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Passalidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from the West-Most Brazilian Amazon Region: Checklist, New Records, and Identification Key
No full textWe present a list of Passalidae species found in the westmost Brazilian Amazon region, which is considered to be a diversity-rich area due to being a tectonic and geographic transition zone in relation to Brazilian Amazon lowlands and the Andean range. The specimens acquired in field collections and museums were analyzed. Their geographical distributions were estimated based on data from labeled specimens and the literature. Twenty-nine species belonging to two subfamilies, six genera, and four subgenera were listed. Among them, 20, 1, and 2 showed to be new records for the region, Brazilian Amazon, and Brazil, respectively. An identification key is provided for the species being listed. © 2018, Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil
Estudo comparativo sobre a variação térmica em três critérios de germinação de uma árvore tropical com interesse econômico: Carapa surinamensis Miq. (Meliaceae)
Get PDFSpecies of the Carapa spp complex, occurring in the Neotropics, Africa and India, have multiple uses, including timber, with the seed oil being used in phyto-pharmaceutical products and cosmetics. This study aimed to determine the thermal ranges of the germination process, comparing germination criteria used by seed physiologists and seed technologists, and to suggest recommendations for seed quality assessment. Germination was assessed at constant temperatures between 10-40 °C using three germination criteria: (1) radicle length ≥ 0.5 cm (physiological criterion); (2) epicotyl length ≥ 1 cm; and (3) epicotyl length ≥ 5 cm (criterion for seed quality tests). The base temperature was similar for the three criteria and ranged between 10-2 °C. The Maguire’s Speed Index indicated 30 °C as most adequate. However, the upper temperature limit differed: for radicle protrusion it was above 40 ºC; and for both epicotyl lengths, it was between 35-40 °C. Seed coat removal accelerated the germination process of these recalcitrant seeds, and is recommended for seed quality assessment, which allows completion of the germination trial in approximately one month. © 2019 Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiv
Behind the veil - Exploring the diversity in Phallus indusiatus s.l. (Phallomycetidae, Basidiomycota)
Get PDFStudies have demonstrated that many cosmopolitan species actually consist of divergent clades that present high levels of morphological stasis throughout their evolutionary histories. Phallus indusiatus s.l. has been described as a circum-tropical species. However, this distribution may actually reflect the lack of taxonomic resolution due to the small number of diagnostic morphological characters, which leads to the identification of new records as populations of P. indusiatus. Here, we examine the diversity of P. indusiatus- like species in Brazilian Amazonia. We show a clear congruence between detailed morphological data and ITS, nuc-LSU and atp6 based phylogenetic analyses and three new species are described within the Brazilian indusiate clade. These results highlight the importance of more detailed investigation, with the inclusion of molecular information, in Neotropical fungi. Copyright Tiara S. Cabral et al. © 2019 Pensoft Publishers. All rights reserved
Ontogeny of the digestive tract of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae) larvae
No full textEarly-life survival of Arapaima gigas is one of the main challenges of its farming. In this study, we described the morphological and histochemical development of the gastrointestinal tract of arapaima larvae. Larvae were collected from a pond when they started to swim to the water surface (initial day) and were housed in indoor tanks. Daily samplings (n = 10) were performed from 0 to the 11th day after the collection (DAC) and then on the 14th, 17th, and 20th DAC. On the initial day, arapaima larvae (0.05 ± 0.01 g; 2.21 ± 0.06 cm) had opened mouth and anus and no yolk sac. In addition, larvae presented well-developed digestive organs. Gastric glands were fully formed, with positive reactions to alcian blue (AB) pH 1.0 as well as to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) in the simple columnar epithelium. There were folds throughout the intestine and brush border, with an AB pH of 2.5 + PAS positive mucins. From 1 to 11 DAC, larvae presented increasing concentrations of gastric glands and thickness of the stomach muscular layer. From 14 to 20 DAC, the intestine presented high-fold complexity. We suggest that arapaima larvae may be fed exogenous inert diets at a size of around 2 cm. © Copyright by the World Aquaculture Society 201
A fructose-based extender protects Colossoma macropomum spermatozoa against chilling injuries
No full textOur study assessed the efficiency of a formulated new extender in maintaining viability and morphological integrity of Colossoma macropomum spermatozoa under chilling storage. Semen was diluted in the test extender and BTS™ (Beltsville Thawing Solution) and exposed to a short-term storage at 4.6 ± 0.6°C for 96 hr. Both extenders were able to maintain 17% ± 8% motile spermatozoa by the end of experiment. Sperm dilution in test extender did not affect the morphologically normal cells (61% ± 6%) up to 48 hr of chilling, being higher than in BTS™ (50% ± 6%) (p < 0.05). After 96 hr, samples kept in the test extender had 50% of normal spermatozoa, whereas those kept in BTS™ presented only 38% of normal cells. Chilling storage increased the incidence of cells with strongly coiled flagella in BTS ™ . Our study is the first to evaluate in detail the spermatozoa morphology as indicative of C. macropomum semen viability. The new extender was able to protect the spermatozoa against increase in coiled flagellum injuries. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Lt
GEEA - Caderno de Debates: TOMO XIII
