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Migration is a key livelihood strategy to diversify incomes, reduce risks associated with rainfed agriculture and the effects of climate change, and meet personal aspirations. Drawing on life history interviews with migrant and non‐migrant families, we explore the role of migration and commuting in addressing livelihood vulnerability along a rural–urban continuum in Karnataka, India. We find that labelling migration as an adaptation strategy or not does not necessarily capture the breadth of experiences and implications for livelihoods that migrants and their families face. At an intra‐household level, migration and commuting can alleviate vulnerability for some family members while exacerbating vulnerability of others. At a larger scale, migration that is adaptive at a household scale can be maladaptive at a system scale, where cities are unable to provide for or absorb migrants who often live in highly vulnerable conditions. Finally, on a temporal scale, migration and commuting affect livelihood trajectories and choices beyond the migrants alone, and understanding how these strategies affect household vulnerability over time is crucial for adaptation research. We also highlight the use of life histories as a methodological tool that complements current econometric approaches exploring migration and allows for in‐depth and temporally sensitive inquiry into the drivers and consequences of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A transverse questionnaire based thermal comfort field study was conducted in 30 naturally ventilated university classrooms during peak summer months in composite climate of India. A detailed statistical analysis was carried out on 900 thermal comfort surveys database containing information about sensation and preference for different indoor environmental variables. Neutral temperature predicted through linear regression method varied more than 3 °C for different surveyed buildings. More than 90% comfortable votes (±1 votes) of the present database do fit within adaptive comfort boundaries for this climatic zone of India. Additionally, the study estimated a preferred temperature of 26.4 °C using probit analysis. During the field study, personal and global adaptive actions (adaptive actions that tend to modify the indoor environment of classroom) of students during regular classes were recorded and analyzed. Analysis concluded that students preferred high air speed ranges for restoring comfort either by opening windows and doors as or by operating ceiling fans. Logistic regression model predicts more than 80% ceiling fan usage at indoor air temperature 29 °C. Highlights • This study provides insights and interrelations among different adaptive actions in a classroom. • Probit analysis shows preferred temperature of 26.4 °C. • Controlling air speed by operating ceiling fans, opening of windows and doors are primary adaptive action. • Logistic regression model predicts more than 80% fan uses at 29 °C in naturally ventilated classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In absence of adaptation initiative, residents resort to coping strategies to manage climate-related health risks. Delhi, the capital city of India, is highly endemic to the climate sensitive vector-borne disease of dengue. The weeks of a year with risk of dengue occurrence due to weather patterns are identified by using Poisson regression which uses data for climate variables and reported dengue cases. The coping strategies adopted by household are then evaluated using survey data of 559 households. An economic evaluation of coping strategies to serve as an important decision tool in developing adaptive capacity was carried out using household health production function approach. The econometric tools of Negative Binomial Regression and probit regression have been used for evaluation. The methodological framework provides a novel approach by linking climatic variability, health impact and economic evaluation of adaptation strategies. The results reveal that the dengue risk is mainly addressed by coping strategies at the household level and intervention measures are ineffective due to inappropriate timing and selective approach. The annual economic benefit of adopting coping strategies is estimated as US$ 65 per household. The benefits of coping strategies in reducing dengue risk contribute to the planning of adaptation strategies at city level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata is one of the most important pests of dual-purpose sorghums during the postrainy season in India. Therefore, it is important to identify stable sources of resistance to develop cultivars with shoot fly resistance and adaptation to postrainy season. We evaluated 190 lines adapted to the postrainy season across five locations, of which 30 lines were identified with resistance to A. soccata . These lines were further evaluated for three seasons across five locations to identify lines with stable resistance to this pest across seasons and locations. Data were recorded on oviposition non-preference, deadheart incidence, recovery resistance, morphological traits (leaf glossiness, seedling vigor, plant height and days to 50% flowering), and grain yield. The sorghum genotypes CSV 22, ICSB 422, ICSB 425, ICSB 428, ICSB 432, ICSB 458, ICSB 463, IS 2312, IS 5480, IS 18662, Phule Chitra, RSV 1093, IS 18551, and RSV 1235 exhibited resistance to shoot fly damage across seasons, of which ICSB 425, ICSB 428, ICSB 432, IS 2312, IS 5480, and IS 18551 showed non-preference for oviposition. Six genotypes (ICSB 425, IS 2312, IS 18662, RSV 1090, RSV 1093, and IS 18551) also showed good recovery resistance following shoot fly