Sanda Iepure | IMDEA - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Sanda Iepure
Naturwissenschaften, 2012
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, 2013
Rich, diverse assemblages comprising a total (live + dead) of twenty-one ostracod species belongi... more Rich, diverse assemblages comprising a total (live + dead) of twenty-one ostracod species belonging to fifteen genera were recovered from phreatic waters of the hypogenic Frasassi Cave system and the adjacent Frasassi sulfidic spring and Sentino River in the Marche region of the northeastern Apennines of Italy. Specimens were recovered from ten sites, eight of which were in the phreatic waters of the cave system and sampled at different times of the year over a period of five years. Approximately 6900 specimens were recovered, the vast majority of which were disarticulated valves; live ostracods were also collected. The most abundant species in the sulfidic spring and Sentino River were Prionocypris zenkeri, Herpetocypris chevreuxi, and Cypridopsis vidua, while the phreatic waters of the cave system were dominated by two putatively new stygobitic species of Mixtacandona and Pseudolimnocythere and a species that was also abundant in the sulfidic spring, Fabaeformiscandona ex gr. F. fabaeformis. Pseudocandona ex gr. P. eremita, likely another new stygobitic species, is recorded for the first time in Italy. The relatively high diversity of the ostracod assemblages at Frasassi could be attributed to the heterogeneity of groundwater and associated habitats or to niche partitioning promoted by the creation of a chemoautotrophic ecosystem based on sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Other possible factors are the geologic age and hydrologic conditions of the cave and karst aquifer system that possibly originated in the earlymiddle Pleistocene when topographic uplift and incision enabled deep sulfidic waters to reach the local carbonate aquifer. Flooding or active migration would have introduced the invertebrates that now inhabit the Frasassi Cave system.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2013
In order to evaluate the water quality at the surface/groundwater interface (hyporheic zone), the... more In order to evaluate the water quality at the surface/groundwater interface (hyporheic zone), the pattern of microcrustacean assemblages in response to environmental stress caused by urban industrial contamination was studied in the Jarama River basin (central Spain) during high water discharges (March and April 2011). The clustering of biological variables and the concentration of urban contaminants in hyporheic waters showed that pristine hyporheic waters have moderate species diversity (two to seven species) and dominance of k strategist stygobites, whereas excessively contaminated sites are devoid by crustaceans. An intermediate level of disturbance in hyporheic waters is associated with a peak of species taxonomic diversity (four to nine species) and proliferation of r strategist more tolerant species. Typical species found in hyporheic zone, e.g., Paracyclops imminutus (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), Cryptocandona vavrai (Ostracoda) and Herpetocypris chevreuxi (Ostracoda), were good indicators of high concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and VOCs; whereas the stygobites do not show any significant correlation. The effectiveness of hyporheic crustaceans as efficient bioindicators for assessing the current ecological status of river ecosystems is emphasised.
Annales Zoologici, 2011
A new stygobite species Acanthocyclops transylvanicus sp. nov. is described from the north-wester... more A new stygobite species Acanthocyclops transylvanicus sp. nov. is described from the north-western Romanian Carpathians (Apuseni Mountains) and is accommodated in the subterranean kieferi-group. Acanthocyclops transylvanicus sp. nov. resembles closely A. biarticulatus in the segmentation pattern of the swimming legs (3.2/3.2/3.2/3.2), but differs by the following characters: antennary second endopodite segment with 7 setae; distal articles of endopodites of P1 and P3 with 4 and 5 setae, respectively; absence of coxopodite ornamentation pattern in leg 4; leg 4 endopodite with 3-segmented appearance, but lacking a functional articulation between the second and third segment. We assume that the 2-segmented nature of the leg 4 endopodite as observed in both species is a convergent acquisition. The adult shape of the leg 4 endopodite in A. transylvanicus sp. nov. results from the simple suppression of an arthrodial membrane formation. A. transylvanicus is the ninth representative known in Romania which is accommodated in the kieferi-group. An identification key for the species of kieferi-group known to occur in Romania is given.
