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Melica (Poaceae) consist of about 92 species distributed across temperate regions of the world. Within section Dalycum, Melica ciliata sensu lato forms a taxonomic complex of several species and subspecies with clinal morphological variation causing conflicting identifications. To resolve taxonomic confusion, we used three complementary approaches, through molecular, morphological, and phytoecological analyses. The double‐digest restriction‐associated DNA markers significantly support the monophyly of three taxa: (i) the Mediterranean Melica magnolii, (ii) the Eurasian Melica transsilvanica subsp. transsilvanica, and (iii) the west‐European M. ciliata subsp. glauca. This differentiation is corroborated by the analysis of 22 morphometric variables. Furthermore, phytoecological analysis of 221 floristic inventories revealed habitat distinctions among these taxa. Our approach of integrative taxonomy argues for a specific distinction for these three taxa, and we include a key to separate these forms. These new molecular data on the section Dalycum, subsection Ciliatae, call for further phylogenetic analyses including samples of M. ciliata subsp. ciliata and other East‐Mediterranean and South African taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general characterization of the phytocoenosis of Monte Cristo is given and it is stated that this is the only place where Pinus cubensis grows on limestone derivated soils. The main objectives were the study of the plant communities as ecosystems conservation elements and the effects of climatic change monitoring. A study, by Braun Blanquet methodology, is presented of the association Alvaradoo arborescentis-Pinetum cubensis and its two subassociation: typicum and colubrinetosum that grow on limestone are described referring to their characteristics and ecological conditions. The following associations, that grow on ophiolites, are also studied: Gundlachio cubanae-Pinetum cubensis and Lepidaploo orbicularis-Pinetum cubensis; a characterization is given similar to the previous. Finally the floristic relation is analyzed with all the phytocoenoses described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the ecological significance of desert springs, little is known about relationships between spring hydrogeochemistry and ecology, particularly over multiple trophic levels. Here, we surveyed microbial communities (bacteria and archaea) and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities in springs that recharge through granitoid bedrock in Owens Valley, CA, to determine whether subtle geochemical differences imparted by metamorphosed roof pendant weathering in the source area affect spring ecosystems. Relative to other springs, roof‐pendant‐recharged springs were characterized by elevated (1) Ca2+/Na+, Ca2+/Mg2+, and divalent/monovalent cation ratios, (2) relative abundance of taxa inferred to be benthic aerobes and prosthecate/stalked bacteria, and (3) abundance and diversity of shredder and collector gatherer BMIs. These BMI feeding groups graze on biofilm communities and stimulate bacterial degradation of particulate organic matter, consistent with extensive bacteria–BMI connections in co‐occurrence networks in these springs. Springs not impacted by roof pendants were instead enriched with taxa inferred to be anaerobes, chemolithotrophs, and low‐diversity BMI communities with poor bacteria–BMI network connectivity. We speculate that excess Ca2+ derived from roof pendant weathering plays a key role in biofilm formation on coarse granite substrates, with subsequent trophic interactions between benthic microbial biofilms and diverse BMI shredders/collector gatherers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite the ecological significance of desert springs, little is known about relationships between spring hydrogeochemistry and ecology, particularly over multiple trophic levels. Here, we surveyed microbial communities (bacteria and archaea) and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities in springs that recharge through granitoid bedrock in Owens Valley, CA, to determine whether subtle geochemical differences imparted by metamorphosed roof pendant weathering in the source area affect spring ecosystems. Relative to other springs, roof‐pendant‐recharged springs were characterized by elevated (1) Ca2+/Na+, Ca2+/Mg2+, and divalent/monovalent cation ratios, (2) relative abundance of taxa inferred to be benthic aerobes and prosthecate/stalked bacteria, and (3) abundance and diversity of shredder and collector gatherer BMIs. These BMI feeding groups graze on biofilm communities and stimulate bacterial degradation of particulate organic matter, consistent with extensive bacteria–BMI connections in co‐occurrence networks in these springs. Springs not impacted by roof pendants were instead enriched with taxa inferred to be anaerobes, chemolithotrophs, and low‐diversity BMI communities with poor bacteria–BMI network connectivity. We speculate that excess Ca2+ derived from roof pendant weathering plays a key role in biofilm formation on coarse granite substrates, with subsequent trophic interactions between benthic microbial biofilms and diverse BMI shredders/collector gatherers.

