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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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- Two new species of the Oriental planthopper genus Varma Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Tropiduchidae) are described and illustrated: V. gibbosa Wanget Liang sp. nov. (China: Xizang) and V. bimaculata Wang et Liang sp. nov. (China: Xizang), they represent the first record of the genus Varma Distant from China. A diagnosis of the genus and a key to the species of Varma are provided.
- Two new species of the subfamily Tydeinae: Brachytydeus fernando and Brachytydeus matador from Spain are described and figured, as well as some comments are added. Eleven species are cited in text as a new combinations.
- Two populations of Panagrolaimus rigidus (Schneider 1866) Thorne 1937, of different origin were investigated. Population growth was found to be affected by 30°C temperature and high soil moisture (100% of maximum soil water capacity). Agar culture nematodes appeared to be more stenobiotic, and more strongly reacting to adverse environmental conditions than soil culture nematodes. This was indicated by the numbers and age distribution of both populations cultured under different temperature and moisture conditions. Soil culture nematodes colonized the soil medium more abundantly than the agar culture nematodes did. The latter, however, were found to be more abundant in decomposing seed grain.
- Two species of Tribolium and their two phenotypic groups were compared in terms of rate of respiration and production of body biomass and eggs. Intraspecies differences are greater than interspecies ones. The 7-instar groups expend relatively more energy on maintenance while 6-instar ones expend more on growth and reproduction. That indicates different life strategies in the two groups. The intrapopulation diversity improves plasticity of the species.
- Two ways of fitness definition in ecological models are presented. The first one is applaying so called Lotka's equation. This definition can be applied to the clone with stable age structure and exponential growth of number of individuals in age classes. The second definition allows for great liberty in fitness defining. In this approach different fitness definitions are connected with different models. The problem of correspondence between various fitness definitions still exists.
- Two years after last application of sulphuric acid and magnesium lime to the soil of a Scots pine thicket growing in an unpolluted area (NW Poland), concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb and Al in the pine needles of different ages were examined. Soil acidification significantly reduced Ca and Mg concentrations, and raised Al level. In contrast, soil timing increased Ca and Mg, and lowered Al and Mn concentrations. Unexpectedly, lime application led to a significant increase in foliar Zn, Cu, Cd and particularly Pb levels, presumably as an effect of the lime fertiliser contamination. Except Cu and Mg, the concentrations of which significantly decreased with needle age, the examined metals increased or did not change their levels. The tendencies were rather consistent across the treatments, although some site-to-site differences occurred, consisting in variable rates of the changes with time. Although different accumulation rates (mainly Al and Mn) in ageing needles cannot be excluded, the variability seems to have resulted from differences in the treatment effect duration. Thus, Al and Mn were affected for a relatively short time, whereas Cu, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cd (limed site) – for a longer period. Moreover, the effect of soil acidification on Ca and Mg seems to have been slightly intensified with time.
- Two years of studies showed that the numbers and biomass of fauna associated with Elodea and Stratiotes, and also the average weight of one Chironomidae individual are smaller in the stocked (with an increased fish stock) than in the control (with a normal fish stock) part of the lake, which seems to be due to the grazing of fish.
- The type specimens of 107 species and one variety of Ichneumonidae described by Gunter Enderlein, housed in the collection of the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw are listed, along with identyfing labels and references to orginal descriptions.
- The type specimens of Agromyzidae (Insecta) preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- The type specimens of beetles (Coleoptera) of the families Scolytidae and Platypodidae preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- The type specimens of beetles (Coleoptera) of the family Aetalionidae preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, are listed.
- The type specimens of beetles (Coleoptera) of the family Chrysomelidae (subfamilies: Bruchinae, Criocerinae, Galerucinae and Cassidinae), preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- The type specimens of beetles (Coleoptera) of the family Erotylidae preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, are listed.
- The type specimens of beetles Fulgoridae [Homoptera], preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- The type specimens of Hemiptera-Auchenorrhyncha of the family Achilidae, Cixiidae and Tropiduchidae preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- The type specimens of Hemiptera-Auchenorrhyncha of the family Lophopidae, Nogodinidae and Ricaniidae preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- The type specimens of Plecoptera (Insecta), preserved in the Museum and Institute of Zoology Polish Academy of Scienes, are listed.
- Types specimens of 167 nominal species and subspecies of Aphididae in the Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS in Warsaw are listed.
- Ugandinella, new genus of ant-like salticid is described. The genus includes one species, Ugandinella formicula sp. nov. from Uganda.
