Catch me in winter! Seasonal variation in air temperature severely enhances physiological stress and mortality of species subjected to sorting operations and discarded during annual fishing activities

Several studies have considered the direct and indirect effects of demersal trawling on discarded species in terms of sublethal damages, survival, and stress due to the fishing processes. Nevertheless the effects of air temperature on the physiological stress and the survival of species during sorting operations were only marginally explored. This factor could be particularly important in the context of sustainable fisheries at temperate latitudes where the seasonal variation of air temperature can be particularly pronounced. In this study the seasonal effects of rapido trawling on the non-target species Liocarcinus depurator (Portunidae) in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea) have been compared by applying survival tests and considering the unbalance in metabolites’ concentration as indicators of physiological stress. Results showed consistently higher mortalities during exposure to air in summer (temperature: 28°C), which reached about 96% in 20 min, compared to winter (temperature: 9°C) when only 2% of individuals died. Furthermore trawled and emersed crabs showed significant increase of hemolymph ammonia, lactate, and glucose concentrations as effects of extreme exercise and suffocation, which was more prominent during summer, suggesting that air temperature can play an important role in determining non-target species survival. Guest editors: J. Davenport, G. Burnell, T. Cross, M. Emmerson, R. McAllen, R. Ramsay & E. Rogan Challenges to Marine Ecosystems     

Nitrogen excretion and changes in blood components during emersion of the subtidal spider crab Maia squinado (L.)

Survival ability of Maia squinado to emersion and subsequent reimmersion was determined in winter and summer conditions. Male spider crabs were less tolerant of emersion than females. Emersion (up to 24 h in summer and to 48 h in winter) induced a marked reduction of nitrogen excretion, especially ammonia excretion. Increase in blood ammonia content was rapid and very high in summer (1750 micromol l(-1)), but non-lethal levels. Estimation of the body ammonia overload showed that only 30% of unexcreted ammonia accumulated in blood. The ammonia release at reimmersion indicated that ammonia also accumulated in other body compartments. Increase in blood urate content, which indirectly reduces ammonia production, was similar at both seasons. Emersed M. squinado was rapidly resorting to anaerobic metabolism, especially in summer when its blood haemocyanin content is low. A strong hyperglycemia was developed in the first 12 h of emersion at both seasons. Mortality occurring beyond 24 h of reimmersion, when the body ammonia overload is cancelled and the recovery of most of blood components is achieved, remains unexplained.     

Effects of emersion and re-immersion on physiological and immunological variables in creel-caught and trawled Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus

Immune defence in creel-caught and trawled Nephrops norvegicus was investigated to assess a possible relationship between phenoloxidase (PO) activation and the total haemocyte count (THC). Capture, capture method and emersion evoked physiological and immunological responses that may have implications for the ability of N. norvegicus to survive the effects of such stressors. Haemolymph THC was always negatively related to PO activity in the trawled samples, suggesting a decreased level of the plasma serine proteinase inhibitors which reportedly regulate the ProPO system (Le Moullac et al. 1998; Fish shellfish Immunol 8:621-629). In contrast, creel-caught samples showed increased levels of both PO and THC (cf. control N. norvegicus), after a 12 h emersion period. Trawling and emersion evoked progressive and significant increases (p < 0.05) in the mean levels of haemolymph L-lactate, glucose and total ammonia. The evidence of overt activity and measured haemolymph parameters suggest that creel fishing yields N. norvegicus that are more likely to survive post-harvest treatments than those that are trawled.     

Physiological responses to emersion in the intertidal green crab,Carcinus maenas (L.)

