Showing papers on "Biotic component published in 1978"

Principal-Components and Factor Analysis for the Description of Microbial Populations

Abstract: The ecosystem ecologist and the population ecologist often set out to describe the structure and function of an ecosystem or of a population. The biotic structure is given by a description of the species present and their abundance, while the function of the biotic component of the ecosystem calls for a fairly detailed analysis of the role of individual populations (species or functional groups) in, for example, energy flow or nutrient cycling.

Factors influencing patterns of ascomycete sporulation following simulated “burning” of prairie soils

Abstract: The interaction of elevated soil temperature, ash deposition and biotic factors associated with untreated subsurface soils on the patterns of sporocarp appearance among populations of carbonicolous ascomycetes in a prairie soil was studied in the laboratory. Ash or unheated prairie soil, when separately combined with aerated steam-heated soil, disrupts the biotic associations, affecting both the production of sporocarps and their order of appearance. With either of these treatments, the interval required for sporocarp appearance among several species was extended but never abbreviated. When ash and a subsurface layer of unheated soil were applied together to create a “simulated burn,” the successional pattern was similar to that observed in soil samples collected immediately following prairie burning. The biological causes of this disturbance-mediated heterotrophic succession include: (1) the growth rate and minimal time required for sporulation among individual species populations, and (2) an overall pattern of competitive hierarchy. We suggest that the order of appearance of ascomycetes on recently-burned soils may be the evolutionary outcome of interspecific competition.

Microbial ecology studies at two coal mine refuse sites in Illinois

Abstract: An investigation was made of the microflora associated with coal refuse at two abandoned mines in the midwestern United States. Information was gathered for both the edaphic and the biotic composition of the refuse material. Emphasis was placed on heterotrophic and autotrophic components as to numbers, kinds, and physiological groups. The presence of chemolithotrophs was also investigated. The relationship between abiotic and biotic components in regard to distribution of bacteria, fungi, and algae is discussed. Information presented in this report will be utilized in assessing trends and changes in microbial numbers and composition related to manipulations of the edaphic and biotic ecosystem components associated with reclamation of the refuse piles.

Decomposers in the Fishpond Littoral Ecosystem

Abstract: Microorganisms form an important biotic component in every ecosystem. The share of their biomass in an ecosystem may be important during favorable conditions in certain periods of the year. Their rich and manifold enzymatic abilities break down all sorts of organic matter. Thus the microorganisms by means of their metabolic activities support the energy flux through the ecosystem and the cycling of mineral elements. In natural ecosystems, microbial activities control the recycling and availability of mineral nutrients as well as the plant productivity.

Effects of Artificial Rise of Temperature on Stagnant Waters and Their Biocenoses

Abstract: A change of the thermal regime results in a variety of reactions of both abiotic and biotic components of the environment. The aim of this paper is to present new data (on Turbellaria, Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Coleoptera and Hydracarina) on biological responses to the thermal factor discussed in a broad context of literature and, to evaluate their impact on the subsequent ecosystem development. A theoretical interpretation of all phenomena related to this factor is proposed within a widely-conceived theory of adaptation.