DOCSLIB.ORG

Scaling of the Hydrostatic Skeleton in the Earthworm Lumbricus Terrestris

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Scaling of the Hydrostatic Skeleton in the Earthworm Lumbricus Terrestris © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd | The Journal of Experimental Biology (2014) 217, 1860-1867 doi:10.1242/jeb.098137 RESEARCH ARTICLE Scaling of the hydrostatic skeleton in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris Jessica A. Kurth* and William M. Kier ABSTRACT Many soft-bodied organisms or parts of organisms (e.g. terrestrial The structural and functional consequences of changes in size or and marine worms, cnidarians, echinoderms, bivalves, gastropods scale have been well studied in animals with rigid skeletons, but and nematodes) possess a hydrostatic skeleton. Hydrostatic relatively little is known about scale effects in animals with hydrostatic skeletons are characterized by a liquid-filled internal cavity skeletons. We used glycol methacrylate histology and microscopy to surrounded by a muscular body wall (Kier, 2012). Because liquids examine the scaling of mechanically important morphological features resist changes in volume, muscular contraction does not of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris over an ontogenetic size range significantly compress the fluid, and the resulting increase in internal from 0.03 to 12.89 g. We found that L. terrestris becomes pressure allows for support, muscular antagonism, mechanical disproportionately longer and thinner as it grows. This increase in the amplification and force transmission (Chapman, 1950; Chapman, length to diameter ratio with size means that, when normalized for 1958; Alexander, 1995; Kier, 2012). mass, adult worms gain ~117% mechanical advantage during radial Animals supported by hydrostatic skeletons range in size from a expansion, compared with hatchling worms. We also found that the few millimeters (e.g. nematodes) to several meters in length (e.g. cross-sectional area of the longitudinal musculature scales as body earthworms), yet little is known about scale effects on their form and mass to the ~0.6 power across segments, which is significantly lower function. Indeed, many individual cephalopods, which rely on a type than the 0.66 power predicted by isometry. The cross-sectional area of hydrostatic skeleton termed a muscular hydrostat, may grow of the circular musculature, however, scales as body mass to the through this entire size range and larger. In addition, many of these ~0.8 power across segments, which is significantly higher than animals burrow, and the scaling of burrowing mechanics is also predicted by isometry. By modeling the interaction of muscle cross- poorly understood compared with other forms of locomotion. We sectional area and mechanical advantage, we calculate that the force also know little about the effects of the physical properties of the output generated during both circular and longitudinal muscle soil on burrowing organisms, or how changes in body size impact contraction scales near isometry. We hypothesize that the allometric soil–animal interactions. Further, this work is of interest because scaling of earthworms may reflect changes in soil properties and these animals are taxonomically diverse, they live in many burrowing mechanics with size. environments, and are ecologically and economically important in bioturbation, ecosystem engineering and soil maintenance. Human- KEY WORDS: Scaling, Allometry, Ontogeny, Annelid, Burrowing induced changes in soil properties from chemicals and heavy machinery could impose size-dependent effects on burrowers that INTRODUCTION can only be predicted by understanding the scaling of the Body size plays a pivotal role in the structure and function of all morphology and mechanics of burrowers. Finally, this research may organisms. Size affects how an organism interacts with its provide insights useful for the design of biomimetic soft robots for environment as well as the processes needed for survival (Vogel, surface locomotion and for burrowing (e.g. Trimmer, 2008; Trivedi 1988). Size also imposes physical constraints on organisms, with et al., 2008; Daltorio et al., 2013). fundamental effects on organismal design (Schmidt-Nielsen, 1997). Previous research on scaling in soft-bodied animals has provided A range of important traits change as a function of body size, a foundation for our understanding of the scaling of hydrostatic including: geometry, metabolic rate, kinematics, mechanics and even skeletons (Piearce, 1983; Quillin, 1998; Quillin, 1999; Quillin, 2000; lifespan. As a consequence, almost every facet of an organism’s life Che and Dorgan, 2010; Lin et al., 2011). A number of important may be influenced by its size, including its physiology, morphology, issues remain unexplored, however. Prior studies did not sample the ecology and biomechanics (Schmidt-Nielsen, 1984; Quillin, 1999; smallest specimens in the size range, and were unable to measure Vogel, 2013; Biewener, 2005; Hill et al., 2012). Scaling, the changes several mechanically relevant aspects of the morphology (e.g. in form and function due body size, has been studied primarily in circular muscle cross-sectional area) (Quillin, 1998; Quillin, 2000). the vertebrates and in some arthropods (e.g. Schmidt-Nielsen, 1997; The results of several previous studies were also contradictory. Biewener, 2005; Nudds, 2007; Chi and Roth, 2010). The effects of Some experiments indicate that the hydrostatic skeleton maintains scaling on soft-bodied animals have, however, received relatively geometric and kinematic similarity with change in body size (e.g. little attention. The aim of this study was to use histological and Quillin, 1998; Quillin, 1999), while others suggest disproportionate microscopic techniques to examine the effects of size and