• prof. dr hab. Piotr Skubała
Stanowisko: Profesor
Jednostka: Wydział Nauk Przyrodniczych
Adres: 40-007 Katowice, ul. Bankowa 9
Piętro: parter
Numer pokoju: 17
Telefon: (32) 359 1148
E-mail: piotr.skubala@us.edu.pl
Spis publikacji: Spis wg CINiBA
Spis publikacji: Spis wg OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 6603459842
Publikacje z bazy Scopus
2023
Skubała, P.; Ochwat, M. A.
ON THE ROLE OF SYMBIOTIC THINKING IN THE AGE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE Journal Article
In: Dialogue and Universalism, vol. 33, no. 2, 2023, ISSN: 12345792.
@article{2-s2.0-85175079418,
title = {ON THE ROLE OF SYMBIOTIC THINKING IN THE AGE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE},
author = { P. Skubała and M.A. Ochwat},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85175079418&doi=10.5840%2fdu202333217&partnerID=40&md5=9782e53ef1dc6e292d18f7f12b9527bd},
doi = {10.5840/du202333217},
issn = {12345792},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Dialogue and Universalism},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
publisher = {Polish Academy of Sciences - Institute of Philosophy and Sociology},
abstract = {The human influence on the earth’s ecosystem has become so destructive that we need a new vision of the world that will offer hope. The article is an attempt to create a new interdisciplinary way that takes into account the role of symbiosis in the functioning of life on Earth. Australian scholar Glenn Albrecht postulates the conceptual framework for the new epoch and calls it the Symbiocene. which will be characterized by replicating symbiotic life processes in human activities. At the same time, science clearly states that the relationships among organisms are predominantly cooperative and symbiotic in nature. The article focuses on three selected phenomena in which close multilateral cooperation plays a significant role. These are: the life of lichens, the functioning of mycelium with plants, especially the role of Mother Trees over young stands, and permaculture as an example of symbiotic agriculture. We take these examples as a training in collective imagination in good interspecies living and draw on selected literary texts. We believe that the idea of the Symbiocene, an inclusive and integrative philosophy of life, has great potential to become a new direction not only in the natural sciences, but also in the social sciences and humanities. © 2023, Polish Academy of Sciences - Institute of Philosophy and Sociology. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The human influence on the earth’s ecosystem has become so destructive that we need a new vision of the world that will offer hope. The article is an attempt to create a new interdisciplinary way that takes into account the role of symbiosis in the functioning of life on Earth. Australian scholar Glenn Albrecht postulates the conceptual framework for the new epoch and calls it the Symbiocene. which will be characterized by replicating symbiotic life processes in human activities. At the same time, science clearly states that the relationships among organisms are predominantly cooperative and symbiotic in nature. The article focuses on three selected phenomena in which close multilateral cooperation plays a significant role. These are: the life of lichens, the functioning of mycelium with plants, especially the role of Mother Trees over young stands, and permaculture as an example of symbiotic agriculture. We take these examples as a training in collective imagination in good interspecies living and draw on selected literary texts. We believe that the idea of the Symbiocene, an inclusive and integrative philosophy of life, has great potential to become a new direction not only in the natural sciences, but also in the social sciences and humanities. © 2023, Polish Academy of Sciences - Institute of Philosophy and Sociology. All rights reserved.
Zmudczyńska-Skarbek, K.; Bokhorst, S. F.; Convey, P.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.; Skubała, P.; Zawierucha, K.; Zwolicki, A.
The impact of marine vertebrates on polar terrestrial invertebrate communities Journal Article
In: Polar Biology, 2023, ISSN: 07224060, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85153618816,
title = {The impact of marine vertebrates on polar terrestrial invertebrate communities},
author = { K. Zmudczyńska-Skarbek and S.F. Bokhorst and P. Convey and D.J. Gwiazdowicz and P. Skubała and K. Zawierucha and A. Zwolicki},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85153618816&doi=10.1007%2fs00300-023-03134-8&partnerID=40&md5=5d3b3604e4992ef0178465f92fd7d07c},
doi = {10.1007/s00300-023-03134-8},
issn = {07224060},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Polar Biology},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {Marine birds and pinnipeds which come to land to breed, rest and moult are widely known to fertilize adjacent terrestrial ecosystems, with cascading effects on vegetation and other trophic levels. We provide a synthesis of the consequences of allochthonous nutrient enrichment for terrestrial invertebrate communities within and around marine vertebrate aggregation sites and nutrient sources in the High Arctic and Continental and Maritime Antarctic, the most nutrient-poor and environmentally extreme parts of the polar regions. Using a combination of literature review (identifying 19 articles from the Arctic Svalbard archipelago and 12 from different Antarctic locations) and new analyses of available datasets of springtail, mite and tardigrade community composition, we confirmed that terrestrial invertebrate abundance and species richness tended to increase, and their community compositions changed, as a result of marine vertebrate fertilisation in both polar regions. These changes were significantly greater on talus slopes enriched by kittiwakes, guillemots and little auks in the Arctic, as compared to the edges of penguin colonies in the Antarctic. Both these habitat areas were typically abundantly vegetated and provided the most favourable microhabitat conditions for terrestrial invertebrates. The most heavily disturbed and manured areas within Antarctic penguin rookeries and seal wallows, generally on flat or gently sloping ground, were typically characterised by extremely low invertebrate diversity. In the Arctic, only sites directly beneath densely-occupied bird cliffs were to some extent comparably barren. Invertebrate responses are dependent on a combination of vertebrate activity, local topography and vegetation development. © 2023, The Author(s).},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Marine birds and pinnipeds which come to land to breed, rest and moult are widely known to fertilize adjacent terrestrial ecosystems, with cascading effects on vegetation and other trophic levels. We provide a synthesis of the consequences of allochthonous nutrient enrichment for terrestrial invertebrate communities within and around marine vertebrate aggregation sites and nutrient sources in the High Arctic and Continental and Maritime Antarctic, the most nutrient-poor and environmentally extreme parts of the polar regions. Using a combination of literature review (identifying 19 articles from the Arctic Svalbard archipelago and 12 from different Antarctic locations) and new analyses of available datasets of springtail, mite and tardigrade community composition, we confirmed that terrestrial invertebrate abundance and species richness tended to increase, and their community compositions changed, as a result of marine vertebrate fertilisation in both polar regions. These changes were significantly greater on talus slopes enriched by kittiwakes, guillemots and little auks in the Arctic, as compared to the edges of penguin colonies in the Antarctic. Both these habitat areas were typically abundantly vegetated and provided the most favourable microhabitat conditions for terrestrial invertebrates. The most heavily disturbed and manured areas within Antarctic penguin rookeries and seal wallows, generally on flat or gently sloping ground, were typically characterised by extremely low invertebrate diversity. In the Arctic, only sites directly beneath densely-occupied bird cliffs were to some extent comparably barren. Invertebrate responses are dependent on a combination of vertebrate activity, local topography and vegetation development. © 2023, The Author(s).
2022
Guidi, C.; Frey, B.; Brunner, I.; Meusburger, K.; Vogel, M. E.; Chen, X.; Stucky, T.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.; Skubała, P.; Bose, A. K.; Schaub, M.; Rigling, A.; Hagedorn, F.
Soil fauna drives vertical redistribution of soil organic carbon in a long-term irrigated dry pine forest Journal Article
In: Global Change Biology, vol. 28, no. 9, pp. 3145-3160, 2022, ISSN: 13541013, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-85124897586,
title = {Soil fauna drives vertical redistribution of soil organic carbon in a long-term irrigated dry pine forest},
author = { C. Guidi and B. Frey and I. Brunner and K. Meusburger and M.E. Vogel and X. Chen and T. Stucky and D.J. Gwiazdowicz and P. Skubała and A.K. Bose and M. Schaub and A. Rigling and F. Hagedorn},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85124897586&doi=10.1111%2fgcb.16122&partnerID=40&md5=ba1ae49ab5d5dc981c8811da9dd14a9b},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.16122},
issn = {13541013},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Global Change Biology},
volume = {28},
number = {9},
pages = {3145-3160},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Inc},
abstract = {Summer droughts strongly affect soil organic carbon (SOC) cycling, but net effects on SOC storage are unclear as drought affects both C inputs and outputs from soils. Here, we explored the overlooked role of soil fauna on SOC storage in forests, hypothesizing that soil faunal activity is particularly drought-sensitive, thereby reducing litter incorporation into the mineral soil and, eventually, long-term SOC storage. In a drought-prone pine forest (Switzerland), we performed a large-scale irrigation experiment for 17 years and assessed its impact on vertical SOC distribution and composition. We also examined litter mass loss of dominant tree species using different mesh-size litterbags and determined soil fauna abundance and community composition. The 17-year-long irrigation resulted in a C loss in the organic layers (−1.0 kg C m−2) and a comparable C gain in the mineral soil (+0.8 kg C m−2) and thus did not affect total SOC stocks. Irrigation increased the mass loss of Quercus pubescens and Viburnum lantana leaf litter, with greater effect sizes when meso- and macrofauna were included (+215%) than when excluded (+44%). The enhanced faunal-mediated litter mass loss was paralleled by a many-fold increase in the abundance of meso- and macrofauna during irrigation. Moreover, Acari and Collembola community composition shifted, with a higher presence of drought-sensitive species in irrigated soils. In comparison, microbial SOC mineralization was less sensitive to soil moisture. Our results suggest that the vertical redistribution of SOC with irrigation was mainly driven by faunal-mediated litter incorporation, together with increased root C inputs. Our study shows that soil fauna is highly sensitive to natural drought, which leads to a reduced C transfer from organic layers to the mineral soil. In the longer term, this potentially affects SOC storage and, therefore, soil fauna plays a key but so far largely overlooked role in shaping SOC responses to drought. © 2022 The Authors. Global Change Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Summer droughts strongly affect soil organic carbon (SOC) cycling, but net effects on SOC storage are unclear as drought affects both C inputs and outputs from soils. Here, we explored the overlooked role of soil fauna on SOC storage in forests, hypothesizing that soil faunal activity is particularly drought-sensitive, thereby reducing litter incorporation into the mineral soil and, eventually, long-term SOC storage. In a drought-prone pine forest (Switzerland), we performed a large-scale irrigation experiment for 17 years and assessed its impact on vertical SOC distribution and composition. We also examined litter mass loss of dominant tree species using different mesh-size litterbags and determined soil fauna abundance and community composition. The 17-year-long irrigation resulted in a C loss in the organic layers (−1.0 kg C m−2) and a comparable C gain in the mineral soil (+0.8 kg C m−2) and thus did not affect total SOC stocks. Irrigation increased the mass loss of Quercus pubescens and Viburnum lantana leaf litter, with greater effect sizes when meso- and macrofauna were included (+215%) than when excluded (+44%). The enhanced faunal-mediated litter mass loss was paralleled by a many-fold increase in the abundance of meso- and macrofauna during irrigation. Moreover, Acari and Collembola community composition shifted, with a higher presence of drought-sensitive species in irrigated soils. In comparison, microbial SOC mineralization was less sensitive to soil moisture. Our results suggest that the vertical redistribution of SOC with irrigation was mainly driven by faunal-mediated litter incorporation, together with increased root C inputs. Our study shows that soil fauna is highly sensitive to natural drought, which leads to a reduced C transfer from organic layers to the mineral soil. In the longer term, this potentially affects SOC storage and, therefore, soil fauna plays a key but so far largely overlooked role in shaping SOC responses to drought. © 2022 The Authors. Global Change Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Skubała, P.
Animals in the Era of Climate Crisis [Животные в эпоху климатического кризиса] Journal Article
In: Zoophilologica, vol. 9, no. 1, 2022, ISSN: 27192687.
@article{2-s2.0-85168674562,
title = {Animals in the Era of Climate Crisis [Животные в эпоху климатического кризиса]},
author = { P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85168674562&doi=10.31261%2fZOOPHILOLOGICA.2022.09.07&partnerID=40&md5=3643c8658d7bff3c0c4ca60e1b25111c},
doi = {10.31261/ZOOPHILOLOGICA.2022.09.07},
issn = {27192687},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Zoophilologica},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
publisher = {Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Slaskiego},
abstract = {We are currently observing the sixth Pleistocene-Holocene great extinction. Climate change is one of the significant factors contributing to the dramatic decline in wildlife diversity. Humanity took up the fight against climate change in 1992 by adopting the Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. Unfortunately, these efforts have not produced the expected results. Rising greenhouse gas emissions will lead to the extinction of half of the species on Earth by the end of this century. Limiting the temperature increase to 2°C by 2100 will mean a 25% reduction in species diversity. For most animal species, the race against progressive climate change is difficult and even impossible to win. Scientists warn that if we do not take immediate action, we will face a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. Wild vertebrate animals already account for no more than 4% of the biomass of all vertebrates, which is dramatically lower than the biomass of farmed animals. © 2022 Zoophilologica. Polish Journal of Animal Studies. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We are currently observing the sixth Pleistocene-Holocene great extinction. Climate change is one of the significant factors contributing to the dramatic decline in wildlife diversity. Humanity took up the fight against climate change in 1992 by adopting the Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. Unfortunately, these efforts have not produced the expected results. Rising greenhouse gas emissions will lead to the extinction of half of the species on Earth by the end of this century. Limiting the temperature increase to 2°C by 2100 will mean a 25% reduction in species diversity. For most animal species, the race against progressive climate change is difficult and even impossible to win. Scientists warn that if we do not take immediate action, we will face a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. Wild vertebrate animals already account for no more than 4% of the biomass of all vertebrates, which is dramatically lower than the biomass of farmed animals. © 2022 Zoophilologica. Polish Journal of Animal Studies. All rights reserved.
