The Community Concept in Marine Zoology, with Comments on Continua and Instability in Some Marine Communities: A Review

1969 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1415-1428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric L. Mills
Keyword(s):  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Marine Ecology ◽  
Community Relations ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Marine Communities ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Community Concept ◽  
New Evidence

The community concept has had a long, complex history in plant and animal ecology. Divergent views about the nature of communities have been most marked in plant ecology: the Zurich–Montpellier school regarded plant communities as largely abstract, based on a mosaic of vegetation, whereas the Uppsala school and other northern plant ecologists regarded communities as concrete, quantifiable units. The analogy between communities and organisms has been used often, particularly in American dynamic ecology, although the analogy can only be a loose one. Communities have also been regarded as abstractions from independent continuous distributions of the individual species. This idea has been used in recent gradient analysis of plant communities.Similar and equally variant ideas have been used in marine zoology. Many studies in marine ecology have been based on Möbius' concept of the biocoenosis, or on Petersen's use of dominant or conspicuous index species, with added theoretical notions which apparently originated in plant ecology. New evidence is presented that some marine benthic communities may be characterized in terms of dominants while also allowing analysis as parts of continua of distribution along gradients. In addition, although stability usually increases as communities evolve, some types are intrinsically unstable because of the activities of the organisms themselves, rather than because of changes in the physical environment alone.Because there are different kinds of marine "communities" a single rigorous definition seems impossible. A definition is proposed which avoids theoretical suppositions about community dynamics to allow the variety of phenomena in community relations to be investigated in a relatively unbiased way.

A Human Security Framework for the Management of Invasive Nonindigenous Plants

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Tanentzap ◽  
Dawn R. Bazely ◽  
Peter A. Williams ◽  
Gunhild Hoogensen
Keyword(s):  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Human Security ◽  
Nonindigenous Species ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Security Framework ◽  
Ecosystem Based Management ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
The Individual

AbstractFew individuals or governments have suggested that invasions by nonindigenous species are relevant to the broader issue of human security, despite a growing awareness of the ecological, economic, and societal impacts associated with invasive nonindigenous species (INIS). We propose that by framing management actions in a human and environmental security context, the threats (and benefits) posed by INIS to individuals and communities can be explicitly articulated and debated. This framework allows multiple stakeholders to bring their concerns to bear upon specific policy, and attempts to integrate broad environmental concerns within its parameters. We use the case of ecosystem-based management of invasive nonindigenous plants as an example of the utility of a human security framework. The dominant management approach to these species remains focused on the individual species, despite increasing calls for the implementation of ecosystem-based management strategies. Ecosystem-based management is supported by generalized and widely accepted mechanisms of plant community dynamics, such as succession, disturbance, and interspecific competition, but these scientific arguments do not consistently carry weight at the policy level and with the broader public. A human security framework may provide an approach for overcoming this resistance by placing the debate over management within the social and political context of the wider community. Overall, human security can allow applied ecologists to be better positioned to meet the challenges of communicating the need for science-based management.

scholarly journals Trait-based modelling in ecology: lessons from two decades of research

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liubov Zakharova ◽  
Katrin M Meyer ◽  
Merav Seifan
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Ecological Modelling ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Complex Species ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Current Usage ◽  
The Individual

Trait-based approaches are an alternative to species-based approaches for functionally linking individual organisms with community structure and dynamics. In the trait‑based approach, the focus is on the traits, the physiological, morphological, or life-history characteristics, of organisms rather than their species. Although used in ecological research for several decades, this approach only emerged in ecological modelling about twenty years ago. We review this rise of trait-based models and trace the occasional transfer of trait-based modelling concepts between terrestrial plant ecology, animal and microbial ecology, and aquatic ecology. Trait-based models have a variety of purposes, such as predicting changes in species distribution patterns under climate and land-use change, planning and assessing conservation management, or studying invasion processes. In modelling, trait-based approaches can reduce technical challenges such as computational limitations, scaling problems, and data scarcity. However, we note inconsistencies in the current usage of terms in trait-based approaches and these inconsistencies must be resolved if trait-based concepts are to be easily exchanged between disciplines. Specifically, future trait-based models may further benefit from incorporating intraspecific trait variability and addressing more complex species interactions. We also recommend expanding the combination of trait-based approaches with individual-based modelling to simplify the parameterization of models, to capture plant-plant interactions at the individual level, and to explain community dynamics under global change.

scholarly journals Trait-based modelling in ecology: lessons from two decades of research

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liubov Zakharova ◽  
Katrin M Meyer ◽  
Merav Seifan
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Ecological Modelling ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Complex Species ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Current Usage ◽  
The Individual

