Molecular relationships and species divergence among <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phragmatopoma</Emphasis> spp. (Polychaeta: Sabellaridae) in the Americas

Phragmatopoma spp. are marine, reef-building polychaetes that inhabit the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of both coasts of the Americas. Phragmatopoma californica is found in the Pacific Ocean along the California coast south to Mexico, while Phragmatopoma caudata inhabits the Caribbean islands and Atlantic Ocean from the Florida coast south to Brazil. Although apparently geographically isolated, P. californica and P. caudata have been found to interbreed (Pawlik 1988a) and thus their specific taxonomic relationship has been unclear. In this study, two genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the first internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1), were sequenced to assess the specific status of P. californica and P. caudata as well as Phragmatopoma virgini. Comparison of sequences revealed that samples of P. californica shared no COI haplotypes or ITS-1 sequences with P. caudata. Phylogenetic analyses, including maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods, clustered each species in separate, well-supported clades with genetic distances between them being greater than between either contested species or the uncontested, valid species, P. virgini. Thus, the molecular data support that P. californica and P. caudata are separate species. However, the sample of individuals of P. virgini included one genetically divergent individual, whose morphology was found to match that of a species formerly recognized as P. moerchi but since synonymized with P. virgini. Divergences among lineages were dated using the COI sequences, after adjustment for non-clock-like behavior. Consequently, we suggest that P. virgini and P. caudata are sister taxons and that P. californica diverged from the P. virgini/P. caudata clade ∼5.7 mya with P. virgini diverging from P. caudata ∼3 mya.     

Biodiversity and species–environment relationships of the demersal fish assemblage at the Great Meteor Seamount (subtropical NE Atlantic), sampled by different trawls

Quantitative data collected with different bottom trawls at the Great Meteor Seamount (subtropical NE Atlantic, 30°N; 28.5°W) in 1967, 1970 and 1998 are compared. Bootstrap estimates of total catch per unit effort increased from 6.96 and 10.8 ind. m^-1 h^-1 in 1967 and 1970, respectively, to 583.98 ind. m^-1 h^-1 in 1998. Gear effects and an effect of gear over time accounted for 47.1% and 20% of species variability. Further significant factors were time of day and habitat, while season was not significant. A total of 43 species was collected. Including supplementary species information, a grand total of 46 species was found associated with the Great Meteor Seamount. Diversity was higher in 1967 and 1970 (Shannon's diversity: H'=2.5 and 1.6) than in 1998 (H'=0.9). Species-environment relationships are discussed in terms of a sound-scattering layer-interception hypothesis, i.e. utilisation of prey from a diurnally moving sound-scattering layer for the bentho-pelagic community. This is probably augmented by concentration effects in a circular current around the seamount (Taylor-column). Long-term changes are discussed with respect to a decrease in biodiversity due to considerable increases in Macroramphosus scolopax and Capros aper. In 1998, the increase of abundance of Trachurus picturatus and the respective decreases for genuine benthic species were likely to have been caused by a change of gear.     

Seasonal respiration changes in Pomatoschistus microps and Palaemon adspersus: an experimental simulation

In an attempt to reduce the effort involved in measuring seasonal variations in oxygen consumption, a simulation experiment was conducted with the goby Pomatoschistus microps (Krøyer) and the shrimp Palaemon adspersus (Rathke). Comparison of the results obtained by monthly conventional measurements on individuals taken directly from the biotope with those obtained from individuals after long-term adaptation to temperature and light conditions representative of the different seasons showed that the standard metabolic rates yielded by the two methods for both species are astonishingly similar, although slight differences appeared particularly during the early summer and early autumn. In contrast, the routine metabolic rates shown by the seasonal and simulated seasonal measurements differed considerably, the differences being particularly striking when considering the scope of the individuals for routine work and their metabolic expansibilities. In view of this, routine data obtained by experimental simulation of conditions appear to be of doubtful value.     

Ozone episodes in Southern Lower Saxony (FRG) and their impact on the susceptibility of cereals to fungal pathogens