Sanguisorba dodecandra Moretti is an endemic plant of the Alps of the Lombardy region (Northern Italy). Differently from most endemic species, this plant grows in diverse environments, and it is often very abundant and a distinctive element of some mountain and sub-alpine agro-ecosystems. The ecological features and the role of this species in some mountain agricultural activities are poorly investigated. This article shows the results of a synecological analysis of S. dodecandra and the evaluation of its functional strategy. Furthermore, its forage value was investigated and melissopalynological analysis was used to characterize the honey produced in an area where this species grows. The ecological analysis defined this plant as euriecious and ruderal/competitive-ruderal strategist. Bromatological analysis showed a good forage value, confirming the ethnobotanical knowledge concerning this species. In fact, it has good protein content (12.92 ± 1.89%) and non-fiber carbohydrates (47.12 ± 3.62%) in pre-flowering. S. dodecandra pollen was identified as a "frequent pollen" in the honey, showing that this plant is attractive to honeybees. This research allowed a deeper knowledge of S. dodecandra ecology and showed that this species is a resource for traditional and sustainable agricultural activities of the Lombardy Alps such as pastoralism and beekeeping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of the Excentricus planicornis (HERRICH-SCHAEFFER, 1836) (Miridae) has increased in the 10 years since its discovery in the FFH (flora fauna habitat) area (former military training area) in Ebern. The population is very well developed, so that a maximum of 1253 animals could be observed in 2021. The large gallic rose population (Rosa gallica L.) with a maximum of 1462 flowers in 2021 offers sufficient development opportunities for the population. As part of a project of the Federal Programme for Biological Diversity, funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with resources from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, many interesting insights into autecology and synecology were obtained. The Burnet Rose (Rosa spinosissima L.) was also confirmed as another food plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of vegetation within the class Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea Eggler ex Schubert 1960 in Southeastern Carpathians (Romanian Carpathians), specifically the cryophilous dwarf-shrub heathlands on windswept slopes and edges and acidophilous mesophilous dwarf-shrub communities in subalpine and alpine belts. Based on a large dataset of phytosociological relevés stored in the Romanian Grasslands Database (EU-RO-008), this contribution was focused on the variability of dwarf-shrub communities, their environmental preferences, and the main ecological factors shaping their floristic composition. All relevés were analyzed using hierarchical agglomerative clustering methods to identify the main vegetation groups. Direct and indirect ordination methods were used to identify the main gradients affecting the floristic composition of individual vegetation types. The numerical analysis revealed six well-defined communities, largely corresponding to associations described in syntaxonomical literature, according to their diagnostic species: Cetrario-Loiseleurietum procumbentis Br.-Bl. et al. 1939, Cetrario nivalis-Vaccinietum gaultherioidis (Hadač 1956) Hadač ex Šibík et al. 2007, Rhododendro myrtifolii-Vaccinietum Coldea et al. 1981, Campanulo abietinae-Juniperetum nanae Simon 1966, Campanulo abietinae-Vaccinietum myrtilli (Buia et al. 1962) Boşcaiu 1971, and Bruckenthalio-Juniperetum nanae (Horvat 1938) Coldea in Coldea et al. 2015. New syntaxa were identified at lower hierarchical levels (sub-associations) and new typifications were made. The floristic composition of target species-poor communities was mainly modelled by altitudinal range (temperature) and bedrock type. In Detrended Correspondence Analysis, the plant communities were arranged based on a gradient of altitude, from those occurring in the harshest environmental conditions, at highest elevations, with a floristic composition rich in heliophile species (alliance Loiseleurio-Vaccinion Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et Jenny 1926) to communities distributed at lower elevations, on sites with higher mean annual temperatures and with a floristic composition rich in shade tolerating species (alliance Juniperion nanae Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et al. 1939). Relevés of alliance Rhododendrion myrtifolii de Foucault ex Theurillat et Mucina in Mucina et al. 2016 were located in an intermediate position within studied communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association coefficients measure interrelation level between the attributes of two species within populations. The objective of this work was to analyze the association patterns among the 10 species with the highest importance value index (IVI) in a semi-evergreen forest of Calakmul, Mexico. The 10 taxa were expected to be independently distributed within the community, therefore no interspecific association would occur. Systematically, 479 sampling units were established on a 500-ha surface in the ejido Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Calakmul. Eighty-five tree species, 36 genera and 32 families were recorded. IVI was estimated, and with the 10 most important species, an ² analysis was performed to test independence in 45 possible combinations of species pairs. Cole's interspecific association coefficient was considered based on the ² significance test. The 10 most important species represent 47.98% of the IVI. The Cole association coefficient identified that 17 pairs, out of 45, were distributed in a dependent way regarding another species, while the rest were indifferent to the presence of these taxa. Bursera simaruba, the species with the highest IVI, was related to three species, while Metopium brownei (third position of IVI) was related to six taxa. It is proposed to apply this procedure as an independent though complementary statistical test to Ripley's K12(t), to establish numerical criteria for the selection and analysis of spatial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general description of pine stands in the Cupeyal - La Munición region were given, using the Braun Blanquet methodology. Two associations of pine stands of Pinus cubensis: Clidemio rubrinervis-Pinetum cubensis and Scaevolo wrightii-Pinetum cubensis were studied. A description of their characteristic and ecological condition is detailed. The soils type mainly its depth was the most important causes of floristic and phytocenotic dissimilitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical regions host a large variety of animal species, representing the richest concentrations of biological diversity across the Earth [...]