- The UK's estuaries are internationally important for wintering waterfowl and yet these habitats are subject to a range of pressures. For example, some 88% of them have been affected by landclaim. This stress to estuaries will be compounded by global climate change, which will lead to sea level rise. It would be valuable, therefore, to be able to predict the likely impact of such pressures on waterfowl using estuaries. This paper presents a method, based on environmental variables that can easily be collected, which allows the effect of habitat change on densities of wintering waterfowl to be predicted for individual estuaries. The application of the methodology is demonstrated in detail for Redshank. Waterfowl counts were carried out two hours either side of low tide over two winters at 27 estuarine sites in Britain. The sediment classification was obtained from the interpretation of airborne or satellite thematic imagery. The morphology of each site was measured largely from maps. A combination of estuary length, estuary width, tidal range and longitude describe 87% of the variance in the whole estuary Redshank densities. A model based on sediment, the proportion of mud in estuaries, explained 48% of the variance. The suspected reasons behind the higher predictive potential of the former model are discussed. Two examples of the use of these models in predicting the likely effects of human developments on waterfowl populations are demonstrated. Further development of the models is suggested which would allow them to be applied to an important conservation issue, global climate change.
- Under laboratory conditions at 10°C the life cycle (from the egg to the laying of the first egg) lasted 37.7 days, at 20°C – 14.6 days, and at 30°C – only 9.1 days. At 20°C females of Panagrolaimus rigidus (Schneider 1866) Thorne 1937 were for the longest time fecund and showed the highest fecundity rate. Least fecund were P. rigidus females reared at 10°C. At 10°C larvae hatched from all the eggs laid by the females, while at higher temperatures a considerable percentage of eggs did not undergo further development. The females lived for a slightly longer time than the males. At 10°C females lived on the average for 61.8 days, and the males – for 50.0 days.
- Under laboratory conditions the relationship was studied between the seed size, the density and depth of sowing, and the germinating process and its time, the fixing of seedlings and their survival in Corynephorus canescens (L.) P. B., Spergula vernalis Willd. and Androsace septentrionalis L. The factors enumerated above appeared not to affect the germinating capacity and power, but they were found to have an influence on the rate of growth of the germs (thus also, indirectly, on the rate of seedling growth), and on the survival of germs and seedlings. As a result of a high rate mortality of germs at high densities, the numbers of seedling survivors were similar, regardless of the number of seeds sown.
- Usefulness of the sum of effective temperatures' method for forecasting the spring emergence of codling moth – Laspeyresia pomonella was investigated in central Poland. The threshold of developmental temperature and the sum of effective temperatures were estimated for the Polish strain. Factors affecting the reliability of the method are discussed.
- 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.
- Using data in literature as a basis, a description is given of the survivorship and longevity of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber 1780, the dominating species of forest rodent of the temperate zone. Four periods were distinguished in the life of an individual and in the phenological cycle of thewhole population, which are characterized by a different mortality rate: nestingperiod (6 weeks), period of independent life during the first summer (average2.5 "months), winter period (6 months) and the second summer (maximum 6months). Maximum longevity of individuals under natural conditions varies within limits of 18—21 months, females living longer than males (in sporadical cases through two winters).All available data on the subject of survival rate of the bank vole in the periods distinguished have been set out in Table I, and calculation made on their basis of mean values of survival rate expressed in the form of indexN i5=———. OT/o for t Nt1 month and the rate of decrease ju according to the equationNt + 1 =Nte~flt for t=l day. Using these indexes a general survivorship curve was plotted (Fig. ’1,), describing the rate of disappearance of individuals from the average population living under „average” climatic and food conditions and in a year of average numbers.Analysis was next made of factors responsible for mortality in each period of the individual’s life. During the nesting period the cause of the generally high and differentiated mortality rate are chiefly physiological and abiotic factors, but also factors of an intrapopulation character {Table II). During the first summer survival of independent individuals is determined primarily by their puberty or unpuberty, depending on many intra- and extra-population factors. Survival rate of the population in winter is determined chiefly by extra-population factors which are not subject to considerable modifications since winter mortality is very similar in different parts of the area of the species and in different years. Survival of overwintered individuals, on the other hand, is a parameter greatly modified by intrapopulation factors and may play a very important part information of population dynamics.By means of combining data on general variations in age structure of the population over the annual cycle and variations in survival characteristics of the different age groups and of different seasons a picture was obtained of variations in survival of the whole population over the annual cycle (Fig. 2). In addition differences in mortality among bank voles in different parts of its species area are discussed and consideration given to the question as to what extent predators are capable of affecting the mortality in populations of this species.
