Biodiversity holds the key to the survival of many plant species, and also to our own future.

The aims of this study were to identify the taxonomic diversity and abundance of psammonic ciliate communities in mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes (Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland, eastern Poland). The effect of selected physical and chemical water parameters on ciliates community was also analysed. Psammon samples were collected during three seasons: spring, summer and autumn of 2010. In each lake, in the psammolittoral, samples were collected in the euarenal, higroarenal, and hydroarenal zones. A total of 53 ciliate taxa were recorded. The highest value of the Shannon-Weaver index was recorded in summer in eutrophic lake (2.79). At the same time in mesotrophic lake, a lower value of the index was determined (0.79). The mean numbers of ciliates ranged from 516 ind.cm-3 in the eutrophic lake to 191 ind. cm-3 in the mesotrophic lake. In eutrophic lake, the highest number of ciliates was recorded in the euarenal (649 ind. cm-3), and the lowest in the higroarenal (425 ind. cm-3). In the mesotrophic lake, the highest average numbers were determined in the higroarenal (235 ind. cm-3), and the lowest in the hydroarenal (155 ind. cm-3). Irrespective of the lake trophy, Hymenostomata (Paramecium sp., Glaucoma sp., Uronema nigricans) occurred in the highest numbers (from 13 to 95%). The results demonstrated that N-NH4, P-PO4 and TOC can strongly regulate the abundance and taxonomic composition of ciliates. The strongest correlations between numbers of ciliates and physical and chemical water parameters were observed in the higro- and hydroarenal zones of the eutrophic lake.

There are hardly any data concerning the vertical micro−distribution of protozoa in water column in cryoconite holes on the glacier surface. Such comparisons can provide insights into the ecology of protozoa. The present research was made on Ecology Glacier (South Shetland Islands, Antarctic); vertical microzonation of c iliates in relation to physical and chemical parameters in cryoconite holes was studied. The density and biomass of protozoans significantly differed between the studied stations (cryoconite holes), with the lowest numbers in the surface water and the highest in the bottom water. The surface waters were dominated by mixotrophic and omnivorous taxa, whe reas the deepest sampling level has shown the increase of the proportion of bacterivore species . Ordination analysis indicated that TN and P−PO 4 can strongly regulate the abundance and species composition of protozoa. The redundancy analyses (RDA) showed that the ciliate communities can be separated into two groups. The first group included species associated with surface water: Halteria grandinella and Codonella sp. The second group included species that are associated with bottom water: Prorodon sp. , Holosticha pullaster , Stylonychia mytilus −complex and small scuticociliates.

Life on Earth is a process carried out by billions of organisms belonging to a huge number of species. From the beginning of life to the present day, the number of species steadily increases, but the process is interrupted by deep crises (“Great Extinctions”) as the number of species rapidly declines. However, after a relatively short period of time – millions of years – the number of species returns to their previous heights and continues to rise until the next catastrophe. When the species Homo sapiens appeared on Earth, it found the greatest biotic diversity in the history of the Earth, but in a very short time – after its rapid population growth – the diversity began to decline again. Are we witnessing the beginning of another great extinction? If so, what would be the consequences for those species that survive? Is Homo sapiens also endangered? And life on Earth? Questions easy to ask, but difficult to answer.

The checklist of Admiralty Bay polychaetes elaborated on the basis of historical and current data includes 120 benthic and 5 pelagic species. Admiralty Bay is the most intensively sampled area in the Antarctic, taking into account polychaete fauna, and the checklist of Polychaeta may be therefore considered as a rather comprehensive one. In the sublittoral soft bottom three dominant species: Leitoscoloplos kerguelensis, Tauberia gracilis and Ophelina syringopyge constitute almost 50% of all collected polychaetes (20%, 16% and 13% respectively). Rhodine intermedia, Tharyx cincinnatus, Aricidea (Acesta) strelzovi, Apistobranchus sp., Cirrophorus brevicirratus, Microspio moorei, Maldane sarsi antarctica, Aglaophamus ornatus and Asychis amphiglypta make up a group of species of considerable abundance (a further 30% of author's collection). The average abundance of polychaetes of the sublittoral soft bottom was estimated at 120 individuals per 0.1 m2, with the observed maximum 390 individuals per 0.1 m2.

