Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on Seed Coat Patterns of Five Endangered Himalayan Species of Meconopsis (Papaveraceae)

Scanning electron microscopic studies of seed coat patternswere carried out on 16 populations of the endangered genus Meconopsis,the Himalayan poppy. Two different types of testa can be distinguishedin the five species of Meconopsis (M. horridula, M. paniculata,M. simplicifolia, M. sinuata, M. villosa ) investigated: (a)rugose, and (b) reticulate. The results indicate the absenceof intra- and inter-population variation in all five speciesof Meconopsis. However, seed coat patterns show a marked inter-specificdifference suggesting that they are species-specific.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Himalayan poppy, Meconopsis horridula, Meconopsis paniculata, Meconopsis simplicifolia, Meconopsis sinuata, Meconopsis villosa, endangered species, seed coat patterns, scanning electron microscopy     

Characterization of 13 microsatellite loci developed from Meconopsis horridula

Meconopsis horridula is one of the eight most famous flowers in Chinese province of Yunnan. In this study, a modified biotin-streptavidin capture method was used to detect 13 microsatellite markers in the genome of M. horridula. The polymorphism of each locus was assessed in 24 samples collected from four populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7 (mean: 3.2). The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0833 to 0.9167 and 0.0816 to 0.8050, respectively. Additionally, nine of the 13 microsatellite markers were successfully amplified in three other congeneric species. These polymorphic SSR markers could be useful for studying the population genetics of M. horridula and for assessing genetic variation in this and congenerc species in conservation programs.     

中国水柏枝属植物的地理分布、濒危状况及其保育策略

水柏枝属(MyricariaDesv.)植物主要分布于中国青藏高原及其邻近地区,为欧亚温带高山植物类群,多为河岸带植物,是分布区湿地生态系统和荒漠生态系统的重要组分。为评价这些特殊生态系统关键植物的分布及受威胁现状,对中国水柏枝属植物的地理分布和濒危状况进行了调查。调查发现,该属中国分布的11个分类群均受到生存胁迫,其中疏花水柏枝即将成为野外灭绝种,宽叶水柏枝已属极危种,心叶水柏枝为濒危种,秀丽水柏枝、泽当水柏枝、小花水柏枝、卧生水柏枝和匍匐水柏枝为渐危种,具鳞水柏枝、三春水柏枝和宽苞水柏枝为受胁种。结果表明,以水利建设为主的人为干扰和土地沙化、气温升高带来的环境改变是导致该属植物生存胁迫的主要原因。最后探讨了水柏枝属这类河岸带湿地和荒漠生境植物的保育策略。     

Alchemilla austriaca,spec. nova,(Rosaceae) — eine neue Art aus den Ostalpen

Alchemilla austriaca is a new species which belongs to the group ofA. demissa, A. frigens, A. longana, A. longiuscula, A. semisecta, andA. sinuata. The holotype specimen as well as leaf and flower details are illustrated (Figs. 1–3). A complete character analysis is given, differences and similarities of allied species are presented in two tables, and the position of the group within the genus is discussed.A. austriaca so far is known only from the Austrian Alps and mainly from the central ranges (distribution map: Fig. 4). Its wet subalpine and alpine habitats are characterized by species lists.

     

不同生境下珠芽蓼（蓼科）的繁殖策略比较

在青藏高原横断山区以海拔相同的高山流石滩和高寒草甸中的珠芽蓼（Polygonum viviparum）居群为研究对象,探讨该物种在不同生境条件下的繁殖策略以及无性繁殖和有性繁殖间的关系。结果发现,流石滩居群的珠芽蓼植株高度和珠芽数量显著低于高寒草甸居群,而珠芽和花总数量、花数量和每个花序上的花比例却显著高于高寒草甸居群。研究结果表明珠芽蓼在环境更为恶劣的高山流石滩生境中增加了对繁殖器官和花资源的投资,说明在高山植物中繁殖优先于营养生长,且有性繁殖比无性繁殖具有更为重要的作用。而对每个植株上花数量和珠芽数量的统计结果表明,两者呈显著的负相关关系,进一步证明了同一植株内无性繁殖和有性繁殖的权衡关系。     

