Nosema parkeri sp. n., a Microsporidan from the Argasid Tick, Ornithodoros parkeri Cooley

SYNOPSIS. Nosema parkeri sp. n. is described from nymphs and adults of the argasid tick, Ornithodoros parkeri Cooley, from a laboratory colony. Schizogonic and sporogonic stages are described from various tick tissues. Spores are binucleate, measuring 3.2 (3–4) × 1.9 (1.8–2.5) μm. Transmission is transovarial and transstadial. The parasite does not appear to affect adversely the development or reproduction of the tick. Dermacentor andersoni Stiles was experimentally infected. Attempts to infect Swiss mice by tick feeding or by injection of infected tick suspensions were unsuccessful. The microsporidan differs in structure from Encephalitozoon ixodis Weiser) and Nosema slovaca Weiser & Reháček, the only other microsporidans known from ticks.     

Potentiation by calcium ions of the antithrombin III inhibition of thrombin

Calcium ions potentiated heparin-modulated antithrombin III inhibition of amidolysis catalysed by thrombin. Potentiation by calcium ions of heparin-independent antithrombin III inhibition of thrombin activity appeared to contribute to this effect. These results suggest a complex modulatory role for calcium ions in proteinase-catalysed reactions influenced by anti-proteinases and glycosaminoglycans.     

Natural convection from leaves at realistic Grashof numbers

Abstract. The boundary layer resistance of model leaves was measured in still air, at a range of leaf-to-air temperature differences. The results were compared to those calculated from standard formulae for natural convection. The agreement between observed and calculated was only satisfactory when Grashof numbers exceeded about 105. At the lower Grashof numbers, which often prevail in nature, the observed rates of heat transfer considerably exceeded those calculated.     

深圳市西海岸和海域生物资源多样性的管护

本文着重介绍生物多样性管护区的基本含义和要求,结合深圳市西海岸和海域的特点,提出建立珠江口南海海岸和海洋生物多样性管护区,以发挥该区域的资源优势和持续利用,为建设深圳特区做出应有的贡献。     

High frequency of natural hybrids between Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and brown trout, S. trutta L., in a Swedish river

Among 332 parr from the Swedish River Grönån examined by electrophoresis, 44 (13%) were hybrids between Atlantic salmon and brown trout. The hybrid frequencies in three sections of Grönån were significantly different (23. 8 and 2%). All hybrids are evidently of natural origin. and possible factors promoting hybridization are irregular overlapping spawning times. lack of separate spawning grounds, and involvement of sneakers.     

Relationship of Heliothis zea predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens to canopy development in soybean as affected by Heterodera glycines and weeds

The influence of canopy development in soybean on the survival of corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), egg and larval stages and population dynamics of arthropod fauna were evaluated in field trials during 1986–88 in eastern North Carolina. Soybean canopy size decreased as soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), initial population densities increased. Plant species composition of the soybean canopy was affected by weed population densities. Mortality of H. zea larvae due to parasitism and infection with entomopathogens was greater in closed canopy and (or) weedy soybeans than in very open and (or) weed free soybeans. Predation and parasitism of corn earworm eggs were similar across nematode and weed density treatments. Natural enemy populations increased to highest levels during July in closed canopy and (or) weedy soybeans, coinciding with availability of largest prey population reservoirs. A delay in colonization of very open and (or) weed free soybeans by beneficial arthropods until mid to late August allowed greater H. zea larval survival than in closed canopy and (or) weedy soybeans. Arthropod species richness was generally greatest in closed canopy and (or) weedy soybeans during mid to late July, with differences becoming nonsignificant in August and early September. Mean and maximum ambient temperatures were higher and relative humidities lower in open canopy than in closed canopy plots. These conditions were less favorable for development of pathogens and natural enemies.     

害虫,天敌和食料的数学模型

本文从实际问题出发,结合已有的描述群落生态的数学模型,提出了一组描述马尾松毛虫(Dendrolimus pnnctalus,walker)、条毒蛾(Lymantria dissoluta,Swinhoe)、天敌和食料之间动态关系的数学模型: w(k+1=(a_1x(k+1)/(1+a_2x(k+1)/_z(k))+a_3w(k)/(1+a_4w(k)/y(k)) x(k+1)=b_1w(k)/(1+b_2w(k)/y(k))+b_3x(k)/(1+b_4x(k)/z(k))+ y(k+1)=c_1z(k)/[1+c_sz(k)+c_3y(k)][1+c_4w(k)+(k+1)] z(k+1)=d_1z(k)/[1+d_2z(k)][1+d_3x(k)+d_4w(k)] 对于这个模型的线性化形式,详细讨论了控制松毛虫的暴发所需的条件及其生态学机制。     

浙江省松阳县黄山松种群的密度与生物量动态

 本文研究了浙江省松阳县关山源地区黄山松种群的密度与生物量动态以及它们之间的相互关系。黄山松是该地区森林演替中的先锋种群之一。在演替过程中,黄山松种群的动态可分成三个阶段。大约在黄山松种群入侵次生裸地的最初10年期间,种群的密度和生物量迅速增长(阶段Ⅰ)。此后,种群密度达到饱和,由于自疏作用出现以及其他阔叶树种的入侵,种群密度开始急剧下降,个体平均重量和种群生物量迅速增长(阶段Ⅱ),–3/2自疏定律适用于种群动态的此阶段。随着阔叶树种进入林冠层,虽然个体平均重量仍缓慢增长,黄山松种群的密度和种群生物量逐渐下降直至退出群落(阶段Ⅲ)。但在一些特殊生境中(如裸岩陡坡或山脊),黄山松种群可形成稳定的地形顶极群落,其种群密度、个体平均重量和种群生物量可长期维持相对稳定的状态。     

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.     

Bibionids (Diptera: Bibionidae) in agricultural land: a review of damage, benefits, natural enemies and control

Records of crop damage caused by Bibionidae are reviewed together with evidence for their beneficial activities, natural enemies and control methods. Bibionids are sporadic and infrequent pests. Although grass and cereals are most vulnerable, a wide range of crops is attacked. Damage is most severe after grass or when plants are under stress. The presence of organic matter during oviposition increases the likelihood of damaging populations. Many natural enemies exist but their impact on adult or larval populations has not been quantified. Given the pattern of attacks and lack of approved insecticides, cultural control methods are more appropriate than chemical. The role of adult bibionids in pollination and of larvae involved in soil processes could be of greater importance than any damage caused by the group.