The Test Structure and Composition of the Foraminifer Rosalina floridana*

SYNOPSIS. The composition of the test of Rosalina floridana (Cushman) was examined histochemically, and its structure was studied with the electron microscope by means of thin sections and carbon replicas. The test is composed of a thick organic lining overlain by one or more calcite layers bounded above and below by thin membranes. The membranes are fused to organic pore processes composed of coarse fibers that penetrate the calcite layers. The ***lining, consisting of coarse fibers matted into a laminated sheet, is considered a strengthening element of the test. The membranes covering each calcite layer are composed of fine, headed fibrils which in aggregate have a striated pattern; they are thought to be the crystal-nucleating agent during calcification and to form a protective covering for the previously deposited calcite layers. The pore processes, which are devoid of an internal entrance for cytoplasm, are considered to be points of attachment for the membranes; they tie the organic test components into a unified whole. The calcite layers and the chambers lack this unity, being separated from each other and from the preceding chambers by membranes so that there are no calcite-to-calcite boundaries between them. An organic, sievelike structure of undetermined function has been found in the foramina of chambers near the prolocular region of the test. Histochemical methods show that the lining contains proteins, polysaccharides, and unidentified substances; the membranes and the pore processes stain as a protein-polysaccharide complex free of other substances.     

Plastogamy in Foraminifera: Glabratella ornatissima (Cushman)

SYNOPSIS. The foraminiferan Glabratella ornatissima (Cushman) undergoes plastogamy during reproduction. In this process, 2 (or rarely more) individuals join together by their apertural sides to mutually exchange gametes. The apertural sides and internal septa are dissolved, forming a single large brood chamber. After the zygotes grow to a 2- or 3-chambered stage, the young foraminifera are liberated from the enclosing parent tests.
Scanning electron micrographs and histochemically stained thin sections indicate that the reproductively mature individuals are firmly united by an organic membrane during plastogamy. This membrane is monolamellar, less than 1 μ thick and has minute lumps on its surface. Biochemically it contains a nonsulfated acid mucopolysaccharide, which is unlike the membranes associated with CaCO₃ deposition lining the interior of foraminiferal tests. The young foraminifera liberate themselves by secretion of an enzyme which degrades the membrane. The mechanism of plastogamy is interpreted to be an adaptation to life in turbulent waters that would decrease the chance of gamete union or zygote survival were the gametes released and fertilized freely.     

Chapmannia floridana Torrey & Gray (Fabaceae)

Chapmannia Torrey & Gray, a monotypic legume genus of Florida, is shown to have perfect flowers, rather than sterile and fertile flowers incorrectly attributed to the genus by authors for the past one hundred years. The species is described and illustrated with accompanying notes on its habitat, distribution, reproductive biology, phylogeny and cytology.     

Pheromonal emission during the mating behavior ofEurycotis floridana (Walker) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae)

The sexual behavior of males and females ofEurycotis floridana was investigated and the various associated behavioral sequences are described. Olfactometer data proved that the male produces a volatile sex pheromone attractive at a distance to conspecific females. The male initiates courtship behavior by exposing the glandular areas on the anterior parts of abdominal tergites 2, 7, and 8. This male calling behavior was observed throughout the day. The males can mate when 8 days old, whereas virgin females are sexually receptive 18 days after becoming adults. Once attracted near the male, the female opens her genital atrium and climbs on the back of the male, where she feeds on the glandular secretions that oozed around a little tuft of setae on the first tergite. These setae are mechanoreceptors and they are stimulated when licked by the females, which informs the male that she is in a proper position for copulation.     

First report of alloparental care in the Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli)

Here we report the first observation of alloparental care in a subadult female Key Largo woodrat. Maternal and other behaviors were scored for the subject dam and her subadult daughter at the birth of the dam’s second litter and the following 30 days. After assisting with birth, the subadult exhibited maternal behaviors and remained in close proximity to the pups. The rate of maternal care behaviors observed in the subject dam was lower than in solitary dams without an alloparent present. However, the total maternal care score for the dam and subadult combined approached the average score for single dams.     

