Marche Polytechnic University
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Publications
16 523
Citations
384 602
h-index
190
Top-3 journals
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Lecture Notes in Computer Science
(226 publications)
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SSRN Electronic Journal
(182 publications)
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Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
(180 publications)
Top-3 organizations

Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences
(1489 publications)
Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico
(1411 publications)

Sapienza University of Rome
(862 publications)
Top-3 foreign organizations

Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences
(1489 publications)

Lomonosov Moscow State University
(326 publications)

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
(232 publications)
Most cited in 5 years
Found
Publications found: 576
Age structure and growth of Dryophytes japonicus (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae) on Sakhalin and Kunashir Islands (Russian Far East)
Kidov A.A., Ivolga R.A., Kondratova T.E.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
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
Open Access
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Abstract
The article presents the results of studying the age and growth in island populations of the Japanese tree frog, Dryophytes japonicus (Günther, 1859), by the skeletochronology method. The material was collected in the last ten days of July 2023 on Sakhalin Island (Pionery village, Kholmsky District) and on Kunashir Island (between the Yuzhno-Kurilsk settlement, Lagunnoe village, and Otrada village). In total, preparations (sections of the third phalanx from a hind-limb finger) from 91 individuals were studied: 43 from Sakhalin (25 immature, 1 female, and 17 males) and 48 from Kunashir (3 immature, 6 females, and 39 males). The average age of sexually mature males from Sakhalin was 1–5 years (on average 3.2±1.60) and from Kunashir 1–8 years (on average 2.6±1.61). The estimated life expectancy of males after puberty on Sakhalin was 3.88 years (S = 0.704) and on Kunashir 3.13 years (S = 0.620). The only adult female captured on Sakhalin was 2 years old. The age of adult females on Kunashir was 2–6 years (on average 3.0±1.55). The estimated life expectancy of females on Kunashir after reaching puberty was 2.70 years (S = 0.545). The body length of males on Sakhalin was 36.17–41.07 mm (on average 38.50±1.66) and on Kunashir 35.17–43.13 mm (on average 39.41±2.07). The body length of females on Kunashir was 39.81–45.18 mm (on average 42.17±1.93). The aggregate of females of all ages on Kunashir was statistically significantly larger than aggregates of males from each locality. Body lengths of males of all ages from Sakhalin and Kunashir did not differ between them. Body lengths of sexually mature hylids of different ages and sexes from Sakhalin and Kunashir differed significantly. Dryophytes japonicus in both localities grow intensively until puberty, after which their growth rate slows down. The body length of males increased statistically significantly with age. It is noted that tree frogs on Sakhalin and Kunashir reach puberty (males after the first wintering and females after the second) earlier than individuals from mainland populations, with island D. japonicus being characterised by similar longevity to mainland populations. It is assumed that this phenomenon is due to the mild climate of this island and the almost complete absence of predators.
Influence of body size on the composition of lipids and fatty acids in mitochondria of the mussel Mytilus edulis Linnaeus
Fokina N.N., Sukhovskaya I.V., Sukhotin A.A.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
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
Open Access
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Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy metabolism, and the relationship between metabolic rate and body size (metabolic allometry) may be linked to membrane properties and their lipid composition. We studied the influence of body size on the lipid and fatty acid composition of mitochondria in bivalve mollusks, specifically in mussels Mytilus edulis L. from the White Sea. This study analyzed mussels of varying sizes, ranging from 0.3 to 12.7 g of soft tissue wet mass. Mitochondria were isolated from gill tissues, and their lipid and fatty acid composition was determined. It was shown that, unlike phospholipids and triacylglycerols, the sterol proportion in mitochondrial membranes varied depending on mussel size. Larger mussels had lower cholesterol proportion but higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids. In the composition of mitochondrial phospholipids, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), especially palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids, predominated. The proportion of SFAs decreased with increasing mussel size. Conversely, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) showed a positive correlation with body size, significantly increasing in larger individuals. The proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in White Sea mussel mitochondria was relatively low (less than 25% of the total fatty acids) and did not depend on body mass. The reduced proportion of PUFAs is characteristic of bivalve mitochondria from Arctic seas and long-lived bivalve species. Our data indicate the relative stability of the lipid and fatty acid composition of White Sea mussel mitochondria. Such fatty acid profile of mitochondrial phospholipids is likely a biochemical adaptation, enabling mussels to maintain effective activity of membrane-associated proteins regardless of their body size.
