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INSTYTUT ARCHEOLOGII I ETNOLOGII POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT BADAŃ LITERACKICH POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT BADAWCZY LEŚNICTWA
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INSTYTUT BIOLOGII DOŚWIADCZALNEJ IM. MARCELEGO NENCKIEGO POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT BIOLOGII SSAKÓW POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT CHEMII FIZYCZNEJ PAN
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INSTYTUT CHEMII ORGANICZNEJ PAN
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INSTYTUT FILOZOFII I SOCJOLOGII PAN
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INSTYTUT GEOGRAFII I PRZESTRZENNEGO ZAGOSPODAROWANIA PAN
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INSTYTUT HISTORII im. TADEUSZA MANTEUFFLA POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT JĘZYKA POLSKIEGO POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT MATEMATYCZNY PAN
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INSTYTUT MEDYCYNY DOŚWIADCZALNEJ I KLINICZNEJ IM.MIROSŁAWA MOSSAKOWSKIEGO POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT PODSTAWOWYCH PROBLEMÓW TECHNIKI PAN
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INSTYTUT SLAWISTYKI PAN
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SIEĆ BADAWCZA ŁUKASIEWICZ - INSTYTUT TECHNOLOGII MATERIAŁÓW ELEKTRONICZNYCH
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MUZEUM I INSTYTUT ZOOLOGII POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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INSTYTUT BADAŃ SYSTEMOWYCH PAN
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INSTYTUT BOTANIKI IM. WŁADYSŁAWA SZAFERA POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
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- A review of papers on sex ratio in populations of Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber 1780 is given. The secondary sex ratio (at the moment of birth) is almost always 1:1, only in some cases — cohorts born in the second half of the reproduction season — there is a prevalence of males (up to 72°/o of males). The tertiary sex ratio (among sexually immature individuals) varies with a tendency to male prevalence, and only in populations having a low density the sex ratio is equal to 1:1. Quarternary sex ratio (among sexually mature individuals) shows a prevalence of females in the majority of ćases. This is atf special significance far the fluctuations of populations numbers.It seems that sex ratio of individuals of a current year shows usually the prevalence of males (especially in the first months of life). When these individuals constitute 9O*/o of population the sex ratio in this category of individuals becomes even (Table I).General sex ratio (for the entire population) has a much lower variability than sex ratio in distinguished categories of individuals. This observation as well as the analysis with regard to changes in sex ratio together with increasing population numbers (with increasing population numbers differences in sex ratio tend to decrease) (Fig. 1) point -to the existence of group reactions in the population responsible for the formation of a determined sex ratio.The relation between sex ratio and demographical strategy in populations of small rodents is discussed (Fig. 2). The necessity of examining the sex ratio as regards the division into sexually mature and immature individuals and within them into cohorts of the same age has been pointed out.
- The decomposition process of Dactylis glomerata and the accumulation rate of organic matter was compared in meadows differing in the time since tillage ceased. Over time number of plant species in the sward and the diversity of the majority of analysed invertebrate groups increased. The youngest meadows were characterized by maximal variability in environmental conditions and variation in the numbers of several dominant invertebrate populations. Litter bags exposed in this meadow were colonized rapidly by bacteria, but slowly by microarthropods, compared to older meadows. The lowest accumulation of total organic carbon and humus fractions was also found in mesocosms inserted in soil profile of these meadows. The community structure of invertebrates colonizing mesocosms was characteristic for ecosystems under stress. Relatively high proportion of small organisms (bacteria, bacteriphagic invertebrates) stimulating the mineralization rate of organic matter were recorded.
- 117 nests of Red-breasted Flycatchers in Białowieża primeval forest (NE Poland) are characterised. Most nests (79%) were built in Hornbeam Carpinus betulus and Lime Tilia cordata. Three types of nest sites were distinguished: chimney shaped (26.4%), half-cavities (46.4%), or shelves the nest is wedged under a piece of bark against the main trunk (27.3%). Most cavity entrances were exposed to the south. Compared to other species of secondary cavity nesters in Białowieża National Park, Red-breasted Flycatchers used cavities of a different shape, with a smaller bottom area, and at a relatively low height above the ground (>>= 4.9 ą 3.12 m). Nesting trees had a smaller diameter (>>= 31.2 ą 21.4 cm) and were more often dead (27%) than trees used by other secondary cavity nesting species. Only four nest sites were used in consecutive seasons.
- The 12 genera of the Thalycra complex are reviewed, diagnosed, and keyed. The group is related to the Pocadius complex (based on larval and adult morphology) and is characterized by the following adult characters in combination: body form elongate and convex, pronotaland elytral margins narrowly explanate, vestiture of setae relatively sparse, length of antennomere 11 smaller than 9 and 10 combined, and metacoxae approximate with a moderately narrow intercoxal process. Three genera are described as new: Pocadiolycra Kirejtshuk and Leschen, gen. nov. (type species: Pocadiolycra peruensis Kirejtshuk and Leschen, sp. nov.; P. guyanaensis Kirejtshuk, sp. nov.), Tagmalycra Kirejtshuk and Leschen, gen. nov. (type species: Tagmalycraashei Kirejtshuk and Leschen, sp. nov.) and Thalycrinella Kirejtshuk, gen. nov. (type species: Neothalycra latitibialis Audisio and Kirejtshuk, 1983), The species Quadrifrons castaneus Blatchley, 1916 (= Cychramus zimmermani Horn 1879, new synonymy), Pocadionta dentipes (Grouvelle, 1898), and Pleuroneces montanus Olliff, 1891 are redescribed. Biological informationis summarized for each genus while fungal host relationships are emphasized. Members of Thalycra Erichson, and possibly Quadrifrons Blatchley, are specialists on hypogean fungi whilethe related genera Pocadiolycra and Tagmalycra are specialists on Agaricaceae. New New Zealand records for the species Thalycrodes australis (Blackburn) are provided.
- The 12 New World species of Leptopsilopa are reviewed, including the following new species (type localities noted parenthetically): L. andiana (Peru. Huánuco: Espensa, [11 km N Huánuco]), L. flavicoxa (Belize. Stann Creek: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary [16°47'N, 88°30'W]), L. martharum (United States. Texas. Jim Wells: Mathis(7.5 km S; Nueces River; 28°02.2'N, 97°52.2'W; 15 m), and L. placentia (Belize. Stann Creek:Placentia Lagoon, Rum Point; 16°32'N, 88°21'W). Lectotypes are designated for Psilopasimilis Coquillett, Psilopa varipes Coquillett, and Psilopa metallina Becker. The monophyly of Leptopsilopa is established, but only if the Old World species are excluded. The genus is most closely related to a lineage of species currently included in the genus Psilopa (thedupla group, including P. metallina), which is rendered paraphyletic by the recognition of Leptopsilopa as an included, monophyletic lineage. The New World species are arranged into two monophyletic species groups, the atrimana and the similis groups. Of the 12 species now recognized, 10 occur in the neotropics, where other undescribed species will probably be discovered.
