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The main objective of the study was to evaluate the population characteristics of Betula nana under different anthropogenic influences. The study was conducted in the vicinity of the exploited Šepeta peatland (northeastern Lithuania). The population status of B. nana was determined by comparing the ramet density and morphology (height, branching, and leaf size), the age structure, the number of generative ramets, and their flowering characteristics in four study areas at different distances from the exploited peatlands and in different habitats. Around 20 environmental factors were included in the analysis, covering water levels, peat, and vegetation characteristics. Shading, drainage and increased amounts of nitrogen in the habitats are the main factors contributing to the differences and structure of B. nana cenopopulations. Although taller ramets with larger leaves are observed under the changed conditions as an adaptation to shading, the negative anthropogenic effects in the most affected habitats are reflected in a reduction in the number of flowering ramets, lower vegetative regeneration, and an increase in the number of dead twigs on mature ramets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of a rare medicinal species, the "green-flowered" hound's tongue (Cynoglossum viridiflorum Pall. ex Lehm.), of Uzbekistan growing in the Karakalpak part of the Ustyurt Plateau, based on the structure of its cenopopulations is examined. New data is reported with respect to the ontogeny and ontogenetic structure of cenotic populations of this rare endemic, and plant communities with its participation are characterized. In the Ustyurt conditions, the vegetation cycle of C. viridiflorum spans approximately eight months from March to October. The studied populations were shown to be normal and full-membered. The left-sided ontogenetic spectrum is characteristic of C. viridiflorum due to the high seed productivity and germination capacity. Altogether, this reflects the biological characteristics of C. viridiflorum and points to a stable state of the species population in the Ustyurt conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to study the features of the life cycle of Sanguisorba officinalis in various types of vegetation in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. We used traditional methods for studying the cenopopulation, analysis of the calendar age of plants of various ontogenetic states, and potential and actual seed productivity. Under broad‐leaved forest conditions, a young normal population was formed on the basis of slowly developing plants. In conditions of open communities, young cenopopulations were formed on the basis of intensive seed reproduction processes. The young cenopopulation can be recommended for further study in biomass exploitation. The predominance of long‐lived vegetative and immature plants in the conditions of a broad‐leaved forest is associated with difficulties in the transition of individuals to sexual reproduction. The maintenance of numbers is carried out through vegetative growth and reproduction. With deterioration of ecological and coenotic conditions, above‐ground shoots were not formed but regressive‐quasisenile coenopopulations were formed. Seed productivity was determined by ecological and cenotic conditions. On the steppe meadow of the Bugulma district, the lowest seed productivity index was 9 %. The lowest indicator of the trait “Number of full‐fledged seeds” (the average indicator was 7), low seed germination and germination energy were also noted there. The highest values of these indicators were noted n glades of the broad‐leaved areas of the same region. The realization of the reproductive system of Sanguisorba officinalis even under extreme conditions and the survival of the species in various types of vegetation suggest that the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan is included in the ceno‐area of the species. This will permit the creation of plantations in the republic.

The features of the horizontal spatial pattern of multi-aged open forests of Gmelin larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr.), forming the northern limit of tree vegetation in the forest-tundra ecotone in the Eastern part of the Taimyr Peninsula, are considered. It was found that all studied tree stands are characterized by a mosaic structure, in which areas occupied by woody vegetation alternate with open spaces, the area of which ranges from 37 to 50%. In all cases, the composition of the tree layer includes both single trees and their aggregations (biogroups), share of which varies from 17 to 32%. Pair aggregation of trees predominates in biogroups, amounting to 83%. The predominance of the random nature of the location of trees in the formation of the horizontal pattern has been shown, but the specific type of spatial distribution is also determined by the stage of ontogenesis in which the cenopopulation is located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The results of our studies of the resources and state of cenopopulations of three species from the genus Viola, namely, V. canina L., V. tricolor L., and V. arvensis Murray, conducted in the Romanovskii, Balashovskii, and Kalininskii districts of Saratov oblast in 2016–2021 are presented. Descriptions of the species habitats with geographic coordinates are given. The species V. canina, V. tricolor, and V. arvensis have medicinal, honey-providing, and decorative values. Populations of these species are confined to meadow–steppe grass–forb phytocenoses. The phytocenoses with the participation of the studied species differ in the dominant and codominant species. As a result of our study of the ontogenetic structure of V. canina cenopopulations (CPs), it was found that both CPs have unimodal spectra with a maximum on plants of the virginal group. The cenopopulation type according to the delta–omega criterion is transitional. The CP of V. tricolor and CP 2 of V. arvensis are characterized by average reproduction efficiency. The CP 1 of V. arvensis has low reproduction efficiency; the value of the renewal index of its age spectrum is less than one. Regeneration processes in CP 1 of V. arvensis are difficult and unstable. Our analysis of the age structure of CPs using the delta–omega classification has shown that the CP of V. tricolor and CP 1 of V. arvensis are maturing, while CP 2 of V. arvensis