圆锥南芥适应高山环境极端高温的系统性耐热能力

高山生态系统的主要气候特征是温度变化幅度较大,目前研究主要集中于高山植物的抗冻机制,而很少关注其对极端高温（高于45℃）的适应性。本研究发现高山物种圆锥南芥跟拟南芥比,具有更强的基础耐热性和获得性耐热性。通过叶绿素荧光检测发现在极端高温下,圆锥南芥具有更稳定的光系统II和更有效的能量耗散机制来维持更高水平的光合效率。通过电导率和丙二醛含量的检测发现圆锥南芥的膜伤害更小,膜流动性与脂肪酸链的长度和不饱和度紧密相关,圆锥南芥脂肪酸具有更低的16∶3含量,更长的碳链,不饱和度没有明显的变化,这些可能有助于维持膜的稳定。另外,更高表达量的HSP101和HSP70可能为圆锥南芥提供了更好的保护作用。以上结果表明,圆锥南芥能利用生理生化活动的调整来适应高山环境中的极端高温,这种耐热策略与低地耐热植物相似,因此圆锥南芥具有系统性耐热能力,可以作为研究植物耐热分子机制的模式物种。     

Habitat use by singing voles and tundra voles in the southern Yukon

Summary We investigated how far competitive interactions influence the use of habitats and relative abundance of two species of Microtus in the southwestern Yukon. We worked in the ecotone between alpine tundra and subalpine shrub tundra where populations of singing voles (Microtus miurus) and tundra voles (M. oeconomus) overlap little.We removed tundra voles from shrub tundra on one live-trapping area to look at the effect on the contiguous population of singing voles in alpine tundra. The removal of tundra voles did not affect the distribution or relative abundance of singing voles. The spatial distribution of these species and their movements within habitats suggest that they have a strong habitat preference.Populations of small mammals in the area are extremely dynamic and the relative importance of competitive interactions may change as density varies. At present we have no evidence that competition affects habitat use in M. miurus.     

Divergence among arctic and alpine populations of the annual, Koenigia islandica: morphology, life-history, and phenology

Arctic and alpine habitats occur along complex environmental gradients, and over an extensive geographical range. Despite some selective forces common to these habitats, evolutionary divergence among populations of arctic and alpine plants along this gradient is expected. Of particular significance, both in the context of life-history theory and for implications of climate change, are the few annual species that have adapted to the constraints of an unpredictable, short growing season. In this study, morphological, life-history and phenological characters were found to differ significantly among six widely distributed populations of the arctic-alpine annual Koenigia islandica. On the basis of morphology and life-history traits, populations from high latitudes, with the exception of Svalbard, performed better in simulated arctic conditions, whereas the low latitude alpine plants from Colorado showed enhanced performance under simulated alpine conditions. On the basis of phenology, the six populations can be clearly grouped into arctic, high latitude alpine and alpine populations: arctic plants were found to develop and flower earliest; alpine plants latest. Because these results were obtained using seeds harvested from plants first grown through a complete generation in growth chambers, they indicate strong genetic differentiation. We discuss possible adaptive explanations for observed differences among the six geographically divergent populations.     

Phylogeographic patterns and high levels of chloroplast DNA diversity in four Packera (asteraceae) species in southwestern Alberta

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) haplotype variation is compared among alpine and prairie/montane species of Packera from a region in southwestern Alberta that straddles the boundary of Pleistocene glaciation. The phylogeny of the 15 haplotypes identified reveals the presence of two groups: one generally found in coastal and northern species and the other from species in drier habitats. The presence of both groups in all four species and most populations from southwestern Alberta is evidence of past hybridization involving species or lineages that may no longer be present in the region. With the exception of the alpine P. subnuda (phiST = 1.0), interpopulational subdivision of haplotype variation is low (phiST < 0.350), suggesting that interpopulational gene flow is high. However, based on haplotype distribution patterns, we propose that Pleistocene hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting have resulted in reduced subdivision of interpopulational variation so that gene flow may not be as high as indicated. Drift has been more important in the alpine species populations, especially P. subnuda.     