- The usefulness of transmission and scanning electron microscopy for clarifying the finer details of feather morphology is exemplified. (1) The structure making a wing feather airtight is a ventral, membraneous extension of a barbule closing the gap between adjacent barbules. (2) The exposed part of the body plumage is a very open structure. This fact and the shape of barbules in transverse section suggest that water repellency is an important function of body plumage. (3) Two ways of producing colours resembling those of green vegetation by utilizing yellow carotenoids, blackish melanins, air and keratin are contrasted: a simple one in olive green feathers and a complex one in green feathers of Ptilinopus doves.
- 137 species of water mites were collected in the middle flow region of the Neman River. The most numerous species were: Lebertiainsignis, Hygrobatescalliger, Limnesiaundulata, Hydrodromadespiciensand Sperchonclupeifer. The most frequently occurring species, both in samples and in sites, was Hydrachnaglobosa. 34 species were found in the Neman River, 36 in small tributaries, 68 in large tributaries, 77 in oxbow lakes and 15 in temporary reservoirs. It is believed that the abundance and species diversity of water mites in the Neman River is low because of the low pH value of the water. The water mites are concentrated in the Neman tributaries and oxbow lakes.
- In 1999–2003, investigations of the fish fauna were carried out in selected rivers of the Mazovian Lowland. Electrofishing was used to investigate species diversity and abundance at 35 sampling sites. In total, 8618 fish representing 29 species were caught, weighing in total 77.9 kg. 13 to 22 species of fish and lamprey were registered. The highest number of species was identified in the Świder River (22), dominated in abundance by roach (35.1%) and stone loach (34.9%), and in the Rządza River (20), dominated by gudgeon (33.4) and roach (24.9%). Ten-spined stickleback dominated in the Długa River (45.5%), roach in the Klusówka river (27.0%), and gudgeon (48.4%) and sunbleak (30.0%) in the Utrata River. 9 reophilic species were identified in particular rivers, accounting for 8.6% to61.0% of total abundance. The abundance of pike, the major predator of small lowland rivers accounted for 0.1% in the Utrata River to 1.3% in the Rządza River. The highest abundance of fish in terms of numbers and the biomass per 1 km of river course were found in the Klusówka River and the Długa River.
- 150 years have passed since the expedition to Algeria. This scientific expedition toAlgeria was a fully private initiative and was made possible thanks to the sponsorship ofthe Branicki family, more particularly the one of Konstanty Branicki (1824–1884). Thisgenerous sponsorship enabled two remarkable naturalists, Władysław Taczanowski (1819–1890) and Antoni Waga (1799–1890), to take part in the expedition. The expedition turnedout to be an important event for the international scientific community. Zoological specimenscollected during the expedition enriched the Warsaw Zoological Cabinet, along withcollections sent by Konstanty Jelski (1837–1896) from South America and specimens sentfrom Siberia by Polish deportees, such as Benedykt Dybowski (1833–1930). This initiateda golden era in Polish ornithology. It also participated in the development of zoologicalmuseography in Warsaw, transforming a provincial museum into one of the most importantzoological collections in the world. Observations on 210 different species of birds werepublished by W. Taczanowski in the Journal für Ornithologie and in The Zoologist: A PopularMiscellany of Natural History. They constitute a considerable contribution to the recognitionof the North African fauna.This volume includes all known materials in relation to the expedition to Algeria, whichwere published or stored in the form of manuscripts and typescripts. Popular science articlespublished by W. Taczanowski in the Illustrated Weekly, Warsaw Library, Józef Unger IllustratedPopular Science Warsaw Calendar, Journal für Ornithologie and The Zoologist:A Popular Miscellany of Natural History were included as a facsimilé. Also analysed andincluded are three letters from W. Taczanowski to K. Jelski, on the Algerian Expedition,stored in the Archives of Congregation of the Missionary Priests in Cracow. In addition,a chapter entitled “Diary from the journey of Antoni Waga” includes Waga’s notes concerningthe expedition to Algeria. It is a part of the original document archived in the PAS(Polish Academy of Sciences) and PAAS (Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences) ScientificArchive in Cracow.In accordance with tendencies prevailing in modern natural sciences, the authors didnot limit their research to written sources, but also considered specimens from Algeria andtheir original labels. The Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS in Warsaw owns a collectionof animals collected during this expedition. Despite losses due to fire and war damages,the Warsaw collection currently includes: 174 spider specimens representing 16 species,10 insect specimens from 8 species, 7 fish specimens from 7 species, 8 reptile specimensfrom 4 species, 154 bird specimens from 77 species, and 20 mammal specimens from14 species.All the original material is analyzed in terms of natural features, museography andhistory of science. Scientific results of the expedition are presented in their historical context,including analyses carried by the French colonial administration or results of English,German and Russian zoologists. These publication of original materials constitute an interestingmaterial for the History of Algeria in 19th century, as they are rare documentsabout this country, which are not related to the French colonial administration. They arealso a valuable testimony for the history of Polish scientific institution during times ofannexation and post-upraising repression.
- 150th Anniversary of the Zoological Cabinet in Warsaw (1818–1968)This paper was prepared by Zygmunt Fedorowicz and Stanisław Feliksiak, most probablyin 1968/1969 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Zoological Cabinet [Gabinet Zoologiczny] at the Royal University of Warsaw [Królewski UniwersytetWarszawski]. The authors present the history of the Cabinet from its beginning throughmodern times. The year 1818 was significant in the Zoological Cabinet’s history, for it wasthen that the Commission of Religion and Public Education of the Kingdom of Poland[Komisja Wyznań Religijnych i Oświecenia Publicznego Królestwa Polskiego] purchasedthe first zoological collection of over 20 thousand specimens for the Cabinet. The naturalobjects bought from the heirs of Sylwiusz Münkwitz, a Silesian baron, would later startone of Europe’s biggest zoological collections. The history of the Zoological Cabinet has been divided into several periods. The firstperiod lasted from 1818 to 1862, when a zoologist Feliks Paweł Jarocki (1790–1865) wasthe Head of the Cabinet and the collections were located at the Kazimierz Palace [PałacKazimierzowski], where they were systematically organized and studied. Due to the outbreak of the November Uprising (1830–1831), the Royal University of Warsaw was closed.However, thanks to Jarocki’s efforts, the Cabinet retained the collections. In the second period, 1862–1890, the Zoological Cabinet was managed by the ornithologist Władysław Taczanowski (1819–1890). From 1862 the Cabinet was subordinate to the authorities of the newly established Main School in Warsaw [Szkoła Głównaw Warszawie]. Seven years later, the Main School was replaced by the Imperial Universityof Warsaw [Cesarski Uniwersytet Warszawski]. Despite the administrative changes the period marked the Cabinet’s heyday, during which it gained prestige as a scientific unit ofEuropean calibre. The patronage of the Branicki family, especially Konstanty (1824–1884)and Aleksander (1821–1877), ensured financial means for the Cabinet, which allowed forthe expansion of the collections, financing of scientific expeditions (e.g. to Africa, Asia, andSouth America), and publishing of scientific works. Many Polish exiles to Siberia and emigrants became correspondents for the Cabinet and donors of zoological collections fromall over the world. During that time Władysław Taczanowski was also able to create anddevelop through correspondence and exchange of scientific materials a network of connections with natural scientists and scientific institutions from almost all countries of Europe. An important event in this period was the establishment of the Branicki Museum[Muzeum Branickich] in Warsaw in 1887, a private zoological collection that remainedclosely connected to the Cabinet.The third period in the history of the Zoological Cabinet went from 1890–1915. AfterWładysław Taczanowski’s death in 1890, Russian zoologists Nikolai Nasonov (1855–1939)and Jakub Shchelkancev (?–1930) took over the management of the Cabinet. The Cabinetunderwent gradual changes and was adjusted to the scientific and didactic needs of the University’s chairs. The collections were progressively expanded with new species of insects anda collection of Russian birds and reptiles. World War I (1914–1918) drastically changedthe state of affairs. The Russian authorities withdrew and in 1915 the reestablished PolishUniversity of Warsaw took over the management of the Zoological Cabinet. The next period of the Zoological Cabinet began and lasted until 1939. In 1919 theCabinet was merged with the Branicki Museum to become the National Museum of NaturalHistory [Narodowe Muzeum Przyrodnicze] (1919–1921), which was renamed the PolishState Museum of Natural History – Zoological Department [Polskie Państwowe MuzeumPrzyrodnicze – Dział Zoologiczny] (1921–1928), and later the State Zoological Museum [Państwowe Muzeum Zoologiczne] (1928–1953) [...]
