2017. T. 122. Vyp. 4. - Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series

Morphology and Ultrastructure of Devonian Ancyrospora melvillensis Owens

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:28:06 +0000

The ultrathin structure of exine of Ancyrospora melvillensis Owens was determined. It consists of two layers. The inner layer is formed by continuous concentric lamellae. The outer layer is thick and composed by loop-like structures (anastomosing lamellae). The structure of sporoderm of Ancyrospora melvillensis has similarities with exine of recent and ancient lycopsids.

The post Morphology and Ultrastructure of Devonian Ancyrospora melvillensis Owens first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Dynamics of Pollen Rain of Ryazan’ City: the First Volumetric Data

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:25:59 +0000

Aerobiological studies were performed in 2015–2016 by Hirst-type volumetric trap (Lanzoni VPPS 2010). Pollen calendar was developed; pollination dynamics of the main taxa of pollen spectrum was analyzed. The results of monitoring were compared with the data from Moscow aerobiological station. The pollination period was divided into 3 parts. The analysis of start, intensity and duration of pollination of indicator taxa (Betula, Quercus, Poaceae, Artemisia) didn’t reveal any differences in temporal parameters of pollination in spite of more southern location of Ryazan’. The greatest difference was marked for the pollination intensity of herbaceous species. It can be connected with trap locations and peculiarities of metropolis climate.

The post Dynamics of Pollen Rain of Ryazan’ City: the First Volumetric Data first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Comparison of the Timing of Sporoderm Development in Aristolochia clematitis L. and Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:23:36 +0000

Two Aristolochia species are distinguished by microsporogenesis types and time of aperture initiation in the sporoderm development. A. clematitis has successive meiosis and forms an aperture in the late free microspore stage when the intine is maturing. A. manshuriensis has simultaneous microsporogenesis and forms aperture regions in the middle tetrad stage. However, the endexine and intine develop uniformly all over the pollen grain without any differences indicating aperture regions. Strong slowing of intine development at the end of pollen ontogeny allows pollen of A. clematitis to have an aperture which had not been formed at first. Pollen grains of A. manshuriensis, which are tardy up to the stage of intine initiation, do not have enough time to form any aperture in last stages of endexine and intine development. Only deep cracks in the ectexine weakly remind of apertures in A. manshuriensis.

The post Comparison of the Timing of Sporoderm Development in Aristolochia clematitis L. and Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Anthropogenic Infl uence on Vegetation of Polistovo-Lovatskaya Mire System: Palynological Data

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:21:20 +0000

Оn the territory of Polystovsko-Lovatskaya mire system the lacustrine-bog sediments near Gorodok site (160 cm, 4200 cal. BP) was investigated. New data on natural and anthropogenic dynamics of local and regional vegetation is presented. The main attention was paid to anthropogenic indicators. Comparison between three diagrams from the Polystovsko-Lovatskaya mire system shows the synchronicity in anthropogenic changes of the vegetation. The location of the sampling site and its remoteness from possible pollen source are connected with the participation of anthropogenic indicators in pollen spectra.

The post Anthropogenic Infl uence on Vegetation of Polistovo-Lovatskaya Mire System: Palynological Data first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Prospects of Methods for Studies of Fossil Sporoderms

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:19:00 +0000

Although transmission electron microscopy has remained the best tool to study the ultrastructure of fossil pollen and spores, other methods also might be useful, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy (including Airyscan and SR-SIM), TEM-tomography, X-Ray synchrotron tomography, and scanning electron microscopy (including observations of semithin sections and ion etching). Currently, non-destructive methods are obviously wanted as well as more elaborated methods to reconstruct a three-dimensional inner morphology of studied objects.

The post Prospects of Methods for Studies of Fossil Sporoderms first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Reconstructionof Bioclimatic Conditions and Anthropogenic Transformation of Environment Based on Peat Deposits in the Upper Reaches of Vorskla (Belgorod Region)

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:14:54 +0000

We studied the deposits of small bog located on the terrace above the floodplain of the river Vorskla in the vicinity of the reserve “Forest on the Vorskla.” Based on radiocarbon and pollen analysis of deposits we made attempts to reconstruct the vegetation changes and stages of economic development of the territory. The beginning of the peat formation can be dated to the first half of Subboreal (2800–2300 BC). Increasing the groundwater levels and enhancing of peat accumulation, associated with general climate changes, can be dated to be around 760–370 BC (the Sub-Atlantic cooling) and after 1408 AD («Little Ice Age»). The results of pollen analysis allow us to conclude that the vegetation of the river Vorskla terraces combined forests with a predominance of oak and meadow-steppe elements throughout the second half of the Holocene. Coniferous did not take significant participation in the vegetation cover. Sharp shifts of vegetation types due to regional climate changes, described in other regions of the forest steppe zone, have not been identified in the studied peat bogs. We can assume that due to the small size of the reservoirs (less than 5 ha), they mainly reflected the vegetation of the lower levels of the river valley, as well as local variations related to local hydrological conditions and the history of economic development. Several periods of intensive economic activity on the terraces of the river Vorskla were revealed. Signs of deforestation and agriculture (pollen of cultivated cereals and arable weeds) were found in the sediments dating from about 2300–2000 BC (Bronze Age), 1200–900 BC (Bronze – early Iron Age) and 13-15th century (the Middle Ages).