scale on scaling in both shape and force production (e.g. Piearce, 1983; components of the hydrostatic skeleton of an iconic soft-bodied Quillin, 2000). In addition, many hypotheses on the scaling of the animal, the earthworm. hydrostatic skeleton have not yet been tested, including possible size-dependent changes in muscle stress, muscle cross-sectional Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. area, skeletal leverage, burrowing kinematics, respiration and soil properties (Piearce, 1983; Quillin, 2000). *Author for correspondence ([email protected]) In this study, we investigated the scaling of functionally relevant Received 15 October 2013; Accepted 11 February 2014 aspects of hydrostatic skeleton morphology, using an ontogenetic The Journal of Experimental Biology 1860 RESEARCH ARTICLE The Journal of Experimental Biology (2014) doi:10.1242/jeb.098137 Table 1. Definition of variables used and their isometric scaling List of symbols and abbreviations exponents A muscle cross-sectional area b scaling exponent Isometric scaling Symbol Variable exponent (b ) bo isometric scaling exponent o amech mechanical advantage V Volume αM C projected coelomic area M Body mass αV D diameter L Body length αM1/3 L body length D Diameter αM1/3 M body mass A Cross-sectional muscle area αM2/3 OLS ordinary least squares C Projected coelomic area αM2/3 Pm pressure due to muscle contraction 0 Pm Pressure due to muscle contraction αM RMA reduced major axis 0 σm Muscle stress αM V volume F Force output to environment αM2/3 σm isometric muscle stress size range of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris Linnaeus 1758. diverse and include, for example, burrowing mechanics, internal The results provide new insights into the effects of scale on hydrostatic pressure, respiration, heat exchange, evaporation, hydrostatic skeletons and allow us to make testable predictions predation, competition and fecundity. about the implications of body size for distance and mechanical advantage, force output and internal pressure production. Scaling of linear dimensions The scaling of the linear dimensions and muscle cross-sectional areas The hydrostatic skeleton of Lumbricus terrestris have important implications for the mechanics of the organism, Earthworms have a segmented hydrostatic skeleton. In L. terrestris, including its kinematics, force production, mechanical advantage and the number of segments remains constant during development internal coelomic pressure. For hydrostatic skeletons, a change in the (Piearce, 1983; Quillin, 1998). Each segment contains coelomic length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio affects the leverage provided by the fluid that is largely isolated from the fluid of adjacent segments by skeletal support system. This can be understood by first referring to muscular septae, allowing segments to act as essentially independent animals with rigid skeletons in which levers may amplify force (force hydraulic units (Seymour, 1969). Two orientations of muscle fibres, output > force input from muscle contraction and thus positive circular and longitudinal, are present. The circular fibres act to mechanical advantage) or amplify distance (distance output > distance radially thin the worm and elongate it, while the longitudinal fibres input from muscle contraction and thus positive distance advantage) shorten the worm and cause radial expansion. Earthworms crawl and (Kier and Smith, 1985; Vogel, 1988). Mechanical advantage and burrow using alternating waves of circular muscle and longitudinal distance advantage are reciprocal. Although cylindrical hydrostatic muscle contraction that pass from anterior to posterior down the skeletons lack rigid levers, they still allow mechanical advantage or length of the body and typically involve ~30 segments (Gray and distance advantage, depending on the orientation of the musculature Lissman, 1938; Sims and Gerard, 1985). When the circular muscles in question
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Effect of Invasive Earthworm Lumbricus Terrestris on The
    The Effect of Invasive Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris on the Distribution of Nitrogen in Soil Profile Sarah Adelson, Christine Doman, Gillian Golembiewski, Luke Middleton University of Michigan Biological Station, Spring 2009 Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if Lumbricus terrestris, an invasive earthworm in Northern Michigan, is redistributing nitrogen from the organic soil layer to the deeper, mineral soil layer. L. terrestris burrow 2 meters vertically into the ground and emerge to feed on freshly fallen leaf litter. The study included collecting of L. terrestris in 16 0.5 m square plots by method of electro-shock. Soil cores from a depth of 0-5 and 30-40 cm as well as leaf litter were taken from each plot to determine nitrogen content and nitrogen isotope ratios. Data analysis resulted in no significance between plots with earthworms and without earthworms in both nitrogen, N, isotope ratios and N content. Plots with L. terrestris showed no difference between the organic and mineral soil layer. This result suggests that L. terrestris are homogenizing soil layers. However, smaller than ideal sample sizes limit interpretive capacity of the results. Further research needs to be completed to confirm these perceived trends. The analysis of nitrogen isotope ratios suggest that there is another source of 15N other than leaf litter and L. terrestris that is contributing to soil composition and therefore the contribution of each was not conclusively determined. Introduction Invasion of an exotic species into an ecosystem is one of the leading threats to biologically diverse ecosystems throughout the world. Exotic species are initially introduced as a solution for food, farming, aesthetic purposes, or even accidentally.
