Latitudinal variation in population structure of wintering Pacific Black Brant

ABSTRACT.   Latitudinal variation in population structure during the winter has been reported in many migratory birds, but has been documented in few species of waterfowl. Variation in environmental and social conditions at wintering sites can potentially influence the population dynamics of differential migrants. We examined latitudinal variation in sex and age classes of wintering Pacific Black Brant ( Branta bernicla nigricans ). Brant are distributed along a wide latitudinal gradient from Alaska to Mexico during the winter. Accordingly, migration distances for brant using different wintering locations are highly variable and winter settlement patterns are likely associated with a spatially variable food resource. We used resightings of brant banded in southwestern Alaska to examine sex and age ratios of birds wintering at Boundary Bay in British Columbia, and at San Quintin Bay, Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, and San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California from 1998 to 2000. Sex ratios were similar among wintering locations for adults and were consistent with the mating strategy of geese. The distribution of juveniles varied among wintering areas, with greater proportions of juveniles observed at northern (San Quintin Bay and Ojo de Liebre Lagoon) than at southern (San Ignacio Lagoon) locations in Baja California. We suggest that age-related variation in the winter distribution of Pacific Black Brant is mediated by variation in productivity among individuals at different wintering locations and by social interactions among wintering family groups.     

Rhodamine 123 as a vital stain for mitochondria of plant cells

Abstract. Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123), a relatively new mitochondrial marker, little used in the study of plant cells, was tested on excized leaves of Elodea canadensis Michx. and on suspension-cultured cells of Ranunculus serbicus Vis. In both preparations, the dye accumulated rapidly and selectively in the mitochondria whose number, morphology and cell distribution could be easily observed. In the presence of Rh 123, cytoplasmic movements could also be perceived and the spatial arrangement of the mitochondria with respect to that of the auto-fluorescent chloroplasts was studied in connection with a normal or altered cytoskeletal framework. The specific uptake of Rh 123 by the organdies seemed to be potential-dependent since it was influenced by cations, ionophores and inhibitors of electron transport. Short exposures to the stain were practically non-toxic, whereas prolonged treatments (6–20 h) provoked specific alterations in structure of the mitochondria. The data reported here indicate that Rh 123 may be an excellent vital stain to study the morphology, function and dynamics of the mitochondria in living plant cells.     

The link between the electrogenic and redox functions of the plasmalemma and the energy metabolism of the cell

A dependence of the plasmalemma redox activity, determined by the reduction of external electron acceptors (ferricyanide, nitro-blue tetrazolium), on the energy state of the cell, which was modified by light conditions or introduction of glucose into the media, was shown on leaves of Elodea canadensis Rich. Glucose (10 m M ) and light (40 W m^-2) caused hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and stimulated the redox activity of the plasmalemma. 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) completely inhibited the light activation of electrogenic and redox functions of the plasmalemma. The light saturation intensity for membrane potential and ferricyanide reductase activity was 10–30% of the light saturation of photosynthesis. Membrane potential, K⁺ transport and plasmalemma redox activity changed in parallel in response to light and darkness and when DCMU was added. Ferricyanide reductase activity is suggested to be a simple parameter for characterizing the energy state of the cell. The functional significance of the light-induced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential is discussed.     

引起害虫大规模流行病的两种虫霉

我国南方重要害虫松大蚜及茶尺蠖中近年来分别发现由加拿大虫疫霉和圆孢虫疫霉造成的大面积流行病,在短期内将害虫种群摧毁殆尽。加拿大虫疫霉系我国首次记载。本文描述和讨论了2种虫生真菌的形态特征,记载了真菌病的流行概况。     

GENETIC AND SOCIAL INHERITANCE OF BODY AND EGG SIZE IN THE BARNACLE GOOSE (BRANTA LEUCOPSIS)

We present heritability estimates for final size of body traits and egg size as well as phenotypic and genetic correlations between body and egg traits in a recently established population of the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) in the Baltic area. Body traits as well as egg size were heritable and, hence, could respond evolutionarily to phenotypic selection. Genetic correlations between body size traits were significantly positive and of similar magnitude or higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations. Heritability estimates for tarsus length obtained from full-sib analyses were higher than those obtained from midoffspring-midparent regressions, and this indicates common environment effects on siblings. Heritabilities for tarsus length obtained from midoffspring-mother regressions were significantly higher than estimates from midoffspring-father regressions. The results suggest that this discrepancy is not caused by maternal effects through egg size, nor by extra-pair fertilizations, but by a socially inherited foraging site fidelity in females.     

Distribution of Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase and Polar Current Patterns in Leaves and Stems of Elodea canadensis*

The proton pumping ATPase in the plasma membrane of Elodea canadensis is believed to play a major role in inorganic carbon acquisition. To investigate potentially different carbon uptake strategies within the same plant, plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase distribution and polar current patterns were investigated in Elodea leaves and stems. Specific activity of plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase in leaf microsomal fractions was tenfold higher than in stem derived microsomes. Probing western blots with a monoclonal antibody specific for plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase, yielded strongly visible double bands at 100 kDa in leaf microsome preparations, whereas little antigen was detected in analogous stem microsome preparations. Using the same plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase specific antibody on tissue sections, the enzyme was found almost exclusively localized at the border of cells at the lower leaf surface. A positive ion current leaving the lower leaf surface was measured, using a vibrating probe device. Part of this current entered the upper leaf surface and part of it the internodes of the stem. The experimental results support the view, that Elodea leaves have different means of inorganic carbon uptake than stem internodes.     

