to habitat adaptation, e.g., a pharynx lacking ciliated stigmata. Aggregations of M. hians were discovered by the manned submersible Shinkai 2000 in the bathyal seafloor of Toyama Bay, Japan Sea, in 2000; this was the first in situ observation of M. hians in the Japanese coastal waters. In 2001, a total of 36 M. hians specimens were collected from the bay (592 to approximately 978 m deep). In situ observation indicated that M. hians usually opens its large oral apertures to engulf the drifting food particles in the water current. Microscopical observation of the gut contents also showed that M. hians is a non selective macrophagous feeding on small crustaceans, diatoms, detritus, and so on. Along with the position of the intestinal loop and gonad, the morphological characteristics of the tunic (integument of ascidians) suggest that M. hians is closely related to Cionidae and/or Corellidae. Some symbiotic/parasitic organisms were occasionally found in the tunic, including rod-shaped bacteria, fungi-like multicellular structure, and spawns of unknown animals.     

Seasonal patterns of growth, lipid deposition and lipid depletion in anadromous Arctic charr

Seasonal patterns of growth, lipid deposition and lipid depletion were studied in anadromous Arctic charr from a north Norwegian population. Samples were collected in late May when fish were migrating between fresh water and the sea, and in mid-July when the fish re-entered fresh water. A sample of maturing fish captured in mid-July was held in captivity until late September to assess lipid mobilization linked to the final stages of maturation. The fish increased substantially in weight during their 40–50-day summer residence in sea water (immatures from c . 300 to 600 g; maturing fish from c . 500 to 800 g), and body lipid stores were increased approximately fivefold. The carcass (head, skeleton and skin) was the major lipid depot, accounting for c . 50% of the total lipid content when the fish re-entered fresh water from the sea. The muscle of the ascending charr contained 35–40% of the body lipids, whereas the gut and liver each held 4–5%. Body lipid decreased 30–40% during the period between the re-entry of the fish to fresh water and spawning; although lipids were depleted from all depots the carcass and muscle were quantitatively the most important. By the time of spawning, the gonads of the females held almost 25% of the body lipid, whereas in the males the gonads accounted for <3% of the total lipids. Females lost c . 80% of their body lipid during spawning and overwintering, and, consequently, the lipid depots were severely depleted by the early spring. By contrast, lipid depletion in the males amounted to 50–55% of total lipid in the same period. These data suggest that the combination of spawning and overwintering in fresh water imposes a greater load on the females than on the males. It may be that the severity of the depletion prevents females from spawning in successive years.     

Fungal biodiversity,pollen morphology and leaf surface of some native species in Egypt

Five native species of the flora of Egypt: Adonis dentata Delile, Ranunculaceae; Papaver dubium L., Papaveraceae; Matthiola longipetala (Vent.) DC., Brassicaceae; Malva parviflora L., Malvaceae; and Erodium laciniatum (Cav.) Willd., Geraniaceae have been investigated morphologically, palynologically and mycologically. The total counts of phyllosphere fungi fluctuated between 223 and 388 colonies/100 leaf segments giving maximum on Malva parviflora followed by Matthiola longipetala, Erodium laciniatum, Papaver dubium and Adonis dentata. The widest spectrum of genera (20) and species (39 and l variety) was recorded on Malva parviflora and the narrowest on Adonis dentata (9, 14). Sixty species and one variety belonging to 27 genera were collected from leaves (24 genera and 56 species and 1 variety) and anthers/pollen (16 genera and 27 species) of the five studied plants with the most frequently species were some members of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Mucor. Members of Aspergillus and Penicillium were prevalent only on leaves of Matthiola longipetala and Malva parviflora, while these members were infrequently recorded on leaf surfaces of Adonis dentata and Papaver dubium. Results revealed that density of hairs on the leaf surface and size of leaf blade, almost seem to be the most reliable factors of the biodiversity of the fungal spores on the studied taxa. On the other hand, reticulate or striate pollen surface had a wider spectrum of fungal biodiversity and higher densities of spores compared with echinate and scabrate surface.     

Landscape-ecological patterns of earthworm (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) distribution in the soils of Southern Middle Siberia

The structures of earthworm communities and their distribution in the southern ecosystems of Middle Siberia have been studied at the local (biogenocenotic), topological (facial), and regional landscape levels. Long-term observation data at fixed sites have been used to construct map charts that portray the landscape-ecological patterns for variations in the quantitative characteristics and species compositions of lumbricides, which depend on abiotic factors and the anthropogenic impact.     