damage. Principal coordinate analysis placed the maintainer lines (B-lines) with shoot fly resistance in two clusters with ICSB 422, ICSB 432, ICSB 435, ICSB 456 and ICSB 458 in one cluster and ICSB 425, ICSB 428 and ICSB 463 in the other; the open pollinated varieties/germplasm lines (restorers) were placed in a different group (CSV 22, IS 5480, IS 2312 and RSV 1093), suggesting the possibilities for developing hybrids with adaptation to the postrainy season. Based on regression coefficient and deadheart incidence, the genotypes IS 2312, ICSB 425, RSV 1090 and ICSB 428 were stable in expression of resistance to shoot fly across seasons and locations. The genotypes CSV 22 and RSV 1093 exhibited high grain yield potential and resistance to shoot fly damage, while Phule Yashoda, IS 2312, RSV 1235, and ICSV 574 were moderately resistant to shoot fly damage, but had high grain yield potential. These genotypes can be used in sorghum improvement for developing cultivars with shoot fly resistance, high grain yield and adaptation to postrainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is the sum total of all living things on the earth with particular reference to the profound variety in structure, function and genetic constitution. It includes both number and frequency of species or genes in a given assemblage and the variety of resulting ecosystems in a region. It is usually considered at three different levels: genetic, species and ecological diversities. Genus Drosophila belongs to the family Drosophilidae (class Insecta, order Diptera), characterized by rich species diversity at global level and also in India, which is a megadiverse country. At global level, more than 1500 species have been described and several thousands estimated. Hawaiian Islands are particularly rich in species diversity with more than 500 species which provides a unique opportunity to study evolution in genus Drosophila. About 150 species of Drosophila have been reported from India. Certain species of Drosophila found in India have been investigated for genetic diversity within the species. In this regard, Drosophila ananassae is noteworthy. It is a cosmopolitan and domestic species with common occurrence in India and is endowed with many genetic peculiarities. Population genetics and evolutionary studies in this species have revealed as to how genetic diversity within a species play an important role in adaptation of populations to varying environments. In addition, the work carried on D. melanogaster, D. nasuta, D. bipectinata and certain other species in India has shown that these species vary in degree and pattern of genetic diversity, and have evolved different mechanisms for adjusting to their environments. The ecological adaptations to various kinds of stress studied in certain species of Drosophila inhabiting the Indian subcontinent are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The damages due to climatic extremes have gone up over the years, particularly in developing nations like India. Disaster-specific risk reduction measures have been adopted at both individual and policy levels to reduce potential impacts. At the same time, a variety of generic adaptation activities have also been undertaken. However, there is inconclusive empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing damages from climatic extremes, especially for the developing nations. This study, therefore, examines the influence of disaster-specific and generic adaptation measures in reducing the damages resulting from the climate extremes like cyclones and floods in India. A district-level analysis was carried out for the state of Odisha, India from 1999 to 2008 using fixed effects for OLS and negative binomial models. Controlling for the influence of exposure and population, three major findings emerge: (1) households and policy makers have learned from the previous disaster experiences, i.e. there is a 'learning effect', (2) the disaster risk management programme undertaken by the government has reduced the damages from climate extremes, and (3) generic adaptation interventions are helpful. Since the frequency and intensity of these events are likely to increase because of climate change, these results have policy implications in the context of reducing potential impacts now and in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Admixture mapping has been enormously resourceful in identifying genetic variations linked to phenotypes, adaptation, and diseases. In this study throughanalysisof copy number variable regions (CNVRs),wereport extensive restructuring inthegenomesof the recently admixedAfrican-Indian population (OG-W-IP) that inhabits a highly saline environment in Western India. The study included subjects fromOG-W-IP (OG), five different Indian and three HapMap populations that were genotyped using Affymetrix version 6.0 arrays. Copy number variations (CNVs) detected using Birdsuite were used to define CNVRs. Population structure with respect to CNVRswas delineated using random forest approach.OGgenomes have a surprisingexcess ofCNVs incomparison toother studied populations. Individual ancestry proportions computed using STRUCTURE also reveals a unique genetic component in OGs. Population structure analysis withCNV genotypes indicatesOGto be distant fromboth the African and Indian ancestral populations. Interestingly, it shows genetic proximity with respect toCNVs to only one Indian population IE-W-LP4,which also happens to reside in the same geographical region. We also observe a significant enrichment of molecular processes related to ion binding and receptor activity in genes encompassing OG-specific CNVRs. Our results suggest that retention of CNVRs fromancestral natives and de novo acquisition