The green shore crab, Carcinus maenas, undergoes on average 6?h periods of emersion during each low-tide cycle during the summer months. Under those conditions, the crab is cut off from its normal water environment and is exposed to potential stress from a suite of environmental and physiological changes: dehydration, compromised gas exchange and resultant internal hypoxia and hypercapnia, thermal stress, and ammonia toxicity. This study examined the comprehensive responses of the green crab in water and to a 6?h emersion period laboratory simulation of a tidal cycle followed by a 1?h re-immersion period, measuring indicators of dehydration, hemolymph osmolality, oxygen uptake, hemolymph acid–base status, heart and ventilatory rate, and hemolymph ammonia and ammonia excretion. Green crabs showed physiological responses of varying magnitude to 6?h of emersion. Individuals were found in the field exclusively under rocks and large clumps of seaweed where temperatures were approximately half those of exposed surfaces and relative humidity was about twice as high as ambient air. During emersion, crabs lost less than 5% of their wet weight, and hemolymph osmolality did not increase significantly. Oxygen uptake continued in air at about 50% of the control, aquatic values; and the gills continued to be ventilated by the scaphognathite, albeit at lower rates. Hemolymph lactate concentrations increased, indicating a shift to a greater reliance on anaerobic metabolism to support energetic needs. A slight acidosis developed in the hemolymph after 1?h of emersion, but it did not increase thereafter. Ammonia concentrations in the hemolymph were unchanged, as ammonia was volatilized by the gills and excreted into the air as NH₃ gas. These results show that the green crab copes with emersion by seeking refuge in microhabitats that mitigate the changes in the physical parameters of intertidal emersion. Physiologically, desiccation is avoided, cardio-respiratory processes are maintained at reduced levels, and hemolymph acid–base balance is minimally affected. Ammonia toxicity appears to be avoided by a shift to excreting NH₃ gas directly or indirectly to air.     

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of Thermal Shock,Air Exposure,and Fishing Capture on the Physiological Stress of Squilla mantis (Stomatopoda)

This study is aimed at assessing the effects of multiple stressors (thermal shock, fishing capture, and exposure to air) on the benthic stomatopod Squilla mantis, a burrowing crustacean quite widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. Laboratory analyses were carried out to explore the physiological impairment onset over time, based on emersion and thermal shocks, on farmed individuals. Parallel field-based studies were carried out to also investigate the role of fishing (i.e., otter trawling) in inducing physiological imbalance in different seasonal conditions. The dynamics of physiological recovery from physiological disruption were also studied. Physiological stress was assessed by analysing hemolymph metabolites (L-Lactate, D-glucose, ammonia, and H⁺), as well as glycogen concentration in muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out according to a factorial scheme considering the three factors (thermal shock, fishing capture, and exposure to air) at two fixed levels in order to explore possible synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects among factors. Additive effects on physiological parameters were mainly detected when the three factors interacted together while synergistic effects were found as effect of the combination of two factors. This finding highlights that the physiological adaptive and maladaptive processes induced by the stressors result in a dynamic response that may encounter physiological limits when high stress levels are sustained. Thus, a further increase in the physiological parameters due to synergies cannot be reached. Moreover, when critical limits are encountered, mortality occurs and physiological parameters reflect the response of the last survivors. In the light of our mortality studies, thermal shock and exposure to air have the main effect on the survival of S. mantis only on trawled individuals, while lab-farmed individuals did not show any mortality during exposure to air until after 2 hours.     

Widespread Lead Exposure in Golden Eagles Captured in Montana

Lead poisoning threatens many species of raptors, including golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Much of this lead likely comes from bullet fragments that remain in the carcasses of animals killed by hunters. The likelihood of lead exposure may peak during fall hunting seasons and early winter until carcasses from hunting become scarce. From 2011 to 2018 in western Montana, USA, we captured 91 golden eagles in winter, tested their blood lead levels (BLL), and outfitted a subset of birds (n = 29) with global positioning system [GPS] transmitters. Nearly all golden eagles (94.5%) had elevated BLL (≥10 μg/dL), and 8 of them had BLL above clinical exposure (>60 μg/dL), where they may lose coordination and experience a host of other neurological and physiological disorders. Golden eagles caught late in winter tended to have lower BLL than those caught earlier. At least 69% of the golden eagles equipped with GPS transmitters migrated northward, spending the summer throughout Alaska, USA, and northwestern Canada. Blood lead levels did not differ between migratory and nonmigratory golden eagles. Overall, elevated BLL are widespread among golden eagles throughout winter in western Montana. Promoting nonlead hunting ammunition in areas with high densities of golden eagles will reduce the birds' lead exposure. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.     