- 158 species of Collembola, among them species rare in Europe are recorded from Roztocze – an upland region in south-eastern Poland and in Western Ukraine. Coexistence of boreal-montane, montane, South-European, North-European and endemic species is the most characteristic feature of the fauna of the region.
- The 1995-1999 results of the mapping technique censuses carried out in permanent plots situated in three types of old-growth primeval BNP stands (ash-alder riverine, oak-hornbeam, mixed coniferous) are presented and contrasted with the data gathered in the same plots in the late 1970s. Most community parameters, such as composition of breeding avifauna, species richness, make-up and cumulative share of dominants, remained basically unchanged. Only the overall bird density has increased considerably, by 13-38% in different plots. This was due to parallel increases in numbers of several species, widely differing in their nesting places, food requirements and migratory habits. As numbers increased simultaneously in all the plots, the density differences across habitats remained the same, from highest densities in riverine stands at the forest edge (up to 124 p/10 ha), through oak-hornbeam stands, to lowest in the coniferous stands (48-50 p/10 ha). Despite this differentiation the breeding avifauna in individual plots was quite similar (density similarity index exceeding 50%), indicating that their breeding assemblages constituted samples from a single bird community. In most cases the numerical increases could not be attributed to changes in local environmental factors, such as food resources, weather conditions or changes in habitat structure. Only in the coniferous stands, habitat changes leading to diversification of their structure (gap formation, increasing number of deciduous trees) could be responsible for increasing species richness and abundance there. The apparent lack of relationship between changes in bird numbers and local situation suggests that the factors acting on a larger scale (outside the study area) could have been involved. Despite the directional changes in bird abundance observed in the Białowieża Forest, its breeding bird assemblage, when compared with amplitude of changes recorded over the same period in other areas and habitats, stands out as an example of remarkable stability.
- Investigations of plants growing along rarely frequented paths in the region of Mumlawski Wierch (1219 m a.s.l.) and a busy tourist track leading onto Szrenica Mt. (1362 m a.s.l.) were performed. An analysis was made of a distance to which the species brought by tourists may invade spruce forest communities. It was found that the number of non-indigenous species (phytocenoticall) foreign to the natural forest communities of Karkonosze Mts.) depends primarily on intensity of tourist traffic. In the region of Mumlawski Wierch waysides were not colonised by the non-native species. Whereas along the way to Szrenica Mt. a lot of alien species were recorded. These were mostly synanthropic species as well as species typical of meadows and grass lands, and all of them belonged exclusively to apophytes. Furthermore, it has been revealed that possibilities of those plants to grow along waysides: a distance of their penetration into communities of spruce forests depends on the degree of tree cover destruction.
- The article describes how to make use of the method of estimating the degree of coincidence of two or more species in samples by comparison of the most probable number, in the given series, of cases in which both species concur in the sample, with the actual number of such concurrences (E d m o n d s o n, 1944, K a j a k A., 1957). The author demonstrates that this method may be applied where each species occurs in about 30-40% of the samples. Where the percentage of complete samples is different, analysis of the concurrence of species in the samples should be preceded by a mathematical manipulation reducing the series examined to the required form. An example of this manipulation is given. The author points out that all estimates of concurrence of species in the field should be related to the corresponding space. Categories of size of the area of samples with differing ecological sense are given as examples.
- Discussion on ecosystem homeostasis has supplied means of measuring their state of balance, among which the most important is the persistence in time of such systems. The essence itself of homeostatic systems, however, still remains unknown. Effective functioning of self-regulating mechanisms involves full use of the energy produced in the system.The agroecosystem is among the most widely-spread types of land ecosystems. The central point of the system is man, whose activities determines the physicochemical pressure on the system, its species composition and spatial organization, and it is man who ensures the persistence of the ecosystem in time. An agroecosystem is an open system saturated to a lesser degree by species than its neighbouring ecosystems. The way in which it develops is to render its structure similar to that which occurs in homological land systems, hence the ease with which weed and pest species are accepted, which enrich the homeostatic structure of this system.Biological control of pests of agrocenoses carried out on the basis of the principles in current use is an operation which is insufficiently effective from the aspect of the concept of homeostasis of agrocenoses, since the biocenosis tends to reproduce the preceding qualitative and quantitative structure. Prospects are more promising for action aimed at increasing a substitute food supply for predators and parasites and for forming refuge areas for beneficial fauna, which areas would then become the source of its expansion into cultivated fields. Homeostatic systems themselves acting within agrocenoses are not directed towards maintenance or protection of agricultural production.
- In connection with the expansion of Argiope bruennichion the territories of Central Europe, observations on the behaviour of this spider have been carried out for a long time in the new climatic conditions, its spreading in the northern localities and the range of this expansion. Attempts have also been made to elucidate the migrating directions selected by the spider. The growing number of localities occurring in Poland contradicts the statement that the spider is really a rare element in our arachnofauna.
- The model describes time-related changes in six variables: concentration of dissolved orthophosphate phosphorus P-PO4, phytoplankton, bacteria, detritus, nonpredatory zooplankton, and predatory zooplankton in the epilimnion of Lake Głębokie. The stability of the model was analysed, and it has been found that the variables show damped oscillations around equilibrium points. Results of numerical experiments are presented, simulating a cessation of fish farming in the lake, changes in the level and timing of phosphorus inflow to the epilimnion from deeper layers of the lake, and changes in temperature and light conditions. The results show that the inflow of phosphorus from deeper layers largely influences the values of the model variables.
