Shell growth of the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Mytilidae), in the Río de la Plata, Argentina

The golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, is an invasive freshwater bivalve. Since its introduction to Argentina, it had caused damage to the native fauna as well as economic damage to industries of the region. Here, we describe the growth of L. fortunei in a natural temperate environment in Argentina. Age was estimated according to the modal progression method. The constants in the von Bertalanffy growth model were adjusted by an iterative algorithm. Three annual cohorts had similar growth rates. The estimated t ₀ for each cohort showed a temporary displacement in relation to the spawning period.     

Dark Dune Spots: Possible Biomarkers on Mars?

Dark Dune Spots (DDSs) are transitional geomorphologic formations in the frost-covered polar regions of Mars. Our analysis of the transformations and arrangements of subsequent stages of DDSs into time sequence revealed their: (i) hole-like characteristics,(ii) development and formation from the bottom of the frosted layer till the disapperance of the latter, (iii) repeated (seasonal and annual) appearance in a pattern of multiple DDSs on the surface, and (iv) probable origin. We focused our studies on a model in which DDSs were interpreted as objects triggered by biological activity involvedin the frosting and melting processes. We discuss two competing interpretations of DDSs: development by defrosting alone, and by defrosting and melting enhanced by the activity of Martian Surface Organisms (MSOs). MSOs are hypothetical Martian photosynthetic surface organisms thought to absorb sunlight. As a result they warm up by late winter and melt the ice around them, whereby their growth and reproduction become possible. The ice cover above the liquid water lens harbouring the MSOs provides excellent heat and UV insulation, preventsfast evaporation, and sustains basic living conditions until the ice cover exists. When the frost cover disappears MSOs go to a dormant, desiccated state. We propose further studies to be carried out by orbiters and landers travelling to Mars and by analysis of partial analogues on earth.     

云南高黎贡山地区主要药用蕨类植物

通过对高黎贡山地区的民间访谈和集市药摊调查 ,从高黎贡山地区已纪录的 5 38种蕨类植物中总结、整理出主要的药用蕨类植物 85种 ,分属 2 7科 ,4 4属。本文主要对其中对 17种常见药用蕨类植物的药用功效进行介绍     

现存被子植物原始类群及其植物地理学研究

在吸取各学派对被子植物原始类群界定的基础上,根据八纲系统,提出被子植物原始类群有60科的新见解,并以分子系统学提出的狭义的基部类群32科为对比,进行了植物地理学研究。以科为性状,以Takhtajan 划分的世界植物区系的“区”为OTU,UPGMA分析显示：(1)东亚区确是一个十分特殊的区,它既与北美东、西部(北美大西洋区、马德雷区)有密切关系,但更接近印度支那区;(2)环太平洋的4个地区集中了较多的原始被子植物的科,它们是东亚地区,北美东部和西部地区,部分热带亚洲、澳大利亚东部和西南太平洋岛屿地区,中、南美热带地区。这种分布格局显然和被子植物起源地与扩散以及太平洋的形成历史有关。     

Recognition of the main geobotanical features along the Bragança mangrove coast (Brazilian Amazon Region) from Landsat TM and RADARSAT-1 data

Orbital remote sensing data were assessedfor mapping of the main geomorphologicaland vegetation units of the Bragançapeninsula (North Brazil), which belongs toa vast though sparsely mapped mangrovecoast. Wide wetland environmentscharacterize the region with extremevariations in extension, temporalevolution, and spatial complexity. Thiswork was based on different digitalprocessing techniques separately applied toLandsat TM and RADARSAT-1 images. Inaddition, both data were merged on apixel-to-pixel basis using algorithms,which rendered an enhancement of thecoastal landforms and a betterdiscrimination of wetlands and landformtypes. The interpretation of the integratedproduct, aided by field validation, made itpossible to significantly extend existingmapping. Nineteen geobotanical units wereidentified: estuarine channels, submergedsand banks, sandflats, old estuarinesandbanks, mudflats, ebb-tidal deltas,barrier-beach ridges, coastal dunes,chenier sand ridges, young intertidalmangroves, intertidal and supratidalmangroves, outer and inner marshes, fluvialflood plains, coastal plateau, degraded andregenerated mangroves, and an artificiallagoon. The digital integration of Fine RADARSAT-1 and Landsat TM data sensitivelyhighlighted geobotanical coastal features,providing a useful tool for a synopticanalysis of their natural and man-drivenchanges.     