Gdula, A. K.; Konwerski, S.; Olejniczak, I.; Rutkowski, T.; Skubała, P.; Zawieja, B.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.
In: Sylwan, vol. 166, no. 1, pp. 17-40, 2022, ISSN: 00397660.
@article{2-s2.0-85137661784,
title = {Pathogens as creators of biodiversity. A study on influence of decayed braeket fungi on alpha diversity of microarthropods in the Karkonosze National Park, Poland},
author = { A.K. Gdula and S. Konwerski and I. Olejniczak and T. Rutkowski and P. Skubała and B. Zawieja and D.J. Gwiazdowicz},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85137661784&doi=10.26202%2fsylwan.2021091&partnerID=40&md5=04e0771421d2114cc81f9a74bf4c8a50},
doi = {10.26202/sylwan.2021091},
issn = {00397660},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Sylwan},
volume = {166},
number = {1},
pages = {17-40},
publisher = {Polish Forest Society},
abstract = {Bracket fungi are organisms important to forestry, often perceived from the point of view of eco− nomic losses they cause, but they also play an important role in shaping biodiversity, e.g. by cre− ating specific microhabitats to which their fruiting bodies belong. The fruiting bodies of this group of fungi are the place of occurrence of invertebrate assemblages specific for them, how− ever, this topic is still poorly researched. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the degree of decay (DD) of fruiting bodies on the microarthropod communities inhabiting them. The study material (100 fruiting bodies) was collected in the Karkonosze National Park, which areas were affected by a large−scale forest dieback process in the 1980s. 29,228 individuals of microarthropods belonging to 186 species were extracted. Oribatid mites were the most numer− ously represented group (87 species and 24;472 individuals) and the most numerous species was Carabodes femoralis (20;167 ind.). In addition to the species previously observed also in other substrates, species characteristic only for fruiting bodies of arboreal fungi were also observed (e.g. Hoploseius oblongus). Each DD's fauna differed from one another, in the majority of microarthro− pod groups there was a tendency for greater number of species and individuals in higher DDs; however, it was not a linear one. The NMDS and cluster analyses indicated that the 3 DD and 4 DD samples are similar to each other, whereas 1 DD and 2 DD samples differed from the samples belonging to the other DDs. Indicator species analysis has indicated species character− istic for each DD, among others Hoploseius oblongus for 1 DD and Zerconopsis remiger for 4 DD. The results encrease the knowledge on the poorly−understood aspekt of ecology and can be a useful source of information for effective protection of forest biodiversity and sustainable forest management. © 2022 Polish Forest Society. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Bracket fungi are organisms important to forestry, often perceived from the point of view of eco− nomic losses they cause, but they also play an important role in shaping biodiversity, e.g. by cre− ating specific microhabitats to which their fruiting bodies belong. The fruiting bodies of this group of fungi are the place of occurrence of invertebrate assemblages specific for them, how− ever, this topic is still poorly researched. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the degree of decay (DD) of fruiting bodies on the microarthropod communities inhabiting them. The study material (100 fruiting bodies) was collected in the Karkonosze National Park, which areas were affected by a large−scale forest dieback process in the 1980s. 29,228 individuals of microarthropods belonging to 186 species were extracted. Oribatid mites were the most numer− ously represented group (87 species and 24;472 individuals) and the most numerous species was Carabodes femoralis (20;167 ind.). In addition to the species previously observed also in other substrates, species characteristic only for fruiting bodies of arboreal fungi were also observed (e.g. Hoploseius oblongus). Each DD's fauna differed from one another, in the majority of microarthro− pod groups there was a tendency for greater number of species and individuals in higher DDs; however, it was not a linear one. The NMDS and cluster analyses indicated that the 3 DD and 4 DD samples are similar to each other, whereas 1 DD and 2 DD samples differed from the samples belonging to the other DDs. Indicator species analysis has indicated species character− istic for each DD, among others Hoploseius oblongus for 1 DD and Zerconopsis remiger for 4 DD. The results encrease the knowledge on the poorly−understood aspekt of ecology and can be a useful source of information for effective protection of forest biodiversity and sustainable forest management. © 2022 Polish Forest Society. All rights reserved.
2021
Sobol, A.; Skubała, P.; Sobol, A.
STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS AND THEIR DERIVED SATISFACTION OF URBAN FORESTS IN THE MOST INDUSTRIALISED REGION OF POLAND Journal Article
In: Ekonomia i Srodowisko, vol. 77, no. 2, pp. 126-143, 2021, ISSN: 08678898.
@article{2-s2.0-85127511971,
title = {STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS AND THEIR DERIVED SATISFACTION OF URBAN FORESTS IN THE MOST INDUSTRIALISED REGION OF POLAND},
author = { A. Sobol and P. Skubała and A. Sobol},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85127511971&doi=10.34659%2f2021%2f2%2f16&partnerID=40&md5=04df8f74a70af2b92e845244e0baddf1},
doi = {10.34659/2021/2/16},
issn = {08678898},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Ekonomia i Srodowisko},
volume = {77},
number = {2},
pages = {126-143},
publisher = {Wydawnictwo Ekonomia i Srodowisko},
abstract = {In the face of growing urbanised areas, the presence of forests and their appropriate shaping is a key challenge for contemporary urban planning. The importance of forests is largely identified with natural, economic and social functions in non-urban areas; however, forests are of vital value in urbanised areas. This article explores young Polish urbanites' awareness of the role forests play, and submits diagnoses of the forests multidimensional benefits and their functions in Poland's urban areas. Moreover, the research is based on the premise that the management of urban forests must ultimately lead to the satisfying of social needs. Based on empirical research, the perceptions of the value of urban forests as assessed by young people (students) in the Slaskie Voivodeship are presented, leading to the authors' postulation that urban forests are underestimated resources. Furthermore, the study suggests that young Poles do not recognise the multi-beneficial aspects of urban forests; and the authors indicate feasible directions for local policy to achieve sustainable development. The final statements argue that in the face of serious threats to the functioning of Earth's ecosystem, a campaign for the presence of forests and green spaces in cities is necessary. © 2021 Wydawnictwo Ekonomia i Srodowisko. All Rights Reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In the face of growing urbanised areas, the presence of forests and their appropriate shaping is a key challenge for contemporary urban planning. The importance of forests is largely identified with natural, economic and social functions in non-urban areas; however, forests are of vital value in urbanised areas. This article explores young Polish urbanites' awareness of the role forests play, and submits diagnoses of the forests multidimensional benefits and their functions in Poland's urban areas. Moreover, the research is based on the premise that the management of urban forests must ultimately lead to the satisfying of social needs. Based on empirical research, the perceptions of the value of urban forests as assessed by young people (students) in the Slaskie Voivodeship are presented, leading to the authors' postulation that urban forests are underestimated resources. Furthermore, the study suggests that young Poles do not recognise the multi-beneficial aspects of urban forests; and the authors indicate feasible directions for local policy to achieve sustainable development. The final statements argue that in the face of serious threats to the functioning of Earth's ecosystem, a campaign for the presence of forests and green spaces in cities is necessary. © 2021 Wydawnictwo Ekonomia i Srodowisko. All Rights Reserved.
Gdula, A. K.; Skubała, P.; Zawieja, B.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.
Mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) in the red belt conk, Fomitopsis pinicola (Polyporales), in Polish forests Journal Article
In: Experimental and Applied Acarology, vol. 84, no. 3, pp. 543-564, 2021, ISSN: 01688162, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85109003133,
title = {Mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) in the red belt conk, Fomitopsis pinicola (Polyporales), in Polish forests},
author = { A.K. Gdula and P. Skubała and B. Zawieja and D.J. Gwiazdowicz},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85109003133&doi=10.1007%2fs10493-021-00635-1&partnerID=40&md5=c324c81f4cd852f8ee3dc4a5773460f6},
doi = {10.1007/s10493-021-00635-1},
issn = {01688162},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Experimental and Applied Acarology},
volume = {84},
number = {3},
pages = {543-564},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {The fruiting bodies of bracket fungi are a specific microhabitat colonized by various invertebrates of which mites (Acari) are rarely studied, and if they are, the study is usually faunistic. The aim of the research was to determine whether the diversification of mite assemblages (Mesostigmata; Oribatida) inhabiting the fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst. (Polyporales) are connected with the character of the forests and/or the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies. The research was conducted at Białowieża National Park (BNP), in forests close to natural ones and in Karkonosze National Park (KNP) which was affected by a large-scale forest dieback in the 1980s. Eighty fruiting bodies (40 at each study site) of F. pinicola belonging to four DD categories were collected. In total, 4,345 individuals of 120 mite species were recorded at BNP, and 13,912 individuals of 96 species were recorded at KNP. Analyses revealed that the sample dispersion at each study site was comparable, nevertheless the samples from each study site were clearly grouped into slightly overlapping sets which allow observation of the differences between them. In the less decayed fungi (DD 1 and 2) there were fewer mite species and individual mites than in the more decayed samples (DD 3 and 4). There were also significant differences between the fauna of the fungi in each particular DD: the fauna of DD 1 differed from all others, whereas the fauna of heavily decayed fungi (DD 3 and 4) was more comparable. © 2021, The Author(s).},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The fruiting bodies of bracket fungi are a specific microhabitat colonized by various invertebrates of which mites (Acari) are rarely studied, and if they are, the study is usually faunistic. The aim of the research was to determine whether the diversification of mite assemblages (Mesostigmata; Oribatida) inhabiting the fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst. (Polyporales) are connected with the character of the forests and/or the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies. The research was conducted at Białowieża National Park (BNP), in forests close to natural ones and in Karkonosze National Park (KNP) which was affected by a large-scale forest dieback in the 1980s. Eighty fruiting bodies (40 at each study site) of F. pinicola belonging to four DD categories were collected. In total, 4,345 individuals of 120 mite species were recorded at BNP, and 13,912 individuals of 96 species were recorded at KNP. Analyses revealed that the sample dispersion at each study site was comparable, nevertheless the samples from each study site were clearly grouped into slightly overlapping sets which allow observation of the differences between them. In the less decayed fungi (DD 1 and 2) there were fewer mite species and individual mites than in the more decayed samples (DD 3 and 4). There were also significant differences between the fauna of the fungi in each particular DD: the fauna of DD 1 differed from all others, whereas the fauna of heavily decayed fungi (DD 3 and 4) was more comparable. © 2021, The Author(s).
Gdula, A. K.; Konwerski, S.; Olejniczak, I.; Rutkowski, T.; Skubała, P.; Zawieja, B.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.
