Circadian pattern of Bothrops moojeni in captivity (Serpentes: Viperidae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Patterns of spatial distribution in macroalgal communities from tropical lotic ecosystems

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Spatial variability of the physical and mineralogical properties of the soil from the areas with variation in landscape shapes

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência das formas do relevo na variabilidade espacial de atributos físicos e suas relações com a mineralogia da argila de um Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico, utilizando a técnica da geoestatística. Os solos foram amostrados nos pontos de cruzamento de uma malha, com intervalos regulares de 10 m, nas profundidades de 0,0-0,2 m, 0,2-0,4 m e 0,4-0,6 m para os atributos físicos e 0,6-0,8 m para os atributos mineralógicos. Os valores médios para a densidade do solo e resistência do solo à penetração são maiores no compartimento I onde a relação Ct/Ct+Gb é relativamente maior, indicando a presença de maior teor de caulinita. No compartimento II a condutividade hidráulica e a macroporsidade são maiores, influenciados provavelmente pelo predomínio da gibbsita. Portanto, conclui-se que a identificação das pedoformas é muito eficiente para compreender a variabilidade espacial de propriedades do solo. Sendo que, as variações na forma da paisagem promovem variabilidade espacial diferenciada das propriedades físicas e mineralógicas do solo.

Behaviour of dispersion indices in pattern detection of a population of angico, Anadenanthera peregrina (Leguminosae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Spatial and temporal distribution of the zoobenthos community during the filling up period of Porto Primavera Reservoir (Paraná River, Brazil)

Este estudo é parte do monitoramento limnológico empreendido pela Companhia Energética do Estado de São Paulo (CESP) durante o processo de enchimento do reservatório de Porto Primavera (Usina Hidrelétrica Engenheiro Sérgio Motta). Este reservatório, localizado no alto rio Paraná, entre os Estados de São Paulo e Mato Grosso, é o quarto maior do país. A primeira etapa de enchimento do lago começou em dezembro de 1998 e a segunda em março de 2001. Amostras para a análise da comunidade bentônica e das características sedimentológicas foram coletadas trimestralmente entre agosto de 1999 e novembro de 2001 e também em agosto de 2002 (11 campanhas). As coletas foram feitas em 13 estações de amostragem distribuídas no reservatório e em uma localizada a jusante da barragem. 128 táxons de invertebrados foram encontrados, sendo Mollusca, Annelida, Insecta e Nematoda os grupos dominantes durante praticamente todos os meses analisados. A classe Insecta foi a melhor representada, com 9 diferentes ordens, dentro das quais os Diptera contribuíram com a ocorrência de 63 táxons. A espécie exótica de bivalve Corbicula fluminea foi registrada em todas as estações de amostragem mostrando sua grande capacidade para colonizar novos habitats em regiões neotropicais. Variações consideráveis na densidade da fauna foram observadas para os diferentes períodos e locais analisados. A densidade máxima (média de 7812 ind.m-2) foi registrada no centro do reservatório enquanto que as densidades mínimas foram registradas na zona lacustre próxima à barragem (média de 9 ind.m-2). A maior riqueza de espécies por local/período (24 táxons) foi encontrada no trecho superior do reservatório (trecho fluvial). A diversidade máxima foi observada nas zonas superior e central do reservatório, com valores de 3.82 e 3.86 (bits.ind-1) no início (agosto/1999) e final (agosto/2002) do processo de enchimento, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado um padrão de distribuição dos grupos faunísticos que pudesse estar associado com a textura granulométrica dos diferentes locais amostrados. Por outro lado, constatou-se a diminuição, ou mesmo a não ocorrência de organismos, nas estações com elevada concentração de matéria orgânica (>40%) em baixo estado de degradação (grandes detritos vegetais). Tal fato pode estar relacionado com a falta de depósitos de sedimentos, dificultando a fixação de organismos da fauna bentônica, bem como com condições químicas mais redutoras em função da intensidade dos processos de decomposição da fitomassa inundada.