Centipede biodiversity in eucalyptus plantations is assessed for the first time in northern Spain, thus expanding the ecological knowledge of 11 taxa found dwelling in these non-native forests. Sampling activities were carried out in the council of Vegadeo (Asturias), specifically in the villages of Besedo and Piantón, where centipedes were hand collected under leaf litter, bark and debris, applying a sampling effort of 3 hours per site. A similar richness and composition were obtained in both eucalyptus plantations, where Lithobius (L.) variegatus variegatus Leach, 1814, Lithobius (L.) pilicornis pilicornis Newport, 1844, Lithobius (L.) borealis Meinert, 1868 and Cryptops (C.) hortensis (Donovan, 1810) were the most recorded taxa. An extended list of the centipedes detected in the council of Vegadeo from 2018 to 2019 is provided, thus making it possible to first record nine taxa in Asturias. In addition, some morphological aspects and abnormalities detected in several species are mentioned and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest East European scylacosaurid therocephalian Julognathus crudelis gen. et sp. nov. is described based on materials from the middle Permian locality of Sundyr-1, Mari El Republic, Russia. Julognathus occupied the niche of the largest predator within the Sundyr tetrapod community, forming a trophic match with the herbivorous tapinocephalian. [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]

Abstract The Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis [Beetle & A. Young] S.L. Welsh) alliance is the most extensive of the big sagebrush complex in the Intermountain West. There is a lack of information describing vegetation characteristics, diversity, and heterogeneity of the Wyoming big sagebrush alliance. We annually sampled 48 Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities over 10 yr to delineate major vegetation associations and describe their major vegetation characteristics including canopy cover, density, species richness, and yield. Six associations were identified on the basis of dominant or codominant perennial bunchgrass species, using MRPP analysis, and they included ARTRW8 (Wyoming big sagebrush)/PSSP6 (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] A. Löve, bluebunch wheatgrass), ARTRW8/ACTH7 (Achnatherum thurberianum [Piper] Barkworth, Thurber's needlegrass), ARTRW8/FEID (Festuca idahoensis Elmer, Idaho fescue), ARTRW8/HECO26 (Hesperostipa comata [Trin. & Rupr.] Barkworth, needle-and-thread), ARTRW8/PSSP6-ACTH7, and ARTRW8/PSSP6-FEID-ACTH7. On average, PSSP6 and FEID associations had the highest total herbaceous cover and annual yields and the HECO26 and ACTH7 associations had the lowest. Perennial forb cover averaged over 5% in PSSP6 and FEID associations and ranged from 0.3% to 3.5% in the other associations. Sagebrush cover was greatest in ACTH7 and PSSP6-ACTH7 and lowest in FEID and HECO26 associations. Habitat suitability criteria for sage-grouse indicated that Wyoming big sagebrush associations at the stand/site level will generally not meet breeding habitat requirements and only attain suitable habitat requirements for other life stages about 50% of the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loudon) grows in montane Mediterranean climates characterized by dry, warm summers. Drought is an important climatic feature of these montane ecosystems as it affects the floristic composition, structure and distribution of plant communities. The Oxia-North Vardousia mountain system is one of the few areas in Greece with an extensive, well-preserved Greek fir forest. This study aims at describing the Greek fir forest vegetation of such area and determining the drought-related factors affecting their floristic composition and differentiation. Vegetation relevés were classified and ordinated. The impact of drought-related variables on the vegetation composition was analyzed. A cluster analysis was used to reveal the most important factor for the discrimination of the main plant communities and to determine the drought threshold between them. Two plant communities that reflect the differentiation of the Greek fir forests in central Greece into xerophytic and mesophytic forest communities were described. Each community was divided into two sub-communities. The elevational distribution of Greek fir forests in the mountains of central Greece follows a drought gradient linked to the two main climatic components of drought, precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. The combination of these two drought-related variables into a suitable humidity index was found to adequately differentiate the xerophytic from the mesophytic forest communities and define their drought threshold.