Redescription ofDiaphanosoma volzi Stingelin, 1905 (Crustacea: Daphniiformes: Sididae) with remarks on comparative morphology,biology and geographical distribution

The rareDiaphanosoma volzi Stingelin, long confused withD. sarsi Richard andD. celebensis Stingelin, is redescribed, based on extensive material of parthenogenetic and gamogenetic females and males from Thailand. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Australia and Sudan, and a study of intra- and interpopulation morphological variability. Compared with otherDiaphanosoma species, it shows the greatest degree of oligomerization and specialization. It is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Eastern hemisphere, and mostly occurs in shallow, vegetated habitats.     

Spatial and depth-associated distribution patterns of shallow gorgonians in the Algarve coast (Portugal, NE Atlantic)

The ecological role of gorgonians for marine rocky bottoms is worldwide recognized, but the information on the distribution patterns of NE Atlantic temperate species is insufficient, considering current global, regional and local threats. To overcome the lack of information on the spatial distribution patterns of gorgonians in south Portugal, in 2009/2010, the occurrence and abundance of gorgonian species in rocky bottoms were quantified over more than 25 km of coast (37.1°N/8.6°W) down to 30 m depth. Eunicella labiata, Eunicella gazella, Eunicella verrucosa and Leptogorgia sarmentosa were abundant and frequent in the studied area, while Leptogorgia lusitanica was less abundant. All species evidenced a similar depth pattern, that is abundance significantly increased with depth below 15 m. At shallower waters (up to 15 m), the distribution of gorgonians may be constrained by abiotic factors and competition with algae. Indeed, the abundance of gorgonians was negatively correlated with the percentage cover of algae along the depth gradient, but gorgonians and sponges coexist. Competition among gorgonian species also seems to be low in this area because of the similarity in the abundance pattern observed for the most abundant species and also their high association. In NE Atlantic shallow temperate rocky bottoms, the distribution of gorgonians seems to be influenced by environmental factors and biological interactions, namely competition (algae) and coexistence (sponges and other gorgonians).     

Distribution patterns of polychaete fauna in an Arctic fjord (Hornsund, Spitsbergen)

Polychaetes are one of the most important groups of benthic organisms in marine ecosystems. They dominate on the Arctic shelf and play an important role in ecosystem functioning. This study focuses on the polychaete biodiversity and their distribution patterns in Hornsund, an open glacial fjord, in western Spitsbergen and provides important baseline data for future studies of temporal fluctuations in benthic fauna. The main aim of this study was to assess how the polychaete abundance, biomass, diversity, community structure, and function vary along the Hornsund fjord’s axis, in relation to the environmental factors. Eighty-eight polychaete taxa were identified; an average density was 457 ind. m^?2 ± 237.5 SD. Three assemblages were distinguished (INNER, MIDDLE, and OUTER) along the fjord axis, reflecting the intensity of glacial disturbance. A clear division between the highly disturbed inner part of the fjord (Brepollen) and the less impacted middle and outer parts was observed. Continuous gradients in abundance, biomass, and diversity were found with all those values diminishing toward the inner region of the fjord. The polychaete assemblages' indices were significantly correlated with bottom temperature, sediment characteristics (grain size), and distance to the glacier (longitude). No significant correlations were found with depth or total organic carbon content. Carnivore and motile surface deposit feeding polychaete species dominated in the areas close to the glaciers, while the OUTER community was dominated by carnivores and surface sessile and discretely motile species, and had more complex trophic structure, with multiple species representing different functional groups including carnivores, sessile, discretely motile, and motile surface deposit feeders and motile burrowers.     

Taste bud form and distribution on lips and in the oropharyngeal cavity of cardinal fish species (Apogonidae, Teleostei), with remarks on their dentition