The role of bracket fungi in creating alpha diversity of invertebrates in the Białowieża National Park, Poland Journal Article
In: Ecology and Evolution, vol. 11, no. 11, pp. 6456-6470, 2021, ISSN: 20457758, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85103406812,
title = {The role of bracket fungi in creating alpha diversity of invertebrates in the Białowieża National Park, Poland},
author = { A.K. Gdula and S. Konwerski and I. Olejniczak and T. Rutkowski and P. Skubała and B. Zawieja and D.J. Gwiazdowicz},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85103406812&doi=10.1002%2fece3.7495&partnerID=40&md5=a777a54a49ee61b86233a34dc0a4b3c9},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.7495},
issn = {20457758},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Ecology and Evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {6456-6470},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},
abstract = {Bracket fungi are seen mainly as the cause of economic losses in forestry, and their role as creators of biodiversity is relatively poorly understood. The aim of the study was defining the manner in which the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies determines the character of the invertebrate assemblages colonising them. The effect of this group of fungi on the modification of biodiversity of invertebrates (Aranae; Opiliones; Pseudoscorpionida; two groups of mites—Mesostigmata and Oribatida; and Collembola and Insecta) was investigated by analyzing 100 fruiting bodies of 10 species of bracket fungi divided into four DD classes. The material was collected at Białowieża National Park, which is considered to be the largest area of natural forests in the North European Plain. 16 068 invertebrate individuals classified into 224 species were obtained. Oribatid mites (12 543 individuals) constituted the largest group of individuals, which were classified into 115 species with the most numerous Carabodes femoralis (8;811 individuals). Representatives of this group of mites have been reported previously in the publications on bracket fungi; however, the contributions of Oribatida and other groups of invertebrates were not broadly compared. Moreover, the species such as Hoploseius mariae and H. oblongus, which were predominantly found in fruiting bodies of bracket fungi, have also been discerned. The invertebrate fauna differs depending on DD of the samples: In the more decayed samples, a higher number of both individuals and species were recorded compared to the samples with lower DDs; however, this trend proved to be nonlinear. The DCA and cluster analysis revealed a similarity of the invertebrate assemblages from the 2 DD and 4 DD samples. They also indicated that the group 3 DD differed the most from all the other samples. The indicator species analysis identified species characteristic to individual DDs: For group 1 DD, it was, for example, Hoploseius oblongus; for 2 DD—Orchesella bifasciata; and for 3 DD—Chernes cimicoides, while for 4 DD—Dinychus perforatus. © 2021 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Bracket fungi are seen mainly as the cause of economic losses in forestry, and their role as creators of biodiversity is relatively poorly understood. The aim of the study was defining the manner in which the degree of decay (DD) of the fruiting bodies determines the character of the invertebrate assemblages colonising them. The effect of this group of fungi on the modification of biodiversity of invertebrates (Aranae; Opiliones; Pseudoscorpionida; two groups of mites—Mesostigmata and Oribatida; and Collembola and Insecta) was investigated by analyzing 100 fruiting bodies of 10 species of bracket fungi divided into four DD classes. The material was collected at Białowieża National Park, which is considered to be the largest area of natural forests in the North European Plain. 16 068 invertebrate individuals classified into 224 species were obtained. Oribatid mites (12 543 individuals) constituted the largest group of individuals, which were classified into 115 species with the most numerous Carabodes femoralis (8;811 individuals). Representatives of this group of mites have been reported previously in the publications on bracket fungi; however, the contributions of Oribatida and other groups of invertebrates were not broadly compared. Moreover, the species such as Hoploseius mariae and H. oblongus, which were predominantly found in fruiting bodies of bracket fungi, have also been discerned. The invertebrate fauna differs depending on DD of the samples: In the more decayed samples, a higher number of both individuals and species were recorded compared to the samples with lower DDs; however, this trend proved to be nonlinear. The DCA and cluster analysis revealed a similarity of the invertebrate assemblages from the 2 DD and 4 DD samples. They also indicated that the group 3 DD differed the most from all the other samples. The indicator species analysis identified species characteristic to individual DDs: For group 1 DD, it was, for example, Hoploseius oblongus; for 2 DD—Orchesella bifasciata; and for 3 DD—Chernes cimicoides, while for 4 DD—Dinychus perforatus. © 2021 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
2020
Gwiazdowicz, D. J.; Zawieja, B.; Olejniczak, I.; Skubała, P.; Gdula, A. K.; Coulson, S. J.
Changing microarthropod communities in front of a receding glacier in the high arctic Journal Article
In: Insects, vol. 11, no. 4, 2020, ISSN: 20754450, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-85083330821,
title = {Changing microarthropod communities in front of a receding glacier in the high arctic},
author = { D.J. Gwiazdowicz and B. Zawieja and I. Olejniczak and P. Skubała and A.K. Gdula and S.J. Coulson},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85083330821&doi=10.3390%2finsects11040226&partnerID=40&md5=6cb2c90a38d52bf70331eba3f4a48e9e},
doi = {10.3390/insects11040226},
issn = {20754450},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {This study was carried out at Ny-Ålesund on Spitsbergen in Svalbard (High Arctic). Eight study sites were established along a transect from the fjord to the snout of the glacier. The sites differed from each other by the type of vegetation cover and soil characteristics. Soil samples were collected and placed in Tullgren funnels. Extracted arthropods were represented by two groups of mites (Mesostigmata and Oribatida) and springtails (Collembola). The pioneer species that occurred first after retreat of the glacier were representatives of the Collembola (Agrenia bidenticulata and Hypogastrura concolor). Later, other springtails appeared including Folsomia alpha, Folsomia quadrioculata, Hypogastrura concolor, Isotoma anglicana, Sminthurinus concolor and the first species of oribatid mites; Camisia foveolata and Tectocepheus velatus velatus. Arthropod communities recorded along the transect were characterized by large variations in both species composition and abundance of individuals. The greater the distance from the glacier snout, the greater the species richness (2 to 22 species). The mean number of species per sample was the lowest at site 8 (1 ± 0.71) (the closest to the glacier) and greatest at site 1 (14 ± 1.41) (furthest from the glacier). The Simpson’s diversity index (D) was distinctly greater at sites 1 (4.61 ± 0.06) and 3 (3.94 ± 0.11) than at other sites, especially site 8 (1.07 ± 0.06). Densities were least in the samples closest to the glacier (30 to 101 individuals; density 3000-10;100 individuals/m2). At the other locations, abundance was highly variable (905 to 7432 individuals; density 90;500-743;200 individuals/m2). The mean abundances were greatest at sites 2 and 3. The great variations in total abundances observed were often due to the presence or absence of one or more dominant species exhibiting extreme abundance variability between sites. The microarthropod community of the High Arctic is composed of heterogeneous circumpolar species, yet on a landscape scale is extremely dependent on local environmental conditions which may be subject to rapid change. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study was carried out at Ny-Ålesund on Spitsbergen in Svalbard (High Arctic). Eight study sites were established along a transect from the fjord to the snout of the glacier. The sites differed from each other by the type of vegetation cover and soil characteristics. Soil samples were collected and placed in Tullgren funnels. Extracted arthropods were represented by two groups of mites (Mesostigmata and Oribatida) and springtails (Collembola). The pioneer species that occurred first after retreat of the glacier were representatives of the Collembola (Agrenia bidenticulata and Hypogastrura concolor). Later, other springtails appeared including Folsomia alpha, Folsomia quadrioculata, Hypogastrura concolor, Isotoma anglicana, Sminthurinus concolor and the first species of oribatid mites; Camisia foveolata and Tectocepheus velatus velatus. Arthropod communities recorded along the transect were characterized by large variations in both species composition and abundance of individuals. The greater the distance from the glacier snout, the greater the species richness (2 to 22 species). The mean number of species per sample was the lowest at site 8 (1 ± 0.71) (the closest to the glacier) and greatest at site 1 (14 ± 1.41) (furthest from the glacier). The Simpson’s diversity index (D) was distinctly greater at sites 1 (4.61 ± 0.06) and 3 (3.94 ± 0.11) than at other sites, especially site 8 (1.07 ± 0.06). Densities were least in the samples closest to the glacier (30 to 101 individuals; density 3000-10;100 individuals/m2). At the other locations, abundance was highly variable (905 to 7432 individuals; density 90;500-743;200 individuals/m2). The mean abundances were greatest at sites 2 and 3. The great variations in total abundances observed were often due to the presence or absence of one or more dominant species exhibiting extreme abundance variability between sites. The microarthropod community of the High Arctic is composed of heterogeneous circumpolar species, yet on a landscape scale is extremely dependent on local environmental conditions which may be subject to rapid change. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Kohyt, J.; Skubała, P.
In: Pedobiologia, vol. 79, 2020, ISSN: 00314056, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85078914038,
title = {Oribatid mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities reveal the negative impact of the red oak (Quercus rubra L.) on soil fauna in Polish commercial forests},
author = { J. Kohyt and P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85078914038&doi=10.1016%2fj.pedobi.2019.150594&partnerID=40&md5=cdde5922e87f7206aa875149b659ca83},
doi = {10.1016/j.pedobi.2019.150594},
issn = {00314056},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Pedobiologia},
volume = {79},
publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},
abstract = {The red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is a woody plant brought to Europe from North America for its decorative value and high tolerance to frost and pollution. The species has been planted for the reclamation of brownfield sites, and introduced to commercial forests to enrich local biodiversity. Although in Poland its presence was associated with depauperation of local flora, its invasive status is still under discussion. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of red oak stands on Acari communities (Oribatida; Mesostigmata; Astigmata; Prostigmata). In the detailed analyses we focused on the Oribatida species, one of the best bioindicators of soil condition. The presence of the red oak was compared to the pedunculate (native) oak, also planted on poor acid soils. The research design included oak stands introduced in commercial forests, divided into two groups: young and old. A total number of 240 soil samples were collected, and 173 species of oribatid mites were identified. A low proportion of the Oribatida species typical for the Palearctic region, specific to deciduous forests, with sexual reproduction and belonging to the trophic level of secondary decomposers, significantly distinguished the old alien oaks from old native oaks. The results presented in this work are one of the few which concern the reaction of soil oribatid mite community to plant invasions, and provide evidence of the harmful impact of these alien tree species, which can be overlooked in short-term studies. © 2019 The Authors},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is a woody plant brought to Europe from North America for its decorative value and high tolerance to frost and pollution. The species has been planted for the reclamation of brownfield sites, and introduced to commercial forests to enrich local biodiversity. Although in Poland its presence was associated with depauperation of local flora, its invasive status is still under discussion. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of red oak stands on Acari communities (Oribatida; Mesostigmata; Astigmata; Prostigmata). In the detailed analyses we focused on the Oribatida species, one of the best bioindicators of soil condition. The presence of the red oak was compared to the pedunculate (native) oak, also planted on poor acid soils. The research design included oak stands introduced in commercial forests, divided into two groups: young and old. A total number of 240 soil samples were collected, and 173 species of oribatid mites were identified. A low proportion of the Oribatida species typical for the Palearctic region, specific to deciduous forests, with sexual reproduction and belonging to the trophic level of secondary decomposers, significantly distinguished the old alien oaks from old native oaks. The results presented in this work are one of the few which concern the reaction of soil oribatid mite community to plant invasions, and provide evidence of the harmful impact of these alien tree species, which can be overlooked in short-term studies. © 2019 The Authors
2019
Faleńczyk-Koziróg, K.; Skubała, P.; Habel, M.; Waldon-Rudzionek, B.; Szatten, D.
River islands as habitats for soil mites (Acari) Journal Article
In: River Research and Applications, vol. 35, no. 6, pp. 736-748, 2019, ISSN: 15351459, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-85066904881,
title = {River islands as habitats for soil mites (Acari)},
author = { K. Faleńczyk-Koziróg and P. Skubała and M. Habel and B. Waldon-Rudzionek and D. Szatten},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85066904881&doi=10.1002%2frra.3446&partnerID=40&md5=084274ff27a3c602aa9c170cbc1befd5},
doi = {10.1002/rra.3446},
issn = {15351459},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {River Research and Applications},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {736-748},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},
abstract = {River islands are a natural element of fluvial river systems. They are the refuge of many species of plants and animals and of unchanged ecological systems. Due to their spatial isolation, river islands are good places to observe colonization processes of both flora and fauna (biota). The goal of our research was to observe the development of soil mite communities colonizing the river island. Mite communities on river islands are dominated by eurytopic species, which are r-strategists, reproduce parthenogenetically, and can be dispersed either passively by the wind or actively by phoresis on insects, small mammals, or birds. The main factors limiting the diversity of acarofauna on river islands are floods (and the resulting soil moisture content of the environment) and spatial isolation. The fertility of the habitat (content of humus) is of less importance. The results of our research indicate that Oribatida are the most sensitive to frequent flooding and high soil moisture, and they were the least effective in colonizing the island. Among the species resistant to the above-mentioned limiting factors were Cheiroseius borealis, Cheiroseius bryophillus, Cheiroseius curtipes, Liochthonius lapponicus, Punctoribates punctum, Arctoseius cetratus, Parasitus beta, Ameroseius corbicula, Oribatula tibialis, Tectocepheus velatus, and representatives of Acarididae, Pygmephoridae, Stigmeidae, and Tarsonemidae. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
River islands are a natural element of fluvial river systems. They are the refuge of many species of plants and animals and of unchanged ecological systems. Due to their spatial isolation, river islands are good places to observe colonization processes of both flora and fauna (biota). The goal of our research was to observe the development of soil mite communities colonizing the river island. Mite communities on river islands are dominated by eurytopic species, which are r-strategists, reproduce parthenogenetically, and can be dispersed either passively by the wind or actively by phoresis on insects, small mammals, or birds. The main factors limiting the diversity of acarofauna on river islands are floods (and the resulting soil moisture content of the environment) and spatial isolation. The fertility of the habitat (content of humus) is of less importance. The results of our research indicate that Oribatida are the most sensitive to frequent flooding and high soil moisture, and they were the least effective in colonizing the island. Among the species resistant to the above-mentioned limiting factors were Cheiroseius borealis, Cheiroseius bryophillus, Cheiroseius curtipes, Liochthonius lapponicus, Punctoribates punctum, Arctoseius cetratus, Parasitus beta, Ameroseius corbicula, Oribatula tibialis, Tectocepheus velatus, and representatives of Acarididae, Pygmephoridae, Stigmeidae, and Tarsonemidae. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2018
Skubała, P.