Genetic differences among host-associated populations of water mites (Acari: Unionicolidae: Unionicola): allozyme variation supports morphological differentiation

Unionicola poundsi and U. lasallei are recognized as closely related, morphologically distinct species of water mites living in symbiotic association with the mussels Villosa villosa and Uniomerus declivus, respectively. However, results of a transplant experiment suggested that the morphological characters used to separate these species are plastic and are influenced by the host species in which these mites metamorphose. These results indicate that U. poundsi and U. lasallei are variants of the same species. To test the validity of these contrasting notions, the genetic structure of mite populations from Uniomerus declivus and V. villosa was compared. An examination of allozyme variation at 9 enzyme loci revealed a high degree of genetic differentiation between these host-associated populations, with mites from U. declivus and V. villosa being fixed for different alleles at 3 loci and exhibiting significant allele heterogeneity at 71% of their polymorphic loci. Coefficients of genetic similarity and genetic distance for mites from U. declivus and V. villosa were 0.36 and 0.95, respectively. The results of this study suggest that mite populations from U. declivus and V. villosa are genetically distinct and complement morphological data recognizing them as valid species.     

阿尔金山自然保护区基于野牦牛、藏野驴、藏羚羊适宜栖息地的生态容量估测

阿尔金山国家级自然保护区保护了以野牦牛(Bos mutus)、藏野驴(Equus kiang)、藏羚羊(Pantholops hodgsoni)为代表的青藏高原特有野生动物及其栖息地,但是近年来野生动物数量的快速增长引发了栖息地退化的问题,科学量化阿尔金山自然保护区各类栖息地对野牦牛、藏羚羊、藏野驴的生态容量,并提出相应的野生动物管理措施,是实现保护区可持续管理的根本途径。本文应用遥感技术和地面调查相结合的方法,系统分析了保护区内野牦牛、藏野驴和藏羚羊的栖息地需求,建立了植物生物量和NDVI的关系模型,结合三类野生动物的食性分析,估测了适宜栖息地(高寒草原、高寒荒漠草原、高寒草甸、高寒荒漠)为三类野生动物提供的可食植物量,推算了适宜栖息地和整个保护区可以承载三类野生动物的生态容量。结果表明:阿尔金山自然保护区内野牦牛、藏野驴和藏羚羊的适宜栖息地面积分别为31866.07、24035.51、24035.51 km~2,三类野生动物的适宜栖息地之间相互重叠,藏野驴和藏羚羊的适宜栖息地基本相同;全保护区内,高寒草原、高寒荒漠草原、高寒荒漠和高寒草甸分别提供了3944.91×10~4、3126.32×10~4、138.19×10~4、564.49×10~4kg可食植物量;结合三类野生动物的栖息地重叠程度及食物需求量分析,得出阿尔金山保护区的最大生态容量为野牦牛7951头/a、藏野驴6907头/a、藏羚羊27094只/a;结合三类野生动物对食物资源的占有率估计,得出阿尔金山三类野生动物的生态容量变幅为野牦牛3976—7156头/a,藏野驴3454—6216头/a、藏羚羊13547—24385只/a。根据阿尔金山自然保护区各类栖息地对三类野生动物的生态容量,提出适当控制藏野驴种群数量、增加藏羚羊种群数量的建议,以促进野生动物种群数量的持续增长和栖息地的有效保护。     

Climate change shifts population structure and demographics of an alpine herb,Anemone narcissiflora ssp. sachalinensis (Ranunculaceae), along a snowmelt gradient