The post Reconstructionof Bioclimatic Conditions and Anthropogenic Transformation of Environment Based on Peat Deposits in the Upper Reaches of Vorskla (Belgorod Region) first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Mechanisms of Exine Formationand their Meaning for Structure Diversity

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:11:24 +0000

The evidence suggests that genome and self-assembly probably share control of exine formation. It is known that self-assembly plays a considerable role in living nature. Its input as a driving motive in sporoderm development is evident. One of advantages, conferred by self-assembly, is a high potential of variability, inherent in non-linear systems. This makes self-assembly an important instrument of evolution.

The post Mechanisms of Exine Formationand their Meaning for Structure Diversity first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

New Palynological Data from the Unique Paleolithic Site of Denisova Cave in Northwest Altai

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:06:35 +0000

Denisova Cave is a multi-stratified archaeological site in Northwest Altai, which appears to be the most promising object for studying prehistoric culture and evolution of natural environment during the Middle and Late Pleistocene in North Eurasia. The sequence of loose sediments at Denisova Cave contains cultural remains dating back to a time period spanning from the early Middle Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. Evidence resulted from the study of Pleistocene sediments in the cave, using a whole range of archaeological, anthropological, paleobotanical and other paleogeographic methods, has been published in a series of monographs, as well as in many scientific papers. This publication presents new palynological data obtained for Pleistocene strata in the East Chamber of the cave in 2016–2017. The results of an in-depth palynological analysis for all layers in the sequence have made it possible to carry out climatostratigraphic subdivision of the Middle and Late Pleistocene deposits, providing characteristics of changes in the composition of palynofloras and reconstructing the main (interglacial and glacial) stages in the evolution of vegetation and climate during their formation. Detailed reconstructions of changes in Pleistocene environments around Denisova Cave are of unquestionable scientific interest, inasmuch as anthropological finds which enabled identification of a new population of hominines, Homo altaiensis or Denisovans, using paleogenetic analysis, have been found in the deposits of layer 11 in the East Chamber.

The post New Palynological Data from the Unique Paleolithic Site of Denisova Cave in Northwest Altai first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Dynamics of Zooplankton Communities in Shallow Parts of Northern Baikal During Blooms of Green Filamentous Algae Spirogyra spp. (Chlorophyta, Zygnematophyceae) in 2013–2014

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:03:25 +0000

Seasonal variations in species structure and quantitative indices of zooplankton community from Northern Baikal shallows were studied during Spirogyra spp. blooms. Spirogyra blooming in the shore zone south-west of Severobaikalsk Town was registered in late summer and autumn 2013, as well as in late spring 2014 (samples were collected opposite Zarechny Settlement and in Senogda Bay). Large amounts of detritus, 95% of which were composed of filamentous algae, negatively affected the zooplankton community. There was absolutely no plankton within 10-meter area off the water edge, dramatic decrease in zooplankton abundance and death of crustaceans (up to 60 %) 20–350 m away from the water edge; change in planktonic community – disappearance of rotifers. Certain abiotic and biotic factors entailed fast recovery of invertebrate fauna, plankton. The former include strong autumn storms, mixing of the littoral water, local currents bringing clean Baikal water with typical representatives of zooplankton, and the latter – perennial crustaceans and rotifers with a short reproduction period and horizontal migrations inhabiting plankton.

The post Dynamics of Zooplankton Communities in Shallow Parts of Northern Baikal During Blooms of Green Filamentous Algae Spirogyra spp. (Chlorophyta, Zygnematophyceae) in 2013–2014 first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.