- The paper was read as the opening address at the conference on co-ordination of studies of the productivity of warter ecosystems (Olsztyn, 3-4 May, 1966) organized by the Productivity of Freshwater Ecosystems Section of the Polish Committee of the International Biological Programme. The aim of the conference was to discuss and reach an agreement on methods of collecting and elaborating material for calculation of production and the ways themselves of calculating production. The use of prioduction instead of biomass or abundance gives a better description of biological processes and permits of better comparison of very different groups of organisms, which in turn makes it possible to analyse the channels through which energy flows and ecological effectiveness. It is of course obvious that in addition to the estimation itself of production it is essential, in order to understand its regularities in different situations, to analyse the biotic and abiotic factors determining the channels of flow of energy and ecological effectiveness. With the present scanty knowledge available of the rules of production, even a very approximate way of assessing production is valuable. Reliable collection of material is of fundamental importance. The actual calculation methods, often imperfect, are continually being improved and at the same time also simplified. It is essential to express production in comparable units, convertible to the most universal units, calories. It is also essential to calculate production per unit of area of the body of water (and not only, e.g., per unit of volume or weight of substrate); only this way comparison of different bodies of water ecosystems can be attained. Production of ecosystems may be investigated in ways varying in degree of detail: 1) only on ,,entry” and ,,exit” (primary production and influx of allochthonous substance on the one hand, and outlow of organisms and deposition of sediments on the other); 2) assessment of production of all trophic levels; 3) estimation of the production of all trophic levels based on analysis of factors determining production (habitat, quantity and quality of food, competition, predation etc.). Even investigations of the first degree, carried out on a large number of waters, may at the present stage of our knowledge supply much valuable information. Particularly interesting prospects are afforded by analysis of situations in which the ecosystem is subjected to intervention of some kind, such as artificial mixing heating of the water, fertilisation, acclimatisation and introduction of organisms etc. It would then be easier to discover the rules governing production, and at the same time to indicate the possibilities of directing the production. The final part of the article contains a discussion of research on production from the organization aspect, under the International Biological Programme.
- The present paper is a continuation of earlier papers concerning the Tachinidae collected in North Korea bysix expeditions of researchers from the Institute of Zoology PAS, Warsaw, Poland. Twenty four species representing 20 genera of the subfamily Exoristinae have been identified in the material collected. Eighteen species are reported inthe fauna of Korea for the first time.
- The Warsaw Museum and Institute of Zoology contains an important collection of Coleoptera Brentidae. This material includes many types of species described by Richard Kleine, one of the most famous brentid specialists, whose collection, before the second World War, was held in Stettin. In our study of the collection, we designated lectotypes fo rthe following species: Baryrhynchus (Eupsalomimus) schroederi Kleine, 1914; Corporaalia baryrrhynchoides Kleine, 1921; Gyalostoma jucundum Kleine, 1914; Spatherhinus grandis Kleine, 1914; Eupsalithopsis spatherinoides Kleine, 1914; Amorphocephala intermedia Kleine, 1918; Cerobates (Cerobates) aequalis Kleine, 1922; Hypomiolispa bickhardti Kleine,1918; Hypomiolispa dentigena Kleine, 1918; Hypomiolispa rugosa Kleine, 1918; Miolispa adversaria Kleine, 1922; Miolispa nigricollis Kleine, 1919; Paratrachelizus afflictus Kleine,1922; Leptocymatium observans Kleine, 1941; Thaumastopsis separata Kleine, 1941;Heterothesis elegans Kleine, 1914.
- Dreissena polymorpha (Pall.) biomass was estimated in 21 Masurian Lakes. The big differences in its values found in particular lakes were mainly connected with different abundances of this mollusc and to some extent with the age structure of the population and the "condition" of individuals. Annual production of total animal biomass fluctuated considerably in particular reservoirs. P/B coefficients were contained between 0.42 and 0.81.
- Dragonflies of small anthropogenic water bodies were studied in Cracow City (south Poland) in the years 2001–2004. 38 species were recorded, of which 24 were autochthonous and 6 probably autochthonous. Many southern and southeastern species occurred, of which the most interesting are: Aeshna affinis (Vander L.), Orthetrum albistylum (Sél.), Sympetrum fonscolombii (Sél.) and Crocothemis erythrea (Brullé). Also important are the tyrphobiontic and tyrphophilous species: Coenagrion hastulatum (Charp.), Lestes sponsa (Hansem.), Sympetrum danae (Sulz.), Leucorrhinia dubia (Vander L.) and L. rubicunda (L.). The importance of these secondary biotopes for the protectionof dragonflies is discussed.
- In 2006 and 2025, pellets of the tawny owl Strix aluco were collected and studied at Zdroje site near Połczyn-Zdrój in the northern part of the Drawski Landscape Park (Western Pomerania, NW Poland). They contained the remains of 734 individuals of small mammals belonging to 22 species (4 Eulipotyphla, 4 Chiroptera and 14 Rodentia). The most important finding is the presence of the northern birch mouse Sicista betulina probably in an island population, more than 200 km west of the species’ previously known continuous range. Also valuable is the occurrence of the edible dormouse Glis glis, which confirms the presence of this mammal in the forest complexes of Western Pomerania, as well as the parti-coloured bat Vespertilio murinus – a bat rarely recorded in this part of the country. The results of this study increase knowledge about small mammals of north-west Poland and their community structure. <br>
- In mid-field afforested areas 44 bird species were found to nest. 18 of these species appeared to be typical to this habitat, representing 60-90% of the total number of birds of a community. Although in small afforested areas fewer species nest than in the large ones, the total population density there is higher. Species that feed in fields are more abundant in small afforested areas than in large ones. Their breeding territories are small. Only a slight relationship is seen between the size of an afforested area and the population density of those species which feed in it. The breeding territories of this group of birds are large, spreading along the afforested areas.
- In the middle flow region of Neman River, Belarus, 34 species of water bugs have been found to occur. The commonest species observed is Micronecta griseola HORV., followed by Gerris lacustris (L.), Ilycoris cimicoides (L.) and Sigara falleni (FIEB.). Five species have been recorded as new to Belarus: Micronecta griseola, Sigara fallenoidea HUNG., Notonecta maculata FABR., Velia saulii TAM. and Gerris thoracicus SCHUMM. From the River Neman proper, 24 water bug species have been reported, 25 in old river beds, 23 in larger tributaries, 12 in small tributaries and 8 in each type of water body, intermittent and others. Strong relations between the faunas of Heteropteraof Neman River and its old river beds as well as larger tributaries are emphasized.