Spring phytoplankton of the Ural River and Iriklinskoe Reservoir in the low-water period
Dzhaiani E.A.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
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
Open Access
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Abstract
The qualitative and quantitative composition of phytoplankton of the unregulated section of the Ural River and different types of channelized shoulders of the Iriklinsky Reservoir in spring 2016–2022 was analyzed. It is shown that the decrease in the amount of precipitation, the volume of inflow to the reservoir and its level, the volume of discharge and water exchange in 2019–2022 has a significant impact on phytoplankton communities: species richness, number of species in the sample, abundance and biomass, average individual cell mass, and Shannon index decrease. On average for the reservoir during this period, the share of golden algae in the total phytoplankton abundance and biomass increases significantly. The most striking changes in communities occur in the upper section of the reservoir, characterized by shallower depths and proximity to the main river. No increase in the number and proportion of indicator species of α-mesosaprobic and polysaprobic conditions was observed in the composition of the dominant complex of organisms. In case of significant increase in air and water temperature during the low-water period, changes in phytoplankton indicators characteristic of later stages of eutrophication are observed in the upper section, while in the lower section – for earlier stages. During the low-water period, a statistically significant decrease in the saprobic index values was detected. The trophic status of the river waters and different types of the Iriklinskoye Reservoir, determined by phytoplankton biomass, decreases in the lowwater period. The revealed features of oligotrophization cannot be attributed to positive consequences of water availability reduction. Firstly, the reduction of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of phytoplankton indicates the impoverishment of the food base of planktonic consuls and, indirectly, the food base of fish population, and the reduction of biological self-purification potential. Secondly, the scenario of phytoplankton changes in summer and fall seasons of the low-water period can be quite different and demonstrate negative consequences of water availability reduction.
Confirmation of the validity of species Eutobrilus nothus Gagarin, 1989 and E. gagarini Tsalolikhin, 2022 (Nematoda: Tobrilida)
Tsalolikhin S.Y.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
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
Open Access
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Abstract
The differential diagnosis of Eutobrilus gagarini is clarified by comparison with E. nothus. Discovery of both species in the same lake at the same time confirms the validity of these species.
New data on Antarctic nematodes of the genus Plectus (Nematoda: Plectida)
Tsalolikhin S.Y.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The validity and geographical distribution of the species Plectus frigophilus Kirjanova, 1958 in Antarctica is discussed. Plectus antarcticus de Man, 1904 is common in West Antarctica, and P. frigophilus is common in East Antarctica.