Orchids are a fascinating world unto themselves, featuring incredible diversity of species, myriad forms and dazzling colors. At the same time, orchids are among the least explored groups of plants, with much work left to be done on their careful classification and study. How should different orchid species be distinguished, and how should the boundaries between different genera be delineated?

From March to November 2000 planctonic Rotifera of the collapse pond Bojszowy - Jedlina were studied. Rich fauna of Rotifera (71 taxons) was recorded. One new for Silesia Region species Erignatha clastopis (Gosse) was found. The qualitative composition of the Rotifera community in that pond differed from other investigated collapse ponds. In spite of high eutrophy domination and constance structure indicated staid character of the Rotifera community in the Bojszowy - Jedlina pond.

Hornsund, an Arctic fjord in the west coast of Spitsbergen (Svalbard), was selected as All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) site under EU 5th Framework Concerted Action BIOMARE (2000–2002), especially due to its pristine, undisturbed natural character. On the base of large material (89 stations located throughout the fjord and 129 Van Veen grab samples) collected during cruises of RV Oceania in July in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007 and literature search a comprehensive list of species recorded within Hornsund area, on the soft bottom with depth range of 30–250 m is provided. Over 220 species were identified including 93 species of Polychaeta, 62 species of Mollusca and 58 species of Crustacea. Species list is supported by information on the zoogeographical status, body length and biological traits of dominant species. Need for further research on Hornsund soft bottom fauna with more sampling effort is highlighted.

This paper presents a complex study on ciliates from the different species of mosses of King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic. Samples of ciliates were collected from Polytrichastrum alpinum , Sanionia georgico−uncinata , Sanionia uncinata and Brachythecium austrosalebrosum . The highest species richness (19 taxa) occurred in habitats from Brachythecium austrosalebrosum . The lowest number of taxa (5) was observed in Polytrichastrum alpinum . The greatest abundance of ciliates was found in samples from Brachythecium austrosalebrosum (25–30 ind. g −1 ), while the lowest was found in samples from Polytrichastrum (4–6 ind. g −1 ). In each species of mosses, vertical differentiation of these protozoa assemblages was found. The number of species and abundance significantly increased in the lower samples. The upper samples of mosses were dominated by mixotrophic taxa, whereas samples from the lower part the proportions of bacterivore species increases. The RDA performed to specify the direct relationships between the abundance of ciliate taxa and environmental variables showed obvious differences between habitats studied. However, variables that significantly explained the variance in ciliate communities were: dissolved oxygen, pH, and nutrients.

Soft bottom fauna have been sampled along the Spitsbergen fjord depression entering shelf, slope and Greenland Sea Ocean Basin at 200, 300, 500, 1500, 2000 and 3000 m depths. From 19 samples covering 1.9 m2, 4295 individuals of 194 macrofauna species have been sorted. Density decreased markedly from over 6000 ind/m2 in shelf stations to some 600 ind/m2 below 1500 m depth. Only two taxa (Chaetozone group and Lumbrineris sp. A) occurred in more than 75% of samples, 55 taxa (28% of the total) were represented by single specimens only. The highest number of species per sample (65 taxa in 0.1 m2) was noted at 525 depth. There were 14 eurybathic species and the same number of taxa were found exclusively below 2000 m depth, while 117 species were found only shallower than 300 m depth.

Salvage logging’s negative impact on biodiversity.

