scholarly journals SYNANTROPIZATION FLORA OF PRIPYAT POLESIE AS AN INDICATOR OF ITS ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-285
Author(s):  
A. M. Mialik ◽  
V. I. Parfenov
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Anthropogenic Transformation ◽  
Natural Region ◽  
Geographic Structure ◽  
Degree Of Naturalization ◽  
Synanthropic Species ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mediterranean Origin ◽  
Natural Flora

The article deals with the peculiarities of the synanthropic component of the flora of the Pripyat Polesie – a natural region located in the southern part of Belarus. It is represented by 810 species of vascular plants that can grow in disturbed human habitats. Among the synanthropic species, 563 taxons (69.5 % of their total number) are adventitious (or anthropophytes), and 247 (or 30.5 %) are aboriginal (apophytes) in relation to the flora under consideration. The geographic structure of the apophytes of the flora of Pripyat Polesie indicates their wide range and weak zonal confinement. Anthropophytes have a more complex genesis with respect to the time and manner of skidding, as well as the degree of naturalization in the natural ecosystems of the southern part of Belarus. They are based on a group of plant species of ancient mediterranean origin. The biomorphological features of the synanthropic species, as well as their relation to environmental factors such as moisture and soil fertility, show that in the process of synanthropization and anthropogenic transformation, the natural flora and natural vegetation cover acquire features characteristic of phytophores in more southern areas.

Formation and structure of the biota of Kamchatka's natural ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anatoliy Smetanin
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Education ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Teachers And Students

The formation of the modern flora and fauna of Kamchatka, paleogeography, natural ecosystems are considered. The biological diversity of the most important groups of biota is analyzed: vascular plants, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, insects, fish, birds, mammals. The most prominent representatives, including economically significant ones, are highlighted. Brief information on paleodendroflora is given, a brief analysis of currently flourishing vascular plants is given. The fossil forms of extinct and currently living animals inhabiting the natural ecosystems of Kamchatka are described. A polytomic analysis of the biota was performed and its functional structure was established. For researchers in the field of ecology and nature protection, teachers and students of relevant academic disciplines, as well as for a wide range of readers in order to learn about the nature of the region and environmental education.

scholarly journals State of Split Birch Woods of the Southern Trans-Urals in the Zone of High Anthropogenic Load on Natural Ecosystems

2021 ◽  
pp. 427-441
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Kudryavtsev ◽  
М. L. Oparin ◽  
О. S. Oparina ◽  
A. В. Mamaev ◽  
D. V. Kovalev
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Southern Siberia ◽  
Anthropogenic Transformation ◽  
Wide Range

The paper presents the results of our study of ecosystem diversity and the state of split-forest areas located in the Shchuchansky district of the Kurgan region. The species composition of forest stands, the productivity of tree species, the composition of underwood, brushwood and ground cover in plantations were analyzed. Data on the distribution of forest stands of various ages, composition, types of underwood and brushwood, as well as the main dominants of the ground cover are presented. Our studies have shown that forest communities are quite distinctly different in the nature of all storeys. A preliminary assessment of the economic impact on the territory of the site made it possible to identify significant changes in all the components of forest ecosystems, namely, ground cover, the composition and productivity of forest stands. The diversity of forest ecosystems in the study area is due to the ability of many plant species to inhabit a wide range of ecological conditions, as well as the composition, age and crowncontact, which, in turn, determines the nature of the storey of shrubs and ground cover. The volume of the forest type was taken quite large, it combined plantations of all age stages of forest stands development. Features of forest vegetation, typical for split forests of the Southern Trans-Urals, were revealed, namely: mosaic vegetation cover, low crown-contact and the presence of open spaces species in the lower storeys. The materials obtained showed that, despite the significant anthropogenic transformation, the forest ecosystems of the study area retained the main features characteristic of the peculiar vegetation of the forest-steppe of southern Siberia. The research results will make it possible to assess the diversity of forest ecosystems, to give a preliminary forecast of the dynamics of the site's vegetation and can be used in the development of a scientifically grounded strategy for forest management in the region under the conditions of the joint action of many natural and anthropogenic factors.