- 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.
- Using model assemblages and random samplings the relations between 8 relative abundance distributions (RADs) (broken stick, logseries, power fraction, random fraction, Sugihara fraction, and two types of Zipf-Mandelbrot models) and resulting species-area relationships (SPARs) were studied. It is shown that the model fit of the power function and the exponential SPAR model depends mainly on the number of species per unit of area, the fraction of singletons in the sample, and the total species number in the assemblage. Sugihara and power fraction RADs did not necessarily led to power function SPARs but are characterized by relatively high slope values in comparison to other distributions. Random placement and sampling of individuals of Zipf-Mandelbrot and log-series distributions resulted in curvilinear local vs. regional plots and the slope value z of the power function SPAR was not necessarily constant but could be forced to become constant by introducing a correction factor into the power function SPAR. The implications of these findings for detecting local species saturation are discussed.
- Using model assemblages generated by a FORTRAN program the parameter values of the slope of the power function and the factor of the exponential model of species-area relationships have been studied. It appeared that the slope value is not a constant independent of area and sampling method but depends strongly on grain, sampling method, and model fit. The fraction of singletons in the sample proofed to be of major importance. A plot of slope against assemblage structure (estimated by the standard deviation of log2 ( densities) was bell shaped with the highest slope values at intermediate SD values. A comparison of this plot with SD values from theoretical relative abundance distributions showed that log-normal distributed assemblages should have slope values that are higher than previously reported in the literature. Although it was impossible to predict the slope from the relative abundance distribution, the opposite was possible. At any given slope value there are two linked relative abundance distributions. The factor of the exponential model was more independent of sampling methods but linearity connected with sampling efficacy. A high non-linear correlation between factor and Shannon diversity was detected and a general function of this relationship developed and tested. The factor of the exponential species-area relationship may serve as an estimate of regional diversity.
- Using model assemblages the dependence of the intercept of the power function and the exponential model of species-area relationships on slope and factor value were studied. It is shown that the quotient of intercept and total species number in the assemblage (Sunit/Sa) can be interpreted as a relation between local and regional diversity and linked with species-area relations. Two general relations are derived and tested combining both concepts: z = a / In(area) x ln Sunit/Sa, and Sunit/1 / β1Ha/1 / e β = Sunit/2 / β2Ha/2 / e β with z being the slope of the power function model, H the Shannon diversity, β, β1 and β2 constants, and a the constant of the relation between Sunit/Sa and z. It is concluded that with the above functions species-area relationships can be used to infer the relation between local and regional species numbers and to compute regional diversities.
- Using new material and museum collections, a taxonomic and zoogeographical overview of the Australasian Mesocyclopsis provided. The detailed morphological descriptions are supplemented with critical reassessment of the published records, a key to the Australasian and Oriental representatives of the genus (30 spp.) and distribution maps of the Australasian species and their extralimital relatives. The paper reports on the occurrence of sixteen species, 11 of them endemic, in Australasia: M. dayakorumsp. nov., M. darwini Dussart et Fernando 1988, M. pseudoannae Van de Velde, 1987, M. cf. yenae, M. yesoensisIshida 1999, M. papuensis Van deVelde, 1987, M. aspericornis (Daday, 1906), M. ogunnus Onabamiro, 1957, M. affinis Van de Velde,1987, M. tobae Kiefer, 1933, M. francisci sp. nov., M. woutersi Van de Velde, 1987, M. friendorum sp. nov., M. microlasius Kiefer, 1981, M. geminus sp. nov., M. thermocyclopoides Harada, 1931. New synonymy: M. papuensis (M. borneoensis Dussart et Fernando, 1988). Closely relatedspecies pairs/groups seem to indicate some repeating pattern of relationships: 1. Palaeotropical; 2. Oriental; 3. Australasia/Africa disjunction; 4. Speciation within Australasia.