The application of a reference interval to assess the normal variability of several antioxidant system parameters in liver and muscle of the three-spined stickleback
Kochneva A.A., Rabinovich A.L., Lajus D.L., Kurpe S.R., Sukhovskaya I.V.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
When conducting research, reproducibility and correct assessment of the results obtained are important tasks that require the use of modern methods and approaches. To assess the state of biological systems, significance testing of the null hypothesis with respect to the assumed values of the “norm” is often used. To assess the state of biological systems, a common approach is to test the significance of the null hypothesis in relation to the assumed values of the “norm”. Recently, however, the dichotomous approach of confirming or rejecting the null hypothesis has been criticized by data analysts due to the lack of validation of methods for assessing p-level significance and the biological validity of the hypotheses under investigation. Consequently, a novel methodology for identifying the “normal” state of biological systems was proposed and developed into the theory of reference values (RV). Furthermore, the concepts of reference interval (RI) and reference values have become prevalent in various research fields. Our study evaluated the relative intervals of several antioxidant system (AOS) parameters (glutathione S-transferase, catalase, guaiacol-dependent peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) in the liver and muscles of male three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus L. in the Seldianaya Inlet of White Sea during the spawning period. The three-spined stickleback is a species that is abundant in the White Sea and has been the subject of numerous studies on population genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology. AOS plays a role in the defense of the organism against the negative influence of exogenous and endogenous factors causing oxidative stress. Its indicators are used as biomarkers of the physiological state of the organism. The activity of AOS enzymes in stickleback samples from other biotopes of the White Sea (Sukhaya Salma Strait and Koliushkovaya Lagoon) was also compared with each other and relatively calculated RI. Stickleback from the Koliushkovaya Lagoon and the Sukhaya Salma Strait differed in liver superoxide dismutase activity, and the mean values of enzyme activity were included in the RI. To assess the reproducibility of statistical tests, the effect of stickleback sample size on the result of comparing samples was modeled using t-criterion, and the type of dependence and sample sizes at 50% probability of a positive test were determined. The data obtained on biomarkers of oxidative stress in male G. aculeatus may prove useful for monitoring the state of stickleback populations with the aim of developing this species as a model object for ecological studies of both the White Sea ecosystem and the fish population in this reservoir.
Description of a new Ornithomya Latreille, 1802 (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) species with a key to all species of this genus
Nartshuk E.P., Matyukhin A.V., Markovets M.Y., Yatsuk A.A.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The family Hippoboscidae Samouelle, 1819 includes approximately 213 species. The genus Ornithomya Latreille, 1802 (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) is one of the largest louse fly genera and now includes 31 species. These flies are parasites of different small birds from the order Passeriformes. Many of them specifically prefer swallows as hosts. Swallows have a wide beak, short legs, dense plumage and poor preening abilities. They feed in flight and therefore do not associate insects in their nests with food. A new species of the genus Ornithomya, O. delichoni sp. nov., is described. A female of O. delichoni sp. nov. was collected in the Spassk district of Primorskiy Territory (Far East, Russia) from western house martin. The new species differs from other Ornithomya species from this region in its combined length of the head and thorax, eye width, number of large setae on the scutellum, and arrangement of microtrichia on the wings. The new species is named after the bird from which the fly was collected. An updated key for 32 species of the genus Ornithomya, including the new one, is provided. These key is based on the following morphological features: head and thorax length combined, wing length, number of scutellum and mesonotum setae, ratio of sections of costal vein between junctions of R1 and R2+3 and between junctions of R2+3 and R4+5 and arrangement of wing microtrichia. Additionally, known data on the hosts and distribution of the Ornithomya species are provided.
Experiences with the conservation of the Central Asian Tortoise Agrionemys horsfieldii Gray, 1844 during the construction of PV plants in Uzbekistan
Kashkarov R.D., Mitropolskaya Y.O., Kim S.R.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The paper describes step-by-step actions to conserve a globally threatened species – the Central Asian Tortoise in the area of construction of PV plant in the Karnabchul steppe of Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. The total area of the solar PV plant is 350 ha. The research was conducted during spring and summer seasons from 2019 to 2022 during the planning and construction phase of this object. Fauna surveys of the project site in 2019 showed that the most abundant reptiles of the project site are the Central Asian Tortoise. A quantitative assessment of the individuals inhabiting the project site and an analysis the risk of planned technogenic impact were carried out in 2020. The likely damage to the turtle population from the installation and construction works was reasonably estimated at 430 individuals. This was a strong argument for postponing full-scale construction works until mid-2021. Preparations for the relocation of living on the project site turtles began in 2020: the design of the fence and the drainage channel profile were agreed to be as safe as possible for the animals; construction of the project site fence began and a 1250 ha relocation site with similar foraging and protection conditions was selected. In spring 2021, 4572 individuals were removed from the project site and relocated to the resettlement area. The necessary precautions were observed. In 2022, the effectiveness of translocating Central Asian tortoises into the contiguous territory was monitored. Population counts were carried out and the sex and age structure of the turtle population in the relocation area was studied. These studies show that the resettlement process has not disturbed the age and sex structure of the Central Asian tortoise in the area and has not resulted in the mortality of even a small number of individuals. The desert areas of Uzbekistan have the highest potential for solar energy development. At the same time, this sector of the economy also poses a potential threat to terrestrial vertebrate species, in particular the Central Asian Tortoise. The described actions on tortoise conservation in the conditions of Uzbekistan were applied for the first time and showed a good result. In our opinion, it can be used in the implementation of subsequent similar projects.