Alpine ecosystems, characterized by cold climates and short growing seasons, are thought to be most vulnerable to climate change. Warmer temperatures and earlier snowmelt extend the growing season length and increase drought stress for alpine plants, resulting in changes to their distribution. Anemone narcissiflora ssp. sachalinensis is a perennial herb that grows in the alpine snow-meadows of northern Japan. In the last few decades, its distribution has shifted toward later snowmelt habitat in the Taisetsu Mountains of Hokkaido. We recorded demographic data for this species at early, middle and late snowmelt habitats over four years (2009–2012), and constructed transition matrix models to evaluate how demographic parameters and population growth rate vary between local habitats along a snowmelt gradient. The proportion of reproductive plants was low and seed production was limited in the early snowmelt habitat, with drier soil conditions, in comparison to the middle and late snowmelt habitats, with moist soil conditions. Evidence of the transition from small plants to those in the reproductive stage was limited in the early snowmelt habitat, suggesting that growth was inhibited; the local population in this habitat was estimated to be sustained by seed migration from later snowmelt habitats. These results indicate that advancing snowmelt under climate change may decrease the reproductive activity and population growth rate of snow-meadow plants if seed migration from later snowmelt populations is limited, resulting in the extinction of local populations.     

Host specificity testing and suitability of the parasitoidMicroctonus hyperodae (Hym.: Braconidae,Euphorinae) as a biological control agent ofListronotus bonariensis (Col.: Curculionidae) in New Zealand

The behaviour of the parasitoidMicroctonus hyperodae Loan was studied under quarantine conditions to determine its likely host range in New Zealand. The species was imported from South America as a potential biological control agent of Argentine stem weevil,Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel). The study involved systematic evaluation of the parasitoid's behaviour when exposed to 24 non-host weevil species; all but three of these were native to New Zealand. Of those tested, four were found to sustain someM. hyperodae development. However, further examination showed that in all but one species,Irenimus aequalis (Broun), parasitoid development was impeded, with up to 50% of the larvae becoming encapsulated. Overall, those weevil species that were attacked produced only 19% of the parasitoids derived fromL. bonariensis controls. As an adjunct to this quarantine study, a review of the habitats of the native weevil and target pest populations indicated that refugia would probably exist for native alpine species. I. aequalis was not considered to be threatened byM. hyperodae as this weevil has benefited from the advent of European agricultural systems to the extent that it is now recognised as a minor pest. In view of its relatively oligophagous behaviour, the parasitoid was recommended as suitable for release.      

WHEN COLD IS BETTER: CLIMATE-DRIVEN ELEVATION SHIFTS YIELD COMPLEX PATTERNS OF DIVERSIFICATION AND DEMOGRAPHY IN AN ALPINE SPECIALIST (AMERICAN PIKA, OCHOTONA PRINCEPS)

The genetic consequences of climate-driven range fluctuation during the Pleistocene have been well studied for temperate species, but cold-adapted (e.g., alpine, arctic) species that may have responded uniquely to past climatic events have received less attention. In particular, we have no a priori expectation for long-term evolutionary consequences of elevation shifts into and out of sky islands by species adapted to alpine habitats. Here, we examined the influence of elevation shifts on genetic differentiation and historical demography in an alpine specialist, the American pika ( Ochotona princeps ). Pika populations are divided into five genetic lineages that evolved in association with separate mountain systems, rather than lineages that reflect individual sky islands. This suggests a role for glacial-period elevation shifts in promoting gene flow among high-elevation populations and maintaining regional cohesion of genetic lineages. We detected a signature of recent demographic decline in all lineages, consistent with the expectation that Holocene climate warming has driven range retraction in southern lineages, but unexpected for northern populations that presumably represent postglacial expansion. An ecological niche model of past and future pika distributions highlights the influence of climate on species range and indicates that the distribution of genetic diversity may change dramatically with continued climate warming.     

