Non-Random Sibling Cannibalism in the Marine Gastropod Crepidula coquimbensis.

Sibling cannibalism is commonly observed in marine species. For instance, intrabrood cannibalism has been documented in marine gastropods with direct development, suggesting a relationship between embryo behavior and the evolution of life history strategies. However, there has been little effort to document the factors driving sibling cannibalism in marine species.

LAMINARIOCOLAX SP. (PHAEOPHYCEAE) ASSOCIATED WITH GALL DEVELOPMENTS IN LESSONIA NIGRESCENS (PHAEOPHYCEAE)(1).

As part of a long-term study on the biology and ecology of the intertidal kelp Lessonia nigrescens Bory, we report on the occurrence of gall development on this alga, identified the possible causal agent, and assessed the extent of the phenomenon in two wild stands of the host. Our results showed that galls affecting natural populations of L. nigrescens were associated with the infection by a filamentous brown algal endophyte of the genus Laminariocolax.

Deconstructing latitudinal species richness patterns in the ocean: does larval development hold the clue?

The consistent decrease in species richness with latitude shows several exceptions among marine organisms. We hypothesize that contrasting latitudinal diversity gradients can be explained by differences in critical life-history attributes, such as mode of larval development (MLD). We deconstructed latitudinal species richness patterns of marine benthic invertebrates according to MLD to elucidate differences in patterns of species richness and to reveal underlying processes.

3-Chlorobenzoate is taken up by a chromosomally encoded transport system in Cupriavidus necator JMP134.

Cupriavidus necator JMP134(pJP4) is able to grow on 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB), a model chloroaromatic pollutant. Catabolism of 3-CB is achieved via the expression of the chromosomally encoded benABCD genes and the tfd genes from plasmid pJP4. Since passive diffusion of benzoic acid derivatives at physiological pH is negligible, the uptake of this compound should be facilitated by a transport system.

Thermal tolerance of crustacean larvae (zoea I) in two different populations of the kelp crab Taliepus dentatus (Milne-Edwards).

Studies of thermal tolerance in marine ectotherms are key in understanding climate effects on ecosystems; however, tolerance of their larval stages has rarely been analyzed. Larval stages are expected to be particularly sensitive. Thermal stress may affect their potential for dispersal and zoogeographical distribution.

Cadmium--copper antagonism in seaweeds inhabiting coastal areas affected by copper mine waste disposals.

Cadmium and copper accumulation by macroalgae was studied in a coastal area exposed to upwelling events and high levels of Cu, the latter resulting from mine disposals. Eight species were studied, and all had very high concentrations of Cd outside of the Cu-contaminated area. Cu in algal tissues was much higher in contaminated than in reference sites.

Kinetics of copper accumulation in Lessonia nigrescens (Phaeophyceae) under conditions of environmental oxidative stress.

Juvenile individuals of the brown kelp Lessonia nigrescens were exposed to a coastal environment chronically impacted by copper mine wastes and currently displaying more than 250 nM of total dissolved copper. The kinetic of copper accumulation in the intra and extracellular compartments was determined and correlated to the oxidative burst resulting from copper-mediated oxidative stress. Accumulation involved an initial adsorption onto the outer cell wall followed by a slower uptake into the cells.

Effects of copper mine tailings disposal on littoral meiofaunal assemblages in the Atacama region of northern Chile.

The effects of the disposal of copper mine tailings on the littoral meiofaunal assemblages of the Chañaral area of northern Chile were studied. Of the metals data collected, only in the case of copper was there a clear association with the tailings distribution in both the seawater and porewater samples, and it is assumed that the tailings on the beaches was the source of copper in the adjacent seawater. When compared to the reference sites, the meiofaunal assemblages at the impacted sites had significantly lower densities and taxa diversities; at the northern sites only the densities were lower.

Efficient degradation of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol requires a set of catabolic genes related to tcp genes from Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4).

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) is a hazardous pollutant. Several aerobic bacteria are known to degrade this compound. One of these, Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4), a well-known, versatile chloroaromatic compound degrader, is able to grow in 2,4,6-TCP by converting it to 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone, 6-chlorohydroxyquinol, 2-chloromaleylacetate, maleylacetate, and beta-ketoadipate.