Interspecific interactions of amphipods <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gammarus lacustris</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gmelinoides fasciatus</Emphasis>

Experimental studies of interactions between two amphipod species (Gmelinoides fasciatus and Gammarus lacustris) showed that predation is the basic mechanism accounting for their mutual exclusion in nature. Mortality from predation among similar-sized specimens of both species at an equal abundance ratio was similar (24–25% in G. lacustris and 27–30% in G. fasciatus). The displacement of G. lacustris by G. fasciatus was observed when the latter was dominant. Adult G. fasciatus and G. lacustris successfully preyed on juveniles of their competitors and did not differ significantly in daily food consumption as a percentage of body weight: 6–24% at a fresh body weight of 18–24 mg in both species. The potential for rapid population growth under new conditions contributed to the success of the invasive Baikal species G. fasciatus in displacing G. lacustris from many water bodies of Russia.     

The role of rapid induced resistance of host plant in trophic interactions between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula pendula</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lymantria dispar</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thuringiensis</Emphasis>

Life history traits of gypsy moth larvae markedly decrease under the effect of host plant insect resistance, but no significant changes occur in immunity parameters such as hemolymph phagocytic activity and lysozyme-like activity of hemolymph plasma and midgut tissue; moreover, alkaline protease activity in the midgut contents becomes higher. The actual sensitivity of the larvae to Bacillus thuringiensis remains unchanged.     

Phenotypic variation in Ural and Siberian populations of the heath <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coenonympha amaryllis</Emphasis> (Stoll, 1782)

Phenotypic variation in the widespread Siberian and Mongolian butterfly species Coenonympha amaryllis (Stoll, 1782), an indicator of undisturbed steppe communities, is analyzed. It is shown that its size variation is influenced by a complex of climatic factors, the most important of them being the average starting date of the frost-free period and average annual temperature in the region. Longitude-dependent variation in size is described by a “sawtooth curve” characteristic of species with changing voltinism.     

Interpopulation variation in morphometric characteristics of the ant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myrmica angulinodis</Emphasis> Ruzs. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Baikal region

The effect of geographic origin on morphometric characteristics of ants has been studies by means of one-way ANOVA using 120 worker specimens of M. angulinodis from four population groups inhabiting different parts of the Baikal region. Similarity between the population groups has been evaluated using cluster analysis. The results show that worker specimens in populations from areas with lower air temperatures have significantly greater body size and that ants with an elongated head and more strongly curved frontal carinae dominate in the south of Irkutsk oblast, while ants with a wider frons prevail in the south of the Republic of Buryatia.     

Comparative analysis of the effect of predator odor on morphological and physiological parameters of adult male Campbell hamsters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phodopus campbelli</Emphasis>) and dwarf hamsters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phodopus sungorus</Emphasis>)

The effect of long-term exposure to natural excretions of the European polecat on the morphological parameters and hormonal status of adult male Campbell hamsters (Phodopus campbelli) and dwarf hamsters (Ph. sungorus) was studied. Exposure to volatile components of natural excreta of a potential predator did not have any significant effect on hamsters. The combined influence of volatile and nonvolatile components of the polecat’s excretions caused physiological stress in Ph. campbelli, while in Ph. sungorus, on the contrary, an increase in thymus weight and the plasma testosterone level was recorded.     

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.     

Intraspecific variation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oxytropis chankaensis</Emphasis>, a Far Eastern Endemic

Variation and intraspecific differentiation of Oxytropis chankaensis Jurtz. (Fabaceae), a plant endemic to the Russian Far East, have been studied by analyzing a complex of morphological characters. A high level of morphological variation has been revealed, and the most variable populations growing in the Khankaiskii Nature Reserve have been identified. Populations growing in the zone of anthropogenic impact are characterized by low values and reduced variability of test characters. Distinct morphological differentiation of O. chankaensis populations has been observed.     

Altitudinal variation in body size and age in male spot-legged treefrog (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Polypedates megacephalus</Emphasis>)

Body size variation across environmental gradients has received considerable attention in evolutionary ecology in recent years. In this study, we investigated body sizes and age structure using skeletochronology in male Polypedates megacephalus from five sites with the attitude ranging from 449 to 1300 m. The results showed age at sexual maturity in males was 2 years old, and the longevity was 5 years old except for Changning population of 3 years. Body size was significantly correlated with age within each population except for Changning population. Average age did not differ significantly among populations. Body size of individuals also did not differ across populations when removing the effect of age, which did not follow Bergmann’s rule.     

Effect of temperature and precipitation on linear increment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphagnum fuscum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. magellanicum</Emphasis> in Western Siberia

The linear increment of Sphagnum fuscum and S. magellanicum in ombrotrophic mires of Western Siberia has been measured during two years over a transect about 2500 km long extending from forest–steppe to forest–tundra. Along the latitudinal gradient, the increment of both species has proved to be correlated with annual average air temperature and, in S. magellanicum, also with annual precipitation. The determinants of their growth differ between the southern, central, and northern parts of the study region. At the regional level, the annual and summer precipitation plays a more important role than the average air temperature. The increment of S. fuscum in the southern part is positively correlated with the amount of precipitation and negatively correlated with summer temperature, whereas the situation in the central part is inverse. In S. magellanicum, the linear increment is directly dependent on the annual average temperature and annual and summer precipitation in the south and on the annual and summer precipitation in the north of Western Siberia. The dynamics of linear growth of both species in bog pine forests during the growing season are similar: its rate is the highest in June, when the linear increment of S. fuscum and S. magellanicum amounts to 60 and 85% of the annual total, respectively.     