- Using the studies made in the Institute of Ecology, Polish Academy of Sciences, as a basis, certain selected problems of the origin and course taken by migrations of animals were discussed from the ecological standpoint. The examples referred to in the text were obtained from research on different groups of animals insects, spiders, molluscs, birds and mammals.Analysis was made of the influence exerted on the origin and course of migration by three basic groups of factors: 1) biologica! adaptation of the species which promote the migrational tendencies of individuals, 2) abiotic habitat, 3) population and biocenosis.Replacing of different species of animals, founded in the biological tendencies of the species to migration, is usually connected with reproduction. (search for suitable places for breeding), the appearance of a particular stage of development (r·eplacing of part of the population in the search for a habitat proper to the given stage of development, for food or for their hosts), or of a new generation of young individuals, e.g. in the case of birds. The course taken by this type of migration, that is, its intensivity, range, duration, is often modified by the influence of the habitat.The influence of the second group, including the action of habitat factors on migration, was analysed by considering, the migrations of animals taking place under the predominating influence of the habitat, such as changes in temperature, humidity etc. Migrations were also discussed which occur as the result of violent changes of a catastrophic character in the habitat, such as, for instance, variations in the water level in bodies of water as the result of floods. The replacing of animals caused by artificial poisoning of the habitat is given as a very particular case of this category of migrations.When considering the influence exerted on migration by the third group of factors - population and biocenosis, reference is made to cases of migration taking place under the predominating influence of population or biocenosis, or both these factors jointly, in relation to the habitat.From the population aspect analysis was made of the effect on migration of animals of the age, sex and space structure of the population and the effect of crowding. Experimental works were also taken into consideration here, especially those concerned with the effect of crowding on migration, made both under natural and under laboratory conditions.The migration caused by competitive action of species in an interconnected system, with similar ecological niches, is given as a characteristic case of migration under the influence of biocenotic action.The groups of factors discussed above (biological adaptation of the species determining the creation of migrational tendenies, abiotic habitat, population and biocenosis) may in some cases constitute a cause or a stimulus to the formation of migration, and in others modify its course. Despite the fact that in certain cases the dominating effect of the given group of factors may be pointed to as determining migration, this latter is as a rule a complex phenomenon, affected by the influence as a whole of the adaptation of the species, habitat, population and biocenosis. Migration affected by the co-acting system of the above groups of factors reacts in turn during the migration process on this system.
- The utilization by older age-groups of fish (tench, carp, crucian carp and bream) of the biomass and production of zooplankton in the years 1967-1969, was assessed. The increase of the predation rate of fish and the increase of the consumed biomass were observed in big crustacean species (Daphnia cucullata, Eudiaptomus graciloides and Diaphanosoma brachyurum), the biomass and production of which decreased in successive years.
- Variability, to put it more precisely, the genetic information responsible for it, would not be maintained by generations, if it would not have any or only slight functional significance. The possible significance of structural modifications allowing to exist at suitable water depths is discussed. All changes, based on an increase or reduction of some parts of the body in relation to others increase the resistance of the body, and they may counteract the rotational motion of organism, help to move horizontally and to face water currents. Morphological variability is also of undisputable importance for the reduction of mortality due to predation. Selection favours individuals (clones) which, because of a determined size, shape, colour or presence of specific structures, are more resistant to be caught by predatory invertebrates and vertebrates (Figs. 3 and 4). Selection, by favouring individuals of modified shape, could result after some time in the formation of a uniform population as regards a given genotype. But constant frequency of genes in a population (Fig. 5) can be maintained either by selection, changing its direction during the year, or by negative feedback, i.e. when at too high genotype frequency its chances for survival decrease, and it becomes unfavourable even under constant environmental conditions. Therefore in order to maintain constant frequency of genes in a population, a reverse correlation should take place between the frequency of a genotype and its adaptive value. Polymorphism of planktonic organisms is a result of maintaining the specific genetic constitution which allows them to function in a broad spectrum oi variability of environmental factors and allows many of them the common occurrence.
- The variation in size and shape of Bearded Tit eggs was investigated in the Wielkopolska Region of western Poland in 1988-1992 and 1997-2000. The mean clutch size was 5.47 (95% CL: 5.25-5.70, n = 99), and differed markedly from year to year. Coefficients of variations for the mean egg characteristics in a clutch ranged from 1.91 (breadth) to 4.90 (volume). No significant correlation between egg length and breadth was found. Repeatability estimates were 0.50, 0.48, 0.50, 0.47 for length, breadth, volume and elongation index, respectively. The results suggest a relatively low heritability of egg dimensions in the population studied.
- Various signs were studied of the activity of snails connected with the production and transformation of detritus by these animals. Most of the species studied were found to prefer feeding on vegetable detritus and periphyton, and to avoid living macrophytes. Preferred food was at the same time better assimilated. The rate of circadian defecation has been determined for different snail species. Submerged-macrophyte-dwelling snails in the Mikołajskie Lake were found to excrete as much as 90% of the total amount of gastropod faeces present there. Food remnants, damaged and discarded during the foraging also appeared to be an important source of detritus.