Wind dispersal of alpine plant species: A comparison with lowland species

Question: The prominent role of wind dispersal in alpine habitats has been recognized early but has rarely been quantified. The aim of this study is to compare wind dispersal under alpine and lowland conditions and to analyse whether differences are caused by species traits, e.g. terminal velocity of seeds (V_term) or weather conditions. Location and Methods: We characterized wind dispersal potential of > 1100 Central European species using measured V_term To quantify the habitat effect on wind dispersal, we measured meteorological key‐parameters and simulated dispersal distance spectra of nine selected species under typical alpine conditions (foreland of the Scaletta‐glacier, Switzerland) and typical lowland conditions (grassland in Bad Lippspringe, Germany). Results: Lowland species had higher V_term compared to alpine species. However, this difference is absent when only species of species of open habitats are concerned. The meteorological measurements showed that the alpine habitat was mainly characterized by higher frequency and strength of updrafts. The simulations showed that under alpine conditions long distance dispersal occurred much more frequent. Conclusions: More than 50 % of the alpine species have a fair chance to be dispersed by wind over long distances, while this proportion is less than 25 % for species from open habitats in the lowland. The more prominent role of wind dispersal in alpine habitats is mainly a result of differences in environmental conditions, namely more intense vertical turbulence in the alpine habitat, and does not result from prominent differences in plant traits, namely V_term, between alpine and lowland species.     

根茎禾草沙鞭的等位酶变异及克隆多样性

沙鞭（Ｐｓａｍｍｏｃｈｌｏａｖｉｌｏｓａ（Ｔｒｉｎ．）Ｂｏｒ）是禾本科的一种沙生旱生植物,靠根茎进行无性生殖。采用１０种酶系统共１５个基因位点对中国科学院植物研究所内蒙古伊克昭盟鄂尔多斯沙地草地生态研究站的４个天然居群进行了遗传结构和克隆多样性分析。结果表明,和同类植物相比,沙鞭的遗传变异水平和克隆多样性均较低。沙鞭４个居群的遗传组成明显不同。石龙庙流动沙丘和石灰庙固定沙丘的基株数目多,遗传变异水平较高,而石龙庙固定沙丘和石灰庙半流动沙丘的基株数目少,只有１株或２株,且多样性水平极低。环境差异在沙鞭的等位酶变异上未得到反映。和其它克隆植物相似,沙鞭的大部分变异存在于居群间（ＧＳＴ＝６２．１６％）,居群内变异所占比例较少。沙鞭９１．６７％的基因型属地方型,无广布基因型。     

Overcrowding as one of the causes of dispersal of young Tree Sparrows

Capsule Low and variable encounter rates of birds in fragmented arctic‐alpine habitats add difficulty to monitoring their breeding populations.

Aims To quantify seasonal variation in the encounter rates (apparent abundance) of breeding birds in arctic‐alpine habitats in Scotland.

Methods Birds were sampled from 15 repeated linear transects between April and August in 2005 and 2006. glmms (and for scarcer species glms) were used to investigate how the apparent abundance of different species varied between months and years.

Results Three arctic‐alpine specialists (Rock Ptarmigan, Eurasian Dotterel and Snow Bunting) were recorded. The 24 other species recorded included more widely distributed upland species, generalists that also used arctic‐alpine habitats and also some transient species from lower altitude. Overall encounter rates were low (only exceeding 1 bird km^?1 in any month for one species; Meadow Pipits) with marked variation between months. The pattern of seasonal variation in encounter rates varied markedly between species.

Conclusions Low encounter rates and marked variation in apparent abundance will render more difficult efforts to monitor birds in marginal and fragmented areas of arctic‐alpine habitats. Particularly relevant is the potential for changes in the timing of breeding and seasonal movements to influence encounter rates and be falsely interpreted as changes in actual abundance. Monitoring in arctic‐alpine habitats should include both specialist and non‐specialist birds of that habitat, as the latter may be more numerous and, therefore, provide supplementary evidence of temporal or seasonal change.     