is transitional according to its position in the delta–omega coordinate system. The yield of the species depended on the degree of moisture in the year. On average, over the five years of this study, the yield of V. arvensis, V. canina, and V. tricolor was 21.51, 19.09, and 27.2 t/ha, respectively. In order to restore the populations, the exploitation of thickets of all species of the genus Viola should be carried out once every three years on 1/3 of the area of thickets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a study of the state of the cenopopulation of a rare species, Allium praemixtum Vved. in the Nurata and Turkestan ranges. The ontogenetic structure of the cenopopulation was studied by the generally accepted methods (Uranov, 1975; Tsenopopulyatsiya rastenii..., 1976). Cenopopulations were characterized according to the classifications of A.A. Uranov and O.V. Smirnova (1969) and "delta–omega" (Zhivotovsky, 2001). The ecological density was determined by the method of W. Odum (1986). Geobotanical descriptions were made according to the standard methodology on sites of 100 m2 (Field geobotany, 1964). The characteristic ontogenetic spectrum is left-sided, with an absolute maximum in one of the pregenerative groups (Cheremushkina, 2004). Cenopopulations (CP) 1, 5, 6 correspond to the characteristic left-sided ontogenetic spectrum with a maximum peak in the virginal state of the species. The centered ontogenetic spectrum does not coincide with the characteristics, culminating in middle age. The bimodal ontogenetic spectrum is then considered as a temporary left-sided variant with an equal peak in the medium generative and virginal states. The density of individuals in the studied cenopopulations varied from 1.1 to 9.7 ind./m2, and the ecological density is from 2.3 to 17.63 ind./m2. According to the "delta-omega" classification Allium praemixtum cenopopulation CP 1 is maturing, CP 5 and 6 are young, CP 2 and 4 are transitional, and CP 3 is mature. Existing cenopopulations are mainly located on unprotected territory, with the exception of CP 3 (near Mazhrumsay) and 4 (near Gurdarasay). The only solution to this problem can be the strict protection of cenopopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the modern status of populations of rare plant species by population-ontogenetic methods is used for solving problems of conservation and restoration of natural communities. The object of the study is a rare species of the European Russia, Rindera tetraspis Pall., a poorly studied threatened steppe endemic. The purpose of the research was to assess the modern status and ontogenetic structure of cenopopulations of R. tetraspis in the Urals within Orenburg oblast. Three administrative districts of Orenburg oblast in the Urals were surveyed in 2016–2019, and as a result, six cenopopulations were identified and studied. Their phytocenotic allocation was assessed by conventional geobotanical methods. It has been revealed that wheat grass (Agropyron desertorum), wormwood (Artemisia lercheana)–Psathyrostachys calciphyte, and bluegrass (Poa bulbosa ssp. vivipara)–feather-grass (Stipa capillata) steppe communities predominate. The main population characteristics, the density of plants, and the ontogenetic composition, have been determined. The total density in the surveyed cenopopulations varies from 4.7 to 10.7 plants/m2, and the effective density is from 3.2 to 5.9 plants/m2. The ontogenesis has been described and eight ontogenetic stages have been revealed. Senile plants were not found. All the studied cenopopulations of R. tetraspis are normal incomplete and are dominated by middle-aged generative plants. According to the delta–omega classification, there are three are young, two transitional, and one mature cenopopulations. Their status is relatively satisfactory, but only one of the six is protected: it is located in the specially protected natural area Troitskie Melovye Mountains. Regular monitoring of the status of the populations is necessary for stronger protection of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the population characteristics of Betula nana under different anthropogenic influences. The study was conducted in the vicinity of the exploited Šepeta peatland (northeastern Lithuania). The population status of B. nana was determined by comparing the ramet density and morphology (height, branching, and leaf size), the age structure, the number of generative ramets, and their flowering characteristics in four study areas at different distances from the exploited peatlands and in different habitats. Around 20 environmental factors were included in the analysis, covering water levels, peat, and vegetation characteristics. Shading, drainage and increased amounts of nitrogen in the habitats are the main factors contributing to the differences and structure of B. nana cenopopulations. Although taller ramets with larger leaves are observed under the changed conditions as an adaptation to shading, the negative anthropogenic effects in the most affected habitats are reflected in a reduction in the number of flowering ramets, lower vegetative regeneration, and an increase in the number of dead twigs on mature ramets.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the processes of plant community formation on recultivated dumps of spent uranium-containing industrial waste from uranium deposit mines, as well as to identify the degree of impact of agro-climatic factors, agrochemical indicators of soils of recultivated dumps, and the level of residual ionizing radiation on the productivity of the emerging vegetation cover. Studies of plant colonization of recultivated Grachevsky and Shantobinsky uranium mine dumps located in Northern Kazakhstan were carried out. The mining and technical stage of reclamation consisted of planning a dump with slopes of 15° and covering it with a 1 m layer of chestnut soil. In total, 30-35 plant species are present in the dumps, the projective coverage is approximately the same (56.6-70.0%), and the herbage density is 15-16.6 plants/100 m2. As a result of the measures taken to recultivate the dumps, the intensity of the background ionizing radiation at the Grachevsky mine dump was in the range of 25-35 µR/hr and at the Shantobinsky mine dump 10-25 µR/hr, which indicates compliance with safety standards. The plant species which can be used for artificial plant colonization of uranium-containing waste dumps, were identified.

