Environmental characteristics are often the factors that determine the distribution of species in nature. However, species response vis-A-vis these factors differs. For a better understanding of the phenomenon, we hav...Environmental characteristics are often the factors that determine the distribution of species in nature. However, species response vis-A-vis these factors differs. For a better understanding of the phenomenon, we have conducted this study which consists of following the spatio-temporal evolution of two species of Oribatida （Scheloribates sp. and Galumna sp.）. The sites which have been the subject of this study, are situated in different bioclimatic zones presenting a very different climatic, edaphic, nutritional, and altitudinal characteristics. The variability of ecological factors showed that the behavior of two species differs. Indeed, Scheloribates sp. is present in all sites except in Biskra whereas Galumna sp. is present only in sites belonging to humid and sub humid bioclimatic zones. Moreover, Scheloribates sp. appears more tolerant of environmental changes while Galumna sp. is more stringent and its presence is marked only in the sites where ecological conditions are better. Thus, it can be noted that the spatial and temporal distribution of oribatid is not only conditioned solely by environmental factors but also by intrinsic factors specific to each species. The specific behavior of Galumna sp. and the tolerance of Scheloribates sp. are interesting and can be the subject of bioindicator species that can inform us about the changes that effect whether natural or anthropogenic environment.展开更多
Microbial activity in soil is known to be controlled by various factors. However, the operating mechanisms have not yet been clearly identified, particularly under climate change conditions, although they are crucial ...Microbial activity in soil is known to be controlled by various factors. However, the operating mechanisms have not yet been clearly identified, particularly under climate change conditions, although they are crucial for understanding carbon dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, a natural incubation experiment was carried out using intact soil cores transferred from high altitude(1 500 m) to low(900 m) altitude to mimic climate change scenarios in a typical cold-temperate mountainous area in Japan. Soil microbial activities, indicated by substrate-induced respiration(SIR) and metabolic quotient(q CO2), together with soil physicalchemical properties(abiotic factors) and soil functional enzyme and microbial properties(biotic factors), were investigated throughout the growing season in 2013. Results of principal component analysis(PCA) indicated that soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC) andβ-glucosidase activity were the most important factors characterizing the responses of soil microbes to global warming. Although there was a statistical difference of 2.82 ℃ between the two altitudes, such variations in soil physical-chemical properties did not show any remarkable effect on soil microbial activities, suggesting that they might indirectly impact carbon dynamics through biotic factors such as soil functional enzymes. It was also found that the biotic factors mainly controlled soil microbial activities at elevated temperature,which might trigger the inner soil dynamics to respond to the changing environment. Future studies should hence take more biotic variables into account for accurately projecting the responses of soil metabolic activities to climate change.展开更多
文摘Environmental characteristics are often the factors that determine the distribution of species in nature. However, species response vis-A-vis these factors differs. For a better understanding of the phenomenon, we have conducted this study which consists of following the spatio-temporal evolution of two species of Oribatida （Scheloribates sp. and Galumna sp.）. The sites which have been the subject of this study, are situated in different bioclimatic zones presenting a very different climatic, edaphic, nutritional, and altitudinal characteristics. The variability of ecological factors showed that the behavior of two species differs. Indeed, Scheloribates sp. is present in all sites except in Biskra whereas Galumna sp. is present only in sites belonging to humid and sub humid bioclimatic zones. Moreover, Scheloribates sp. appears more tolerant of environmental changes while Galumna sp. is more stringent and its presence is marked only in the sites where ecological conditions are better. Thus, it can be noted that the spatial and temporal distribution of oribatid is not only conditioned solely by environmental factors but also by intrinsic factors specific to each species. The specific behavior of Galumna sp. and the tolerance of Scheloribates sp. are interesting and can be the subject of bioindicator species that can inform us about the changes that effect whether natural or anthropogenic environment.
基金Supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency(JST)Environmental Leadership Program(No.016100012)
文摘Microbial activity in soil is known to be controlled by various factors. However, the operating mechanisms have not yet been clearly identified, particularly under climate change conditions, although they are crucial for understanding carbon dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, a natural incubation experiment was carried out using intact soil cores transferred from high altitude(1 500 m) to low(900 m) altitude to mimic climate change scenarios in a typical cold-temperate mountainous area in Japan. Soil microbial activities, indicated by substrate-induced respiration(SIR) and metabolic quotient(q CO2), together with soil physicalchemical properties(abiotic factors) and soil functional enzyme and microbial properties(biotic factors), were investigated throughout the growing season in 2013. Results of principal component analysis(PCA) indicated that soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC) andβ-glucosidase activity were the most important factors characterizing the responses of soil microbes to global warming. Although there was a statistical difference of 2.82 ℃ between the two altitudes, such variations in soil physical-chemical properties did not show any remarkable effect on soil microbial activities, suggesting that they might indirectly impact carbon dynamics through biotic factors such as soil functional enzymes. It was also found that the biotic factors mainly controlled soil microbial activities at elevated temperature,which might trigger the inner soil dynamics to respond to the changing environment. Future studies should hence take more biotic variables into account for accurately projecting the responses of soil metabolic activities to climate change.
