Phenotype-limited interference models assume competitive asymmetries among conspecifics and unequal sharing of resources.
Their main prediction is a correlation between dominance status and patch quality: dominant individuals should preferentially
exploit better-quality habitats. We tested assumptions and predictions of the phenotype-limited interference model in Andean
condors (Vultur gryphus), a New World vulture with strong sexual size dimorphism (males are 30–40% heavier than females). We recorded searching birds
in habitats differing in quality: mountains and plains. We also observed scavenging behaviour at 20 sheep carcasses, and videotaped
5 of them. Intraspecific hierarchy at carcasses was based on size: males dominated females and, within each sex, older birds
dominated younger ones. Adult males and juvenile females occupied extreme positions in the feeding hierarchy. Aggression was
directed at those individuals belonging to lower hierarchical levels. In high-quality areas (mountains), more condors arrived
at carcasses. Juvenile females were more often observed searching in low-quality areas (plains), far from breeding areas and
main roost sites. GLM analyses of individual behaviour showed that the hierarchy did not influence time of arrival, but low-ranking
individuals spent more time at carcasses, especially if the number of condors at arrival was high. Additionally, low-ranking
condors spent less time feeding at carcasses when individuals of higher hierarchical levels were present. On the other hand,
the number of condors present had a positive effect on feeding rates of dominant individuals, probably because of a reduction
in individual vigilance. These results support most of the assumptions and predictions of the phenotype-limited distribution
model, although a spatial truncated distribution between phenotypes was not observed. Asymmetric feeding pay-off, unequal
parental roles and sexual selection constraints could favour sexual divergence in body size in Andean condors.
Received: 6 April 1998 / Accepted after revision: 11 July 1998 相似文献
The potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for phytoremediation of lead (Pb) on sand tailings was investigated.A pot experiment employing factorial design with two main effects of fertilizer and lead was conducted in a nursery using sand tailings from an ex-tin mine as the growing medium.Results showed that Pb was found in the root,stem,and seed capsule of kenaf but not in the leaf.Application of organic fertilizer promoted greater biomass yield as well as higher accumulation capacity of Pb.In Pb-spike... 相似文献
The influence of salinity and organic matter on the distribution coefficient (K(d)) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in a brackish water-clay system was studied. The distribution coefficients (K(d)) for PFAs onto inorganic clay surfaces increased with salinity, providing evidence for electrostatic interaction for the sorption of PFAs, whereas the relationship between K(d) and organic carbon content (f(oc)) suggested that hydrophobic interaction is the primary driving force for the sorption of PFAs onto organic matter. The organic carbon normalized adsorption coefficient (K(oc)) of PFAs can be slightly overestimated due to the electrostatic interaction within uncoated inorganic surfaces. In addition, the dissolved organic matter released from coated clay particles seemed to solvate PFA molecules in solution, which contributed to a decrease in K(d). A positive relationship between K(d) and salinity was apparent, but an empirical relationship for the 'salting-out' effect was not evident. The K(d) values of PFAs are relatively small compared with those reported for persistent organic pollutants. Thus, sorption may not be a significant route of mass transfer of PFAs from water columns in estuarine environments. However, enhancement of sorption of PFAs to particulate matter at high salinity values could evoke potential risks to benthic organisms in estuarine areas. 相似文献
Adaptive, or 'learning by doing', approaches are often advocated as a means of providing increased understanding within natural resource management. However, a number of organisational and social issues need to be resolved if these approaches are to be used successfully. A case study in the South Island high country of New Zealand is used to review what is needed to support an ongoing community-based monitoring and adaptive management programme. First, the case study is described, paying attention to the social context of the resource management problem. The results of a workshop that explored this problem are then outlined, along with a proposed information flow suggested by participants. Requirements for future steps to resolve these problems (such as information protocols and a multi-stakeholder information system) are discussed. Finally, some broad lessons are drawn from this exercise that could help others developing similar approaches. 相似文献