Physiological changes in the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (L.) escaping and discarded from commercial trawls on the West Coast of Scotland: 1. Body fluid volumes and haemolymph composition after capture and during recovery

The Norway Lobster Nephrops norvegicus (L.) was captured by trawling at depths of 120 to 150 m off the West Coast of Scotland using commercial fishing gears. Discarded animals (normally <25–35 mm carapace length) were sampled immediately after capture, and following emersion (exposure to air) on deck for 1 or 2 h. Their recovery from, and survival of, the stresses of being fished were examined in separate groups of animals transferred by SCUBA divers to underwater (u/w) cages on the seabed at a mean depth of 24 m. “Escaped” N. norvegicus were collected in a small-meshed (40 mm) “cover” around the cod-end and sampled without emersion. It was assumed that the physiological state of these animals would be similar to those passing through the cod-end meshes directly back into the surrounding sea during normal fishing operations. Groups of escaped animals were also transferred to u/w cages for recovery and survival studies. Control animals (creel-caught from the same fishing grounds) were sampled after recovery in u/w cages. Total body water content, haemolymph (blood) volume and composition were examined at various stages after capture and during recovery of control, discarded and escaped animals. Discarded animals showed significant reductions in total body water content compared to controls but recovered after 24 h. Controls that had been artificially damaged by puncturing also showed a reduction in water content. Escaped animals showed significantly higher mean water content compared to discards. Haemolymph volumes were also reduced in discarded animals suggesting that significant blood loss occurs during capture. There was also evidence of a shift of fluid from haemolymph to tissues in discarded animals. Pericardial (haemolymph) pressures were much reduced in discards compared to undisturbed control animals but showed significant recovery in surviving animals. Pressure reduction was less in escapes but was seen in control animals that had been exercised to exhaustion. Haemolymph osmotic concentrations, [Na⁺] and [K⁺] showed increases after discarding, notably after emersion, but haemocyanin [Hcy] and total haemolymph protein concentrations were less affected. The effect of these changes on longer term survival and recovery from the stress of capture are discussed.     

Recovery by the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (L.) from the physiological stresses of trawling: Influence of season and live-storage position

Live Norway lobsters (Nephrops norvegicus L.) were trawled at depths of 30 to 55 m off the coast of Jutland (Denmark) in late winter (March) and in summer (August) in 2006. Water temperatures at the bottom and surface of the sea were 7 °C and 2 °C during the winter, and 12 °C and 21 °C in the summer, respectively. The recovery of specific physiological and metabolic variables from the intense stresses associated with capture (trawling and air-exposure during sorting) was followed in seawater at 5 °C in winter or 18 °C in summer. Recovery was compared in lobsters held individually in two different live-storage positions, either resting vertically on the tail or sitting horizontally. In winter, many animals were alive when brought on board and approximately 86% were still alive at the end of experimentation (96 h). In summer very few animals were alive when brought on board and, of these, approximately 95% were dead at 24 h. When compared with values measured in laboratory controls, the stresses of capture elicited very high haemolymph lactate contents in both seasons, although levels recovered within 24 h. Trawling also caused very high haemolymph glucose concentrations, which differed with season. In winter, haemolymph glucose was elevated for 24 h to levels significantly higher than in summer. In summer, glucose had returned to control levels by 4 h. At 4 h after trawling, haemolymph O₂ status was not markedly influenced in either season, but there were significant disturbances of acid-base status. In winter, a potential metabolic lactic acidosis was compensated by a marked respiratory alkalosis, with significantly increased haemolymph pH and decreased CO₂ total content and partial pressure. These effects disappeared gradually over 96 h. Summer lobsters showed combined metabolic and respiratory acidosis at 4 h, although this had recovered to control values in the small number of survivors sampled at 24 h. The capture stresses elicited very high haemolymph crustacean hyperglycaemic hormone (CHH) titres, significantly higher in summer than in winter. In winter, CHH titre had declined significantly at 24 h, whereas it exhibited a further significant increase at 24 h in summer. Live-storage position had no significant effect on survival or recovery from capture stresses in either season. The results demonstrate that Nephrops were much more stressed by trawling at high summer temperatures and had difficulty recovering from this, with pronounced negative effects on their survival, irrespective of their live-storage position.     