The rehabilitation value of a small culturally significant island based on the arthropod natural capital

Small islands are particularly vulnerable to degradation by invasive species and often lack source populations to replace those lost during localized extinctions. Robben Island, a significant South African cultural heritage site, has a long history of anthropogenic impact. Introduced alien mammals and trees have resulted in numerous localized plant extinctions with their impact on arthropod biodiversity remaining unclear. We used Robben Island’s arthropod fauna as focal group to investigate the rehabilitation potential of this transformed island. Ground surface-living, foliage-inhabiting and flower-visiting arthropods were collected using five sampling techniques. Arthropod diversity was highest in the two ‘natural’ habitats compared to alien Eucalyptus plantations. Arthropod compositional diversity differed significantly between alien plantations and natural habitats. Nevertheless, a remarkable 17 % of all species were confined to plantations. However, when we corrected for the effect of rarity, only 15 species (4 %) were unique to alien plantations and all those identified to species level were either alien in origin or were widespread generalists only normally associated with transformed areas. This emphasizes the need to identify species that drive similarity indices to fully comprehend the conservation value of alien vegetation. Arthropods found in the remaining natural vegetation showed remarkable tolerance of long-term grazing pressures from introduced alien mammals. Only eight Orthoptera species were sampled, yet one was a rediscovery of a rare species and another a range extension. All indigenous species showed strong preferences for natural habitats. Thus, Robben Island could still hold conservation value if the natural habitats are rehabilitated and the Eucalyptus plantations removed.     

Indicators of species richness at the local scale in an alpine region: a comparative approach between plant and invertebrate taxa

Studies investigating congruent variations in species richness patterns in alpine habitats are scarce. We investigated the potential of using the indicator taxa approach for species richness in alpine habitats of the Scandes (Norway). In four areas, we investigated seven functional and taxonomic terrestrial groups of organisms and evaluated their contribution to the species diversity. The function of each group as a surrogate for the overall species diversity or for the diversity of another taxon was analysed. Three groups of invertebrates (spiders without Lycosids, Lycosids only, and ground beetles), three groups of plants (shrubs, graminoids, and herbs), and lichens were used for a cross-taxon analysis of species diversity. Congruence in species richness was restricted to several significant results, with vascular plants and spiders (Araneae) being best suited as surrogate taxa in alpine habitats of the Scandes. In the cross-taxon analyses they showed strongest significant positive correlations, covering the total species richness of the alpine habitats best. Species counts in one group account for up to 70% of the variation in total species richness. We found only limited evidence for an ideal, efficient biodiversity indicator taxon that could be applied without restrictions at different alpine habitats in low and middle alpine areas. Thus, our results suggest that it is very important to use more than one taxon as indicator for species richness in terrestrial alpine habitats. This should facilitate future conservation planning in alpine areas.     

Habitat and sex specific differences in the dioecious weed Acetosella vulgaris (Polygonaceae)

Abstract Patterns of resource allocation, numbers of reproductive structures and sex ratios of flowering populations of the dioecious weed Acetosella vulgaris (Fourr.) were examined in the Kosciuszko alpine region of Australia. Specifically, the sex‐specific response of ramets was compared between a disturbed alpine habitat, in which weeds such as A. vulgaris are common (disturbed roadside/path‐edge), and a native alpine habitat in which weeds appear to have a limited capacity to germinate, grow and reproduce (undisturbed tall alpine herbfield). The disturbed habitat was generally more favourable for growth of A. vulgaris. Ramets of both sexes had greater total and vegetative biomass than ramets in native habitats. Although reproductive biomass was also greater in disturbed habitats, females had less reproductive biomass than males, which was not as predicted. Reproductive effort was not affected by habitat or gender. The disturbed habitat also favoured increased numbers of inflorescences per ramet and flowers per ramet, as expected. Whereas the gender of the ramet also influenced numbers of reproductive structures, again, this was not as predicted. Females had more flowers per ramet and more flowers per inflorescence than males. This may be because of factors associated with wind pollination. Females were taller in native habitats but there was no difference between the sexes in disturbed habitats. Sex ratios varied from all male populations to nearly all female populations among the 25 sites sampled irrespective of habitat. Factors such as time since last disturbance may have contributed to variation in the sex ratios of alpine populations of A. vulgaris in Australia.