Natural history of cyclical parthenogenesis of aphids (Homoptera: Aphidinea)
Gavrilov-Zimin I.A.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The article puts forward and argues the hypothesis of the emergence of cyclical parthenogenesis in aphids as a consequence of their ancestral habitation in closed strobiloid galls on coniferous trees. The period of gall opening is greatly extended in time, which prevents normal panmixia in the population and creates a selective advantage for parthenogenetic reproduction. Migration of aphids to secondary host plants, on which closed galls never form, parthenogenetic reproduction on these plants, and the subsequent simultaneous return of “remigrants” to the main host plant make it possible to synchronize the development of the bisexual generation and achieve mass panmixia only at the end of the life cycle, which coincides with the end of summer growth shoots or the autumn end of the vegetation period as a whole. Due to the fact that the development of the bisexual generation always necessarily occurs in the second half of the year, when the conditions for aphid feeding on arboreal plants become unfavorable, small size of sexual individuals and their reduced fertility (often only one egg per female), in comparison with parthenogenetic generations of the first half of the year, are understandable. The evolutionary transition of aphids from conifers to angiosperms in the Cretaceous period in parallel meant the possibility of development in more spacious galls accommodating several consecutive parthenogenetic generations, the transition to viviparity and telescopic embryonization, significantly accelerating the change of generations. The loss of ovipositor in Phylloxeridae and in hypothetically descended from them Aphidoidea can be explained by the initial life in galls, where egg laying does not require specialized ovipository organs. The evolutionary transition from oviparity of parthenogenetic generations to viviparity probably occurred in the ancestors of modern Eriosomatidae, as evidenced by the plesiomorphic features of the reproductive biology of the latter.
Long-term variations in the diet composition of Atlantic wolffish, Anarhichas lupus marisalbi (Zoarcoidei: Anarhichadidae), in Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea
Yershov P.N., Khaitov V.M.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
Understanding the diet variability of the White Sea wolffish, Anarhichas lupus marisalbi Barsukov, 1956, is essential for explaining its population dynamics and variations in its life cycle. This study examined the food spectrum of wolffish from the coastal waters of Chupa Inlet (Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea) and analyzed interannual and seasonal changes in the species composition of its diet. During the summer period, wolffish feeds on a variety of macrobenthic organisms in its feeding grounds, particularly molluscs, echinoderms, crustaceans, and ascidians. The diet was predominantly composed of bivalves and gastropods, with Buccinum undatum Linnaeus, 1758 and Serripes groenlandicus (Mohr, 1786) being the most important prey species. Statistical analysis of multi-year diet data from 2001 to 2023 revealed interannual variations in the frequency of occurrence of key food organisms in wolffish stomachs. The results showed that in the early 2000s, the role of epibenthic crustaceans Hyas araneus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pagurus pubescens Krøyer, 1838 in the wolffish diet was significantly greater compared to other years of the study. The dietary importance of the bivalve S. groenlandicus increased gradually and statistically significantly during the observation period, while Buccinum undatum dominated the wolffish diet throughout the entire study period. Overall, three species (B. undatum, S. groenlandicus, and Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758) accounted for a significant portion of the wolffish diet during 2001–2023. In some years, other mollusc species, as well as crustaceans and the ascidian Styela rustica Linnaeus, 1767, were also included in the group of important prey items. The feeding intensity of wolffish in Chupa Inlet showed interannual variability. Throughout the observation period, certain years were identified as having the greatest frequency of fish with empty stomachs. Female wolffish showed a seasonal pattern in the frequency of occurrence of individuals with empty stomachs: the highest occurrence of such fish was observed during the spawning period of wolffish, in late July to early August. No significant seasonal changes in the frequency of occurrence of individuals with empty stomachs were found in males.