Exposure to solar radiation drives organismal vulnerability to climate: Evidence from an intertidal limpet

Understanding the physiological abilities of organisms to cope with heat stress is critical for predictions of species’ distributions in response to climate change. We investigated physiological responses (respiration and heart beat rate) of the ectotherm limpet Patella vulgata to heat stress events during emersion and the role of seasonal and microclimatic acclimatization for individual thermal tolerance limits. Individuals were collected from 5 microhabitats characterized by different exposure to solar radiation in the high intertidal zone of a semi-exposed rocky shore in winter and summer of 2014. Upper thermal tolerance limits (heat coma temperatures – HCTs, and heart rate Arrhenius break temperatures - ABTs) were determined for individuals from each microhabitat in both seasons under laboratory conditions. While we found a clear seasonal acclimatization, i.e., higher HCTs and ABTs in summer than in winter, we did not find evidence for microhabitat-specific responses that would suggest microclimatic acclimatization. However, operative limpet temperatures derived from in-situ temperature measurements suggest that individuals from sun exposed microhabitats have a much narrower thermal safety margins than those from less exposed surfaces or within crevices. Microhabitat specific thermal safety margins caused by high thermal heterogeneity at small spatial scales and the lack of short term acclimatization will likely shape small scale distribution patterns of intertidal species in response to the predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves.     

Seasonal effects of sun exposure and emersion on intertidal seaweed physiology: Fluctuations in antioxidant contents, photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic efficiency in the red alga Porphyra umbilicalis Kützing (Rhodophyta, Bangiales)

There is a great deal of speculation regarding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that give certain seaweed species the ability to colonize the intertidal zone. Frequent exposure to ambient temperatures and high irradiance levels in addition to dehydration during tidal emersion generates acute physiological stress. The ability of seaweeds like Porphya to overcome these challenges and survive in such a harsh environment has been linked to elevated reactive oxygen metabolism. The current study focused on measuring seasonal changes in antioxidant enzymes plus alterations in pigment contents and photosynthetic efficiency of P. umbilicalis plants found growing in the uppermost intertidal zone.Our results suggest that P. umbilicalis exhibits increased antioxidant metabolism, which could contribute to its success in colonizing such a stressful habitat. Elevated levels of glutathione reductase GTR, catalase and carotenoid contents during emersion suggested heightened protection against reactive oxygen species ROS damage is a necessary attribute for species in the upper intertidal regions. This hypothesis was further strengthened by the finding that the greatest antioxidant increases were observed during summer months when irradiance levels and temperatures were at their peak. Winter emersion did not elicit the same physiological response, as antioxidant levels were similar in submersed and emersed plants.For the most part, photosynthetic pigments were largely affected by sun exposure and less by emersion stress. Shaded blades maintained higher concentrations of photosynthetic pigments compared to sun exposed thalli concurring with established research. Photosynthetic efficiency measurements indicated emersion and not sun exposure was the greater facilitator of photoinhibitory damage and ROS generation at PSII. The findings of this field study strengthen previous assertions that protection via elevated antioxidant metabolism and increased PSII repair are involved in providing relief from the acute environmental stresses in the intertidal zone.     

140 Ecophysiology of The Red Alga Porphyra Umbilicalis Kützing (Rhodophyta,Bangalies): Responses to Abiotic Stress

The effects of tidal elevation, emersion, sun exposure, and season on several antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase), pigments (phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, chlorophyll a and total carotene) and photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) in Porphyra umbilicalis were evaluated. Plants were collected monthly from sun‐exposed and shaded locations in the high, mid, and low intertidal following periods of tidal emersion ranging from 0–6 hours. Glutathione reductase activity was greatly affected by emersion during summer months, while ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities showed no seasonal patterns. Differences in glutathione reductase and catalase levels occurred between sun‐exposed and shaded plants in the high and mid intertidal during summer. At all elevations, photosynthetic pigments showed a strong seasonal trend, with the effect of sun exposure being most apparent during summer. While total carotene increased with emersion during summer months, the combined effects of emersion and season were inconsistent for phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and chl a. Photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) decreased following emersion in summer and fall. During most months, sun exposed plants had lower Fv/Fm values compared to plants growing in the shade. This study emphasizes the importance of examining the effects of abiotic stresses simultaneously in order to reveal interactive relationships.     