- Penguin rookeries are one of the main sources of nutrients for the poor ecosystems of Antarctica. At the current penguin rookeries, and in their vicinity, nitrogen rich ornithogenic soils are formed. Relict ornithogenic soils created at the abandoned rookeries hundreds or even thousands years ago are rich in phosphates. In the region of maritime Antarctica, water plays an important role in distribution and redistribution of nutrients (surface flows and percolation). Soil decomposition processes result in cations and nutrient release. In nutrients originating from relict ornithogenic soils of the Antarctic tundra, phosphates are the dominating elements; while in nutrients originating from contemporary ornithogenic soils nitrogen (mainly ammonia) is the main ingredient. Mineral soils free of penguin influence contain minute amounts of nutrients. Low pH of soil solutions (<4) causes increase of dissolving of phosphate complexes. Near penguin rookery, pH was lowest (2.73-3.33) and intermediate (2.92-3.77) in relict soils. The values of pH were the highest in soil solutions from mineral soil (5.43-7.33). High concentration of cations (mainly K) in soil solutions from the ornithogenic soils and relict ornithogenic soils, suggest their organic (animal) origin.
- Investigations were made of nematode communities in two alfalfa cultures (Medicago sativa L.) situated in the Warsaw district. The aim of the study was: 1) to ascertain variations in the total abundance of nematodes during the study years and at different seasons of these years, 2) to trace the reciprocal quantitative relations between species occurring in plants and in the soil in different years of cultivation and 3) to analyse the structure and dynamics of ecological groups of nematodes occurring in plants and in the soil, depending on the age of the culture.
- Comparison was made of the predatory arthropods in a natural meadow in a nature reserve and in cultivated meadows. It was found that predators were as a rule more numerous in the nature reserve meadow in which no agricultural practices were carried out. Analysis was made of the trophic relations in two of the most numerous predatory groups in the study habitats, that is spiders and ants.
- Feeding habits of the Long-eared Owl in the Italian peninsula were investigated by using mainly data from bibliographic sources. A total of 4651 prey items from 13 study localities were used in the analysis. Field voles Microtus sp., which globally accounted for over 51.4% of the cumulative total, were the most important prey, followed by the mice Apodemus sp. (31.5%). Insectivores (6.0%) and birds (4.7%) were preyed less frequently. In order to represent the diet of Long-eared Owls some dietary parameters were computed, such as percentages of occurrence of the most important prey taxa (insectivores, murids, arvicolids, and birds), mean prey size, taxonomic diversity and prey size diversity. The linear relationships between the variables were assessed by using either Spearman-rank and Pearson correlation coefficients. Taxonomic dietary diversity was positively correlated with site latitude. Geographic linear distances (in km) of the various study sites and relative niche overlap values were negatively correlated. The dietary diversity was positively correlated with the proportion of murids and negatively with arvicolids. It suggests that the Long-eared Owl is quite specialised in feeding upon arvicolids when the availability of this prey is high. Furthermore, one-way ANOVA revealed that significant differences in mean prey size between the different localities were present. Performing a Principal Component Analysis on the dietary parameters we observed a separation of the study sites in two different groups along the first factor, and the proportions of arvicolids and murids were the most important parameters in order to explain the observed variability.
- Using destructive sampling, seasonal dynamics of needle biomass and age composition of foliage and needle fall were studied in a Scots pine forest under conditions of various chemical soil treatments. Foliage mass was primarily affected by needle age and season, while treatment effect was relatively minor. Overall mean foliage mass per tree increased from 734 g in April to 870 g in August, and then decreased to 595 g in November. In general, proportion of current needles to the foliage grew from zero in April to more than 50% in late November. Proportion of one-year-old (c+1) needles decreased relatively slightly (from 55 to 41%), while that of two-year-old (≥c+2) needles declined from 45% in spring to less than 6% of the total foliage in autumn. Significant treatment effects comprised reduced total mass of needles, particularly current ones (Acid), increased mass of ≥c+2 needles (Lime), and a clear dominance (absolute and relative) of c+1 over ≥c+2 needles (Urea), when compare with the untreated stand (Control). Within- and between-treatment variations were generally lower in the case of relative proportions than absolute values of cohort biomass. In most plots, more than half of needles shed over the entire study period were ≥c+2, while current needles contributed about 10% to the needle fall. In contrast to other plots, composition of needle fall at the Urea treatment was shifted toward a greater contribution of younger needles.
- The aim of the study was to compare different habitat types according to species richness and estimate their value for total species richness at a landscape level. The study was carried out in the years 1995–2001 in the Tarnów region (1400 km2, S Poland). All bird species were classified according to broadly defined breeding habitat type. Four main, easily distinguishable habitat types were specified: forests (18% of the area), open areas (70%), wetlands (1%) and anthropogenic areas (11%). Birds were classified as habitat specialists if they bred in only one habitat type, or as habitat generalists, if they bred in two or more habitat types. Altogether, 151 species nested in the study area, and a total of 87 species were habitat specialists. There were statistically more endangered species (so called “losers”) among the habitat specialists than in the habitat generalists' group. Habitat specialists were also statistically less abundant than habitat generalists. The following numbers of species were recorded in the specific habitats: forests — 70, open areas — 75, wetlands — 61, anthropogenic areas — 46. Among these, the percentages of habitat specialists were the following: forests — 41.4%, open areas — 18.7%, wetlands — 52.5%, anthropogenic areas — 26.1%. It was found that the numbers of species inhabiting the various habitat types differed from the number to be expected on the basis of their area. This was especially apparent in the case of wetlands, which constituted only a small part of the total area, but as many as 32 species (21.1% of all) occurred only there. For conservation purposes, wetlands appear to play the most important role in shaping species richness in the landscape studied here. However, each habitat type contained some species that were not noted in other habitats.
- Stroheckeria quadrimaculata gen. and sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Endomychidae, Lycoperdininae) from Vietnam is described and illustrated. Placement of this genus within the subfamily Lycoperdininae is discussed.
- Studies were made in 1964 and 1966 on the quantitative occurrence of bumble-bees in Lublin, the species composition of these insects and of the plants they visit. Observations were made by catching humble-bees visiting flowering plants in parks, squares, lawns, waste-land etc. 15 species of bumble-bees were found to visit 64 species of plants.
- New data on the occurrence of ladybird beetles in the eastern part of the Baltic Coast of Poland are presented. Studies were carried out between 2012 and 2017 along the Baltic coast from Krynica Morska to Białogóra. We found 44 species of Coccinellidae. Ten of the recorded species (Clitostethus arcuatus, Scymnus haemorrhoidalis, S. limbatus, S. abietis, S. auritus, S. rubromaculatus, Stethorus pusillus, Hyperaspis concolor, H. reppensis, Platynaspis luteorubra) are reported for the first time from the investigated area. Two of them, C. arcuatus and S. pusillus, are new for the whole Baltic Coast region of Poland. The recorded contribution of the invasive Harmonia axyridis to all ladybird individuals was relatively low (12.7%).