In memory of Vera Antonovna Martynenko (1936-2018)

2018 ◽  
pp. 149-154
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Ussr Academy ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Komi Republic ◽  
Great Contribution ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Natural Flora

Vera Antonovna Martynenko (17.02.1936–06.01.2018) — famous specialist in the field of studying vascular plant flora and vegetation of the Far North, the Honored worker of the Komi Republic (2006), The Komi Republic State Scientific Award winner (2000). She was born in the town Likhoslavl of the Kali­nin (Tver) region. In 1959, Vera Antonovna graduated from the faculty of soil and biology of the Leningrad State University and then moved to the Komi Branch of USSR Academy of Science (Syktyvkar). From 1969 to 1973 she passed correspondence postgraduate courses of the Komi Branch of USSR Academy of ­Science. In 1974, she received the degree of candidate of biology (PhD) by the theme «Comparative analysis of the boreal flora at the Northeast European USSR» in the Botanical Institute (St. Petersburg). In 1996, Vera Antonovna received the degree of doctor of biology in the Institute of plant and animal ecology (Ekaterinburg) «Flora of the northern and mid subzones of the taiga of the European North-East». The study and conservation of species and coenotical diversity of the plant world, namely the vascular plants flora of the Komi Republic and revealing its transformation under the anthropogenic influence, was in the field of V. A. Martynenko’ scientific interests. She made great contribution to the study of the Komi Republic meadow flora and the pool of medi­cinal plants. She performed inventorying and mapping the meadows of several agricultural enterprises of the Republic, revealed the species composition and places for harvesting medicinal plants and studied their productivity in the natural flora of the boreal zone. The results of her long-term studies were used for making the NPA system and the Red Book of the Komi Republic (1998 and 2009). Vera Antonovna participated in the research of the influence of placer gold mining and oil development on the natural ecosystems of the North, and developed the method of long-term monitoring of plant cover. Results of these works are of high practical value. V. A. Martynenko is an author and coauthor of more than 130 scientific publications. The most important jnes are «Flora of Northeast European USSR» (1974, 1976, and 1977), «Floristic composition of fodder lands of the Northeast Europe» (1989), «The forests of the Komi Republic» (1999), «Forestry of forest resources of the Komi Republic» (2000), «The list of flora of the Yugyd va national park» (2003), «The guide for vascular plants of the Syktyvkar and its vicinities» (2005), «Vascular plants of the Komi Republic» (2008), and «Resources of the natural flora of the Komi Republic» (2014). She also was an author of «Encyclopedia of the Komi Republic» (1997, 1999, and 2000), «Historical and cultural atlas of the Komi Republic» (1997), «Atlas of the Komi Republic» (2001, 2011). V. A. Martynenko made a great contribution to the development of the botanical investigations in the North. Since 1982, during more than 10 years, she was the head of the Department of the Institute of Biology. Three Ph. D. theses have been completed under her leadership. Many years, she worked actively in the Dissertation Council of the Institute of biology Komi Scientific Centre UrB RAS.  The death of Vera Antonovna Martynenko is a heavy and irretrievable loss for the staff of the Institute of Biology. The memory of Vera Antonovna will live in her numerous scientific works, the hearts of students and colleagues.

Lepidium draba (hoary cress).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Weyl
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Low Latitudes ◽  
Hoary Cress ◽  
Alkaline Conditions ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Lepidium Draba ◽  
Pathogenic Agents

