scholarly journals Enigmatic tracks of solitary sauropods roaming an extensive lacustrine megatracksite in Iberia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fidel Torcida Fernández-Baldor ◽  
I. Díaz-Martínez ◽  
P. Huerta ◽  
D. Montero Huerta ◽  
D. Castanera
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Sauropod Tracks ◽  
High Diversity

AbstractSauropod remains are abundant on the Iberian Peninsula across the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition. Where the osteological record shows a high diversity of this kind of dinosaur, the ichnological findings are mainly limited to sauropod tracks characterized by kidney-shaped manus (with or without pollex impressions) and pes impressions with three claw imprints oriented laterally. Here, we present a new sauropod ichnotaxon, Iniestapodus burgensis, found at several exposures within the Las Sereas megatracksite (Burgos, Spain). These are preserved within lacustrine limestone strata of the Rupelo Formation (Tithonian–Berriasian). Iniestapodus burgensis is characterized by: semicircular manus tracks with small pollex impressions; unusual tetradactyl pes tracks with evidence of four claws oriented anteriorly (I–II) and laterally (III–IV), of variable sizes (short claw I and IV impressions, claw II and III being the largest). The combination of features and comparison with the osteological record allows us to propose a non-titanosaurian titanosauriform as a possible trackmaker. All the Iniestapodus tracks are represented by at least two different size classes of small and medium-sized individuals, and their trackways show different multidirectional orientations. The paleoenvironmental and paleoecological data suggest that Iniestapodus trackmakers were solitary individuals, likely representing different age classes, that crossed and used the Las Sereas shallow lacustrine-palustrine areas as their preferred habitat.

Conservation of the critically endangered Achondrostoma occidentale (Pisces: Cyprinidae): integrating habitat data in restocking programs to improve population recovery

Gaia Scientia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
D. Mameri ◽  
C. Sousa Santos ◽  
M. F. Magalhães ◽  
J. I. Robalo
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
River Basins ◽  
Fish Abundance ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Population Recovery ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Risk Of Extinction

Cyprinid fauna endemic to the Iberian Peninsula is currently facing several human-caused threats which enhance their risk of extinction. The populations of the critically endangered Achondrostoma occidentale, occurring only in three small and intermittent Portuguese river basins, have been reinforced with fish bred ex-situ in order to minimize their risk of extinction. This study aimed to describe the restocking actions conducted and to identify and characterize the summer refugia that should become targets for restoration and further restocking. The results evidence population increments and a high representativeness of younger age classes in the restocked populations. The importance of annual monitoring of fish abundance to assess how the species is coping with the stochastic and deterministic stressors that may eventually compromise its survival is highlighted.

scholarly journals Tracking late Pleistocene Neandertals on the Iberian coast

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Mayoral ◽  
Ignacio Díaz-Martínez ◽  
Jéremy Duveau ◽  
Ana Santos ◽  
Antonio Rodríguez Ramírez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Microbial Mats ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Upper Pleistocene ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Flooded Area

AbstractHere, we report the recent discovery of 87 Neandertal footprints on the Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Doñana shoreline, Spain) located on an upper Pleistocene aeolian littoral setting (about 106 ± 19 kyr). Morphometric comparisons, high resolution digital photogrammetric 3D models and detailed sedimentary analysis have been provided to characterized the footprints and the palaeoenvironment. The footprints were impressed in the shoreline of a hypersaline swamped area related to benthic microbial mats, close to the coastline. They have a rounded heel, a longitudinal arch, relatively short toes, and adducted hallux, and represent the oldest upper Pleistocene record of Neandertal footprints in the world. Among these 87 footprints, 31 are longitudinally complete and measure from 14 to 29 cm. The calculated statures range from 104 to 188 cm, with half of the data between 130 and 150 cm. The wide range of sizes of the footprints suggests the existence of a social group integrated by individuals of different age classes but dominated, however, by non-adult individuals. The footprints, which are outside the flooded area are oriented perpendicular to the shoreline. These 87 footprints reinforce the ecological scenario of Neandertal groups established in coastal areas.