Behavioral predictors of copulation in captive Key Largo woodrats (Neotoma floridana smalli)

The development of a captive breeding program for the endangered Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) presents special challenges due to aggressive behavior toward conspecifics, a low reproductive rate, and limited information on estrous cycles. In an effort to identify behavioral predictors of copulation, we observed 17 Key Largo woodrats prior to and during 267 male-female pairing events, 76 of which resulted in copulation. Predictors of copulation include male-female interactions at the door of the tube connecting their enclosures, raspy vocalizations, pre-mounting lordosis, and chasing. A binary logistic regression model based on pre-pairing behaviors correctly predicted the outcome of 78.7% of observed pairing events, and a similar model based on intra-pairing behaviors correctly predicted the outcome of 86.1% of observed pairing events. Behavior-based models may be useful in the management of captive breeding programs for this and other endangered species.     

Gametogenesis in the Monothalamous Agglutinated Foraminifer Cribrothalammina alba

Gametogenesis in the foraminifer Cribrothalammina alba involves changes in both the gamontic test and cytoplasm. As gametes begin to differentiate and gametic flagella emerge, pores form in a regular array over the gamontic test, constituting the only avenue for gamete release. The spherical, biflagellated gametes average 1.5μ in diameter and are released in rapidly moving swarms along with flagellated “spherical masses” that probably result from incomplete gametic differentiation. Gametogenesis occurs entirely within the test and utilizes the entire cytoplast. After gamete release is complete, the agglutinated test collapses and disaggregates within a fairly short time. Similar modifications of the gamontic test occur during gametogenesis in Ovammina opaca Dahlgren, but are otherwise unknown among monothalamous agglutinated foraminifera at present.     

Foraminifer communities and environmental change in marginal marine sequences (Pliocene,Tuscany, Italy)

Fossil abundance data on foraminifer communities were collected in marginal marine sediments of the Pliocene Valdelsa succession, in Tuscany, Italy. This succession is organized in a hierarchy of elementary and composite depositional sequences. Multivariate techniques allowed to analyse the dataset and reconstruct gradients in species distributions. Species‐level data available on modern environmental distributions were used to reconstruct Pliocene environmental gradients and to infer absolute palaeodepths and palaeosalinities. Estimates were then compared with the sequence‐stratigraphic interpretation to check for consistency. The high‐resolution stratigraphic framework allowed us to test the stability of foraminifer communities against ecological variations related to high‐frequency glacio‐eustatic cycles. The results confirm that fossil distributions of foraminifer species can be used as a fine tool to detect environmental change and that multivariate techniques allow their interpretation in terms of absolute variations of controlling parameters. Salinity is the main contributor to the sum of depth‐related factors that regulate foraminifer distributions in coastal facies. In the same setting, nutrient levels and the presence of a sea grass cover are responsible for secondary changes in shallow‐water distributions. Below the wave base, however, depth‐related parameters other than salinity explain the largest variations. This study indicates that foraminifer communities are random associations of species that respond individualistically to environmental change.     

The Aestivation Chamber of the Giant Earthworm Glossoscolex bergi (Glossoscolecidae) in the Subtropical Rainforest of Misiones (Argentina)

Glossoscolex bergi (Glossoscolecidae) is a giant earthworm from the rainforest of Misiones (Argentina). The large size of its aestivation chamber and the meniscate burrows connected to it allow us to describe morphological details and reinterpret some characteristics of the fossil counterpart Castrichnus incolumis. The concavity of menisci, either in the burrow or in those pellets lining the chamber, shows concentric ridges and radiating striae that result from the impression of the last segments of the body. The meniscate burrows associated to the chamber are different from described ichnospecies of Taenidium, because of the surface texture of the meniscus. The aestivation chamber was produced during an atypical four-month drought in a region that lacks a seasonal climate. This suggests that Castrichnus incolumis would be also an indicator of drought periods even in non seasonal climates.     