We examined the variation of stygofauna composition collected in wells, along a gradient in groun... more We examined the variation of stygofauna composition collected in wells, along a gradient in groundwater salinity/conductivity in a coastal aquifer from southern Portugal. The studied coastal aquifer is considered vulnerable to salinization due to seawater intrusion, caused by overexploitation of the aquifer. Knowing the response of the stygofauna species to present levels of groundwater salinity makes it possible to understand and measure the effects of saltwater intrusion on stygofauna, rendering them potential bioindicators of this environmental pressure. Biotic and abiotic sampling was conducted in six shallow wells located in the fresh–saltwater interface of the Arade estuary along the salinity gradient established in the groundwater from the estuary to inland locations (microSiemens/cm). Groundwater salinity was highly correlated with taxa distribution. The stygobites Eucyclops hadjebensis and Acanthocyclops sensitivus, the cosmopolitan Megacyclops viridis and Cypria ophtalmica were particularly associated with low-salinity conditions, whereas Eucyclops graeteri, Megacyclops brachypus and Daphnia pulicaria were related to high-salinity waters. Multivariate analyses indicated that stygofauna assemblages varied significantly with location. We suggest that stygofauna composition and structure can be a useful complementing tool for monitoring seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers, where reduction or deterioration in groundwater resources is predicted.
It is assumed that the south-eastern Europe and especially the Romanian Carpathians were importan... more It is assumed that the south-eastern Europe and especially the Romanian Carpathians were important regions for surface and underground invertebrates survival during glacial periods and acted as a source of post-glacial colonization processes. We analyzed data from 233 georeferenced records for 164 species of groundwater copepods and ostracods from Romania and used a comparative approach to recognize the determinants of the regional-scale richness, endemism, and distribution patterns, with a primary focus on species from the Carpathian Mountains. In addition, we examined the driving forces for the observed pattern of distribution and richness linked to contemporary (groundwater habitat fragmentation and heterogeneity, climate, vegetation) and historical (past climate and vegetation) environmental conditions. Our analyses showed that: (1) species richness was high, irrespective of habitat heterogeneity, in karst and non-karst areas; (2) the main driver accounting for high species richness in the karst landscape was the rainfall regime (> 1350 mm per year), whereas, in non-karst areas, it was woodland vegetation; and (3) there was significant species richness and richness of phyletic lineages in hypothetical forest glacial refugia of the Carpathian arc. The combination of the distribution pattern, diversification, and evolution of stygobite lineages provides reliable evidence for species persistence in the Romanian groundwater during Pleistocene.
On the catchment spatial scale, rivers can be considered a patchy discontinuity from headwaters t... more On the catchment spatial scale, rivers can be considered a patchy discontinuity from headwaters to mouth with significant implications on the structure and functioning of the hyporheic zone (HZ) biota. The present study aims to determine the spatial variation of ostracod assemblages from a fluvial HZ of two groundwater-fed rivers of the Jarama basin (Central Spain). We hypothesised that ostracod abundance and composition are subject to changes in water condition, substratum type geology and surface water/groundwater exchanges along the hyporheic flow path. Individual measures of 29 physico-chemical parameters, water discharge, sediment size and sediment organic matter (as loss of ignition) were measured at a depth of 20–40 cm at 20 hyporheic sites of the Henares and Tajuña Rivers. The results show that factors like elevation, carbonate water type, high permeable riverbed substratum and groundwater upwelling at headwaters contribute to shape a diverse, mixed assemblage formed by stygophyle and stygoxene ostracods (14 species). Conversely, low-mineralised waters, siliceous riverbeds with poor permeability, and relatively low surface/ground water exchanges in the middle and lower sectors, limit species diversity and ostracod abundance to exclusively stygoxene elements (nine species). Ostracod abundance correlates positively with fine sands (0.125–0.25 mm) (Spearman, r = 0.70), and negatively with temperature (r = −0.40), SO42− (r = −0.45) and Mg2+ (r = −0.40). Trace metal (Cu, Mn, Ni) accumulation in the intermediate and lower sectors of both rivers appears harmful for Ilyocypris brady (r = −0.46) and Pryonocypris zenkeri (r = −0.40), whereas As relates negatively to the abundance of Candona candida (r = −0.51), Pryonocypris zenkeri (r = −0.60) and Herpetocypris brevicaudata (r = −0.72). The results highlight the significance of recent ostracods as a proxy to assess the water conditions in a HZ and to provide forthcoming approaches to depict surface-subsurface hydrological exchanges.