scholarly journals Bioactive Compounds in Sarcocornia and Arthrocnemum, Two Wild Halophilic Genera from the Iberian Peninsula

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2218
Author(s):  
Irene Sánchez-Gavilán ◽  
Esteban Ramírez Chueca ◽  
Vicenta de la Fuente García
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Salt Tolerance ◽  
Ferulic Acid ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Phenolic Acids ◽  
Coastal Marshes ◽  
Esi Ms ◽  
Tinto River ◽  
High Diversity

(1) Background: this study describes bioactive compounds in the following halophytes: Sarcocornia (S. alpini, S. pruinosa, and S. perennis) and Arthrocnemum (A. macrostachyum). The material comes from: coastal marshes in Tinto River, Guadiana River, and some interior provinces from the Iberian Peninsula. (2) Methods: the techniques used were Folin–Ciocalteu, GC-MS, and ESI-MS/MS. (3) Results: Five phenolic acids were found in Sarcocornia: trans-cinnamic, salicylic, veratric, coumaric, and caffeic acids. In addition, in Arthronemum, ferulic acid was also detected. The obtained flavonoids were cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, dihydroquercetin, and p-coumaroyl-glucoside. They also presented fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids in Sarcocornia, while palmitic, linolenic, and stearic acids were the main fatty acids in A. macrostachyum. (4) Conclusions: the high diversity of the compounds identified confirms the relation between nutritional interest and salt tolerance in halophytes.

Pelage polymorphism in Pacific harbor seals

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 1212-1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan P. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Regional Variation ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
Harbor Seals ◽  
Light Phase ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Differential Selection ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Expected Values

Regional variation in the percentages of harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, in light- and dark-phase pelages has been reported recently. Distributions of color phases among sex classes and age-classes and within family groups were examined during two pupping seasons on Tugidak Island and one season on Otter Island, Alaska. The ratio of light phase to dark phase in 880 pups with light mothers showed a good fit with expected values predicted by the hypothesis that the pelage dimorphism is controlled by a pair of autosomal alleles with light phase dominant over dark. A sample of 229 pups with dark mothers did not fit the hypothesis well. Color phase ratios did not differ between sexes or size classes but varied consistently with age-class. Differential selection against seals with light-phase pelage seems to be highest in the youngest age-classes at both localities.

scholarly journals Space-time variation of ciliates related to environmental factors in 15 nearshore stations of the Gulf of Gabes

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 162 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. ELLOUMI ◽  
Z. DRIRA ◽  
A. HAMZA ◽  
H. AYADI
Keyword(s):  
New Records ◽  
Longitudinal Distribution ◽  
Biotic Factors ◽  
Phytoplankton Abundance ◽  
Gulf Of Gabes ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Gulf Of Gabès ◽  
Size Groups ◽  
Abiotic And Biotic Factors ◽  
High Diversity

Diversity and structure of ciliate communities in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia) were investigated based on a survey of 15 nearshore stations along 237 Km, by monthly sampling over a 1-year. Ciliated protozoa were identified to genus and/or species level and enumerated. Statistic tools were used to explain the ciliates assemblage. High ciliates species richness from 133 taxa was recorded, including new records of 76 species. This study showed a longitudinal distribution of ciliate communities, which are organized in northern stations (from Tabia to Harbor of Gabes) and southern stations (from Zarrat to Jabiat Haj Ali). The number of taxa increased significantly in northern stations but decreased in the southern. This distribution was mainly influenced by the salinity and phytoplankton abundance. Ciliate taxa were grouped into fives size-classes: 15-30 µm, 30-50 µm, 50-100 µm, 100-200 µm and >200 µm. In terms of abundance, most abundant size groups were small ciliates (15-30 μm) accounted from 15 to 79 %, while the greatest biomass contribution came from the 50-100 μm size classes. We thus conclude high diversity of ciliates communities that showed a geographical distribution influenced by abiotic and biotic factors along the coast of Gulf of Gabes.