As a result of field studies of Allochrusa gypsophiloides populations on the territory of Kazakhstan revealed significant reductions in the natural range of the species as a result of anthropogenic activities. Information on the current state of the species is important for clarifying the prospects of their existence. The article describes morphometric and soil indicators of populations of rare, endemic plants Allochrusa gypsophiloides. 3 populations (4 cenopopulations) of the species were studied. 1-population -- Syrdarya Karatau-Sayasu Gorge; 2-population -- Syrdarya Karatau- Kujik Pass; 3-population -- Karatau foothill plain, near the village of Birlik. During the study, a map-scheme of the three populations was drawn up. Field and route-reconnaissance research methods were used to conduct the research. For correlation analysis, the height of generative individuals during flowering, the number of individuals, the number of shoots and flowers were selected to check the importance of differences between cenopopulations. The Pearson correlation assessment showed that the average height of individuals during flowering directly correlated with the number of shoots and the number of flowers of CP2, CP3 and CP4. The type of soil growing in the first population is ordinary gray soil, the second population is mountain gray-brown soil, the third population is ordinary gray. Ordinary gray soil (population-1) is light gray, loamy, compacted, dusty, granular, with large amounts of stones. Mountain gray-brown soil (population-2) -- compacted, granular, with low humidity, rich in stony compounds, with a low degree of boiling from acid. Com- mon gray (population 3) -- light gray, medium loamy, granular, dense, with a high degree of boiling due to acidity. The chemical compositions of the soils of all the studied populations are similar: the humus content is low, the nutrients are low, the reaction of the soil medium is alkaline and highly alkaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the ontogenetic structure of the coenotic populations of vulnerable, endemic, and rare plant species makes it possible to assess their state under the conditions of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems and develop the scientific basis for their protection. Central Asia is one of the centers of origin and species diversity of the genus Tulipa L. In the flora of the Republic of Uzbekistan, there are 34 species of tulips, of which 19 species (55.88%) are endangered due to the collection of flowers and bulbs and overgrazing and habitat destruction. These are listed in the national Red Book. This article is devoted to the assessment of the current state of 13 coenotic populations of five rare and endemic species of the genus Tulipa (T. borszczowii, T. butkovii, T. dubia, T. greigii, T. korolkowii), growing in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan in areas with different environmental regimes and levels of anthropogenic pressure. It has been established that eight studied cenopopulations are normal and full-membered; five populations are incomplete, they lack senile individuals, which is a biological feature of the genus Tulipa. Six cenopopulations belong to the left-sided type, their ontogenetic spectrum coincides with the characteristic spectrum of the genus Tulipa; four coenopopulations have a centered type of spectrum, while three are bimodal. The low proportion of juveniles in some of the cenopopulations studied is due to the influence of overgrazing, as well as high competition with other species in the community. It is recommended that a rare endemic of the Central Asian deserts be included in the next edition of the Red Book of Uzbekistan Tulipa borszczowii and national endemic, narrow-local endemic of the Chatkal ridge Tulipa butkovii. It is recommended to create a protected area (zakaznik or natural monument) to preserve the relic sandy massif Dalverzinskie sands in the Tashkent region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Ecology is the property of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The distribution, morphometric and population characteristics of the invasive species Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. in Republic of Bashkortostan are analyzed. Twenty-five localities of the species are identified and 11 invasive populations are examined in five districts of the republic. It is shown that the main vector of L. polyphyllus invasion is the drift of the species from horticultural crops, and spontaneous species dispersal along the roads is less common. The density of L. polyphyllus plants in cenopopulations ranges from 4.3 to 14.5 ind./m2. The aboveground biomass of the species can reach 1 kg per 1 m2 or more. The proportion of the species in the community ranges from 55.1 to 88.8%; the species dominates in most communities. When introduced into meadow phytocenoses, it forms a derivative community of Lupinus polyphyllus [Arrhenatheretalia elatioris]. It is established that the maximum values of the parameters are typical of populations growing in more favorable moisture conditions. The highest indicators of parameters are noted in the Bulat-Elga and Changakul cenopopulations; the minimum ones are in the Neftekamsk and Urazaevo cenopopulations. One generative shoot gives from 13 to 95 fruits and from 56 to 760 seeds; the total productivity of one plant reaches 4543 seeds. The vitality assessment shows that four cenopopulations are prosperous, one cenopopulation is equilibrium, and six are depressed. An increase in the number of localities of L. polyphyllus in the Cis-Urals of the Republic of Bashkortostan is predicted in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of studying the ontogenetic and vitality structure of 13 cenopopulations of Globularia bisnagarica from the Middle and Lower Volga region. The assessment of the ontogenetic structure was carried out by constructing and analyzing the ontogenetic spectra of each of the studied cenopopulations, as well as the basic ontogenetic spectrum, followed by determining the type of cenopopulations according to the “delta-omega” criterion. On the basis of morphometric parameters, the vitality indices of individuals and cenopopulations were determined, followed by the identifi cation of vitality types and the calculation of the dimensional plasticity index. It has been established that the ontogenetic spectra of the majority of cenopopulations are complete, asymmetric, with peaks in several age groups. The basic ontogenetic spectrum is bimodal, asymmetrical, with a maximum on virginal and mature generative individuals. The majority of G. bisnagarica cenopopulations are young, being dominated by individuals of the pregenerative state. The Srg cenopopulation growing on the territory of the Samara region consisted mainly of individuals of the post-generative state. Four cenopopulations (Pch, Grm, Lhv, Bkm) turned out to be transitional, since they are dominated by generative individuals. According to the assessment of the vitality state, individuals of the middle class of vitality predominated in all the studied cenopopulations. At the same time, most of the studied cenopopulations are defi ned as prosperous. Likewise, only two cenopopulations: Grm and Lhv from the Ulyanovsk region were characterized as depressed. Thus, taking into account the features above, the general condition of the three cenopopulations: Srg, Grm and Lhv is assessed as unsatisfactory, which makes them the most vulnerable in the event of the impact of adverse environmental factors or an increase in anthropogenic pressure on their habitats.