内蒙古自治区上侏罗统最原始的蠼螋昆虫化石(昆虫纲:革翅目:始螋亚目)

我国上侏罗统牛津阶-基末利阶（163-150Ma)保存有完好的最原始的蠼螋昆虫化石,首次描述,分析和讨论了原始蠼螋后翅脉序特征,认为与现代生存的蠼螋后翅基本相同。因此,提出了与西方某些蠼螋昆虫分类学者不同的意见,认为始螋亚目（Aechidermaptera)应归入于革翅目（Dermaptera)之中,且视其为一个最原始的类群较为合理,内蒙古自治区这个原始类群的下列重要特征皆为首次发现;胸骨具有特殊的形态结构;革翅锁具（Tegmina locking device)和刺脊突（spiny crest)发育;前,中,后足跗节皆为5节;后足基节显著伸长;颈部被划分为前,后两个颈片;革翅后缘收缩变尖,上述5项被视为厚原始蠼螋特有的祖征,下列特征应为早期蠼螋共有的原始性状;虫体扁平,通常具毛;腹部侧缘彼此近平行;触角显长,丝状,多节（通常多于11节）;两只单眼发育;上颚具齿;中胸小盾片显大;革翅较长,通常具有明显的翅脉;股节具隆脊;爪和爪垫通常发育;腹部各节背板与腹板不重叠（两者位置非简单的上,下关系）;尾须柔软,多节,雌性产卵器鞘显著外伸,本文建立了始螋亚目1新科Sinopalaeo-dermatidae和2新属2新种Sinopalaeodermata neimonggolensis gen.et sp.nov,Jurassimedeola orientalis gen,et sp.nov。同时,对蠼螋昆虫的起源和演化重新进行了讨论,做出了与西方某些蠼螋昆虫研究者结论不同的推断。     

Economic values and dominant providers of key ecosystem services of wetlands in Beijing,China

This study estimates the economic values of and the dominant contributors to five key ecosystem services of wetlands in Beijing, by using the wetland inventory data in 2014 and economic valuation methods. Results indicate that the 51,434 ha of wetlands in Beijing annually provide 2.07 billion m³ of flood regulation, 944.01 million m³ of water provision, 42,154 tons of chemical oxygen demand (COD) purification, 3.03 PJ of heat absorption, and 9587 ha of habitat. Their economic values are estimated to be 15.89 billion RMB, 1.19 billion RMB, 169 million RMB, 421 million RMB, and 1.08 billion RMB in 2014 (RMB: Chinese currency, US$1 = RMB 6.14), respectively. The total values of five key wetland ecosystem services reach 18.76 billion RMB. In addition, the reservoir and river wetlands in Miyun, Yanqing, Fangshan, Huairou, and Mentougou Districts contribute 78% of key ecosystem services, whereas the urban wetlands in Xicheng, Dongcheng, Haidian, Chaoyang, and Tongzhou Districts more conveniently serve densely local people, hence they should be given particular attentions. In this paper, we develop the valuation methods of wetland ecosystem services, and recommend diversified strategies, regulations, and programs to protect the remaining wetlands in Beijing. This work can also provide a reference for the valuating of wetland ecosystem services for other urban-rural areas.     

Evaluating regional water security through a freshwater ecosystem service flow model: A case study in Beijing-Tianjian-Hebei region,China

Freshwater ecosystem service is essential to human’s survival and development. Many studies have documented the spatial differences in the supply and demand of ecosystem services and proposed the concept of ecosystem services flows. However, few studies characterize freshwater ecosystem service flow quantitatively. Therefore, our paper aims to quantify the effects of freshwater ecosystem service flow on downstream areas. We developed a freshwater ecosystem service flow model and applied it in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, China, for the year of 2000, 2005, and 2010. We assessed the regional water security with an improved freshwater security index by integrating freshwater service provision, consumption and flow; and found that most areas of the BTH region (69.2%) were affected by upstream freshwater flows. The areas achieving water security in the region also expanded to 66.9%, 66.1%, and 71.3%, which were 6.4%, 6.8% and 5.7% increments compared to no-flow situation, in 2000, 2005 and 2010, respectively. Setting quota for human water consumption is suggested to further improve water security. These results highlight the need to fully understand the connections between distant freshwater ecosystem service provision and local freshwater ecosystem service consumption. This approach may also help managers to choose more sustainable strategies for critical freshwater resource management across different regions.     

A revision of the Neotropical genus Paraberismyia Woodley (Diptera,Stratiomyidae, Beridinae) with three new species

The Neotropical genus Paraberismyia Woodley, 1995, is revised. Three new species, P. chiapas sp. n., P. mathisi sp. n., and P. triunfo sp. n. are described, all having type localities in Chiapas, Mexico. A key to the four known species is provided.