World Scientists' Second Warning to Humanity: The Time for Change Is Now Journal Article
In: BioScience, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 238-239, 2018, ISSN: 00063568, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85045518883,
title = {World Scientists' Second Warning to Humanity: The Time for Change Is Now},
author = { P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85045518883&doi=10.1093%2fbiosci%2fbiy007&partnerID=40&md5=bcfc0a72624568c2c2b525eddfaa96fe},
doi = {10.1093/biosci/biy007},
issn = {00063568},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {BioScience},
volume = {68},
number = {4},
pages = {238-239},
publisher = {Oxford University Press},
abstract = {[No abstract available]},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
[No abstract available]
Słowiński, M.; Skubała, P.; Zawiska, I.; Kruk, A.; Obremska, M.; Milecka, K.; Ott, F.
In: Ecological Indicators, vol. 85, pp. 329-341, 2018, ISSN: 1470160X, (16).
@article{2-s2.0-85033410976,
title = {Cascading effects between climate, vegetation, and macroinvertebrate fauna in 14,000-year palaeoecological investigations of a shallow lake in eastern Poland},
author = { M. Słowiński and P. Skubała and I. Zawiska and A. Kruk and M. Obremska and K. Milecka and F. Ott},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85033410976&doi=10.1016%2fj.ecolind.2017.09.033&partnerID=40&md5=ffa33166e1945c16002a17ba94cb8465},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.09.033},
issn = {1470160X},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Ecological Indicators},
volume = {85},
pages = {329-341},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {Late glacial and Holocene environmental history of Lake Łukie and its catchment is reconstructed from the lake sediments. This shallow lake is situated in the marshy Polesie region in eastern Poland. Sediments began to accumulate in the lake in the Older Dryas. On the basis of macrofossils, pollen, and Oribatida remains, and with the use of Kohonen's artificial neural network (self-organising map; SOM), six stages (corresponding to subclusters X1; X2; X3 in cluster X; and Y1; Y2; Y3 in cluster Y) of the lake history were distinguished, and indicator taxa of each stage were identified from the indicator value (IndVal) index. During the transition period corresponding to the border between X and Y, the ecosystem transformed in the broad sense from the protocratic to mesocratic phase in a 5-point scale transformation of the landscape in the glacial–interglacial cycle. All the steps involved in post-glacial history succession during interglacial cycles include changes in climate, soil, and biotic interactions. Indicator taxa for the subsequent SOM subclusters X1, X2, and X3 are associated with the first phase of the protocratic glacial–interglacial cycle. The transformation that occurs on the level of cluster Y (subcluster Y1) is the mesocratic phase (ca. 9000–5000 14C age BP), which is characterised by high temperatures and development of closed forest (climax forest). Subcluster Y2 corresponds to the transformation of forest cover during the oligocratic phase (ca. 5000–3000 14C age BP), which is associated with decreasing forest share and deteriorating soils. Finally, subcluster Y3 can be associated with the telocratic phase, characterised by the influence of a more oceanic climate (from ca. 2500 14C age BP) with declining temperatures, higher humidity, and milder seasonal contrasts, which contributed to the development of more open vegetation and infertile soils. This stage also corresponds to an increased human activity and landscape transformation, such as from forests to cornfields and from wetlands to meadows. Interestingly, the currently strictly protected brittle naiad (Najas minor) was present in the lake during the Atlantic, Subboreal, and Subatlantic periods; however, this species is not listed as being part of the present vegetation and may have become extinct relatively recently. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd},
note = {16},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Late glacial and Holocene environmental history of Lake Łukie and its catchment is reconstructed from the lake sediments. This shallow lake is situated in the marshy Polesie region in eastern Poland. Sediments began to accumulate in the lake in the Older Dryas. On the basis of macrofossils, pollen, and Oribatida remains, and with the use of Kohonen's artificial neural network (self-organising map; SOM), six stages (corresponding to subclusters X1; X2; X3 in cluster X; and Y1; Y2; Y3 in cluster Y) of the lake history were distinguished, and indicator taxa of each stage were identified from the indicator value (IndVal) index. During the transition period corresponding to the border between X and Y, the ecosystem transformed in the broad sense from the protocratic to mesocratic phase in a 5-point scale transformation of the landscape in the glacial–interglacial cycle. All the steps involved in post-glacial history succession during interglacial cycles include changes in climate, soil, and biotic interactions. Indicator taxa for the subsequent SOM subclusters X1, X2, and X3 are associated with the first phase of the protocratic glacial–interglacial cycle. The transformation that occurs on the level of cluster Y (subcluster Y1) is the mesocratic phase (ca. 9000–5000 14C age BP), which is characterised by high temperatures and development of closed forest (climax forest). Subcluster Y2 corresponds to the transformation of forest cover during the oligocratic phase (ca. 5000–3000 14C age BP), which is associated with decreasing forest share and deteriorating soils. Finally, subcluster Y3 can be associated with the telocratic phase, characterised by the influence of a more oceanic climate (from ca. 2500 14C age BP) with declining temperatures, higher humidity, and milder seasonal contrasts, which contributed to the development of more open vegetation and infertile soils. This stage also corresponds to an increased human activity and landscape transformation, such as from forests to cornfields and from wetlands to meadows. Interestingly, the currently strictly protected brittle naiad (Najas minor) was present in the lake during the Atlantic, Subboreal, and Subatlantic periods; however, this species is not listed as being part of the present vegetation and may have become extinct relatively recently. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
2017
Zmudczyńska-Skarbek, K.; Barcikowski, M.; Drobniak, S. M.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.; Richard, P.; Skubała, P.; Stempniewicz, L.
Transfer of ornithogenic influence through different trophic levels of the Arctic terrestrial ecosystem of Bjørnøya (Bear Island), Svalbard Journal Article
In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, vol. 115, pp. 475-489, 2017, ISSN: 00380717, (9).
@article{2-s2.0-85029808032,
title = {Transfer of ornithogenic influence through different trophic levels of the Arctic terrestrial ecosystem of Bjørnøya (Bear Island), Svalbard},
author = { K. Zmudczyńska-Skarbek and M. Barcikowski and S.M. Drobniak and D.J. Gwiazdowicz and P. Richard and P. Skubała and L. Stempniewicz},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85029808032&doi=10.1016%2fj.soilbio.2017.09.008&partnerID=40&md5=ffaeaa882350474846404c6eda615d38},
doi = {10.1016/j.soilbio.2017.09.008},
issn = {00380717},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Soil Biology and Biochemistry},
volume = {115},
pages = {475-489},
publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},
abstract = {Despite widespread recognition of the crucial role seabirds play in the fertilization of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystems, no studies have attempted a concurrent analysis of the entire or large proportion of an ornithogenically-supported food web. The aim of the current study was to assess the significance of allochthonous nutrient enrichment of key elements of the Bjørnøya (Svalbard) terrestrial ecosystem by investigating how different seabird species influenced the characteristics of soil, vegetation, and soil invertebrates (direct ornithogenic effects), and also how those characteristics were interrelated (indirect ornithogenic effects). We sampled in the vicinity of a little auk (Alle alle) colony, and in areas occupied by great skua (Stercorarius skua) and glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) nests. Our data demonstrate clear, multi-trophic-level, ornithogenic impacts across the terrestrial ecosystem, with most of the measured parameters of soil, vegetation and invertebrates being altered by proximity to bird nesting areas, though to varying degrees. The ornithogenic effects tended to weaken with increasing complexity of interactions between the ecosystem components, with progression through successive trophic levels. The clearest responses were observed for soil (higher nitrogen stable isotope ratio δ15N, nitrogen and water content) and vegetation characteristics (higher δ15N, N content and total cover, lower diversity and species number, and modified community composition). The responses seen in the invertebrate communities were less clear (community composition change), and were only apparent when major invertebrate groups were considered together and for the assumed decomposers: springtails and oribatid mites, while not in the case of predators (mesostigmatid mites and one spider species). There were also suggestions in the data that different seabird species may have different impacts on the surrounding environment, probably due to their different diet and nesting area topography. However, generally, the species of bird was a weaker factor than the presence of a seabird colony or nest itself. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd},
note = {9},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Despite widespread recognition of the crucial role seabirds play in the fertilization of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystems, no studies have attempted a concurrent analysis of the entire or large proportion of an ornithogenically-supported food web. The aim of the current study was to assess the significance of allochthonous nutrient enrichment of key elements of the Bjørnøya (Svalbard) terrestrial ecosystem by investigating how different seabird species influenced the characteristics of soil, vegetation, and soil invertebrates (direct ornithogenic effects), and also how those characteristics were interrelated (indirect ornithogenic effects). We sampled in the vicinity of a little auk (Alle alle) colony, and in areas occupied by great skua (Stercorarius skua) and glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) nests. Our data demonstrate clear, multi-trophic-level, ornithogenic impacts across the terrestrial ecosystem, with most of the measured parameters of soil, vegetation and invertebrates being altered by proximity to bird nesting areas, though to varying degrees. The ornithogenic effects tended to weaken with increasing complexity of interactions between the ecosystem components, with progression through successive trophic levels. The clearest responses were observed for soil (higher nitrogen stable isotope ratio δ15N, nitrogen and water content) and vegetation characteristics (higher δ15N, N content and total cover, lower diversity and species number, and modified community composition). The responses seen in the invertebrate communities were less clear (community composition change), and were only apparent when major invertebrate groups were considered together and for the assumed decomposers: springtails and oribatid mites, while not in the case of predators (mesostigmatid mites and one spider species). There were also suggestions in the data that different seabird species may have different impacts on the surrounding environment, probably due to their different diet and nesting area topography. However, generally, the species of bird was a weaker factor than the presence of a seabird colony or nest itself. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Rola, K.; Kurek, P.; Skubała, P.
Badger (Meles meles) disturbances affect oribatid mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities in European temperate forests Journal Article
In: Applied Soil Ecology, vol. 121, pp. 20-30, 2017, ISSN: 09291393, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-85029675688,
title = {Badger (Meles meles) disturbances affect oribatid mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities in European temperate forests},
author = { K. Rola and P. Kurek and P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85029675688&doi=10.1016%2fj.apsoil.2017.09.013&partnerID=40&md5=fb2783149d17aac9ddedd047bdb326a2},
doi = {10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.09.013},
issn = {09291393},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Applied Soil Ecology},
volume = {121},
pages = {20-30},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {Burrowing mammals living in forests are one of the important disturbance factors driving changes in species community and diversity on the forest floor. In the present study we examined the impact of soil mounds created by badgers (Meles meles) on species richness and the community structure of oribatid mites, which constitute one of the most numerous components of soil mesofauna. We compare oribatid communities between forest soils disturbed by badgers in 1-year-old mounds and 5-year-old mounds as well as undisturbed forest soil to get an insight into the direction of temporal changes. The study plots were situated in pine forests within the Kampinos Forest (Poland). The soil parameters created by badgers and ecological groups in the oribatid fauna were analysed. The results showed that distinct oribatid communities occur in badger mounds when compared with adjacent undisturbed forest soil. It appeared that badgers have the potential to substantially affect the soil environment in forest ecosystems and finally influenced mite abundance and community composition. Initial badger disturbance caused a significant decline in the abundance and biodiversity of oribatid mites, but within a few years the oribatid fauna was restored. Our results supported the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Badger activity affected the composition of ecological groups of mites, toward surface dwelling, primary decomposers and sexually reproducing species. It can be concluded that badger mounds serve as microhabitats for some soil mites and contribute to the patchiness and heterogeneity of the forest floor. Finally, oribatid community structure proved to be a good indicator of soil disturbance caused by mammal activities involving deep digging in soil and heaping mounds in temperate forests. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Burrowing mammals living in forests are one of the important disturbance factors driving changes in species community and diversity on the forest floor. In the present study we examined the impact of soil mounds created by badgers (Meles meles) on species richness and the community structure of oribatid mites, which constitute one of the most numerous components of soil mesofauna. We compare oribatid communities between forest soils disturbed by badgers in 1-year-old mounds and 5-year-old mounds as well as undisturbed forest soil to get an insight into the direction of temporal changes. The study plots were situated in pine forests within the Kampinos Forest (Poland). The soil parameters created by badgers and ecological groups in the oribatid fauna were analysed. The results showed that distinct oribatid communities occur in badger mounds when compared with adjacent undisturbed forest soil. It appeared that badgers have the potential to substantially affect the soil environment in forest ecosystems and finally influenced mite abundance and community composition. Initial badger disturbance caused a significant decline in the abundance and biodiversity of oribatid mites, but within a few years the oribatid fauna was restored. Our results supported the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Badger activity affected the composition of ecological groups of mites, toward surface dwelling, primary decomposers and sexually reproducing species. It can be concluded that badger mounds serve as microhabitats for some soil mites and contribute to the patchiness and heterogeneity of the forest floor. Finally, oribatid community structure proved to be a good indicator of soil disturbance caused by mammal activities involving deep digging in soil and heaping mounds in temperate forests. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.