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Population ontogenetic studies are an important component of bioecological monitoring. The ontogenetic structure plays a role in determining the current state of natural populations, assessing the rarity status of a species in the region and throughout its range, and predicting the further development of the species. In the Samara region, natural cenopopulations of Anemonoides altaica (C.A. Mey.) Holub were studied on the territory of the Trans-Volga region (Sokol'ya mountains). According to the delta - omega criterion, most of them are mature, some are transitional and young. The revealed features of the ontogenetic structure and the calculated demographic indices of populations indicate the undoubted rarity and vulnerable position of the species in the region.

This paper presents the ecological and phytocenotic characteristics and state of the rare plant cenopopulation (CP) of the State National Nature Park "Burabay". Burabay SNNP is located in the Kokchetav upland on the northwestern edge of the Kazakh upland. The territory of the national park forms a landscape unique for Northern Kazakhstan, which combines low mountains, freshwater lakes, pine forests or mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, steppes and meadows. The purpose of the scientific research is to study the current state of the cenopopulation of rare and endangered plants of the national park. Researches of the rare species' cenopopulation of the national park were carried out by route reconnaissance method according to the generally accepted geobotanical methods. Locations and ecological and phytocoenotic indicators of 8 rare plant species were identified in the flora of the studied area -- Adonis volgensis (2 CP), A. vernalis (1 CP), Pulsatilla patens (3 CP), Cypripedium calceolus (2 CP), Chimaphila umbelata (6 CP), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (2 CP), Tulipa patens (1 CP), Drosera rotundifolia (1 CP) included in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The distribution of the surveyed species according to literature sources and the rarity status of plants according to the Red Book of Kazakhstan (2014) are also given. The populations of Cypripedium calceolus, Drosera rotundifolia and Tulipa patens cause the highest concern of possible extinction in the territory of SNPP "Burabay". In order to preserve the populations of these species, it is necessary to constantly monitor the state of the population and strengthen the protective measures for these areas. The other surveyed species do not cause concern about possible extinction, but the state of the population should be monitored. The data obtained can be used in monitoring the state of the population of rare plant species in SNPP "Burabay" and for the development of the regional Red Data Book of Akmola region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the features of the structure of cenopopulations and the distribution of the rare, endemic plant Allochrusa gypsophiloides. 3 populations, 4 cenopopulations were studied. 1 -- population -- Syrdarya Karatau- Sayasu Gorge; 2 -- population -- Syrdarya Karatau- Kuyuk pass; 3 -- population Karatau plain, near Birlik village. At the same time, a map-scheme on plant species distribution was drawn up between 2011 and 2022. A DEM map was created for the distribution zones of the 3 populations found in the study. Typical 2m2 plots were constructed for all cenopopopulations, species density and age composition were calculated using A.A. Uranov's method. The average species density varied from 1.5 to 2.9 pcs. Cenopopulation (CP) -- the dominance of generative individuals 1 (population 1), 2 (population 2) and 3,4 (population 3) corresponds to the state of CP-1 -- absolute maximum g1(20,0%), cenopopulation 2-3 and 4- varies from 18,52%, 24,14% and 33,34%. The number of postgenerative individuals in the cenopopulations is not significantly high, varying within the subsenile ss (0% -13.34%). CP-2-postgenerative individuals do not occur, and conversely, there are a sufficient number of pregenerative, generative individuals. Specifically, individuals im (44.44%), v (33.34%), g1 (18.51%), g2 (3.71%) are found. CP-2 is the youngest cenopopopulation in terms of age composition of all cenopopulations. When examined in all cenopopulations, immature age state (im) -- 0% -- 44.45%, virgin (v) -- 6.89% -- 33.34%, young generative (g1) -- 18.52% -- 33.34%, mature generative (g2) -- 3.71% -- 44.83%, old generative (g3) -- 0% -- 28.57%, subsinile (ss) -- 0% -- varied between 13.34% and no senile (s) individuals were found. Illustrative graphs, tables on age spectrum of Allochrusa gypsophiloides species cenopopopulations were created and the current state of structural features of distribution and cenopopulations of the plant was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern species composition of woody plants of the centuries-old oak grove of the State Dendrological Park "Olexandria" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was studied. The work was carried out as part of the study of the dynamics of stands of oak phytocenoses under conditions of anthropogenic load, technogenic pollution and weather fluctuations. It has been established that the oak grove of the arboretum with an area of 446 hectares out of 2000 oaks is a complex multi-species planting. The floristic core of the oak forest consists of the main forest-forming species characteristic of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine: Quercus robur, Acer platanoides L. and Acer campestre L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Tilia cordata Mill., Carpinus betulus L., Ulmus scabra Mill. The role of the dominant species and edificator was retained by Quercus robur. In the worst growing conditions, monodominant stands are formed. In more favorable ecotopes in the upper tree layer, the participation of Quercus robur is 70-100 %, and its codominant satellites (Acer platanoides, Tilia cordata, Fraxinus excelsior) are 