桉树与针叶树、阔叶树生理生化指标季节变化的比较

该文对广西桂林灵田乡桉树、针叶树和阔叶树生理生化季节变化进行了比较研究。结果表明：桉树与其它4个针阔叶树种的生理生化指标因季节更替而呈现不同的变化规律,其中5个树种叶片的比叶面积是在夏季最高、冬季最低,其均值依次为桉树>红锥>黧蒴栲>杉木>马尾松;叶片叶绿素含量为夏季>秋季>春季>冬季,总叶绿素含量四季平均值为桉树>黧蒴栲>红锥>杉木>马尾松;叶片可溶性糖含量的季节变化为夏季>春季>冬季>秋季,桉树的平均可溶性糖最高;叶片蛋白质含量都在春季最高、夏季最低,阔叶树种的蛋白质含量显著高于针叶树种,桉树的平均蛋白质含量最高;叶片硝酸还原酶活性顺序为夏季>春季>秋季>冬季,桉树的平均硝酸还原酶活性最高。综上所述,在自然生长环境下,这5个树种的生理生化等指标对季节的响应机制不同,但桉树的生理指标大于其他几个树种。这反映了人工种植的桉树具有高生产力和生长优势。     

Microclimate and variations in haemolymph composition in the freezing-tolerant New Zealand alpine weta Hemideina maori Hutton (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae)

The microclimate in the habitat of the New Zealand alpine weta Hemideina maori is very variable with winter temperatures down to −6 °C under the rocks where the insects are found. Subfreezing temperatures may in winter prevail for up to 17 days but diurnal cycles of freezing and thawing are common, as is also the case in summer. Rates of temperature change can be very high and up to −7.20 °C/h. During winter, humidity was high for extended periods ranging from 70% to 100% relative humidity (RH). In the summer, humidity ranged from 30% RH during the day to 100% RH at night. The supercooling point of the haemolymph was approximately −8 °C year round, caused by a heat labile substance. The supercooling point of the haemolymph of an insect of the same genus, Hemideina femorata not regularly exposed to subfreezing temperatures, was ca. −16.5 °C. Thermal hysteresis was not detected in the haemolymph of H. maori. Haemolymph osmolality varied from 380 mOsm (summer) to 700 mOsm (winter). Body water content was ca. 75% all year round. Total concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride in haemolymph varied from 170 mM (winter) to 250 mM (summer). The total concentration of free amino acids varied from 58 mM (summer) to 263 mM (winter). This variation was mostly due to proline which varied from ca. 15 mM (summer) to ca. 100 mM (winter). The freeze-tolerant weta H. maori is exposed to a highly variable and cold environment all year round and several properties of its haemolymph composition can be attributed to these climatic conditions, e.g. the presence of ice-nucleating agents and an increase in the concentration of proline during cold hardening in the autumn. Accepted: 22 February 1999     

Size,sex and seasonal patterns in the assemblage of Carcharhiniformes in a sub‐tropical bay

Size, sex and seasonal patterns among Carcharhiniformes were examined in shallow regions of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. A total of 1259 sharks were caught, comprising 13 species. The Australian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon taylori and the blacktip complex Carcharhinus limbatus–Carcharhinus tilstoni comprised 55% of all shark individuals. Neonates were observed for five species including the dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus, which contrary to previous reports was relatively abundant in shallow, predominantly estuarine waters. Three contrasting patterns of occurrence were observed: smaller species were abundant and present throughout much of their ontogeny, larger species were mainly caught as neonates or juveniles and vagrant species were only caught during the warmer months. The shark assemblage differed significantly among seasons. While many species were observed during the warmer months, species diversity was lower in winter when C. obscurus comprised 43% of the catch. Overall, the results indicated that spatial and temporal distribution patterns were not synchronous for all species. The capture of small numbers of neonate C. obscurus in late autumn and winter demonstrates that parturition among Carcharhiniformes is not confined to spring and summer in sub‐tropical waters.     

Ammonia exposure of Chasmagnathus granulata (Crustacea, Decapoda) Dana, 1851: accumulation in haemolymph and effects on osmoregulation

In order to study lethal and sublethal effects of ammonia to the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulata in the presence of an additional stress factor such as salinity, we determined the LC₅₀ (96 h) of ammonia at 20‰ and in response to osmotic stress (5–40‰) and evaluated ammonia accumulation in the haemolymph of C. granulata and ammonia effects on osmo- and ion-regulation of this species through determinations of the haemolymph Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻ and osmotic concentration. The LC₅₀ values (96 h) of total ammonia (NH₃+NH₄⁺) were 10.10, 17.85 and 14.0 mM for crabs maintained at 5, 20 or 40‰ salinity, respectively, suggesting that this crab is fairly resistant to ammonia. The haemolymph ammonia concentration augmented with ambient ammonia during a 6-h exposure to sublethal ammonia concentrations which were not enough to reach equilibrium between external and haemolymph ammonia. At 20‰ salinity, following a 96-h exposure to sublethal concentrations, a significant decrease (P<0.05) of haemolymphatic chloride concentration was registered at 3.3 and 5.5 mM of total ammonia. At 40‰ salinity, a significant increase (P<0.05) of the haemolymph osmotic pressure was apparent at 5.5 mM total ammonia. We postulate that C. granulata gives priority to NH₃ formation as a mechanism to eliminate it by simple diffusion. The differential Na⁺ and Cl⁻ regulation of crabs maintained at 20‰ salinity could modify the strong ion difference, augmenting pH, which in turn should lead the NH₄⁺/NH₃ equilibrium towards NH₃.     