The 1st International Symposiumon Ostracoda (ISO) was held in Naples (1963). The philosophy behin... more The 1st International Symposiumon Ostracoda (ISO) was held in Naples (1963). The philosophy behind this symposiumand
the logical outcome of what is nowknown as the International Research Group on Ostracoda (IRGO)
are here reviewed, namely ostracodology over the last 50 years is sociologically analysed. Three different and important
historic moments for the scientific achievements of this domain are recognised. The first one, between
about 1963 and 1983, is related to applied research for the oil industry aswell as to the great interest in the betterdescription of the marine environment by both zoologists and palaeontologists. Another important aspect during
this period was thework by researchers dealing with Palaeozoic ostracods,who had their own discussion group,
IRGPO. Gradually, the merger of this latter group with those dealing with post-Palaeozoic ostracods at various
meetings improved the communication between the two groups of specialists. A second period was
approximately delineated between 1983 and 2003. During this time-slice, more emphasis was addressed to environmental
research with topics such as the study of global events and long-term climate change.
Ostracodologists profited also from the research “politics” within national and international programmes.
Large international research teams emerged using new research methods. During the third period (2003–2013),
communication and collaborative research reached a global dimension. Amongst the topics of research we cite
the reconstruction of palaeoclimate using transfer functions, the building of large datasets of ostracod distributions
for regional and intercontinental studies, and the implementation of actions that should lead to taxonomic
harmonisation. Projects within which molecular biological techniques are routinely used, combined with
sophisticated morphological information, expanded now in their importance. The documentation of the
ostracod description improved through new techniques to visualise morphological details, which stimulated
also communication between ostracodologists. Efforts of making available ostracod information through
newsletters and electronic media are evoked.
Naturwissenschaften, 2012
Annales de Limnologie-International Journal of Limnology, 2011
Crustaceana Monograph, 2011
Joannea Geologie und Paläontologie, 2011
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies , 2013
Hydrobiologia, 2011
This study explores changes in cladoceran composition in a high mountain lake of the Retezat (Lak... more This study explores changes in cladoceran composition in a high mountain lake of the Retezat (Lake Brazi), the South Carpathian Mountains of Romania, during the Late Glacial-Early Holocene (14,500-11,600 cal. yr. BP) transition using a paleolimnological approach. The lake had a species poor cladoceran community throughout this period. Daphnia longispina, Chydorus sphaericus and Alona affinis were the most common, showing marked fluctuations in their relative abundances through time. Distinct faunal response to warming at the Younger Dryas (YD)/Preboreal transition was recorded by increasing fossil densities and distinct community composition change: Alona affinis became dominant while numbers of Chydorus sphaericus dramatically decreased. In the Early Holocene, the productivity of Lake Brazi seem to have increased as reflected by higher numbers of Cladocera due to appearance of new species (Alona rectangula, A. quadrangularis and A. guttata) which are common in productive waters. Significant negative correlation was found between average dorsal length of daphnid ephippia and the NGRIP d18 O isotope values. Given the absence of fish predation, changes in Daphnia ephippia size were taken to indicate climatic change: larger ephippium size inferred cold conditions during the Late Glacial, while smaller size reflected climate warming during the Early Holocene. We conclude that Cladocera fossils are good indicators of climatic change that happened during the transition from the Late Glacial to the Holocene. We found that climatic conditions can be tracked either by size distribution of Daphnia ephippia (larger ephippium size under colder climate) and/or by community change of cladocerans.