- 2,229 water mites representing 56 species were collected in seven Mazurian lakes. Six faunal elements were distinguished: lacustrine, eurytopic typical of small water bodies, tyrphophilic, rheobiontic, rheophilic and astatic spring fauna. The species structure was dominated by the lacustrine element, and the numerical structure – by eurytopic species occurring in small water bodies. Six species indicatory of moderate lake eutrophy were recorded, i.e. Atractides ovalis, Limnesia polonica, Unionicola mionor, Piona stjoerdalensis, P. rotundoides, Forelia spatulifera and Atractides lacustris, indicating mesotrophy, was trapped in Lake Mokre only. The lakes examined are characterized byrather low faunal similarity. The highest degree of similarity was noted between two dystrophic lakes, Klimunt and Skarp, whereas Lake Majcz Wielki showed the greatest faunal distinctness.
- The 2000–2004 results of the mapping technique censuses carried out in permanent plots situated in three types of old-growth primeval BNP stands (ash-alder riverine, oak-hornbeam, mixed coniferous) are presented and compared with data gathered in the same plots in the late 1990s. These data supplement earlier observations in the BNP and extend the long-term set of data on the breeding bird numbers there to a 30-year uninterrupted series (1975–2004). Most community parameters, such as the composition of breeding avifauna, the species richness, and the make-up and cumulative share of dominants, have remained basically unchanged. The overall bird density has increased by 8–20% in different plots; in 2001 it reached the highest level within the 30-year study period. The increase was due to parallel increases in numbers of several species, widely differing in their nesting sites, food requirements and migratory habits — during this period 14 of the 26 most numerous species attained their highest numbers in the 30-year study period. Since numbers increased simultaneously in all the plots, the density differences across habitats remained the same, from the highest densities in riverine stands at the forest edge (up to 149 p/10 ha), through oak-hornbeam stands, to the lowest densities in the coniferous stands (54–56 p/10 ha). In most cases the numerical increases could not be attributed to changes in local environmental factors, such as food resources, or to detectable changes in habitat structure. The apparent lack of a relationship between the changes in bird numbers and the local situation suggests that factors acting on a larger scale (beyond the study area) could have been involved. Despite the directional changes in bird abundance observed in the Białowieża Forest, its breeding bird assemblage, when compared with the amplitude of changes recorded over the same period in other areas and habitats, stands out as an example of remarkable stability.
- The 21 holotypes and 207 paratypes of the subfamilies Alysiinae and Opiinae (Braconidae). housed in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw are presented with complete label information.
- 24 named species of scuttle fly were reared from rotholes in the trees Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra, Salix alba. 15 species are additions to the list for France, including the new species M. deltofemoralis Disney, M. lavoursensis Disney and M. putescavi Disney, which are described along with the hitherto unknown females of M. hartfordensis Disney and M. subcarpalis (Lundbeck). Three species are represented by females and can only be named when linked to their males.
- 24 potworm specles have been found in the forest habitats studied in Puszcza Kampinoska. Species diversitv of Enchytraeidae decreases with deteriorating trophic and moisture conditions. Potworm communities in alder swamps and mixed forests have a characteristic species cornposition and structure. Linden-oak-hornbeam forests with a variety of habitats present accomrnodate a number ofdistinct potworm communities.
- 289 species of 53 families of beetles were found in the years 1995–2006 in the vicinity of Malta Lake in Poznań. Information about the most interesting species with respect to their faunistics, zoogeography and sozology was provided. The importance of the study area for the beetle protection and the threats for the beetle fauna were analysed <br>
- (3) Several examples 3 were found indicating that individual differences in respect to home range size (Fig. 1), to its localization (Fig. 3), and to trappability (Fig. 2) -usually assigned to the rank in social hierarchy -are simultaneously the differences between individuals of different age (belonging to different cohorts Ko-K4). Additionally the example is given (Fig. 4) showing that home range size differences based upon age structure are much more pronounced under norma! food conditions (natural food supply) than under the surplus of food (supplementary food added). At the same time indirect evidence was found of more tolerant social relationships between individuals in the period of experimentally increased food supply.(4) The hypothesis of age-based social organization is helpful for explaining the ability of the population to maintain its stability in fluctuating environment.When the population is in the state of balance with its resources for some time, the age structure of the population is stable and so is its social hierarchy governing the unequal partitioning of the resources among individuals. But under critical (suddenly worsened) conditions the best chance for survival is given to the old individuals -holding the highest social position, having largest home ranges and occupying the richest patches of habitat -not to the ones best genetically suited to the new situation. This results in retardation of genetic and demographic response of population known from field and laboratory observations and named ''population inertia". But it also makes possible for a population to rebuild itself according to the mode from before the crash. It is possible to achieve as surviving the crash old individuals maitain their highest ranks preserving both the former organization and the "conservative'' gene pool. (If we assume that the strongest selection occurs during the highest early mortality period, then those old individuals were selected long time ago, probably under different to present environmental conditions.) So, those old, long-living thanks to such social organization individuals preserve specific population "memory'' which helps to keep the stability of population organization and processes despite environment fluctuations.
- 302 moth species of the families Noctuidae, Pantheidae and Nolidaehave been recorded in Warsaw to date. Of these, in historical times were recorded 286 species (86 of them only then, including one – M. acetosellae, which can no longer be found in Poland). Most of these species are now regarded as very rare and occurring only locally in Central Europe (e.g. I. calvaria, S. taenialis, C. pacta, P. moneta, P. cheiranthi, H. ononis, A. caliginosa, D. oo, T. ludifica). Contemporary records list 212 species, most of which are widely distributed in Poland and classified as abundant (e.g. D. trifolii, M. pallens, X. c-nigrum, A. exclamationis). 7 species: M. confusa, A. gamma, S. scutosa, H. peltigera, S. exigua, L. zollikoferi and A. ipsilon are migrant visitors.
- 31 species in seven genera are listed for Madeira. The possible hitherto unknown female of Chonocephalus bentacaisei (Santos Abreu) is described. Illustrated keys to the species are provided.
- 327 species of Carabidaefrom Roztocze were recorded: 288 species from the Ukrainian and 247 from the Polish part of the region.
- 39 dragonfly species were recorded in the vicinities of Siemień (southem Podlasie, middle- eastem Poland) in the years 1941-44 by W. Bazyluk (2002) with Sympecma fusca (Vander L.) in it. The species is rare in the Middle- and Northeastem Poland and the northem border of its distribution area runs through the region. Basing on original materials deposed in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Sciences it can be stated that the specimen determi- ned as S. fusca belongs to another species - Eurosiberian S. paedisca (Brau.). The smali collection of larvae which was collected in the same area by W. Bazyluk in 1950 is described in the paper too. The two of 8 species were not recorded as imagines: Coenagrion hastulatum and C. pulchellum <br>
- 4166 measurements of the wing length of Reed Warblers were collected during 9 breeding and pre-migratory periods in Central Poland. In the studied population significant differentiation in the wing length among seasons was shown in adult and juvenile birds. Multiple regression and path analysis showed that weather factors (temperature and precipitation) during breeding period determine the long-term variation in the wing length in both adult and young birds. Changes in wing length were explained by natural selection and habitat selection. In breeding and pre-migratory periods, temperature and precipitation influence changes in food availability, and thus affect optimisation of energetic expenses on feeding. It was revealed that long-winged individuals are best adapted to cold and rainy conditions, while the short-winged ones - to warm and dry summers. Weather conditions in the period of birds arrival to the breeding grounds may be connected with differentiation in availability of optimal places for establishing territories. In that way they influence intraspecific competition for breeding territories and the effectiveness of their occupation by morphometrically different birds.