Spatial patterns or trees in the Picinguara coastal sandy forest (state of Sao-Paulo, Brazil)

The species of the sandy plains forests (forests of the ''restingas'') have not yet had their spatial patterns studied as aids to the understanding of the diversity found in the different physiognomies along the Brazilian coast. In this paper a 10 x 10 m quadrat framework laid in a hectare of a tree dominant forest in the sandy plains of the Picinguaba area of the Serra do Mar State Park (municipality of Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil) was used to assess the spatial pattern of distribution for the ten most important species : Pera glabrata, Euterpe edulis, Eugenia brasiliensis, Alchornea triplinervea, Guatteria australis, Myrcia racemosa, Jacaranda semiserrata, Guarea macrophylla, Euplassa cantareirae and Nectandra oppositifolia. The spatial patterns were inferred through the calculations of their T-Square Index (C) and Dispersal Distance Index (I). P. glabrata shows a random pattern, E. edulis aggregate, E. brasiliensis, A. triplinervia, G. australis, E. cantareirae and N. oppositifolia with a tendency between aggregate and uniform and, M. racemosa, J. semiserrata and G. macrophylla between aggregate and random. Although the indexes are dependent of the sample size and of the technique adjustments, the relationship of the pattern with the environmental factors is shown by clustering methods. The results give confirmation of how the spatial patterns bring associations between populations and shape of the vegetation physiognomy.

SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION OF MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION IN LUTOSA-BRASILIENSIS (BRUNNER VONWATTENWYL, 1888) (ORTHOPTERA, GRYLLACRIDOIDEA, HENICIDAE)

Geographic differentiation and sexual dimorphism in eighteen morphometric characters of Lutosa brasiliensis (Orthoptera: Henicidae) collected in eight localities of the State of São Paulo (Brazil) were analysed. A two-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MONOVA) was used to assess simultaneously the effects of sex and geographic location (plus their interaction) on morphometric variability. The spatial patterns of variation were analysed by Factor and Spatial Autocorrelation Analyses (Moran's I coefficient in four distance classes). Both indicate that the main direction of variation is, for males and females, a north-south cline in overall body size. In females, however, ovipositor length is not correlated with overall body size and displays a different pattern of variation over geographic space, indicating that distinct evolutionary forces produced the geographic differentiation in the species.

COMPARISON OF 3 TECHNIQUES FOR ESTIMATING PERIPHYTON ABUNDANCE IN BEDROCK STREAMS

Three procedures (line transect, point intercept and quadrat) for estimating abundance of macroscopic components of periphyton (macroalgae and bryophytes) were compared in two bedrock streams from southeastern Brazil on the basis of frequency and percent cover. In addition, two quadrat sizes (25 and 50 cm) were tested for best size. Samplings were all made within a 10 m length stream reach. Differences were tested by means of analysis of variance, ANOVA - one way, Student's t test and Chi-square test, whereas associations among them were evaluated by Pearson's r correlation coefficient. Values of frequency and percent cover varied among the different techniques and periphyton species in both sites but ANOVA, t and Chi-square tests revealed no significant difference (p<0.05) for percent cover in the two sites. No consistent pattern was observed for the different procedures between sites. Values for quadrat (25 and 50 cm) percent cover were positively correlated among distinct periphyton species. Significant differences for frequency were found in only one site. Quadrats of 50 cm produced the highest frequency values, whereas point intercept the lowest in both sites. In terms of spatial variation within the stream segment, significant differences were generally observed among all procedures, except between quadrats. As a rule, highly significant correlations for percent cover were found among the different techniques along the stream reach. The strongest relationships were found for quadrats with the other procedures, whereas the weakest between Line and point. Pros and cons of the three techniques are fully discussed.

