Variability of quantitative features of the head seismosensory system in European perch <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perca fluviatilis</Emphasis> L. under conditions of anthropogenic mineralization of ponds and medium-size reservoirs

The peculiarities of the quantitative manifestation of four meristic features of the head seismosensory system have been studied in European perch individuals that inhabit ponds and medium-size reservoirs in the Middle and Lower Kama basin. The reduction trend in the interpopulation variability in the total average value of these features has been revealed under conditions of increasing mineralization of freshwater bodies, which is due to chemical pollution entering from transformed areas of their catchments.     

The ecology of the red fox (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis> L.) in the middle Lena River basin

The population of foxes in the central regions of Yakutia has grown by a factor of four to five during the period from 2000 to 2011–2012, following an increase in the abundance of voles from the genus Microtus. A total of 130 carcasses of foxes taken in 2007–2012 have been examined. Age- and sex-related variation in morphological features has been described. The demographic structure of the population has been studied by estimating animal age from annual layers in the recording structures. Changes in female fertility and involvement in reproduction depending on age and feeding conditions have been analyzed. Changes in the composition of fox diet caused by long-term population depression in the mountain hare and their effect on the dynamics of fox abundance have been revealed. Age- and sex-related characteristics of the condition factor in foxes and sex-related differences in their dietary preferences have been demonstrated.     

Variation of male nuptial plumage in the willow ptarmigan <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lagopus lagopus</Emphasis> L.

In male willow ptarmigans, the relationship between qualitative differences between birds belonging to different intrapopulation groups and some individual features of male nuptial plumage has been revealed by studying banded birds. Thus, males that have changed their nesting site differ from those returning to the former site and bigamous males differ from monogamous in the number and size of dark spots amid the white plumage. The influence of the time of the onset of spring on the development of nuptial plumage is considered.     

Intraspecific variation in the viability of soredia in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypogymnia physodes</Emphasis> (L.) Nyl. (Ascomycota: Lecanorales)

The contribution of morphological features of parent thalli, substrate and climatic factors, and their seasonal fluctuations to variation in the viability of vegetative diaspores has been studied on the model of epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes. Seasonal trends in viability have been revealed only in certain types of biotopes. Hygrothermal conditions and substrate properties in the biotope have proved to have a significant effect on the viability of soredia.     

Specific features of annual cycles in long-distance migrant birds living at the range boundary: the example of the wood warbler, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phylloscopus sibilatrix</Emphasis>, in the taiga zone of northwestern Russia

Annual cycle phenomena taking place in the nesting part of the range, such as dates of migration and breeding and molting pattern, have been studied in the wood warbler in northwestern Russia, at the boundary of its nesting range. The results provide evidence that the annual cycle of long-distance migrant birds living at the boundary of their nesting range has certain specific features.     

Influence of nonsymbiotic and symbiotic parameters of underground organs on the development of aboveground organs in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> seedlings

A method is described for comparing the influences of nonsymbiotic and symbiotic parameters (accounted for by the plant itself and by the plant together with ectomycorrhizal fungi, respectively) of under-ground organs on the development of aboveground organs. The method has been used to analyze 4- to 12-month Scots pine seedlings from 26 habitats. The results show that 24 to 88% (on average, 54%) of total variation in the weight of aboveground organs is dependent on specific structural features of roots and mycorrhizae, with nonsymbiotic and symbiotic parameters of underground organs accounting for 5–73% (on average, 36%) and 3–45% (on average, 18%) of this variation.     

Mating systems in the steppe lemming (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lagurus lagurus)</Emphasis> and narrow-skulled vole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus gregalis</Emphasis>) from the Northern Kulunda Steppe

A comparative analysis of reproductive behavior has been performed in the steppe lemming (Lagurus lagurus) and narrow-skulled vole (Microtus gregalis). The results show that the species are similar in certain behavioral features indicative of the stability of mating pairs. However, in the narrow-skulled vole, unlike in the steppe lemming, mature males in olfactory tests show preference for receptive sibling females versus non-kin females. Probably, it is the absence of the incest taboo that allows the involvement of young of the year in reproduction within growing family groups and accounts for “coloniality” of the species.     

