The organic content of the surficial sediment: a method for the study of ecosystems development in abandoned river channels

To characterise different abandoned river channels, a simple index of the surface sediment was developed i.e. the content of organic matter (expressed as C × N) plotted in relation to that of CaCO₃. The age of the channels studied ranges from 20 to 300 years. Some of them still contain water; others are silted up. Two types are distinguished. The ecosystems of the first one are closed and show a slow rate of development governed by autogenous processes. Those of the second type are more open and show a fast rate of development mainly controlled by allogenous processes. These distinctions are used in a diagrammatic model of the dynamics of Rhône River alluvial plain to be used in fundamental or applied future research.     

Flavonoid aglycones from the leaf surfaces of someLabiatae species

The distribution of excreted flavonoid aglycones within the familyLabiatae was studied and differences were found, especially in the A-ring substitution patterns. Thus, 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavones with substituted B-rings are characteristic of species ofSalvia (sect.Salvia),Rosmarinus andOcimum; 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyflavones occur only inOcimum and 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavones inThymus and related species. Members of the two subfamiliesLamioideae andNepetoideae produce exudate flavonoids, but some genera are devoid of these compounds. There is a correlation between the habitat where the plant grows and production of these compounds, the species from (semi-)arid habitats being those which generally accumulate external flavonoids.     

Ritual production of environmental history among the Arawakan Wakuénai of Venezuela

This essay examines ritual and ceremonial activities among the Arawakspeaking Wakuénai of the Venezuelan Amazon as processes of constructing power relations in changing historical and ecological conditions. Ritual evocations of the vertical dimension of power relations between mythic ancestors and human descendants adapt local populations to conditions of relatively severe stress, such as epidemics and scarcity of fish in long wet seasons. Other rituals evoke the horizontal dimension of power relations between affinally-related groups as a way of expanding the local descent group in conditions of lowered stress. These two ways of exercising ritual power link human populations to specific natural habitats and provide flexibility needed to adjust to demographic and other historical changes. Through ritual performances, the Wakuénai transform the natural environment into a cultural landscape of socialized objects and, conversely, remember the history of political relations among peoples through spirit-naming of natural species, objects, places, and geographic landmarks.     

Phytosociology and ecology of old hay meadows in Hordaland,western Norway in relation to management

Well-drained mown hay meadows in Hordaland, western Norway, were investigated. The hay meadows are either managed in a traditional or in a semi-traditional way. Traditional management in the area involves little or no use of manure or fertilizer, mowing once or twice a year with a first cut later than June 23, clearing in spring and intensive grazing for short periods in spring and autumn. Semi-traditional management involves use of small to medium quantities of commercial fertilizer, often in addition to manure. Grazing may be irregular, light or lacking.Eight units of hay meadow vegetation are described, all assigned to the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, order Arrhenatheretalia; four units to the Atlantic alliance Cardaminion pratensis, association Cardamino pratensis-Conopodietum majoris (with three subassociations); one unit to the alliance Arrhenatherion elatioris, three units are provisionally grouped as Galium uliginosum-Knautia arvensis meadows.Continuous management of these meadows has resulted in characteristic species compositions, which vary along a west-east climatic gradient, and are related to the amount of commercial fertilizer used and the natural mineral-content of the soil.These hay meadows seem to be best maintained by continuing the traditional management regime. Grazing in spring and in autumn reduces fast growing dominants and creates openings for new seedlings of annuals and biennials. A late first cut allows for ripening of the seeds and creates openings for light for the species of the lower field layer. A list of species characteristic of traditionally managed permanent hay meadows is presented, and possible effects of present changes in management on the species composition of the meadows are discussed.The amount of organic matter in the topsoil is small in most stands. The pH values are between 4.0 and 5.6. The highest values were recorded in soil where little or no commercial fertilizer is used, and where the subsoil is naturally rich in minerals. A tendency to Mg impoverishment in the best fertilized stands is demonstrated. Species-rich stands on Ca-rich soils are poor in P.The expected changes in vegetation, future use, and conservation of permanent hay meadows in Hordaland are discussed.     

Science in the age of mechanical reproduction: moral and epistemic relations between diagrams and photographs

Sociologists, philosophers and historians of science are gradually recognizing the importance of visual representation. This is part of a more general movement away from a theory-centric view of science and towards an interest in practical aspects of observation and experimentation. Rather than treating science as a matter of demonstrating the logical connection between theoretical and empirical statements, an increasing number of investigations are examining how scientists compose and use diagrams, graphs, photographs, micrographs, maps, charts, and related visual displays. This paper focuses on diagrams in biology, and tries to demonstrate how diagrams are an integral part of the production of scientific knowledge. In order to disclose some of the distinctive practical and analytical uses of diagrams, the paper contrasts the way diagrams and photographs are used in biological texts. Both diagrams and photographs are shown to be “constructions” that separately and together mediate the investigation of scientific phenoman.     

西双版纳傣族“龙山”的生态学意义

傣族“龙山”是西双版纳地区傣族的民族植物文化中的一例。其概念是“神居住的地方”,在这个地方的动植物都是神的家园里的生灵,是神的伴侣,是不能砍伐、狩猎和破坏的。人     

我国植物种群生态研究的成就与展望

种群生态学以种群作为研究对象,无论在理论上还是在方法上都是生态学中发展最快,最为活跃的一个领域,也是生态学研究中的一个极其重要的层次,因为它是物种存在和进化的基本单位,是生物群落和生态系统的基本组成。一、植物种群生态学研究的历史Graunt于1662年进行了人类种群的生命     

生态因子对中药甘草质量影响的初步研究

甘草是一种常用中药,由于具有“调和诸药”之功效而成为方剂中最常用的一味药。古有“十方九草”之说,可见对甘草的需求量之大;目前,对甘草的需求不仅仅限于医药界,在食品、轻工、畜牧等行业也有广泛的应用。然而,由于长期滥采、滥挖,只挖不种,使得甘草的蕴藏量急剧下降,有些地区的甘草资源濒临枯竭。例如,东北松嫩平原,原是我国“东草”商品的主产区之一,并大量出口国外,     

茶园生态环境对红茶芳香化学物质及品质影响

国内外研究均表明,芳香化学物质是构成红茶品质的主要化学物质。茶叶中芳香化学物质的形成,与茶树品种、加工工艺密切相关。至于茶园生态环境和气象因子对红茶