Crustaceana, 2003
is redescribed on the basis of specimens deposited in the collection of the Speleological Institu... more is redescribed on the basis of specimens deposited in the collection of the Speleological Institute "Emil Racovitza", Cluj, Romania. The genus Teratocyclops Pleşa, 1981 is rede ned, mainly characterized by the following characters of the female: the general habitus of the body, the 11-segmented antennule, the presence of the vestigial exopodite on the antenna, the segmentation of the swimming legs, the structure of the distal segment of the endopodite of leg P4 with 1 spine and 3 setae, and the proximal segment of leg 5 fused to the somite. The relationship to the closely related genera Metacyclops Kiefer, 1927, Apocyclops Lindberg, 1942, and Goniocyclops Kiefer, 1955 are discussed.
Annales De Limnologie-international Journal of Limnology, 2008
Morphology of both the valves and limbs of several parthenogenetic populations of the widespread ... more Morphology of both the valves and limbs of several parthenogenetic populations of the widespread non-marine ostracod Cryptocandona vavrai Kaufmann (sensu lato) living in groundwater habitats of western (France) and south-eastern Europe (Romania) was examined for the extent of intra-and interpopulational variation. Geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics were employed for the description of the valve morphological disparity whereas the discriminant analysis was performed for the comparative analysis of the limb chaetotaxy. The ranges of the most studied limb traits principally overlapped among the populations, however considerable differences in the carapace shape and size, reflecting microevolutionary changes at a macro-scale (inter-population) level, allowed distinguishing quantitatively some Romanian populations which deserve a separate specific status. Hence, a new species Cryptocandona racovitzai sp. nov. is described which differs from C. vavrai sensu stricto mainly in larger size, in more triangular valve shape as seen laterally and in less developed inner lamella of the valves. Finally, after examination of more material from Romanian groundwaters, we hypothesised the presence of more new species within the studied lineage and concluded that Cryptocandona vavrai sensu lato is a polymorphic lineage consisting of several geographically differentiated species rather than just only one widely dispersed species.
UDC 574.5:551.44(497.4+498) Oana T
Naturwissenschaften, 2012
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, 2013
Rich, diverse assemblages comprising a total (live + dead) of twenty-one ostracod species belongi... more Rich, diverse assemblages comprising a total (live + dead) of twenty-one ostracod species belonging to fifteen genera were recovered from phreatic waters of the hypogenic Frasassi Cave system and the adjacent Frasassi sulfidic spring and Sentino River in the Marche region of the northeastern Apennines of Italy. Specimens were recovered from ten sites, eight of which were in the phreatic waters of the cave system and sampled at different times of the year over a period of five years. Approximately 6900 specimens were recovered, the vast majority of which were disarticulated valves; live ostracods were also collected. The most abundant species in the sulfidic spring and Sentino River were Prionocypris zenkeri, Herpetocypris chevreuxi, and Cypridopsis vidua, while the phreatic waters of the cave system were dominated by two putatively new stygobitic species of Mixtacandona and Pseudolimnocythere and a species that was also abundant in the sulfidic spring, Fabaeformiscandona ex gr. F. fabaeformis. Pseudocandona ex gr. P. eremita, likely another new stygobitic species, is recorded for the first time in Italy. The relatively high diversity of the ostracod assemblages at Frasassi could be attributed to the heterogeneity of groundwater and associated habitats or to niche partitioning promoted by the creation of a chemoautotrophic ecosystem based on sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Other possible factors are the geologic age and hydrologic conditions of the cave and karst aquifer system that possibly originated in the earlymiddle Pleistocene when topographic uplift and incision enabled deep sulfidic waters to reach the local carbonate aquifer. Flooding or active migration would have introduced the invertebrates that now inhabit the Frasassi Cave system.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2013
In order to evaluate the water quality at the surface/groundwater interface (hyporheic zone), the... more In order to evaluate the water quality at the surface/groundwater interface (hyporheic zone), the pattern of microcrustacean assemblages in response to environmental stress caused by urban industrial contamination was studied in the Jarama River basin (central Spain) during high water discharges (March and April 2011). The clustering of biological variables and the concentration of urban contaminants in hyporheic waters showed that pristine hyporheic waters have moderate species diversity (two to seven species) and dominance of k strategist stygobites, whereas excessively contaminated sites are devoid by crustaceans. An intermediate level of disturbance in hyporheic waters is associated with a peak of species taxonomic diversity (four to nine species) and proliferation of r strategist more tolerant species. Typical species found in hyporheic zone, e.g., Paracyclops imminutus (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), Cryptocandona vavrai (Ostracoda) and Herpetocypris chevreuxi (Ostracoda), were good indicators of high concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and VOCs; whereas the stygobites do not show any significant correlation. The effectiveness of hyporheic crustaceans as efficient bioindicators for assessing the current ecological status of river ecosystems is emphasised.