- The vastness of the fields covered by ecology, the way in which it is linked with so great a number of other fie1ds of activity, including the practical ones such as agriculture, forestry, water management etc, and the continuing extension of its range in connection with the problems of Man and Biosphere, make it impossible to give a representative review of achievements in one paper. Almost every agricultural or forestry study is to a certain degree ''ecological'' (review Polish Ecological Bi1bliography and reports of various institutes and comprehensive elaborations from different fields). In the science of populations important information has been obtained on the regularities and mechanisms relating to structure and function, the role of alien individuals, differentiation and adaptation of numbers to conditions, the relations between amount of space and numbers of inhabitants etc. The result of research on population dynamics of plants and animals are imposing but not as yet generalized results obtained from inter alia studies on protection and conservation of plants, agriculture, forestry etc.). For a considerable time studies in the field of biocenology proceeded independently in relation to phyto-and zoocenotic questions. The enormous amount of descriptive work done in ration to phytosociology has made it possible to classify associations and simultaneously habitat factors as a whole, obtaining in this way a basis for studies on management and organization of large areas of land and on the engineering of ecosystems. The most important achievement of zoocenology consists of studies on animal communities, predation and competition, and also descriptive studies on the composition and quantitative relations of the fauna of various halbitats. In the field of research on whole biocenoses and ecosystems it is perhaps hydrobiology which can boast the earliest and greatest achievements - studies on lakes, fish ponds and rivers made by the Warszaw-Olsztyn, Cracow and Wrocław research centres. The International Biological Programme, in which Poland intensively participated, has played an important part in the development of ecology, by bringing about:1) considerable increase in real cooperation and coordination of research in Poland and abroad: carrying out complex studies, including connections between ecology of plants and animals, the separation of which had always been a weak spot in ecology,2) functional view of the ecosystem essential to an understanding of and consequently to directing processes in nature: an evaluation -closer to the natural situation of the role and significance of different groups of organism and processes in the functioning of ecosystems,3) enormous development of methods for quantitative estimates of organisms and processes in ecosystems and ensuring that results from different ecosystems and different research centres were comparable.
- Vertical distribution of nematodes down to adepth of 50 cm was studied in a peat meadow soil in north-eastern part of Poland. The abundance and generic composition of nematode fauna in five soil layers (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50cm) were analysed. It wa sfound that total numbers of nematodes and their generic diversity decreased with increasing soil depth. Out of all nematodes, 65% (in May) and 72% (in September) were found down to a depth of 20 cm. The proportion of nematodes in the deepest studied soil layer (40–50 cm) was the low-est, about 9% in spring samples and only 1.3% in autumn samples. Nematode fauna of the studied site was represented by 43 genera from 27 families. The most common genera in both sampling occasions were Acrobeloides, Aglenchus, Cephalobus, Filenchus, Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchusand Rhabdolaimus. Considerable differences in vertical distribution of some genera were also found. An attempt was made to use some soil characteristics of the studied site in interpretation of the results.
- Very high increase of benthos biomass (total biomass – 18 times, biomass of Chironomidae – more than 70 times) occurred in enclosures where plankton was exploited using plankton nets. The assumed cause was the change in planktonic community and resulting better food conditions for benthos. In all other experimental variants (protection from fish, addition of food, artificial oxygen deficit, stirring of mud) changes in benthos were much smaller.
- Viviparus fasciatus was found to occur in large quantities in the Konfederatka, an old branch of the Vistula, cut off from the river. Extensive variations took place during the course of the year in quantity, distribution, and age and space structure. Viviparus fasciatus chiefly inhabited the littoral zone in which they formed periodical, large and distinctly formed groups. These groups recurred yearly in the same places and exhibited a certain independence of environment factors. The numbers of Viviparus fasciatus in the vicinity of these groups, and in the deeper parts of the water were very small.
- W artykule opisano budowę pułapki do połowów wodopójek. Składa się ona z dwóch części: szklanego lejka i słoika, połączonych razem przy pomocy dwóch metalowych uchwytów i gumki (fig. 1). Liczebność wodopójek rejestrowana przez pułapkę jest znacznie wyższa od liczebności innych grup bezkręgowców wodnych (tab. I). Znacznie wyższe są tez ilości wodopójek chwytanych w pułapki w porównaniu z innymi aparatami łownymi (tab. II). Przedstawiono również przydatność pułapek w badaniach nad poziomymi i pionowym migracjami wodopójek (tab. III) i ich aktywnością oraz aktywnością innych bezkręgowców wodnych w cyklu dobowym (tab. IV).