Abstract Lepidium draba is found in a wide range of habitats ranging from roadsides (highly disturbed sites) to rangelands, meadows and pastures, cultivated fields, home gardens, national parks and wasteland. It exists at high and low latitudes, above and below sea level. It is found under irrigation and in soils of high moisture content and also exists in arid regions. It invades all soil types, although it prefers alkaline conditions and can germinate in saline soils. All of these characteristics and adaptations provide exceptional advantages for this noxious weed and reflect its high potential to invade different agricultural systems. The absence of L. draba plants from plantations or sites where it has not been reported may not be due to the species' ability to invade, survive, grow or develop in these sites but rather to the absence of initial infestation. The weed can invade both agricultural and natural ecosystems (Larson et al., 2000). In summary, L. draba is a serious threat to agriculture and the environment. It is of a high ecological tolerance and is potentially harmful to human and animal health. Its ability to invade and reproduce by different means and to host plant pathogenic agents make this weed invasive with significant problems to man and natural resources.

scholarly journals Hormetic Effects of Early Juvenile Radiation Exposure on Adult Reproduction and Offspring Performance in the Cricket (Acheta domesticus)

Dose-Response ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 155932581879749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander M. Shephard ◽  
Vadim Aksenov ◽  
Jonathan Tran ◽  
Connor J. Nelson ◽  
Douglas R. Boreham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Acheta Domesticus ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Offspring Size ◽  
Radiation Stress ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Offspring Performance ◽  
Early Juvenile ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Survival And Reproduction

Exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation can have positive impacts on biological performance—a concept known as hormesis. Although radiation hormesis is well-documented, the predominant focus has been medical. In comparison, little research has examined potential effects of early life radiation stress on organismal investment in life history traits that closely influence evolutionary fitness (eg, patterns of growth, survival, and reproduction). Evaluating the fitness consequences of radiation stress is important, given that low-level radiation pollution from anthropogenic sources is considered a major threat to natural ecosystems. Using the cricket ( Acheta domesticus), we tested a wide range of doses to assess whether a single juvenile exposure to radiation could induce hormetic benefits on lifetime fitness measures. Consistent with hormesis, we found that low-dose juvenile radiation positively impacted female fecundity, offspring size, and offspring performance. Remarkably, even a single low dose of radiation in early juvenile development can elicit a range of positive fitness effects emerging over the life span and even into the next generation.

scholarly journals Determinants and Values of Willingness to Pay for Water Quality Improvement: Insights from Chia Lagoon, Malawi

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 4690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodgers Makwinja ◽  
Ishmael Bobby Mphangwe Kosamu ◽  
Chikumbusko Chiziwa Kaonga
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Civic Education ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Ceteris Paribus ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Baseline Information

Water resources in the Chia lagoon in Malawi experience a possible threat to sustainability. Communities are seeking alternatives to improve water quality in the lagoon. This study quantified the communities’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) and their influencing factors while using contingent valuation (CV) techniques. A wide range of data collection procedures, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observation, and CV survey, were employed. A sample of 300 households was randomly selected. The CV results showed that 57.4% of the households were willing to pay. The monthly individual aggregate WTP amount ranged from MK696.83 (US$0.95) to MK81697 (US$111.38), and on average MK7870.45 (US$10.73), generating aggregate annual values ranging from MK6, 689,568 (US$9126.29) to MK784, 294,080 (US$1,069,978), and on average MK75,556,320 (US$103,078) (ceteris paribus). Logistic regression model demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) relationship between demographic (gender, age, literacy level), social-economic (land ownership, main agriculture water source, and income), and institutional (civic education and social network, extension, institutional trust, household socio trust) factors and WTP. The findings from this study provide significant clues for further research and baseline information for local government and communities in the development of more effective and holistic approaches for improving water quality in natural ecosystems.

In Search of Sustainability

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Sustainable Society ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Key Issues

What must we do to achieve a sustainable society? There is no one answer. The first steps towards sustainability cover a whole spectrum of economic, social and environmental issues. In this volume Australian leaders from a wide range of fields discuss the key issues we must address if we are to move towards a more just and sustainable future. They identify the major concerns and challenges for achieving sustainability in the areas of: human health, water resources, land use and natural ecosystems, energy, equity and peace, economic systems, climate change, labour forces and work, urban design and transport, and population. Achieving sustainability will require major changes in our current approaches. The thought-provoking chapters in this book provide a solid introduction to the issues in the search for a genuine path to sustainability.