of CNVRs could accelerate the process of adaptation especially in an extreme environment. Additionally, this population would be enormously useful for dissecting genes and delineating the involvement of CNVs in salt adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the adaptation of agricultural management practices due to structural changes in the urban periphery of Hyderabad, India. We investigate structural-change drivers along with the most common types of adaptation realised by peri-urban farmers and the corresponding environmental impacts. From 120 farmer interviews, in which qualitative and quantitative data were collected, we found that increasing costs for agricultural inputs such as labour and land have motivated farmers to intensify water, machine and chemical use, thereby creating problematic environmental impacts. In addition, farmers also resort to part-time farming and organise efforts to share family labour. Based on these findings, we discuss agricultural policies and strategies within the framework of environmental planning and management for the Greater Hyderabad Area (GHA), drawing policy-design conclusions that may enable better integration of farming into the on-going process of megacity development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Knowledge of climate change vulnerability and impacts is a prerequisite for formulating locally relevant climate change adaptation policies. A participatory approach has been used in this study to determine climate change vulnerability, impacts and adaptation aspects for the Kangsabati River basin, India. The study approach involved engaging with stakeholders representing state (sub-national), district and community levels, through an interactive brainstorming method, to understand stakeholder perceptions regarding (a) local characteristics which influence vulnerability, (b) climate change impacts and (c) relevant adaptation options. The study reveals that vulnerability varies across upstream, midstream and downstream sections of the river basin. Suggested adaptation options, in this predominantly agricultural basin, are found to be applicable across spatial scales. Stakeholder perceptions, regarding vulnerability and impacts, vary with the level of interaction, academic background and type of experience. Interaction confirms the notion that stakeholders have inherent knowledge regarding adaptation, reveals their preferences and ability to think unconventionally. We discuss limitations of the approach while demonstrating its ability to deliver locally relevant and acceptable adaptation options, which could facilitate implementation. We conclude that engaging stakeholders at multiple levels was highly effective in assessing locally relevant aspects of climate change vulnerability, impacts and applicable adaptation options in the Kangsabati River basin. Based on this assessment, a sub-basin scale is recommended for evaluating these aspects, especially for water resources and agricultural systems, through multi-level stakeholder input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation analysis was carried out using the InfoCrop-rice model to quantify impacts and adaptation gains, as well as to identify vulnerable regions for irrigated and rain fed rice cultivation in future climates in India. Climates in A1b, A2, B1 and B2 emission scenarios as per a global climate model (MIROC3.2.HI) and a regional climate model (PRECIS) were considered for the study. On an aggregated scale, the mean of all emission scenarios indicate that climate change is likely to reduce irrigated rice yields by ~4 % in 2020 (2010-2039), ~7 % in 2050 (2040-2069), and by ~10 % in 2080 (2070-2099) climate scenarios. On the other hand, rainfed rice yields in India are likely to be reduced by ~6 % in the 2020 scenario, but in the 2050 and 2080 scenarios they are projected to decrease only marginally (<2.5 %). However, spatial variations exist for the magnitude of the impact, with some regions likely to be affected more than others. Adaptation strategies comprising agronomical management can offset negative impacts in the near future-particularly in rainfed conditions-but in the longer run, developing suitable varieties coupled with improved and efficient crop husbandry will become essential. For irrigated rice crop, genotypic and agronomic improvements will become crucial; while for rainfed conditions, improved management and additional fertilizers will be needed. Basically climate change is likely to exhibit three types of impacts on rice crop: i) regions that are adversely affected by climate change can gain in net productivity with adaptation; ii) regions that are adversely affected will still remain vulnerable despite adaptation gains; and iii) rainfed regions (with currently low rainfall) that are likely to gain due to increase in rainfall can further benefit by adaptation. Regions falling in the vulnerable category even after suggested adaptation to climate change will require more intensive, specific and innovative adaptation options. The present analysis indicates the possibility of substantial improvement in yields with efficient utilization of inputs and adoption of improved varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticipated climate change will alter the temperature and rainfall characteristics of crop growing seasons. This will require genetic improvement of crops for adapting to future climates for higher yields. The CROPGRO model for groundnut was used to evaluate genetic traits of Virginia and Spanish types of groundnut for various climate scenarios of India. The analysis revealed that productivity of groundnut can be increased in current and future climates by adjusting the duration of