The infiltration of vehicle emissions into a house from the attached garage was studied for 16 homes of differing designs using the same extensively characterized vehicle at each home. Before the in-home measurement program, the cold-start and hot-start tailpipe emissions and hot-soak evaporative emissions from a 1993 Buick Regal were measured using standard vehicle emissions measurement methods. The emissions were chemically characterized for methane, nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and carbonyl compounds. The in-home measurements occurred over two winter seasons (1997-1998 and 1998-1999) in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Samples of indoor air and garage atmosphere were characterized for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, NMHC, and carbonyl compounds. During the second year, real-time measurements of carbon, carbon dioxide, and total hydrocarbons were made to determine when and for how long the emissions plume infiltrates the house. Chemical mass balance modeling results using 31 NMHC species suggest that between 9 and 71% of the concentrations measured in the house during the hot-soak test and between 13 and 85% of the concentrations measured in the house during the cold-start test could be attributed to vehicle emissions infiltrating from the garage. In contrast, increases in carbonyl compound concentrations caused by the vehicle were difficult to detect above the already significant levels found in the houses. 相似文献
The need for statistical methodology in environmental and ecological applications has grown dramatically over the past few decades, to where targeted and/or specialized courses in environmental statistics are necessary at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We discuss here the construction of such courses, and pose questions on the course development process for the statistical and environmental community. Our exposition is based upon our own experience with the design of a graduate environmental statistics course. 相似文献
Process representations critical to the phytoplankton and zooplankton submodels are described. These include constructs for: light- and nutrient-limitations and their interaction, temperature, consumption, and population-age structure. Values for key parameters are documented with reference to the literature on aquatic ecology and ecological modelling. Time-course relationships of the processes affecting the phytoplankton, zooplankton, phosphorus and nitrogen compartments are presented and discussed. These serve as additional documentation and are an important result of modelling synthesis. 相似文献
In this study, we investigated cadmium toxicity created by adsorption kinetics in several mixtures containing two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNT and NH2-MWCNT) and natural kaolinite. Characteristics of two types of MWCNTs were measured by zeta potential and ATR FT-IR graphs and TEM images. The solution of CNTs and kaolinite was tested to study Cd adsorption kinetics and mechanisms of differentiation-associated toxicity using Daphnia magna in a binary system (Cd–MWCNTs and Cd–kaolinite) and a ternary system (Cd–MWCNTs–kaolinite). In the binary system, Cd removal efficiency was nearly 100% and 40% for MWCNTs and kaolinite because of surface charge, respectively, with increasing sorbent concentration. In the ternary system, the trend of adsorption rate was similar to that of binary system. In comparison with percent mortality in the binary system, the solution in the ternary system showed higher toxicity due to the interaction of MWCNTs–kaolinite coagulated particles, thereby decreasing Cd adsorption onto CNTs and kaolinites. Overall, kaolinite can affect the adsorption process of Cd on MWCNTs in negative ways, depending on adsorption state. In conclusion, our studies suggest that kaolinite differs with adsorption ability of Cd by MWCNTs, and toxicity is likely to be produced by multivariable regression in the adsorption state.
Plant responses to abiotic stress can alter their response to biotic stress. We examined changes in the activity of several
defense proteins in response to powdery mildew infection of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in the greenhouse and in the field. Second, we examined the effects of water limitation on the same defense protein responses,
as well as on total soluble protein and glucose concentration, plant growth, and powdery mildew disease development. Similar
increases in the activity of peroxidase, chitinase, and β-1-3-glucanase were observed in leaves of plants with substantial
powdery mildew disease in both greenhouse- and field-grown plants. In the greenhouse, activities of chitinase and peroxidase
as well as total soluble protein and glucose concentrations generally increased with the degree of water limitation. In turn,
leaf growth and powdery mildew symptom development decreased as the degree of water limitation increased. This study revealed
that plant chemical responses to water limitation and powdery mildew disease can overlap to a large extent, which, in addition
to changing microenvironmental conditions and other indicators of plant quality, may underlie the ability of water limitation
to inhibit powdery mildew disease symptom development in this wild plant pathosystem. 相似文献