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Cluster-based approach for identifying avian life-history groups for use in ecological monitoring

Tworek Stanisław

Polish Journal of Ecology

2007

Vol. 55, nr 1

139-153

Almost 'since ever' ecologists have made attempts at the generalization of various site-specific, species-specific and time-specific situations, including different classifications of species, based on different principles and prepared for different purposes. This paper, presenting a conceptual model for selecting species of similar life-history pattern to other species and providing an example using birds as a model system, represents that current in the ecology. Ali bird species regarded as nesting in a given area of the mosaic landscape in southern Poland were described with respect to nine variables (nest type, nest location, food habits, place and way of foraging, migration status, number of broods, clutch size, incubation and fledging periods), grouped into 43 categories. Cluster analysis was then used to distinguish objectively species displaying similar life history traits and environmental adaptations into unique life-history 'strategies'. The results of an exemplary analysis of variability in the density, domination, number of species and turnover rate in particular strategies, depending on the size of study plots, their structure, degree of isolation and the characteristic features of their surroundings, using regression and canonical correlation techniques, indicate the suitability of this approach to testing detailed hypotheses connected e.g. with studies on the response of species to different habitat conditions. The methods applied allow one to distinguish, in an objective way, the groups of species displaying similarities with respect to life history traits and environmental adaptations, in spite of the fact that the method of describing variables in cluster analysis may determine a different allocation of species to groups. A model, as described, could allow conservation principles to be developed for species of similar distribution, ecological feature or life history; especially for those species which face with population declines and for which no previous patterns have been established.

Daphnia: model herbivore, predator and prey

Lampert Winfried

Polish Journal of Ecology

2006

Vol. 54, nr 4

607-620

In the past 30 years, Daphnia has become a model organism in aquatic ecology. I review the changing concepts and paradigms in plankton ecology as reflected in the work on Daphnia. The availability of radiotracers favoured a new physiological approach that resulted in better energetic models and more reliable estimates of filtering rates. This led to deeper insights into the role of herbivore grazing on phytoplankton and microbial communities, and nutrient recycling. It provided a conceptual basis for general hypotheses on predictable seasonal successions (e.g. the PEG model). On the other hand, increasing knowledge about selective predation on zooplankton triggered population dynamic models and gave explanations for changing community structures. The Size-Efficiency-Hypothesis generated a framework for studies on trade-offs between competitive ability and susceptibility to predation. Daphnia was now in the centre of interaction-based concepts, being predator and prey at the same time. It was the backbone of practical applications of the theory in food-web manipulations. When ultimate factors came into the focus, Daphnia played an important role in explaining striking phenomena like diel vertical migration and cyclomorphosis. Its central position in food-webs, the unique propagation mode, easy cultivation and accessibility by molecular genetic methods made it a favourite object for studies in evolutionary ecology, concerning local adaptation, evolution of defences and life histories, induced phenotypic change, and genetic diversity. The large advantage of Daphnia over other biological model organisms is that its importance in pelagic freshwater systems is undoubtedly known. Hence there is a direct way of applying the results to ecological systems.