10 % each. All oak forest phytocenoses have a well-developed multi-species second tree layer: Acer platanoides (15-80 % in various phytocenoses), Acer campestre (10-30 %), Tilia cordata (10-60 %), in some phytocenoses Fraxinus excelsior (10-20 %), Ulmus scabra (10-20 %), Carpinus betulus (30 %). The group of asectators is diverse and is represented by small species, local and adventive species, introducers, including invasive species. A characteristic feature of the oak forest is its exorbitant crushing, which, along with the massive introduction of introduced species, caused a powerful ecotonization of the oak forest and formed the cells of the greatest mortality of Quercus robur. The conducted studies establish the modern species composition of the oak forest and are the basis for the study of succession processes in oak forest phytocenoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of plant vitality is one of the important methods in population research. Trifolium pratense L. is a typical representative of meadow herbs that have medicinal value. It is one of the most ubiquitous species of natural flora in the subzone of deciduous forests in Tatarstan, Russia. Various morphometric indicators reflecting the level of plant development, such as dry biomass of aerial parts, the height of plants, and the number of generative sprouts, were used in this study, ensuring sufficiently informative analysis of the vitality of the studied cenopopulations. The quality of soil on which the plants grow has a significant impact on their development. Therefore, the agrochemical analysis of soils which are the habitats of the studied cenopopulations was carried out. Сenopopulation vitality index (CVI) and soil quality index (SQI) were proposed and used with the aim to determine the dependence of the vitality of T. pratense cenopopulations on the soil quality in their habitats. It was found that for the calculation of SQI, it was necessary to consider the contribution of each of the soil quality indicators: total humus content, pH of salt extract, and the content of mineral elements. The proposed algorithm for the determination of weighting coefficients is based on the analysis of the distribution of linear correlation coefficients between SQI and CVI samples. The revealed interrelations between the indicators of soil quality and the vitality of populations allow their use for the targeted selection of the most favorable soils and large-scale cultivation of T. pratense on agricultural lands.

The article presents a geobotanical characterization and floristic analysis of a promising association of medicinal plants Salvia aethiopis L from the right bank of the Kapshagai-Bakanas highway towards the Almaty region, from an altitude of 709 m above sea level, an open steppe zone of a herbaceous community. The results of the study showed that the life forms of the floristic composition of the region, which defined the first population, dominated by therophytes, i.e. one-or two-year plants, 32 species (46%), in second place hemicryptophytes, i.e., perennial plants are 28 species (41%), chamaephytes, i.e. bushes and shrubs – types of 8 (12%), and macrophanerophytes met only 1 species (Ulmus pinnato-ramosa Dieck.). From the zone of the second coenopopulation (CP 2), the plant Tulipa kolpakovskiana Regel, listed in the Red Book, fell. The identified CP 1, CP 2, and CP 3 were carried out on the right bank of the Kapshagai-Bakanas highway. In the sample field under study, Salvia aethiopis L. 215 individuals of the plant were identified, 55 individuals were identified in the first coenopopulation, 42 individuals in the second coenopopulation, and 33 individuals in the third coenopopulation. In the first coenopopulation, the number of young generative plants increased, in the second and third coenopopulations, a group of young vegetative plants was formed, and generative plants were rarely found, and in the second coenopopulation, senile individuals of the postgenerative period prevailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of the Prunus ledebouriana (Schltdl.) Y.Y. Yao population growing at various altitudes on the shrub and steppe belts of the Tarbagatai ridge and its species composition were studied. The methods of floristic composition analysis were applied for the first time. The complete composition of accompanying species including Prunus ledebouriana was studied on the territory of Tarbagatai State National Park. The originality of this work was in creation of a distribution map for the Prunus ledebouriana population. Samples collected in the park from various sources were used as material. The results are presented in the form of a list including 511 species (52 families) that grow together with Prunus ledebouriana in this area. The leading families in terms of species number: Asteraceae Dumort. (75 species/ 35.2%), Fabaceae Lindl. (56 species/ 40.8%), Poaceae Barnhart. (52 species/ 32.5%), Rosaceae Juss. (43 species/ 44.3%), and Ranunculaceae Juss (39 species/ 50%). Species diversity of the families: Asteraceae Dumort. 22%, Fabaceae Lindl. 17%, Poaceae Barnhart. 16%, Rosaceae Juss. 13%, Ranunculaceae Juss. 12%, Brassicaceae Burnett. 7%, Apiaceae Lindl. 7%, and Scrophulariaceae Juss. 6% of all species growing with Prunus ledebouriana. The results of research can be used for species identification and organization of conservation activities for the rare plant species Prunus ledebouriana. The studied herbarium samples of Prunus ledebouriana (Institute of plant biology and biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan) were transferred to the herbarium fund of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction (Almaty, Kazakhstan). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the ontogenetic structure of cenopopulations of a rare species Hedysarum gmelinii Ledeb. (Fabaceae) were studied on the periphery of its range (the Middle Volga region and the Bashkir Cis-Urals) and in its central part (the Altai Mountains region). Types of cenopopulations were determined according to the "delta-omega" criterion: in the Bashkir Urals, they were mostly young, in the Middle Volga region, they were mature, in the Altai Mountains, they were maturing. The proportion of pregenerative individuals in populations increases in habitats with high moisture levels. Anthropogenic load (mainly in the form of grazing) had a greater effect on the number and density of individuals, rather than on the type of ontogenetic spectrum of cenopopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods of geometric morphometrics have been used to assess chronographic variation of morphofunctional traits in the same cenopopulations of the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) and pigmy wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis) in Orenburg oblast. Changes in the mandible size and shape and in morphofunctional mandibular indices that occurred over 30 years (1986–2016) have been evaluated. As a result, directional shifts in morphogenesis of the mandible and its morphofunctional transformations related to change in trophic preferences have been revealed in both voles and mice. The mandible shape has changed toward specialization for food gnawing and crushing in C. glareolus cenopopulation and for transverse food grinding in S. uralensis cenopopulation. Sexual dimorphism in the mandible centroid size (CS) in both species has increased over the 30-year period, whereas the parameter of morphological disparity (MNND) has decreased significantly, providing indirect evidence for an increase in developmental stability. Despite a shift in climatic regime and associated changes in vegetation, parallelism of chronographic variation has been revealed in the two taxonomically distant species, reflecting a high and positive coevolutionary potential, i.e., similar morphogenetic responses to changes in environmental conditions in different years. These results show that rapid directional modifications of morphogenesis actually occur in cenopopulations of sympatric rodent species under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The results of the study of 23 natural cenopopulations of Cephalaria uralensis (Murr.) Schrad. ex Roem. et Schult., a rare subendemic species of the Eastern European steppe zone, in the Trans-Volga and Cis-Urals regions (Republic of Bashkortostan, Samara and Orenburg regions) are presented. The indices of the density, age structure, and demographic features of the population have been studied and compared. The total density varies from 2.2 to 10.3 ind./m2. The average ontogenetic spectrum of C. uralensis is centered. According to the delta–omega classification, C. uralensis populations are distributed from young to aging. In most populations of that species, restitution and aging indices are very low. The studies suggest that the populations of C. uralensis in the South Urals, Trans-Volga, and Cis-Urals regions are in a satisfactory state. A threat to the species is the disturbance of its habitats due to excessive cattle pasture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of the study of the size characteristics of cenopopulations Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) and Saponaria officinalis L. (Caryophyllaceae), which are formed in different phytocoenoses of North-East Ukraine. We have studied six cenopopulations Hypericum perforatum from softwood, mixed and broadleaf forests and seven cenopopulations of Saponaria officinalis from meadows with domination of Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski. During the research there were used a morphometric analysis, a complex of methods of statistical and mathematical processing of data, as well as the original approach to assess the dimensional structure of populations. We show that the implementation of morphological variability (variation of morphological parameters of plants within a single population) and morphological plasticity (the change in mean values of morphological parameters in the "transition" from population to population) is an integral part of the complex of processes and transformations that ensure the existence of cenopopulations of Hypericum perforatum and Saponaria officinalis in the north-eastern part of Ukraine. Cenopopulations of each species there has been erected phytocoenoses in which the greater (or significant) share of the values of the leading morphological parameters reaches the largest or the smallest values. These phytocoenoses can be considered as potential centers of procurement of medicinal raw materials. The results of the morphometric analysis provide an opportunity to determine the characteristic dimensions plants of Hypericum perforatum and Saponaria officinalis in each of the phytocenoses and to define the identification tags of their model individuals. An analysis of the dimensional structure of Hypericum perforatum and Saponaria officinalis cenopopulations has shown that they are mostly formed from plants whose size corresponds to 3-4 adjacent dimensional classes of height and leaf area and, respectively, 6-11 and 4-10 variants of the combination of dimensional classes of height and leaf area surfaces with IDSS values varying from 24.0-44.0% and from 16.0 to 40.