Estimation of the morphological variability of Rossiulus kessleri (Diplopoda, Julida) populations

On condition of anthropogenic pressure soil biota is one of the first reacting on environment changes. As long as natural selection occurs by phenotypes, it is important that on the urban land the organisms’ adaptations to changes in natural factors can be revealed with phenetic methods. The paper analyzes the ecological modification of the diplopoda Rossiulus kessleri (Lohmander, 1927) in the Samarskyi Forest region environment (Novomoskovskyj forestry is the ravine ecosystem, and Kocherezhskyi forestry is short-term-flooded ecosystem) and State Reservation “Voloshanskaya Dacha” (“Zatishnoye”). Such investigation for this region is conducted for the first time. Space samples consisted of 30 individuals (males and females, proportionally) for each plot. Among others, 14 basic morphometric in-line parameters and its relation were chosen: length/width of the body, amount of segments, length of hindleg, length of telson, length/width of antenna, length/width of gnathochilarium, length/width of semiflosculous blades, length/width of promenthum, length of collum. Morphometric interconnections within the given populations were established with the help of the factor analysis. The most changeable morphometric characteristics between populations and sexes were revealed. For all the given populations sex dimorphism is pointed out for the size of gna-thochilarium and the length of collum. Basing on obtained results from specimen measuring from Novomoskovsky forestry district we pointed out that both the majority of the given in-line parameters and its relation had no sex dimorphism. It also shows the stability of the environment. It is estimated that females from Kocherezhskyi forestry population have longer antennae (males have 10,2% less) and body width (females are on 14,0% wider). Body width is stable characteristic for many Diplopoda species. With high signification level for both basic in-line characters (length and width), sex dimorphism is observed in the conditions of the State Reservation “Voloshanskaya Dacha” (“Zatishnoye” stow). ANOVA-test of the given data showed that two different groups existed. Specific characters for individuals with dispersal index 19,2% are extensive body parameters. Spatial population structure clearly distinguishes males from the general sample. Data obtained illustrates the anthropogenic pressure and can be used to monitor populations.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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