various life-cycle phases, especially the seed-filling to physiological maturity ( SD- PM). Increased maximum leaf photosynthesis rate ( AMAX), increased partitioning to reproductive organs ( XFRT) and increased individual seed-fill duration ( SFDUR) all contributed to the increase in pod yield in all climates. More determinate pod set (shorter PODUR) was beneficial only in the water deficit environments. The positive effect of increasing specific leaf area ( SLA) and leaf size ( SIZLF) on pod yield was greater in environments more favourable for plant growth. Increasing reproductive tolerance to high temperature by 2 °C increased pod yield of groundnut in warmer environments, especially where the crop often suffers from drought. Increased adaptive partitioning to roots ( ATOP) increased drought resistance of groundnut on high water-holding capacity soils. Combination of traits had additive effects and pod yield increased substantially. These results indicate that the CROPGRO model can be used to assess the potential of individual or combination of plant traits for guiding breeding of improved groundnut varieties for current and future climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Prehistoric sites are reported from the entire length and breadth of India. Most of these are surface sites, and invite less attention and significance compared to the few sites that are buried. The systematic excavation of prehistoric sites has contributed to the understanding of typo-technological evolution in the backdrop of time and space. However, the early artifact bearing sites in Himalaya beyond the Indo-Gangetic plains, although open-air sites, hold significance in terms of understanding the extent of human colonization in Himalaya in relation to climate. The sporadic evidence of early humans in the Siwalik ranges of Jammu and along the Indus River in the Leh valley undoubtedly confirm the advent of early humans to this geographical realm when most of the area had tectonically stabilized and the more-or less present day landscape and ecology had developed in the region, with ameliorated climate for early human settlement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper argues for the development of ‘network political ecology’, drawing on the insights from regional political ecology and recent advancements in network theories of scale, to meet the challenges of investigating the meso-scale problem of vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. ‘Network political ecology’, attentive to scale as socio-ecologically produced and grounded in a regional resource use system, is one such approach that fills this gap in middle-range theory necessary to understand the complex processes through which vulnerability manifests and adaptive capacity is produced. This method is exemplified through the case of groundwater-dependent irrigating farmers in Rajasthan, India. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The effluents from tanning industries in and around Palar river basin are the major cause of Cr (III) pollution. Forty-five chromium (III) tolerant bacterial strains were isolated from the Palar river basin. Bacillus subtilis VITSCCr01 showed tolerance up to 1500mg/l and its Cr (III) bioremoval capacity was 64%. Increasing the concentration of Cr (III) increased exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by the bacteria. FT-IR spectral studies confirmed the presence of polysaccharides in the Cr (III) treated bacteria. Adaptation of Bacillus subtilis VITSCCr01 with higher Cr (III) concentration improved the bioremoval capacity to 85%. SEM-EDX showed that the adapted bacteria accumulated high concentration of chromium. Bacillus subtilis VITSCCr01 could be used as a tool for in situ removal of Cr (III) especially in the tannery polluted environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper discusses an indicator-based framework – consisting of seven indicators, four parameters, and an index – to assess adaptive capacity of the water resources system in the Nepalese context and applies this framework to the Bagmati River Basin (BRB) in Nepal. With respect to the BRB, and Nepal in general, the study results show variations in adaptive capacity of the water resources system across the river basin (eight districts within the BRB), at different geographical (district, river basin and national level) as well as temporal (over decades) scale. Such variations suggest a need of differential policy interventions at different spatial scale to achieve adaptive management of the water resources. The adaptive capacity index can be used to prioritize basins, the adaptive capacity parameters can be used to identify the broader areas of intervention in the selected basin, and adaptive capacity indicators reveal the degree of attention required to strengthen adaptive capacity of the water resources system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical variation in traits related to fitness is often the result of adaptive evolution. Stress resistance traits in Drosophila often show clinal variation, suggesting that selection affects resistance traits either directly or indirectly. Multiple stress resistance traits were investigated in 45 natural populations of Drosophila ananassae collected from all over India. There was significant positive correlation between starvation resistance and lipid content. Significant negative correlations between desiccation and lipid content and between desiccation and heat resistance were also found. Flies from lower latitudes had higher starvation resistance, heat resistance and lipid content but the pattern was reversed for desiccation resistance. These results suggest that flies from different localities varied