Changes of leaf morphology in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula pendula</Emphasis> roth and <Emphasis Type="Italic">B. pubescens</Emphasis> Ehrh. along a zonal-climatic transect in the Urals and Western Siberia

Leaf size, shape, and parameters of venation in Betula pendula and B. pubescens have been studied along a 1600-km latitudinal zonal transect in the Urals and Western Siberia. The results show that leaf size and venation density depend on the geographic location of population, with these parameters in the two species changing in opposite directions along the transect. In its northern part (forest tundra-southern taiga), B. pubescens shows a positive correlation of leaf area with long-term-average air temperature, while this correlation in B. pendula is negative. In the southern part, correlations of leaf size with long-term average precipitation in the two species are also opposite in sign. Parameters of leaf shape in both species depend mainly on weather conditions in the current year rather than on long-term average climatic parameters. The conclusion is drawn that B. pendula and B. pubescens have different mechanisms of structural adaptation of leaves to climate and weather conditions that are based on changes in leaf size and shape.     

Phylogenogeography and genotaxonomy of Pinus sylvestris L. populations

The phylogenogeographic structure, polymorphism, and differentiation of Pinus sylvestris L. have been studied for the first time by means of allozyme analysis of 143 populations along a network of transects covering the entire species range. The results show that the species in general is characterized by a significant level of differentiation, regardless of its relative uniformity in northern and central parts of the range. Nei??s genetic distances between populations and their gradients in the extreme southern parts of the range, where it has an insular pattern, are seven to eight times greater than in the northern, ??glacial?? zone. Three Pleistocene refugia for the species have been revealed in the Balkans, Southern Urals, and Northern Mongolia. Using analysis of genetic distances between 18 phylogeographic regions and an original genosystematic scale, one subspecies, five geographic races and nine geographic population groups have been distinguished in the P. sylvestris L. species structure.     

Technogenic morphological variation of the pygmy wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis pall.) in the Urals

Methods of geometric morphometrics have been used to compare the ranges and directions of geographic and technogenic forms of variation in the morphology of the mandible in Ural populations of pygmy wood mice (Sylvaemus uralensis Pall.) exposed to different types of pollutants (radionuclides, fluorides, and toxic petrochemical products). The range of variation in the mandible morphology consequent to chronic radiation exposure in the zone of the Eastern Ural Radioactive Trace is commensurate to the range of geographic variation of the species observed in the Middle and Southern Urals. Unspecific manifestations of variation have been revealed, which apparently result from exposure to technogenic pollutants of different origin. A probable contribution of technogenic variation to rapid morphogenetic rearrangements in populations is discussed.     

Evolutionary ecological analysis of coupled geographic variation of two sympatric rodent species in the Southern Urals

Geometric morphometrics has been used to reveal coupled geographic variation in the mandible shape in two sympatric rodent species, the pygmy wood mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis Pall.) and bank vole (Myodes glareolus Pall.), in the Southern Urals. It has been shown that syntopic samples synchronously collected from the local communities of these species usually display similar, parallel, and unidirectional morphological changes as demonstrated by comparison of species pairs from different localities. The degree of concordance in geographic variation of the species makes it possible to estimate their coevolutionary potential within local communities: the wider the range of ecological conditions under which parallel variation of sympatric species is observed, the higher is their coevolutionary potential.     

Genogeography of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L. populations in the Greater Caucasus and Crimea

Allozyme analysis of 18 Pinus sylvestris L. populations from seven landscape-geographic groups has been performed in the Greater Caucasus, Crimea, and Russian Plain. The results show that populations of the Mt. Elbrus region (isolated by high mountain ridges) are characterized by lower polymorphism and most distinct differentiation (at the level of geographic race) from other populations, which are differentiated from each other at the level of geographic groups. Genetic gradients (boundaries) between populations reach a maximum on transects across the Greater Caucasus Range, and Transcaucasian populations are more similar to populations of the Russian Plain, compared to North Caucasian populations, which confirms the hypothesis of ancestral connections between their gene pools.     

An outline of the theory of the genetic divergence of dry-land and bog populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L.