Aims: To identify the beech forest types in southwestern Poland and the main environmental gradients affecting their species composition. Study area: SW Poland. Methods: Vegetation types of beech forests were identified using the modified TWINSPAN algorithm, whereas unconstrained (DCA) and constrained (CCA) ordination methods were applied to identify the main environmental gradients shaping the plant communities. An initial dataset of 920 phytosociological relevés collected by the authors was numerically classified and geographically stratified and the resulting dataset of 670 relevés was subjected to further analyzes. Results: We distinguished eight vegetation units identified as the associations Calamagrostio arundinaceae-Fagetum sylvaticae Sýkora 1971, Deschampsio flexuosae-Fagetum sylvaticae Schröder 1938, Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae Meusel 1937, Calamagrostio villosae-Fagetum sylvaticae Mikyška 1972, Poo chaixii-Fagetum sylvaticae Šomšák 1979, Cephalanthero damasonii-Fagetum sylvaticae Oberdorfer 1957, Galio odorati-Fagetum sylvaticae Sougnez et Thill 1959 and Hordelymo europaei-Fagetum sylvaticae Kuhn 1937. The species composition is mainly influenced by elevation-related temperature gradient and the type of bedrock. The observed environmental patterns were further supported by the significant differences in Ellenberg indicator values for soil reaction and temperature among the syntaxa. Conclusions: Our study provides a new survey of beech forest vegetation in southwestern Poland. The vegetation units defined by unsupervised numerical classification correspond to current classifications of Central European beech forests. They are distributed over the same range of environmental conditions as throughout the rest of Central Europe, while they also reflect the local floristic and environmental patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoenvironmental interpretations inferred by the isotopic ecology of mammalian assemblages from the Quaternary of Mexico are scarce. Carbon (δ 13 C) and oxygen (δ 18 O) stable isotope analysis is performed on six late Pleistocene localities from central Mexico. The objectives of the study are (1) to reconstruct the dietary traits and habitat of a mammalian community from the late Pleistocene of southeastern Hidalgo, and (2) to characterize the paleoenvironments that existed in the region, as well as placing them in the context of the paleoenvironmental conditions of temperate North America during the late Pleistocene. The carbon isotope composition shows a large diversity of dietary preferences, including C3, intermediate C3/C4, and C4 feeders; however, C3 feeders are the most abundant in the assemblage. The oxygen isotope composition also indicates a diversity of preferences for habitats, including open habitats as well as humid and closed habitats. The study reveals the presence of heterogeneous vegetation consisting of both woodland and grassland habitats during the late Pleistocene. The results obtained for the Hidalgoan assemblage fit within the paleoenvironmental pattern known for other localities in temperate North America, in particular those located in the western and central part, between the coast of California, the southern Great Plains and Texas Gulf Coast (i.e., grassland and mixed woodland/grassland habitats). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper focuses on the structural, synecological and floristic diversity features of beech-dominated forest communities in four major areas of the Antiapenninic Tyrrhenian system in Tuscany: Metalliferous hills, mountains to the south of Mt. Amiata, volcanic area of the upper Lente valley and Mt. Cetona. These are relict woodlands of Holo-Pleistocene origin with a special ecological and conservation value due to their extrazonal location in lowland submediterranean areas. Results show substantial among-area differences in structure, synecology and plant species composition, but in general a potential for coppices to reach the tall forest stage, as demonstrated by the old-growth stands of Pietraporciana and Sassoforte. Compared with montane Apenninic beechwoods, the relatively rich flora of the studied communities include thermophilous species with a southern Apennine-Balkan distribution, making their syntaxonomical position unclear. Closer affinities are found with the calcicolous Beech Forests of the association and with the silicicolous ones of the . Based on the Natura 2000 system, all the examined communities belong to the priority Habitat “Apennine beech forests with and ” (code: 9210*). Due their relict nature, these biotopes appear vulnerable to climate changes and to a production-oriented forest management. Criteria of naturalistic silviculture should instead promote the dynamic development of these communities towards tall forests and their natural regeneration.

The study of more than 40 sections in the "Creniceras renggeri marls" of the French Jura Range (Lower Oxfordian) has found: * a precise biochronostratigraphic subdivison of 16 successive populations or associations which appears to be stable over the whole geographic area concerned; * the correlation of these populations with the Lower Oxfordian zones of the GFÉJ (French Research Jurassic Group) and with those of southern England (Weymouth) and Poland (Cracow area); * an autecologic and synecologic analysis of Oxfordian ammonite associations in the Jura Mountains; * an interpretation of these faunas in terms of palaeo-depth and sequence stratigraphy units.The main results of the study are the following: * identification of the Costicardia Subzone; * validation of the subdivision of the Mariae Zone established by Fortwengler and Marchand (1994), with a woodhamense horizon above a scarburgense horizon; * division of the woodhamense horizon into two units: the lower one is the woodhamense s.s. unit and the upper one includes abundant specimens of woodhamense var. normandiana Spath; * correlation of tectonic units on either side of the Salins fault and of some characteristics of the ammonite populations; * identification of five steps of changes in depth in the Jura area which may be interpreted as sequence stratigraphic units: a first episode of deepening during the period bounded by the scarburgense and praemartini horizons, an episode of stability bounded by the beginning and the end of the alphacordatum horizon, a slight regressive trend that lasted throughout the duration of the praecordatum horizon, a second episode of stability that persisted from the Bukowskii Subzone to the Costicardia Subzone, and a third deepening trend during the existence of the Cordatum Subzone.