Słowiński, M.; Zawiska, I.; Ott, F.; Noryśkiewicz, A. M.; Plessen, B.; Apolinarska, K.; Rzodkiewicz, M.; Michczyńska, D. J.; Wulf, S.; Skubała, P.; Kordowski, J.; Błaszkiewicz, M.; Brauer, A.
In: Quaternary Science Reviews, vol. 158, pp. 94-106, 2017, ISSN: 02773791, (27).
@article{2-s2.0-85009366191,
title = {Differential proxy responses to late Allerød and early Younger Dryas climatic change recorded in varved sediments of the Trzechowskie palaeolake in Northern Poland},
author = { M. Słowiński and I. Zawiska and F. Ott and A.M. Noryśkiewicz and B. Plessen and K. Apolinarska and M. Rzodkiewicz and D.J. Michczyńska and S. Wulf and P. Skubała and J. Kordowski and M. Błaszkiewicz and A. Brauer},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85009366191&doi=10.1016%2fj.quascirev.2017.01.005&partnerID=40&md5=753c8258107628ccdbdbf8d1207f1c79},
doi = {10.1016/j.quascirev.2017.01.005},
issn = {02773791},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Quaternary Science Reviews},
volume = {158},
pages = {94-106},
publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},
abstract = {High-resolution biological proxies (pollen; macrofossils; Cladocera and diatoms), geochemical data (μ-XRF element scans; TOC; C/N ratios; δ18Ocarb and δ13Corg values) and a robust chronology based on varve counting, AMS 14C dating and tephrochronology were applied to reconstruct lake system responses to rapid climatic and environmental changes of the Trzechowskie palaeolake (TRZ; Northern Poland) during the late Allerød – Younger Dryas (YD) transition. Palaeoecological and geochemical data at 5–15 years temporal resolution allowed tracing the dynamics of short-term shifts of the ecosystem triggered by abrupt climate change. The robust age control together with the high-resolution sampling allowed the detection of leads and lags between different proxies to the climate shift at the Allerød-Younger Dryas transition. Our results indicate (1) a water level decrease and an increase in wind activities during the late Allerød and the Allerød-YD transition, which caused intensified erosion in the catchment, (2) a two-decades delayed vegetation response in comparison to the lake depositional system. Comparison with the Lake Meerfelder Maar record revealed slightly different vegetation responses of the Trzechowskie palaeolake at the YD onset. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd},
note = {27},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
High-resolution biological proxies (pollen; macrofossils; Cladocera and diatoms), geochemical data (μ-XRF element scans; TOC; C/N ratios; δ18Ocarb and δ13Corg values) and a robust chronology based on varve counting, AMS 14C dating and tephrochronology were applied to reconstruct lake system responses to rapid climatic and environmental changes of the Trzechowskie palaeolake (TRZ; Northern Poland) during the late Allerød – Younger Dryas (YD) transition. Palaeoecological and geochemical data at 5–15 years temporal resolution allowed tracing the dynamics of short-term shifts of the ecosystem triggered by abrupt climate change. The robust age control together with the high-resolution sampling allowed the detection of leads and lags between different proxies to the climate shift at the Allerød-Younger Dryas transition. Our results indicate (1) a water level decrease and an increase in wind activities during the late Allerød and the Allerød-YD transition, which caused intensified erosion in the catchment, (2) a two-decades delayed vegetation response in comparison to the lake depositional system. Comparison with the Lake Meerfelder Maar record revealed slightly different vegetation responses of the Trzechowskie palaeolake at the YD onset. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
2016
Skubała, P.
Microhabitats and oribatid fauna: Comparison of 2 sampling approaches Journal Article
In: Biological Letters, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 31-47, 2016, ISSN: 16447700, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-85029226655,
title = {Microhabitats and oribatid fauna: Comparison of 2 sampling approaches},
author = { P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85029226655&doi=10.1515%2fbiolet-2017-0005&partnerID=40&md5=dcfaf9cb299b6856e74a043276df3774},
doi = {10.1515/biolet-2017-0005},
issn = {16447700},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Biological Letters},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {31-47},
publisher = {Walter de Gruyter GmbH},
abstract = {Oribatid fauna highly varies among habitats, but different microhabitats within a habitat are also characterized by different mite species. The main goal of the research was to compare the observed structure of an oribatid community when samples were collected at random from the soil-litter layer of 0-10 cm in depth (standard approach) and selectively from 6 types of available microhabitats (complex approach). Samples were taken within a small plot (10 m × 10 m) in a forested area of the Silesian Park (Chorzów; south Poland). Overall, 2642 specimens of Oribatida belonging to 62 species were collected in 66 samples. The structure of the oribatid community observed by means of the 2 sampling approaches was completely different. The abundance and species richness of oribatid mites collected from 6 microhabitats were significantly higher than in the soil-litter layer alone. Results of this study show that random collecting of only soil-litter samples may reduce the evaluation of species richness in a study area by 40%. Each of the studied microhabitats supported a peculiar oribatid fauna.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Oribatid fauna highly varies among habitats, but different microhabitats within a habitat are also characterized by different mite species. The main goal of the research was to compare the observed structure of an oribatid community when samples were collected at random from the soil-litter layer of 0-10 cm in depth (standard approach) and selectively from 6 types of available microhabitats (complex approach). Samples were taken within a small plot (10 m × 10 m) in a forested area of the Silesian Park (Chorzów; south Poland). Overall, 2642 specimens of Oribatida belonging to 62 species were collected in 66 samples. The structure of the oribatid community observed by means of the 2 sampling approaches was completely different. The abundance and species richness of oribatid mites collected from 6 microhabitats were significantly higher than in the soil-litter layer alone. Results of this study show that random collecting of only soil-litter samples may reduce the evaluation of species richness in a study area by 40%. Each of the studied microhabitats supported a peculiar oribatid fauna.
Solarz, K.; Skubała, P.; Wauthy, G.; Szilman, P.
In: Annales Zoologici, vol. 66, no. 2, pp. 329-336, 2016, ISSN: 00034541, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-84975518677,
title = {Body Size Variability in Different Forms of Heteromorphic Males in Populations of the House Dust Mite Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes 1961 (Acari: Astigmata: Pyroglyphidae)},
author = { K. Solarz and P. Skubała and G. Wauthy and P. Szilman},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84975518677&doi=10.3161%2f00034541ANZ2016.66.2.009&partnerID=40&md5=44f68c483f4897d023bf0c2e787a653a},
doi = {10.3161/00034541ANZ2016.66.2.009},
issn = {00034541},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Annales Zoologici},
volume = {66},
number = {2},
pages = {329-336},
publisher = {Muzeum i Instytut Zoologii},
abstract = {Multivariate statistical analyses of six quantitative characteristics revealed conspicuous variation within heteromorphic males of Dermatophagoides farinae (Acari; Pyroglyphidae) collected from house dust samples and from laboratory populations. Cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis revealed the presence of three heteromorphic forms and proved the taxonomic usefulness of quantitative characteristics such as length and width of idiosoma, length of gnathosoma, width of femur I and length of sternum. © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Multivariate statistical analyses of six quantitative characteristics revealed conspicuous variation within heteromorphic males of Dermatophagoides farinae (Acari; Pyroglyphidae) collected from house dust samples and from laboratory populations. Cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis revealed the presence of three heteromorphic forms and proved the taxonomic usefulness of quantitative characteristics such as length and width of idiosoma, length of gnathosoma, width of femur I and length of sternum. © Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS.
Skubała, P.; Rola, K.; Osyczka, P.
Oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with lichens in a heavily contaminated habitat Journal Article
In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 23, no. 9, pp. 8861-8871, 2016, ISSN: 09441344, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-84955298314,
title = {Oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with lichens in a heavily contaminated habitat},
author = { P. Skubała and K. Rola and P. Osyczka},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84955298314&doi=10.1007%2fs11356-016-6100-z&partnerID=40&md5=06c73bc1aa37a1ff9084590ad6d40ff7},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-016-6100-z},
issn = {09441344},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research},
volume = {23},
number = {9},
pages = {8861-8871},
publisher = {Springer Verlag},
abstract = {The study examines oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with different microhabitats of a post-smelting dump, i.e. three lichen species of Cladonia with various growth forms and the slag substrate. The abundance of oribatids collected from the substrate was significantly lower than observed in lichen thalli. The morphology and chemical properties of lichens, and to some extent varying concentrations of heavy metals in thalli, are probably responsible for significant differences in oribatid communities inhabiting different Cladonia species. Some oribatids demonstrate the ability to accumulate zinc and cadmium with unusual efficiency, whereas lead is the most effectively regulated element by all species. A positive correlation was found between Zn content in all studied oribatids and their microhabitats. Oribatids exploring different food resources, i.e. fungivorous and non-fungivorous grazers, show considerable differences in bioconcentrations of certain elements. © 2016, The Author(s).},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The study examines oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with different microhabitats of a post-smelting dump, i.e. three lichen species of Cladonia with various growth forms and the slag substrate. The abundance of oribatids collected from the substrate was significantly lower than observed in lichen thalli. The morphology and chemical properties of lichens, and to some extent varying concentrations of heavy metals in thalli, are probably responsible for significant differences in oribatid communities inhabiting different Cladonia species. Some oribatids demonstrate the ability to accumulate zinc and cadmium with unusual efficiency, whereas lead is the most effectively regulated element by all species. A positive correlation was found between Zn content in all studied oribatids and their microhabitats. Oribatids exploring different food resources, i.e. fungivorous and non-fungivorous grazers, show considerable differences in bioconcentrations of certain elements. © 2016, The Author(s).
2015
Krawczyk, A. J.; Augustiničová, G.; Gwiazdowicz, D. J.; Konwerski, S.; Kucharczyk, H.; Olejniczak, I.; Rutkowski, T.; Skubała, P.; Solarz, K.; Zdrojewska, Z.; Tryjanowski, P.
Nests of the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) as habitat for invertebrates Journal Article
In: Biologia (Poland), vol. 70, no. 12, pp. 1637-1647, 2015, ISSN: 00063088, (11).
@article{2-s2.0-84957600614,
title = {Nests of the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) as habitat for invertebrates},
author = { A.J. Krawczyk and G. Augustiničová and D.J. Gwiazdowicz and S. Konwerski and H. Kucharczyk and I. Olejniczak and T. Rutkowski and P. Skubała and K. Solarz and Z. Zdrojewska and P. Tryjanowski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84957600614&doi=10.1515%2fbiolog-2015-0186&partnerID=40&md5=ff1958280cf1be2ab56fe931706ba7b8},
doi = {10.1515/biolog-2015-0186},
issn = {00063088},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Biologia (Poland)},
volume = {70},
number = {12},
pages = {1637-1647},
publisher = {De Gruyter Open Ltd},
abstract = {The nests of the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) from an extensively used farmland in Western Poland were recognized as a place of occurrence of a large group of invertebrates. In total, from 42 nests 6,544 individuals of invertebrates were extracted. The number of invertebrates was positively correlated with mass of mouse nests. There were found arthropods belonging to the following groups: Arachnida: spiders, mites and pseudoscorpions; Entognatha: springtails; Insecta: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Psocoptera, Siphonaptera and Thysanoptera. The most numerous groups were mites (Acari; 5;800 individuals) and fleas (Siphonaptera; 415 individuals). Among mites Astigmatida, Mesostigmata and Oribatida were identified. One species, Tyrophagus curvipenis (Acari: Astigmatina), was found in Poland for the first time. The study clearly showed that nests of the harvest mouse are often inhabited by invertebrates, and looks like some of them are characteristic to this particular kind of habitat. © 2015 Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences.},
note = {11},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The nests of the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) from an extensively used farmland in Western Poland were recognized as a place of occurrence of a large group of invertebrates. In total, from 42 nests 6,544 individuals of invertebrates were extracted. The number of invertebrates was positively correlated with mass of mouse nests. There were found arthropods belonging to the following groups: Arachnida: spiders, mites and pseudoscorpions; Entognatha: springtails; Insecta: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Psocoptera, Siphonaptera and Thysanoptera. The most numerous groups were mites (Acari; 5;800 individuals) and fleas (Siphonaptera; 415 individuals). Among mites Astigmatida, Mesostigmata and Oribatida were identified. One species, Tyrophagus curvipenis (Acari: Astigmatina), was found in Poland for the first time. The study clearly showed that nests of the harvest mouse are often inhabited by invertebrates, and looks like some of them are characteristic to this particular kind of habitat. © 2015 Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences.