The thesis of the genetic divergence of Pinus sylvestris L. populations that have spread to bogs from the original dry-land populations has been deduced from the concept of the cyclicity of helio- and geophysical processes, derivative postulates on climatic cycles, formation of Holocene high bogs, contrasting differentiation between their environment and that of dry meadows, and the resultant changes in the vectors of microevolutionary factors and strong reproductive isolation between these populations. Logical genetic, ecological-phenotypical, and geographic consequences of this theory have been verified by factual data and general laws known to date. The interpolational and predictive roles of the new theory are demonstrated.     

Effects of ecological factors on size-related traits in the ground beetle Carabus granulatus L. (Coleoptera,Carabidae)

Multivariate analysis of variation in the metric characters in the ground beetle C. granulatus has been performed. It has been shown that the beetle body size increases toward the center of its range, urbanization has a positive effect on all metric traits, but the effect of habitat vegetation has no definite trend. The structure of variation in the metric characters estimated by the principal components method depends on all ecological factors considered: the locality in the geographic range, level of anthropogenic influence, and degree of biotope openness.     

Epigenetic variation in the American mink, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neovison vison</Emphasis>, from eastern Europe: A search for factors of polymorphism

A comparative analysis of epigenetic variation has been performed in nine European populations and population groups of the American mink. It has been shown that differentiation of samples in nonmetric characters is due mainly to endogenous processes that have occurred in introduced populations in the course of colonization of new territory by the invasive species. Environmental factors have played a secondary role, with the influence of the geographic (latitudinal) origin of a given sample being considerable and stronger than that of macroclimatic factors.     

Temperature regime in burrows of ground squirrels (Marmotinae) during winter hibernation

The temperature regime of hibernation has been studied in six ground squirrel species from 13 geographic populations living beyond the permafrost zone. It is shown that hibernation usually takes place at low above-zero temperatures and that the least deep burrows are found in the zone of subzero monthly temperatures. Populations have been found that inhabit areas where monthly temperatures during the hibernation period fall below zero in almost the whole range of depths at which nest chambers are located.     

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.     

Structure and Differentiation of Spruce Populations in Eastern Europe and Western Siberia

The structures and differentiation patterns of the Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Siberian spruce (P. obovata) populations have been studied in a wide area, including the transition zone of their continuous geographic range. The areas occupied by transitional populations have been detected. Series of distinct populations of the Norway and Siberian spruces are located to the west and east of them, respectively.     

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.     

Intra- and interspecific morphological variation of some European terrestrial orchids along a latitudinal gradient

Morphological trait variation in populations of rhizomatous (Cypripedium calceolus, Listera ovata) and root-tuber orchid species (Platanthera bifolia, Gymnadenia conopsea) has been studied along a latitudinal gradient in Europe. It has been shown that the structure of shoots changes with transition from the center to the northern or southern periphery of the species range. The reduction in the number of metameres at the range periphery is more distinct in orchids with multimetameric shoots, compared to those with oligometameric shoots. The plasticity of shoot structure observed along the geographic gradient is contingent on climatic factors and can be manifested regionally in cases of long-term temperature deviations. Other morphological parameters, such as shoot height and the sizes of leaves and flowers, can serve as indicators of ecological conditions in habitats.     

Pyrophytic Properties of the Larch Larix gmelinii in Terms of Life Strategies

The pyrophytic properties of the larch Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr. growing in the northern taiga of central Siberia have been studied. It has been found that, although the trees are highly combustible and fire resistance of tree stands is low, the species is highly pyrophytic, which allows it to retain its geographic range. At early stages of postfire successions, the larch exhibits characteristics of pyrogenic explerent and is subject to r-selection. When forest restoration is close to completion, the species passes into the patient state and acquires properties subject to K-selection.     

Coat color polymorphism in populations of the northern mole vole in the Ural Region

Collections made in the course of long-term field studies on ecology of the northern mole vole Ellobius talpinus Pall. in the Ural Region and neighboring areas (more than 2000 individuals from 24 points of the species range) were used to analyze geographic variation in its coat color (color morphs). On the basis of long-term observations (1985–1999) on marked animals from a polymorphic population (Kurtamyshskii raion, Kurgan oblast), the life spans of males and females and the dependence of life span on population density and structure were estimated in animals of different color morphs. Each color morph of E. talpinus was shown to have specific features of the seasonal dynamics of age structure and migrations.     

