Individual Variation in the Covering Behaviour of the Shallow Water Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Abstract. A number of recent field‐based studies have investigated the possible functions of covering behaviour in a range of echinoid species. Some of these have found important relationships between covering behaviour and environmental factors, such as light (in particular, ultra‐violet light) and covering item availability. However, these studies have often shown considerable within‐species variation, thus making covering functionality both within and between species difficult to interpret. The present study experimentally investigates individual variability in covering behaviour characteristics of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck). Data were collected bimonthly over a 1‐year period at Lough Hyne, Ireland, by observing P. lividus in outdoor aquaria. Significant variations in covering behaviour characteristics were observed as a function of individual size and mobility but not as a function of sex. A significant relationship between water temperature, mobility and covering behaviour was also found and is hypothesized to have implications for grazing activity in P. lividus. In contrast to previous field studies of P. lividus at Lough Hyne, no summer ‘peak’ in the proportion of individuals covering was observed. However, there was a significant relationship between local solar radiation and ‘time to first cover’. Overall, these data highlight (i) the ecological significance of individual variation in P. lividus covering behaviour and (ii) the importance of investigating multiple factors as potential determinants of echinoid covering behaviour.     

Northern Adriatic Rocky Reef Fishes at Low Winter Temperatures

Abstract. The behavioural ecology of certain northern Adriatic fishes was observed from January to April at a water temperature of 7–11 ^oC. The fishes studied here do not migrate to deeper waters. Most of the benthic fishes show a similar distribution over the substrate in winter and in summer; in winter, however, they are very inactive and hide in the substrate. Suprabenthic fishes aggregate in littoral caves where they form dense, inactive, mixed aggregations. Certain hemipelagic and pelagic fishes join to form very dense aggregations at specific sites in the open waters of bays. Littoral predators display high feeding activity at a time when their prey is inactive. I present a hypothesis concerning possible implications of seasonally cyclic environmental temperatures for a sympatric community of non-migrating fishes.     

混凝土动态压缩试验及其本构模型

按照地震荷载作用的速率范围，利用最新研制和改造的大型混凝土静，动试验系统，进行了4种数量级加载速率下混凝土轴向压缩试验，测得了混凝土动态强度，弹性模量，泊松比及应力-应变关系，根据加载条件和混凝土静，动态试验结果间的关系，建立了混凝土的动态本构模型，为地震区的混凝土结构，海上混凝土采油平台和核防御壳等结构受动荷载作用的分析提供参考。     

Distribution and Adaptations of Sea Ice Inhabiting Harpacticoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)

Abstract. Seven harpacticoid species were found to be associated with sea ice collected during 5 Antarctic cruises of the RV Polarstern. Their distribution within the fast ice and pack ice zones of the Weddell Sea is presented. Whereas some individuals probably become entrapped into the ice only accidentally, at least 4 species arc genuinely sympagic. These have evolved remarkable adaptations, as evidenced by field and laboratory studies of Dresclieriella glacialis , which is by far the most abundant. Such adaptations include: the ability to penetrate deep into ice; a comparatively high salinity tolerance allowing it to endure large salinity fluctuations associated with ice crystal formation and melting; good swimming ability, necessary both for horizontal dispersal and for a planktonic intermezzo after annual melting of the sea ice. D. glacialis is the first polar non-vertebrate mctazoan to be cultivated through its entire life cycle. Its life history suggests an r-stratcgy; this would be the first indication of such a trait in the polar environment. A new species of Drescheriella , on the other hand, exhibits resting stages (C IV-V) known to date only for Calanoidu but not reported for Harpacticoida.