The studies concerned qualitative and quantitative analysis of seston Rotifera communities of Ślepiotka stream polluted with communal sewages. The samples were also taken from the small, inforest pond confluence with the stream. The studies were carried out from March to November 1999. The water from the pond, which flew down into the stream, had a good influence on the Rotifera communities living there. The stable increase in species diversity, abundance and stability of Rotifera communities of Ślepiotka stream below the inflow was recorded. The physic-chemical analysis confirmed the favorable influence of the pond on Ślepiotka stream water quality.

Morphological description of seeds is a required step for analysis of biodiversity in natural populations and may give clues to adaptive strategies in species evolution. A cardioid is the curve described by a point of one circumference rolling around another circumference of equal radius. Models based on adjustment of seed shape with cardioid curves have been described for Arabidopsis thaliana and the model legumes Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula. In this work the model is applied to analyze seed morphology in populations of two subspecies of Capparis spinosa growing in Tunisia. Adjustment of seed images to cardioid curves, followed by statistical analysis of similarity in the complete images as well as in each of four quadrants, allows an accurate description of seed shape. The results show differences in morphology between subspecies. Seeds of subsp. rupestris present higher diversity of shape than seeds of subsp. spinosa. This may indicate primitiveness of C. subsp. rupestris seeds, associated with nonspecialization. The results are discussed in relation to the ecological strategies of both subspecies in their evolution.

Admiralty Bay (King George Island) is an Antarctic Specially Managed Area and one the most thoroughly studied small-scale marine basins in the Southern Ocean. Our study provides new data on the isopod fauna in this glacially affected fjord. Twelve species of isopods were recorded in this basin for the first time. Six of them were found for the first time in the region of the South Shetland Islands. The highest number of species new for Admiralty Bay were found in the families Munnopsidae (4 species) and Munnidae (3 species).

In Tanaidacea morphological identification of male individuals to the species level is complicated by two factors: the presence of multiple male stages/instars confuse the assessment of sexual stage while strong sexual dimorphism within several families obscures the morphological affinities of undescribed males to described females. Males of Paratanaoidea are often morphologically quite different from females and have not been discovered for most genera so far, which has led to the assumption that some tanaidaceans might have parthenogenetic reproduction or simply have undeveloped secondary sex traits. As a part of the IceAGE project (Icelandic marine Animals: Genetics and Ecology), with the support of molecular methods, the first evidence for the existence of highly dimorphic (swimming) males in four families of the superfamily Paratanaoidea (Agathotanaidae, Cryptocopidae, Akanthophoreidae, and Typhlotanaidae) is presented. This study suggests that these males might be the next instars after juvenile or preparatory males, which are morphologically similar to females. It has been assumed that “juvenile” males with a restricted ability for swimming ( e.g. , undeveloped pleopods) have matured testes, are capable of reproduction, and mate with females nearby, while swimming males can mate with distant females. Our explanation of the dimorphism in Tanaidomorpha lies in the fact that males of some species ( e.g. , Nototanais ) retain the same lifestyle or niche as the females, so secondary traits improve their ability to guard females and successfully mate. Males of other species that have moved into a regime (niche) different than that of the female have acquired complex morphological changes ( e.g. , Typhlotanais ).

In the years 2002–2004 strains of Bacillus thuringiensis and 37 species of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated and identified in the Polish and Belarussian parts of Białowieża Forest (BF). Mitosporic fungi and bacteria dominated in litter sperficial soil layer, forest, litter and floor vegetation whereas entomophtoralen fungi prevailed in bushy undergrowth layers and tree crowns. The dominant species Beauveria bassiana was observed in forest floor, subcortical habitats on dead trees, meadows and rushes. The species Entomophthora israelensis, Beauveria cf. bassiana, Paecilomyces suffultus and P. tenuipes were for the first time described as insect pathogens in BF. Entomophthorales seem to hold much greater part than mitosporic forms in the whole diversity of entomopathogenic fungi. Relatively rich sets of these fungi recognised in BF during last decades confirm the predestination of this area as highly significant refuge for other groups of arthropod pathogens, and it should encourage scientists to widen their research and contribute to a rather scarce knowledge in this field.

