The Ecological Role of Micro-organisms in the Antarctic Environment

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Role ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Antarctic Environment

scholarly journals Providing expert scientific advice on the Antarctic environment

1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.W.H. Walton
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Scientific Advice ◽  
Politics And Science ◽  
The World ◽  
Antarctic Treaty ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Antarctic Environment

It is hard to divorce most human activities, including science, completely from politics. Politics is about perceived certainty whilst science is about doubt – they make strange bedfellows. Politicians detest probabilities whilst scientists abhor the absolute. Nowhere is the relationship between politics and science more publicly developed than in the Antarctic Treaty System. In the only continent devoted to peace and science it might be supposed that, after more than thirty years, the role of science would be both more robust and more pivotal in decision-making than elsewhere in the world. So it appears at present but will it remain so?

scholarly journals Antagonism and synergism in Gardnerella vaginalis strains isolated from women with bacterial vaginosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 891-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. Teixeira ◽  
K. L. K. Soares-Brandão ◽  
K. M. G. R. Branco ◽  
J. L. M. Sampaio ◽  
R. M. D. Nardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Chemical Nature ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Antagonistic Activity ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Ecological Role ◽  
Micro Organisms

Antagonistic and synergistic substances are important for interactions between micro-organisms associated with human body surfaces, either in healthy or in diseased conditions. In the present study, such compounds produced by Gardnerella vaginalis strains isolated from women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) were detected in vitro and the antagonistic ones were partially characterized. Among 11 G. vaginalis strains tested, all showed antagonistic activity against at least one of the 22 indicator bacteria assayed. Interestingly, for some of these strains, antagonism reverted to synergism, favouring one of the indicator strains (Peptostreptococcus anaerobius) when the growth medium was changed. Partial characterization of antagonistic substances suggested a bacteriocin-like chemical nature. Depending on growth conditions, G. vaginalis isolated from women with BV produced antagonistic or synergistic compounds for other bacterial components of the vaginal ecosystem. This is the first report to our knowledge of the production of antagonistic and/or synergistic substances by G. vaginalis. This ability may be a pivotal factor in understanding BV and the ecological role of this bacterium in the vaginal environment.

scholarly journals Ecological Role of Micro-Organisms on Surface Deterioration of Cross River Basalt Monoliths in Nigeria.

Tropics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-132
Author(s):  
Abu S. EDET ◽  
Hidenori TAKAHASHI ◽  
Taro SEKI
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Role ◽  
Cross River ◽  
Micro Organisms

scholarly journals The Ecological Role of a Common Seastar (Patiriella spp.) Within Intertidal Cobble Fields

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Shiree Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Intraspecific Competition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
South Coast ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Ecological Role ◽  
Crustose Coralline Algae ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Micro Organisms

<p>Intertidal cobble habitats are complex three-dimensional marine environments that are understudied despite having unique species assemblages and ecological patterns. New Zealand's common cushion star, Patiriella spp., is found in a wide range of coastal habitats, including intertidal cobble fields. This seastar is an omnivore that feeds predominantly on crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms, but also supplements its diet by scavenging on carrion. Study on the adult ecology of Patiriella spp. is limited and this thesis aims to expand on the knowledge of this species and its role in intertidal cobble communities. First, field surveys were conducted within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast to determine density, size and feeding habits of Patiriella spp. and the density of associated organisms. Patiriella spp. were abundant at all sites, with no significant difference in density between Wellington Harbour and Wellington South Coast; however, feeding rates and sizes were significantly higher on the South Coast. Distribution of Patiriella spp. on cobbles was negatively correlated with the distribution of chitons, suggesting possible competition between these animals. Second, scavenging behaviour was examined in field and laboratory experiments. Patiriella spp. were readily attracted to mussel carrion bait in the field; however, whelks were the numerically dominant taxon attracted to bait and may therefore compete with Patiriella spp. for this resource. Laboratory results showed that movement towards carrion may be indicative of hunger and Patiriella spp. from Wellington Harbour and the Wellington South Coast reacted similarly to carrion, suggesting similar, limited levels, of carrion supply within these regions. The occurrence of interspecific feeding competition was tested in the laboratory by examining growth and mortality in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp. and a locally abundant chiton, and possible competitor, Chiton glaucus. Intraspecific competition was also tested in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp., with and without carrion supplementation and during spring and winter. No inter- or intraspecific competition was found for crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms and this food resource appears not to be limited. However, Patiriella spp. supplemented on mussel carrion had significantly higher growth rates than non-supplemented treatments and this was greater at lower densities, suggesting intraspecific competition for carrion. Increases in Patiriella spp. size and pyloric caeca weight were only observed for treatments supplemented with carrion. Therefore, carrion appears important for growth and reproduction and intraspecific competition for this resource may impact population sizes. Consequently, fluctuations in carrion supply have the potential to change the distribution and abundance of Patiriella spp., leading to changes in community dynamics. This study has provided baseline information on Patiriella spp. populations within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast and also improved knowledge of the feeding behaviours and competitive interactions of this seastar; therefore, contributing to understanding of the ecological role of Patiriella spp. within intertidal cobble communities.</p>

scholarly journals The Ecological Role of a Common Seastar (Patiriella spp.) Within Intertidal Cobble Fields