High diversity of fish ectoparasitic monogeneans (Dactylogyrus) in the Iberian Peninsula: a case of adaptive radiation?

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-430
Author(s):  
Michal Benovics ◽  
Yves Desdevises ◽  
Radek Šanda ◽  
Jasna Vukić ◽  
Mathilde Scheifler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Adaptive Radiation ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Single Species ◽  
European Regions ◽  
Local Fauna ◽  
Almost All ◽  
High Degree ◽  
High Diversity

AbstractThe epicontinental fauna of the Iberian Peninsula is strongly influenced by its geographical history. As the possibilities for dispersion of organisms into and from this region were (and still are) limited, the local fauna consists almost exclusively of endemic species. Almost all Iberian freshwater fishes of the families Leuciscidae and Cyprinidae are endemic and on-going research on these taxa continually uncovers new species. Nevertheless, information on their host-specific parasites remains scarce. In this study, we investigate the diversity and phylogenetic relationships in monogeneans of the genus Dactylogyrus (gill ectoparasites specific to cyprinoid fish) in the Iberian Peninsula. Twenty-two species were collected and identified from 19 host species belonging to Cyprinidae and Leuciscidae. A high degree of endemism was observed, with 21 Dactylogyrus species reported from Iberia only and a single species, D. borealis, also reported from other European regions. Phylogenetic analysis split the endemic Iberian Dactylogyrus into two well-supported clades, the first encompassing Dactylogyrus parasitizing endemic Luciobarbus spp. only, and the second including all Dactylogyrus species of endemic leuciscids and four species of endemic cyprinids. Species delimitation analysis suggests a remarkable diversity and existence of a multitude of cryptic Dactylogyrus species parasitizing endemic leuciscids (Squalius spp. and representatives of Chondrostoma s.l.). These results suggest a rapid adaptive radiation of Dactylogyrus in this geographically isolated region, closely associated with their cyprinoid hosts. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis supports that Dactylogyrus parasites colonized the Iberian Peninsula through multiple dispersion events.

The mosaic theory of forest regeneration and the determination of forest composition in Ghana

1988 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Swaine ◽  
J. B. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Forest Regeneration ◽  
Abrupt Change ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Forest Composition ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Forest Sites

ABSTRACTEarly studies comparing adult and juvenile tree populations in West Africa described a contrast in flonstic composition between the two age classes. These studies have been mis-represented in more recent literature, and confusion has arisen over their interpretation.Similar comparisons are reported here for six forest sites in Ghana. At any one site, clear differences in composition were recognized between adult and juvenile samples, but in terms of the variation in flonstic composition over the whole of the forest zone, they are slight and forest types appear to ‘breed true’.At one site, Kade, compositional differences between size classes are fully described for all canopy species on a 0.25 ha plot. There was an abrupt change in composition at about 30 cm gbh. At this site, mortality rates for trees >30 cm gbh were greater amongst species with a high proportion of juveniles in the population. At other sites, changes in composition were sometimes abrupt, occurring at various size classes, or were more gradual.The populations of some species included a large number of juveniles at all sample sites, but the converse, where species always have low densities of juveniles, were not seen. The possible implications of these results for future canopy composition are discussed in relation to temporal equilibrium, or lack of it, in tropical forest composition.

scholarly journals PENDUGAAN PARAMETER DEMOGRAFI DAN PREFERENSI HABITAT TANGKASI (Tarsius lariang) DI KAWASAN TAMAN NASIONAL LORE LINDU

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
Abdul Rosyid
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Preferred Habitat