Ecological,morphological, and genetic diversity of burbot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lota lota</Emphasis> L., 1758) in large river basins of Western Siberia

A study has been performed on the ecological, morphological, and genetic diversity of burbot (sample size n = 204 and n = 134, respectively) from eight localities of the Ob–Irtysh and Taz river basins, Western Siberia. Fish differentiation in body size and weight depending on the dominant type of migration behavior, foraging conditions, and physiographic features of habitats has been revealed. A high genetic diversity (854-bp mtDNA control region) and a low level of between-sample differentiation is evidence for high intergroup gene flow.     

Reproductive parameters of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lobaria pulmonaria</Emphasis> (L.) Hoffm. in the Urals

The capacity of species for expansion and colonization of new habitats is a key condition for the maintenance of their populations. In this study, specific features of the reproductive potential have been analyzed in Lobaria pulmonaria populations growing under contrasting climatic conditions. Certain ecological determinants governing the development of this lichen species have been revealed.     

The State of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arsenjevia baikalensis</Emphasis> cenopopulations in plant communities of the Western Sayan Mountains

Fifteen A. baikalensis populations growing in natural and disturbed habitats in the dark-taiga forest belt of the Western Sayan Mountains have been studied with respect to age composition, numbers, and variation and interrelation of vegetative characters and parameters of productivity. Specific features of the effect of gaps in the tree canopy on the state of A. baikalensis cenopopulations have been revealed.     

Characterization of MAR and heavy metal-tolerant <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>. <Emphasis Type="Italic">coli</Emphasis> O157:H7 in water sources: a suggestion for behavioral intervention

The water sources in developing countries are usually contaminated with the members of enterobacteriaceae leading to gastrointestinal infections. There has been an increasing consumption of antibiotics during last decade in India. The development of multiple antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance among waterborne bacteria has been coexisting traits. Keeping above features in view, 51 waterborne isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7 have been characterized in the present study. The disk diffusion test for antibiotic sensitivity assay revealed that all the isolates were resistant to at least one or more antibiotics. Cephalosporins were least effective, while fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides were most effective antibiotics. The isolates shared resistance pattern similarities regardless of their sources. The isolates were subjected to test maximum tolerance concentration of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, chromium and mercury. About 98% isolates tolerated arsenic at 250 μg ml^?1 or various above concentrations. Mercury >25 μg ml^?1 was not tolerated by more than 90% isolates. In dug well, a commonly used water source in rural India, the isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.68 indicating it as high risk contaminating source. PCR–RFLP of 16S rDNA distinguished isolates into four groups with the smallest group represented by 3 isolates. Three isolates belonged to different sources but shared all the features of biochemical, serological, multiple antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance test. 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that the three selected isolates were closely related to each other. Based on the microbial and molecular findings, the study recommends to follow social cognitive theory to alter the behavior of the local communities for sustainable use of water resources.     

The Holocene Evolution of Vegetation in the Southeast of the Volga Upland

The Holocene evolution of vegetation in the high-plain territory of the northwestern Volga Upland has been shown to have certain specific features. Based on analysis of spore–pollen assemblages from peat deposits, the onset of bog formation has been dated to the late Boreal period (about 8500 yr BP); the pine–birch phase in the development of forests, to the early Atlantic period (8000?6000 yr BP); the appearance and peak development of the zonal broadleaf species complex, to the late Atlantic period (6000?4500 yr BP); and early anthropogenic changes in the vegetation, to about 3000 yr BP.     

Ecogenetic features and functions of solods in transural forest-steppes (within Sverdlovsk Oblast)

Specific ecogenetic features of solods in the forest-steppe zone has been studied, and the role of biotic and abiotic factors of soil formation has been estimated. Differentiation of soil horizons with respect to the physical clay fraction accounts for specific features of their moistening, which is reflected in the ratio of strongly and weakly crystallized forms of iron. Periodic changes in redox conditions results in iron segregation, and a high content of fulvic acids accounts for its eluvial migration. These processes are controlled by soil geochemical barriers.     