银杏贮粉室发生部位的珠心细胞程序性死亡的形态学观察

银杏（Ginkgo bilobaL)贮粉室的发生涉及位于珠孔端的珠心细胞的程序性死亡（PCD）,本研究观察了贮粉室发生过程中发生PCD的珠心细胞的形态学变化。这些珠心细胞在PCD过程中形态变化显著,细胞组分有序地降解,液泡在此起关键作用。在液泡化过程中,细胞质基质和一些细胞器被液泡所吞噬,此时的细胞器结构完整。当液泡膜破裂,细胞质基质消失之后。细胞器才逐步解体。最终,这些珠心细胞仅具有残留的细胞壁,随着胚珠的生长,细胞壁也被破坏,在整个PCD过程中,内膜系统发生明显改变;细胞质膜出泡,产生多泡体;形成多环膜结构;出现由膜包围的小体,其中含有细胞质基质和一些细胞器;液泡膜破裂;细胞器解体;细胞中出现大量的小膜泡。珠孔端的珠心表皮开裂形成贮粉室的开口有两种方式：一种为专一细胞的自溶,而另一种是在两个邻接细胞的中胶层处分离,没有发生细胞的自溶破裂。贮粉室开口位置的特定表皮细胞在开裂发生前就死亡,从而提前标示出表皮开裂的发生位置。这些细胞形态的变化反映出银杏珠心细胞的死亡是受发育调控的PCD过程。     

The genusGeitleria (Cyanophyceae orCyanobacteria): Distribution ofG. calcarea andG. floridana n. sp.

The calcifying cave inhabitant atmophytic blue-green algaGeitleria calcarea is reported from new localities in Florida and in the Cook Islands.—G. floridana n. sp., is described from caves in Florida. The calcified sheath has the shape of a quadratic prism and is built of crystalline acicular subunits about 0.1 µm in diameter. The subunits mostly form a rhombic lattice pattern but in some cases, they are not distinguishable and then the surface of the sheath is smooth.This paper is dedicated with gratitude to my former teacher, Prof. Dr.Lothar Geitler, for his 80th birthday.     

The Formation of Pollenkitt in Apium nodiflorum (Apiaceae)

Apium nodiflorum produces a considerable amount of pollenkittwithin a secretory tapetum. ER and plastids (elaioplasts) participatein pollenkitt formation. Both organelles deposit precursorswithin vesicles, which finally fuse to form pollenkitt. Apium nodiflorum L., Apiaceaesecretory tapetum, pollenkitt, ER, plastids, elaioplasts     

Use of Dissolved Amino Acids by the Foraminifer Notodendrodes antarctikos

SYNOPSIS. Foraminifera are a ubiquitous and sometimes numericallyimportant component of benthic communities. This paper discussesthe role of free amino acids in the nutrition of Notodendrodesantarctikos, a large arborescent foraminifer from an oligotrophicembayment of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. The effects of temperatureand substrate concentrations suggest a carrier mediated transportsystem which facilitates the accumulation of a wide varietyof free amino acids at concentrations found in the interstitialwaters of its sedimentary habitat. Involvement of isotopicallylabeled amino acids in the metabolism of this organism is discussed.     

Algal Flagellate Symbiosis in the Foraminifer Archaias*†

SYNOPSIS. A symbiotic alga from the foraminifer Archaias angulatus was isolated axenically. Algae from crushed hosts were coccoid and highly vacuolated; division stages within an envelope were common. Biflagellate motile piriform organisms predominated in newly transferred cultures and were gradually replaced by the coccoid, highly vacuolated stage. Incorporation of ¹⁴C label in intact Archaias was greatest for organisms fed and incubated in light. Starved symbiotized organisms incubated in the light incorporated ～30% as much label as fed counterparts, There was no obvious difference in ⁴⁵Ca incorporation between fed and starved organisms. Light significantly enhanced calcification. The Archaias symbiont infected Rosalina leei but not Quinqueloculina spp.     

Importance of ambient saturation deficits in an epizootic of the fungus Neozygites floridana in cassava green mites (Mononychellus tanajoa)

