Evolutionary significant units (ESUs) and functional conservation units (FCUs) in the Phengaris (Maculinea) nausithous populations of East-Central Europe.

The aim of this study was to analyse the level and structure of genetic and morphometric variation in the East-Central European populations of Phengaris (Maculinea) nausithous. On the basis of the life cycle of the species, we expected a low level of variation within the populations coupled with a relatively high level of differentiation among them. We also assumed that the differentiation among the populations has a regional pattern.

A possible genetic basis for vulnerability in Euphydryas maturna (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Nearly all of the known populations of Scarce Fritillary, Euphydryas maturna (Linnaeus, 1758), are declining in Western and Central Europe. In order to identify the possible reasons for its vulnerability we surveyed the population genetics of this butterfly species using multi-locus genotype data. Females of our target species lay lots of eggs in one or two batches only and pre-hibernation caterpillars live and feed gregariously in a nest.

Enzyme activities and alcohol tolerance in isofemale lines of Drosophila melanogaster originating from different habitats.

Enzyme activity variation was studied in a Drosophila melanogaster population from two villages (Tiszafüred and Tiszaszolos) in Hungary. Two habitats (distillery and farmyard) were sampled in both villages and 8-9 isofemale lines were established from each sample with a total of 35 lines. The activities of ADH, alphaGPDH, IDH and 6PGDH were determined on starch gel after electrophoresis in 10 F1 females of each of the 35 isofemale lines.

Structure of variation in enzyme activity in natural Drosophila melanogaster populations.

Enzyme activity variation was assessed in several isofemale lines originating from two Hungarian Drosophila melanogaster populations. Samples from each population were taken from from two villages; 8-9 isofemale lines were established from each village. The activities of ADH, alphaGPDH, IDH and 6PGDH were determined in the adults (in the F1 generation) and in the larvae (in the F3 generation) as well.