Parallelisms in the morphology and evolutionary transformations of two bones of the visceral skeleton in fossil and recent freshwater sculpins of the genus Triglopsis (Pisces: Cottidae)
Sideleva V.G.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The article considers the morphogenesis of two visceral skeleton bones, which are most important for identification, in five freshwater forms of the genus Triglopsis Girard, 1851. These forms evolved as a result of colonization of fresh waters by marine fishes in different geological periods and continents. On American continent, two fossil species, Triglopsis idahoensis (Smith, 1975) and T. antiquus (Smith, 1975), from the Pliocene Lake Idaho and one recent species T. thompsonii Girard, 1851 from Lake Michigan were studied. On European continent, two freshwater populations of one species T. quadricornis (Linnaeus, 1758) from Lakes Ladoga and Onega were investigated. Comparative analysis of the external features of the preopercular and dentary bones showed that all five studied forms have common characters inherent in the genus Triglopsis. The differences are in the size, shape and orientation of the spines; and hollows of the preopercular-mandibular sensory canal. The fossil species T. idahoensis and T. antiquus have wide, slightly curved preopercle with spines of similar length. Significant differences are found in the morphology of the sensory canal. The most primitive state of this canal is observed in T. antiquus. It is characterized by small size of hollows and wide bone bridges between them. Evolutionary transformations in morphology of the canal in fossil and recent species go in the direction of increasing passage of the canal in the bones. In recent forms, passage of the sensory canal occupies almost the entire width of the bone, which is significantly greater than in fossil species. Geographically remote and isolated fossil and recent forms of the genus Triglopsis, each with its own evolutionary fate, have a single trend of evolutionary transformations of the studied bones. Despite the fact that the lake forms were at different stages of differentiation, evolutionary transformations of the morphology of the studied bones proceed in parallel and in the same direction.
Formation of the spatial structure of the bird population in High-mountainous Dagestan and the concept of preserving its avifauna
Vilkov E.V.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The presented work is the concluding part of a previously published article (Vilkov 2023) and based on a mathematical analysis of the empirical material collected during route bird surveys in 1998–2021 in the Highmountainous Province of Dagestan. Based on the longterm average population density data for 96 birds nesting and likely nesting, a cluster analysis was carried out, during which the identified avifaunal communities were grouped according to the similarity of their abundance. Using correlation analysis, environmental factors were identified that determine the territorial variability of bird population abundance. Based on the estimates of the strengths of connections determined from the JaccardNaumov coefficients similarity data matrix, a graph was constructed that reflects the spatial structure of the bird population at the level of selected key areas. When interpreting the spatial structure of the bird population using cluster and correlation analysis data, as well as faunal and ecological ranking data, similarities between the compared avifaunal communities were revealed, and 4 main trends in bird population changes in factor space were identified. Based on the results of assessing the strength and generality of the relationships between structureforming factors and the territorial variability of the bird population (taking into account the areas of landscapes), the most significant was the impact of afforestation, the area of open spaces and the area of residential landscapes. When interpreting spatial differences taking into account natural and anthropogenic changes, it is possible to create a predictive model of the transformation of avifaunal communities within the study area. Analysis of existing threats that have a negative impact on the number and species diversity of birds allowed developing a population management concept based on 4 strategic directions. 1. Gasification of HighMountain Dagestan to prevent deforestation and restore the species diversity of forest birds. 2. To preserve the species diversity of meadow birds, redirect cattle grazing to areas of meadows with increased overgrowth of grassy vegetation. 3. Increase the area of fields for sowing grain crops to preserve the species diversity of granivorous birds. 4. To preserve the species diversity of birds of prey, install perches in a mosaic pattern in the fields of grain crops.