2014
Skubała, P.; Rola, K.; Osyczka, P.; Kafel, A.
Oribatid mite communities on lichens in heavily contaminated post-smelting dumps Journal Article
In: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 578-592, 2014, ISSN: 00904341, (6).
@article{2-s2.0-84919872998,
title = {Oribatid mite communities on lichens in heavily contaminated post-smelting dumps},
author = { P. Skubała and K. Rola and P. Osyczka and A. Kafel},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84919872998&doi=10.1007%2fs00244-014-0066-y&partnerID=40&md5=8fa07547f79c31cd8e1f183fcfe98ba1},
doi = {10.1007/s00244-014-0066-y},
issn = {00904341},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology},
volume = {67},
number = {4},
pages = {578-592},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media, LLC},
abstract = {In this study, we examined oribatid fauna of strongly contaminated post-smelting dumps (southern Poland) that exist in the substrate and are associated with the most frequent lichen, Cladonia rei. Due to artificial origin of the substrate and the extremely high contamination with heavy metals, the studied dumps are unique in Europe in terms of unfavourable life conditions. In total, 2,936 specimens of Oribatida, representing 50 oribatid species, were sampled on 10 dumps and a reference site. Thalli of C. rei act as an island for soil oribatid mites on extremely contaminated post-smelting dumps. Both abundance and species richness of oribatid fauna collected from C. rei thalli were significantly greater than those recorded in the dump's substrate. The pool of oribatid species that was able to persist in extremely high doses of heavy metals was comparatively broad. However, only one species, Tectocepheus velatus, was able to achieve high abundances on all dumps. Three different responses of species (tolerant; sensitive; and indifferent) to heavy-metal contamination were recognised. Redundancy analysis indicated that highly increased levels of heavy metals, as well as K content, C/N ratio, and pH value, were the main factors that influence the composition and distribution of species. The concentrations of heavy metals (both essential elements (zinc) as well as xenobiotics (lead; cadmium) in T. velatus from the most contaminated dumps were not increased compared with those observed in moderately contaminated soils. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.},
note = {6},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this study, we examined oribatid fauna of strongly contaminated post-smelting dumps (southern Poland) that exist in the substrate and are associated with the most frequent lichen, Cladonia rei. Due to artificial origin of the substrate and the extremely high contamination with heavy metals, the studied dumps are unique in Europe in terms of unfavourable life conditions. In total, 2,936 specimens of Oribatida, representing 50 oribatid species, were sampled on 10 dumps and a reference site. Thalli of C. rei act as an island for soil oribatid mites on extremely contaminated post-smelting dumps. Both abundance and species richness of oribatid fauna collected from C. rei thalli were significantly greater than those recorded in the dump's substrate. The pool of oribatid species that was able to persist in extremely high doses of heavy metals was comparatively broad. However, only one species, Tectocepheus velatus, was able to achieve high abundances on all dumps. Three different responses of species (tolerant; sensitive; and indifferent) to heavy-metal contamination were recognised. Redundancy analysis indicated that highly increased levels of heavy metals, as well as K content, C/N ratio, and pH value, were the main factors that influence the composition and distribution of species. The concentrations of heavy metals (both essential elements (zinc) as well as xenobiotics (lead; cadmium) in T. velatus from the most contaminated dumps were not increased compared with those observed in moderately contaminated soils. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.
Skubała, P.; Smyrnova-Trybulska, E.
E-learning as an effective modern method of building a sustainable society Journal Article
In: International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 62-76, 2014, ISSN: 15604624, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-84894300078,
title = {E-learning as an effective modern method of building a sustainable society},
author = { P. Skubała and E. Smyrnova-Trybulska},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84894300078&doi=10.1504%2fIJCEELL.2014.059335&partnerID=40&md5=374a44f51e6754b0beca1fe445c75219},
doi = {10.1504/IJCEELL.2014.059335},
issn = {15604624},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {62-76},
publisher = {Inderscience Publishers},
abstract = {A society that wishes to understand and overcome the present environmental crisis ought to change its perception of the environment and relationships with nature. E-learning has proved to be a strong and effective tool in modelling environmental consciousness and preparing today's society to live in a sustainable world. A successful example of the e-learning course entitled 'Philosophical and ethical aspects of environmental protection' developed at the University of Silesia is discussed in this article. Ten fundamental rules, implemented in the course, necessary to build environmentally thinking people are discussed. The concept of the distance learning course 'Information technology in teaching of ecology and environmental protection' is also presented. Teaching and learning, provided through a comprehensive, systematic use of ICT and e-learning can increase the quality of education in the field of ecology. These courses help to prepare students to become specialists, able to react and find solutions to arising environmental conflicts.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A society that wishes to understand and overcome the present environmental crisis ought to change its perception of the environment and relationships with nature. E-learning has proved to be a strong and effective tool in modelling environmental consciousness and preparing today's society to live in a sustainable world. A successful example of the e-learning course entitled 'Philosophical and ethical aspects of environmental protection' developed at the University of Silesia is discussed in this article. Ten fundamental rules, implemented in the course, necessary to build environmentally thinking people are discussed. The concept of the distance learning course 'Information technology in teaching of ecology and environmental protection' is also presented. Teaching and learning, provided through a comprehensive, systematic use of ICT and e-learning can increase the quality of education in the field of ecology. These courses help to prepare students to become specialists, able to react and find solutions to arising environmental conflicts.
2013
Kohyt, J.; Skubała, P.
Communities of mites (Acari) in litter and soil under the invasive red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and native pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.) Journal Article
In: Biological Letters, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 111-124, 2013, ISSN: 16447700, (12).
@article{2-s2.0-84991585396,
title = {Communities of mites (Acari) in litter and soil under the invasive red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and native pedunculate oak (Q. robur L.)},
author = { J. Kohyt and P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84991585396&doi=10.2478%2fbiolet-2013-0011&partnerID=40&md5=9fd87ed812fdb9ba2906a408466ee3c6},
doi = {10.2478/biolet-2013-0011},
issn = {16447700},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Biological Letters},
volume = {50},
number = {2},
pages = {111-124},
publisher = {Walter de Gruyter GmbH},
abstract = {Because of thoughtless decisions or unintentional introduction, alien species disturb native ecosystems. Red oak (Quercus rubra), among other alien woody plants, is still used to rehabilitate degraded land because of its better resistance to pollution and faster growth, as compared to native tree species. Soil mites, especially Oribatida, are good bioindicators of ecosystem disturbance, so the main goal of this study was to explore the influence of invasive and native oaks on mite communities. Forest stands dominated by 40-year-old Q. rubra or 35-year-old Q. robur were compared. Over 2300 soil mites were extracted from 20 soil and 20 litter samples. Mite densities in the communities were higher in red oak litter, which is probably a result of the thicker layer of shed leaves. C hanges in species composition of oribatid communities were observed in litter, in contrast to a lack of differences in soil. These observations are consistent with other researches on invasive woody plants. We expect that over time these changes will also be noticeable in the soil and will increase in litter.},
note = {12},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Because of thoughtless decisions or unintentional introduction, alien species disturb native ecosystems. Red oak (Quercus rubra), among other alien woody plants, is still used to rehabilitate degraded land because of its better resistance to pollution and faster growth, as compared to native tree species. Soil mites, especially Oribatida, are good bioindicators of ecosystem disturbance, so the main goal of this study was to explore the influence of invasive and native oaks on mite communities. Forest stands dominated by 40-year-old Q. rubra or 35-year-old Q. robur were compared. Over 2300 soil mites were extracted from 20 soil and 20 litter samples. Mite densities in the communities were higher in red oak litter, which is probably a result of the thicker layer of shed leaves. C hanges in species composition of oribatid communities were observed in litter, in contrast to a lack of differences in soil. These observations are consistent with other researches on invasive woody plants. We expect that over time these changes will also be noticeable in the soil and will increase in litter.
Skubała, P.; Marzec, A.
Importance of different types of beech dead wood for soil microarthropod fauna Journal Article
In: Polish Journal of Ecology, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 545-560, 2013, ISSN: 15052249, (17).
@article{2-s2.0-84896709677,
title = {Importance of different types of beech dead wood for soil microarthropod fauna},
author = { P. Skubała and A. Marzec},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896709677&partnerID=40&md5=73a9399e9cc92413bb2fd62310d2448b},
issn = {15052249},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {545-560},
abstract = {Dead wood is an integral part of a forest ecosystem, numerously settled by soil microarthropods (Acari and Collembola), but these animals are rarely studied and often absent from publications dealing with this habitat. Five microarthropod groups in four different types of dead wood (log; stump; snag and tree hollow) and a forest floor were analysed. A core question was to determine the differences in the microarthropod communities, especially oribatid mites, between different types of beech dead wood. The study was carried out in the lowland acidophilus beech forest Luzulo pilosae-Fagetum association. Different types of beech dead wood prove to be a more favourable microhabitat for mites and collembolans than forest soil and litter. Oribatid mites of different dead wood microhabitats represent diverse and partly distinct sub-communities of mites in a forest ecosystem. Oribatid communities of beech dead wood were over 50% distinct. Most oribatid species appeared to be largely restricted to a certain type of beech dead wood.},
note = {17},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Dead wood is an integral part of a forest ecosystem, numerously settled by soil microarthropods (Acari and Collembola), but these animals are rarely studied and often absent from publications dealing with this habitat. Five microarthropod groups in four different types of dead wood (log; stump; snag and tree hollow) and a forest floor were analysed. A core question was to determine the differences in the microarthropod communities, especially oribatid mites, between different types of beech dead wood. The study was carried out in the lowland acidophilus beech forest Luzulo pilosae-Fagetum association. Different types of beech dead wood prove to be a more favourable microhabitat for mites and collembolans than forest soil and litter. Oribatid mites of different dead wood microhabitats represent diverse and partly distinct sub-communities of mites in a forest ecosystem. Oribatid communities of beech dead wood were over 50% distinct. Most oribatid species appeared to be largely restricted to a certain type of beech dead wood.
Skubała, P.; Dethier, M.; Madej, G.; Solarz, K.; Makol, J.; Kaźmierski, A.
How many mite species dwell in subterranean habitats? A survey of Acari in Belgium Journal Article
In: Zoologischer Anzeiger, vol. 252, no. 3, pp. 307-318, 2013, ISSN: 00445231, (13).
@article{2-s2.0-84878361450,
title = {How many mite species dwell in subterranean habitats? A survey of Acari in Belgium},
author = { P. Skubała and M. Dethier and G. Madej and K. Solarz and J. Makol and A. Kaźmierski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84878361450&doi=10.1016%2fj.jcz.2012.09.001&partnerID=40&md5=bb4d723ed632ec10e4728fecd569320f},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcz.2012.09.001},
issn = {00445231},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Zoologischer Anzeiger},
volume = {252},
number = {3},
pages = {307-318},
abstract = {Underground compartments are one of the least known environments in the world. In our study we collected 137 samples, using different techniques, in 30 caves and other cavities (mine galleries; underground chalk quarries; superficial underground compartments - SUC and resurgences). In total 814 individuals of mites were collected, representing 99 taxa from 43 families. Eighty-three species were added to the list of mite speleofauna in Belgium; the highest number of new species for underground environments was noted for Mesostigmata. Four mite species were classified as obligate cave dwellers. We also made an extrapolated estimate of the number of species in subterranean habitats in Belgium. The fauna of the superficial underground compartments was distinct with 60% of species typical of underground compartments. In most cavities accessible for tourists and artificial cavities high number of mites was observed. Additionally, the importance of using different sampling methods to recognize biodiversity in a subterranean biome were discussed. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH.},
note = {13},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Underground compartments are one of the least known environments in the world. In our study we collected 137 samples, using different techniques, in 30 caves and other cavities (mine galleries; underground chalk quarries; superficial underground compartments - SUC and resurgences). In total 814 individuals of mites were collected, representing 99 taxa from 43 families. Eighty-three species were added to the list of mite speleofauna in Belgium; the highest number of new species for underground environments was noted for Mesostigmata. Four mite species were classified as obligate cave dwellers. We also made an extrapolated estimate of the number of species in subterranean habitats in Belgium. The fauna of the superficial underground compartments was distinct with 60% of species typical of underground compartments. In most cavities accessible for tourists and artificial cavities high number of mites was observed. Additionally, the importance of using different sampling methods to recognize biodiversity in a subterranean biome were discussed. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH.
2012
Skubała, P.
Invasive giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) alters the composition of oribatid mite communities Journal Article
In: Biological Letters, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 143-155, 2012, ISSN: 16447700, (7).