- 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.
- Water mites are common, however not a too numerous component of the food of tench, carp and Crucian carp, their share in the food biomass is small, similar to their share in the biomass of the invertebrate fauna, which inhabits the environment. In fish alimentary canals smaller species dominate, contrary to the environment.
- We describe the composition of two colonies of wood ants (FM-1 and FM-2) from southern Finland, identified on the basis of morphological investigations of workers (for FM-1, also of alate gynes and males) as mixed colonies comprising individuals with phenotypes typical of Formica aquilonia Yarr., F. polyctena Först. and F. rufa L.The prevailing species (phenotypes) were F. polyctena in FM-1, and F. rufa in FM-2. Colony FM-1 was observed every year in the period 1996–2006, almost from the moment it was formed. A first tentative investigation in 1999 revealed that it was already a mixed oneand was probably also polygynous. Systematic follow-up investigations from 2002 to 2006 demonstrated relative stability of the proportions of individual species (phenotypes). A possible origin of this permanently mixed colony is postulated and discussed.
- We have investigated whether differences in nestling diet found between locally sympatric Redstarts and Black Redstarts are caused by species-specific preferences or by a different food supply in their territories. The diet of nestlings in a mosaic-like urban environment was studied using the neck-collar method. We found no significant difference in the length of Redstart and Black Redstart prey items. However, the two species did bring to their nestlings invertebrates of different taxa. We used the variance partitioning method based on multivariate Redundancy Analysis to test the influence of habitat, timing of breeding, and the species of redstart itself on nestling-diet composition. Most of the variance in the nestling diet (all the canonical axes explained 70.6% of the variance) could be attributed to habitat variables (34%) and the timing of breeding (8.9%), but only 8.1% to the species of redstart. We suggest that the diet of the two redstart species is influenced largely by current prey availability and, consequently, that interspecific competition is avoided primarily by territory exclusion rather than by food-niche separation. We consider the variance partitioning method to be a powerful tool for identifying the effects of various explanatory variables that could influence food composition in birds.
- We monitored breeding ecology of endangered Interior Least Terns on a 5 095 ha alkaline flat in north-central Oklahoma, USA. After nest loss, Least Terns commonly re-nested and experienced 30% apparent nest success in 1995-1996 (n = 233 nests). Nest success and predation differed by location on the alkaline flat in 1995 and overall, but nest success and flooding did not differ by microhabitat type. Predation was highest at nests £ 5 cm from debris (driftwood/hay) in 1995. No differences in nesting success, flooding, or predation were observed comparing nests inside and outside electrified enclosures. Coyotes and Striped Skunks were confirmed nest predators, and Ring-billed Gulls were suspected nest predators. We identified one location on the alkaline flat of about 1 000 ha with consistently lower nest losses attributable to flooding and predation and the highest hatching success compared with other parts of the alkaline flat; it was typified by open ground and bisected by several creeks. Management activities that minimize flooding and predation in this area could further enhance nest success and theoretically increase overall productivity of this population of Least Terns. However, the efficacy of electrified enclosures and nest-site enhancements, as currently undertaken, is questionable because of considerable annual variation in use by and protection of Least Terns.
- We present data on four spider species (Araneae) new for the fauna of Poland. The spiders were found predominantly in the mires of the Giant Mountains and the Izera Mountains (the Western Sudetes). Some of these habitats are the transborder mires between Poland and the Czech Republic. The presented species are: Erigone cristatopalpus, Panamomops sulcifrons, Theridion boesenbergi, Gnaphosa lapponum. Each of these spiders is rare or lives in specific habitat.
- We present data on the age of first breeding in captive and wild Bearded Vultures. The mean age of first breeding (egg-laying) in the captive population was 7.7 years for females and 8.9 for males. The first offspring was raised on average by 8.3-year-old females and 9.7-year-old males. In wild Bearded Vultures, first-time-paired and territorial individuals were recorded when they were 6.5 years old, on average. The mean age of first breeding was 8.1 years, whereas the mean age of first successful breeding was 11.4. Paired females were recorded at the age of 6.5 years and breeding at 6, whereas the youngest recorded paired males were 6.4 years old and breeding at 7. 39.5% of the marked birds alive over 6 years were recorded as not yet territorial, suggesting the existence of a substantial fraction of adult floaters without breeding territories. Pyrenean Bearded Vultures are characterized by delayed reproduction, with the first breeding attempt taking place well after the acquisition of full adult plumage. We discuss whether deferred breeding in this increasing population could be explained by the increase in density and/or mortality rate in the younger age groups, which could affect the age of maturity.