    [Show full text]
  • (Title of the Thesis)*
    Rethinking restoration ecology of tallgrass prairie: considering belowground components of tallgrass restoration in southern Ontario by Heather Anne Cray A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Ecological Sustainability Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2019 ©Heather Anne Cray 2019 Examining Committee Membership The following served on the Examining Committee for this thesis. The decision of the Examining Committee is by majority vote. External Examiner Dr. Andrew MacDougall Associate Professor, Guelph University Supervisor(s) Dr. Stephen Murphy Professor & Director, University of Waterloo Internal Member Dr. Andrew Trant Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo Internal-external Member Dr. Rebecca Rooney Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo Other Member(s) Dr. Greg Thorn Associate Professor, Western University ii Author's Declaration This thesis consists of material all of which I authored or co-authored: see Statement of Contributions included in the thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. iii Statement of Contributions This thesis contains five chapters that are collaborative efforts of multiple researchers that will be submitted into peer-reviewed journals. Heather Cray is first author on all contributing papers and therefore was responsible for the development, data collection, data analysis and preparation of each of the manuscripts found in this dissertation. The written portions of all manuscripts, including figures and tables, were completed in their entirety by Heather Cray and edited for content and composition by thesis supervisor Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • New Zealand Flatworm
    www.nonnativespecies.org Produced by Max Wade, Vicky Ames and Kelly McKee of RPS New Zealand Flatworm Species Description Scientific name: Arthurdendyus triangulatus AKA: Artioposthia triangulata Native to: New Zealand Habitat: Gardens, nurseries, garden centres, parks, pasture and on wasteland This flatworm is very distinctive with a dark, purplish-brown upper surface with a narrow, pale buff spotted edge and pale buff underside. Many tiny eyes. Pointed at both ends, and ribbon-flat. A mature flatworm at rest is about 1 cm wide and 6 cm long but when extended can be 20 cm long and proportionally narrower. When resting, it is coiled and covered in mucus. It probably arrived in the UK during the 1960s, with specimen plants sent from New Zealand to a botanic garden. It was only found occasionally for many years, but by the early 1990s there were repeated findings in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Native to New Zealand, the flatworm is found in shady, wooded areas. Open, sunny pasture land is too hot and dry with temperatures over 20°C quickly lethal to it. New Zealand flatworms prey on earthworms, posing a potential threat to native earthworm populations. Further spread could have an impact on wild- life species dependent on earthworms (e.g. Badgers, Moles) and could have a localised deleterious effect on soil structure. For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation. Key ID Features Underside pale buff Ribbon flat Leaves a slime trail Pointed at Numerous both ends tiny eyes 60 - 200 mm long; 10 mm wide Upper surface dark, purplish-brown with a narrow, pale buff edge Completely smooth body surface Forms coils when at rest Identification throughout the year Distribution Egg capsules are laid mainly in spring but can be found all year round.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Functions of Earthworms in Soil
    Ecological functions of earthworms in soil Walter S. Andriuzzi Thesis committee Promotors Prof. Dr L. Brussaard Professor of Soil Biology and Biological Soil Quality Wageningen University Prof. Dr T. Bolger Professor of Zoology University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland Co-promotors Dr O. Schmidt Senior Lecturer University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland Dr J.H. Faber Senior Researcher and Team leader Alterra Other members Prof. Dr W.H. van der Putten, Wageningen University Prof. Dr J. Filser, University of Bremen, Germany Dr V. Nuutinen, Agrifood Research Finland, Jokioinen, Finland Dr P. Murphy, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland This research was conducted under the auspices of University College Dublin and the C. T. De Wit Graduate School for Production Ecology and Resource Conservation following a Co-Tutelle Agreement between University College Dublin and Wageningen University. Ecological functions of earthworms in soil Walter S. Andriuzzi Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of doctor at Wageningen University by the authority of the Rector Magnificus Prof. Dr A.P.J. Mol, in the presence of the Thesis Committee appointed by the Academic Board to be defended in public on Monday 31 August 2015 at 4 p.m. in the Aula. Walter S. Andriuzzi Ecological functions of earthworms in soil 154 pages. PhD thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, NL (2015) With references, with summary in English ISBN 978-94-6257-417-5 Abstract Earthworms are known to play an important role in soil structure and fertility, but there are still big knowledge gaps on the functional ecology of distinct earthworm species, on their own and in interaction with other species.