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants were exposed to simulated ozone (O(3)) episodes (7 h day(-1) for 7 days) at maximum concentrations of 120, 180 and 240 microg m(-3) O(3), in comparison to a charcoal-filtered air control. Fumigations were conducted in four closed chambers placed in a climate room. Exposures took place prior to inoculation of the plants with six different facultative leaf pathogens. On wheat, significant enhancement of leaf attack by Septoria nodorum Berk. and S. tritici Rob. ex Desm. appeared, particularly on the older leaves and at the highest level of O(3). The same was true for Gerlachia nivalis W. Gams et E. Müll/Fusarium culmorum (W.F.Sm.) Sacc. on wheat and net blotch (Drechslera teres (Sacc.) Shoem.) or G. nivalis leaf spots on barley. Disease development was promoted both on leaves with and without visible injury following exposure to O(3). Sporulation of the two Septoria species increased at 120 and 180 microg m(-3) O(3); however, it was reduced to the level of the control, if 240 microg m(-3) were applied. No significant effects of predisposition were observed with Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. (syn. Helminthosporium sativum Pamm., King et Bakke), the causal agent of spot blotch, neither on wheat nor on barley. Doses and peak concentrations applied in the experiments were in good agreement with measurements of ambient ozone in Southern Lower Saxony, FRG. Six years' ozone data (1984-1989) revealed the annual occurrence of between 3 and 11 ozone episodes with potentially harmful effects on cereals (three or more consecutive 'ozone days' with 8-h means above 80 microg m(-3)). The frequency of ozone episodes followed by weather periods favourable for infections by facultative pathogens was higher in years with low O(3) pollution than in ozone-rich years, and varied between one and five cases per season. The number of ozone days during the main growing season of cereals (1 April until 31 August) varied from 25 in 1984 to 98 in 1989. However, only 7.9% of ozone days during the 6 years examined were concurrent with weather conditions suitable for fungal infections. It is concluded that the majority of leaf infections in the field happens under low-level concentrations of photooxidants.     

Identification of some plasticizers compounds in landfill leachate

In this work it was described a simple method for extraction of plasticizer compounds (mainly phthalate esters and bisphenol A (BPA)) from landfill leachate samples. The samples were submitted to an extraction procedures based on precipitation, solid phase extraction (SPE) and ionic exchange chromatography (IEC). Firstly the landfill leachate sample was acidified by addition of HCl concentrated, in order to precipitate the organic compounds that are less soluble in water. The precipitate was washed with several solvents. The aqueous phase was then submitted to SPE with XAD-4 resin and IEC with Amberlyst A-27 resin. The instrumental analysis was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometer detector (GC/MSD) and the compounds were identified by the GC/MSD library (Wiley) and by using some standard substances. These methodologies allow the isolation and identification of the following compounds: dioctylphthalate, diisobutilphthalate, BPA, benzoic acid, palmitic acid and diisopentylphthalate. The methods are very simple, rapid and selective, for plasticizers extraction from landfill leachate matrices.     

Holocene biomass burning and global dynamics of the carbon cycle

Fire regimes have changed during the Holocene due to changes in climate, vegetation, and in human practices. Here, we hypothesise that changes in fire regime may have affected the global CO2 concentration in the atmosphere through the Holocene. Our data are based on quantitative reconstructions of biomass burning deduced from stratified charcoal records from Europe, and South-, Central- and North America, and Oceania to test the fire-carbon release hypothesis. In Europe the significant increase of fire activity is dated approximately 6000 cal. yr ago. In north-eastern North America burning activity was greatest before 7500 years ago, very low between 7500-3000 years, and has been increasing since 3000 years ago. In tropical America, the pattern is more complex and apparently latitudinally zonal. Maximum burning occurred in the southern Amazon basin and in Central America during the middle Holocene, and during the last 2000 years in the northern Amazon basin. In Oceania, biomass burning has decreased since a maximum 5000 years ago. Biomass burning has broadly increased in the Northern and Southern hemispheres throughout the second half of the Holocene associated with changes in climate and human practices. Global fire indices parallel the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration recorded in Antarctic ice cores. Future issues on carbon dynamics relatively to biomass burning are discussed to improve the quantitative reconstructions.     

Einfluß von salzgehalt und temperatur auf entwicklung,wachstum, fortpflanzung und energiebilanz von Artemia salina

The influence of salinity and temperature on various life processes of Artemia salina (L.) from the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA, was investigated. Hatching rate, hatching success, energetics and metabolism of hatching, growth rate, maturation rate and reproductive rate were measured at all combinations of 4 temperature levels (10°, 15°, 20°, 30°C) and 4 salinity levels (5, 15, 32, 70‰S). Optimal temperature-salinity combinations differ for different life cycle stages and parameters. The hatching rate rises with increased temperature and sinks with increased salinity. Hatching success is optimal at 20°C and 32‰S. Larval growth is best at 30°C and 15‰S; however, the maximum growth is attained at 20°C and 32‰S. Maturation rate, onset of reproduction, interval between clutches as well as the total number of offspring are primarily influenced by temperature, whereas the clutch size is a function of salinity. As the temperature is lowered, the capacity to survive low salinities is decreased. At low temperature, reproduction is only possible at high salinity. The energy consumption of the hatching embryo is primarily determined by the salinity level of the medium and is directly proportional to it. Carbohydrate consumption is under all conditions greatest by weight, but measured by its caloric contribution the relative importance decreases with increased energy drain. Additional energy requirements, particularly during the later stages of hatching, are met by raising fat and protein metabolism, fat being the main energy reserve.     