Trait-based approaches are an alternative to species-based approaches for functionally linking individual organisms with community structure and dynamics. In the trait‑based approach, the focus is on the traits, the physiological, morphological, or life-history characteristics, of organisms rather than their species. Although used in ecological research for several decades, this approach only emerged in ecological modelling about twenty years ago. We review this rise of trait-based models and trace the occasional transfer of trait-based modelling concepts between terrestrial plant ecology, animal and microbial ecology, and aquatic ecology. Trait-based models have a variety of purposes, such as predicting changes in species distribution patterns under climate and land-use change, planning and assessing conservation management, or studying invasion processes. In modelling, trait-based approaches can reduce technical challenges such as computational limitations, scaling problems, and data scarcity. However, we note inconsistencies in the current usage of terms in trait-based approaches and these inconsistencies must be resolved if trait-based concepts are to be easily exchanged between disciplines. Specifically, future trait-based models may further benefit from incorporating intraspecific trait variability and addressing more complex species interactions. We also recommend expanding the combination of trait-based approaches with individual-based modelling to simplify the parameterization of models, to capture plant-plant interactions at the individual level, and to explain community dynamics under global change.

scholarly journals Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis: Powerful Tools for an Improved Diagnosis of Fish Mycobacteriosis Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum Group Members

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 797
Author(s):  
Davide Mugetti ◽  
Mattia Tomasoni ◽  
Paolo Pastorino ◽  
Giuseppe Esposito ◽  
Vasco Menconi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Gene Sequencing ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Identification System ◽  
Mycobacterium Fortuitum ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Species Determination ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
The Individual

The Mycobacterium fortuitum group (MFG) consists of about 15 species of fast-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These globally distributed microorganisms can cause diseases in humans and animals, especially fish. The increase in the number of species belonging to MFG and the diagnostic techniques panel do not allow to clarify their real clinical significance. In this study, biomolecular techniques were adopted for species determination of 130 isolates derived from fish initially identified through biochemical tests as NTM belonging to MFG. Specifically, gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were used based on a fragment of the gene encoding the 65 KDa heat shock protein (hsp65). The analyzes made it possible to confirm that all the isolates belong to MFG, allowing to identify the strains at species level. Phylogenetic analysis substantially confirmed what was obtained by gene sequencing, except for six strains; this is probably due to the sequences present in NCBI database. Although the methodology used cannot represent a univocal identification system, this study has allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness as regards the species of MFG. Future studies will be necessary to apply these methods with other gene fragments and to clarify the real pathogenic significance of the individual species of this group of microorganisms.

Comparisons of soil seed bank classification systems

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Péter Csontos ◽  
Júlia Tamás
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Soil Seed Bank ◽  
Plant Ecology ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Seed Longevity ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Main Factor

AbstractSince 1969, ten soil seed bank classification systems have been published. Among these systems, the number of recognized seed bank categories varies from three to twelve. Seed longevity is the main factor used for distinguishing categories, but dormancy and germination types are also important. Systems considering relatively few seed bank categories have been the most commonly proposed in contemporary plant ecology. In contrast, systems involving high numbers of categories have received limited interest because the detailed ecological knowledge of individual species required for their successful categorization is usually missing. A comprehensive table on the main features of seed bank classification systems is provided.

Taxonomic application of macro and micro morphological characters of seeds in Astragalus L. (Galegeae, Fabaceae) in India

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 502 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-207
Author(s):  
SHIVANI KASHYAP ◽  
CHANDAN KUMAR SAHU ◽  
ROHIT KUMAR VERMA ◽  
LAL BABU CHAUDHARY
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Large Size ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Scanning Electron

Due to large size and enormous morphological plasticity, the taxonomy of the genus Astragalus is very complex and challenging. The identification and grouping of species chiefly based on macromorphological characters become sometimes difficult in the genus. In the present study, the micromorphology of the seeds of 30 species belonging to 14 sections of Astragalus from India has been examined applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with light microscopy (LM) to evaluate their role in identification and classification. Attention was paid to colour, shape, size and surface of seeds. The overall size of the seeds ranges from 1.5–3.2 × 0.8–2.2 mm. The shape of the seeds is cordiform, deltoid, mitiform, orbicular, ovoid and reniform. The colour of seeds varies from brown to blackish-brown to black. Papillose, reticulate, ribbed, rugulate and stellate patterns were observed on the seed coat surface (spermoderm) among different species. The study reveals that the seed coat ornamentations have evolved differently among species and do not support the subgeneric and sectional divisions of the genus. However, they add an additional feature to the individual species, which may help in identification in combination with other macro-morphological features.