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Shiree Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Intraspecific Competition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
South Coast ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Ecological Role ◽  
Crustose Coralline Algae ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Micro Organisms

<p>Intertidal cobble habitats are complex three-dimensional marine environments that are understudied despite having unique species assemblages and ecological patterns. New Zealand's common cushion star, Patiriella spp., is found in a wide range of coastal habitats, including intertidal cobble fields. This seastar is an omnivore that feeds predominantly on crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms, but also supplements its diet by scavenging on carrion. Study on the adult ecology of Patiriella spp. is limited and this thesis aims to expand on the knowledge of this species and its role in intertidal cobble communities. First, field surveys were conducted within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast to determine density, size and feeding habits of Patiriella spp. and the density of associated organisms. Patiriella spp. were abundant at all sites, with no significant difference in density between Wellington Harbour and Wellington South Coast; however, feeding rates and sizes were significantly higher on the South Coast. Distribution of Patiriella spp. on cobbles was negatively correlated with the distribution of chitons, suggesting possible competition between these animals. Second, scavenging behaviour was examined in field and laboratory experiments. Patiriella spp. were readily attracted to mussel carrion bait in the field; however, whelks were the numerically dominant taxon attracted to bait and may therefore compete with Patiriella spp. for this resource. Laboratory results showed that movement towards carrion may be indicative of hunger and Patiriella spp. from Wellington Harbour and the Wellington South Coast reacted similarly to carrion, suggesting similar, limited levels, of carrion supply within these regions. The occurrence of interspecific feeding competition was tested in the laboratory by examining growth and mortality in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp. and a locally abundant chiton, and possible competitor, Chiton glaucus. Intraspecific competition was also tested in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp., with and without carrion supplementation and during spring and winter. No inter- or intraspecific competition was found for crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms and this food resource appears not to be limited. However, Patiriella spp. supplemented on mussel carrion had significantly higher growth rates than non-supplemented treatments and this was greater at lower densities, suggesting intraspecific competition for carrion. Increases in Patiriella spp. size and pyloric caeca weight were only observed for treatments supplemented with carrion. Therefore, carrion appears important for growth and reproduction and intraspecific competition for this resource may impact population sizes. Consequently, fluctuations in carrion supply have the potential to change the distribution and abundance of Patiriella spp., leading to changes in community dynamics. This study has provided baseline information on Patiriella spp. populations within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast and also improved knowledge of the feeding behaviours and competitive interactions of this seastar; therefore, contributing to understanding of the ecological role of Patiriella spp. within intertidal cobble communities.</p>

Sonic Explorations of the Southernmost Continent: Four composers’ responses to Antarctica and climate change in the twenty-first century

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Philpott
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
First Century ◽  
Creative Work ◽  
Sound Recording ◽  
Natural Landscape ◽  
Field Recordings ◽  
Late Nineteenth ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Antarctic Environment

Composers have been drawn to the world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica, for creative inspiration since the so-called ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However, it has only been since the final few years of the twentieth century that professional composers have had opportunities to travel to the far south as part of arts residency programmes to experience its environment – and its unique soundscapes – first-hand. Most composers who have visited Antarctica to date have utilised sound recording technologies to document their journeys sonically and have subsequently created compositions that feature their soundscape recordings. Typically, such compositions include biological sounds, such as vocalisations of penguins and seals (both on the ice and underwater); non-biological or ‘geophysical’ ambient sounds that emanate from the natural landscape, such as those created by wind, blizzards, and ice cracking and calving; and/or anthropogenic (human) sounds recorded within the Antarctic environment.This article examines a series of recent compositions by four established composers who have visited Antarctica and used their experiences and field recordings to inform their creative work: Douglas Quin, Jay Needham, Lawrence English and Philip Samartzis. The primary aim of this research is to investigate what these composers’ Antarctica-related works reveal about their individual encounters with and perceptions of the frozen continent, as well as to consider the role of such compositions in conveying messages related to climate change to listeners around the globe – the vast majority of whom are unlikely to ever see or hear the place in person.

The Antarctic Committee for Environmental Protection: past, present, and future

Polar Record ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Andrés Sánchez ◽  
Ewan McIvor
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Future Scenarios ◽  
New Era ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Antarctic Treaty ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Antarctic Environment

ABSTRACTThe Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) was established under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty to advise the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) on matters relating to protection of the Antarctic environment. After almost a decade of work, the committee has consolidated itself as a highly relevant and important component of the Antarctic Treaty system. Through a detailed analysis of meeting reports, as well as first-hand information and experience, this study describes the activities of the CEP during its first nine years of operation, provides likely explanations for some trends observed and proposes future scenarios by highlighting major challenges and opportunities. In particular, the instigation of strategic planning shows potential for launching a new era of CEP activities focused on the environmental issues requiring the greatest attention. This overview will assist readers to understand the role of the CEP as the main environmental advisor to the ATCM, and the reasons for the Antarctic Treaty parties to support the Committee's work to foster a spirit of cooperation as a prerequisite for continuing protection of the Antarctic environment.

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