Genetic diversity manipulates a prime and vital role in the sustainable use of genetic resources. The data highlighted more insights into the genetic diversity of the arta plant ( Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum) populations collected from three localities, Qalabshu ( QQ), Mutubas ( MM) and Gamasa (GG), in Egypt as gene pool for biodiversity conservation and afforestation. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers investigated the population pattern and structure. A total of 129-amplicons oscillated from 145 to 1505 bp and a total of 19-amplicons were specific markers with an average of nine bands for each population. The Shannon index (I) scored at an average of 0.3. The diversity ( h) oscillated from 0.11 to 0.25. The similarity matrices based on Jaccard coefficient recorded positive values. A higher correlation (r = 0.83) was between the combined Qalabshu (QQ) and Mutubas (MM) matrices using the Mantel test with 1,000 permutations. This species has higher adaptability for their regions. This gene pool is a valuable reservoir for enriching genetic diversity and provides basal information for the biodiversity conservation of a dominant species. The dominant species can be utilised in afforestation in the same region or another region which has the same environmental conditions.

A study was conducted on changes in the abundance and diversity of floristic composition in baulks and cultivated agrocenoses in the area of the village of Nowokornino, located on the outskirts of the Białowieża Forest. Within the geodesic area of the village, which covers approximately 1,100 ha, agricultural crops are grown under three farming systems: conventional farming, integrated farming and organic farming. In the study area, there are unique marginal ecosystems in the form of mid-field baulks on which various weed species of ecological importance occur. Three study plots were designated on the baulks, and three plots on field crops Floristic surveys were carried out in 2016, 2020 and 2022. The cover of individual species was estimated according to the 7-level Braun-Blanquette scale. A total of 91 plant species belonging to 6 phytosociological groups were found, with the Stellarietea mediae group having the highest species richness. The significance of differences in floristic richness between study and control plots was tested by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical analysis showed that the factors differentiating the floristic composition on the baulks were their location within the cultivated agrocenoses, natural soil abundance and interaction with fertiliser factors. The highest species abundance of plants defined as weeds, occurred in fields under the integrated farming system (58 species), the lowest in fields under the conventional system (39 species). The vegetation of the baulks and adjacent arable fields was dominated by plants representing mainly three types of ecological strategies: C, R and C-R.

The recapitulation of the investigations on oribatid mite fauna carried out at various kinds of abandoned galena-calamine wastelands in the south of Poland is presented. Soil samples were collected at nine sites in three regions of zinc-lead mining. In total, 24267 oribatid individuals belonging to 160 species were analyzed. The sites differing in the period of ceasing exploitation, species composition of plants and their stage of succession were chosen. The abundance and species richness of oribatid mites were generally higher on afforested sites and sites of older origin. The abundance of oribatids noted on wastelands was generally lower than in most natural or semi-natural biotopes. Surprisingly, the species richness on afforested wastelands was higher than in many natural forest biotopes. With regard to species similarity, the oribatid communities have been grouped due to localities instead of been organized due to the type of wastelands or vegetation. Correspondence analysis (CA) indicated that certain species of Oribatida preferentially occurred in a certain type of wastelands. Species characteristic of afforested new and old or unforested wastelands were distinguished. The biodiversity of oribatid fauna on galena-calamine wastelands was high with many new species for the Polish fauna ( 15). Some of them were recorded only from a few localities in the world.

New records to lichen flora and bryoflora of Wrangel Island are presented. The additions to the island cryptogam flora include 32 lichens and one lichenicolous fungus, 26 mosses and 11 liverwort species. Acarospora sinopica, Alectoria gowardii, Calogaya bryochrysion, Caloplaca cf. sibirica, Hymenelia ceracea, Porpidia ochrolemma, and Sagiolechia protuberans are new not only to the island but to the Russian Far East. Two lichen species ( Lecidea lithophila and Rinodina terrestris), as well as two liverwort taxa ( Clevea hyalina Lophoziopsis excisa var. elegans and Pseudolophozia debiliformis), are new to the Chukotka Autonomous Area. Two of the reported moss species ( Funaria arctica and Schistidium umbrosum) are extremely rare. Location data and ecological descriptions for the newly reported species are included.