The oral dentition and type and number of taste buds (TB) on the lips and in the oropharyngeal cavity were compared by means of SEM in 11 species of cardinal fishes (Apogonidae) belonging to five genera. The occurrence of a dense cover of skin papillae on the lips of some species (e.g., Apogon frenatus), as well as differences in structure of vomer, tongue, and palatinum, expose additional morphological characters important for clarification of the taxonomy of this group of fishes. Differences are also revealed in the type of dentition, such as on the vomer and epi-hypopharyngeal bones. Strong and dense dentition of the anterior part of the oral cavity and a high number of TB on this site in species feeding on larger prey (e.g., Cheilodipterus spp) is compared to the relatively feeble jaw armor and richness of TB on the more pharyngeal site in species feeding on smaller prey (e.g., Apogon angustatus, A. frenatus). In addition to the three types of TB (Types I-III) previously described from various teleost fish, a fourth type (Type IV), comprising very small buds, was found in some cardinal fish (Apogon angustatus, A. frenatus). The various TB are distributed from the lips to the pharyngeal bones, on the breathing valves, tongue, palatinum, and pharyngeal bones; their number and type on the various sites differ in the different species. In all species studied the Types I and II TB, elevated above the surrounding epithelium, dominated the lips and anterior part of mouth, while Types III and IV, which end apically at the level with the epithelium, dominated the more posterior pharyngeal region. The highest number of TB, around 24,600, were found in Fowleria variegata, a typical nocturnal species, and the lowest in the diurnal and crepuscular Apogon cyanosoma (1,660) and Cheilodipterus quinquestriatus (2,400). Differences are also revealed in the type of dentition, such as on the vomer and epi-hypopharyngeal bones. The number of TB increased with growth of the fishes. The differences in the total number of TB and their distribution in the oropharyngeal cavity in the various species indicates possible different mechanisms of foraging and food-recognition.     

Karyology,pollen and seed morphology,and distribution of eight endangered species in the Veneto region (Northern Italy)

ABSTRACT

Eight endangered species of the Veneto region were examined from the karyological and micromorphological points of view. Their geographical distribution, the exsiccata of Herbarium Venetum (HV-PAD) and conservation problems were also considered. These species are: Cortusa matthioli L., a taxon sporadically distributed in Veneto with 2n=24 chromosomes; Calianthemum kernerianum Freyn ex Kerner, only known on Mt. Baldo (Verona) and with 2n=4x=32; Scrophularia vernalis L. with 2n=28; Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (L.) Ledeb., an entity with no regional conservation regulations and with 2n=34; Athamanta vestina A.Kerner, endemic to Italy and with 2n=22; Hottonia palustris L. with 2n=20 and in danger because of the destruction of its habitat; Sagittaria sagttifolia L. with 2n=22; Trapa natans L., a protected species in Veneto with 2n=36 and 2n=48.     

Spatial distribution patterns and implications for conservation ofScrophularia takesimensis (Scrophulariaceae), an endangered endemic species on Ulleung Island, Korea

As part of an on-going effort to conserve endangered and endemicScrophularia takesimensis (Scrophulariaceae), we analyzed its spatial distribution patterns by applying an index of dispersion, plant-to-all-plant distances, and the varying quadrat size method. Three indices — Dispersion, Morisita, and Standardized Morisita — all revealed clumping with small aggregates, and distances between aggregates were more or less regular. The asymptote level occurred at a distance of 20 to 30 m; the distance showing 90% of cumulative frequency coincided with 20 to 21 m; 95%, 24 to 25 m; and 99%, 31 to 32 m. The 20 m× 20 m and 40 m×40 m quadrats contained 25 and 40 plants, respectively. We conclude that this number of individuals and size of area are the minimum required for the conservation of this species.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of tintinnid (Ciliophora: Tintinnida) communities in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (Arctic), during summer

Information of tintinnid community, as an important component of plankton, was limited in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (Arctic), which is an important Arctic monitoring site for global change. In this paper, we studied the species composition, spatial, and vertical distribution of tintinnids in Kongsfjorden in July 2012. Water samples for tintinnid study were taken in different depths at eight grid stations in the fjord and time series (5–23 July) at one station at the pier (St. C). Eight species (morphotypes) were found: Acanthostomella norvegica, Leprotintinnus pellucidus, Parafavella edentata, Parafavella gigantea, Ptychocylis obtusa, Stenosemella spp., Tintinnopsis parvula, and Tintinnopsis spp. Total tintinnid abundance and biomass ranged from undetectable (<1 ind L^?1) to 2,435 ind L^?1 and 0–6.33 μg C L^?1, respectively. Cluster analysis of the tintinnid community in the grid stations and St. C showed that tintinnid community was uniform throughout the fjord. Four species (morphotypes) showed distinct vertical distributions: T. parvula occurred throughout the water column but showed a peak at the surface; Tintinnopsis spp. occurred only in the upper 30 m; A. norvegica occurred in low abundance throughout the water column; and Stenosemella spp. was not detected in surface waters. There was variation in abundance of different species in St. C in the 18-day period. However, the tintinnid community did not change according to cluster analysis. These results are helpful in understanding the distribution of other plankton taxon and in long-term monitoring of the Kongsfjorden marine ecosystem.