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ideas of the evolutionary ecology of the 20th century and its modern conceptual space are considered with regard to new knowledge of the contents of population and evolutionary synecology. The article proposes (1) a population cenotic approach to analyzing the covariation of cenopopulations of sympatric species and taxocenes in space and historical time; (2) an approach to assessing the intragroup morphological disparity in cenopopulations of sympatric species and taxocenes as a measure of morphogenetic stability. Consideration is given to experimental evolutionary ecology as a particular methodological area. Prospects for the formation of evolutionary ecology as an interdisciplinary applied science are discussed in view of the necessity of predicting regional biocenotic crises and rapid coevolutionary changes in biotic communities in a technogenic environment against the background of predicted unfavorable trends of climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological conditions of habitats and demographic parameters of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill s.l. in ten cenopopulations (CPs) in Kirov oblast are assessed. It has been established that the species generally inhabits green moss and herbaceous pine communities dominated by anthropophobic species within the studied part of the range. A large proportion of anthropotolerant species is characteristic of phytocenoses that are significantly exposed to anthropogenic pressure. P. patens s.l. is a hemistenobiotic species. The amplitude of the ecological space of the studied P. patens s.l. CPs under the conditions of Kirov oblast does not exceed the limits of the ecological range according to Tsyganov's scales (1983); however, the values of the soil humidity scale are close to the maximum limit, while the values of the humidity factor scale are close to the minimum limit. The discomfort index that was calculated using phytoindication data for all studied species habitats made it possible to determine the level of their favor. It has been established that the conditions of forb-grass meadow with bracken in the bracken-herbaceous pine forest provide more optimal ecological parameters for the growth of the species. The least favorable conditions for P. patens s.l. development are formed in cowberry-green moss and herbaceous pine forests, where the maximum discomfort indices are recorded: 1.09 and 1.01, respectively. The studied CPs are characterized by low density and generativity, which demonstrate a reduction trend on a gradient of ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of Neottianthe cucullata cenopopulation revealed the first signs of oppression, which is expressed in the depressed nature of the vitality pattern. Restriction of grazing pressure is proposed as a conservation measure.

Common ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. is an aggressive adventive quarantine species that is widespread in the southern regions of Russia. In the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, freshly-plowed meadows and fresh deposits after cereals in the foothill zone and weedy sites are the optimal conditions for the species spread. Common ragweed has recently actively penetrated into the mountain regions of the republic. On the basis of the study of the ecological-cenotic and ecological-biological features of A. artemisiifolia, a number of recommendations on limiting its distribution within Kabardino-Balkaria have been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in morphometric parameters of the poorly studied rare species Cephalaria uralensis (Murr.) Schrad. ex Roem. et Schult. has been studied at the northern boundary of its range, in the Southern Urals (Bashkortostan). The species in the region grows in four types of steppe communities of the class Festuco-Brometea. Variation in the majority of parameters is within the species reaction norm. The most variable parameters are the numbers of vegetative and generative shoots and the number of inflorescences per shoot. As shown by discriminant analysis, all 16 cenopopulations included in the study significantly differ from each other (Wilks' λ = 0.21), with most of them being morphologically and structurally uniform. The state of local C. uralensis appears to be satisfactory, and this species is not at serious risk for extinction in the territory of Bashkortostan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have researched the population dynamics of Brachyiulus jawlowskii Lohmander, 1928 in the arena of the Dnepr river (within the "Dnieper-Orilsky” Nature Reserve) and also present a full picture of the habitat distribution of Julidae within the researched area. The tested models were basic types of arena biogeocenosis: sand steppe, black maple forests, artificial pine plantations, deciduous forest, meadow and swamp. Variation in population density of B. jawlowskii is determined by biotopical features. The swamp and meadow habitats can be characterized by the highest level of population dynamics. B. jawlowskii plays the greatest role in the herpetobiont grouping in swamp and oak forest habitats (6.7% and 4.6% respectively). In other types of habitat this species composes 0.1–3.5% of the total abundance of this group. The highest abundance dynamic was reached by the Julidae cenopopulations which inhabit the swamp, oak forest and meadow habitats. B. jawlowskii occupies a relatively significant share in the herpetobiont communities of these habitats. Thus, the indicators of absolute number of this species and its relative participation in the herpertobiont grouping indicate the preference of this species for marsh, oak forest and meadow habitats. These habitats can be characterized by an excessive or moderate level of edaphotopic humidification. The ecosystem of the steppe zone of Ukraine is subject to significant human impact. In nature reserves, this effect is minimized, which permits research to be conducted on regimes of natural population dynamics. We established that B. jawlowskii inhabits all habitats investigated within the arena zone of the Dnepr river. This indicates that this is an environmentally flexible Julidae species. The population dynamics of B. jawlowskii can be characterized by three distinct periods: spring-summer, summer and autumn. Each of these periods is characterized by a distinct population dynamic, but throughout the study period the metapopulation of B. jawlowskii remained stable. This is due to the redistribution of representatives of the biotopical metapopulation over a wide range. The conservation regime within the "Dnieper-Orilsky" Nature Reserve had a positively effect on the state of the B. jawlowskii population. Within the reserve on the territory of the arena of the Dnepr river B. jawlowskii uses a wide variety of types of habitats.