Seasonal variability in resilience of a coral reef fish to marine heatwaves and hypoxia

Climate change projections indicate more frequent and severe tropical marine heatwaves (MHWs) and accompanying hypoxia year-round. However, most studies have focused on peak summer conditions under the assumption that annual maximum temperatures will induce the greatest physiological consequences. This study challenges this idea by characterizing seasonal MHWs (i.e., mean, maximum, and cumulative intensities, durations, heating rates, and mean annual occurrence) and comparing metabolic traits (i.e., standard metabolic rate (SMR), Q10 of SMR, maximum metabolic rate (MMR), aerobic scope, and critical oxygen tension (P_crit)) of winter- and summer-acclimatized convict tang (Acanthurus triostegus) to the combined effects of MHWs and hypoxia. Fish were exposed to one of six MHW treatments with seasonally varying maximum intensities (winter: 24.5, 26.5, 28.5°C; summer: 28.5, 30.5, 32.5°C), representing past and future MHWs under IPCC projections (i.e., +0, +2, +4°C). Surprisingly, MHW characteristics did not significantly differ between seasons, yet SMR was more sensitive to winter MHWs (mean Q10 = 2.92) than summer MHWs (mean Q10 = 1.81), despite higher absolute summer temperatures. Concurrently, MMR increased similarly among winter +2 and +4°C treatments (i.e., 26.5, 28.5°C) and all summer MHW treatments, suggesting a ceiling for maximal MMR increase. Aerobic scope did not significantly differ between seasons nor among MHW treatments. While mean P_crit did not significantly vary between seasons, warming of +4°C during winter (i.e., 28.5°C) significantly increased P_crit relative to the winter control group. Contrary to the idea of increased sensitivity to MHWs during the warmest time of year, our results reveal heightened sensitivity to the deleterious effects of winter MHWs, and that seasonal acclimatization to warmer summer conditions may bolster metabolic resilience to warming and hypoxia. Consequently, physiological sensitivity to MHWs and hypoxia may extend across larger parts of the year than previously expected, emphasizing the importance of evaluating climate change impacts during cooler seasons when essential fitness-related traits such as reproduction occur in many species.     

不同微生境下齿肋赤藓(Syntrichia caninervis)生理生化特性对不同季节的响应

齿肋赤藓(Syntrichia caninervis)作为典型的耐旱藓类,在古尔班通古特沙漠的藓类结皮中占优势地位。该沙漠的季节气候差异较大,冬季低温湿润,春季干旱,夏季高温且干旱。荒漠藓类植物叶片仅具单层细胞,对外界环境的变化十分敏感。而有关荒漠藓类植物在生理上如何适应这种剧烈环境变化还不得而知。研究测定了生长于两种不同微生境下的齿肋赤藓,经由低温湿润的冬季到干旱的春季再到高温干旱的夏季过程中生理生化变化特征,以探究不同微生境下齿肋赤藓在水热变化剧烈的不同季节的适应机制。研究发现:季节、微生境及二者的交互作用能够显著影响齿肋赤藓的游离脯氨酸、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白及丙二醛(MDA)含量、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性。夏季的高温干旱使齿肋赤藓的脯氨酸、可溶性糖、MDA含量及3种抗氧化酶活性均显著高于冬季及春季,而可溶性蛋白含量却呈相反趋势。干旱的春季齿肋赤藓脯氨酸及可溶性糖显著高于冬季。而在低温湿润的冬季,齿肋赤藓丙二醛含量及过氧化氢酶活性均显著高于春季。表明夏季齿肋赤藓所受胁迫最大,脯氨酸、可溶性糖含量及抗氧化酶活性大幅度提高。同时,在具有积雪覆盖的冬季,两种微生境下的齿肋赤藓生理生化特性无显著差异;而在无积雪覆盖的春夏季节,灌丛的遮阴作用为齿肋赤藓提供了水含量相对较高的良好生活环境,其下齿肋赤藓的渗透调节物质含量和抗氧化酶活性均显著低于裸露地。表明生长在裸露地的齿肋赤藓较活灌丛拥有更强的胁迫耐受性。     

