Regional variation in fish predation intensity: a historical perspective in the Gulf of Maine

Summary Regional variation in the intensity of fish predation on tethered brittle stars and crabs was measured at 30–33 m depths in the rocky subtidal zone at seven sites representing coastal and offshore regions of the Gulf of Maine, USA. Analysis of covariance comparing the slopes of brittle star survivorship curves followed by multiple comparisons tests revealed five groupings of sites, with significantly greater predation rates in the two offshore than in the three coastal groups. Brittle stars tethered at the three offshore sites were consumed primarily by cod, Gadus morhua, with 60–100% prey mortality occuring in 2.5 h. In striking contrast, only 6–28% of brittle star prey was consumed in the same amount of time at the four coastal sites, which were dominated by cunner, Tautogolabrus adspersus. In several coastal trials, a majority of brittle star prey remained after 24 h. The pattern of higher predation offshore held for rock crabs as well with only 2.7% of tethered crabs consumed (n=36) at coastal sites versus 57.8% of crabs (n=64) consumed at offshore sites. Another important predatory fish, the wolffish, Anarhichas lupus, consumed more tethered crabs than brittle stars. Videos and time-lapse movies indicated that cod and wolffish were significantly more abundant at offshore than at coastal sites. Three hundred years of fishing pressure in New England has severely depleted stocks of at least one important benthic predator, the cod, in coastal waters. We speculate that this human-induced predator removal has lowered predation pressure on crabs and other large mobile epibenthos in deep coastal communities. Transect data indicate that coastal sites with few cod support significantly higher densities of crabs than offshore sites with abundant cod.     

An ecological approach to biosystem thermodynamics

The general attributes of ecosystems are examined and a naturally occurring reference ecosystem is established, comparable with the isolated system of classical thermodynamics. Such an autonomous system with a stable, periodic input of energy is shown to assume certain structural characteristics that have an identifiable thermodynamic basis. Individual species tend to assume a state of least dissipation; this is most clearly evident in the dominant species (the species with the best integration of energy acquisition and conservation). It is concluded that ecosystem structure results from the antagonistic interaction of two nearly equal forces. These forces have their origin in the Principle of Most Action (least dissipation or least entropy production) and the universal Principle of Least Action. Most action is contingent on the equipartitioning of the energy available, through uniform interaction of similar individuals. The trend to Least action is contingent on increased dissipation attained through increasing diversity and increasing complexity. These principles exhibit a basic asymmetry. Given the operation of these opposing principles over evolutionary time, it is argued that ecosystems originated in the vicinity of thermodynamic equilibrium through the resonant amplification of reversible fluctuations. On account of the basic asymmetry the system was able to evolve away from thermodynamic equilibrium provided that it remained within the vicinity of ergodynamic equilibrium (equilibrium maintained by internal work, where the opposing forces are equal and opposite).At the highest level of generalization there appear to be three principles operating: i) maximum association of free-energy and materials; ii) energy conservation (deceleration of the energy flow) through symmetric interaction and increased homogeneity; and iii) the principle of least action which induces acceleration of the energy flow through asymmetrical interaction. The opposition and asymmetry of the two forces give rise to natural selection and evolution.     

Introduction into the ecosystem of the North Sea: Hydrography,biota, and food web relationships

The North Sea, one of the most productive of the earth's seas and oceans, is also surrounded by some of earth's most densely populated and heavily industrialized regions. A growing number of signals are being received which indicate that this valuable ecosystem is increasingly under stress. This has generated a corresponding increase in concern over the steps to be taken to protect the North Sea. While there are divergent views on what constitutes an ‘ideal’ North Sea, there is a general recognition that any decisions that are made should be based on a good understanding of this ecosystem. The intention of this paper is to give an overview of what is presently known, and to identify areas where more studies are needed. A brief summary of the hydrography and the biota of the North Sea is given. Biotic and abiotic structure justify partitioning the North Sea into three ecologically different regions: southern, central, and northern. For the most part, neither the top predators,e.g. marine birds and mammals, nor the macroalgae and sea grasses are included in this overview.     

An analog of ACTH/MSH (4–9), ORG-2766, reduces cerebral uptake of morphine

The uptake of morphine was significantly reduced in most regions of the brains of conscious, unrestrained rats within 10 minutes after treatment with an analog of ACTH/MSH (4–9), ORG-2766. The effect was most obvious in regions with significant densities of enkephalin receptors, namely basal ganglia, hippocampus and cortex. The results explain, in part, how some fragments and analogs of ACTH/MSH may antagonize behavioral actions of morphine, even though some of these peptides lack significant opiate receptor binding properties. We believe that this effect of ORG-2766 is related to an action on the permeability characteristics of the brain microvasculature. The underlying mechanism is unknown.     