scholarly journals Ammonia Emission and Deposition in Scotland and Its Potential Environmental Impacts

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 795-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Sutton ◽  
U. Dragosits ◽  
S. Hellsten ◽  
C.J. Place ◽  
A.J. Dore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Deposition ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Wet Deposition ◽  
Atmospheric Dispersion ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Ammonia Emission ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Ground Flora ◽  
The North ◽  
Wide Range

The main source of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) in Scotland is livestock agriculture, which accounts for 85% of emissions. The local magnitude of emissions therefore depends on livestock density, type, and management, with major differences occurring in various parts of Scotland. Local differences in agricultural activities therefore result in a wide range of NH3emissions, ranging from less than 0.2 kg N ha−1year−1in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands to over 100 kg N ha−1year−1in areas with intensive poultry farming. Scotland can be divided loosely into upland and lowland areas, with NH3emission being less than and more than 5 kg N ha−1year−1, respectively.Many semi-natural ecosystems in Scotland are vulnerable to nitrogen deposition, including bogs, moorlands, and the woodland ground flora. Because NH3emissions occur in the rural environment, the local deposition to sensitive ecosystems may be large, making it essential to assess the spatial distribution of NH3emissions and deposition. A spatial model is applied here to map NH3emissions and these estimates are applied in atmospheric dispersion and deposition models to estimate atmospheric concentrations of NH3and NH4+, dry deposition of NH3, and wet deposition of NHx. Although there is a high level of local variability, modelled NH3concentrations show good agreement with the National Ammonia Monitoring Network, while wet deposition is largest at high altitude sites in the south and west of Scotland. Comparison of the modelled NHxdeposition fields with estimated thresholds for environmental effects (“critical loads”) shows that thresholds are exceeded across most of lowland Scotland and the Southern Uplands. Only in the cleanest parts of the north and west is nitrogen deposition not a cause for concern. Given that the most intense effects occur within a few kilometres of sources, it is suggested that local spatial abatement policies would be a useful complement to traditional policies that mitigate environmental effects based on emission reduction technologies.

scholarly journals The Temperature Response and Aggressiveness of Peyronellaea pinodes Isolates Originating from Wild and Domesticated Pisum sp. in Israel

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (8) ◽  
pp. 824-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Golani ◽  
S. Abbo ◽  
A. Sherman ◽  
O. Frenkel ◽  
D. Shtienberg
Keyword(s):  
Spore Germination ◽  
Ascochyta Blight ◽  
Temperature Response ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Pisum Fulvum ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Cardinal Temperatures ◽  
Temperature Responses

Domesticated pea fields are grown in relatively close proximity to wild pea species in Israel. Despite the major role attributed to ascochyta blight in causing yield losses in domesticated pea, very limited information is available on the pathogens prevailing in natural ecosystems. The objectives of this study were (i) to identify the species causing ascochyta blight symptoms on leaves, stems, and petioles of domesticated pea and wild Pisum plants in Israel, and (ii) to quantify the temperature response(s) and aggressiveness of such pathogens originating from Pisum plants growing in sympatric and allopatric contexts. Eighteen fungal isolates were examined and identified; three of them were sampled from Pisum sativum, 11 from Pisum fulvum, and four from Pisum elatius. All isolates were identified as Peyronellaea pinodes. Spore germination and mycelial growth took place over a wide range of temperatures, the lower and upper cardinal temperatures being 2 to 9 and 33 to 38°C, respectively; the optimal temperatures ranged from 22 to 26°C. At an optimal temperature, disease severity was significantly higher for plants maintained under moist conditions for 24 h postinoculation than for those exposed to humidity for 5 or 10 h. Analyses of the data revealed that temperature responses, spore germination rates, and aggressiveness of isolates sampled from domesticated pea plants did not differ from those of isolates sampled from adjacent or distant wild populations. Host specificity was not observed. These observations suggest that Israel may be inhabited by a single metapopulation of P. pinodes.

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