Photosynthetic and biochemical characteristics of invasive species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Ambrosia trifida L.</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Iva xanthifolia Nutt.</Emphasis>) depending on soil humidity and phenological phase

Environmental factors like temperature and soil humidity are recognized as influencing factors on photosynthetic response and organic productivity, distribution and biochemical characteristics of plants. Here we present measurements of gas exchange parameters, water-use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) of field-grown invasive species Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Ambrosia trifida L. and Iva xanthifolia Nutt., in order to define their potentials as colonizers. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) in leaves and flowers depending on soil humidity were also investigated.     

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.     

Spatiotemporal dynamics of geographical ranges of red deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cervus elaphus</Emphasis>, Cervidae) and Siberian roe deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capreolus pygargus</Emphasis>, Cervidae) in Yakutia

Patterns of expansion of geographical ranges of red deer and Siberian roe deer in Yakutia during the 20th century are considered. The area inhabited by red deer in Yakutia has increased almost fourfold over the past 50 years, with an expansion of over 200000 km² toward the northwest. The geographical range of roe deer in the Lena–Amga interfluve has also changed considerably during the same period. Roe deer sightings in the subarctic zone were reported. The structure of geographical ranges of the species under investigation in different ecological and geographical regions of Yakutia is discussed, and the factors influencing the transformation of geographical range borders are characterized.     

Ecological-demographic characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potentilla bifurca</Emphasis> L. cenopopulations

A discrete approach to the study of ontogeny has made it possible to reveal a high degree of age heterogeneity in P. bifurca cenopopulations. The basal ontogenetic spectrum of cenopopulations has been determined. The index of regeneration is higher in cenopopulations of the young type and decreases in cenopopulations of the old type, whereas the situation with the index of senescence is inverse. The density of cenopopulations depends mainly on parameters of the substrate (density, composition, and moisture), its slope, and the intensity of plant vegetative reproduction and spread.     

Decline of spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis>) in forests of Belarus

The decline of spruce stands in Belarus has been analyzed in relation to the dynamics of climatic variables. The results show that this process is correlated with the amount of precipitation, moisture deficit, index of aridity, relative air humidity, and evapotranspiration. Frosts at the onset of the growing season enhance tree die-off, while increase in cloud cover has a favorable effect on the state of spruce stands. Damage to trees occurs mainly in areas with elevated and convex topography and slopes of southwestern aspect, increasing on steeper slopes. The level of die-off is most closely correlated with conditions of the previous year, which is explained by the impact of biological factors (pest insects and phytopathogens) on tree stands already affected by water stress. The decline of spruce stands on a mass scale is also observed in neighboring regions of Russia and counties of East Europe, which is evidence for a low adaptability of spruce to current climate change, including the increasing frequency and severity of dry periods.     

Seasonal variation of the forewing in polyvoltine whites <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris rapae</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. napi</Emphasis> L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the forest-steppe zone of the Southern Urals

The seasonal variation of forewing size and shape was analyzed in adults of different seasonal generations of two polyvoltine species of whites: Pieris rapae and P. napi (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Particular morphological features of the forewing are characteristic of each seasonal generation of adults independently of their sex and species. Adults of the spring generations have the smallest wings, elongate and pointed. Adults of the summer generation have the largest, broad and rounded wings over the entire summer season. Adults of the autumn generation have wings similar in shape and size to those of the summer generation, but somewhat smaller and more elongate. Differences between seasonal generations in forewing shape are linked to differences between adults of each generation in adaptation to dispersal.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pueraria lobata</Emphasis> is expanding and endangering in China ecosystems

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is an aggressive invasive species and has brought great loss world-widely. Though it is originated in China, it has not been considered as a weed in China. While more and more articles report its destructive effects on the native community throughout the whole country. We conducted an experiment to validate whether kudzu could endanger its native ecosystem and wanted to find the reason of its fast spreading from 2008 to 2010. Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, water content, irradiance, pH, species number and aboveground biomass in the three sub-communities (Kudzu, Mixed and NonKudzu) were analyzed. Meanwhile, light irradiance and coverage of kudzu at 0, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 m distance from the road surface verge were also measured. The results showed that kudzu evidently lowed the species biodiversity and obviously changed the water, light and nutrient cycles in its expanding area. Kudzu’s rapid expansion is mainly because it can get full available space and light for growth by reason of anthropogenic disturbances. Our results indicated that Kudzu was a potential weed in China if great land changes from human activities are continuing.     

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.     

Prospects of using mosses (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fontinalis antipyretica</Emphasis> Hedw. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pylaisia polyantha</Emphasis> (Hedw.) Bruch et al.) as indicators of environmental contamination with heavy metals

The contents of Al, Ti, Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb, and rare earth elements (REEs) were determined in mosses (the hydrophyte Fontinalis antipyretica and the epiphyte Pylaisia polyantha) by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. These plants were used for estimating the spatial distribution of heavy metals (HMs) in the basins of small and medium rivers of Vologda and Kostroma oblasts (Russia). It was shown that water mosses are good indicators of REEs and epiphytic mosses, of the pollutant metals Cu, Zn, Se, and Pb. The epiphytic and hydrophytic mosses did not differ in the macroelement (Al, Ti, and Fe) content.