No full textEste Tomo aborda dois temas importantes e que tem forte vinculação com a natureza e o destino da Amazônia: a segurança alimentar e a relação entre razão e espiritualidade. Ambos os temas foram apresentados por profissionais altamente gabaritados e verdadeiramente interessados em entender a Amazônia, essa região tão complexa e enigmática, mas considerada como o maior estoque de carbono e a última grande fronteira agrícola do mundo, especialmente por causa da sua extensão e abundância de água e luz. Segurança alimentar diz respeito não somente à produção, transporte, armazenamento e abastecimento de alimentos, mas também sua distribuição justa e equitativa, evitando a fome e combatendo o desperdício. Além disso, ela também pressupõe a proteção dos solos, dos mananciais e do clima, já que essas são condições indispensáveis para o sucesso dos cultivares. Razão e Espiritualidade são elementos típicos e definidores da natureza humana e devem sempre servir de orientação para ações pessoais e políticas públicas de qualquer natureza. A abordagem conjunta desses dois temas é mais uma obra grandiosa do Grupo de Estudos Estratégicos Amazônicos (GEEA/INPA) e que que temos a grata satisfação de apresentar ao público. Bom proveito
Examining the microclimate hypothesis in Amazonian birds: indirect tests of the ‘visual constraints’ mechanism
No full textProposed mechanisms for the decline of terrestrial and understory insectivorous birds in the tropics include a related subset that together has been termed the ‘microclimate hypothesis’. One prediction from this hypothesis is that sensitivity to bright light environments discourages birds of the dimly lit rainforest interior from using edges, gaps, or disturbed forest. Using a hierarchical Bayesian framework and capture data across time and space, we tested this by first determining vulnerability based on differences in within-species capture rates between disturbed and undisturbed forest for 64 bird species at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project in central Amazonian Brazil. We found that 35 species (55%) were vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat degradation, whereas only four (6%) were more commonly captured in degraded forest. To infer visual sensitivity, we then examined two different characters: eye size (maximum pupil diameter) relative to body mass and the initiation time of dawn song, which presumably reflects a species’ visual capacity under low light intensities. We predicted that species with large relative eye sizes and birds with earlier dawn songs would exhibit increased vulnerability in degraded habitats with bright light. Contrary to our predictions, however, vulnerability was positively correlated with the mean start time of dawn song. This indicates that species that wait to initiate dawn song are also more vulnerable to habitat degradation. After correcting for body size, there was no effect of eye size on vulnerability. Together, our results do not provide quantitative support for the light sensitivity mechanism of the microclimate hypothesis. More sensitive experimental tests, such as behavioral assays with controlled light environments, especially in a comparative framework, are needed to rigorously evaluate the role of light sensitivity as an aspect of the microclimate hypothesis among Neotropical birds. © 2018 The Author
"Isso é comida de Huni Kuin!": etnobotânica da alimentação indígena no Baixo Rio Jordão, Acre
Get PDFThe Kaxinawá indigenous people (self-named Huni Kuĩ) are native to the Amazon - on
the border between Brazil and Peru - and have vast knowledge associated with
biodiversity. This ancestral wisdom is directly related to eating practices and is
transmitted orally and empirically, from generation to generation, since immemorial
times. This is because food is a central element in the culture of this people, being one
of the most important aspects of the social life of the family nuclei. Given the lack of
botanical research in the region, this research tries to investigate the material and
immaterial dimensions of the use of plants in food and its relationship with food and
nutritional security and sovereignty, with the population of three communities in the
Kaxinawá Indigenous Land of Lower Rio Jordão /AC. For that, were used the follow
methodologies as a priority: participant observation, semi-structured interviews, guided
tours, focus group activities and traditional preparation workshops, among others. A
detailed description of the traditional food system was obtained, as well as a survey of
the food species found in the wild environment and cultivated. In addition, it was
possible to register customs, diets, beliefs, taboos, songs and myths referring to the
universe that connects plants to food. It was recorded the use of 145 species, in which
89 are native to the western Amazon - which shows the importance of local resources in
the diet. The other plants (56) are cultivated and come from other areas of the Amazon
forest, as well as from several regions Brazil and of the rest of the globe. In addition, 49
elaborated food preparations, all based on combinations of plant species, mainly from
the various production units (slash-and-burn systems, home gardens, agroforestry
systems and gardens) and 27 beverages (in natura and hot) were registered. The key
role of women was not only in the preparation, but also in the conservation of food
culture. Nonetheless, there was a gradual abandonment of certain traditional
preparations. This is possibly due to the recent introduction of exogenous food in the
villages, which causes the underutilization of certain food resources. From the reports of the participants of the research, it is noticed that these changes in the alimentary habit
can cause as much in damages to the health as in dependence of external products and
consequent increase in the solid waste generation. Thus, in the midst of a
transdisciplinary proposal for knowledge dialogue, it is expected that this work will
contribute both to the scientific systematization of the indigenous cultural tradition, as
well as to guidelines on the conservation of Amazonian socio-biodiversity, so that it is
useful to the process of autonomous construction of an alternative future for the Huni
Kuĩ.O povo indígena Kaxinawá (autodenominado Huni Kuĩ) é nativo da Amazônia – na
fronteira entre o Brasil e o Peru – e detém vasto conhecimento associado à
biodiversidade. Este saber ancestral está diretamente relacionado às práticas alimentares
e é transmitido de forma oral e empírica, de geração a geração, a tempos imemoriais.