On the identity of the Caribbean planthopper Jamaha elevans (Walker, 1858) (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Nogodinidae)
Gnezdilov V.M., Bartlett C.R., Malenovský I.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The specimens on which the record of the nogodinid planthopper Jamaha elevans (Walker, 1858) (Nogodinidae, Colpopterinae, Colpopterini) from Haiti published by Melichar (1902) was based were examined. These specimens were misidentified and belong to the flatid planthopper, Euhyloptera haitiana Fennah, 1965 (Flatidae, Flatinae, Selizini). Illustrations are provided for E. haitiana and the holotype of J. elevans. As far as is known, J. elevans is endemic to Jamaica.
Application of artificial neural network for description of the Earth remote sensing data to identify natural habitats used by European elk, Alces alces (Linnaeus, 1758), in autumn-winter period 2023
Sedikhin N.V., Vakulenko A.F.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
,
2024
,
citations by CoLab: 0
,

Open Access
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Abstract
The paper presents the results of using neural networks of pixel-by-pixel image classification to decipher multichannel space images obtained by the Landsat 8 satellite. Natural habitats were identified based on differences in phytocenotic characteristics of land areas. The level of use of areas by elk was determined by the occurrence of elk presence indicators, which were the density of winter excrement piles (in spring) and the abundance of winged forms of the monoxenous ectoparasite of elk, Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758), as measured by the number of individuals attacking the census taker (in the summer-autumn period). The material that forms the basis for deciphering was obtained by the route census method in different areas of the Leningrad Province. High values of the measured parameters were recorded in reforestation areas, in wet pine and birch forests, in aspen forests, on the edges of raised bogs and in overgrown fields – typical elk winter feeding habitats. Based on the data on the maximum values of the measured parameters, a positive correlation was established for the first time between the abundance of winged forms of L. cervi and the physiological activity of the host (the density of the piles of “winter” excrement). The paper also provides a valid reference to the material of schematic maps developed for a part of the territory of the Leningrad Province and Saint Petersburg. The scheme of the use of areas by elk is compiled on the basis of the relative index calculated from the measured parameters of the survey. Field observation areas and territories close to them were most reliably identified (90–95% accuracy). For areas not covered by field observations, the paper provides comments on the main inaccuracies of the schemes and the reasons for the identified discrepancies, based on an analysis of literary sources devoted to similar research topics. The results of the study indicate that the frequency of attacks of winged forms of L. cervi can be used as an additional criterion for assessing the stationary preferences of elk in the winter period using information on the period of active flight, and the decoding method mentioned in the paper can be used in limited areas of specific territories, including reserves, areas of hunting farms and district forestries.
Structure and long-term changes of polychaete communities of the Varanger fjord in 2003 and 2019
Rolskaya K.S., Manushin I.E., Zakharov D.V.
Q3
Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS
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2024
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citations by CoLab: 0
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Open Access
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Abstract
Long-term changes in species composition, production indicators, and structure of polychaete communities for the period of 2003 and 2019 in the Russian part of the Varanger fjord (Barents Sea) were shown. The connection of such changes with climate factors and the influence of the red king crab are considered. The changes in species composition, structure, and production characteristics of polychaetes in the Russian part of the Varanger fjord (Barents Sea) in 2003 and 2019 are shown. The linkage between these changes and the climatic factor, as well as the influence of the introduced red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus (Tilesius, 1815), is discussed. The results demonstrate an increase in the quantitative characteristics of polychaete Spiochaetopterus typicus M. Sars, 1856, indicating a decrease in pressure from the king crab on bottom communities. The biodiversity indices indicate the absence of negative changes in the settlements of polychaetes in the Varanger fjord during the studied period.
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