Assessment of groundwater potential in Tirukalukundram block of southern Chennai Metropolitan Area

Groundwater is an important resource in all major urban centres. Continuous extraction leads to degradation and depletion in the water quality which can be protected by selecting proper groundwater recharging techniques. The present study aims to determine the groundwater potential by integrating the remote sensing and geographic information system which helps to identify the locations which are in critical stage and immediate steps can be taken to recharge the groundwater. Thirukalukundram block of Kanchipuram district in Tami Nadu, India, has been chosen as study area. To demarcate the groundwater potential zone, surface attributes such as geomorphology, land use/land cover, contour map, drainage density and sub-surface attributes such as lineaments and soil maps are created using satellite imageries, toposheet, soil and geomorphology data of the study area. The thematic maps prepared using geographic information system and weights have been assigned to the attributes by considering the influence on the storage capacity of groundwater. Four categories of groundwater potential zones such as below low, low, moderate and high have been classified. From the analysis, 5% along the coastal plain area covers high groundwater potential zone, 20% of the area towards north-west and south-west hold moderate groundwater potential. 60% of the total area hold low groundwater potential zone which are located towards south-west direction. 15% of the study area contains below low groundwater potential zone in parts of south-west direction. This study helps to identify the suitable locations for extraction and recharge of groundwater.     

Effect of environmental conditions on morphological,ecological and geographic characteristics of lichens in coastal habitats

The distribution of morphological, substrate, and latitudinal geographic groups of lichen species has been analyzed in various habitat types on the northwestern coast of the Sea of Japan. The results show that the influence of the sea manifests itself in the presence of halophytes, xerophytic life forms, and species of the suboceanic latitudinal geographic group; soil-plant conditions account for the development of the substrate group of epiphytic lichens, mesophytic life forms, and species of the nemoral latitudinal geographic group.     

Optimizing Urban Spatial Structure of Lanzhou Based on Geographic Concentration Method of Industries

Geographic concentration of industries is the regionalized distribution of some industries in certain areas, which focuses on the ratio of a certain industry to the whole industries （He and Liu, 2006）. In this paper we explore the improved M function of geographic concentration that adds the parameter of the number of firms according to the definition of geographic concentration of industries. The spatial distribution of the main manufacturing industries of Lanzhou urban area is evaluated based on it. The results of the evaluation imply that the spatial distribution of the main manufacturing industries is more concentrated than that of others in Lanzhou and it can absorb lots of labor forces. But the incidence, competition ability and density of the distribution of enterprises are different for each single sector, and enterprises with different production features are located closely. And three main problems are discovered. Finally, three countermeasures are put forward： locating the industrial enterprises in urban areas in a proper way through planning and policies; adjusting the industrial structure of the inner city; strengthening the local rearrangement of the existing industrial concentration areas.     

Optimizing Urban Spatial Structure of Lanzhou Based on Geographic Concentration Method of Industries

Abstract

Geographic concentration of industries is the regionalized distribution of some industries in certain areas, which focuses on the ratio of a certain industry to the whole industries (He and Liu, 2006). In this paper we explore the improved M function of geographic concentration that adds the parameter of the number of firms according to the definition of geographic concentration of industries. The spatial distribution of the main manufacturing industries of Lanzhou urban area is evaluated based on it. The results of the evaluation imply that the spatial distribution of the main manufacturing industries is more concentrated than that of others in Lanzhou and it can absorb lots of labor forces. But the incidence, competition ability and density of the distribution of enterprises are different for each single sector, and enterprises with different production features are located closely. And three main problems are discovered. Finally, three countermeasures are put forward: locating the industrial enterprises in urban areas in a proper way through planning and policies; adjusting the industrial structure of the inner city; strengthening the local rearrangement of the existing industrial concentration areas.     

Some criteria for assessing the state and dynamics of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) populations in the Russian part of the species range

The state of sea otter populations has been assessed by a comparative method using criteria such as the density of equilibrium populations (on Medny and Iturup islands), food supply, and effects of certain external factors. Optimal values of population density for larger islands have been calculated using the Arcview GIS 3.3 program. For the inhabited water area (from the shoreline to the 50-m isobath), they range from 3.1 to 3.4 ind./km². The composition of sea otter diet and its changes on the Commander Islands, Kuril Islands, and southern Kamchatka are analyzed. The diameter of eaten sea urchins is considered as a parameter characterizing the degree of colonization of living space by sea otters. It is concluded that the abundance of these animals in the Russian part of the species range may slightly increase in the future due to the growth of their populations on the southern and middle Kurils.