Distribution of plants differing in attitude toward thermal conditions in communities of the timberline ecotone on Mount Iremel’, the Southern Urals

Specific features in the distribution of plant species differing in their attitude toward thermal conditions have been studied in communities of the present-day timberline ecotone on Mount Iremel’ in the Southern Urals. It has been shown that the distribution of such species is characterized by significant spatial nonuniformity. Elevation above sea level, local conditions in habitats located at the same altitudinal level, and specific features of mountain slopes account for 13–84, 5–30, and 0.4–14% of the total variance of test parameters, respectively. The abundance of plants changes nonlinearly along the altitudinal gradient, whereas changes in the species diversity of different plant groups have an almost linear pattern. Marked differences between plant communities with respect to the proportions of species differently responding to changes in thermal conditions have been revealed on all slopes in the upper part of the timberline ecotone, upon transition from the slopes proper to the plateau-like areas of intermontane depressions.     

Effects of environmental factors and species identity on oxygen and carbon isotope composition of teeth in recent small mammals of the Urals

The variation of carbon and oxygen isotope composition in the carbonate group of carbonated hydroxyapatite from the incisor teeth has been studies in six recent rodent species trapped in different latitudinal regions of the Urals. Specific features of variation in the carbon and oxygen isotope ratios are discussed in dependence of animal’s species identity, typical environment, mode of life, dietary features, and ambient air temperature.     

Ecological aspects of humus formation and dynamics in virgin and plowed chernozem soils of the Cisural region

An attempt has been made to make a comprehensive assessment of biological factors in the ecology of humus formation in forest-steppe and steppe chernozem soils of the Cisural region. Certain regional features in the effect of vegetation structure and composition and soil microbial and enzymatic activities on the humus state of zonal chernozem subtypes in virgin and plowed landscapes have been revealed.     

Micronutrient composition of plants in the Polar Urals under contrasting geochemical conditions

Natural variation in the level of micronutrients in plants and soils of the Polar Urals depending on the types of bedrocks has been evaluated. The contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Co have been determined by the atomic absorption method in 156 plant species of 25 families and in 38 soil samples. It has been found that the mineral composition of plant species varies depending on edaphic conditions. Taxon-specific features in the accumulation of chemical elements in plants of the Polar Urals have been revealed for the first time on the basis of a large amount of data.     

Effects of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astacus astacus</Emphasis> L. Population on Biomass of Macrophytes in a Fresh Water Body

In experiments performed in aquariums, the daily consumption of Chara vulgaris alga by crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) has been determined. These quantitative data have been used to make a prognosis of the effect of the A. astacus population on the biomass of macrophytes in Lake Berezovo (Pskov oblast). The density of the crayfish population and the biomass of higher aquatic vegetation in the lake have been determined in field studies. Extrapolation of the results of laboratory experiments to a natural water body has shown that crayfish are capable of controlling no less than 40% of submersed macrophytes in the area used by their population.__________Translated from Ekologiya, No. 4, 2005, pp. 300–305.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kholodkevich, Shumilova, Fedotov, Zhuravlev.     

Bioecological characteristics of segetal flora in the Middle Urals

The data on the biological diversity, bioecological features, and geographic variations of segetal plants in the Middle Urals are presented for the first time. It has been shown that apophytic and anthropophytic groups are equally represented among them. Each group is characterized, and the phytocoenotic activity of segetal plants is considered.     

Genetic differentiation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus mugo</Emphasis> Turra and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. sylvestris</Emphasis> L. populations in the Ukrainian Carpathians and the Swiss Alps

The allozyme analysis of six local populations of Pinus mugo Turra and six populations of P. sylvestris L. in the Ukrainian Carpathians, Swiss Alps, and Schwarzwald has shown a higher polymorphism and greater interpopulation differentiation of the Carpathian group of P. mugo populations compared to the Alpine group (Nei’s genetic distance DN ₇₈ at the level of geographic population group is −0.023). A genetic differentiation of DN ₇₈ = 0.049 between these populations, which are isolated by a distance of more than 1000 km, has been found. This confirms the existence of the subspecies P. mugo ssp. mugo and P. mugo ssp. uncinata in the Carpathians and Alps, respectively. The hypothesis is put forward that the former subspecies has been formed in the Balkans and the latter, in the Pyreneans. It has been demonstrated that regional populations and geographic groups of P. sylvestris are less differentiated than those of P. mugo.