Three lichenized fungal species collected from James Ross Island (eastern coast of Antarctic Peninsula): Cladonia acuminata (Ach.) Norrl., Rhizocarpon pusillum Runemark and Rhizoplaca parilis S.D. Leav., Fern.-Mend., Lumbsch, Sohrabi et St. Clair are reported from Antarctica for the first time. Detailed morphological and anatomical properties of these species along with photographes based on Antarctic specimens are provided here. In addition, the nrITS gene regions of the selected specimens are studied and the phylogenetic positions of the species are discussed. The nrITS data for Rhizocarpon pusillum is provided for the first time. According to our studies the lichen biodiversity of the Antarctic is still poorly known and molecular studies are very important in order to present the correct lichen biodiversity of Antarctica.

The paper presents the results of field studies carried out in I O chosen forest islands in a suburban area of the town of Jaworzno in the years 1995-2002. Different objects have been studied, among others: natural remnants of oak-hornbeam forest and planted pine-larch woodlots cultivated on the habitat of xerothermic grasslands. In comparison with the total nora of the town, the participation of non-synantropie species and synecological groups associated with natural habitats is much bigger. There are 24 protected species to be found, 40% of protected nora of the town. Despite their diversity, they are precious refugees of many woodland and grassland as well as meadow species occurring within the areas and in their vicinity.

Nature reserves are one of the most important measures in saving biodiversity, however, during the climate change, a real danger arises, that these territories would not be able to fulfill the objectives. In order to mitigate negative effects of climate change in protected areas it is necessary to create and apply management programs, based on future ecosystems needs. The main aim of presented study was to evaluate sensitivity of rare and vulnerable species to climate change in order to suggest measures for better management of nature reserves in the future.

According to scientific literature, 12 biological and ecological plant characteristics determining sensitivity of species (limiting factors) have been detected. 73 plant species that are protected in Lithuanian reserves were evaluated qualitatively according to limiting factors of climate change. As the result, it was offered to apply additional protection measures to 47 species in the light of climate change. Groups of plant species that should be affected highly negatively or highly positively were identified. 16% of plant species protected in nature reserves were evaluated as very sensitive to climate change and the condition of these plants may worsen. On the other hand, 14 plant species were given as least sensitive to negative effects and future climate is more favorable to species growth and spread than the existing. The highest danger is predicted for Silene chlorantha (Willd.) Ehrh., and the best condition is predicted for Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soó.

The study also gives recommendations for the protection of rare plants in the future. Different management measures are taken into account: mitigation of the direct effect of climate change (I), improvement of an existing level of rareness (II), respecting the relation to physical and biological environment (III), consideration of spread and geographical limits (IV). Three management intensity levels were suggested according to species sensitivity.

There is a need for quality control of wastewater introduced into drainage systems. Physical and chemical analyses of wastewater inform only about the situation existing at the moment of sampling. The analysis based on bioindication methods allows to evaluate the existing state before sampling and so to recognize a drop of excessive loads or harmful substances for activated sludge. This refers to the moment preceding the sample taking at least by the generation time of the species with the lowest reproduction rate. For these reasons, the possibility of using microfauna representatives (feeding on organic pollutions) for bioindication was evaluated. The estimation was made of the usefulness of indicator species from the Kolkwitz-Marssori system, the Shannon-Wiener index based on species abundance and the latter based on abundances of morphological-functional organism groups. The study results showed that the ShannonWiener index calculated for morphological-functional groups (easiest to determine) was accurate enough for bioindication.