in their susceptibility to starvation because of difference in their propensity to store body lipid. Multiple regression analysis provided evidence of climatic selection driven by latitudinal variation in the seasonal amplitude of temperature and humidity changes within the Indian. Finally, our results suggest a high degree of variation in stress resistance at the population level in D. ananassae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of India has announced the Greening India Mission (GIM) under the National Climate Change Action Plan. The Mission aims to restore and afforest about 10 mha over the period 2010-2020 under different sub-missions covering moderately dense and open forests, scrub/grasslands, mangroves, wetlands, croplands and urban areas. Even though the main focus of the Mission is to address mitigation and adaptation aspects in the context of climate change, the adaptation component is inadequately addressed. There is a need for increased scientific input in the preparation of the Mission. The mitigation potential is estimated by simply multiplying global default biomass growth rate values and area. It is incomplete as it does not include all the carbon pools, phasing, differing growth rates, etc. The mitigation potential estimated using the Comprehensive Mitigation Analysis Process model for the GIM for the year 2020 has the potential to offset 6.4% of the projected national greenhouse gas emissions, compared to the GIM estimate of only 1.5%, excluding any emissions due to harvesting or disturbances. The selection of potential locations for different interventions and species choice under the GIM must be based on the use of modelling, remote sensing and field studies. The forest sector provides an opportunity to promote mitigation and adaptation synergy, which is not adequately addressed in the GIM. Since many of the interventions proposed are innovative and limited scientific knowledge exists, there is need for an unprecedented level of collaboration between the research institutions and the implementing agencies such as the Forest Departments, which is currently non-existent. The GIM could propel systematic research into forestry and climate change issues and thereby provide global leadership in this new and emerging science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary adaptations of the organisms which inhabit the unusual and fragile ecosystems within caves are of inherent interest to both biologists and laymen. Cave organisms generally develop a high degree of physiological and behavioural adaptation for survival in the subterranean environment. The Kotumsar Cave is biologically the best known cave in India and has attracted interest from researchers from all over the world. This paper assesses the ecological community and overall habitat of the cave. This is based on long-term field observations and the review of the extensive literature on Kotumsar. For each species, features indicative of evolutionary adaptation to the cave environment are noted and conclusions drawn regarding the status of the species as a cavernicole. Several species of this cave are yet to get a proper study for correct taxonomic position although they have apparent troglomorphic dispositions. Several species which are highly endemic to this cave are probably in verge of its extinction. A serious measure to conserve the whole biodiversity has been suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food, climate and water crises are interrelated and interdependent. Climate change is projected to significantly alter rainfall patterns, with implications for the annual runoff for the Godavari River basin of the Indian subcontinent. Agriculture, especially rain-fed agriculture, will be particularly affected, due to changes such as periodicity and intensity of rainfall. This paper describes field interventions in 2005-2007 designed to restore traditional water management systems (in the form of water tanks; that is, wetlands embedded in a semi-arid region), with the aim of mitigating the effects of increased climate variability and the frequency of weather extremes. Our findings suggest that traditional water management methods can be both socially and economically effective in coping with variability in precipitation patterns, decentralizing management institutions, improving crop productivity and increasing groundwater recharge. This approach is preferable to large projects for increasing water storage capacity or expanding areas under irrigation, which are expensive, and can displace people and degrade ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change combined with human activities poses significant risks to people's livelihood especially in developing countries. Adaptation at the community level is of crucial importance in enabling them to respond to the direct and indirect effects of changes in climate. In a case study of fishing communities in Chilika lagoon, India, the focus is made on understanding climate change adaptation at the community level and scaling it up into the policy perspective through application of Sustainable Livelihood Approach. This article challenges the research and policy community to encourage the identification of locally negative constraints and positive strengths toward climate resilient communities in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most policy makers and practitioners have now started to recognise the different ways in which climate change impacts on poor, vulnerable, and socially excluded women and men. However, making adaptation policies and programmes sensitive to gender issues does not simply mean 'adding on' a concern for women. It also requires a nuanced understanding of gendered forms