Effects of direction and curvature on variable error pattern of reaching movements

A number of studies have analyzed various indices of the final position variability in order to provide insight into different levels of neuromotor processing during reaching movements. Yet the possible effects of movement kinematics on variability have often been neglected. The present study was designed to test the effects of movement direction and curvature on the pattern of movement variable errors. Subjects performed series of reaching movements over the same distance and into the same target. However, due either to changes in starting position or to applied obstacles, the movements were performed in different directions or along the trajectories of different curvatures. The pattern of movement variable errors was assessed by means of the principal component analysis applied on the 2-D scatter of movement final positions. The orientation of these ellipses demonstrated changes associated with changes in both movement direction and curvature. However, neither movement direction nor movement curvature affected movement variable errors assessed by area of the ellipses. Therefore it was concluded that the end-point variability depends partly, but not exclusively, on movement kinematics.

GEOGRAPHIC-VARIATION IN APIS-CERANA-INDICA F - A SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION ANALYSIS OF MORPHOMETRIC PATTERNS

Spatial patterns of morphometric variation in Apis cerana indica were analysed. Factor and spatial autocorrelation analyses were applied to 29 characters, measured in 17 populations in India. Correlograms showed that 15 characters are patterned geographically, and 13 of them are related to overall size. These characters are distributed as a north-south cline, probably reflecting adaptations to environmental conditions. However, the great number of characteristics without geographical pattern suggests that part of the morphometric variability is due to local stochastic divergences.

Colonization pattern of Cecropia by Azteca ants: Influence of plant ontogeny, environment and host plant choice by queens

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Multi-Agent Framework for Spatial Load Forecasting

A multi-agent framework for spatial electric load forecasting, especially suited to simulate the different dynamics involved on distribution systems, is presented. The service zone is divided into several sub-zones, each subzone is considered as an independent agent identified with a corresponding load level, and their relationships with the neighbor zones are represented as development probabilities. With this setting, different kind of agents can be developed to simulate the growth pattern of the loads in distribution systems. This paper presents two different kinds of agents to simulate different situations, presenting some promissory results.

Spatial variability of infiltration and its relationship to some physical properties

Water infiltration into soil is one of the basic factors for estimating irrigation intensity according to the plants' requirements; this is aimed at avoiding problems of surface run-off and degradation. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the spatial variation of infiltration and its relationship to some physical properties of soil by means of geostatistical techniques in Typic Plinthaquult soils having average texture and flat relief. A 113 point mesh was designned, having a regular distance of 10 m between points, samples being taken from 0 to 0.20 meters depth. Sand, silt and clay content, bulk density, macroporosity, microporosity and total porosity were determined. Infiltration tests were carried out in the field by means of a 15 cm diameter ring. Descriptive statistics and geostatistics were used for analysing the data. Infiltration, silt and microporosity data did not fit a normal distribution curve. Infiltration had high variability, having an average 36.03 mm h(-1). Total porosity was 56.73%, this being the only property that did not show spatial dependency. The smallest ranges were observed for bulk density, macroporosity and microporosity, having values of less than 40 m. The smallest degrees of spatial dependence were observed for infiltration, silt and clay, evidence also being shown of the influence of silt and clay on infiltration rate. Contour maps were constructed; fitting them to the semivariogram models, together with studying the correlations, led to establishing relationships between the properties.

Spatial variability models of CO2 emissions from soils colonized by grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and moss (Sanionia uncinata) in Admiralty Bay, King George Island

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The spatial dynamics of native and introduced blowflies (Dipt., Calliphoridae)

The spatial dynamics of three blowfly species was investigated using a spatially extended model of density-dependent population growth and the results indicate an overall stabilizing effect. Introduction of diffusive dispersal induced a quantitative effect of damping variation in population size on the route to a one-fixed point equilibrium in the native species, Cochliomyia macellaria. On the other hand, diffusive dispersal caused qualitative shifts in the dynamics of two invading species, Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya putoria. In both species diffusive dispersal can produce a qualitative shift from a two-point limit cycle to a one fixed-point dynamics. Quantitatively, dispersal also has the effect of damping oscillations in population size in the invading species.