- We present the frequency and duration of prolonged incubation in the Bearded Vulture and test different hypotheses on the possible adaptive significance of this behaviour. The mean and median prolonged incubation lasted 29 and 25 days respectively (n = 10), i.e., 54% and 46% respectively longer than the average incubation period. There was a negative correlation between the duration of prolonged incubation and the egg-laying date: prolonged incubation lasted longer in earlier clutches than in later ones, and territories with many breeding attempts showed short incubation prolongations. On the other hand, no correlation was found between the duration of prolonged incubation and productivity or breeding success. The results suggest that more experienced birds, which occupy higher quality territories and lay their eggs earlier, prolonged their incubation to a greater extent. Although prolonged incubation may constitute an example of adaptive behaviour, the extensive periods documented in some cases do not appear to support this assumption.
- We studied the foraging behaviour of Lesser Kestrels in agricultural habitats during the breeding season of 2000. The birds spent more time hunting in flight than perched. During 398 min. of observed aerial hunting, they spent 23.7% hovering, 14.4% hanging, 14.0% flapping, 41.2% gliding, and 6.7% soaring. The time spent on each type of aerial hunting behaviour depended on factors like breeding stage, time of day, wind speed, number of strikes, number of successful strikes, and the time spent hunting. The strike rate was 0.38 per min., the capture rate 0.10 per min. The capture rate depended on the type of hunting behaviour preceding the attack and was highest after the birds had been hovering.
- We studied the occurrence of intestinal parasites in adults and nestlings of Acrocephalus paludicola, A. schoenobaenus, A. palustris, A. scirpaceus and A. arundinaceus. In all studied species the most common taxa were Coccidia and Ascaridia, and in some species also Ornithostrongylus and other Nematoda. In A. arundinaceus parasitized males were significantly heavier than nonparasitized ones, whereas in females the opposite was found. Also parasite-free male A. schoenobaenus and A. scirpaceus and female A. paludicola tended to be lighter compared to parasitized ones, but the difference was not significant. Infected A. scirpaceus females had significantly larger fat deposit that noninfected ones. Parasite prevalence varied also significantly between the promiscuous A. paludicola and the related monogamous species.
- The White-faced Whistling Duck is a waterfowl species lacking any differences in ornamentation, coloration, size or behavior between the sexes. For distant communication, this species uses loud whistles. We analyzed 12 spectral parameters of 344 whistles from 23 captive adult ducks (14 males and 9 females). Discriminant analysis showed 94% correct assignment to an individual (N = 279 calls from 14 birds; 15–22 calls per bird). Separately for 8 males (162 calls) and for 6 females (117 calls), discriminant analysis showed 99% and 93% correct assignment to individuals respectively. Discriminant analysis for sex (N = 86; 3 calls from each of 14 males and 5 calls from each of 9 females) showed 100% correct assignment. Intersexual differences were governed by frequency parameters, the values of which were significantly higher in females than in males. Cluster analysis showed that differences between sexes were expressed significantly more strongly than the individual differences. The fact that the “acoustical keys” differed as regards the identification of individual birds or their sex may significantly enhance the reliability of acoustical recognition systems in the White-faced Whistling Duck. The data are discussed in the context of the biology of the White-faced Whistling Duck and significant intersexual differences in syringial and tracheal anatomy, which may be responsible for the sharp distinctions between the sexes in the calls of this species.
- The whole rodent community (eight arvicoline species) has been followed at Pallasjärvi. at the northern limit of Clethrionomys glareolus in Finnish Lapland, since 1970. Dynamics were cyclic until the mid 1980's, but since then the pattern has been stable. Also the species abundances have changed. The delayed density dependence, characterising the cyclic period, is not found during the stable period. Causes for this change in cyclicity are discussed. The bank vole is the most common rodent species in forests up to its northern limit. The long-term, year around live trapping studies and feeding experiments suggest e.g. that delayed maturation of young is not optimal but due to social constraints. Food addition resulted in higher densities, but the effect on the density-dependent structure was negligible and the dynamics were not affected by food addition.