Survival of captive-born Ovis canadensis in North American zoos

The survival rate of North American bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, housed in several zoological gardens was analyzed. Complete herd histories, including birth and death data as well as causes of mortality, were collected from seven institutions. Lambs were divided into inbred and noninbred animals, with lambs being considered inbred if they had an inbreeding coefficient greater than zero. The rate of survival of inbred and noninbred lambs was compared using “survival equalling one year” and “survival equalling six months.” Another analysis compared the survival rate of male and female inbred lambs and male and female noninbred lambs. Age at death was also compared in inbred and noninbred lambs. The analysis of the data for the seven collections, located in various geographic areas and housing various subspecies, indicates that inbreeding depression is a mortality factor in the captive management of North American bighorn sheep. Therefore, long-term survival of captive or isolated wild populations will depend on maintaining genetic diversity within the herds through careful selection of breeding stock in captive populations and introduction of nonrelated animals into isolated wild populations.     

The mechanism of bicarbonate assimilation by the polar leaves of Potamogeton and Elodea. CO2 concentrations at the leaf surface

Abstract. Photosynthetic utilization of HCO, in leaves of Poiamogeton and Elodea occurs at the lower leaf side, with subsequent OH∼ release at the upper side. It is accompanied by transport of cations, in the present experiment K +, across the leaf. The resulting pH and K+ concentration changes near the leaf surface were recorded with miniature electrodes. From the pH and K+ concentration the concentrations of the different inorganic carbon species were calculated and compared with photosynthetic O, production. HCO⁻₃ utilization is accompanied by a drastic increase in the free CO₂ concentration near the lower epidermis. Experiments with CO₂− and HCO₃⁻free solutions showed an oscillating acidification near the lower epidermis and alkalinization near the upper epidermis. It is concluded that the acidification results from the activity of light-dependent H+ pumps. The finding that an increase in pH at the upper side always coincided with a decrease at the lower in these experiments shows that the H+ pumps and the OH− extruding mechanism are coupled although occurring in different cell layers. Previously we have suggested that the first step in the process of photosynthetic HCO₃⁻ utilization is external conversion of HCO₃⁻" by acidification caused by light-dependent H+ pumps. The present results strongly support this hypothesis. Two possible pathways for the accompanying K + transport are discussed. The model presented here explains the known inhibiting effects of buffers and high pH on photosynlhetic HCO₃⁻ utilization.     

外来植物加拿大一枝黄花（Solidago canadensis）入侵的结构基础

采用野外观察、光镜、扫描电镜等手段,对入侵皖北的加拿大一枝黄花形态解剖结构进行了研究,并藉此理解该物种入侵适应的结构基础.结果表明:叶的上、下表皮的气孔数目均较少,具有厚的角质层和长的表皮毛,能起到保水和保护作用;叶片内有发达维管束和束鞘延伸,增加了叶片对光合产物的输导能力,以满足地下营养器官发育的需要.茎具有较强输导和支持能力的结构特征.主根过早停止发育,以适应地下逸生结构发育的需要.加拿大一枝黄花花期、花序结构和未能与本地昆虫建立固定访问关系使部分头状花序不育,成熟花粉粒外有胼胝质包被,有利于花粉传播,其花粉粒属于较为进化的类型;根状茎含较多菊糖,具备成为独立散布体的物质和结构基础.     

入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花对土壤水分变化的生态学响应

以盆栽的入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花为材料,在100%(CK)、80%(W_80)、60%(W_60)和40%(W_40)土壤田间持水量条件下,研究了该植物的生长、生物量分配和光合生理特征,以探讨其入侵机制.结果表明:(1)加拿大一枝黄花的生长速率、株高、叶面积(叶长、叶宽)等均随土壤含水量的降低而下降;总生物量及根、茎、叶各器官生物量积累均随土壤含水量的减少而呈不同程度降低,根生物量比、叶生物量比和根冠比则表现出逐渐增大趋势,并在W_40处理下达到最大;克隆生长在W_40处理下受到严重抑制,表现为无克隆分株和二级根茎,分枝强度低、根茎直径小等特征.(2)随着土壤含水量减少,植株叶绿素a、叶绿素b和叶绿素总量逐渐下降,叶绿素a/b比值却升高,同期的净光合速率、最大净光合速率、光饱和点下降,而光补偿点却上升,其光适应范围逐渐变小.研究发现,加拿大一枝黄花具有较强的抗旱性和耐旱性,但重度干旱仍严重影响其正常生长,其适宜的水分生态位是中偏湿的土壤环境;其通过一系列形态和生理上的可塑性变化来适应和占据各种异质性生境,表型可塑性可能是其成功入侵的重要机制.