Capillarity and Wetting Phenomena: Drops, Bubbles, Pearls, Waves

/pdf/the-dance-language-and-orientation-of-bees-3jdlph0pp0.pdf

The Dance Language and Orientation of Bees

Book Review: 1992. Life in Amber

Human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC; e.g., climate change or exotic species) has caused global species declines. Although behavioral plasticity has buffered some species against HIREC, maladaptive behavioral scenarios called 'evolutionary traps' are increasingly common, threatening the persistence of affected species. Here, we review examples of evolutionary traps to identify their anthropogenic causes, behavioral mechanisms, and evolutionary bases, and to better forecast forms of HIREC liable to trigger traps. We summarize a conceptual framework for explaining the susceptibility of animals to traps that integrates the cost-benefit approach of standard behavioral ecology with an evolutionary approach (reaction norms) to understanding cue-response systems (signal detection). Finally, we suggest that a significant revision of conceptual thinking in wildlife conservation and management is needed to effectively eliminate and mitigate evolutionary traps.

https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/pdf/S0169-5347(13)00106-7.pdf

Ecological novelty and the emergence of evolutionary traps.

This literature review identifies the impacts of different renewable energy pathways on ecosystems and biodiversity, and the implications of these impacts for transitioning to a Green Economy. While the higher penetration of renewable energy is currently the backbone of Green Economy efforts, an emerging body of literature demonstrates that the renewable energy sector can affect ecosystems and biodiversity. The current review synthesizes the existing knowledge at the interface of renewable energy and biodiversity accross the five drivers of ecosystem change and biodiversity loss of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) framework (i.e. habitat loss/change, pollution, overexploitation, climate change and introduction of invasive species). It identifies the main impact mechanisms for different renewable energy pathways, including solar, wind, hydro, ocean, geothermal and bioenergy. Our review demonstrates that while all reviewed renewable energy pathways are associated (directly or indirectly) with each of the five MA drivers of ecosystem change and biodiversity loss, the actual impact mechanisms depend significantly between the different pathways, specific technologies and the environmental contexts within which they operate. With this review we do not question the fundamental logic of renewable energy expansion as it has been shown to have high environmental and socio-economic benefits. However, we want to make the point that some negative impacts on biodiversity do exist, and need to be considered when developing renewable energy policies. We put these findings into perspective by illustrating the major knowledge/practices gaps and policy implications at the interface of renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and the Green Economy.

/pdf/renewable-energy-and-biodiversity-implications-for-2f0jeudbjt.pdf

Renewable energy and biodiversity: Implications for transitioning to a Green Economy

https://arago.elte.hu/sites/default/files/VikingTwilightBoard_ProcA.pdf

fragmentnew interpretation of the Uunartoq artefact sunstones before and after sunset? Twilight board How could the Viking Sun compass be used with

Blood-seeking horseflies prefer vessel-imitating temperature gradients on host-mimicking targets: experimental corroboration of a new explanation of the visual unattractiveness of zebras to tabanids.

Abstract The brown marmorated stink bug ( Halyomorpha halys ) is an invasive pest insect species, which was recently introduced from Asia to America and then to Europe. Besides causing serious damage in agriculture, this species also represents a source of intense annoyance for humans in residential areas, because large amounts of individuals can aggregate on buildings while seeking shelter before overwintering. Taking into account the need for pesticide-free pest management methods, for example light trapping , we measured the spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes of H. halys with electroretinography (ERG). In behavioural experiments, we also quantified the attraction of H. halys to 14 quasi-monochromatic light stimuli in the 368–743 nm spectral range. The dark-adapted compound eyes were mostly sensitive to the green range, but a minor sensitivity peak in the UV region was also identified. Recordings on chromatic-adapted eye preparations unequivocally revealed the presence of only a green- and a UV-sensitive photoreceptor type, with sensitivity maxima at 519 nm and 367 nm, respectively. No sign of any blue-sensitive receptor was detected, and thus only a receptor set allowing dichromatic vision was found. Based on the results of the behavioural experiments, we established that the attraction of H. halys to light is increasing with decreasing wavelength, and thus we emphasize the importance of short wavelength lights (368–455 nm) when phototactic attraction of H. halys is the aim. 

/pdf/dichromacy-in-the-brown-marmorated-stink-bug-spectral-2o9d43n2.pdf

Ádám Egri

Papers

fragmentnew interpretation of the Uunartoq artefact sunstones before and after sunset? Twilight board How could the Viking Sun compass be used with

Blood-seeking horseflies prefer vessel-imitating temperature gradients on host-mimicking targets: experimental corroboration of a new explanation of the visual unattractiveness of zebras to tabanids.

Dichromacy in the brown marmorated stink bug? Spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes and phototaxis of Halyomorpha halys

Filter feeding in the mysid crustacean Limnomysis benedeni: Evidence of the maxillary pump and the ventral filtration current