Langzeitmonitoring möglicher Auswirkungen gentechnisch veränderter Pflanzen auf Pflanzengesellschaften Konzeptentwicklung am Beispiel von Raps (Brassica napus)

Ecological monitoring of genetically engineered plants (GEPs) is being developed in the Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency. Focusing on oilseed rape (Brassica napus, Cruciferae), a method is being established to measure the impact of the commercial release of GEPs on plant communities. Oilseed rape is known to escape from cultures and to establish outside the fields. It also produces hybrid offspring with wild relatives of the European flora. The study site is located in Bavaria (Germany) and comprises an area of 5700 ha. It is characterized by a mosaic of protected natural habitats in close vicinity to intensively cultivated farmland. In this region species composition and population density of Cruciferae is documented prior to a possible commercial release of GEPs. Furthermore Cruciferae of the study site are tested for the presence of transgenes. Therefore, plant material of selected Cruciferae is randomly sampled. We also test oilseed rape honey from the study site and pollen from pollen traps for the presence of hybrid pollen. The molecular method used is the ‘real-time PCR’. In addition, an intensive monitoring program is established in two types of biotopes, which are located in the study site. Multivariate statistics are being used to correlate plant community data with soil parameters.     

Nitrogen balance in marine fish larvae: influence of developmental stage and prey density

The utilization and fate of nitrogen in larvae of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), blenny (Blennius pavo) and herring (Clupea harengus), from the stage of first-feeding to metamorphosis, was examined under laboratory conditions. Rates of ammonia excretion, primary amine defaecation, and growth in terms of protein-nitrogen were monitored throughout larval life. Data were used to calculate daily ration, the coefficient of nitrogen utilization (absorption efficiency), and gross and net growth efficiencies. The developmental pattern of nitrogen balance was similar for plaice and blenny larvae. These species showed increasing growth efficiency (k₁: 55 to 80%) with decreasing weight-specific waste nitrogen losses with age. Absorption efficiencies. were high (83 to 98%) in plaice and blenny larvae, and tended to increase with development in the former species. Ration relative to body weight decreased with growth in both species. Herring larval development, although at a slower rate than blenny and plaice, appeared normal up to 33 d, after which high mortality occurred. Absorption efficiency in this species tended to decline (83 to 43%) with age, until metabolic costs exceeded the absorbed ration and growth ceased. Artemia sp. nauplii proved a suitable food source for the rearing of plaice and blenny larvae, but this diet may have long-term toxicity or deficiency effects on herring. Availability and density of food affected nitrogen balance in the larvae of all three species. Feeding stimulated the output of wastes in excretion and defaecation by a factor of up to ten times the 12-h non-feeding basal rates. Waste nitrogen output reached a peak some 2 to 3 h after commencement of feeding and returned slowly to the baseline in 5 to 10 h after cessation of feeding. There was an asymptotic increase in ration, ammonia output and growth of larvae as prey density increased. Ration saturated at a higher prey density (>4 prey ml^-1) than either growth or excretion rate (1 prey ml^-1). Thus the efficiency with which food is absorbed and utilized for growth must eventually decline in response to high prey density. The idea that larval fish are adapted to maximize ingestion and growth rate, rather than optimize growth efficiency and thus to respond to prey occurring in either low density or in occasional patches, is supported by these results.     

Metabolic responses to changing environmental conditions in the brackish water polychaetes Marenzelleria viridis and Hediste diversicolor

The metabolic strategies of the polychaete Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill 1873), a successful immigrant into Baltic shallow eutrophic coastal waters with meso-to oligohaline salinities since the 1980's, were determined by simultaneous calorimetry and respirometry. Resistance to oxygen deficiency under varying ecological conditions was also examined. The results of the studies with this immigrant were compared to those with the common indigeneous polychaete Nereis (Hediste) diversicolor (O.F. Müller). At 10 and 20 °C and the average habitat salinity of 5 M. viridis gradually reduced its metabolic activity with declining oxygen partial preessures (pO₂), whereas H. diversicolor maintained its metabolic activity. The metabolism of both species remained fully aerobic down to a pO₂ of 2 kPa. An additional hyposmotic stress of 0.5 salinity at a temperature of 20 °C led to a decrease in the rate of oxygen consumption in H. diversicolor below a pO₂ of 10 kPa, whereas metabolic heat dissipation remained constant. M. viridis, however, further reduced both, metabolic heat dissipation and oxygen consumption. The metabolic rates of both species under anoxia were similar, amounting to ca. 20% of the normoxic rate. The resistance of the two species to oxygen deficiency was also similar, ranging between 21 and 290 h (median survival time LT₅₀), depending on temperature and salinity. Specimens used in the present study were collected from the Southern Baltic coastal inlet of Darß-Zingster-Boddenkette during 1992 and 1993.