    [Show full text]
  • Decomposer Diversity and Identity Influence Plant Diversity Effects On
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy Ecology, 93(10), 2012, pp. 2227–2240 Ó 2012 by the Ecological Society of America Decomposer diversity and identity influence plant diversity effects on ecosystem functioning 1,2,5 1,3 4 NICO EISENHAUER, PETER B. REICH, AND FOREST ISBELL 1Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 USA 2Technische Universita¨tMu¨nchen, Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, 85354 Freising, Germany 3Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales 2751 Australia 4Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 USA Abstract. Plant productivity and other ecosystem functions often increase with plant diversity at a local scale. Alongside various plant-centered explanations for this pattern, there is accumulating evidence that multi-trophic interactions shape this relationship. Here, we investigated for the first time if plant diversity effects on ecosystem functioning are mediated or driven by decomposer animal diversity and identity using a double-diversity microcosm experiment. We show that many ecosystem processes and ecosystem multifunctionality (herbaceous shoot biomass production, litter removal, and N uptake) were affected by both plant and decomposer diversity, with ecosystem process rates often being maximal at intermediate to high plant and decomposer diversity and minimal at both low plant and
    [Show full text]
  • Earthworms in Vermont Forest Soils: a Study of Nutrient, Carbon, Nitrogen and Native Plant Responses Ryan Melnichuk University of Vermont
    University of Vermont ScholarWorks @ UVM Graduate College Dissertations and Theses Dissertations and Theses 2016 Earthworms In Vermont Forest Soils: A Study Of Nutrient, Carbon, Nitrogen And Native Plant Responses Ryan Melnichuk University of Vermont Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis Part of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Plant Sciences Commons, and the Soil Science Commons Recommended Citation Melnichuk, Ryan, "Earthworms In Vermont Forest Soils: A Study Of Nutrient, Carbon, Nitrogen And Native Plant Responses" (2016). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 573. https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/573 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Dissertations and Theses at ScholarWorks @ UVM. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate College Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ UVM. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EARTHWORMS IN VERMONT FOREST SOILS: A STUDY OF NUTRIENT, CARBON, NITROGEN AND NATIVE PLANT RESPONSES A Dissertation Presented by Ryan Dustin Scott Melnichuk to The Faculty of the Graduate College of The University of Vermont In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Specializing in Plant and Soil Science May, 2016 Defense Date: October 29, 2015 Dissertation Examination Committee: Josef H. Görres, Ph.D., Advisor Alison K. Brody, Ph.D., Chairperson Deborah A. Neher, Ph.D. Donald S. Ross, Ph.D. Cynthia J. Forehand, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate College ABSTRACT Anthropogenic activities surrounding horticulture, agriculture and recreation have increased dispersal of invasive earthworms. The introduction of earthworms initiates many physical and chemical alterations in forest soils previously unoccupied by earthworms.