The mite-pathogenic fungus Neozygites floridana Fisher (Entomophthorales: Neozygitaceae) is considered to have potential for the biological control of the cassava green mite, Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar). However, its activity is sporadic and laboratory data suggest a strong dependence on night-time saturation deficits for transmission. We report on an epizootic of this fungus in a mite population in northeastern Brazil. During the epizootic, host populations appeared to be limited by a combination of the pathogen and a predatory mite Neoseiulus idaeus (Acari: Phytoseiidae). When temperatures increased, the epizootic finished and the host population began to grow. Abiotic conditions could not explain the variation in host mortality following pickup of infective propagules in this epizootic. However, night-time saturation did help to explain the variation in transmission from infective cadavers to newly killed hosts. This supports laboratory observations that horizontal transmission between hosts is determined mainly by saturation deficits, while the process of infection is little affected by abiotic conditions. A further field observation was the near-absence of resting spores in dead mites (ca. 0.1% of cadavers), suggesting that the pathogen population was unsuccessful in producing inoculum to infect future M. tanajoa populations. The implications are that this pathogen will only be effective as a biological control agent in periods of high relative humidity, and establishment in new areas may be limited by resting spore formation. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Potential of the mite-pathogenic fungus Neozygites floridana (Entomophthorales: Neozygitaceae) for control of the cassava green mite Mononychellus tanajoa (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The cassava green mite, Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar), is an exotic pest in Africa and is the target of a classical biological control programme. Field data from the Neotropics, where it is indigenous, are presented for the first time, charting the variation in abundance of M. tanajoa over several seasons. This was highly variable, with a characteristic trough mid-year and a peak at the turn of the year. This pattern corresponded positively with rainfall levels, appearing to fit a phenology also characteristic of African studies, where rainfall at the start of the wet season promotes a leaf flush and so growth in M. tanajoa populations. Analyses implied some impact of leaf-inhabiting predatory mites (predominantly Neoseiulus idaeus Denmark & Muma) and a considerable impact of the fungal pathogen Neozygites floridana Fisher on M. tanajoa populations. This pathogen was not observed in the host population for several (generally dry) periods implying survival outside the host, perhaps as resting spores. This is a particularly desirable characteristic of a biological control agent. It is therefore proposed that N. floridana might be of particular use in drier cassava-growing areas where rainfall at the outset of the wet season is not sufficiently intense to cause heavy M. tanajoa mortality but may be sufficient to stimulate epizootics of the fungal pathogen, protecting the flush of new cassava growth.     

Efficacy of the Ventral Abdominal Secretion of the Cockroach Eurycotis floridana (Blattaria: Blattidae) as a Defense Allomone

In assays investigating the abdominal sternal secretion of the cockroach Eurycotis floridana, it was determined that the secretion provides an effective deterrent against potential predators. Analysis of grooming patterns of Peromyscus leucopus mice revealed significant increases in mouth grooming and loss of coordination following exposure to E. floridana secretion. Mouse–cockroach interactions also changed following exposure of the mouse to the spray, as the mouse incited fewer interactions and more frequently struck with its forepaws than with its mouth. Monomorium sp. and Camponotus sp. ants also were repelled by the secretion, and Periplaneta americana were significantly irritated by the application of E. floridana secretion. The secretion is able to deter without physical contact, presumably via noxious volatiles. Eurycotis floridana is capable of accurately aiming the discharge as well as ejecting it several times the length of its body. It also was found that E. floridana exhibits autotoxic responses following contact with the secretion of conspecifics.     

红豆杉的胚珠发育,传粉滴形成和传粉过程

观察了红豆杉（Ｔａｘｕｓ ｃｈｉｎｅｎｓｉｓ （Ｐｉｌｇ．）Ｒｅｈｄ）的花粉形态和水合特性及胚珠发育、传粉滴形成与传粉过程。成熟花粉为单细胞,无气吓,形状不规则,外壁表面具大量乌氏体。花粉水合时,内壁膨胀,外壁开裂。通常情况下,外壁保留在水滴或传粉滴的表面,而花粉的其他部分进入水滴或传粉滴内。在８月下旬,可观察到下弯的雌性生殖芽。下弯这一特性是雌性生殖芽区别于营养芽的重要特征。这一时期的雌性生殖芽     

Primary Production and Calcification by the Soritid Foraminifer Archais angulatus (Fichtel & Moll)*

SYNOPSIS. Symbiosis between Chlamydomonas hedleyi (Lee, Crockett, Hagen & Stone) and Archais angulatus (Fichtel & Moll) was examined during laboratory studies of primary production and light-enhanced calcification. Photosynthesis and calcification are directly proportional to light intensity in the range of 0–200 μEinsteins m^-2 sec^-1. Calcification in the light is directly proportional to photosynthesis and proceeds at rates that are 2–3 times that observed in the dark. The herbicide 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), in concentrations of 1–100 μM, completely inhibits photosynthesis and light-enhanced calcification. Calcification of the foraminiferan test is therefore due to the photosynthetic activity of the symbiote. Calcification rates for foraminifers incubated in the dark or with DCMU are not significantly different from the calcification rates obtained for dead foraminifers. Rates of calcification obtained with ⁴⁵Ca are twice that obtained with ¹⁴C.