Isto porque a alimentação constitui-se elemento central na cultura deste povo, sendo um
dos aspectos mais importantes da vida social dos núcleos familiares. Dada a carência de
pesquisas botânicas na região, este trabalho trata de investigar, junto à população de três
aldeias da Terra Indígena Kaxinawá do Baixo Rio Jordão/AC, as dimensões material e
imaterial do uso das plantas na alimentação e sua relação com a segurança e soberania
alimentar e nutricional. Para tanto, utilizou-se prioritariamente as metodologias:
observação participante, entrevistas semiestruturadas, turnês-guiadas, atividades de
grupos focais e oficinas de preparos tradicionais, entre outras. Obteve-se uma descrição
detalhada do sistema alimentar tradicional, bem como realizou-se um levantamento das
espécies alimentícias encontradas em ambiente silvestre e cultivadas. Além disso, foi
possível registrar costumes, dietas, crenças, tabus, cantos e mitos referentes ao universo
que conecta as plantas à alimentação. Registrou-se o uso de 145 espécies, em que 89 são
nativas da Amazônia Ocidental – o que evidencia a importância dos recursos locais na
dieta alimentar. As demais plantas (56) são cultivadas e oriundas de outras áreas da
floresta amazônica, bem como de diversas regiões do Brasil e do restante do mundo.
Além disso, foram levantados 49 preparos alimentares, todos feitos a partir de
combinações de espécies vegetais, oriundas, majoritariamente, das diversas unidades
produtivas (roçados, quintais, sistemas agroflorestais e canteiros) e 27 bebidas in natura
e quentes. Constatou-se o papel fundamental das mulheres não somente no preparo, mas
também na conservação da cultura alimentar. Não obstante, verificou-se o gradual
abandono de determinados preparos tradicionais. Isto se deve, possivelmente, à recente
introdução de alimentos exógenos nas aldeias, o que motiva a subutilização ou, até
mesmo, a substituição de certos recursos alimentares. A partir de relatos dos
participantes da pesquisa, percebe-se que estas mudanças no hábito alimentar podem
acarretar tanto em prejuízos à saúde quanto em dependência de produtos externos e
consequente aumento na geração de resíduos sólidos. Assim, no bojo de uma proposta
transdisciplinar de diálogo de saberes, espera-se que esse trabalho contribua tanto para a
sistematização científica da tradição cultural indígena, quanto em pautas sobre
conservação da sociobiodiversidade amazônica, de modo que seja útil ao processo de
construção autônoma de um futuro alternativo para os Huni Kuĩ
The spatio-temporal variability of groundwater storage in the Amazon River Basin
No full textIn large Tropical River basins such as the Amazon, groundwater plays a major role in the water and ecological cycles with large influences on the rainforest ecosystems and climate variability. However, due to the lack of monitoring networks, Amazon groundwater storage and its variability remain poorly known. Here, we provide an unprecedented direct estimate of the spatio-temporal variations of the anomaly of groundwater storage over the period January 2003 -September 2010 in the Amazon Basin by decomposing the total terrestrial water storage measured by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission into the individual contributions of other hydrological reservoirs, using multi-satellite data for the surface waters and floodplains and models outputs for the soil moisture. We show that the seasonal variations of groundwater storage represent between 20 and 35% of the terrestrial water storage seasonal volume variations of the Amazon. Larger seasonal amplitudes of groundwater storage (>450 mm) are found in the Alter do Chão and Iça aquifers in the central part of the Amazon Basin. Anomalies of groundwater storage exhibit a strong interannual variability (STD reaching 120 mm along the central corridor) during the study period in response to hydrologic variability and climatic events such as the extreme drought that occurred in 2005. © 201