    [Show full text]
  • Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science
    Burrows and Oscillative Behavior Therein of Lumbricus terrestris James W. Joyner and N. Paul Harmon, Earlham College 1 Introduction Our paper is presented as a contribution to the knowledge of the annelid worm Lumbricus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758 (part) Miiller 1774 (part). This large peregrine earthworm was an accessory to the importa- tion of plants from Europe by our colonists and has become widely estab- lished (3, 6, 7, 8, 9). There has been no complete study of the life history, ecology and behavior of L. terrestris though Darwin (1) and others (4) have made significant contributions. While it is not the purpose of this paper to detail any behavior but oscillative activity in the burrow, it is pertinent to this report that L. terrestris performs certain basic burrowing, feeding and reproductive activities which differ from those of other Lumbricidae found in associa- tion with them. The latter seldom leave the earth and are inclined to feed on the organic fraction of the soil. Incidentally, many species of worms, including L. terrestris, willingly forsake the soil to take up residence in suitable concentrations of organic waste such as leaves or compost, but since such concentrations are atypical the phenomena will be noted only in passing. The burrows of L. terrestris open directly to the surface of the soil and at night the worm extends its body from it in search of food which, if found, is grasped in the mouth and drawn back to the burrow opening where it remains until consumed. In some cases such a large amount of food is accumulated around a burrow opening that the name "earthworm midden" has been applied to it.
    [Show full text]
  • Chemesthesis in the Earthworm, Lumbricus Terrestris: the Search for Trp Channels
    CHEMESTHESIS IN THE EARTHWORM, LUMBRICUS TERRESTRIS: THE SEARCH FOR TRP CHANNELS BY ALBERT H. KIM A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Biology May 2016 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Approved By: Wayne L. Silver, Ph.D., Advisor Pat Lord, Ph.D., Chair Erik Johnson, Ph.D. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Wayne Silver for being the greatest advisor anyone can wish for. Dr. Silver went beyond his duty as an advisor and mentored me in life. He gave me a chance to pursue my dream with continuous support and encouragement. I have learned so much from Dr. Silver and I am forever indebted to him for his generosity. I would like to thank Dr. Erik Johnson for answering countless questions I had and being patient with me. I would like to thank Dr. Pat Lord for her kindness and being supportive in my endeavor. I would like to thank Dr. Manju Bhat of Winston-Salem State University for helping me with cell dissociation/calcium imaging. I would like to thank Victoria Elliott and Riley Jay for the SEM images. Furthermore, I would like to thank Sam Kim, Kijana George, Ochan Kwon, Jake Springer and Kemi Balogun for the T-maze data. Finally, I would like to thank my parents and my sister. I would not have made it to this point without the unconditional love and support you gave me, for that I will always be grateful.
    [Show full text]
  • Risk Analysis for Plants As Pests (Weeds) for Ambrosia Trifida
    Risk analysis for plants as pests for Ambrosia trifida Risk analysis for plants as pests for Ambrosia trifida Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), 2018 Risk analysis for plants as pests for Ambrosia trifida by IICA is published under license Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO (CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo/) Based on a work at www.iica.int IICA encourages the fair use of this document. Proper citation is requested. This publication is available in electronic (PDF) format from the Institute’s Web site: http://www.iica.int Editorial coordination: Lourdes Fonalleras and Florencia Sanz Translator: Alec McClay Layout: Esteban Grille Cover design: Esteban Grille Digital printing Risk analysis for plants as pests for Ambrosia trifida / Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Comité Regional de Sanidad Vegetal del Cono Sur; Alec McClay. – Uruguay : IICA, 2018. 26 p.; A4 21 cm X 29,7 cm. ISBN: 978-92-9248-811-6 Published also in Spanish and Portuguese 1. Asteraceae 2. Ambrosia 3. Phytosanitary measures 4. Pests of plants 5. Risk management 6. Pest monitoring 7. Weeds I. IICA II. COSAVE III. Title AGRIS DEWEY H10 632.5 Montevideo, Uruguay - 2018 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Guidelines of procedures for risk assessment of plants as pests (weeds) has been applied for the development of two case studies: Hydrocotyle batrachium and Ambrosia trífida. This products was a result of the component aimed to build technical capacity in the region to use a Pest Risk Analysis process with emphasis on the assessment of Plants as Pests (weeds) in the framework of STDF / PG / 502 Project “COSAVE: Regional Strengthening of the Implementation of Phytosanitary Measures and Market Access”.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Relationships Between Earthworms and Soil Abiotic and Biotic Factors As a Tool in Sustainable Agricultural