Ptilinastidius mirabilis gen. n., sp. n. – New Genus and Species of Wood-Borers from Brazil (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptilininae) .

fidukoffMOIP — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:01:17 +0000

General view. Beetle large. Body slightly narrowed to apex. Pubescence very dense, appressed, nitidous (Fig. 1, 1). Head. Frons convex. Clypeus transverse, straight. Labrum bilobate. Eyes round, convex, without notches (Fig. 1, 2). Last segment of maxillary palpi is rhomboid (Fig. 1, 3). Antennae pectinate from the 4th segment; 1st segment is thick, slightly falciform; the 2nd one is very small, globose, transverse; 3rd segment is triangular, with concave apical margin (Fig. 1, 4). (8–11th (?) segments are lost). Pronotum with full side margin, transverse, convex, without gibbousness (Fig. 1, 5). Pronotal basal margin is as wide as elytral shoulders’ width. Disc with thin median line and triangular relief outlined by pubescence. Lateral margins not flattened. Basal margin is slightly arcuate. Sides convex, and pronotum narrows forward in a semicircle(Fig. 1, 1). Scutellum small, triangular. Elytra: shoulders well developed. Disc with four costae; 2nd, 3rd, and 4th costae merged in one, not reaching a little the apex. Sides with two lateral grooves and two lateral costae. Interstriae with large irregular punctures. Lateral margin without notch for the hind legs. Prosternum is very short, fore coxae approximated. Middle coxae a little separated. Metasternum convex, with median groove; meso- and metasternum united by thin carina (Fig. 1, 6). Anterior margin of metasternum without impressions for middle coxae. Epimera broaden forward. Hind coxae separated. Legs. Femora long. Middle tibiae and tarsi thin. Tarsi much more shorter than tibiae. First tarsus segment is very long (Fig. 1, 7). Abdomen. 1st sternite without impressions for hind legs and is the longest; 2nd sternite is a little shorter, then in decreasing order: 5th, 3rd, 4th sternites. First suture is single, slightly curved backward. The other sutures are straight and doubled.

We placed the new genus in the subfamily Ptilininae. Ptilinastidius slightly resembles the genus Phanerochila Fleutiaux, 1896: body narrows to apex, pronotum and elytra with costae, abdominal sternites of the same length and similar sutures. The new genus differs from Ptilinus Müller, 1764 and Ptilinomorphus Español, 1965 by narrowing body (body of cylindrical shape in the named genera); by the absence of teeth on pronotum (surface with teeth on pronotum in the named genera); eyes of average size (enormous eyes in Ptilinomorphus); by rhomboid maxillary palpus (fusiform maxillary palpus in Ptilinomorphus (Fig. 2, 4)); elytral surface with costae (elytral surface without costae in the named genera). Species of the genera Ptilinomorphus and Ptilinus are about twice as small as Ptilinastidius mirabilis.

Ptilinastidius strongly differs from the genus Ptilinobium White, 1976 by antennae (4–7th segments with rami in Ptilinastidius and without rami in Ptilinobium), pronotum (apical margin with group of long hairs in Ptilinobium whereas pronotal apical margin smooth in Ptilinastidius), elytra (elytral surface striate, without costae in Ptilinobium), abdomen (2nd sternite is the longest in Ptilinobium whereas 1st sternite is the longest in Ptilinastidius), members of each pair of middle and hind coxae are separated in Ptilinastidius whereas these members are touching in Ptilinobium.

P. mirabilis sp. n.

Beetle very dark brown; pubescence very dense, appressed, silvery, nitidous, absolutely covering the surface. Antennae reddish from the 4th segment. Body 2.7 times as long as wide (Fig. 1, 1). Frons convex, grumose. Eyes bulging, round, separated by 1.5 diameters of an eye (Fig. 1, 2). Last segment of maxillary palpus is rhomboid, 2.4 times as long as wide (Fig. 1, 3). Antennae: 1st segment large, thick, slightly falciform; the 2nd one is small, globose; 3rd segment triangular, rather large, with concave apical margin; 4th to 7th segments with rami. Ramus of 4th segment about 1.5 times as long as the segment itself, ramus of the 5th segment 2.5 times as long as the segment; rami of 6th and 7th segments 3 times as long as their segments (Fig. 1, 4). (Last segments are lost.) Pronotum 1.5 times as wide as long. Anterior angles slightly acute, rounded, posterior ones strongly rounded. Sides not flattened and not bulging (Fig. 1, 5). Disc with thin middle line and with triangular relief. Scutellum small, triangular, with obtuse top. Elytra twice as long as wide and three times as long as pronotum. Disc with four costae; every costa covered with silvery pubescence, which is directed obliquely to the middle of the costa. The first and second costae almost merged into the broad costa. Sides with two costae and two lateral punctured striae. Interstriae with large irregular punctures. Metasternum convex, with median groove; its anterior margin without impressions for the middle legs (Fig. 1, 6). Legs. Middle tarsi smaller than half of the tibia length (tarsus is 0.44 times as long as tibia). 1st tarsimere about as long as 2nd to 5th tarsimeres together (Fig. 1, 7). (Fore and hind legs are lost.) Length 10.8 mm, width 4.0 mm.

The post Ptilinastidius mirabilis gen. n., sp. n. – New Genus and Species of Wood-Borers from Brazil (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptilininae) . first appeared on Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists. Biological Series.