@article{2-s2.0-84991615398,
title = {Invasive giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) alters the composition of oribatid mite communities},
author = { P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84991615398&doi=10.2478%2fv10120-012-0016-1&partnerID=40&md5=5402b2dc9e9b4652708b91ac52fc1a21},
doi = {10.2478/v10120-012-0016-1},
issn = {16447700},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Biological Letters},
volume = {49},
number = {2},
pages = {143-155},
publisher = {Walter de Gruyter GmbH},
abstract = {Plant invasions are a serious global threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The invasive giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis (synonym: Reynoutria sachalinensis) is one of the most aggressive plant invaders in many countries. It forms dense stands that prevent other species from growing. To assess the impact of the knotweed, oribatid mite communities were studied under Fallopia-free native vegetation and at Fallopia-infested sites (2 types: 90-100% and 30% of coverage) with similar soil. All the sites are located in mixed forest in the Kraków-Czȩstochowa Upland (Jura Krakowsko-Czȩstochowska) in south Poland. Species composition and functional group composition of oribatid mite communities were compared. In total, 1540 specimens belonging to 70 oribatid species were collected from 90 soil samples. This successful exotic invasive species had a moderate influence on species richness (20% less species at the totally invaded site than at the Fallopia-free site) and a profound effect on soil oribatid mite community composition. Several oribatid species characteristic of a particular site were observed. Shifts were detected in proportions of groups with different habitat specificity (e.g. higher proportion of eurytopic mites at invaded sites), ecomorphological groups (e.g. lower proportion of litter-dwelling mites at invaded sites), trophic groups (e.g. lower proportion of macrophytophagous mites at invaded sites) and zoogeographical groups (e.g. higher proportion of mites with broad geographical distribution at invaded sites). These observations prove the radical negative change of environmental conditions for soil oribatid mites as a result of Fallopia invasion. The increase in sexually reproducing oribatid mites at invaded sites suggests that this way of reproduction is preferable when resources are in shortage.},
note = {7},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Plant invasions are a serious global threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The invasive giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis (synonym: Reynoutria sachalinensis) is one of the most aggressive plant invaders in many countries. It forms dense stands that prevent other species from growing. To assess the impact of the knotweed, oribatid mite communities were studied under Fallopia-free native vegetation and at Fallopia-infested sites (2 types: 90-100% and 30% of coverage) with similar soil. All the sites are located in mixed forest in the Kraków-Czȩstochowa Upland (Jura Krakowsko-Czȩstochowska) in south Poland. Species composition and functional group composition of oribatid mite communities were compared. In total, 1540 specimens belonging to 70 oribatid species were collected from 90 soil samples. This successful exotic invasive species had a moderate influence on species richness (20% less species at the totally invaded site than at the Fallopia-free site) and a profound effect on soil oribatid mite community composition. Several oribatid species characteristic of a particular site were observed. Shifts were detected in proportions of groups with different habitat specificity (e.g. higher proportion of eurytopic mites at invaded sites), ecomorphological groups (e.g. lower proportion of litter-dwelling mites at invaded sites), trophic groups (e.g. lower proportion of macrophytophagous mites at invaded sites) and zoogeographical groups (e.g. higher proportion of mites with broad geographical distribution at invaded sites). These observations prove the radical negative change of environmental conditions for soil oribatid mites as a result of Fallopia invasion. The increase in sexually reproducing oribatid mites at invaded sites suggests that this way of reproduction is preferable when resources are in shortage.
Skubała, P.; Zaleski, T.
Heavy metal sensitivity and bioconcentration in oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida). Gradient study in meadow ecosystems Journal Article
In: Science of the Total Environment, vol. 414, pp. 364-372, 2012, ISSN: 00489697, (35).
@article{2-s2.0-84855555269,
title = {Heavy metal sensitivity and bioconcentration in oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida). Gradient study in meadow ecosystems},
author = { P. Skubała and T. Zaleski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84855555269&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2011.11.006&partnerID=40&md5=a5b494fd06cfc5ea651844ad43b3ad8a},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.11.006},
issn = {00489697},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Science of the Total Environment},
volume = {414},
pages = {364-372},
abstract = {In this study we aimed to identify different reactions of oribatid species to heavy metal pollution and to measure concentrations of cadmium, zinc and copper in oribatid species sampled along a gradient. Oribatid mites were sampled seasonally during two years in five meadows located at different distances from the zinc smelter in the Olkusz District, southern Poland. Oribatids were shown to withstand critical metal concentration and established comparatively abundant and diverse communities. The highest abundance and species richness of oribatids were recorded in soils with moderate concentrations of heavy metals. Four different responses of oribatid species to heavy metal pollution were recognized. Heavy metals (Zn; Pb; Cd; Ni) and various physical (bulk density; field capacity; total porosity) and chemical (Kav; Pav; N; C; pH) factors were recognized as the structuring forces that influence the distribution of oribatid species. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed large differences in metal body burdens among species. None of the species can be categorized as accumulators or non-accumulators of the heavy metals - the pattern depends on the metal. The process of bioconcentration of the toxic metal (regulated) and essential elements (accumulated) was generally different in the five oribatid species studied. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {35},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this study we aimed to identify different reactions of oribatid species to heavy metal pollution and to measure concentrations of cadmium, zinc and copper in oribatid species sampled along a gradient. Oribatid mites were sampled seasonally during two years in five meadows located at different distances from the zinc smelter in the Olkusz District, southern Poland. Oribatids were shown to withstand critical metal concentration and established comparatively abundant and diverse communities. The highest abundance and species richness of oribatids were recorded in soils with moderate concentrations of heavy metals. Four different responses of oribatid species to heavy metal pollution were recognized. Heavy metals (Zn; Pb; Cd; Ni) and various physical (bulk density; field capacity; total porosity) and chemical (Kav; Pav; N; C; pH) factors were recognized as the structuring forces that influence the distribution of oribatid species. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed large differences in metal body burdens among species. None of the species can be categorized as accumulators or non-accumulators of the heavy metals - the pattern depends on the metal. The process of bioconcentration of the toxic metal (regulated) and essential elements (accumulated) was generally different in the five oribatid species studied. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
2011
Mourek, J.; Miko, L.; Skubała, P.
Taxonomy of European Damaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) V. Redescription of Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski, 1902) Journal Article
In: International Journal of Acarology, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 282-292, 2011, ISSN: 01647954, (10).
@article{2-s2.0-79957960719,
title = {Taxonomy of European Damaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) V. Redescription of Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski, 1902)},
author = { J. Mourek and L. Miko and P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79957960719&doi=10.1080%2f01647954.2010.517565&partnerID=40&md5=4358b89939728c5beca1138ba618f9ee},
doi = {10.1080/01647954.2010.517565},
issn = {01647954},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Acarology},
volume = {37},
number = {4},
pages = {282-292},
abstract = {Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski; 1902) - type species of the genus Epidamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina 1957 (Damaeidae) - is redescribed and illustrated in detail based on adult specimens collected in dead wood and tree hollows in natural forest in Upper Silesia, Poland. The species is characterized mainly by a single pair of postbothridial tubercles (Ba) on prodorsum; comparatively strong sensillus with slightly indicated subterminal expansion and blunt tip; fully developed propodoventral (E2a; E2p) and ventrosejugal (Va; Vp) enantiophyses. The neotype is designated, because the original type series is lost. The species seems to be comparatively rare and remained poorly known until present. At least part of the published records is probably based on confusion with other species of the genus. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.},
note = {10},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Epidamaeus bituberculatus (Kulczynski; 1902) - type species of the genus Epidamaeus Bulanova-Zachvatkina 1957 (Damaeidae) - is redescribed and illustrated in detail based on adult specimens collected in dead wood and tree hollows in natural forest in Upper Silesia, Poland. The species is characterized mainly by a single pair of postbothridial tubercles (Ba) on prodorsum; comparatively strong sensillus with slightly indicated subterminal expansion and blunt tip; fully developed propodoventral (E2a; E2p) and ventrosejugal (Va; Vp) enantiophyses. The neotype is designated, because the original type series is lost. The species seems to be comparatively rare and remained poorly known until present. At least part of the published records is probably based on confusion with other species of the genus. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
Skubała, P.; Gurgul, B.
Importance of tree hollows for biodiversity of mites (Acari) in the forest reserve .,Srubita" (Carpathian Mountains, south Poland) Journal Article
In: Biological Letters, vol. 48, no. 1, pp. 97-106, 2011, ISSN: 16447700, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-84896733234,
title = {Importance of tree hollows for biodiversity of mites (Acari) in the forest reserve .,Srubita" (Carpathian Mountains, south Poland)},
author = { P. Skubała and B. Gurgul},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896733234&doi=10.2478%2fv10120-011-0010-z&partnerID=40&md5=00dc4e21900160f17067cea395cb732d},
doi = {10.2478/v10120-011-0010-z},
issn = {16447700},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {Biological Letters},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {97-106},
publisher = {Walter de Gruyter GmbH},
abstract = {Tree hollows harbour a specialized fauna, and mites usually are the most numerous arthropods in this microhabitat. Mite fauna in 3 types of tree hollows was studied in the forest reserve "Srubita" near Zywiec, at an altitude of about 850 m. In total, 2037 individuals of Acari and 1414 of Oribatida, representing 72 species, were collected. Over 1200 individuals per 100 g dry weight of wood dust were collected from tree hollows. The total number of oribatid species in tree hollows was higher than in the forest floor. Most species (also dominants) were obligate members of communities of a certain type of tree hollows.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Tree hollows harbour a specialized fauna, and mites usually are the most numerous arthropods in this microhabitat. Mite fauna in 3 types of tree hollows was studied in the forest reserve "Srubita" near Zywiec, at an altitude of about 850 m. In total, 2037 individuals of Acari and 1414 of Oribatida, representing 72 species, were collected. Over 1200 individuals per 100 g dry weight of wood dust were collected from tree hollows. The total number of oribatid species in tree hollows was higher than in the forest floor. Most species (also dominants) were obligate members of communities of a certain type of tree hollows.
2008
Skubała, P.; Duras, M.
Do decaying logs represent habitat islands? Oribatid mite communities in dead wood Journal Article
In: Annales Zoologici, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 453-466, 2008, ISSN: 00034541, (28).
@article{2-s2.0-47849132697,
title = {Do decaying logs represent habitat islands? Oribatid mite communities in dead wood},
author = { P. Skubała and M. Duras},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-47849132697&doi=10.3161%2f000345408X326780&partnerID=40&md5=cd849cdca97430dc61028c8f51db255a},
doi = {10.3161/000345408X326780},
issn = {00034541},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
journal = {Annales Zoologici},
volume = {58},
number = {2},
pages = {453-466},
abstract = {Oribatid mites are a characteristic element of soil fauna, but they are also found in decomposing wood. However, they are often absent from publications dealing with dead wood. A core question of our study was how much the mite fauna differs between dead wood and the forest floor and at different locations on dead wood. Three dead, fallen beech logs (in the third stage of decay) in the "Góra Chełm" Reserve (Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska; Silesian province; south Poland) were examined for log-inhabiting species of mites. Samples were collected at seven microhabitats from the logs and the ground surface adjacent to each log was also sampled. Forty-nine oribatid species (44%) were obligate members of the ultra-log community. Our study revealed strong differentiation between oribatid fauna in different microhabitats of decaying logs. No statistically significant differences in oribatid communities in beech logs of the same stage of decay were observed. It may be concluded that oribatid mites are using logs as a separate habitat rather than as an extension of the forest floor.},
note = {28},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Oribatid mites are a characteristic element of soil fauna, but they are also found in decomposing wood. However, they are often absent from publications dealing with dead wood. A core question of our study was how much the mite fauna differs between dead wood and the forest floor and at different locations on dead wood. Three dead, fallen beech logs (in the third stage of decay) in the "Góra Chełm" Reserve (Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska; Silesian province; south Poland) were examined for log-inhabiting species of mites. Samples were collected at seven microhabitats from the logs and the ground surface adjacent to each log was also sampled. Forty-nine oribatid species (44%) were obligate members of the ultra-log community. Our study revealed strong differentiation between oribatid fauna in different microhabitats of decaying logs. No statistically significant differences in oribatid communities in beech logs of the same stage of decay were observed. It may be concluded that oribatid mites are using logs as a separate habitat rather than as an extension of the forest floor.
2005
Skubała, P.; Gulvik, M.
In: Polish Journal of Ecology, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 395-407, 2005, ISSN: 15052249, (40).