Annales Zoologici, 2011
A new stygobite species Acanthocyclops transylvanicus sp. nov. is described from the north-wester... more A new stygobite species Acanthocyclops transylvanicus sp. nov. is described from the north-western Romanian Carpathians (Apuseni Mountains) and is accommodated in the subterranean kieferi-group. Acanthocyclops transylvanicus sp. nov. resembles closely A. biarticulatus in the segmentation pattern of the swimming legs (3.2/3.2/3.2/3.2), but differs by the following characters: antennary second endopodite segment with 7 setae; distal articles of endopodites of P1 and P3 with 4 and 5 setae, respectively; absence of coxopodite ornamentation pattern in leg 4; leg 4 endopodite with 3-segmented appearance, but lacking a functional articulation between the second and third segment. We assume that the 2-segmented nature of the leg 4 endopodite as observed in both species is a convergent acquisition. The adult shape of the leg 4 endopodite in A. transylvanicus sp. nov. results from the simple suppression of an arthrodial membrane formation. A. transylvanicus is the ninth representative known in Romania which is accommodated in the kieferi-group. An identification key for the species of kieferi-group known to occur in Romania is given.
We examined the variation of stygofauna composition collected in wells, along a gradient in groun... more We examined the variation of stygofauna composition collected in wells, along a gradient in groundwater salinity/conductivity in a coastal aquifer from southern Portugal. The studied coastal aquifer is considered vulnerable to salinization due to seawater intrusion, caused by overexploitation of the aquifer. Knowing the response of the stygofauna species to present levels of groundwater salinity makes it possible to understand and measure the effects of saltwater intrusion on stygofauna, rendering them potential bioindicators of this environmental pressure. Biotic and abiotic sampling was conducted in six shallow wells located in the fresh–saltwater interface of the Arade estuary along the salinity gradient established in the groundwater from the estuary to inland locations (microSiemens/cm). Groundwater salinity was highly correlated with taxa distribution. The stygobites Eucyclops hadjebensis and Acanthocyclops sensitivus, the cosmopolitan Megacyclops viridis and Cypria ophtalmica were particularly associated with low-salinity conditions, whereas Eucyclops graeteri, Megacyclops brachypus and Daphnia pulicaria were related to high-salinity waters. Multivariate analyses indicated that stygofauna assemblages varied significantly with location. We suggest that stygofauna composition and structure can be a useful complementing tool for monitoring seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers, where reduction or deterioration in groundwater resources is predicted.
It is assumed that the south-eastern Europe and especially the Romanian Carpathians were importan... more It is assumed that the south-eastern Europe and especially the Romanian Carpathians were important regions for surface and underground invertebrates survival during glacial periods and acted as a source of post-glacial colonization processes. We analyzed data from 233 georeferenced records for 164 species of groundwater copepods and ostracods from Romania and used a comparative approach to recognize the determinants of the regional-scale richness, endemism, and distribution patterns, with a primary focus on species from the Carpathian Mountains. In addition, we examined the driving forces for the observed pattern of distribution and richness linked to contemporary (groundwater habitat fragmentation and heterogeneity, climate, vegetation) and historical (past climate and vegetation) environmental conditions. Our analyses showed that: (1) species richness was high, irrespective of habitat heterogeneity, in karst and non-karst areas; (2) the main driver accounting for high species richness in the karst landscape was the rainfall regime (> 1350 mm per year), whereas, in non-karst areas, it was woodland vegetation; and (3) there was significant species richness and richness of phyletic lineages in hypothetical forest glacial refugia of the Carpathian arc. The combination of the distribution pattern, diversification, and evolution of stygobite lineages provides reliable evidence for species persistence in the Romanian groundwater during Pleistocene.