Theory suggests that density-associated processes can modulate community resilience following declines in population size. Here, we demonstrate density-associated processes in two scleractinian populations on the outer reef of Moorea, French Polynesia, that are rapidly increasing in size following the effects of two catastrophic disturbances. Between 2006 and 2010, predation by the corallivorous crown-of-thorns sea star reduced coral cover by 93 %; in 2010, the dead coral skeletons were removed by a cyclone, and in 2011 and 2012, high coral recruitment initiated population recovery. Coral recruitment was associated with coral cover, but the relationship differed between two coral genera that are almost exclusively broadcast spawners in Moorea. Acroporids recruited at low densities, and the density of recruits was positively associated with cover of Acropora, whereas pocilloporids recruited at high densities, and densities of their recruits were negatively associated with cover of Pocillopora. Together, our results suggest that associations between adult cover and density of both juveniles and recruits can mediate rapid coral community recovery after large disturbances. The difference between taxa in sign of the relationships between recruit density and coral cover indicate that they reflect contrasting mechanisms with the potential to mediate temporal shifts in taxonomic composition of coral communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their intricate life histories and the unique wing patterns and colouring the butterflies of the genus Chrysoritis are of significant conservation and aesthetic value. This overview probes into practical examples of butterfly life history research applicable to environmental management of this relatively well-known invertebrate group in South Africa. Despite the pioneer work on life histories of Chrysoritis in the past, more should be done to understand the life history of the butterflies in the wild, especially their natural host plants and the behaviour of adults and larvae. A system of voucher specimens of host plants should be introduced in South Africa. Although various host plant species in nature are used by the members of Chrysoritis, including the Chrysoritis chrysaor group, the choice of these in nature by each species is significant for conservation management and in the case of Chrysoritis aureus perhaps even as a specific characteristic. A revision of the ant genus Crematogaster will benefit the conservation management of Chrysoritis species since some of these ant species may consist of a number of species with much more restricted distributions than previously thought. Rigorous quantified tudies of population dynamics of Chrysoritis butterflies are absent and the introduction of such studies will benefit conservation management of these localised butterflies extensively.

The first tetrapods entered continental communities as consumers of the highest order, forming the subdominant and aquatic tetrapod communities. At the end of the Carboniferous, herbivorous tetrapods appeared in North America and Western Europe; the first (pelycosaurian) dominant tetrapod communities were formed. In the Middle Permian, dominant communities are already known in all continents, where they are formed by Dinocephalian (therapsid) faunas. The history of the Dinocephalian fauna is most completely represented in the fossil record of South Africa and Eastern Europe. In the East European region, it is represented in the Mezen, Golyusherma, Ocher, Isheevo, and Sundyr assemblages, displaying successive stages of phylocoenogenesis of Dinocephalian community. The major features of these stages are considered. In the terminal Middle Permian (Guadalupian), Dinocephalian communities were disintegrated worldwide. In Eastern Europe, this occurred during the Severodvinian ecosystem crisis. The main features of the Severodvinian crisis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the plant communities of the Sileza Nature Reserve and surrounding areas (± 4 124 ha) is presented. The study area falls within the Maputaland Centre o f Endemism, which is part ot the Maputaland-Pondoland Region, a centre of plant diversity rich in endemic plants and animals. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed 12 distinct, mainly grassland plant communities. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation ot these communities are presented. The level o f the water table, either directly, or indirectly through its role in soil formation, is the deciding factor in defining plant communities on the geologically young sandy substrate. Fire is an essential factor, particularly in maintaining the woody grasslands, a rare vegetation type rich in geoxylic suffrutices. and unique to the Maputaland Centre. A comparison between the endemic complement in the subtropical coastal grasslands of Maputaland and the high-altitude Afromontane grasslands of the Wolkberg Centre of Endemism shows marked differences in grow th form and vegetation type partitioning between the two centres. This can probably be ascribed to the relative youth (Quaternary) of the Maputaland coastal plain and its associated plant communities. Notable for their richness in Maputaland Centre endemic/near-endemic taxa. the conservation of sand forest and woody grasslands should receive high priority. Afforestation with alien trees is the most serious threat to the biodiversity of the Maputaland coastal grasslands, not only because of habitat destruction, but also through its expected negative effect on the hydrology of the region

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A total of 301 adult hispine beetles of the genera Cephaloleia and Chelobasis were found in rolled leaves of plants of 17 species of Zingiberales (families Costaceae, Heliconiaceae, Maranthaceae, Musaceae, and Zingiberaceae) during a field study at La Gamba, Golfito region, Costa Rica. Of these beetles, Cephaloleia belti was recorded from 12 potential host plant species, C. distincta from 7, C. dilaticollis from 5, C., Chelobasis bicolor, C. championi, and C. histrionica from 3, Chelobasis perplexa and C. instabilis from 2, whereas C. trivittata from only one. Of the plant species, Heliconia latispatha had 7 beetle species in its leaf rolls, Calathea lutea had 5, H. imbricata and H. rostrata had 4, H. stricta and Musa paradisiaca had 3, H. wagneriana had 2, while on H. vaginalis, H. danielsiana, H. densiflora, H. longiflora, Calathea crotalifera, C. platystachya, Goeppertia lasiophylla, Alpinia purpurata, Costus pulverulentus and Costus barbatus, H. densiflora, H. vaginalis, and H. danielsana only hispines of one species