- 44 samples taken in two different months (July 1952 - 31 samples, September 1952 - 13 samples) from various species of plants growing in the water of one of the old branches of the Vistula, now cut off from the river, confirmed the occurrence of the following species of Rotatoria:Collotheca gracilipes (Edmondson 1939)Collotheca ornata cornuta (Dobie 1849)Floscularia ringens (Linneus 1758)Lacinularia flosculosa (Müller 1773)Limnias ceratophylli (Schrank 1803)Ptygura sp.Sinantherina socialis (Linneus 1758)Stephanocereos fimbriatus (Goldfus 1820)One of the above species, Collotheca gracilipes, found by Edmondson in similar environments in the United States, is new to Polish fauna. The wide differences in the numbers of individuals obtained from consecutive samples indicates both the sporadic character of the occurrence of Rotatoria in this plant environment, and the tendency to form groups.Several groups were distinguished of the following species: Collotheca ornate cornuta and Limnias ceratophylli, which are the most common and most numerous specimens of Rotatoria in the environment examined. They form about 93% of the entire material collected. The remaining species occur rarely and in very small numbers.The following plants are the ones chiefly settled by the Rotatoria: Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Najas minor and Ranunculus spicatus. About 97% of the entire Rotatoria fauna occurs on these plants.
- 445 eggs of the Collared Flycatcher from 82 clutches were measured during three breeding seasons (1997-1999). The mean length was 17.82 ą 0.80 mm, breadth - 3.45 ą 0.37 mm and volume - 1.65 ą 0.14 cm3. Egg dimensions were positively correlated. No significant differences in egg sizes during the three seasons were found. This suggests that the environmental conditions in the Białowieża Forest during the study period did not change or had no influence on egg size. Laying sequence had no influence on egg dimensions; only egg length depended on clutch size. Some characteristics of the females did affect the size of eggs: heavier birds and those with longer tarsi laid larger eggs. Older females did not lay significantly larger eggs than younger females. In conclusion, egg size in the Collared Flycatcher from the Białowieża Forest appears to be influenced more by the characteristics of the female than by environmental conditions.
- 52 chrysomelid species was recorded at two sites in linden-oak-hornbeam forests in the Wierzbanówka valley (Pogórze Wielickie, S Poland) during a two-year study, including 46 species in the ground cover and 28 species in the understorey (on hornbeam and on bird cherry). The chrysomelid communities of both sites have been described in terms of species composition, abundance, the structure of dominance and zoogeography. At both sites, Oulema gallaeciana was the dominant species in the ground cover. Of the species recorded from the understorey only Gonioctena quinquepunctata was associated with bird cherry. The results obtained were compared with the data from the literature referring to other regions in Poland. It was found that, in Poland, the chrysomelid fauna of linden-oak-hornbeam forests was richer in upland and mountainous areas than that in lowland areas (this was true both in respect of the number of species and the abundance of particular species).
- 52 dragonfly species were recorded in the years 1993–2005 in the middle part of the valley of the River Bug, the biggest non-regulated river of Poland, as well as one of the largest rivers in the Middle-Eastern Europe. Faunistical, zoogeographical and sozological aspects of the fauna are discussed <br>
- 63 specles of water mites recorded in three Lobelia-typelakes. Three species: Eylais relicta, Lobertia saxonica, Arrenurus vietsi were new for Poland. The fauna of investigated lakes is strongly individualized. The water mites fauna of Lake Łąkie were dominated by acidophilic species. In the Lake Głęboczko the indicators of oligo-mesotrophy and moderate eutrophy are the most numerous. The species of small water bodies and eurytopic were the most numerous in the Lakes Cechyńskie Małe and Głęboczko. This situatlon is results of growing eutrophy.
- 68 species of Notodontidae, Lymantriidae and Arctiidaehave been recorded in Warsaw to date. These include 67 species recorded in historical times, one of which, namely, Parocneria detrita, is now regarded as extinct in Poland. Contemporary records from Warsaw are not available for 19 of them. Most of these species still occur in Poland, but are often classified as rare or even critically threatened with extinction. The biggest richness and diversity of Notodontidae, Lymantriidae and Arctiidae species can be found in urban parks and reserves.
- Investigation was made of the connection existing between the type of mosaic structure of the area and spatial distribution of mosquito fauna. It was found that communities of mosquitoes formed, in the microenvironments of the study areas, which differed as to numbers of mosquitoes, species composition, domination structure and relative activity. The character of the whole area imposed upon the communities the general proportions of the percentage of the dominanting species, the subdominant and accessory species: decrease of the participation of the dominant and the simultaneous increase of the participation of accessory species was observed in communities together with an increase in the degree of humidity and the mosaic structure of the whole area. Analysis was made of the seasonal variations in the structure of the mosquito communities, and it was found that penetration of the environment by mosquitoes in an area with a fine mosaic structure and considerable humidity depended on their numbers in such environments, In a dry area, unfavourable to mosquitoes, their penetration of the environments was the result of their numbers and activity. Depending on the type of area which determines the general activity of the mosquitoes, they are included primarily in the composition of the association of organisms of the forest herb layer or the undergrowth.
- 82 species of Heteroptera belonging to 13 families have been found in flood-plain forests Alno-Padion in 4 sites. including 35 species in the ground cover and 47 in the canopy layer (39 on alder, 15 on ash). Species composition of the Heteropteracommunities under study has been investigated and an ecological analysis carried out. Heteroptera communities from the various areas and sites studied have been shown to differ both in species composition and in the structure of dominance. A group of species characteristic of the ash-alder flood-plain forests under study has been identified.
- Protozoa (traditionally qualified as an element of animaFs kindgdom) and nematodes as smali organisms are defined as microfauna. They are abundant in soil environment and diverse both in terms of taxa and function. Protozoa are mainly bacteriovorous, some of them graze on fungi or algae, others are omnivores or predators. Nematodes also have different feeding habits. Among them there are plant-, bacterial-, fungal feeders and also omnivores and predators. Functional diversity of protozoa and nematodes results in complex interactions between microfauna, plants and microorganisms.Attack of high number of some plant-feeding nematodes on roots can seriously damage root system and result in a decrease of primary production - yearly losses caused by nematodes in grasslands were estimated at 6-10%. On the other hand, grazing of a smali amount of plant-feeding nematodes, below damage threshold, might stimulate the enlargement of root system and production of root exudates.Protozoa and nematodes enhance decomposition and nutrient-cycling; dead organie matter is decomposed by bacteria and fungi and some nutrients are released during this process, but majority of them is immobilized in microorganisms and could be released when bacteria and fungi are consumed by soil animals. Because of a high consumption and Iow assimilation ratę microbial grazers release considerable amounts of nutrients and the pool of nutrients available for the root inereases. Protozoa and nematodes account for 80-90% of the total N mineralisation contributed by soil fauna.