@article{2-s2.0-26844471168,
title = {Pioneer oribatid mite communities (Acari, Oribatida) in newly exposed natural (glacier foreland) and anthropogenic (post-industrial dump) habitats},
author = { P. Skubała and M. Gulvik},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-26844471168&partnerID=40&md5=70c57e1e4e848b40cf8eb8ce0d1e9d6a},
issn = {15052249},
year = {2005},
date = {2005-01-01},
journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},
volume = {53},
number = {3},
pages = {395-407},
abstract = {A new habitat for many inhabitants is created as a result of glacier retreating or spoil-heap construction and these sites provide a unique experimental field for studying primary succession. The general aim of the study was to characterize oribatid fauna established in the first stage of successional process - colonization phase - on new land surfaces, e.g. deglaciated areas and post-industrial dumps. Five microhabitats in the front of two outlets (Nigardsbreen and Austerdalbreen) of the Jostedal Glacier (SW Norway) and four reclaimed and non-reclaimed post-industrial dumps (Southern Poland) were chosen to study an earliest successional stage. Moderately diverse oribatid fauna was developed on glacier forelands or post-industrial dumps within a few years. Pioneer oribatid communities were not initially similar, especially in species composition. The pool of oribatid species, which were capable of performing the role of colonists, was broad. Fifteen species were found as dominants on nine studied plots. Oppiella nova (Oudemans; 1902) and Lauroppia neerlandica (Oudemans; 1900) were associated with the glacier foreland at Nigardsbreen, whereas Oromurcia bicuspidata Thor 1930 and Trichoribates novus (Sellnick; 1928) were typical of the foreland at Austerdalbreen. Colonizer species appearing within the first years of colonization on the non-reclaimed and reclaimed dumps were also different. Small species of weak sclerotization, representatives of the family Brachychtoniidae (e. g. Sellnickochthonius immaculatus Forsslund; 1942 and Liochthonius piluliferus (Forsslund; 1942) dominated on the non-reclaimed dumps; whereas Ctenobelba obsoleta (C.L. Koch; 1841); Scheloribates laevigatus (C.L. Koch; 1836) and Scutovertex sculptus Michael; 1879; bigger species of strong sclerotization; were the most numerous on the reclaimed dumps. Only Tectocepheus velatus (Michael; 1880) occurred as a dominant at most sites. Parthenogenetic species as well as bisexual successfully invaded glacier foreland and post-industrial dumps. The phenomenon of random colonization in the pioneer stages is well proved on glacier forelands and dumps. However; the process is possibly non-random and depends on the characteristics of an individual species. Although oribatids are known as slow colonizers of new habitats; they were the most numerous group of mites at some sites on glacier forelands and on reclaimed dumps. It is well evidenced that the reclamation measures carried out on post-industrial dumps introduces an element of randomness in the succession of oribatid fauna.},
note = {40},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A new habitat for many inhabitants is created as a result of glacier retreating or spoil-heap construction and these sites provide a unique experimental field for studying primary succession. The general aim of the study was to characterize oribatid fauna established in the first stage of successional process - colonization phase - on new land surfaces, e.g. deglaciated areas and post-industrial dumps. Five microhabitats in the front of two outlets (Nigardsbreen and Austerdalbreen) of the Jostedal Glacier (SW Norway) and four reclaimed and non-reclaimed post-industrial dumps (Southern Poland) were chosen to study an earliest successional stage. Moderately diverse oribatid fauna was developed on glacier forelands or post-industrial dumps within a few years. Pioneer oribatid communities were not initially similar, especially in species composition. The pool of oribatid species, which were capable of performing the role of colonists, was broad. Fifteen species were found as dominants on nine studied plots. Oppiella nova (Oudemans; 1902) and Lauroppia neerlandica (Oudemans; 1900) were associated with the glacier foreland at Nigardsbreen, whereas Oromurcia bicuspidata Thor 1930 and Trichoribates novus (Sellnick; 1928) were typical of the foreland at Austerdalbreen. Colonizer species appearing within the first years of colonization on the non-reclaimed and reclaimed dumps were also different. Small species of weak sclerotization, representatives of the family Brachychtoniidae (e. g. Sellnickochthonius immaculatus Forsslund; 1942 and Liochthonius piluliferus (Forsslund; 1942) dominated on the non-reclaimed dumps; whereas Ctenobelba obsoleta (C.L. Koch; 1841); Scheloribates laevigatus (C.L. Koch; 1836) and Scutovertex sculptus Michael; 1879; bigger species of strong sclerotization; were the most numerous on the reclaimed dumps. Only Tectocepheus velatus (Michael; 1880) occurred as a dominant at most sites. Parthenogenetic species as well as bisexual successfully invaded glacier foreland and post-industrial dumps. The phenomenon of random colonization in the pioneer stages is well proved on glacier forelands and dumps. However; the process is possibly non-random and depends on the characteristics of an individual species. Although oribatids are known as slow colonizers of new habitats; they were the most numerous group of mites at some sites on glacier forelands and on reclaimed dumps. It is well evidenced that the reclamation measures carried out on post-industrial dumps introduces an element of randomness in the succession of oribatid fauna.
2004
Skubała, P.; Kafel, A.
Oribatid mite communities and metal bioaccumulation in oribatid species (Acari, Oribatida) along the heavy metal gradient in forest ecosystems Journal Article
In: Environmental Pollution, vol. 132, no. 1, pp. 51-60, 2004, ISSN: 02697491, (46).
@article{2-s2.0-3242790804,
title = {Oribatid mite communities and metal bioaccumulation in oribatid species (Acari, Oribatida) along the heavy metal gradient in forest ecosystems},
author = { P. Skubała and A. Kafel},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-3242790804&doi=10.1016%2fj.envpol.2004.03.025&partnerID=40&md5=409dee8c1c96714c67ca9b83a913de7c},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2004.03.025},
issn = {02697491},
year = {2004},
date = {2004-01-01},
journal = {Environmental Pollution},
volume = {132},
number = {1},
pages = {51-60},
abstract = {The responses of oribatid communities to heavy metal contamination were studied. Concentration of cadmium, copper and zinc in nine oribatid species along a gradient of heavy metal pollution was measured. Oribatid mites were sampled seasonally during two years in five forests located at different distances from the zinc smelter in the Olkusz District, southern Poland. The most numerous and diverse oribatid communities were found in the forest with moderate concentrations of heavy metals. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed large differences in metal body burdens among species. All studied oribatid species appeared to be accumulators of copper with Oppiella nova, Nothrus silvestris and Adoristes ovatus characterized by the highest bioaccumulation factors. Most species poorly accumulate cadmium and zinc. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body of oribatids was not strictly determined by their body size or the trophic level at which they operate. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.},
note = {46},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The responses of oribatid communities to heavy metal contamination were studied. Concentration of cadmium, copper and zinc in nine oribatid species along a gradient of heavy metal pollution was measured. Oribatid mites were sampled seasonally during two years in five forests located at different distances from the zinc smelter in the Olkusz District, southern Poland. The most numerous and diverse oribatid communities were found in the forest with moderate concentrations of heavy metals. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed large differences in metal body burdens among species. All studied oribatid species appeared to be accumulators of copper with Oppiella nova, Nothrus silvestris and Adoristes ovatus characterized by the highest bioaccumulation factors. Most species poorly accumulate cadmium and zinc. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body of oribatids was not strictly determined by their body size or the trophic level at which they operate. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1999
Grobler, L.; Skubała, P.
Description of Oribatula dentata sp. nov. (Oribatulidae, Oribatida) from Spain and complementary data on O. longelamellata and O. macrostega Journal Article
In: Acarologia, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 343-353, 1999, ISSN: 0044586X, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-0033274806,
title = {Description of Oribatula dentata sp. nov. (Oribatulidae, Oribatida) from Spain and complementary data on O. longelamellata and O. macrostega},
author = { L. Grobler and P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0033274806&partnerID=40&md5=a96ffb18f03e8c640ed2d0de2764eeed},
issn = {0044586X},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Acarologia},
volume = {40},
number = {3},
pages = {343-353},
abstract = {A new species, Oribatula dentata sp. nov., is proposed for the oribatid mite previously recorded as O. macrostega sensu ITURRONDOBEITIA (1985). This new species is characterised by prominent, bidentate lamellar cusps. The possibility of O. longelamellata Schweizer, 1956 and O. macrostega Iturrondobeitia, 1985 being conspecific was also investigated and complementary data on both these species are provided.},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A new species, Oribatula dentata sp. nov., is proposed for the oribatid mite previously recorded as O. macrostega sensu ITURRONDOBEITIA (1985). This new species is characterised by prominent, bidentate lamellar cusps. The possibility of O. longelamellata Schweizer, 1956 and O. macrostega Iturrondobeitia, 1985 being conspecific was also investigated and complementary data on both these species are provided.
Skubała, P.
Colonization of a dolomitic dump by oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) Journal Article
In: Pedobiologia, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 145-159, 1999, ISSN: 00314056, (21).
@article{2-s2.0-0344564175,
title = {Colonization of a dolomitic dump by oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida)},
author = { P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0344564175&partnerID=40&md5=85dc279f431cd73990fa07861adbc3e1},
issn = {00314056},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Pedobiologia},
volume = {43},
number = {2},
pages = {145-159},
publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},
abstract = {In this study the oribatid communities of a dolomitic dump and in the adjacent beech forest were investigated. The structure oribatid communities and dispersal direction of mites were analysed. In the course of the study 8800 individuals of oribatids, representing 82 species were collected. The oribatid community present on the top of the dump was characterized by lower abundance, lower number of species, a less balanced dominance and low constancy of occurrence than the mite community at the bottom of the dump. The following species reached a high abundance on the dump: Tectocepheus velatus, Scutovertex sculptus, Protoribates capucinus, Achipteria coleoptrata, Eupelops tardus and Pilogalumna allifera. Apart from P. allifera the species have been previously as mites which colonize post-industrial wastelands.},
note = {21},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this study the oribatid communities of a dolomitic dump and in the adjacent beech forest were investigated. The structure oribatid communities and dispersal direction of mites were analysed. In the course of the study 8800 individuals of oribatids, representing 82 species were collected. The oribatid community present on the top of the dump was characterized by lower abundance, lower number of species, a less balanced dominance and low constancy of occurrence than the mite community at the bottom of the dump. The following species reached a high abundance on the dump: Tectocepheus velatus, Scutovertex sculptus, Protoribates capucinus, Achipteria coleoptrata, Eupelops tardus and Pilogalumna allifera. Apart from P. allifera the species have been previously as mites which colonize post-industrial wastelands.
1996
Madej, G.; Skubała, P.
Communities of mites (Acari) on old galena-calamine mining wastelands at Galman, Poland Journal Article
In: Pedobiologia, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 311-327, 1996, ISSN: 00314056, (12).
@article{2-s2.0-0030303672,
title = {Communities of mites (Acari) on old galena-calamine mining wastelands at Galman, Poland},
author = { G. Madej and P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0030303672&partnerID=40&md5=50d98c6e841f1ba83785e3c6337adc89},
issn = {00314056},
year = {1996},
date = {1996-01-01},
journal = {Pedobiologia},
volume = {40},
number = {4},
pages = {311-327},
publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},
abstract = {Mites (Oribatida, Gamasina and Uropodina) of abandoned old galena- calamine mining wastelands are analysed and compared with mites of other natural and post-industrial biotopes. Mite communities on wasteland with pine and beech are described. The investigated communities represent the last stage of the development of a mite community on galena-calamine wastelands. They are typical of mite communities in forest habitats. The differences in the structure of communities in pine and beech forest were small. Oribatids of the superfamily Oppioidea and mesostigmatid species of the families Veigaiidae, Parasitidae and Polyaspididae (families typical of forest habitats) dominated the wastelands. The proportion of moss mites feeding on microflora, bacteria, fungi and algae (microphytophages) was slightly higher than non-specialized species (panphytophages). As regards Mesostigmata, microarthropod feeders dominated.},
note = {12},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mites (Oribatida, Gamasina and Uropodina) of abandoned old galena- calamine mining wastelands are analysed and compared with mites of other natural and post-industrial biotopes. Mite communities on wasteland with pine and beech are described. The investigated communities represent the last stage of the development of a mite community on galena-calamine wastelands. They are typical of mite communities in forest habitats. The differences in the structure of communities in pine and beech forest were small. Oribatids of the superfamily Oppioidea and mesostigmatid species of the families Veigaiidae, Parasitidae and Polyaspididae (families typical of forest habitats) dominated the wastelands. The proportion of moss mites feeding on microflora, bacteria, fungi and algae (microphytophages) was slightly higher than non-specialized species (panphytophages). As regards Mesostigmata, microarthropod feeders dominated.
1995
Skubała, P.
Moss mites (Acarina: Oribatida) on industrial dumps of different ages Journal Article
In: Pedobiologia, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 170-184, 1995, ISSN: 00314056, (37).
@article{2-s2.0-0028975951,
title = {Moss mites (Acarina: Oribatida) on industrial dumps of different ages},
author = { P. Skubała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0028975951&partnerID=40&md5=2e5de72597cc553e25f66d25aaa054be},
issn = {00314056},
year = {1995},
date = {1995-01-01},
journal = {Pedobiologia},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {170-184},
publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},
abstract = {[No abstract available]},
note = {37},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
[No abstract available]