were found. Cephaloleia belti occurred together with beetles of six other hispine species, whereas Cephaloleia trivittata never shared a leaf roll with another hispine species. The remaining beetle species aggregated with one to four other hispines. Adults of C. belti and C. championi were frequently seen, occasionally also with C. dilaticollis, C. histrionica, and Chelobasis perplexa, to co-occur with the carabid Calophaena ligata in the same leaf roll without any sign of interspecific aggression. A comparison of host choices and the phylogeny of the hispines and of their host plants revealed no signs that beetles used species level phylogenetic relationships within the Zingiberales to select food plants. Obviously, within this plant order, rolled-leaf hispines choose their plant hosts in a nearly opportunistic manner. Seemingly, they use differences among plants at higher taxonomic levels but within the Zingiberales, the availability of young - rolled - leaves might be the actual decisive factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bioturbation has been hypothesized to exhibit different forms of sediment mixing in aquatic systems, but few in situ tests have been conducted in estuaries, and anyone along a flooding gradient which is the main feature characterizing intertidal areas. The relationships between bioturbation and macroinvertebrate communities were studied as part of a restoration project in the tidal freshwater zone of the Schelde estuary, and highlighted specific sediment mixing patterns along a tidal gradient. Three permanent sites, evenly distributed along the flooding gradient, were monitored over a period of one year. Tidal influence engendered a clear gradient opposing newly-established aquatic communities (low elevation and strong disturbance) to remnant terrestrial communities (high elevation and low disturbance). Different bioturbative modes were identified along this gradient. Biodiffusion (random spreading of sediment particles) was the dominant mode at high and mid elevations. Low elevation was characterized by bioadvection (vertical movement of sediment particles) and higher bioturbative intensities. Maximum bioturbative intensities were observed in summer. This is the first bioturbation study, conducted along a flooding gradient, and which characterizes the bioturbative modes and intensities among tidal habitats and confirms the key role of disturbance. These findings underline the significance of the multiplicity of bioturbation modes in estuarine habitats, and the potential implications in estuarine biogeochemistry in general. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Tropical Ecology is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Extra-zonal beech forests in Tuscany: structure, diversity and synecologic features. The present paper focuses on the structural, synecological and floristic diversity features of beech-dominated forest communities in four major areas of the Antiapenninic Tyrrhenian system in Tuscany: Metalliferous hills, mountains to the south of Mt. Amiata, volcanic area of the upper Lente valley and Mt. Cetona. These are relict woodlands of Holo-Pleistocene origin with a special ecological and conservation value due to their extrazonal location in lowland submediterranean areas. Results show substantial among-area differences in structure, synecology and plant species composition, but in general a potential for coppices to reach the tall forest stage, as demonstrated by the old-growth stands of Pietraporciana and Sassoforte. Compared with montane Apenninic beechwoods, the relatively rich flora of the studied communities include thermophilous species with a southern Apennine-Balkan distribution, making their syntaxonomical position unclear. Closer affinities are found with the calcicolous Beech Forests of the Lathyro veneti-Fagetum association and with the silicicolous ones of the Fraxino orni-Fagetum. Based on the Natura 2000 system, all the examined communities belong to the priority Habitat "Apennine beech forests with Taxus and Ilex" (code: 9210*). Due their relict nature, these biotopes appear vulnerable to climate changes and to a production-oriented forest management. Criteria of naturalistic silviculture should instead promote the dynamic development of these communities towards tall forests and their natural regeneration. INSET: Schema sintassonomico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise methodological and conceptual overview of the present state of phytosociology, 100 years after its foundation, is presented. The fullness of phytosociology as a synecological science is highlighted. This scientific approach, which was inherent in phytosociology from the very beginning, has made great strides forward thanks to the detailed analysis of the conditions of vegetation populations, from the community level to that of dynamic successions found in landscape contexts. This has led to the creation and development of several integrated areas of analysis that have helped to produce highly predictive models based on the distribution of environmental gradients, which thus act as valid bio-indicators that can be used in environmental and planning management. The development of phytosociology has led over time to the need to reconsider the basic concept of association. In this article, we propose a new definition of association, updating the one drawn up by Braun-Blanquet in 1928, so that it reflects the conceptual evolution of the discipline more closely. In this new definition, the concept of “characteristic species” is replaced by the concept of “preferential species” in statistical and structural terms, even in territorial terms. Taken together, these species constitute the “characteristic composition of species”, which expresses the “particular and autonomous ecology” of the association referred to in Braun-Blanquet's definition. The new definition also considers the greater knowledge we have gained of dynamic processes, which are no longer regarded as marginal aspects in the study of communities but are considered to be of fundamental importance in the transformation of plant landscape. The introduction of the concept of ecological value in the definition expresses, in quantitative terms, the response and the field of existence of an association according to the change in an environmental factor. As regards dynamic phytosociology, which is related to the concept of vegetation series (sigmetum), we suggest replacing the concept of climax, which is used to define the more mature stage of the serial trial and expresses the vegetation potential within the area of the series (tesela), with that of “current potential