of vulnerability, and a stronger commitment of resources - financial, technical, and human - to address specific gendered priorities. Drawing on insights from coastal Gujarat, in India, this article illustrates how researchers and practitioners can collaborate to strengthen learning across communities and regions. Simple and practical tools for assessing vulnerability, as well as empirical research and documentation, can further and support advocacy on climate-resilient development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SummaryDrosophila ananassaeDoleschall is a cosmopolitan and domestic species. It occupies a unique status among Drosophilaspecies due to certain peculiarities in its genetic behaviour and is of common occurrence in India. Quantitative genetics of sexual and non-sexual traits provided evidence for genetic control of these traits. D. ananassaeexhibits high level of chromosomal polymorphism in its natural populations. Indian natural populations of D. ananassaeshow geographic differentiation of inversion polymorphism due to their adaptation to varying environments and natural selection operates to maintain three cosmopolitan inversions. Populations do not show divergence on temporal scale, an evidence for rigid polymorphism. D. ananassaepopulations show substantial degree of sub-structuring and exist as semi-isolated populations. Gene flow is low despite co-transportation with human goods. There is persistence of cosmopolitan inversions when populations are transferred to laboratory conditions, which suggests that heterotic buffering is associated with these inversions in D. ananassae. Populations collected from similar environmental conditions that initially show high degree of genetic similarity have diverged to different degrees in laboratory environment. This randomness could be due to genetic drift. Interracial hybridization does not lead to breakdown of heterosis associated with cosmopolitan inversions, which shows that there is lack of genetic co-adaptation in D. ananassae. Linkage disequilibrium between independent inversions in laboratory populations has often been observed, which is likely to be due to suppression of crossing-over and random genetic drift. No evidence for chromosomal interactions has been found in natural and laboratory populations of D. ananassae. This strengthens the previous suggestion that there is lack of genetic co-adaptation in D. ananassae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in impacts of climate hazards across exposed units are determined by many factors including the severity of the hazard itself, the population that is exposed to the hazard and the coping capacity of the exposed units to the hazard. Coping capacity or adaptive capacity results from a combination of development status (generic capacity) and interventions pertinent to the hazard (specific capacity). This paper explores the extent to which the generic adaptive capacity may explain the variation in tropical cyclone impacts. Therefore this paper offers an empirical approach by which adaptive capacity may be measured and validated against actual outcomes. Results not only validate the role of generic adaptive capacity in explaining variations in impact but also reveal that general development indicators are not very important as far as predicting outcomes is concerned. Those indicators of development that can be linked to the impact process are significant in explaining and predicting impact. This can help identify those aspects of generic adaptive capacity which are important from the perspective of policy action for enhancing adaptive capacity to a particular climate hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed with an aim to observe the effect of increasing urbanization and traffic activity on the physiology of a foliose lichen, Phaeophyscia hispidula (Ach.) Essl., collected from 13 different localities, growing in their natural habitat, in Pauri and Srinagar, two cities in the Himalayas. Six parameters i.e., Chl. a, Chl. b, total pigment, chlorophyll degradation, carotenoid and total protein content, proved the most useful to assess air pollution, were measured. Chlorophyll content and protein content are an efficient parameter to measure the air quality of a region. The study indicates that P. hispidula is pollution tolerant (adaptation) and able to withstand local emissions from vehicle exhausts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the hunter-gatherer human adaptation patterns in Tamil Nadu, India. Environmental background; Systematic archaeological research; Test excavations.

Examines the genetic coadaptation in geographic populations of Drosophila bipectinata in India. Use of wing length as an index of body size; Measurement of wing length; Occurrence of an interpopulation variation in body size and in all the crosses.

The article presents a study on the influence of food adaptation in prey choice of a generalist predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulzant in India. It notes the use of laboratory cultures of Cryptolaemus that were contained for 10 generations on pink hibiscus mealybug in the current study. It highlights the recommendation of C. montrouzieri in the field because of its help in reversal prey specificity.

The article presents a study on the developmental adaptation of leaves in Podophyllum hexandrum for its effective pollination and dispersal in India. It stresses that the effective propagation of the endangered species is its unusual combination of traits related to sexual reproduction. It highlights the developmental stages of the specie which it uses as protection from herbivores at the first leaf of emergence stage and at the early fruit formation stage.