城乡建设用地关联对生态系统服务的影响——以洞庭湖地区为例

城乡建设用地数量及相互联系的变化是空间要素及结构演化的重要方面,深刻影响着生态环境质量和生态系统服务水平,研究城乡建设用地关联对生态系统服务的影响对国土空间高质量发展具有重要意义。以洞庭湖地区为研究对象,从土地利用关联视角出发,运用引力模型、InVEST模型、面板数据模型等方法,定量研究了城乡建设用地关联对生态系统服务的影响。结果表明：（1）洞庭湖地区城镇建设用地规模呈现上升趋势,农村居民点用地规模呈现下降趋势;（2）城乡建设用地关联强度呈不断增强趋势,且强关联网格以建成区为核心向周边扩展,低关联网格分布于远离建成区的地方;（3）生境质量和碳储量呈现下降趋势,食物供给则呈现上升趋势,各项生态系统服务价值具有显著的空间异质性;（4）城乡建设用地关联强度对生态系统服务具有负向影响,人口密度、GDP密度、夜间灯光、道路网络对生态系统服务也呈现负向影响,归一化差异植被指数与生态系统服务之间则存在显著的正相关。研究结果有助于了解关联视角下城乡建设用地对生态系统服务的影响机制,可以为制定合理的城乡空间发展战略提供科学依据。     

豫东平原杨\|农复合系统凋落物的数量、组成及其动态

农林复合系统的凋落物既是维持植被系统和土壤系统养分循环的关键,也是维持农林复合系统结构和功能的重要因子.通过对豫东平原农区4年生、9年生和12年生3个不同林龄杨-农复合系统杨树凋落物的数量、组成及季节动态的研究来为深入研究农林复合系统对大气中CO2的调节作用以及碳循环机理提供参考数据.结果表明,4a杨-农复合系统年凋落物总量为11 18 t·hm-2;9a杨-农间作复合系统年凋落物总量为12.86 t·hm-2;12a杨-农复合系统年凋落物总量为13.75 t·hm-2.3个不同林龄的杨-农复合系统凋落物总量月变化模式较为相似,均在8月和11月份出现峰值,而以11月份数量最大.其季节变化模式则为秋季>冬季>夏季>春季.     

生态系统服务供给量的确定——最小数据法在黑河流域中游的应用

确定生态系统服务供给量与付费标准是进行生态系统服务付费研究的关键问题。最小数据方法是一个推导生态系统服务供给曲线的数学模型,该模型通过分析土地利用收益的空间分布,计算出生态系统服务机会成本的空间分布,从而推导出生态系统服务供给曲线。介绍了最小数据方法,然后以黑河流域张掖市甘州区为例,以植被蒸散发量的减少表征生态系统服务,通过调查获得机会成本的空间分布,利用最小数据方法推导了水资源服务供给曲线。结果表明:随着补偿价格的提高,农业部门提供的水资源服务逐渐增加。当补偿价格从0.067元m-3(农业用水价格)提高到3元m-3(建筑用水水价),农业部门提供的水资源服务由2.08×106m3a-1增加到2.7×108m3a-1。这表明,采用生态系统服务付费政策可以有效减少农业用水量,同时这也为补偿标准的制定提供一种新的思路。     

五氯酚在土壤生态系统中的环境行为研究进展

五氯酚在世界范围内广泛使用,在曾经使用过五氯酚的国家和地区的土壤和沉积物可以检测到五氯酚的残留,甚至残留五氯酚可通过食物链危及人类健康。综述了五氯酚在土壤生态系统中的吸附机制与影响因素、化学降解、生物降解及其影响因素、生物富集、生态毒理机理和效应。同时结合目前国内外的研究现状,提出了五氯酚在土壤生态系统中环境行为新的研究方向。     

全球变化下的国际水文学研究进展:特点与启示——2011年欧洲地球科学联合会会员大会述评

欧洲地球科学联合会2011年会员大会于4月3-8日在奥地利首都维也纳举行。其中,水文学专场重点讨论了全球变化对陆地表层水文过程的影响。主要包括气候变化下的洪涝灾害与干旱胁迫、冰川融雪、降雨特性、区域水平衡、土壤侵蚀与泥沙搬运、景观进化与水文过程、地下水与溶质迁移、植被动态与水文格局、气候-水-健康、气候和土地利用综合影响下的区域水行为、耦合水与人类经济社会的关键要素、基于公众和利益相关者参与的水资源优化管理等重要科学进展。众多议题凸现了多学科交叉、多区域、跨尺度、系统性以及先进技术设备的广泛应用等几大特点,对于今后应对气候变化和环境变迁所带来的种种挑战具有重要启示。当前和今后的工作中应瞄准与把握以下几个基本原则。(1)进一步加强基础研究、促进学科交融与渗透,以实现方法和理念互补、共同解决复杂生态学问题。(2)重视区域分异、以凸现具体科学问题,实现研究目标、对象、内容和方法的有机统一。(3)重视系统性研究,加强国际合作、共同研发,促进先进技术和研究手段的创新与应用。     

生物土壤结皮——荒漠化地区研究的热点问题

生物土壤结皮在荒漠化地区广为分布。从结皮的概念、结皮对生态系统和景观变化的影响（包括水文循环、土壤侵蚀、土壤养分循环、维管植物的萌发和生长、动物多样性、景观异质性以及生态系统和景观变化监测和评价等）以及生物土壤结皮对干扰的反应及其恢复机理等方面详细地论述了生物结皮在荒漠化发生发展及其防治中所起的重要作用,并提出了今后生物土壤结皮研究的方向和着眼点。