vegetation”, by which we mean the vegetation that is identified at present and that is interpreted according to the historical study of successions. We also present the phytosociological approach to plant landscape, which leads to the definition of the landscape unit named geosigmetum, made up of an integrated system of vegetation series that is repeated in an area with the same edaphic, bioclimatic and biogeographic conditions. Nowadays such models express the distribution of vegetation according to environmental gradients; they allow the ecological meaning of different communities and serial successions to be assessed thoroughly, providing qualitative and quantitative values of the cenocline model that the geosynphytosociological analysis represents at the plant landscape level for every bioclimatic belt. Modern technologies in a GIS environment have led to huge progress being made in the cartographic representation of vegetation (vegetation map), of vegetation series (syndynamic vegetation map) and of the representation of plant landscape (plant landscape map). Lastly, some implementation issues are addressed within the context of the objectives of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), concerning the recognition of habitats and the definition of management plans. Furthermore, phytosociology has numerous applications in the agricultural sector thanks to the identification of High Nature Value (HNV) farmland areas and, more generally, to the new European Community Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is due to be implemented in 2013 and represents a radical reform of agricultural politics in favour of quality production and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A phytosociological survey of a woodland located in the central part of Umbria (Central Italy) was carried out using the Braun-Blanquet method: 80 relevés were classified through cluster analysis. Nine forest syntaxa were reported and three subassociations (Erico arboreae-Quercetum cerridis lathyretosum veneti, Aceri obtusati-Quercetum cerridis arbutetosum unedonis and Cyclamino hederifolii-Quercetum ilicis quercetosum cerridis) were typified. Topographic data (altitude, aspect, slope, morphology) and pedological data (soil pH, texture and depth) were collected and a synecological analysis of syntaxa was performed. In order to understand the relation between environmental factors and plant communities, a Canonical Correspondence Analysis was run. The results showed soil parameters (pH, texture and depth) and altitude as the main ecological factors explaining the distribution of plant communities in the study area. The combination of topographic factors (aspect, morphology and slope angle) influences, by contrast revealed the distribution of forest syntaxa within homogeneous geo-pedological and bioclimatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chapingo Serie Ciencias Forestales is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo 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.)

Daily activity patterns of the endemic Soutpansberg rock lizard (Australolacerta rupicola) and ecologically similar syntopic lizards were analysed to assess potential niche partitioning. Data to evaluate the temporal niche included time and temperature, and niche overlap was determined over three different sample plots using the Pianka-Index. Altogether, 11 other lizard species and four snake species were recorded at the sample plots. Australolacerta rupicola showed a large overlap i n the spatial niche with Trachylepis varia and Platysaurus relictus and in the trophic niche with T. varia, however, the maximum activity period of A. rupicola fell into periods of low activity by P. relictus and T. varia and vice versa. These patterns were most pronounced when the different sample plots were analysed separately. The asynchronous activity cycles are probably the result of avoidance of competition for food in the case of the active foragers A. rupicola and T. varia, whereas different thermal preferences driven by physiological constraints appear to be more relevant when comparing A. rupicola and P. relictus. Individual numbers of the usually abundant species T. varia and P. relictus decreased in A. rupicola habitats and it is posted that the latter species resides in less climatically favourable habitats, thus avoiding competition with other rupicolous lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of megafauna-bearing sites from Pleistocene Southeast Asia, and to describe general environmental changes in the region. Location Indochina and Sundaland, including Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra and Java. Methods This study reconstructs the habitat types of 25 Pleistocene sites in Southeast Asia through a synecological (community-based) method. This method specifically targets medium- and large-bodied mammals, and ecovariables that could be directly assessed from species lists were chosen. The methods allow the reconstruction of fossil sites as closed (continuous tree cover), mixed (heterogeneous tree cover) and open (very limited to no tree cover) through discriminant functions analysis of community guild structure. Results Four Pleistocene sites can confidently be assigned to one of the three habitat types. Tam Hang (south), a Middle Pleistocene site from Laos, is classified as mixed. Ban Fa Suai, a Middle Pleistocene site from Thailand, is also classified as mixed. Trinil, a Middle Pleistocene site from Java, is classified as open. Lastly, Hang Hum II, a Late Pleistocene site from Vietnam, is classified as open. Insufficient species are present in the fossil faunas of remaining sites to allow statistically confident habitat assignment. Nevertheless, conditional habitat assignments can be achieved, and these are largely congruent with other palaeoenvironmental evidence. Main conclusions Medium- and large-bodied mammals are the most frequently recovered mammals from Pleistocene sites in Southeast Asia. Previous palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of these sites have been hampered by this body size bias, as well as by limited site and faunal descriptions. However, our analysis demonstrates that reconstructions can still be achieved for megafauna-bearing sites in the region. The reconstructions suggest that through much of the Pleistocene, Southeast Asia had significant areas of mixed habitats, and that the widespread distribution of rain forests, such as found today, was a relatively rare phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ekoloji Dergisi is the property of Ekoloji Dergisi 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.)