Nitrogen and Carbohydrate Metabolism of Japanese Mint as Affected by Phosphorus Deficiency and Seasonal Variations

The paper presents effects of phosphorus deficiency and seasonal variations on nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L. var. piperascens, Holmes). Mint plants were grown in sand cultures under full nutrition and under phosphorus deficiency conditions during winter and summer. Various nitrogen and sugar fractions were determined in the component parts at specified periods of growth stages. Phosphorus deficiency disturbed the nitrogen metabolism at the stages for amide and amino acid formation, which resulted in an accumulation of carbohydrates. The content of total soluble and total nitrogen was higher and that of insoluble nitrogen was lower in summer as compared with winter plants. Of the soluble fractions, the ammonia, amide and nitrate nitrogen were higher and the ‘rest’ nitrogen lower in winter plants. Nitrate formed the highest bulk of the pool of soluble nitrogen in winter, whereas in summer ‘rest’ nitrogen was most abundant. The content of total sugar in winter plants far exceeded that of summer plants, which was wholly due to increase in sucrose content. Glucose was the predominant reducing sugar in both seasons. However, the summer plants were richer in glucose than those from the winter.     

Seasonal effects on metabolism and thermoregulation abilities of the Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio)

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) of birds is beginning to be viewed as a highly flexible physiological trait influenced by environmental fluctuations, and in particular changes in ambient temperatures (T_a). Southern Africa is characterized by an unpredictable environment with daily and seasonal variation. This study sought to evaluate the effects of seasonal changes in T_a on mass-specific resting metabolic rate (RMR), BMR and body temperature (T_b) of Red-winged Starlings (Onychognathus morio). They have a broad distribution, from Ethiopia to the Cape in South Africa and are medium-sized frugivorous birds. Metabolic rate (VO₂) and T_b were measured in wild caught Red-winged Starlings after a period of summer and winter acclimatization in outdoor aviaries. RMR and BMR were significantly higher in winter than summer. Body mass of Starlings was significantly higher in winter compared with summer. The increased RMR and BMR in winter indicate improved ability to cope with cold and maintenance of a high T_b. These results show that the metabolism of Red-winged Starlings are not constant, but exhibit a pronounced seasonal phenotypic flexibility with maintenance of a high T_b.     

滨海沙地植物厚藤叶片生理特征的季节变化

滨海沙地条件恶劣,季节气候环境差异较大,植物生存困难。厚藤是南方滨海沙地广泛分布的重要固沙植物。为探究厚藤对不同季节环境变化的适应机制,研究其叶片生理性状的季节变化,该文以广西滨海沙地自然生长的厚藤为实验材料,分别测定了不同季节厚藤叶片的叶绿素含量、渗透物质含量、抗氧化酶活性、叶绿素荧光参数等生理指标,并进行相关性分析和主成分分析。结果表明:(1)叶绿素含量随季节变化的趋势一致,春季均显著大于其他三个季节,但叶绿素a/b在各季节间无显著变化。(2)叶绿素荧光参数的F_v/F_m和F_v/F_o具有相同的变化趋势,整体表现为夏冬季显著高于春秋季。(3)脯氨酸含量随季节逐渐增大,冬季时含量最高; 可溶性糖含量冬季显著高于其他三个季节; 丙二醛(MDA)含量各季节间差异不显著。(4)春季的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著高于其他季节,夏秋冬季节间无显著差异; 过氧化物酶(POD)活性在各季节间差异不显著。(5)相关性分析和主成分分析显示,各生理指标与气候因子间存在一定的关联。温度和日照数显著影响可溶性糖含量; 叶绿素含量和抗氧化酶活性能够较好地反映厚藤对季节气候变化的响应。综上可知,厚藤可通过调节叶绿素a与叶绿素b含量使叶绿素a/b保持稳定,同时提高渗透调节物质含量和抗氧化酶活性以适应季节变化,其中光合作用和抗氧化酶系统是影响其季节性适应能力的关键。