    sustainability Article Assessment of Relationships between Earthworms and Soil Abiotic and Biotic Factors as a Tool in Sustainable Agricultural Radoslava Kanianska 1,*, Jana Jad’ud’ová 1, Jarmila Makovníková 2 and Miriam Kizeková 3 1 Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, Banská Bystrica 97401, Slovakia; [email protected] 2 National Agricultural and Food Centre—Soil Science and Conservation Research Institute Bratislava, Regional Station Banská Bystrica, Mládežnícka 36, Banská Bystrica 97421, Slovakia; [email protected] 3 National Agricultural and Food Centre—Grassland and Mountain Agriculture Research Institute, Mládežnícka 36, Banská Bystrica 97421, Slovakia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +421-48-446-5807 Academic Editor: Marc A. Rosen Received: 13 June 2016; Accepted: 2 September 2016; Published: 7 September 2016 Abstract: Earthworms are a major component of soil fauna communities. They influence soil chemical, biological, and physical processes and vice versa, their abundance and diversity are influenced by natural characteristics or land management practices. There is need to establish their characteristics and relations. In this study earthworm density (ED), body biomass (EB), and diversity in relation to land use (arable land—AL, permanent grasslands—PG), management, and selected abiotic (soil chemical, physical, climate related) and biotic (arthropod density and biomass, ground beetle density, carabid density) indicators were analysed at seven different study sites in Slovakia. On average, the density of earthworms was nearly twice as high in PG compared to AL. Among five soil types used as arable land, Fluvisols created the most suitable conditions for earthworm abundance and biomass. We recorded a significant correlation between ED, EB and soil moisture in arable land.
    [Show full text]
  • Development of Risk Assessments to Tackle Priority Species and Enhance Prevention
    Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of Risk Assessments: Final Report (year 1) - Annex 10: Risk assessment for Arthurdendyus triangulatus Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention Contract No 07.0202/2016/740982/ETU/ENV.D2 Final Report Annex 10: Risk Assessment for Arthurdendyus triangulatus (Dendy, 1894) (Jones & Gerard, 1999) November 2017 1 Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of Risk Assessments: Final Report (year 1) - Annex 10: Risk assessment for Arthurdendyus triangulatus Risk assessment template developed under the "Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention" Contract No 07.0202/2016/740982/ETU/ENV.D2 Based on the Risk Assessment Scheme developed by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB Non-Native Risk Assessment - GBNNRA) Name of organism: New Zealand flatworm Arthurdendyus triangulatus Author(s) of the assessment: Archie K. Murchie, Dr, Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute, Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK) Risk Assessment Area: The territory of the European Union (excluding the outermost regions) Peer review 1: Wolfgang Rabbitch Umweltbundesamt, Vienna, AUSTRIA Peer review 2: Jørgen Eilenberg, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DENMARK Peer review 3: Brian Boag, Dr, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie Dundee, Scotland, UK. Peer review 4: Robert Tanner, Dr, European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO/OEPP), PARIS, FRANCE This risk assessment
    [Show full text]
  • Lumbricus Terrestris L. Distribution Within an Experimental Humus Mosaic in a Mountain Spruce Forest Nicolas Bernier, Jean-François Ponge
    Lumbricus terrestris L. distribution within an experimental humus mosaic in a mountain spruce forest Nicolas Bernier, Jean-François Ponge To cite this version: Nicolas Bernier, Jean-François Ponge. Lumbricus terrestris L. distribution within an experimental humus mosaic in a mountain spruce forest. Biology and Fertility of Soils, Springer Verlag, 1998, 28 (1), pp.81-86. 10.1007/s003740050466. hal-00505429 HAL Id: hal-00505429 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00505429 Submitted on 30 Aug 2010 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. 1 Lumbricus terrestris L. distribution within an experimental humus mosaic in a mountain spruce forest N. Bernier · J.-F. Ponge Abstract An experiment was designed at a mountain site to study the distribution of adult Lumbricus terrestris in relation to a small-scale mosaic of humus forms representative of different stages of a spruce forest eco- system. Good agreement was found between distribution in the mosaic and that in the field. ANOVA tests demonstrated the strong influence of humus form on earthworm abundance when comparing a vermimull (high earthworm burrowing activity) taken from a spruce regeneration site (61.8 individuals m-2) with a leptomoder (no earthworm burrowing activity) taken from a 60-year-old spruce stand (6.2 individuals m-2).
    [Show full text]