Tarsius lariang, also called tangkasi is one of the endemic animals which is found in Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP). The threat to the tarsius population are the limitation of the distribution area, the escalation of forests exploitation, and hunting. People around the forest tend to think the tangkasi as a pest which eats cultivated plants. Therefore, population and habitat research is important. The purpose of this study is to estimate the demographic parameters and identify the characteristics of the habitat of the tangkasi, so that it can be known that the habitat component is important for the existence of the tangkasi in LLNP. The results of this study indicate the density of individual tangkasi across the LLNP region is 95.55 individuals per km². Individual density on Primary Dryland Forest Cover (PDFC) was 80.21 individuals per km² and in Dryland Secondary Forest (DSF) cover was 218.29 individuals per km², which still in normal level. The population density of tangkasi groups in the LLNP area is 35 groups per km², for the PDFC 32 and for the DSF of 54 groups per km². The total population of tangkasi based on age structure located in the research area of LLNP, PDFC, and DSF shows that the age of the juvenile is very low compared to the sub-adult age classes. It shows that tangkasi population is decreasing (regressive population). The preferred habitat of the tangkasi is the type of Dryland Secondary Forest (SDF) with a very steep slope of < 45% and altitude between 1301 and 1800 m asl.

Methodological recommendations for ungulate mortality analyses in paleoanthropology

2010 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry T. Bunn ◽  
Travis Rayne Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Tooth Wear ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Life History Stages ◽  
Dental Eruption ◽  
Animal Remains ◽  
Occlusal Wear ◽  
Old Adult ◽  
Ungulate Mortality

AbstractAge profiling of fossil faunal samples relies on the correlation of animal tooth-wear patterns with life history stages, but the criteria used to infer these stages are not necessarily valid. Here we redefine some commonly used prey age classes, such as “juvenile,” “prime-age adult,” and “old adult,” based on the variable characteristics of tooth wear that we have observed in different ungulate size classes, and argue that prey vulnerability to predation is not so clearly predicted by the simplified age classes in widespread use by zooarchaeologists. We recommend instead classifying the youngest animal remains as either young juvenile or subadult juvenile, and adult remains as early prime, late prime or old, and provide specific criteria of dental eruption and occlusal wear for making these determinations. We argue this refined age profiling system, when used in combination with other types of zooarchaeological and taphonomic data, can provide accurate inferences of faunal accumulation processes.

scholarly journals The order Corallinales sensu lato (Rhodophyta) in the Iberian Atlantic: current state of knowledge

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Lugilde ◽  
Viviana Peña ◽  
Ignacio Bárbara
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
British Isles ◽  
Rich Region ◽  
Current State ◽  
Herbarium Data ◽  
Shallow Subtidal ◽  
High Diversity ◽  
Atlantic Current

A review of the order Corallinales sensu lato in the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula is presented with the aim of assessing its current state of knowledge in comparison with adjacent areas (British Isles-Atlantic France, Macaronesia and Iberian Mediterranean). According to the information compiled from more than 250 publications, herbarium data and manuscripts, we concluded that Atlantic Iberian coralline algae have been poorly studied, which resulted in only 49 species reported. By contrast, Macaronesia is the most species-rich region (91), followed by Spanish Mediterranean (67) and the British Isles-Atlantic France (61). In the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, 17 species occurred commonly (present in more than 50% of the coastline), particularly those corresponding to the genera Amphiroa, Jania, Lithophyllum, Mesophyllum, and Phymatolithon. Instead, the genera Harveylithon, Hydrolithon, Leptophytum, Lithothamnion, Neogoniolithon and Pneophyllum have been occasionally reported. In the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula and adjacent regions, the epilithic growth-form was dominant, followed by the epiphytic, epizoic and the unattached (maerl/rodoliths); besides, sciaphilous taxa were more abundant than photophilous species. The low intertidal and shallow subtidal harbour a high diversity of coralline algae, as well as semi-exposed coasts or areas affected by currents. The present study confirms that studies on the Atlantic Iberian coralline algae are scarce, and that further research on this group is required.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document