- A description is presented of the water cycle in four lakes of the r. Jorka watershed: Majcz Wielki, Inulec, Głębokie and Jorzec. Particular attention is given to seasonal variation of water cycle components, such as: inflow to lakes (including inflow by the r. Jorka, inflow by secondary streams and inflow from the immediate lake basin), river outflow from the lakes, magnitude of underground feeding of the lakes and changes in the volume of water retained in lake hollows. A summary of detailed water budgets of the lakes made it possible to assess the water exchange rate during the year and to follow its seasonal variations.
- The study was conducted between 2016 and 2021 in the urban park of Warsaw agglomeration (Poland). Data on small mammals were obtained from analyses of Strix aluco pellets. Long-term changes in species composition and percentage of each species of prey in owls’ diet were determined by comparing our data with data published so far for the years 1975–1977 and 2003–2006. In total, owls captured 16 species: 1 – Erinaceomorpha, 2 – Soricomorpha, 8 – Rodentia and 5 – Chiroptera (0, 1, 6 and 4 in the years 2016–2021, respectively). Mammal community of this area was not stable – populations of many species showed remarkable changes in abundance. Decreasing trends were recorded in Apodemus agrarius, Microtus subterraneus, Eptesicus serotinus and Mus musculus, while increasing trends – in Apodemus flavicollis and Nyctalus noctula. In particular, A. flavicollis showed rapid population increase – in the recent six years it became a second abundant rodent in this park. These results indicate that urban mammal communities can undergo important changes throughout only one or two decades. <br>
- Collections of mosquitoes by means of a scoop were carried out in the Kampinos Forest near Warsaw. The author aimed at detertnining the course taken by the variations in the numbers of mosquitoes in the forest ground vegetation, in the light of the 24-hour cycle of activity exhibited by the mosquitoes. Investigation revealed that during the period of ilhe daytime decrease in the activity af the mosquitoes, a certain constant high quantitative level of mosquitoes was maintained in the forest ground vegetation. (fig. l and 2). This level fell considerably during the evening flights of mosquitoes, then reached and remained near zero level throughout the night. During the morning increase in the activity of the mosquitoes at the level of the undergrowtth, scoop collecions revealed a renewed increase in the number caught, which after the mosquitos had attained their minimum daytime activity, again reached the high level observed during the day (diagram 2 and 3). This would seem to indicate that the minimum night activities of the mosquitoes, observed at forest undergrowth is caused by the dispersion flights of the insects to areas inaccessible to them during the day on account of the microclimatic conditions prevailing there.
- A 6-day in situ water exposure in open 40-l polyethylene bags did not show physico-chemical deformations of the lake habitat. Phytoplankton production in bags was almost 50% lower in comparison with open lake water. Phytoplankton biomass and contribution of algal groups examined approximated in both environments. Six-hour (100 ml bottles, 40-l bags) and 6-day (40 l bags) enrichment experiments (in P, N or P and N together) were conducted. The 14C assimilation by phytoplankton in variously enriched water depended on the duration of exposure in situ and the kind of enrichment.
- A brief history, evolution of approaches and research problems, and organization structure of the Institute of Ecology are given. The Institute (at first — the Department) was established within the Polish Academy of Sciences in 1952 under the direction of Prof. Dr. Kazimierz Tarwid. Prof. Dr Kazimierz Petrusewicz was appointed next (1956—1973) and he contributed greatly to the development of the Institute and its significance in the scientific world. Since 1973 Prof. Dr. Romauald Z. Klekowski is in charge of the Institute. The first years of scientific activity of the Institute were mainly population and biocenotic studies (1952—1962). In 1963 the research on biological productivity (carried out at first in the field of hydrobiology) began. Since 1964 the Institute of Ecology has participated in the activities of the International Biological Programme and became a leading centre as regards studies on productivity in the country. This research at first only on productivity of populations and com- muni ties evolved into the research on ecosystem productivity. During the International Biological Programme the Institute carried out the researches within the key project (No. 09.1.7) “The increase of production of biomass through investigations of the productivity of ecosystems’’ (1971—1975). This was a natural continuation of IBP with special attention to the protection and rational management of the environment. In 1976 w’orks within the key subproject (No. 10.2.19) “Ecological basis for environmental management” began. The Institute coordinates the researches of about 90 Polish scientific institutes. The problem deals mainly with landscape ecology (physiocenoses) in order to create ecological basis for rational management, protection and utilization of natural environment. The international cooperation of socialist countries, the Programme “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB), and direct cooperation with various foreign research centres are partly included in the key subproject. In the period 1952—1976 the Institute of Ecology published about 2200 works, of which 70% are original papers, monographs and scientific articles. The majority of them was published in “Ekologia Polska” (Polish Journal of Ecology), and also in “Polskie Archiwum Hydrobiologii” (Polish Archives of Hydrobiology) and in “Polish Ecological Studies”. The organization structure of the Institute (head office: Dziekanów Leśny near Warsaw, 05-150 Łomianki) is as follows: I. Department of Biocenology. Head: Docent Dr. Tadeusz Traczyk, 19 scientists. II. Department of Agroconology. Head: Dr. Cecylia Bajan, 18 scientists. III. Department of Hydrobiology. Head: Docent Dr. Anna Hillbricht-Ilkowska, 9 scientists. IV. Department of Populations. Head: Dr. Stefan Mirosław Janion, 19 scientists. V. Department of Ecological Bioenergetics. Head: Prof. Dr. Romuald Z. Klekowski, 22; scientists. VI. Department of Agrobiology (60-809 Poznań, Świerczewskiego 19) and Field Station at Turew (64-003 Turew). Head: Prof. Dr. Lech Ryszkowski. 18 scientists. VII. Department of Polar Research. Head: Docent Dr. Stanisław Rakusa- -Suszczewski, 5 scientists. VIII. Arctowski Antarctic Station on the King George Island. Head: Docent Dr. Stanisław Rakusa-Suszczewski. IX. Biogeochemical Laboratory. Head: Dr. Włodzimierz Ławacz, 3 scientists. X. Wetland Research Laboratory (11-30 Mikołajki). Head: Docent Dr. Andrzej Szczepański, 8 scientists. XI. Laboratory of Statistics and Modelling. Head: vacancy, 2 scientists. XII. Section of Planning and Coordination of Scientific Research. Head: Dr. Alina Scibor-Marchocka. XIII. Section of Publications and the Library. Head: Docent Dr. Eligiusz Pieczyński. XIV. Field Station at Mikołajki (11-730 Mikołajki). Head: Grzegorz Kwiatkowski.