Larval and post-larval stages of fishes recorded from the plankton of Galway Bay, 1972–73

1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie M. Fives ◽  
F. I. O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Copepod Species ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Percentage Occurrence ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Recorded Occurrence

The Galway Bay area was sampled quantitatively for plankton during 1972–3. The larvae and/or post-larvae of 67 species of fish were identified from the plankton. The recorded occurrence per m3 and the percentage occurrence of the individual species is presented and discussed, and reference is made to the concurrent occurrence of various chaetognath species and copepod species. The results of previous investigations of the plankton of the Galway Bay area are mentioned.

scholarly journals Species interactions in three Lemnaceae species growing along a gradient of zinc pollution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Lanthemann ◽  
Sofia van Moorsel
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Metal Removal ◽  
Lemna Minor ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
High Tolerance ◽  
Species Mixture ◽  
The Individual

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are increasingly studied for their potential for phytoremediation of heavy-metal polluted water bodies. A prerequisite for metal removal, however, is the tolerance of the organism to the pollutant, e.g., the metal zinc (Zn). Duckweeds have been shown to differ in their tolerances to Zn, however, despite them most commonly co-occurring with other species, there is a lack of research concerning the effect of species interactions on Zn tolerance. Here we tested whether the presence of a second species influenced the growth rate of the three duckweed species Lemna minor, Lemna gibba, and Lemna turionifera. We used four different Zn concentrations in a replicated microcosm experiment under sterile conditions, either growing the species in isolation or in a 2-species mixture. The response to Zn differed between species, but all three species showed a high tolerance to Zn, with low levels of Zn even increasing the growth rates. The growth rates of the individual species were influenced by the identity of the competing species, but this was independent of the Zn concentration. Our results suggest that species interactions should be considered in future research with duckweeds and that several duckweed species have high tolerance to metal pollution, making them candidates for phytoremediation efforts.

scholarly journals Estimation of above-ground phytomass and carbon in tree resources outside the forest (TROF): A geo-spatial approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. P. Heyojoo ◽  
S. Nandy
Keyword(s):  
Satellite Image ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Spatial Approach ◽  
Specific Standard ◽  
Vegetation Carbon ◽  
Carbon Project ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Species Specific

This study aims to estimate above-ground phytomass and carbon of TROF ecosystem in part of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh state of India using IRS P6 LISS-IV satellite image by geo-spatial approach coupled with field sampling. Chacko’s formula was referred to compute number of samples in each TROF types and the sample plot size in each stratum was adopted from Vegetation Carbon Project (VCP) under National Carbon Project (NCP). With the help of field data consisting mainly the height and girth information, volume of each individual tree per plot was obtained using site and tree species-specific standard volumetric equations. The phytomass was calculated by multiplying volume with Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF) then with regional specific gravity of the individual species and summed up in each plot to get total phytomass per plot. The total phytomass per plot was reported to be maximum 544.00 t/ha for linear TROF followed by 121.89 t/ha for block TROF. The carbon from phytomass was obtained by multiplying the total phytomass by a conversion factor that represents the average carbon content in phytomass. Spectral modeling for phytomass with different bands and indices were established and the best fit curve (R2 = 0.552) with red band was applied to generate phytomass and carbon distribution map of the study area.Banko Janakari, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 34-40

scholarly journals Random Mutagenesis of Filamentous Fungi Strains for High-Yield Production of Secondary Metabolites: The Role of Polyamines

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Zhgun
Keyword(s):  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Random Mutagenesis ◽  
Strain Improvement ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Airborne Spores ◽  
Yield Production ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
The Individual

A filamentous fungus (also called molds or moldy fungus) is a taxonomically diverse organism from phylum Zygomycota and Ascomycota with filamentous hyphae and has the ability to produce airborne spores or conidia. Currently, more than 70,000 molds are known, and some of them contain unique and unusual biochemical pathways. A number of products from such pathways, especially, the secondary metabolite (SM) pathways are used as important pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, statins, and immunodepresants. Under different conditions, the individual species can produce more than 100 SM. The strain improvement programs lead to high yielding in target SM and significant reduction of spin-off products. The main tool for the strain improvement of filamentous fungi is random mutagenesis and screening. The majority of industrial overproducing SM strains were developed with the help of such technique over the past 50–70 years; the yield of the target SM increased by 100- to 1000-fold or more. Moreover, most of the strains have reached their technological limit of improvement. A new round of mutagenesis has not increased overproduction. Recently, it was shown that that the addition of exogenous polyamines may increase the production of such improved strains of filamentous fungi. The possible molecular mechanism of this phenomenon and its biotechnological applications are discussed.

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