- Wide patches of fruiting Carex pulicaris L. (subatlantic element in Polish flora) were found in the Myrico-Salicetum sphagnetosum Pass. 1961 var. Molinia caerulea association, within the wetland area in Western Pomerania (Poland). Field observations included measurements of ground-waters, reaction of soil and seasonally stagnant waters, the height of Molinia caerulea tufts and also floral and phytosociological observations. Microhabitats of Carex pulicaris were tufts formed both by dead and living parts of Molinia caerulea. Artificially regulated level of inundation waters of local rivers had influence on site conditions suitable for Carex pulicaris. Distribution of Carex pulicaris within the area of investigations was connected with Molinia caerulea occurrence.
- The widespread East European millipede Brachyiulus jawłowskii is being reported from Poland for the first time, currently representing the northwesternmost record.
- Wild bee communityin habitats of abandoned village in forest territory of Kampinos National Park was studied. From 1998 to 1999, 77 species of Apoideawere registered, including 21 not recorded so far from the Kampinos National Park and 11 for Mazovian Lowland. Beesin the studied habitats represented 8 zoogeographical elements, of which the widely distributed species: palearctic, european, eurosiberian and holarctic accounting for about 95%. As regarding the number of species, the most attractive habitats were the area of the Field Centre (anthropogenic plant communities) and the xerothermic grassland with an admixture of synanthropic plants, 44 and 31 respectively. The lowest number of species was registered in the moist meadow. The values of Marczewski-Steinhaus’index (0,05< MS<0,33) indicated on considerable qualitative differences in bee species composition between all studied habitats.
- Wild birds breeding in acidified areas may have difficulties obtaining sufficient calcium for their eggshells, and shortage of land snails is shown to be the cause. The study found experimental evidence that Ca deficiency may affect reproductive traits also in birds breeding in non-acidified but naturally base-poor habitats. Positive effects of calcium supplementation on the egg volume, shell thickness, start of laying and fledglings' parameters of Great Tits Parus major and Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca breeding in base-poor pine forests in Estonia were revealed. The adverse effects of calcium shortage seem to be more pronounced in the years with the most unfavourable breeding conditions. Authors suggest that in such years birds may respond to calcium shortage by postponing egg-laying. The cost of egg formation in base-poor areas might be much higher than has been estimated on the basis of the energy and protein content of eggs. This fact should be considered more seriously in life history models of wild birds.
- Wintering birds were studied in three plots (10.0–14.5 ha) in urban green areas in central Poland. Two observers independently counted the birds in each plot on six days evenly distributed between mid-December and mid-February. On the count day, each observer did two surveys: an early count, starting at 8 a.m., and immediately afterwards, a late count, finishing before noon. Using three-way ANOVA, the differences between densities, numbers of species and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices obtained in single counts were tested in relation to independent variables: the count time (early or late), the observer, and the plot. No effect of plot variable was revealed. An observer effect was, however, found in the number of species, as well as in the densities of the whole avifauna and of flocking species. Differences in the bird diversity indices were found only between the early and late counts. The results of the present study indicate that there are no means of definitively assessing the number of species, density, and species diversity of birds wintering in small parts of urban green areas.
- With a population of probably less than 50 individuals, the Slender-billed Curlew is one of the most seriously endangered species in Europe. The scarcity of information on its biology and the fact that its breeding grounds are still unknown are major constraints on its conservation. This paper presents the activities of the Working Group established under the Bonn Convention. Recent intensive efforts to locate breeding areas are described. All records are kept in a specific BirdLife International database. Although hunting is considered to have been the major reason for the species' dramatic decline and is still an important threat, overgrazing of steppes and drainage of wetlands in northern Kazakhstan and south-western Siberia have caused the loss of a number of possible breeding sites recently identified.
- With increasing depth the indices of daily egg production decreased, while the breeding periods elongated. Consequently, the fecundity of groupings did not show any clear relationship to depth. The rate of elimination during embryonic development and immediately after hatching attained 59-72% of the total number of eggs laid. In the study environments tubificid cocoons were found in the sediment layer 0-> 5 cm deep. In laboratory experiments, with no predators present, the highest mortality of embryos was recorded for the surface sediments and the lowest for the depth of 2-5 cm. The mortality of newly hatched individuals depended on the depth at which the cocoons were incubated in the sediments, the greater the depth the higher the mortality. For development of eggs of Tubificidae derived from the profundal the optimum temperature was about 12°C.
- Within areas of the studied populations of Carabidae inhabiting small in acreage forest biotopes the mean mobility of individuals is highest at the periphery of population area and decreases as site conditions improve. Hypothesis is presented according to which the primary cause of the phenomenon are strong site gradients in biotones with an obviously mosaic pattern.