On the catchment spatial scale, rivers can be considered a patchy discontinuity from headwaters t... more On the catchment spatial scale, rivers can be considered a patchy discontinuity from headwaters to mouth with significant implications on the structure and functioning of the hyporheic zone (HZ) biota. The present study aims to determine the spatial variation of ostracod assemblages from a fluvial HZ of two groundwater-fed rivers of the Jarama basin (Central Spain). We hypothesised that ostracod abundance and composition are subject to changes in water condition, substratum type geology and surface water/groundwater exchanges along the hyporheic flow path. Individual measures of 29 physico-chemical parameters, water discharge, sediment size and sediment organic matter (as loss of ignition) were measured at a depth of 20–40 cm at 20 hyporheic sites of the Henares and Tajuña Rivers. The results show that factors like elevation, carbonate water type, high permeable riverbed substratum and groundwater upwelling at headwaters contribute to shape a diverse, mixed assemblage formed by stygophyle and stygoxene ostracods (14 species). Conversely, low-mineralised waters, siliceous riverbeds with poor permeability, and relatively low surface/ground water exchanges in the middle and lower sectors, limit species diversity and ostracod abundance to exclusively stygoxene elements (nine species). Ostracod abundance correlates positively with fine sands (0.125–0.25 mm) (Spearman, r = 0.70), and negatively with temperature (r = −0.40), SO42− (r = −0.45) and Mg2+ (r = −0.40). Trace metal (Cu, Mn, Ni) accumulation in the intermediate and lower sectors of both rivers appears harmful for Ilyocypris brady (r = −0.46) and Pryonocypris zenkeri (r = −0.40), whereas As relates negatively to the abundance of Candona candida (r = −0.51), Pryonocypris zenkeri (r = −0.60) and Herpetocypris brevicaudata (r = −0.72). The results highlight the significance of recent ostracods as a proxy to assess the water conditions in a HZ and to provide forthcoming approaches to depict surface-subsurface hydrological exchanges.
The 1st International Symposiumon Ostracoda (ISO) was held in Naples (1963). The philosophy behin... more The 1st International Symposiumon Ostracoda (ISO) was held in Naples (1963). The philosophy behind this symposiumand
the logical outcome of what is nowknown as the International Research Group on Ostracoda (IRGO)
are here reviewed, namely ostracodology over the last 50 years is sociologically analysed. Three different and important
historic moments for the scientific achievements of this domain are recognised. The first one, between
about 1963 and 1983, is related to applied research for the oil industry aswell as to the great interest in the betterdescription of the marine environment by both zoologists and palaeontologists. Another important aspect during
this period was thework by researchers dealing with Palaeozoic ostracods,who had their own discussion group,
IRGPO. Gradually, the merger of this latter group with those dealing with post-Palaeozoic ostracods at various
meetings improved the communication between the two groups of specialists. A second period was
approximately delineated between 1983 and 2003. During this time-slice, more emphasis was addressed to environmental
research with topics such as the study of global events and long-term climate change.
Ostracodologists profited also from the research “politics” within national and international programmes.
Large international research teams emerged using new research methods. During the third period (2003–2013),
communication and collaborative research reached a global dimension. Amongst the topics of research we cite
the reconstruction of palaeoclimate using transfer functions, the building of large datasets of ostracod distributions
for regional and intercontinental studies, and the implementation of actions that should lead to taxonomic
harmonisation. Projects within which molecular biological techniques are routinely used, combined with
sophisticated morphological information, expanded now in their importance. The documentation of the
ostracod description improved through new techniques to visualise morphological details, which stimulated
also communication between ostracodologists. Efforts of making available ostracod information through
newsletters and electronic media are evoked.