Located northwest of the Jiangshan-Shaoxing Fault Zone, western and northwestern Zhejiang and northeastern Jiangxi provinces experienced major changes in bio- and litho-facies and paleogeography through the Ordovician-Silurian transition (late Katian, Hirnantian, and early Rhuddanian), as manifested by stratigraphic, paleontologic and synecologic records. Three geographic units under consideration are South, Central, and North areas. The western margin of the South area was occupied by the Huaiyu Mountains, whereas the other two parts were covered by the Zhe-Gan Sea during late Katian (Late Ordovician) time. In the early stage of the Changwu Formation deposition (late Katian), the sea was deepening northeastward, but with shallower conditions in the southwest and deeper conditions in the northeast. During mid to late stages of Changwu Formation deposition (latest Katian), the sea became much shallower and the sea bottom was uplifted substantially, which occurred somewhat prior to the global trend. During the Hirnantian (latest Ordovician) and early Rhuddanian (earliest Silurian), the study region became a shallow bay under expansion of the Cathaysian Oldland. There occurred a major drop of sea level and great changes in benthic biota with the occurrence of many new immigrants through the Ordovician-Silurian transition, which are closely related to a unique regional orogeny. The Yangtze and Cathaysian blocks may have amalgamated within the South China Paleoplate during this interval to cause the continuous uplifting and northwestward expansion of the Cathaysian Oldland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fauna lists from nature reserves, game reserves and national parks are commonly used to depict modern fauna communities in synecological studies for the reconstruction of palaeocommunities and palaeoenvironments. This relies on the assumption that the modern fauna lists are truly representative samples of the communities they constitute. This study seeks to identify limitations in the use of such lists and to explore ways to mitigate or address some of the associated problems. We use modern fauna communities from national parks and game reserves in Asia. Potential limitations identified in the use of the modern fauna lists include under-representation of particular taxonomic groups; taxonomically unrepresentative lists; and unrepresentative habitat descriptions for the communities. In this study, the potential for under-representation of particular taxonomic groups is addressed by restricting the analysis to large-bodied fauna; fauna lists are subjected to taxonomic distinctness analysis to distinguish lists which are taxonomically representative from those which are not; and habitat descriptions are not accepted a priori but instead fauna lists are subjected to cluster and principle components analysis in order to identify the most parsimonious habitat groupings on the basis of the fauna. The minimum number of species required in the characterization of modern communities to confidently differentiate between the habitat types they utilize is also quantified. A synecological analysis for the Gongwangling palaeocommunity, Lantian, China is presented on the basis of data from protected natural areas whose limitations have been addressed. This analysis suggests a reconstruction of closed habitat for Gongwangling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phytoplankton communities of Loktak Lake (a Ramsar site), studied during November 2002-October 2004, reveal the occurrence of 75 and 71 species, indicate monthly richness ranging between 47±6 and 49±3 species and record 50.0-83.2 and 64.5-84.0 % community similarities during two annual cycles respectively. Chlorophyta (33±5 and 35±5 species) show qualitative dominance and importance of Closterium > Cosmarium > Staurastrum > Micrasterias > Gonatozygon species. Phytoplankton (206±58 and 220±53 n/l) comprise between 45.1±6.5 and 42.9±5.8 % of net plankton abundance, indicate trimodal annual patterns and record peak abundance during winter. Chlorophyta (111±20 and 119±15 n/l), the dominant quantitative component, indicate winter peaks; Closterium > Staurastrum > Gonatozygon > Micrasterias species contribute significantly to their abundance. Ceratium hirudinella (43±52 and 39±37 n/l) is the sole important individual species of phytoplankton. Dinophyta > Bacillariophyta are sub-dominant groups and Euglenophyta > Cyanophyta > Chrysophyta show very low densities. Phytoplankton communities are characterized by higher species diversity, higher evenness and lower dominance. Abiotic factors register limited influence on richness and abundance of phytoplankton and on abundance of constituent groups. Multiple regression indicates relatively lower influence of fifteen abiotic factors on richness of phytoplankton and higher cumulative influence on abundance of phytoplankton, Chlorophyta, Dinophyta and Bacillariophyta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present plant communities in which two endemic taxa of the Apennine mountain chain, Adonis distorta Ten. and Trifolium noricum Wulfen subsp. praetutianum (Savi) Arcang are distributed. Although these taxa occur sporadically in some other Apennine massifs, it is only in the Majella mountain range where these species are physiognomically dominant. Trifolium noricum subsp praetutianum behaves as a differential element in Helianthemo-Festucetum italicae, where it characterizes a new edapho-mesophilous subassociation named Helianthemo alpestris-Festucetum italicae trifolietosuin praetutiani. Adonis distorta is linked to specific geo-morphotypes characterised by an alternation of strips of detritus and fine soil particles as well as to distinguishable communities described in this paper as a new association named Ranunculo seguierii-Adonidetum distortae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]