The bush vetch (Vicia sepium) takes one of the first places among leguminous grasses by the amount of proteins. The previous studies show that the bush vetch is one of the most perspective leguminous fodder grasses in Lithuania. The seeds of 13 V. sepium cenopopulations from different places of the country were sown in spring in mixture with Phleum pretense and Festuca pratensis and investigated in an experimental station (central Lithuania, medium loam, pH-7) in 2004-2007. The aim of the work was to investigate the diversity of flowering spectrum and the environmental impact on the time of flowering of V. sepium. Oneand two-time flowering cenopopulations were found, and early and late flowering forms of the bush vetch were distinguished by the experimental season. Cenopopulations from southwestern and northern regions flowered twice more frequently than cenopopulations from the southern region. Cenopopulations originating from the eastern region were characterized by early and one-time flowering. The greatest influence on the flowering term and duration was exerted by the amount of precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an analysis of ontogenetic and vitality structure of seven cenopopulations of Oxytropis sulphurea (Fisch. ex DC.) Ledeb. in the high-altitude conditions of Rydny Altai (Ivanovsky and Prohodnoi ridges) and the Saur Ridge. In the study of the demographic structure it has been determined that most populations from undisturbed habitats are characterized by left-side spectrums with maximums on juvenile or immature individuals. The changes in the structure of the studied ontogenetic spectrums of this species depend largely on the presence of anthropogenic influence. Grazing pressure has led to the formation of spectrums with a maximum on g plants. The vitality type of the O. sulphurea populations varies from exuberant to depressed; the depressed and balanced types of vitality prevailed. Intensive seed propagation provides a stable existence of O. sulphurea in the high-mountain alpine zone. The results of our study show that O. sulphurea is an alpine-meadow species which has strict ecological and cenotic propensity for alpine meadows with the prevalence of Festuca kryloviana, Anthoxanthum alpinum, and Schulzia crinite and shrub tundras with Dryas oxyodonta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coupled and unidirectional geographical variability of the shape of the mandible in three shrew species of the genus Sorex ( araneus, caecutiens, and minutus) has been revealed in a geometric morphometrics-based parallel comparison of cenopopulations forming the Ilmen' (Southern Urals) and Kytlym (Northern Urals) taxocenes. Mandible centroid size (CS) was significantly larger and significantly more varied in all northern cenopopulations as compared to the southern ones. Discriminant analysis of Procrustes coordinates of the mandible shape in shrews of the southern and northern taxocenes without taking the animal species into account resulted in 94.8% correct assignment of the individuals to local taxocenes. Mandible allometry was detected in the northern cenopopulations of Laxmann's ( caecutiens) and pygmy ( minutus) shrews, but not in the southern cenopopulations. Parallelism of geographical variation and high reliability of discrimination between individuals from the southern and northern taxocenes was preserved when the allometric effect was eliminated. The absence of association of this reaction to allometry provides direct proof for similar morphogenetic reactions of these species to climate change in the northern latitudes, and high potential for coevolutionary changes common to all sympatric species of the taxocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedysarum daghestanicum Rupr. ex Boiss., which is locally endemic to certain regions of Dagestan, can be found only on dry, calcareous, stony slopes. A study of the age structure of its cenopopulations was conducted. A cenopopulation in the vicinity of Tantary is at the beginning of a new cycle; the other cenopopulations are matured and are in equilibrium. The base spectrum of H. daghestanicum is full-membered and monomodal, with a prevalence of generative plants of an average age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are represented the results of analysis of anatomical characteristics of overground vegetative organs of a rare and endemic species of Ferula iliensis which was investigated in three separated cenopopulations. As a result of research, high development of the mechanical and assimilatory tissues which are located in peripheral layers of the stem just under the epidermis for the individuals from a cenopopulation Nr.3 was revealed. Moreover, the individuals from a cenopopulation Nr.2 have more extended cells of the palisade parenchyma located in several layers, and respectively, the most thick leaf blades [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of 20 cenopopulation (CP) studies for Althaeae officinalis L. (a rare species in the Republic of Bashkortostan (RB)) in the northern border of its habitat are shown. The demographic structure, morphometric parameters, and individual life states are studied; life optima are shown. Most CPs of A. officinalis under study have low density (1-4 individual/m) and an incomplete ontogenetic spectrum. The vitality type of A. officinalis CP changes from florescent to depressive. Ecological and phenocenotic optima are generally not the same in CPs. Optimal conditions for A. officinalis growth are reed littoral communities at the periphery of Phragmites australis underbrush; in communities disturbed by pasture, a decline in the state of A. officinalis CP is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data are presented on the geographic distribution, habitat, phytocenotic preferences, morphology, ecological features, and demographic parameters of V. tsydenii, a rare species in Russia. Measures are proposed to protect its local habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the state of the ephemeroid plant Anemonoides altaica C.A. Mey. cenopopulations in southern Krasnoyarsk region. The study was conducted in the forest of Krasnoyarsk and Western and Eastern Sayan mountains in May-June of 2007 and 2008 and used an x-ray method Shcherpakova to estimate seed viability. Results indicate that the plant in the area of Krasnoyarsk grows in birch.