Naturwissenschaften, 2012
Annales de Limnologie-International Journal of Limnology, 2011
Crustaceana Monograph, 2011
Joannea Geologie und Paläontologie, 2011
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies , 2013
Hydrobiologia, 2011
This study explores changes in cladoceran composition in a high mountain lake of the Retezat (Lak... more This study explores changes in cladoceran composition in a high mountain lake of the Retezat (Lake Brazi), the South Carpathian Mountains of Romania, during the Late Glacial-Early Holocene (14,500-11,600 cal. yr. BP) transition using a paleolimnological approach. The lake had a species poor cladoceran community throughout this period. Daphnia longispina, Chydorus sphaericus and Alona affinis were the most common, showing marked fluctuations in their relative abundances through time. Distinct faunal response to warming at the Younger Dryas (YD)/Preboreal transition was recorded by increasing fossil densities and distinct community composition change: Alona affinis became dominant while numbers of Chydorus sphaericus dramatically decreased. In the Early Holocene, the productivity of Lake Brazi seem to have increased as reflected by higher numbers of Cladocera due to appearance of new species (Alona rectangula, A. quadrangularis and A. guttata) which are common in productive waters. Significant negative correlation was found between average dorsal length of daphnid ephippia and the NGRIP d18 O isotope values. Given the absence of fish predation, changes in Daphnia ephippia size were taken to indicate climatic change: larger ephippium size inferred cold conditions during the Late Glacial, while smaller size reflected climate warming during the Early Holocene. We conclude that Cladocera fossils are good indicators of climatic change that happened during the transition from the Late Glacial to the Holocene. We found that climatic conditions can be tracked either by size distribution of Daphnia ephippia (larger ephippium size under colder climate) and/or by community change of cladocerans.
Crustaceana, 2003
is redescribed on the basis of specimens deposited in the collection of the Speleological Institu... more is redescribed on the basis of specimens deposited in the collection of the Speleological Institute "Emil Racovitza", Cluj, Romania. The genus Teratocyclops Pleşa, 1981 is rede ned, mainly characterized by the following characters of the female: the general habitus of the body, the 11-segmented antennule, the presence of the vestigial exopodite on the antenna, the segmentation of the swimming legs, the structure of the distal segment of the endopodite of leg P4 with 1 spine and 3 setae, and the proximal segment of leg 5 fused to the somite. The relationship to the closely related genera Metacyclops Kiefer, 1927, Apocyclops Lindberg, 1942, and Goniocyclops Kiefer, 1955 are discussed.
Annales De Limnologie-international Journal of Limnology, 2008
Morphology of both the valves and limbs of several parthenogenetic populations of the widespread ... more Morphology of both the valves and limbs of several parthenogenetic populations of the widespread non-marine ostracod Cryptocandona vavrai Kaufmann (sensu lato) living in groundwater habitats of western (France) and south-eastern Europe (Romania) was examined for the extent of intra-and interpopulational variation. Geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics were employed for the description of the valve morphological disparity whereas the discriminant analysis was performed for the comparative analysis of the limb chaetotaxy. The ranges of the most studied limb traits principally overlapped among the populations, however considerable differences in the carapace shape and size, reflecting microevolutionary changes at a macro-scale (inter-population) level, allowed distinguishing quantitatively some Romanian populations which deserve a separate specific status. Hence, a new species Cryptocandona racovitzai sp. nov. is described which differs from C. vavrai sensu stricto mainly in larger size, in more triangular valve shape as seen laterally and in less developed inner lamella of the valves. Finally, after examination of more material from Romanian groundwaters, we hypothesised the presence of more new species within the studied lineage and concluded that Cryptocandona vavrai sensu lato is a polymorphic lineage consisting of several geographically differentiated species rather than just only one widely dispersed species.
UDC 574.5:551.44(497.4+498) Oana T